"Go get dressed sweetheart, Daddy will be here any mintue to pick you up," Ginny said to her five year old son Luke.
He nodded enthusiastically, his blonde locks falling around his face. He wasted no time in hurrying out of the kitchen and running to his bedroom to get ready for his father. Ginny watched, smiling to herself as he tumbled out of the room. Who would have thought that Ginny Weasley would have been married, have a child, and divorced all by the age of twenty-two.
She married Draco Malfoy right out of Hogwarts, the moment the war was over. They were young and naive, and felt extremely exhilerated once the war ended. They ran off and got married without telling anyone and a few months later Ginny discovered she was pregnant. Neither was ready for such a responsibility and it strained their relationship. They separated when Luke was three, even though they still got along all right.
Ginny felt it was fate punishing her for having a son that looked so much like his father. The only difference being the color of his eyes, he had her chocolate brown eyes, but besides the eyes he was an exact replica of his father. Ginny was hoping he would hurry and be ready before Draco arrived because she didn't want to have to exchange pleasantries. Their relationship was amicable, but it was still hurtful to be around him.
Ginny kicked Draco out of the house after one of their many fights. It seemed that the fights were only becoming more and more frequent, and she was worried about the effect they would have on Luke. She was tired, she just wanted it end so she threw him out. The hurtful part was the fact that he excepted it, bought a flat of his own, and didn't try to come back. He sent a monthly sum of money and continued to take care of his family while also making sure to spend time with his son, but he did not try to win back his wife.
Ginny still loved him, she was positive she always would. They had a bond she had once thought could never be broken. She believed in him when no one else did, she was the first to show him compassion, the first to love him. Neither had moved on, Ginny hadn't even considered dating. She was content with being with her son, but now that he was growing up she knew she would be lonely soon. He would be going off to Hogwarts eventually, and what would that leave her with? No one.
Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard a heavy knock at the door. Draco. She put on her happy face and headed to the door, hoping her son would come running down the hallway dressed and ready to go. No such luck.
"Good-morning Ginny," Draco said politely.
"Morning Draco, come in," she said moving away so he could enter.
It always seemed weird inviting him into his own house, even though he no longer lived there.
"Where's the little terror?" he asked looking around.
"He's getting ready in his room, we had a bit of a late start this morning," she said rolling her eyes.
Draco arched his eyebrow, curious as to what she meant. Ginny noticed a smile playing at the corner of his mouth. For some reason he always found it hilarious when Luke would act up, of course only when he did so with her. Draco would not find it funny in the least if Luke failed to mind him.
"Is that so?" he asked intrigued.
"Yes well, it wasn't because he was being bad, atleast not this morning. He was up late last night so I let him sleep in this morning."
"And why was he up late last night?" Draco asked.
"Hermione came by last night because she and Ron had a stupid fight about the baby, and Luke was determined to cheer her up," Ginny said smiling.
Draco smiled too, but probably not for the same reason. He found Ron and Hermione's fights to be funny, while Ginny did not. In fact, she was a little jealous because they always made up after their fights.
"Hermione's hormones are just all over the place with the pregancy and all," Ginny said clarifying.
"I'm sure," Draco responded smiling wistfully, "I mean I remember when you were pregnant with Luke-" he stopped short the smile fading.
Ginny understood his reluctance to revisit the past, it hurt too much. They stood staring at each other for a moment, before the pattering of feet running down the hallway reached their ears.
"Daddy!" Luke yelled before jumping into his fathers arms.
"Hey little man," Draco said lifting his son off the ground.
He put him back down, ruffling his hair while Luke beamed up at him. How he idolized his father, Ginny was always surprised by how amazing Draco was with him.
"Give your mother a hug good-bye, and then we're off to the quidditch match," Draco said.
Luke turned and flung himself into his mother's embrace, hugging her tightly. Ginny bent down to give him a kiss on the head and straighten out the silky locks Draco had just ruffled.
"Be good Luke, mind your father," she said.
"I will Mummy," he said smiling mischeviously at her," Will you be okay while I'm gone?"
Ginny couldn't help but laugh at his sincerity. He was such a sweet boy, always trying to look out for his mother. Draco was looking at her with an unreadable expression, and she quickly returned her attention back to her son.
"I'll be fine love, have fun!"
"Love you Mum," he said, heading to the door.
"I love you too," she responded following them to the doorway.
