Well I'm having writers' block major for my chapter story so I'm writing
this shorter one..probably only 3 big chapters. Enjoy! And I'd LOVE if you
check out my other story "Hogwarts Isn't Ready For This One" story ID -
993366!
PLEASE REVIEW! Much love, NicoleMarie
~*~*~*
Mother's Wishes
"Mother, is this really necessary? I just got home and you're throwing me a party! What is there to celebrate!?" Draco said frustratedly at his mother.
"Well you come home after two and a half years of travelling, I only hear from you a few times a year, your father is locked in Azkaban for the rest of his days, which is a blessing as we both know, and you won't let me throw you a simple welcoming home party! You take off after the war, decide to become some mountain man and live in filth, and cut yourself off from your own mother and the whole wizarding world! I love you so much and I want to have all your friends over so they can see you!" Narcissa raised her voice at Draco, with tears in her eyes.
"But mother, I don't want some party with all those Death Eaters' children! They hate me! I fought against them, alongside Harry Potter no less! I'm by no means chums with the man but to them its like I have the plague! Why would they come to some shindig you throw for my "return home"? Answer me that, mother?"
"Draco, please. You have no idea how hard this has been for me! Just let me do this, alright. You left me without saying goodbye, only a note. And after the war, your father being put into Azkaban, I just want to have one night like it used to be."
Draco knew his mother had fallen into a depression after his sudden departure and his father's capture. That was the biggest reason for returning, to help his mother. His mother lived for throwing parties, it had been awhile since there was anything to celebrate.
"If this is what will make you happy, then fine. Do what you do best." He succumbed to his mother's wishes and sighed deeply. He knew the smile creeping upon her flawless face had been the first genuine one in a long while.
"Thank you, my darling! Oh there is so much to do! I'll have to start owling everyone right away! Oh and of course I'll have to make the arrangements with the party planners! On such short notice everything will have to be rushed!" Narcissa Malfoy was rushing around, talking to herself, making lists and taking out stationary, all with an enthusiastic glow. Draco slumped into one of the high back chairs in their living room. 'I really don't want to go to this bloody party, but look how happy Mother is.' he repeated in his head as he watched his mother call the servants and assigned them tasks. They had just finished cleaning the kitchen after the lunchtime meal.
"Ok Julia you need to get in touch with Madam Malkin, I'll need some new dress robes.." Narcissa's voice rang through the living room, Draco nodded off to sleep, watching the flames of the fireplace flicker.
"Draco, darling, I need to go over some things with you before dinner." Narcissa prodded her sleeping son in the shoulder. He slowly came around, with a few annoyed grunts. "Why don't you just come to dinner and we'll talk about it then, its almost ready." Narcissa walked off to the dining room, leaving Draco to himself.
Dinner was rushed that night, Narcissa was anxious to continue picking out colors schemes and flower arrangements for the next evening. Right before Draco was going to retire for the evening, Narcissa called him over to her desk where papers for the flowers and decorations lay scattered about. The replies from the invitations were already arriving back. "Yes mother, is there anything I need to know?" He said, his eyelids drooping, reading to turn in for the night.
"Well I'm telling you now don't make any plans for tomorrow. The party planning agency is sending over their best to..ummm..clean you up."
"Mother! What are you talking about!? Clean me up?!" Draco said with fury and frustration.
"Draco, darling, look at yourself! You've been home 5 whole days and have worn the same filthy flannel shirt and grubby jeans!" Narcissa said, her voice dripping with distaste. "Your fingers are filthy and that hair.Draco, did you even come into contact with civilization on that little expedition of yours?!"
"But mother-"
"Draco, no buts. You will be downstairs at 11:30 tomorrow morning to meet Virginia..I've heard wonderful things about her and she has excellent references..my baby gets only the best!" she smiled back at Draco.
"I'm 21 years old and I -"
"You are a Malfoy, even if your father is imprisoned, you still have a name to uphold. Now just cooperate. You'll thank me later." She promptly returned to her work.
