"Music of My Soul"
Part 2
Author's Note: This part of the story will have glimpses into the lives of Draco and Ginny, unlike the first part where there was heavy dialogue and conversations, it was needed so the pair can build a foundation for their friendship.
New Year's Day, 2008
Life and its strange occurrence, the Fab Four are celebrating first day of the year at the Globe's New Year's Day festivity. How strange it is for Ginny to be standing next to Draco, sharing drinks, laughs and a bond. There is something developing more than friendship, but both subconsciously avoid such thought, they don't want to jeopardize what they have. A few of their near and dear ones are getting glimpses of something developing, but are keeping it quiet for now. It is odd that both aren't currently seeing anyone nor is there any talk of a potential someone, it seems that work life is to be blamed.
Draco is laughing away at recalling Ginny's facial expressions from those bygone days, he tells her that he needs to teach her how to have a poker face, much to her embarrassment.
As always Mick and the Cover Band are outstanding, they play many hit songs that span decades of musical repertoire to everyone's delight. However, before Mick asks his "challenge" requests tonight, he takes the mic to ask Cressida to marry him. Of course, Cressida says yes, and so with this drinks are flowing, music is reaching a newer level, Ginny and Draco are extremely excited for their friends.
As the month passes by, the plan to bring Draco to Diagon Alley is in motion. Harry steps up first, he brings Draco to lunch at the extended section of the Leaky Cauldron. Many openly stare as the two former foes walk in, but get quickly distracted by the food and drinks they are served. Draco realizes that people like Ginny had said to him months before a forgetful. After this both Ginny and Luna individually accompany Draco for lunches or window shopping to some of the Alley's newest establishments. As expected these outings leads to a lengthy article in the Prophet titled "Prodigal Son Returns!" by Romilda Vane. The article touches upon his past deeds, his time in the Muggle Worldand how healthy, smart, successful and happy he looks. Draco isn't amused, but his friends are having a ball reading some parts of the article that touch upon on his features and style.
Shrove Tuesday
With pancakes on their mind Ginny and Draco head down to the Breakfast Club in Soho to indulge in the sweet holiday with the Potters. They meet at meeting point to take the journey to the eatery together. As they walk in they see the Potters and Ron and Hermione. Both Draco and Ginny are surprised, but Draco puts on his poker face, Ginny is clearly not pleased.
The Potters are smiling, Ron looks like he is about to spit nails and Hermione is her cool, controlled self. She stands up to greet them, she embraces her sister in law and holds her hand out for Draco to shake. Draco looks at the outstretched hand, gives a small smirk and shakes it. Ron gets up to give his sister a peck on the cheek and nods his head to Draco. He can't believe he will be eating pancakes with this wanker, former or not. The group say pleasantries and make small talk. Jamie and Rose are good distraction to have around. Draco hasn't seen Ron and Hermione since they spoke up for him at the trails.
Ron who looks exactly the same as he did in school except for a few additional wrinkles, a bit of extra weight around the center and shorter hair takes the lead to address Draco directly, "So, Harry tells me you live in Muggle London?" The table is quiet except for the mothers making sure that the children sit and finish their meals.
"Yes, I live in Notting Hill, not too far from Ginny," says Draco looking calm, he really doesn't want things to escalate.
"And you know Cressida Granger?" Ron asks.
"Yes, I know her pretty well, we are friends. I know she is related to Granger here, Weasley," says Draco a bit annoyed at the question.
"Yeah good! Guess the Muggle World has knocked some sense into you. Good thing you don't call Muggles those nasty words you used in school. If only Mick knew how insulting you were Hermione…" says an irritated Ron. The entire table is quiet at his outburst.
"Ron, Cressida and Mick know that there was a dislike between him and Hermione, without going into details of our heritage with Mick. Cressida is well aware of the contents and she sees him for who he is now. It's really something you should do," says Ginny unhappy with her brother.
"And you still want to be friends with him, have you forgotten his father?" her older brother asks while pointing his fork directly at her.
Ginny is fuming, her cheeks are getting red by the second and says very clearly so there is no misunderstanding, "Yes, I want to be friends with him and yes I remember his father. Ron, make no mistake, we have spoken about everything and it's 'water under the bridge' for me and our parents. Get that through your thick skull before I make an imprint."