She watched as they left the house hand in hand. Luke turned to give her an enthusiastic wave, and she waved back. She noticed recently that he had been asking more questions, wanting to know why his parents didn't live together or why they didn't do anything as a family. She felt bad that they couldn't be the kind of family he wanted, but she tried to explain everything to him the best she could. As a typical child, he wanted his parents together and happy, and she had a sinking feeling that he wouldn't be giving up on this.
Draco watched his son in amusement as he excitedly looked around the quidditch stadium. Luke kept squirming in his seat, anxious for the game to begin, and Draco couldn't help but laugh at this.
"Daddy when is it going to start?" he asked anxiously.
"Soon Luke, be patient."
Luke looked up at him with hopeful eyes. Those eyes, he had his mother's eyes and everytime he looked into them he thought of Ginny. Even though everyone always told him how much Luke looked like him, he couldn't help but see Ginny in him more and more everyday.
"Dad, can I ask you a question?" Luke asked seriously.
"Shoot squirt," Draco said, curious as to what had brought about such a serious tone.
"How come you don't live with Mum and me?" he asked.
Draco nearly fell out of his seat in shock. Where had that come from? Luke couldn't even remember Draco ever living at the house, and he had never asked about it before.
"I have my own place Luke, you know this, you come stay with me all the time," Draco said hoping it would satisfy him.
"I know but I could see you a whole lot more if you lived with me and Mum," he said matter of factly.
Draco had no response for this, but luckily the teams entered the stadium and Luke's attention was diverted. Draco sighed to himself, thankful that he didn't have to respond but was still concerned nonetheless. He would ask again, and Draco had no idea how to answer him. It seemed as though he was going to have to have a chat with Ginny about this, and he was not looking forward to having such a conversation.
Luke enjoyed the game immensely, and didn't bring up his parents separation again that night. Draco was releived by this, but still felt he needed to talk to Ginny about it. They were soon walking up the driveway to the house, and Luke sprinted ahead of Draco to get inside. He opened the door and Draco immediately felt a pool of emotions form in his stomach at the next words that escaped his mouth.
"Uncle Harry!" he said running inside.
Draco's eyes almost bugged out of his head at hearing this. What was Harry bleeding Potter doing in HIS house. Even though he didn't live there anymore it didn't matter, it was still the home he bought for HIS family. When he and Ginny split everyone was upset, everyone that is except Potter. He knew Harry was celebrating at hearing the news, afterall Draco did steal Ginny right out from under him.
Draco reluctantly entered the house, and spotted HIS son sitting in Harry's lap on the couch talking animatedly about the quidditch match. Ginny was sitting beside them laughing at her son's enthusiasm. Draco couldn't help but think that this picture was all wrong, he should be the one sitting their holding Luke, not Harry. Ginny tore her eyes away from Luke long enough to look over at Draco.
He knew she could see right through him, she smiled at him in her own calming way. He hated that she was only person who could calm him with a simple smile, he hated that her smile could still effect him so.
"Gin, may I have a word?" he asked, signaling to the other room.
She glanced back at her son and Harry, who seemed to be in there own little world, then stood to follow him to the next room.
"Is everything alright?" she asked concerned.
"Yes, everythings fine, but Luke asked me a strange question today," he said.
Ginny already knew where this was going, and she didn't want to go there but it seemed unavoidable. She waited for him to continue.
"He asked me why we don't all live together," Draco said.
They stared at one another for a moment, and Draco looked quizically at her.
"You don't seem very surprised" he said.
"Well he started asking questions like this last week. I tried to explain things to him the best I could, but he just doesn't want to except it."
"What do you mean, except it?" Draco asked.
"Draco, he knows exactly why we don't all live together, he's a smart boy. He simply wont give-up on the idea of his parents being together," she said choosing her words carefully.
Draco gaped at her, seemingly unable to form words.
"Oh," was all he could manage to say.
Ginny took this as a signal to keep talking.
"It's only natural for a child to want his parents together," she said.
"I know, it just caught me off-gaurd," he responded.
Ginny nodded in understanding. She had some other things she wanted to say, and not just for her son but for herself as well.
"He has also made it very clear that I am not allowed to be with anyone else either," she said avoiding eye contact.
Draco flinched at this, he certainly didn't want to think of Ginny with someone else.
"He seems pretty happy with Potter in there," Draco said, letting the jealousy surface.
Ginny gave him the look he knew so well, the look that said he was about to cross the line and better stop now.
"Believe me, he doesn't want me with anyone, not even Harry," she said looking him in the eye now.
