"Music of My Soul"
Part 1

2007:
New Year's Day

"Can't believe they played U2's "New Year's Day" on "New Year's Day," says a very smily witch Ginny Weasley, who is more than a bit sloshed after three pints of house beer at a muggle pub called, The Globe, in the heart of Baker Street, London.

"Ha Ha, Ginny, that's what bands at pubs do, you know," notes Ginny's friend, roommate, and classmate at The King's College, Cressida Granger. Yes, Granger, Cressida happens to be cousins with one Hermione Granger and is as brilliant in studies as her witch relative, though Cressida is few inches taller with straight dark locks.

"Oh right, of course! Anyhow, have to dash off to the girls room, way too much excitement for me," says Ginny with a wink as she meanders her way through the crowd looking for the restroom. As she spots a path, she nearly bumps into the back of man, as she is about to give her apologies, her train of thought is lost as she spots a shade of blonde hair that she hasn't seen years. To clear her mind, she sizes up the man from top to bottom, he is dressed in dark denim jeans and in the band's emblem black hoodie sweatshirt, holding a pint of beer and laughing with a group of people. But nature is knocking at the door and instead her feet find their way to the bathroom.

As she leaves the lavatory area, Ginny happens to spot Cressida, who is now standing by the bar that has an etched profile of the world famous, muggle fictional character, Sherlock Holmes. She walks towards Cressida, with a very confused look on her face, to which leads her friend to remark, "You okay?"

"Yeah, fine. Don't know, it looked like I saw 'ghost of Christmas past' before I hit the loo. I must be more pissed and tired than I thought. Whatever, what's the time? Bet it's really late and gosh, we have an early class tomorrow. Let's head out, yeah? Oh, do you want to say ta to Mick?" says a rambling Ginny.

Mick Hanson happens to be the lead singer and founder of a band called the Cover Band and is also Cressida's boyfriend for the past four years. The Cover Band is one of the top pub bands in London with a panache to play rock music, which Ginny just loves.

"Already did, that's why I was waiting for you here. Hang on, Ginny, what do you mean 'ghost of Christmas past'?" asks Cressida with some concern on her face. Cressida knows a few of Ginny's friends from the Wizarding World and of course the Weasleys who she is related to through her cousin's marriage.

As both women head towards the pub door to leave, Ginny whispers "Draco Malfoy" to her mate who looks surprised.

"Draco…" Cressida repeats and continues, "Wait isn't he the bloke who used to torment Hermione, Ron and Harry? What's he doing here?" After pondering for a bit, Cressida says "Draco, how odd, must not be a name as original as one would think."

"What do you mean?" asks Ginny as she buttons up her winter outerwear and heads out.

"I am pretty sure I heard that name very recently, but not from Hermione, we haven't talked about that mental war of yours in the longest…any way my brain is fried, I can't think. Let's walk quickly, this chill will set into my bones," says Cressida tightening her jaw against the cold.

"Oh right, well that's what you get for only wearing a Molly Weasley jumper, they are great but not by itself," says Ginny shaking her head as she wraps her knitted scarf around her freezing best friend.

Ginny begins to wonder if she really spotted Draco Malfoy, former Death Eater and outcast of the Wizarding World at a muggle pub? Nope, now way, she says to herself. Maybe she will ask the Potters, Harry and Luna when they meet next month, she knows that they are in touch with the Malfoys as part of Harry's Auror work and Luna's desire to be friendly with scion of the wealthy family.

The walk to their flat is not far from the Globe, but long enough to make Ginny think of how life has changed in almost a decade. It started with her surviving a very brutal civil war in the Wizarding World, followed by finishing up her seventh year at Hogwart's and at the same time mutually deciding with the savior of the said world, Harry Potter that they are better as really good friends than to pursue a long term relationship. This was followed up by Ginny being quickly recruited by the Holyhead Harpies.

After a four year successful run as a Chaser for the Harpies and enjoying the life and means of a famous athlete, it all ended with a crashing blow to her left leg during practice when she fell off her broom. To Ginny, it was a sign to move forward in life and with the lack of physical therapy needed for her leg in the Wizarding World, she moved to Muggle London by getting help from her sister in law, Hermione Granger's family.