"I'm sure I will, Mother, I'm sure I will." Draco said quietly as he walked out of the room and upstairs. He stood in the doorway of his room. It was meticulously clean and elegant, except for the grungy hiking bag plopped in the corner. He took off his black boots and set them in his almost entirely empty closet. He looked in the drawers.they had a few pairs of pajamas.none of which would fit him now. He took off his shirt and his tight back undershirt, followed by his loose fitting jeans. He readied himself for bed and slid between the satin sheets in only his boxers. He pushed his anxiety for the next day out of his head and let sleep take over.
A shrill voice pierced through his slumber. He fluttered his eyes to see his mother standing next to his bed. Suddenly, she pulled the drapes open, letting the bright sunlight shine through. "You have one hour, Draco. You may be 21 years old but you still have to look presentable. Now get up, shower and eat something." She said pulling back the covers, much to the dismay of Draco. "And you'll also have to get some decent nightclothes!" With that, Narcissa scurried out of his room to the hustle and bustle taking place downstairs.
He slowly moved from his comfortable bed into his bathroom, afraid to look in the mirror. He knew, in his mother's eyes, he looked horrible. He understood why, he hadn't really cared what he looked like when he was away. He didn't need to take pride in his name, he was just a drifter, someone passing through towns, both muggle and wizard.
He took a shower, and soon fell deep into thought as he cleaned himself. He stepped out of the shower, and reached for his wand. He cleared the large bathroom of steam and examined himself in the mirror as he dried himself with the fluffy towel he had grabbed. His skin had a medium tan rather than his natural alabaster tone. He had a very nice full physique, broad shoulders and a toned chest. His face was very clear, as it always had been, with light freckles on his nose that one could only notice if close to his face. His eyes were clear bluish gray which were hidden behind his long wet hair. Draco hadn't bothered to cut his blond hair when it became scraggly, after that it just grew longer. It now hung limply below his shoulders.
He checked his watch he'd left on the marble next to the sick, he had 15 minutes to get dressed and eat breakfast. He hurried into his room and grabbed a fresh pair of jeans from his backpack, underwear, and a warm ribbed sweater. He looked himself over and sighed.I'm sure he wouldn't be looking like this in 12 hours. He quickly dressed himself in under 5 minutes and ran down to the kitchen. He graciously asked a house elf for a grapefruit. He couldn't help but remember how rude he's been to the elves before. He felt shameful and complimented the small female elf on her choice of headwear. Narcissa Malfoy, with the departure of her husband, had decided to give all the elves clothes, and this one had gotten a large flowered hat. He sat down at the table and quickly ate half the grapefruit.
As he took the last bite of his breakfast he heard the loud voice of his mother over the bustling servants already decorating the main hall and house for the party. "Draco! Draco are you ready!"
The dishes were cleared by a house elf and Draco ran to the study. He stood in the doorway to get a good look at the woman talking with his mother. She was on the taller side, slim, but shapely. She had a dark gray knee length skirt with black heel shoes. She had a tight fitting deep purple turtleneck. She was holding a gray jacket to match her skirt. Her hair was a deep red with highlights a few shades lighter throughout. It was tied back tightly in a twist. Her face was very clear with freckles, giving her a natural glow. She wore a small amount of make-up, lipgloss, eyeliner, mascara, and soft champagne shimmer eyeshadow. The two women were laughing and discussing the plans for the party. Narcissa glanced over at Draco who was leaning against the frame of the door.
"Oh Draco, there you are!" She ran over excitedly to the doorway and guided Draco into the room by his arm. "I'd like you to meet Virginia, she is the best witch for the task at hand. She works for the agency that's been planning parties and wedding and all sorts of functions the family has had for years. The best agency in the wizarding world. Of course they sent over their best employee. I believe you went to school at Hogwarts with Virginia and her brothers, Draco!" Narcissa looked at both of them with a smile.
"Oh of course I remember Draco, Mrs. Malfoy. It's not easy to forget someone like your son." She laughed as she replied.