"Ginny, your brother has the right to question me. My behavior in the past was inexcusable to not only him but to Granger," he says to Ginny but he turns his focus on his two former classmates, "Ron, Hermione, I apologize for my past and hope you can see me for who I am now. I have changed and for the better, I wouldn't be here at this table in Muggle London if that was the case. I have no hidden agenda. I hope you can understand that," Draco finishes looking a little sad.
"Draco, Cressida has said some wonderful things about as has Mick. From what I have told Ron, it seems that you reached out to Mick because of your love of Muggle music just like Ginny. Of course it's surprising to hear, but also welcomed. I know it has been tough for you, but you have made an effort and that is what's important here. Isn't it Ron?" says Hermione looking as logical and kind hearted as she was in her school days.
"Now that all that has been hashed out, let's finish eating, we have some news to share," says Harry.
As they are tucking in and the kids are enjoying the sticky syrup mess, Luna turns to both Draco and Ginny and tells them "Daddy and I had such a serendipitous thought just the other day, must have been the remaining pixie dust, we had some pixies visiting us over Christmas," she smiles and looks directly at both, as they look to each other over the pixies comment, but Luna continues "Draco, the Quibbler wants have a Wireless interview with you, it will be broadcast to the entire Wizarding World."
"A wireless interview?" asks Ginny curiously with her hand placed underneath her chin. The adults at the table are looking to Luna for an answer.
"Yes, I think it will be easier to actually hear the words from Draco's mouth versus reading words, we know that many read words and interpret them differently from what they are meant to be and you know they will do so in Draco's case," finishes Luna making amazing sense.
"I agree with Luna, I think a Wireless interview will stop the scrutiny and let the past just lie. No offense Draco, but your life lately isn't as exciting as it used to be," laughs Harry and as does everyone else.
After much deliberation with Ginny, Draco agrees to have a Wireless interview at the Quibbler offices on Luna's birthday. Draco meets Mr Lovegood in a friendly manner, there is no talk of the past, he wishes him well for his interview. Luna's voice is calm and tranquil, the questions range from his time in school to his days under Voldemort's thumb, to his therapy and to his life in the Muggle world. Draco answers as honestly as he did with Ginny. He actually pictures Ginny sitting in her alcove listening to him.
The month of February ends with Mick and Cressida's causal, music filled wedding at the Globe Pub on Leap Day. The pub is closed for this special occasion and is filled with family and friends of the bride and groom, as well as some Magical friends. Ginny and Hermione are by Cressida's side as she makes her vows to Mick. Mick has asked Draco and his best friend, Oscar aka Ozzy, the lead guitarist of the Cover Band to stand beside him.
As the vow exchange takes place, Ginny and Draco can't help but think of the what ifs. They are attracted to each other and have been for a while, but again, the ties of friendship are too strong for them.
The newly wed couple dances to Elton John's "Your Song," a rendition that Mick recorded as a gift for his wife. They are followed in dance by other married couples and then by the rest of the wedding party. Draco holds out his hand to Ginny, and as they sway to a medley of romantic songs, they are comfortable in each other's arms and to magic that is drawing them closer.
Spring Equinox
This Spring Equinox instead of the usual pubbing the fab four would do, Ginny is helping Cressida and Mick pack the last boxes of their belongings. She and Mick have a found their martial home not too far from the currently shared one. It's an end of an era for both women, the last five years have been filled with so many memorable moments and a tight sisterhood bond.
Also joining them as a way to celebrate moving forward in life are Ron, Hermione, Harry, Luna and of course Mick and Draco. Jamie and Rose are with the Weasleys enjoying Equinox festivities at the Burrow.
When Draco arrives, Ginny looks far too happy for Ron's liking especially when Draco makes a beeline over to Ginny to catch up. Ron turns to his wife and notes "Is it me or is she suddenly beaming since the git walked in?"
Hermione can't help but giggle at her husband's observance and his facial expression when he notices Draco, "Ron, hush!" she tells him.
Her husband and partner for nearly ten years turns to her and whispers "Merlin, I think he will be my brother in law," he is shocked at this admission and can't help but make a disgusted look on his face, which everyone notices.