Hermione at that point was expecting her first Weasley child and was working hard for Ministry of Magic as Assistant Minister. This is how Ginny met Cressida Granger, who was gearing for her first term at King's College for a Bachelor's degree program in Physiotherapy. After quickly becoming very close to Cressida, Ginny decided to check out the same program at King's College which set her off on her new adventure as a uni student in Muggle London.

Now, three years later, both Ginny and Cressida have not only graduated with their Bachelor's degrees, they are also working on their one year Master's degree program in Physiotherapy at the same university. Ginny's hopes to start her full time career as a physiotherapist in the next six months, after which she wishes to open a center that caters to both muggles and wizarding kind. There are many witches and wizards in her birth world who have physical pain and injuries that cannot be managed by Pepper Up Potions or Skelegrow alone.

Shrove Tuesday

Pancake Day, comes but once a year in mid February and is Ginny's most favorite Muggle holiday. Officially it is not bank holiday but any day to celebrate Pancakes is aces in Ginny's book. Ginny is heading to The Breakfast Club in Soho to meet up with Harry and Luna to indulge her sweet tooth. Ginny is in love with her new iPod Nano so generously gifted to all Weasley siblings and spouses by the Potters for Christmas. Her Nano came pre-programed with all the muggle music that Ginny has come to adore thanks to Cressida and Harry. Her music selection includes Queen, Doors, U2, Beatles, Madonna, Abba, 80s New Wave, Stevie Wonder, Cold Play, Nelly Furtado, The Cranberries, Lily Allen, and of course some dance songs by David Guetta and Daft Punk to light the fire on those long study filled nights. Ginny is in her own world while listening to her beloved tunes throughout the tube ride and walk to the eatery.

Ginny spots Harry, Luna and their three year old son, James Sirius, looking like a picture perfect family at a table. Jamie is the first to notice her arrival and at that the Potter family stands up for customary hugs and kisses with Jamie's godmother.

"Oh my goodness, I can't wait for the pancakes and to munch on my favorite godson- yum, yum!" says Ginny as she cradles Jamie to her laughingly with the latter grinning ear to ear. She doesn't think at all about how, this could have been her child. That would have been an entirely different life and Ginny is not the one to think of the "what ifs".

"We ordered your favorite, Ginny, I have asked the chef to add a sprig of thyme to your order," says Luna whist whispering the last part with her serene smile. Thyme is an herb that Luna likes to sometimes add to food, she intuitively knows that a person maybe in a need of some courage and bravery for their next adventure. Ginny smiles at her thoughtful and wise friend.

"So what have we been up to since we last met at the Burrow for Christmas dinner?" asks Ginny.

Harry smiles and answers "Well, we are planning to visit New Zealand next month during my annual holiday. Jamie loved watching the "Lord of the Rings," so we thought why not go to where they shot the movie and to also visit the Eastland to better understand the Maori culture."

"We will be there just in time for the Equinox," Luna pipes in and continues, "I can't wait to take Jamie to Mount Hikurangi, it is where the waka or canoe of the Demigod Maui is resting, he had used it for his famous fishing voyage to North Island. And Daddy has decided to join us, it will be his first trip with us. We are so excited, right, Jamie?"

"It'll be fun to travel with Grandad, he knows so many things, Aunt Gin," says Jamie beaming just like his mother but is a mini replica of his father.

"Plus it will be fun to explore Autumn in March, it will be brilliantly magical, no pun intended" says Harry laughing and winking at this companions.

"What about you Ginny? I feel you are on edge to say something?" asks Luna. The waiter has just brought in their order of pancakes and milk shakes. Luna checks to see if Ginny's order has the bit of thyme as requested and is very pleased.

"Hmm, you know me too well, Lun!" says Ginny taking a bite of her chocolate chip pancake drizzled with maple syrup, it hits the spot.