"Well I'll leave you two alone, I'll say goodbye before you head off to start shopping for robes." Narcissa hurried out of the study, leaving Draco with Virginia.
"Well, well, well..I never thought I'd have Malfoy as a client." Virginia smiled up at him wryly.
It clicked in Draco's head. "Virginia Weasley. You've changed very much." He replied with a smirk.
"I can see you have too, Draco. Never expected to see you in this.state." She gave Draco a look over from head to toe. "Well I've got my work cut out for me." She said with confidence. "Let's go Draco, we have quite a day ahead of us."
"And what are the plans?" Draco asked sheepishly, knowing Ginny had acquired a strong sense of self since he last saw her. His thoughts wandered to the times he'd insulted and humiliated her and her family.
"Well, we'll first apparate to Diagon Alley to get you fitted for robes at Madam Malkin's. I already have a robe in mind, I've been working on the design for awhile. You seem to have the physique for it to suit you. After that we'll need to buy some casual apparel. I think Brooks Brothers or Harrod's in London would definitely have something appropriate. And then we'll stop by my apartment for a few necessities, we'll take my car back here and." she looked at his long hair with scrutiny, "I'll do a few finishing touches." She turned towards the door with a career-woman swagger, picking up the black shoulder bag at her feet. "Come along, we have to find your mother." Draco complied without question. He starting thinking about how his father would have never allowed him to be ordered around by a Weasley. Draco had changed a great deal during the two years away, confronting and putting an end to the hatred his father had instilled in him. He still had to adjust to being home, being around people from his past. His thoughts were interrupted by Narcissa Malfoy scurrying over to the two.
"Virginia, sweetheart. I just got an owl from Madam Malkin. The final alterations on my new gown for tonight are completed and could you please have it sent back while you're there. I'll send Theodore to come pick up my gown and Draco's new dress robes for tonight."
"Of course, Mrs. Malfoy. I'll be sure to send it right along before we leave Diagon Alley. I'll send an owl when we arrive so Theodore has plenty of time to drive there. I'm sure he's quite excited about the new model I just saw out in your garage, the wizard cars are quite nice. And I was taking a peek at the hall, it looks wonderful, Julia is your planner, I presume? I've trained with her at the agency and know her style quite well. I assume the two of you decided on the romantic period theme together? I must say the color scheme is divine, gives the hall an added warmth."
"Well thank you and yes Julia is the planner for tonight. She's off scurrying about somewhere in the manor. She was raving about you just a few minutes ago, said one day soon you'll be planning the largest events in the wizarding world. The agency hasn't seen as much talent in years!" Ginny blushed as Narcissa continued, "I heard you've been working on planning smaller events and designing as well as assignments like this one. And partnership was mentioned as well, Miss Weasley..quite the career woman."
"Well thank you Mrs. Malfoy, Julia probably only said that so you could see how I blush! It's the Weasley curse you know!" She said with a giggle.
"Oh don't be silly, Virginia." Narcissa said.
"Madam Malkin gave me a peek at your gown for tonight while I was going over robe shades and fabrics for Draco this morning. It was looking astonishing then. I'm sure you'll look wonderful for the party tonight."
"Well I know my Draco will be quite debonair after you finish with him. I didn't know where to start with him so I had Julia arrange for you to help me at the last minute."
"Mother! I'm right here! Stop talking about me!" Draco whined at his mother.
Narcissa laughed at her son's embarressment and turned back to Ginny. "Before you leave, I wanted to make sure you'd be attending tonight, Virginia." Narcissa said in a serious tone as she pulled Ginny off the side.
"Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy but I'm afraid I don't have a gown prepared."
"Oh nonsense, I have closets of the best gowns money can buy that I've only worn once! Oh my goodness, I have the perfect one for you! I know exactly where it is, I'm sure it would look even better on you than it ever did on me!" she said with a laugh as she guided Ginny up the grand staircase. "And plus I'd like to be able to tell everyone who made that grungy mountain man down there the handsome, urbane, gentleman we both know he'll be tonight. Narcissa continued as they mounted the stairs, arm in arm. Narcissa turned backward to Draco, who was waiting alone at the bottom of the staircase. "You stay right there, young man. I just need to retrieve a gown for Miss Weasley! We'll be right down!" she said as they disappeared from view.
