Just Like a Fairytale
The next morning had flown by so fast that Ginny was not sure whether it had even started at all. All too soon she was being handed the Portkey that would take her to her godmother's—Celia, herself, being unable to make it because of some unexpected business—and so the young redhead was able to make her goodbyes with all the tears the occasion deserved without fear of being frowned upon for her excessive sensibility.
Her mother certainly had no qualms about being perceived as overly sensitive. Mrs Weasley had hugged her daughter and given her a very watery kiss, telling her how much she would miss her 'baby', and that she was sure Ginny would have so much fun with her dear Celia. Mr Weasley had given her a hug of his own and assured the nervous damsel that she would be well looked after and to just enjoy herself. Ron had risen to the occasion by presenting her with a pretty pearl necklace he had bought for an old girlfriend (not that his sister was not to know that), which Ginny had exclaimed great appreciation over and hugged her brother tightly in thanks.
Now the redhead just beamed happily at her family, her eyes glowing with unstrained excitement as she waited for the Portkey to activate. She felt the magic hum in her fingers, feeling the warm jolts of energy slither through her blood, and then, as she took one last look at the family she so dearly loved, the magic activated, and she found herself spiralling through time and space to her godmother's home.
Ginny landed rather ungracefully onto a large expanse of grass, her hands still clutching the Portkey against her chest. She took in her surroundings with a curious air, only to have her eyes widen dramatically when they fell on the very grand home at the other end.
"Wow," was all that Ginny could muster.
She had not been expecting that. The house, or rather mansion, was made of rusty brick and seemed to glow in fiery, autumn shades with the evening sun, with flowers blooming along the veranda in vibrant bursts of colour. Ginny felt that the home appeared to smile at her, the windows and balconies shaping into an old man's face that seemed as good-natured as it was wise with history. She smiled to herself, not quite able to believe her luck. This was perfect!
Ginny had no bags (her belongings were being sent to the house later), and so she simply had to walk up to the beautiful old home and knock on the door. She had only waited a few seconds before the door was opened, and a neat little house-elf was smiling toothily up at her.
"You must be Miss Weasley! Please, come into the parlour and have some refreshments. Mistress Celia will not be long in her business."
"Thank you," said Ginny warmly, and followed the little house-elf into the house.
She gazed admiringly around her, noting the tasteful elegance with which Celia Adderson had decorated her home. Nothing was too ostentatious or over-bearing, allowing Ginny to feel at least some comfort. She was well out of her element in this home, but there was a welcoming feeling of warmth and happiness lingering in the very walls that put her at ease.
"In here, Miss."
Ginny entered the room through the door that the house-elf was holding open for her and smiled in pleasure. Everything was as it should be, with squishy chairs that looked very inviting, bright flowers encased in vases dotted around on the tables, and portraits of beautiful scenery adorning the pastel yellow walls.
"Please take a seat. I will inform the Mistress that you have arrived."
Ginny once more thanked the house-elf and took a seat on one of the cream-coloured chairs, letting out a deep sigh of contentment as she did so. Her eyes fell on the elegant table of refreshments where they lit up with a pleasure that only someone who had never had such food so readily at her fingertips could understand.
She popped one of the chocolate delicacies into her mouth, savouring the taste in ecstasy as her eyes closed, and a deeply satisfied smile came to her lips. She did not hear the door open, so enraptured was she by the delicious truffle, nor did she see the expression of deep puzzlement that the newcomer wore as he took in her appearance.
"And who are you?"
Ginny jumped in fright and opened her eyes in surprise, meeting the equally surprised blue eyes gazing right back at her. Even under all her fright and shock, she was still able to notice how very handsome the man before her was. He had jet-black hair that fell softly around his face and eyes of the deepest blue she had ever seen. His skin was quite tan from the sun, and there was a hint of good-humour lurking around his mouth that made her instantly attracted to him. It also helped that he was tall. Very tall.
"I'm sorry," said Ginny, blushing a little in embarrassment as she stood up to greet him. "I'm Ginny Weasley, Mrs Adderson's goddaughter."