Ginny continues looking directly at her former schoolmates, "Right, so, I have noticed a particular person a few times in the past month or so at some pubs near my place, like the Globe, at the Oak, the Volunteer and so on. I have noticed this person is enjoying themselves with their mates and just having a good time all in all. This particular person is dressed casually, which is a shock as I am inclined to think that they would wear more formal, Wizarding attire, preferred in their school days, and not in some high end jeans that cost probably more than my monthly rent, plus to top it all off, this person is wearing the Cover Bands apparel. Any idea of who I am talking about? I really don't think you can guess?"

"Draco Malfoy," both Harry and Luna say in unison.

Ginny drops her fork and stares at Potters and says, "Tell me everything! I can't believe you guessed him?"

Harry looks at his wife and with a nod from her, starts "Ginny, Draco, yes, Draco, not just Malfoy. He is more than his past and his last name, as we all are. He lives in Muggle London, Notting Hill to be exact and he really likes the Baker Street pub scene, he enjoys listening to muggle music and more importantly the Cover Band happens to be his favorite. I think he may be a bigger fan of the band than you and Cressida. So I am guessing that's why you have noticed him so often. He comes to their gigs whenever he gets a chance…"

Ginny is in shock over what she is hearing, the Cover Band is her favorite band on the Baker Street pub scene. Her musical taste has been influenced by Mick, Cressida and the band's set list. They have taught her so much about rock music and great singer songwriters like Freddie Mercury, John Lennon and so many more.

Ginny tunes back just in time to hear Harry say, "We know this because Draco comes to see us at least once a month. He works with Blaise Zabini in Canary Wharf at an investment firm run by Blaise's uncle who is a Squib. He mentioned to us that he has noticed you at the pubs especially the confused look on your face when you spot him. He finds it too funny."

Luna takes over and says, "He has such a laugh about that, Ginny, really. It is a really sweet laugh. I think you should approach him, you have a lot in common…"

"Ha! I highly doubt that, Luna," says a baffled Ginny.

"You both like the same type of music and the same pub band. Do you really still think he is a crazed Muggle hater and only speaks about blood traitors, when he himself is an outcast. He chose to live in the Muggle London after Lucius' death, it's because of this, Narcissa is overseeing the Malfoy estates and business dealings. Draco just wants to live a peaceful life and not be defined by the past. He also has gone through some therapy for a form of PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder. The therapy has done wonders, he is much more relaxed and has come to terms with his past which was emotionally draining him.

"I can truly say he has changed, once someone understands and realizes and admits the wrongs, now that is a person who has evolved. We consider him a friend. You should approach him, he doesn't have many friends from our world who have mixed into the Muggle World, besides he is extremely uncomfortable around many of our kind and the Wizarding world itself," says Harry with hope.

"I like him, he's Teddy's cousin and he likes to play with me and Teddy," notes Jamie.

Ginny smiles at what Jamie is saying, it's nice to hear that Malfoy and Teddy visit the Potters, two lost family members who can meet under the same roof once in a while. After all Teddy's mother, Tonks was Malfoy's first cousin, so it is natural to want to know a child of a relative he never knew existed. She is also happy with the knowledge that he is sorry for his past and wants to just to live. She can't blame him for that, who doesn't want to live peacefully on your own terms. The guilt that Ginny had over her first year at Hogwarts took a long time to deal with, it wasn't just glossed over, she had to dig deep down with the help of her parents and wonderful brothers to come out being happy with herself.

"Why haven't the both of you mentioned this before to any of us? I had just guessed that you were in touch because of work, Harry, but clearly this is more on a personal level than any of us thought," adds Ginny. But as an after thought, she turns to Luna narrowing her brown eyes, "Is that why you wanted Thyme to be added to my food so that I can get be brave enough to approach him?"

"Well, yes, I did," says Luna without any hesitation and continues "Ginny he wants our friendship to be kept quiet. He still isn't looked on very well in our world, but I think it will change once we can openly embrace our new friendship. He thinks that many will point out that he may have cursed us or is blackmailing us to even be associated with him. It's a strange thought, however, Ron certainly did think that way, but Hermione used her logic and openness of her heart to ease Ron's misgivings." Luna is as ethereal and insightful as ever in her analysis of her friends. Ginny isn't surprised by either Ron and Hermione being in the know about this and nor by Ron's reaction, he and Bill were almost collateral damage in Malfoy's quest to fulfill his order.