"Did he say that?" Draco asked skeptically.
"Yes he did actually," Ginny responded, "He loves his Uncle Harry, but he told me he would prefer him to stay his Uncle."
Draco couldn't hold back his smile, even if he had wanted to. It had always bothered him in the past that Luke had taken such a liking to Harry, and then he started calling him Uncle like the rest of the Weasley children. It was almost too much to bear, especially when he knew how much Harry would love to steal his family away from him. Knowing that his son would not approve gave him a feeling of deep satisfaction.
"Well that makes two of us then," Draco responded cooly.
Ginny eyed him, but he could see the playfulness behind her eyes. He hadn't seen that look in a while, and he had forgotten how much he missed it. In fact, he missed simply being around her. In the back of his mind he would always be holding out hope for them, even though things had ended badly he still loved her. The fighting had gotten out of hand, and it was mostly his fault for being an insensitive prat. There was a time when neither seemed to care about the fighting, that was how their relationship began in the first place. She was the sexiest when she was angry, and they would go from yelling to shagging in a matter of minutes. It's funny how things change as you age.
"Well there is no need to talk about a relationship that will never happen, there is nothing going on between me and Harry," Ginny said.
"Don't even try to defend the bastard, he would love nothing more than-"
"Draco, he's in the next room," Ginny said, although she didn't seem that angry.
"I don't care, he knows I can't stand him Ginny. In fact I'm sure the feeling is mutual," he said smirking.
"That may be true, but our son is in the next room as well."
"That's right, OUR son not Harry's," he scoffed.
"Oh Draco, Harry is not trying to steal your son," Ginny said rolling her eyes.
"No, he's trying to steal my wife," he said without thinking.
Ginny's eyes widened in shock, not sure if she had heard him correctly. She knew Draco never said anything he didn't mean, but she was sure he didn't mean to say it outloud. So he still considered her his wife, interesting. Well, she wasn't going to correct him because she still thought of herself as his wife. She was about to say something when Harry and Luke entered the room.
"Gin, I have to go. It was good to see you," he said walking over and giving her a hug good-bye.
He then looked straight at Draco before kissing her on the cheek in a none too friendly manner. Ginny looked uncomfortable, but she didn't try and stop him.
"Bye Harry, thanks for dropping by," she said politely.
"See you later buddy," he said to Luke.
"Bye Uncle Harry,"
"Malfoy," he said looking him dead in the eye.
Draco didn't look away, but glared hard back.
"Potter," he responded icily.
He then left, closing the door behind him. Luke stayed put, looking back and forth between his mum and dad with a smile on his face.
"Can dad stay for dinner?" he asked Ginny hopefully.
Ginny looked over at Draco, who didn't seem to have any objections. Maybe it would be good for the three of them to spend some time together.
"Sure he can, if he doesn't have any other plans," she responded.
Luke looked up at his dad with big puppy dog eyes, how could Draco refuse those eyes? He could never refuse Ginny, and he certainly could never refuse Luke.
"I'd love to stay," he said, looking at Ginny rather than Luke.
Luke looked like his parents had just told him they were going to Disney World, he had a huge grin spreading from ear to ear.
"Let me finish preparing dinner, I'll call you when it's ready," Ginny said walking to the kitchen.
She wasn't in the kitchen for very long when Draco entered. She had her back to him but she could feel him looking at her, if he could see her face he would have noticed she was blushing. How was it that after all this time he could still make her feel like a teenager? She was married to the man for three years, yet here she was blushing from his mere stares.
Draco was leaning against the doorway, watching her cook. He couldn't help but think about what it would be like to see her cook every meal. He had watched her cook many a time, but for some reason it seemed more important now. He had taken everything she did for granted in the past, he had her, he had had this perfect woman and he let her go. How could he ever expect her to let him back in her life? They had both made mistakes, but he made the biggest one of all, he had let two years pass without even making an attempt to reconcile. He had signed the divorce papers, he had excepted the terms knowing he was still in love with her.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" he asked.
"No, I think I have everything covered," she said turning to face him, "Where's Luke?"
"I sent him to wash up," he said casually.
She nodded and turned back to cooking. He was content to simply stand there and continue staring at her.
"It seems like Luke enjoyed himself at the quidditch match," Ginny said conversationally.
"Yeah, he did," Draco responded, "He loves quidditch."
"It's in his blood," Ginny said laughing, "I'm just anxious to see which position he takes to."