Understanding seemed to fill the man's face, and his lips made an easy smile. "Ah, you must be the girl coming to stay with my mother."
Ginny blinked. She had no idea that her godmother had a son, let alone such a handsome one.
"Y-your mother?"
"Yes," responded the handsome young man, blue eyes dancing with light-hearted amusement, "and I obviously picked a good time to visit her now that I know such a beautiful girl as yourself is staying here."
Ginny felt her cheeks grow warm and knew that she must be blushing something awful. No one had ever complimented her like that, and the redhead in question found that she was not so against it.
She gave him a shy smile and peeped up at him through her lashes. "You're staying here too, then?"
He grinned at that. "Well, I admit I was not going to but after seeing you, how could I possibly leave?"
Ginny fidgeted with her hands, her cheeks warmer than ever. "Now you're just being silly."
"Not at all," came the smooth retort, and he moved a few step forward to take her hand lightly in his.
He placed a graceful kiss on the back of her hand, sending butterflies fluttering through her stomach, and then raised his dancing eyes back to hers.
"My name is Julian, by the way. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Ginny."
Before Ginny could answer this stunning declaration, a rather large woman entered the room and let out a loud shriek of joy, pending all further conversation between Julian and herself.
"My dear, look how much you've grown!"
Ginny only managed to give a nervous smile before she was enfolded in a very flowery embrace that nearly crushed her ribs. She was relieved when the smiley woman finally released her and held her at arms length to survey her critically.
"Aren't you just the sweetest thing!" cooed the woman happily. "That red hair is simply lovely and will be sure to make you stand out amongst those other insipid girls that all seem to want blonde hair. It is a shame you have so many freckles, but one cannot have everything, after all." Her eyes roamed Ginny's figure appreciatively. "You may not have the perfect figure, but it's good enough. I'm sure I can find dresses to set it off to advantage."
Ginny could only blink again as the woman rambled on. This woman, who was clearly her godmother, was not at all what she had expected. She always remembered Celia Adderson as a very sweet woman, but then perhaps that was just because the last Ginny had seen her was when she herself was only seven-years-old. Her mother had written letters to Celia over the years, but Ginny had not. Now faced with this modish, large, and rather over-bearing woman, she found herself feeling just a little overwhelmed, especially after Celia's odd appraisal of her. She was still unsure whether to be offended or grateful.
"Mother, let her breathe," interrupted Julian with a laugh. "You'll scare her off before she's even settled in."
"Nonsense," retorted Celia with a laugh of her own. "Ginny is perfectly fine."
Ginny didn't know if she agreed with that statement, but then Celia clasped the redhead's hands in her own and beamed kindly at her, giving Ginny at least some comfort that the woman wasn't completely insane.
"We're going to have so much fun, you and I," said Celia in gushing accents. "There's so much we have to do; what, with getting new dresses for you to wear, and your hair will have to be done stylishly as well. Oh, and we'll also have to hold a ball for you here and invite all the eligible bachelors—and the girls too, I suppose."
"Thank you, Mrs Adderson. I'm very much in your debt."
"Please, call me Celia. I always feel so old when people call me 'Mrs Adderson', and don't thank me, dear. I'm going to have the time of my life looking after you!"
"Seems like you too are going to be keeping yourselves thoroughly entertained," commented Julian with one of his easy smiles. "I hope you're going to save some time for me as well, Ginny. I do wish to further my acquaintance with you."
Ginny blushed faintly and gave him another of her shy smiles. "Of course."
Julian seemed satisfied by her answer and said he had to be going to finish up with some business. He gave his mother a quick kiss on the cheek and then bowed gracefully to both women before leaving the room, his smiling eyes lingering on Ginny's face for just a moment as he shut the door.
"Oh, my word," exclaimed Celia, "he seems quite taken with you. What did you ever do to get him so interested? I declare he could barely keep his eyes off you."