At the end of their pancake treat, Ginny mentions that she is going to a pub in Notting Hill where Mick and his band will be playing. She notes to the Potters that if she sees Draco that she will re-introduce herself to him. As a victim of Tom Riddle, she can understand the dilemma that Draco was under when facing Voldemort, she could hardly handle herself with the teenage version of the monster. Draco didn't have the luxury of having parents like hers or the family she came from. She and Molly have had long night conversations about the outcome of the war, they both have noted that more than likely the Weasley children would have made the same deal with the devil as Malfoy did. The best thing about being a Weasley is empathy and she will show that towards Draco Malfoy.

Later that Evening

After attending some of her afternoon lectures, Ginny returns back to her flat to change and heads to the station for her journey to see her favorite pub band and possibly connect with someone from the past. She has noticed that Cressida is not at home and figures that more than likely she headed right after her last class to The Metropolitan Pub in Notting Hill.

Mick Hanson to Ginny could fit right into the Weasley family. He has the look and personality of Bill, her beloved eldest brother. She has a special connection with him and twins, well George now and has always felt they just understood her more than the others, maybe that's why she feels at ease with Mick. She is fascinated by his musical knowledge and taste in music. He is always up for a request while hanging out at their place or even at the pubs. He especially enjoys getting requests for songs that are seldom heard these days on the radio, he finds this as a challenge and of course a way to show off his skills.

As she walks to the pub from the underground station, she remembers Mick mentioning, since it's a sweet day that he wants people to request songs with "Sweet" in the song title. She comes up with "Sweet Emotion" from Aerosmith, it's been a while since she's heard the song and wonders if this could be a "challenge" for the singer.

Ginny enters the pub and walks over to the band and Cressida. She is happy to see them, she over hears their conversation with Mick who is joyfully saying "He just bought all the merchandise, didn't even get a chance to set up the table and he just walked by and said he'll take the lot. Who knew he would be such a fan? On a whim I asked him to come and check us out after my job interview with him six months back. He's been following us ever since and really digs our style. I'm lovin' it and I'm lovin' that Draco!"

At the name Draco, both Cressida and Ginny look at each other. Cressida now realizes why she's heard the name recently. She quickly walks over to Ginny and gives her an air kiss on the cheek and asks "Maybe it's the same Draco? What are the chances, yeah?"

"It is more than likely the same Draco. I met up with Harry and Luna and they told me about Draco's love for Mick's band and that he lives in London and is no longer the prick he used to be. And they want me to approach him!"

"What? No way!" says a completely surprised Cressida.

"Yup and what's even crazier, I will actually take their advise and approach him, if I see him. I want to see this change that they were on about and besides showing empathy doesn't hurt anyone."

Looking around, Cressida has noticed Draco towards the end of the pub and notes to Ginny, "Well, here's your chance now, Gin. He's standing just feet from us."

Ginny turns to see Cressida's line of sight and there he is under the "Garden" sign dressed in blue colored slacks with the Cover Bands black t-shirt peeking out from his navy blue pea coat, he's holding a glass of muggle Whiskey and a bag of merchandise rests on the floor between his legs. Hang on, is he wearing Dragonhide brown leather loafers? He seems to be looking down at this Blackberry or maybe pretending too. Ginny takes a step to get to him, its a short 20 feet walk to the other side of the pub, but it feels longer.

She finally reaches him and stands right in front of him as he looks up and she says "So, I guess you bought all the merchandise and left none for us common folk? I am Ginny Weasley by the way."

Draco noticed her as she entered, when she had opened the door to let herself in, a breeze had gathered behind her. He knew she would be here, he had spoken to Harry and Luna about Weasley and her act of nonchalantness. She was dressed in tight black jeans with thigh high black leather boots, knitted mustard colored jumper, with a long black wool coat and her can't miss red hair like his signature locks. She was "can't miss" and he was surprised that she was single probably because of her focus on her studies, he admired that kind of dedication.