Draco made the realization that he wasn't the only Malfoy who had changed as a result of his father's capture. Never before would his mother be so kind and gentle to a Weasley, to treat them as equals. Lucius had always had a vicious hatred of the Weasleys and all muggles and muggle supporters and he'd enforced his hatred upon his wife and his son. Draco couldn't help but beam with pride at the sight of his mother so ripe with independence.
The two women soon emerged at the top of the stairs, Ginny carrying a zippered garment bag.
"Alright then, off you go! You mustn't be late for your appointment with Madam Malkin!" Narcissa said playfully to Draco and Ginny.
"We'd better apparate to Diagon Alley!" Ginny said, looking up at Draco, who at 6'2", stood a good 7 inches above her, with her heeled shoes. She prepared herself but was stopped by Draco.
"Wait. Ginny, before we go I need to talk to you. I'm not the same person I was when I was at Hogwarts. Please forgive me for what I did back then, it was my father speaking not me. I don't want this day to be unbearable because of old grudges." He said to her, her green eyes looking up at him. From the moment he say her, he knew he'd have to get it off his chest.
"I don't know what to say, Malfoy. And I give you credit for saying that. I'm sure today will be fine. As long as you do as I say!" She joked and punched him in the arm. A wave of calm confusion came over her, her feelings not clear.
"You don't have to call me by my surname, you know. Draco is fine." He said to her as they prepared to apparate. She noticed immediately how kind he looked, no resemblance to the Draco Malfoy of before. Even with the unclean appearance, he looked genuine. A characteristic she'd never expected.
"You're right.Draco."
Before apparating, the 2 looked at each other, making a nonverbal truce, putting to rest any family animosity.
~*~*~*~*~
Please review! I'll be getting the next chapter up as soon as possible! I've gotten most of it written up already.
Much love, nicolemarie
PLEASE REVIEW! Much love, NicoleMarie
~*~*~*
Mother's Wishes
"Mother, is this really necessary? I just got home and you're throwing me a party! What is there to celebrate!?" Draco said frustratedly at his mother.
"Well you come home after two and a half years of travelling, I only hear from you a few times a year, your father is locked in Azkaban for the rest of his days, which is a blessing as we both know, and you won't let me throw you a simple welcoming home party! You take off after the war, decide to become some mountain man and live in filth, and cut yourself off from your own mother and the whole wizarding world! I love you so much and I want to have all your friends over so they can see you!" Narcissa raised her voice at Draco, with tears in her eyes.
"But mother, I don't want some party with all those Death Eaters' children! They hate me! I fought against them, alongside Harry Potter no less! I'm by no means chums with the man but to them its like I have the plague! Why would they come to some shindig you throw for my "return home"? Answer me that, mother?"
"Draco, please. You have no idea how hard this has been for me! Just let me do this, alright. You left me without saying goodbye, only a note. And after the war, your father being put into Azkaban, I just want to have one night like it used to be."
Draco knew his mother had fallen into a depression after his sudden departure and his father's capture. That was the biggest reason for returning, to help his mother. His mother lived for throwing parties, it had been awhile since there was anything to celebrate.
"If this is what will make you happy, then fine. Do what you do best." He succumbed to his mother's wishes and sighed deeply. He knew the smile creeping upon her flawless face had been the first genuine one in a long while.
"Thank you, my darling! Oh there is so much to do! I'll have to start owling everyone right away! Oh and of course I'll have to make the arrangements with the party planners! On such short notice everything will have to be rushed!" Narcissa Malfoy was rushing around, talking to herself, making lists and taking out stationary, all with an enthusiastic glow. Draco slumped into one of the high back chairs in their living room. 'I really don't want to go to this bloody party, but look how happy Mother is.' he repeated in his head as he watched his mother call the servants and assigned them tasks. They had just finished cleaning the kitchen after the lunchtime meal.