Pink once more flooded Ginny's cheeks, but she felt just a little defensive at this judgement. She hadn't done anything to get Julian's attention. All she had been doing was eating chocolate truffles.
"I didn't do anything. I don't even understand why he would look at me. I'm sure there are plenty of prettier girls than me."
"Stuff!" said her godmother bluntly, promptly dismissing all those other pretty damsels. "Not one of them have hair as red as yours or eyes so strangely chestnut. My dear, you could be quite beautiful if you tried more. Though those freckles do make you look a tad too village maiden but never mind that. I shall make you a goddess. I must warn you though, dear," confided Celia, giving her hand a gentle pat. "Do not attach yourself to my son. I don't mean to slight your family, for Merlin knows how much I love dear Molly, but I have other plans for Julian. Now I know you're a sensible girl and won't take a pet at my words, and mark my words there will be plenty of other handsome men to turn your head."
Ginny felt just a little offended that Celia did not think she was good enough for her son, but she was far too excited at the prospect of being a goddess to complain, so she simply nodded her head and allowed the woman to babble on about society and all the things Ginny would be able to do. By the end of their discussion (which was several hours later), the redhead was feeling much more charitable towards her hostess and was quite excited at the prospect of going shopping the next day to get some dresses.
"And will they be just like the ones I see in the magazines?" asked that excitable damsel.
"Of course, dear!" said Celia airily, while leading her up to the room that had been prepared for her. "I'm not saving any expenses on you. Mind you, I don't want you to look like one of those tacky misses that wear the showiest clothes imaginable. You're going to be elegant, my dear, for it is simple elegance that shows true beauty."
Ginny drankin this wise wisdom and nodded her head, smiling gratefully at her godmother.
"I don't know how I would ever go about without you here to help me," confided Ginny naively. "Thank you so much for doing all of this for me."
"There now. You're a good girl, and I promised your mother that I would give you an enjoyable time here, and that's what I mean to do." Celia gave Ginny another one of her kind smiles and opened the door. "You just get some sleep now. Tippy will wake you up for breakfast tomorrow, and after that we will go shopping."
"I can't wait," confessed Ginny, eyes sparkling at the prospect.
"No, nor can I. It's been quite some time since I've been able to shop like this, and I know I will enjoy it thoroughly." Celia patted Ginny's hand and smiled again. "Good night, dear, and make sure you get plenty of sleep."
"I will, and good night!"
Ginny entered the room and shut the door behind her, her eyes immediately falling on the very large bed. She let out a small whoop of joy and jumped on the bed, looking nothing at all like the formal Miss she had been trying to be in Celia's parlour room, and every bit the young madcap that she was. A broad grin formed on her lips as she lay there, thinking about all that had happened that day and all that was yet to happen, but it was a much softer and smaller smile that slipped onto her face when she thought of Julian.
It would be too much to say that she thought herself in love with him, for even Ginny was not so naïve as to believe that it was possible to really fall in love with someone at first sight, no matter how romantic it sounded in the books, but she did know that she was deeply attracted to him. He fit all the criteria of her perfect man. She knew that she would not be against seeing him again.
Ginny thought of Celia's warning, and the small sting of hurt rose once more at the thought that she was not good enough for her godmother's son. It would have been better for Celia to have said nothing on the matter for Ginny was just the kind of girl to take umbrage at such a remark and behave contrary to her godmother's wishes, if only out of spite. Worse than that, though, was the fact that Ginny was a true romantic, and she found that the thought having of a forbidden romance with Julian made him all the more alluring.
And so it was with that thought that Ginevra Weasley did not take heed of the helpful advice she had been given and, instead, occupied herself quite happily in imagining just what Julian was like until she fell fast asleep.
OOOO
The next morning Ginny was rather disappointed to find that Julian had already left before breakfast to do some business on his vineyard in Italy, but that he would be back later that night. The discovery that he normally lived in Italy only added to the attraction she had for him, and it was a while before she could stop her fantasies about living in the Tuscan sun with the handsome, dark-haired man.
"My dear, you really must stop this day-dreaming of yours," scolded Celia. "There is nothing so off-putting as a girl who is always staring into space."