"Ron, did you notice the Blibbering Humdinger, not sure what they are laughing at those silly things," says a very irritable Luna.
"Um, ah, maybe, yeah, not sure what they are laughing it either," he says looking at Luna and then turning to his wife for help.
"I must propose a toast," says Cressida, holding her beer bottle up, she sees everyone raise a glass of whatever they are holding, it looks like Ginny and Draco are drinking Riesling yet again, the rest of the guys are drinking beer while Luna and Hermione are enjoying fizzy drinks of the non alcoholic version.
Cressida turns to Ginny, "I have had the best five years of my life with you Gin, Mick you are a different story", she says to her husband with a wink. "Ginny, you are the big sister that I needed, a true friend and a very special person," she smiles and continues, "A chapter has come to close, but a beginning of a new one. Mick and I hope the party will continue at our place once we settle in. This place is now fully Ginny's, may she reign in it. Cheers!"
Throughout the toast Draco and Ginny are standing close to each other and smiling. Ginny has never truly been on her own, she's never had a flat to herself, it's a bit exciting and nerve wracking at the same time as she is so used to having people around her.
As if sensing her thought process, Draco squeezes her hand and looks at her and tells her, "Don't worry, I will be around often even faster now that Bill has connected your non working place to the floo network."
Before Ron can say something sarcastic to what he has just overheard, Hermione quickly raises her fizzy drink glass and says, "Well, since we are speaking of new chapters, Ron and I want to just mention that Rose will be a big sister in about seven months time," she can barely finish what she is saying as the group screams in excitement.
Harry raises his beer bottle to his best friends and says "Cheers to Ron and Hermione and Rose of course. Oh and Jamie will be big brother in about seven months time also," gasps and laughter are met with this announcement.
"Don't spare the water you guys are drinking from, we just got married!" says Mick in jest and in earnest.
For Ginny and Draco being the single in the midst of married couples can be a bit grueling. They are of course happy for each of them, but are also wondering when these sweet moments can be within their individual grasp.
Battle of Hogwart's 10th year Anniversary
It has been ten years since Draco Malfoy has stepped foot in Hogwarts, he is astonished that he is actually in Hogsmeade waiting for a carriage ride after taking the Hogwarts Express with Ginny back to his former school. What surprises him even more is that he readily agreed without much persuasion to mark the ten year anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts.
What a strange feeling it was when he met up with his new friends at King's Cross to take the journey back to Hogwarts on the red crimson colored train. If someone had told him decades before that he would be friends with this group of magical folk, he would have asked them to check themselves into the Janus Thickey Ward in St. Mungos.
As the carriage approaches, Draco comes back to reality, a reality where Ginny is standing next to him along with this mother, Narcissa. He can feel the stares at him and the group surrounding him, if the outcome of the battle was different, this would have never happened.
The carriage ride is smooth and easy to the castle, however, that doesn't help Draco's nerves. As they come to the entrance of the Great Hall, Draco's path is blocked by Headmistress McGonagall, he harks back to the days when he was at the receiving end of her piercing gaze. Ginny and Narcissa notice this and move further into the castle leaving Draco with the former Transfiguration Professor.
"Mr Malfoy, its good to see you, you have grown into the young man that many of us had hoped," she says looking directly at him with wisdom filled eyes.
Draco is taken by but answers with sincerity, "Thank you Headmistress for your kind words."
"We listened to your interview with Luna Lovegood-Potter on the Wireless. It was an eye opener, I must say. Please know that two former Headmasters of Hogwarts would like to have the opportunity to speak to you, they were very excited to hear that you would attending this year's commemoration. If you do wish to see them in my office, the password is Tartan".
"That is very gracious of them. I think I will speak to them once the ceremony commences."
"Good, I must head back in for some final touches. Take as long as you like in my office. It truly is good to see you, Draco," says the Headmistress touching his arm for comfort.
Draco is blown away with this exchange, he heads in to tell two of the most important women in his life that he is heading up to the Headmistress's office to speak to the portraits of Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape.