"Ok Julia you need to get in touch with Madam Malkin, I'll need some new dress robes.." Narcissa's voice rang through the living room, Draco nodded off to sleep, watching the flames of the fireplace flicker.
"Draco, darling, I need to go over some things with you before dinner." Narcissa prodded her sleeping son in the shoulder. He slowly came around, with a few annoyed grunts. "Why don't you just come to dinner and we'll talk about it then, its almost ready." Narcissa walked off to the dining room, leaving Draco to himself.
Dinner was rushed that night, Narcissa was anxious to continue picking out colors schemes and flower arrangements for the next evening. Right before Draco was going to retire for the evening, Narcissa called him over to her desk where papers for the flowers and decorations lay scattered about. The replies from the invitations were already arriving back. "Yes mother, is there anything I need to know?" He said, his eyelids drooping, reading to turn in for the night.
"Well I'm telling you now don't make any plans for tomorrow. The party planning agency is sending over their best to..ummm..clean you up."
"Mother! What are you talking about!? Clean me up?!" Draco said with fury and frustration.
"Draco, darling, look at yourself! You've been home 5 whole days and have worn the same filthy flannel shirt and grubby jeans!" Narcissa said, her voice dripping with distaste. "Your fingers are filthy and that hair.Draco, did you even come into contact with civilization on that little expedition of yours?!"
"But mother-"
"Draco, no buts. You will be downstairs at 11:30 tomorrow morning to meet Virginia..I've heard wonderful things about her and she has excellent references..my baby gets only the best!" she smiled back at Draco.
"I'm 21 years old and I -"
"You are a Malfoy, even if your father is imprisoned, you still have a name to uphold. Now just cooperate. You'll thank me later." She promptly returned to her work.
"I'm sure I will, Mother, I'm sure I will." Draco said quietly as he walked out of the room and upstairs. He stood in the doorway of his room. It was meticulously clean and elegant, except for the grungy hiking bag plopped in the corner. He took off his black boots and set them in his almost entirely empty closet. He looked in the drawers.they had a few pairs of pajamas.none of which would fit him now. He took off his shirt and his tight back undershirt, followed by his loose fitting jeans. He readied himself for bed and slid between the satin sheets in only his boxers. He pushed his anxiety for the next day out of his head and let sleep take over.
A shrill voice pierced through his slumber. He fluttered his eyes to see his mother standing next to his bed. Suddenly, she pulled the drapes open, letting the bright sunlight shine through. "You have one hour, Draco. You may be 21 years old but you still have to look presentable. Now get up, shower and eat something." She said pulling back the covers, much to the dismay of Draco. "And you'll also have to get some decent nightclothes!" With that, Narcissa scurried out of his room to the hustle and bustle taking place downstairs.
He slowly moved from his comfortable bed into his bathroom, afraid to look in the mirror. He knew, in his mother's eyes, he looked horrible. He understood why, he hadn't really cared what he looked like when he was away. He didn't need to take pride in his name, he was just a drifter, someone passing through towns, both muggle and wizard.
He took a shower, and soon fell deep into thought as he cleaned himself. He stepped out of the shower, and reached for his wand. He cleared the large bathroom of steam and examined himself in the mirror as he dried himself with the fluffy towel he had grabbed. His skin had a medium tan rather than his natural alabaster tone. He had a very nice full physique, broad shoulders and a toned chest. His face was very clear, as it always had been, with light freckles on his nose that one could only notice if close to his face. His eyes were clear bluish gray which were hidden behind his long wet hair. Draco hadn't bothered to cut his blond hair when it became scraggly, after that it just grew longer. It now hung limply below his shoulders.