"Indeed, greetings. I have seen you stare at me a couple times over the past month. I am Draco Malfoy," he says shaking her outstretched hand with the same smirk he had in his school days but this time it's actually pleasant looking.

"Good to meet you Draco. Yeah well, you know us Weasleys, we wear our emotions on our sleeves. I wasn't sure it was you and besides how was I to know your reaction. The many times we interacted were with curses, hexes and bad language" says Ginny removing her black coat and adjusting her hair.

Draco laughingly adds "Ah, yes, those were the days. Still have nightmares at times about that bat hex. Used it lately on anyone?"

"Nope, no occasion for it, really. Had to leave a memorable parting gift for your ridiculous behavior," she says with a semi-fake smile and continues more seriously, "Look, all that is water under the bridge for me and it's been ages since that time. I would like to start over and at least greet each other decently whenever we bump into one and other. Just so you know," Ginny points to where Cressida and Mick are talking, "that woman that Mick is talking to is Cressida Granger, my very good friend, roommate and Mick's girlfriend. She also happens to be Hermione's cousin."

"Yes, Mick's mentioned his girlfriend and no I didn't know she was a Granger. Regardless, I have known Mick for a little while, he had come for a job interview at a firm I work for. We hit it off and said he was in a band and I come to see him perform at pubs whenever I get the chance," says Draco without any airs and being really relaxed.

"Brilliant! Looks like the place is getting full," as Ginny spots a bunch of pub goers entering including Blaise Zabini, who with his olive skin tone and trendy attire looks like he just walked off the runway. "I guess I will see you around then, enjoy the show. Cheers!" says Ginny with a smile as she walks away from Draco heading towards where Cressida is standing with the band. She can see and hear Blaise approaching Draco saying, "Hey! Was that the Weaslette?"

Cressida has seen the entire interaction while talking to other band members and other fans of the band. She smiles as Ginny stands right next to her and whispers "All good. Give you the details at home."

For the next few hours they all enjoy the sound of the Cover Band playing rock hits of the past, "Alright, there mates, let's hear for some requests and as you know it's Shrove Tuesday and utterly sweet day it is. We wanted to play songs with the word "Sweet" in the title. So whose got a "challenge" song for us to delight your ear drums with?" says a very excited Mick who is ready to rock out.

"Sweet Emotion," shout both Ginny and Draco simultaneously above anyone else's voice and noise. Noticing that they said the same song, they raise their drink glasses to each other, maybe their musical taste will lead to some sort of a friendship.

"Woof! Now that's a "challenge" song, that's what it is. Boys, hit it!"

'Sweeeeet emotionnnnnn. Sweeeeet emotionnnnnn. Talk about things that nobody cares…' rock out Mick and the Cover Band.

Spring Equinox

Ginny has had a packed and hectic month what with studying for exams, visiting the Burrow for Mothering Sunday, Ron's birthday and combined birthdays of nieces, nephews and other in laws. She also had to dash over to Grimmauld Place to say "bon voyage" to the Potters and to Mr Lovegood, who she had not seen many moons before they had headed out to New Zealand. And because of all this, Ginny has barely had a chance to see the Cover Band play or mingle with Draco. But, Cressida did mention to her that she had spotted the blonde at some of the gigs.

However, today, being Spring Equinox and the world was at a balance, Ginny had time to head to the Globe once again. The pubs were packed and the crowds were spilling into the streets, she saw Mick, Cressida and Draco heading her way and carrying take away from the Globe.

"Hey, what's going on? Mick, did I miss your gig, thought it was at 7pm?" asks Ginny embracing Mick and Cressida and shaking hands with Draco.

"No, love, the set ended early. The crowd was going bonkers, combination of equinox, warm weather, it was a mental. The guys at the pub felt bad, so gave us some food. Oh and we bumped into Draco, asked him to come over and supper with us," says a disappointed Mick, he loves to play at pubs but not when the crowd is unmanageable.

"Sounds great, luckily Cressida and I went drinks shopping this week," says Ginny grabbing one of the food bags from Mick.