After speaking the password, Draco slowly enters the Headmistress's office, the large, circular room is still filled with fascinating objects, the walls are lined with former headmasters of the magical school. They all look at him as he walks towards the desk, where he has noticed the portraits of his former headmasters are placed. The desk is stacked with papers and quills, as well as with other knickknacks of the Minerva McGonagall, her beautiful winged chair is pushed inside the desk enough for Draco to stand in front of life size paintings.
"Good afternoon, Draco…" speaks the portrait of Albus Dumbledore. "Draco", says the portrait of Severus Snape with absolute heartfelt.
An hour or so later Draco is in search to find Ginny to disclose his conversation with two men he was in awe of as a student. He locates her and he takes a moment to look at his best friend, she looks so regal like her name dressed in a velvet auberinge colored robe, with her red hair flowing down her shoulders. For him, Ginny is unlike anyone and if she feels for him as he does for her, then he is an incredibly lucky man.
"Mother, Mrs Weasley, excuse me, but I need to speak to Ginny," he interrupts a three way conversation between Ginny, his mother and Ginny's mother. He quickly places his hand on Ginny's waist and says, "Let's go for walk". Mrs Weasley and Mrs Malfoy stare at their children and turn to each other with a knowing look and smile.
"Draco, what is it? Slow down. Goodness I can't see where we are going, your hair is blinding as the sun today" says Ginny laughing while holding on to Draco as he takes her outside the castle door towards the lake.
"Yes, yes, very funny. I just couldn't wait to tell you about my conversation," he says abruptly stopping and looking straight at her.
"Well come on, tell me everything!" she says very impatiently.
Draco gathers his thoughts, so much was spoken about with the portraits, the past, the present and the hopeful future. He turns to her and says, "The visit with them…it's as though a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Merlin, I can breathe a little easier!"
"Draco, that's fantastic, but what did they say?"
"They both said that they are proud me…proud. Wow. They were happy to hear my words on the Wireless, apparently McGonagall made sure that the broadcast was heard in her office by the portraits. They acknowledged that the road was hard for me, but I came out of it whole. I did ask them why they couldn't just tell me of their plans? And they were right in their answer, which was, that I was much too naive to understand, much too taken by my quest and much in the need to prove my worthiness," he finishes looking pleased.
"That's great, Draco. So, what else is there, I can see the wheels turning, tell me," says Ginny giddy with excitement.
Indeed there was he thinks, he holds her shoulders and says, "They asked me about my friends and future plans. I told them that I have a group of friends who understand me and only want the best for me and you were the most important person in that group. The portraits requested that I take steps in moving forward with my life and to find a special someone to share my life with. I confirmed that there was such a person in my life, someone who I have longed to ask for a dinner date, and to also ask her to spend her time with me more as a lover than just as a friend." He is studying Ginny's face to see a reaction.
Instead she has put on her poker face that he taught her sometime back, "Oh," is all Ginny says. Inside, Ginny is taken back by this admission. Was there a woman in Draco's life, her Draco's life that she had no idea about? "Why didn't tell me about her?" she asks with her eyes telling a different story than her features.
"I didn't know how she would react. But I think I can now see that I was wrong in my logic," he notes placing his finger under her chin so she can look at him, "Who is she, is what you are really asking?"
"Yes," Ginny answers confidently.
"I think everyone has guessed, but either we are too blind or live too much in our friendship bubble to see that there is more to us than just friends. Don't you agree?"
Ginny can't believe the words he is saying, she looks at him and realizes that everything he is saying is true, she nods her head and gives him her biggest, loving smile. With this he takes her face into this hands and kisses her with his whole heart and soul.
As they recover from the first of many kisses, he asks "Where would you like to go for dinner?"
The Great Beyond
The rest ofMay and June finds Ginny and Draco whole heartedly together, much to Ron's chagrin, which he squarely blames the Potters for. The Potters, however, are happy with this development, especially Luna who had a strong feeling about this outcome. But, they aren't the only ones who are happy with the turn of events, the remaining members of Draco's family and the Weasleys are as well.
In July, Draco receives a phone call from Brandon to start closing the firm down. After reading many financial reports from top companies, Brandon's brilliant financial mind works out that something big will happen and he wants everyone to cash out and be comfortable.
For the rest of the summer, Ginny and Draco along with Cressida take part in London Pubs Summer Music Concerts by supporting Mick and the Cover Band. The Fab Four also venture outside of London to attend Reading and Leeds music festival. The Potter and Weasley couples are unable to join them as their pregnancies grow and they are in the midst of school preps for their older kids.