He checked his watch he'd left on the marble next to the sick, he had 15 minutes to get dressed and eat breakfast. He hurried into his room and grabbed a fresh pair of jeans from his backpack, underwear, and a warm ribbed sweater. He looked himself over and sighed.I'm sure he wouldn't be looking like this in 12 hours. He quickly dressed himself in under 5 minutes and ran down to the kitchen. He graciously asked a house elf for a grapefruit. He couldn't help but remember how rude he's been to the elves before. He felt shameful and complimented the small female elf on her choice of headwear. Narcissa Malfoy, with the departure of her husband, had decided to give all the elves clothes, and this one had gotten a large flowered hat. He sat down at the table and quickly ate half the grapefruit.
As he took the last bite of his breakfast he heard the loud voice of his mother over the bustling servants already decorating the main hall and house for the party. "Draco! Draco are you ready!"
The dishes were cleared by a house elf and Draco ran to the study. He stood in the doorway to get a good look at the woman talking with his mother. She was on the taller side, slim, but shapely. She had a dark gray knee length skirt with black heel shoes. She had a tight fitting deep purple turtleneck. She was holding a gray jacket to match her skirt. Her hair was a deep red with highlights a few shades lighter throughout. It was tied back tightly in a twist. Her face was very clear with freckles, giving her a natural glow. She wore a small amount of make-up, lipgloss, eyeliner, mascara, and soft champagne shimmer eyeshadow. The two women were laughing and discussing the plans for the party. Narcissa glanced over at Draco who was leaning against the frame of the door.
"Oh Draco, there you are!" She ran over excitedly to the doorway and guided Draco into the room by his arm. "I'd like you to meet Virginia, she is the best witch for the task at hand. She works for the agency that's been planning parties and wedding and all sorts of functions the family has had for years. The best agency in the wizarding world. Of course they sent over their best employee. I believe you went to school at Hogwarts with Virginia and her brothers, Draco!" Narcissa looked at both of them with a smile.
"Oh of course I remember Draco, Mrs. Malfoy. It's not easy to forget someone like your son." She laughed as she replied.
"Well I'll leave you two alone, I'll say goodbye before you head off to start shopping for robes." Narcissa hurried out of the study, leaving Draco with Virginia.
"Well, well, well..I never thought I'd have Malfoy as a client." Virginia smiled up at him wryly.
It clicked in Draco's head. "Virginia Weasley. You've changed very much." He replied with a smirk.
"I can see you have too, Draco. Never expected to see you in this.state." She gave Draco a look over from head to toe. "Well I've got my work cut out for me." She said with confidence. "Let's go Draco, we have quite a day ahead of us."
"And what are the plans?" Draco asked sheepishly, knowing Ginny had acquired a strong sense of self since he last saw her. His thoughts wandered to the times he'd insulted and humiliated her and her family.
"Well, we'll first apparate to Diagon Alley to get you fitted for robes at Madam Malkin's. I already have a robe in mind, I've been working on the design for awhile. You seem to have the physique for it to suit you. After that we'll need to buy some casual apparel. I think Brooks Brothers or Harrod's in London would definitely have something appropriate. And then we'll stop by my apartment for a few necessities, we'll take my car back here and." she looked at his long hair with scrutiny, "I'll do a few finishing touches." She turned towards the door with a career-woman swagger, picking up the black shoulder bag at her feet. "Come along, we have to find your mother." Draco complied without question. He starting thinking about how his father would have never allowed him to be ordered around by a Weasley. Draco had changed a great deal during the two years away, confronting and putting an end to the hatred his father had instilled in him. He still had to adjust to being home, being around people from his past. His thoughts were interrupted by Narcissa Malfoy scurrying over to the two.
"Virginia, sweetheart. I just got an owl from Madam Malkin. The final alterations on my new gown for tonight are completed and could you please have it sent back while you're there. I'll send Theodore to come pick up my gown and Draco's new dress robes for tonight."
"Of course, Mrs. Malfoy. I'll be sure to send it right along before we leave Diagon Alley. I'll send an owl when we arrive so Theodore has plenty of time to drive there. I'm sure he's quite excited about the new model I just saw out in your garage, the wizard cars are quite nice. And I was taking a peek at the hall, it looks wonderful, Julia is your planner, I presume? I've trained with her at the agency and know her style quite well. I assume the two of you decided on the romantic period theme together? I must say the color scheme is divine, gives the hall an added warmth."