"Hence, why we are headed our way," notes Cressida with a smile.

"Well, if it isn't too much trouble," says Draco looking smart in his work attire.

"No, not at all. It will be a pleasure having you over. Just don't mind the size of the place," says Ginny whispering the latter to Draco as she moves around to walk next to him.

"No, why would I…oh, no I…no, I don't…," says Draco with his cheeks pinking. Ginny gives a small smile to him and notes to herself that she finds this look very endearing.

They settle in for the meal and drinks at the Baker Street flat, the dinner companions comfortably talk about various topics. As the evening winds down, Mick and Cressida head in for the night. At this Draco notes that he should start heading back, but Ginny is enjoying herself, she asks Draco to stay for bit and reminds him that he still has a few hours before the tube shuts down and that he can easily get a cab to Notting Hill. The decision is made which leaves the witch and wizard to relax with another bottle of wine.

Both Draco and Ginny head to a small alcove by the drawing room window which has been converted into an extra seating space via a mattress on the floor, it is covered with a handmade butter yellow paisley print quilt by Molly Weasley and decorated with various sized and colored throw pillows to give the flat its eclectic look. They sit not two feet from each other with their wine glasses and a bottle of Riesling- Ginny's favorite. Both are surprised by the ease of the earlier conversations and sitting in close proximity of each other, its as though there is an unknown energy that is bringing together.

To start talking, Ginny asks, "So, how did you come about liking Muggle music?"

Draco prepares to answer, but takes a sip of his wine first and says, "Blaise, actually."

"Oh?" surprising Ginny with his response.

"Blaise has lived in Muggle London for nearly ten years. The bloke is really into rock music because of his uncle who happens to be a Squib. His uncle hated living in the Wizarding World, he had asked his family to send him to the Muggle World for all his education more than twenty years ago and he hasn't looked back. Anyway, his uncle is an ardent fan of the band Queen, loves them, really."

"Wow, that's great. I love Queen too," says Ginny who is thrilled to hear this.

"Yes, so do I, very much. It's actually because of Queen that I am into Muggle music,"

"Really? Do tell, what was the song that made you a Queen fan?" asks Ginny who is very intrigued now.

"Well, I was visiting Blaise during a time in my life that I wanted to breathe freely," says Draco with his head leaning on one of the oversized pillows. "I am sure you can guess which song spoke to me…"

"Not really, but give me a second to think…" notes Ginny, who has her eyes narrowed to focus on catalog of Queen songs and about half a minute later, she guesses "Bohemian Rhapsody?"

"Yes, got that right one in. I will never forget the lines 'Mama just killed man…', I didn't but, I was there when it happened," says Draco looking at her for her reaction and continues, "Anyway, the song just spoke to me, it's as though Freddie wrote it with me in mind. Of course that's bonkers, I know, but I couldn't get over how close it was to my life. After that there was no turning back, I started to listening to all their songs. Brandon, Blasie's uncle has a fantastic collection of not only Queen but other bands also as U2, Beatles, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin and so on. After I moved to this world, Brandon as a gift to mark my new adventures bought me an iPod filled with music and here we are today."

Right now, Draco feels satisfied about mentioning this turn in his life to Ginny. He knows after speaking to the Potters' that Ginny is right person to start a new friendship with now that Blaise is engaged and moving to Paris with his fiancé in the next few months.

"And what about you? What was the song that made you a life long Muggle music fan?" asks Draco.

Ginny is caught off guard by the question, she was focused on Draco opening up that she nearly forget that she may have to answer the same question.

"Linger," Ginny answers quickly before taking a sip of wine and eyeing Draco.

Draco puts his wine glass down and sits up surprised saying, "Linger, by the Cranberries? I had reckoned it was a song about cheating? Hang on don't tell me…"

"What? No, no, not Harry!" Ginny partially shouts as she laughs and grabs on to Draco's arm. "No, I mean, I know it's about cheating, but it has really nothing to do with that. It was this line from the song that floored me, 'You know I'm such a fool for you, You've got me wrapped around your finger…' finishes Ginny looking at Draco who is mere inches from her.