"I'm thinking he'll be a chaser like his mum," Draco said, "He has your speed on a broom."
"And would you care to explain to me exactly how you know what kind of flyer he is?" Ginny asked eyeing him suspiciously, "Since he isn't allowed to fly."
Draco looked down at the ground guiltily, and then looked up at her sheepishly. Ginny wasn't angry, she actually found the situation to be amusing.
"Well I've let him fly just a little bit, but I watch him really closely I promise. I-"
"Draco, it's fine," she said smiling genuinely, "Besides your the one who made the rule that he couldn't fly until he turns six."
"I know, but that was just to keep your brothers from taking him out. I wanted to teach him myself, I don't trust anyone else."
It was actually kind of sweet. Who would have thought that Draco Malfoy would be an overprotective father? It seemed that Luke was taking a long time just to wash up, but Ginny had a feeling she knew what he was up to. He was trying to leave them alone. She just didn't want him getting his hopes up only to be disappointed.
"Okay, well dinner's ready. Will you call Luke?"
Draco nodded and turned to stick his head out the doorway.
"Luke, time for dinner," he called.
A moment later Luke was scampering into the kitchen, looking happier than they had seen him in a while. He talked continuously through out dinner, and smiled whenever his parents said anything to one another. He asked to be excused from the table after eating, which was very unlike him but both Ginny and Draco knew what he was up to. Even so, Ginny allowed him to leave the table, leaving her and Draco alone once again.
She levitated the dirty dishes to the sink, and sent them to washing themselves before walking to the refrigerator.
"Would you like some wine?" she asked.
"Sure," he said.
She wasn't much of a drinker, but she felt she needed something to calm her nerves. She hadn't been alone like this with Draco for quite some time, and she wasn't really sure what to do with herself. She found herself scared of getting her hopes up just like Luke.
"So how have you been Draco?" Ginny asked while pouring the wine.
"Okay I guess," he said, "And you?"
"Good, I have little Luke to keep me company," she said sweetly handing him a glass.
"That you do," he agreed accepting the outstretched wine glass.
Their eyes locked and Ginny felt herself blush again. Draco had once told her that he thought she blushed prettily, but she was sure he had to be lying. She was cursed with a pale complexion and inability to hide any emotion. She took a sip of wine shakily, trying to hide her nervousness.
"So you think Luke will be a chaser, eh?" Ginny asked.
Draco smiled and he got a faraway look in his eye.
"Well I had hoped he would want to play seeker like his old man, but he likes chaser. He's quick and I'm working on his maneuvering skills, he's a natural."
"A natural, eh? Must have gotten that from me then," Ginny said playfully.
"Must have," Draco responded seriously looking into her eyes again.
Ginny looked away quickly, taking another sip of wine. She wasn't sure she could handle this, it was like being a young girl all over again.
"Well I can't wait to see these quiddtich skills you've been working on with him," Ginny said.
"I'm sure he would love to show off for his mum,"
"Yes I'm sure, he is a bit of a ham. Must have gotten that from you."
They both laughed, and Ginny realized how much she had missed his laugh. The deep sound that was uniquely his and filled an entire room.
"I still can't get over how much he looks like you," Ginny said.
"Except for his eyes," Draco responded.
"Yes that's true," she agreed, "But he's the only Weasley grandchild without red hair. I sometimes wonder if we had another-"
She stopped immediately, looking away in embarassment. He had to have known what she was going to say, and she couldn't believe she had even started to say it. She forced herself to look at him, and she was shocked with the emotions playing on his face.
"I've wondered that too," he said softly, "I still wonder."
To say she was shocked was an understatement. She didn't even know how to react to this.
"Well it's getting late, I need to put Luke to bed," she said standing and looking anywhere but at him.
Her hands were shaking and she knew he could see right through her, he always could. She picked up her wine glass, only to drop it on the floor with her shaky hands. Draco quickly pointed his wand and repared it in a matter of seconds. She looked at him trying to remain calm, but he had stood and was standing much too close.
"Ginny," he whispered.
He reached out, running his hands through her hair and brushing her cheek. She sighed at his touch and allowed herself to enjoy the moment. All sorts of emotions were running through her mind and all she wanted was to sink into his strong arms and let him hold her. She had missed his touch so much, missed him. Even though they saw each other all the time, there was always a wall separating them. Neither allowing themselves to let the other past, and the moment he reached out to her the wall came crumbling down.