"Well thank you and yes Julia is the planner for tonight. She's off scurrying about somewhere in the manor. She was raving about you just a few minutes ago, said one day soon you'll be planning the largest events in the wizarding world. The agency hasn't seen as much talent in years!" Ginny blushed as Narcissa continued, "I heard you've been working on planning smaller events and designing as well as assignments like this one. And partnership was mentioned as well, Miss Weasley..quite the career woman."
"Well thank you Mrs. Malfoy, Julia probably only said that so you could see how I blush! It's the Weasley curse you know!" She said with a giggle.
"Oh don't be silly, Virginia." Narcissa said.
"Madam Malkin gave me a peek at your gown for tonight while I was going over robe shades and fabrics for Draco this morning. It was looking astonishing then. I'm sure you'll look wonderful for the party tonight."
"Well I know my Draco will be quite debonair after you finish with him. I didn't know where to start with him so I had Julia arrange for you to help me at the last minute."
"Mother! I'm right here! Stop talking about me!" Draco whined at his mother.
Narcissa laughed at her son's embarressment and turned back to Ginny. "Before you leave, I wanted to make sure you'd be attending tonight, Virginia." Narcissa said in a serious tone as she pulled Ginny off the side.
"Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy but I'm afraid I don't have a gown prepared."
"Oh nonsense, I have closets of the best gowns money can buy that I've only worn once! Oh my goodness, I have the perfect one for you! I know exactly where it is, I'm sure it would look even better on you than it ever did on me!" she said with a laugh as she guided Ginny up the grand staircase. "And plus I'd like to be able to tell everyone who made that grungy mountain man down there the handsome, urbane, gentleman we both know he'll be tonight. Narcissa continued as they mounted the stairs, arm in arm. Narcissa turned backward to Draco, who was waiting alone at the bottom of the staircase. "You stay right there, young man. I just need to retrieve a gown for Miss Weasley! We'll be right down!" she said as they disappeared from view.
Draco made the realization that he wasn't the only Malfoy who had changed as a result of his father's capture. Never before would his mother be so kind and gentle to a Weasley, to treat them as equals. Lucius had always had a vicious hatred of the Weasleys and all muggles and muggle supporters and he'd enforced his hatred upon his wife and his son. Draco couldn't help but beam with pride at the sight of his mother so ripe with independence.
The two women soon emerged at the top of the stairs, Ginny carrying a zippered garment bag.
"Alright then, off you go! You mustn't be late for your appointment with Madam Malkin!" Narcissa said playfully to Draco and Ginny.
"We'd better apparate to Diagon Alley!" Ginny said, looking up at Draco, who at 6'2", stood a good 7 inches above her, with her heeled shoes. She prepared herself but was stopped by Draco.
"Wait. Ginny, before we go I need to talk to you. I'm not the same person I was when I was at Hogwarts. Please forgive me for what I did back then, it was my father speaking not me. I don't want this day to be unbearable because of old grudges." He said to her, her green eyes looking up at him. From the moment he say her, he knew he'd have to get it off his chest.
"I don't know what to say, Malfoy. And I give you credit for saying that. I'm sure today will be fine. As long as you do as I say!" She joked and punched him in the arm. A wave of calm confusion came over her, her feelings not clear.
"You don't have to call me by my surname, you know. Draco is fine." He said to her as they prepared to apparate. She noticed immediately how kind he looked, no resemblance to the Draco Malfoy of before. Even with the unclean appearance, he looked genuine. A characteristic she'd never expected.
"You're right.Draco."
Before apparating, the 2 looked at each other, making a nonverbal truce, putting to rest any family animosity.
~*~*~*~*~
Please review! I'll be getting the next chapter up as soon as possible! I've gotten most of it written up already.
Much love, nicolemarie