"I don't know what that means? Care to elaborate?" says Draco suddenly shy, he moves away to pour another glass of wine for both.

Ginny answers pretty fast, looking up at the ceiling, the four glasses of wine so far have made her a bit inebriated, "Tom Riddle…Voldemort."

Draco is stiffens by the mention of those two names and says with a sudden realization, "The Chamber of Secrets and of course my illustrious father." After a beat Draco continues "I had no idea until recently. My parents never spoke of it, or at least not near me. Harry had mentioned it when we were talking about our Hogwart's days, I think it slipped out of him. Look, Ginny, I sincerely apologize for what happened. It was so, so wrong on my father's part, one of many of his faults that are unforgivable…"

"Look, Draco, I have moved on from that time, it was hard but it is done. I meant what I said, 'Water under the bridge'. I don't hold on to old grudges and certainly don't place fault with the notion of "sins of the father" either, life is too short and the music is too damn good to waste time on past deeds. I was just answering your question."

In order to change the subject and stir clear of distant torments, Draco quickly asks, "So I understand that you and Cressida are finishing up on your Master's in Physiotherapy? That's an interesting subject to undertake, may I ask what led you to it?"

Ginny in the meantime is taking a hardy sip of her wine, she needs a few minutes to comprehend the previous conversation and the change in topic. She finally looks up at him and responds,"Yes, yes, I am. We are almost done, graduating in the summer. I do hope to have lined up with a full time job in the next coming months as a Sports Rehab Specialist- I am very excited. About how it all started, I was recuperating from my Quidditch injury at The Granger Sports Rehab here in Muggle London. Hermione had arranged for me to move to their Sports Rehab center so I could fully recuperate from my very bad injury.

Doctors Granger are Cressida's parents and Hermione's paternal uncle and his wife, they are also the practitioners and owners of the clinic. They were instrumental in my healing from my injury, for six months we did intense therapy and I was back to normal. At the same time, Cressida and I, even with a slight age difference became fast friends. She was just about to start her first term at the King's College, I noticed her Physiotherapy course work, I became fascinated by it. Not only was I in awe of her parents and the healing techniques they used, I thought of taking up the same course and to start my new adventure."

"I am sorry, I wasn't aware you had an injury? I left the Wizarding World in 2000, after my father's death. I don't follow any news or ongoings in that part of the world much," says concerned looking Draco.

"Oh, I didn't know, it has been that long for you? Have you gone back at all?" asks a very surprised Ginny.

"I do go once a month to visit my mother, I take the floo connected in my flat directly to Malfoy Manor. We usually discuss business as she is the proxy in my absence of various Malfoy holdings, investments and running of the estate. We also mostly talk about ourselves, my aunt Andromeda and Teddy, not much else, I'm afraid."

"Right. So you left in 2000, what did you do after coming to the Muggle side?" asks Ginny, trying not to focus on his father's death, she didn't want to broach the topic of the man who almost ruined her life along with her father's career.

"After my father's passing and stepping into the Muggle World thanks to Blaise and his uncle, I entered Oxford as a Bachelor in Economics and Management student, which I followed up with a Master's in Finance. For the past three years I have been working with Blaise's uncle who has an investment firm in Canary Wharf. That's really been my life for the past seven years- study and work, most of my foot print is in the Muggle World."

"Once again through Blaise; how very interesting?" asks Ginny, who is surprised to hear Blaise's name once more. He didn't seem like the type who wanted to be associated with the Muggle World in their school days she thinks.

"I can sense what you are thinking, Ginny. There were many Slytherin students who knew about the Muggle World. As you know as a pureblood, we tend to produce Squib children and many, many families disown or never speak about these children or send them over to the Muggle World. Blaise's uncle who I work for is a Squib and is brilliant in the financial sector. Luckily for him, his family was wealthy enough to send him to elite Muggle schools and that's where Brandon fit in. Blaise's mother who is still very close to her brother, used to send Blaise over to the Muggle World during summer school holidays. Of course none of us knew about that and Blaise kept that pretty quiet because of all our outrageous prejudices. The night of the battle Blaise apparated home and after some interviews with Aurors, he decided to stay with this uncle permanently. That is until after sometime Blaise started visiting me and asking me to come over, so I did especially with things getting pretty sour for me, I couldn't resist the invitations to this new world."