She stood on her tip-toes reaching up to press her lips against him. He groaned immediately, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her closer. Their lips moved together perfectly, as if remembering every detail about the other. It had been years since they last kissed, but it still felt strangely familiar and right. Ginny could have easily become wrapped up in his kiss, but she felt that they weren't alone.
She pulled away slightly to look into the kitchen doorway. She saw her mini-Draco standing there against the doorway just as his father had done earlier that night. He was smiling broadly again, and Ginny half-way expected Draco to pull away and come up with some excuse but he didn't. Instead he pulled her closer, kissing her forehead.
"Go get ready for bed Luke," he said, "Your mother and I will be there in a moment to tuck you in."
Luke nodded and turned to walk to his bedroom, still smiling.
"What just happened?" Ginny asked.
"I believe our son just caught us kissing," Draco responded.
Ginny swatted him playfully, but was still unwilling to back out of his arms.
"I'm serious Draco," she whispered.
"Okay, well you kissed me," he responded.
Ginny narrowed her eyes at him, but he only smiled down sweetly at her.
"What do you say we tuck in our son?" he asked.
He took her hand and led her to Luke's bedroom. Luke didn't ask any questions, but he did seem ridiculously happy. They kissed him good-night, turned off the light, and closed his door behind them.
"Well thanks for dinner Gin, I guess I should be going," Draco said.
"You're leaving?" she asked in disbelief.
"You don't want me to?" he asked smirking.
"I mean...I...I just thought that...well-"
"Gin, we kissed. It was bloody brilliant, so just because I'm leaving now doesn't mean I wont be back," he said.
She smiled sheepishly at him, a little embarrassed. But she honestly didn't want him to leave, not now or ever.
"Draco I know this sounds stupid, I mean I know we've been apart for over two years now but I don't want you to go. I need you to stay," she said pleadingly.
His look of playfulness changed to one of complete seriousness. He took a few steps closer to her, until he was standing close enough to run his hands through her hair again.
"Don't you think that's moving a bit fast?" he asked.
"I don't care. I honestly don't know how I've survived without you for this long."
That was all he needed to hear. He could never refuse her, and he wanted more than anything to stay with her, he just didn't want to rush things.
"Okay, I'll stay if you're sure that's what you want?"
Instead of responding she kissed him lightly again, and that was all the response he needed.
"When you say stay, do you mean-"
"Draco if I you aren't in my bed in two seconds I swear,"
"Don't you mean OUR bed?"
She gave him a lethal look and he laughed outright.
"Okay okay," he said picking her up bridal style, "To bed we go."
Ginny had forgotten how much she enjoyed having Draco in her bed...correction their bed. Not only was the sex amazing, but it felt nice to simply lie there in his arms. She watched him as he slept, so peaceful and absolutely adorable. His arms were around her tightly, as though he was worried she would try to get away. The more she thought about it the more she realized that was probably true. She wanted to tell him that she wasn't going anywhere, she wanted him to know how awful she felt being separated from him for these past years.
She brushed his hair off of his face, placing a delicate kiss on his cheek before wiggling closer to him. She didn't expect him to wake, but his eyes popped open the moment she nuzzled into him. She watched as his eyes adjusted to the darkness of the room, and he took a moment to look around at his surroundings.
"I'm not used to waking up here," he said, "Let alone with a gorgeous redhead next to me."
Ginny smiled in response, and he kissed her hair.
"What time is it?" he asked.
"Late. I couldn't sleep," she responded.
"And why is that?" he asked.
"Draco, we've been apart for so long. How do you expect me to sleep when you're laying next to me...naked?"
He laughed, and without warning pulled her on top of him. He pushed her hair out of her face before kissing her gently on the lips. She moaned the moment he deepened the kiss, and she thought she could kiss him forever. He wasted no time in flipping her on her back and shagging her senseless for the second time. Ginny had never felt more alive, she was positive that the sex could not have been this good when they married or she would have never divorced him.
She had been happy these past couple of years with just her and Luke. It had taken some getting used to, but she had become content with the way things were. Now, as she lay next to Draco after making love for the second time, she wondered how she could have ever felt happy without him. She had no idea what the future held for them, but one thing she did know was that there was no way she could go back to it just being her and Luke, she wanted more than anything for the three of them to be a family.
She snuggled in closer to Draco, placing her head in the nook of his shoulder. How did she ever sleep without having him here beside her? She closed her eyes, drifting off to sleep with a smile on her face, and dreaming of the life she wanted for her family.