For the season of Autumn, Draco is diligently updating himself with the financial matters of the Malfoy family, he is planning to take over from his mother as proxy now that the firm is closed and he has slowly reestablished himself in the Wizarding World. He is also working on setting up a not-for-profit organization to fund a therapeutic facility in London near Charing Cross, an easy access to both Muggles and Magic folks. He plans to gift this project to Ginny in the near future.
Now that Ginny and Cressida are on the same schedule, the travel to work and work itself are delight and a reminder of their university days. In the meantime, Mick and Draco have come together to work on a partnership with various pubs in the Baker Street including The Globe. The partnership would join a block of pubs as an entity to survive together instead of competing with each other. They would share staff, licensing fees, food and beverage purchase and costs, however each pub would retain their unique look and feel. The deal will include the Cover Band as the exclusive host and entertainers at the Globe, as well as having their merchandise on sale by the pub's bar.
In late November, the Wizarding World rejoices in the back to back births of high profile babies- Hugo Harry Weasley and Lily Pandora Potter who are born within days of each other. Ginny is excited to once again be Godmother to a Potter child while sharing Godparenting duties with her brother, Ron.
For their first Christmas together, Ginny and Draco have joined the Weasley family at the Burrow for Christmas Eve dinner and for exchanging gifts. The fun filled gathering includes the Potters, Andromeda and Teddy, however, this year the invitation has been extended to Narcissa Malfoy, who is humbled by the family's hospitality and graciousness.
On early New Year's Day morning, hours after seeing Mick and the Cover Band play at the Globe's New Year's Eve party, Ginny and Draco are taking it easy at his flat dressed in matching white bathrobes. Of course the trip to his place is so much easier now that her fireplace is working and connected to the floo network. Draco's top floor apartment is in a posh Notting Hill townhouse which is decorated with modern furniture with soft lines and neutral gray tones. The best feature of the flat according to Ginny is the high ceiling window with a parapet.
The sun is high and bright on the first day of 2009, the couple is listening to soft jazz music while sitting next to each other on his sleek yet comfortable indigo colored tuxedo styled sofa. Draco places his arms around Ginny and turns to her to ask "What do you think about having "You're My Best Friend" play as our first dance song at our wedding?"
Ginny stares at him and wonders if she heard him right, but from the anxious look on his face, indeed she did and so answers with a smirk looking at him, "You mean the song by Queen?"
"Yes, the song by Queen…" he nods his head in disbelief.
"Hmmm, I think that's fitting. Of course we need to find the right venue since we have friends in both worlds," she says thinking out loud.
Confusion is marking Draco's face, he knows her humor but this is a serious question he asked, and instead he says casually, "Ginny, what are you saying? Is it a yes or no? Or do I need to use my Jedi mind tricks on you, Ms Weasley?"
"Jedi mind tricks? You don't need that my dear Wizard, you know wandless magic and besides you have taken your Hawthorn out occasionally instead of having it placed in your Fort Knox," she says teasingly.
"Ginny, my patience is being numbered here…are you answering 'yes' to my question?" he asks with some impatience.
Ginny looks him in the eyes and says, "Isn't the answer obvious? Why would I confirm if Queen sang the song and why I would be speaking of a venue if I didn't want to marry you? So, yes, we can have "You're My Best Friend" as our first dance song.
Draco lets a breath out and embraces Ginny like the life savor she is. He presents her with an emerald cut diamond ring with baguettes on either side of the solitaire. The ring is a Malfoy family heirloom, which was given to his great grandmother by his great grandfather who were said to have a very happy married life. And with that in mind, Draco picked this ring for its history and for the ring's elegant and understated look which was very much like Ginny.
After much decision between the pair and the families it is decided that the wedding will be held this coming Spring Equinox. The March wedding is to be held at the Mayfair Hotel in London which is easily accessible for their Muggle and Wizarding friends and family.
Draco and Ginny are on their way to having a wonderful life together and are happy to note that music played the greatest role in bringing them together.
The End
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to JK Rowling and other entities, however, the story based on a prompt and new characters are mine.