Ginny takes all of this in and says, "I see, I am glad Blaise was there for you." Feeling a bit bolder maybe because of the amount of wine she has had or because of who she is, Ginny continues, "Draco, I had always assumed that Harry was in touch with you and Mrs Malfoy because of the deal that was worked out from the trial. I understood that the Auror department would keep tabs on your whereabouts and business transactions. But it seems that things have changed and that you are actually pretty close to the Potters. How did that happen?"

"Initially it was about keeping tabs on us, but over the years, Harry, Luna and I have developed a friendship. It was bound to happen with everything that occurred. I am glad of it, they are good people and I am happy that they have a spot for me in their dynamics," he says with a small smile and to change the subject, Draco continues, "So, what happened? How did you injure yourself?"

"Oh! I apologize, guess I didn't answer. Well, it was foolish really, happened four and half years ago, it was during practice, a quaffle smacked into my broom, I spun out of control and landed on my left leg. I broke not only my leg but badly damaged my knee, I was out for the rest of the year. It was an injury that required not just skelegrow but physical therapy which no one in our world was offering or was even trained in. It's all about potions, you see, nothing physical to strengthen your injured body.

"Luckily, having a person like Hermione as your sister in law is a blessing. She contacted her aunt and uncle and set me up with them. I was healed in about six months with intense rehab. But it was the end of my career, there was no way I would risk another injury like that. So, I knew it was time to hang up my broomstick and start on my new adventure as a university student," says Ginny, taking sip of wine that Draco poured into her glass.

"Its hard being a professional Quidditch player, the money is good and all, fame I don't care about- have enough of that with my red hair", she laughs holding up her locks and looks at Draco who is smiling, probably remembering his "red hair, you must be a Weasley" insult.

"This is a great quality to have, I must say, making lemonade out of lemons," he says raising his glass of Riesling to her.

"Thank you. I want to help in the way the Grangers had helped me. I am hoping that after gaining work and real world experience, I can open a physical therapy center that accommodates Muggles and Wizarding kind alike in London."

"That's a fantastic idea and much needed in our world. Many of the healing options that are in the Muggle World need to be transferred and you are correct, it's not just the bones that need to be mended," says Draco recalling the psychological therapy he went through prior to starting his studies at Oxford.

At that remark, Ginny didn't want to probe further, she wanted Draco to feel comfortable enough with her to open up. She remembered Harry mentioning that Draco had some treatment for his PTSD.

As if realizing where the conversation could go, Draco quickly got up and looked for the time on his phone. It was late and if he didn't leave in the next five minutes he would have to be cab it back home.

"Ginny, I have to go, the underground will shut in half hours time. I appreciate your hospitality and this conversation more than you know. Let's meet up soon, maybe grab a bite to eat or coffee? I will text you, yeah? Just to warn you it's going to get really busy at work with the fiscal year ending" he says walking towards the door.

"Yeah, sure, let me know. I had a great night too. It was lovely to have you over. Get home safe," replies Ginny as they both give each other a peck on the cheek, which surprises them both.

The story continues…

Disclaimer: Everything belongs to JK Rowling and other entities, however, the story based on a prompt and new characters are mine.

Author's Note: This is my second full length fic of my favorite ship and this was also part of the DG 2018 Summer Fic Exchange. This fic is written for Tasha based on her prompt below. On a side note, I am very big fan of Queen and somehow that naturally fit into the plot.

Tasha's Prompt:
Basic premise: Ginny and Draco are big into the music scene, muggle music, and seem to constantly be bumping into each other at the same gigs. Is the same taste in music enough to undo years of family tensions?!
Must haves: London. Range of music from rock to classical to hip hop.
No-no's: No crazy out of characterness. No trio bashing.
Rating range: Whatever works.
Bonus points: A secret gig. One of them has an obsession with buying band merch.