"Sorry," mumbled Ginny in embarrassment.
"That's quite alright. Just try not to do it again."
Ginny nodded her head obediently and followed Celia down the crowded streets of Diagon Alley where they were shopping for new outfits. She already had a collection of dresses and jewellery to set her up for a lifetime, but Celia insisted that she needed a dress for every occasion, no matter how trivial it may seem. Ginny was not going to complain, and so both women chattered happily about colours, materials, and other such things that had always occupied a special place in Ginny's heart as they entered yet another shop.
Celia immediately went to the owner and told the dressmaker about Ginny's situation. Madam Duboir was very happy to create anything for the pretty damsel, and Ginny soon found herself standing on a dais while Madam Duboir pinned cloths around her to determine which colour and style of dress to make for the redhead.
"Does Mademoiselle like the dress of blue celestial, or would Mademoiselle prefer the yellow?"
Ginny was unsure, and since Celia thought that the dresses looked equally ravishing on her goddaughter, they ended up purchasing both, as well as a ball gown of deep green, a white, flowing dress that Ginny particularly liked, and a simple, strapless dress for casual occasions.
"Why don't you put the casual one on now, Ginny?" said Celia, giving the redhead a gentle push to the changing room. "You never know who you might see in town, and I want everyone to see how beautiful you are."
Ginny nodded excitedly. She had already been wishing she could change into one of the dresses for a long time now, and so she rushed into the changing room and put on the cream-coloured dress that would have been rather plain were it not for the pink flowers lining the material at the curve of her breasts. Her freckles did stand out against the soft fabric, but Ginny thought she had never seen herself look so pretty and was happy to find that she actually felt so.
Her confidence now thoroughly boosted, Ginny once more met up with Celia (who praised, rapturously, on how good Ginny looked in the dress), and both women left the shop very pleased with themselves and their purchases.
It was just as Ginny and Celia were about to enter a café to get some lunch when she first saw Draco Malfoy. He looked just the same as he always had when he was at school: snobbish and too proud for his own good. However, his shoulders were more defined now, and he had clearly grown into his pointy features that she had used to mock so much. She had once likened him to a rat in their school days, but there was nothing rat-like about Draco Malfoy's face anymore. In fact, one would almost be inclined to call him handsome, though he was nothing to Julian Adderson.
"Oh, goodness me, there's Draco Malfoy!" exclaimed Celia, having followed Ginny's gaze. "He's one that you want to get on your good side. Very powerful in society, his family is."
Ginny made a face at that, but lucky for her Celia did not see it, having been too busy waving energetically at Draco to get his attention. At once, realising what Celia was going to do, Ginny grabbed at the older woman's arm desperately.
"Oh, please don't call him over," implored the redhead, her cheeks going a light shade of pink.
She didn't doubt that Draco's wit would be just as cutting now as it was in their younger days, but it was too late. Draco had already noticed the two women and was now making his way over in what Ginny saw as some reluctance. He stopped in front of Mrs Adderson and gave her a polite nod, though Ginny could tell by the forced smile on his face that he did not particularly cherish her godmother. Somehow, she doubted that he liked anyone; he always had been such a disagreeable boy.
"Mrs Adderson," said Draco politely. "How nice to see you again—and in such health."
Celia laughed loudly and rapped his arm with her hand. "Now, Draco, don't take that distant tone with me. I've known you since you were in nappies, as you well know."
Ginny could almost see his mind mentally muttering 'unfortunately', and she would have giggled had it not been for the fact that his silvery-grey eyes had now fallen on her. She saw his pupils widen with mild shock and was unsure whether to feel glad he seemed surprised to see her or offended.
"This is my goddaughter, Ginevra Weasley," explained Celia. "She's staying with me throughout the season."
"We've met before," said Draco shortly, and abruptly turned his attention back to Celia.
"Oh, well then you will no doubt wish to catch up, and since I have just spotted Maria Cunningham over there, I'll leave you two young ones alone for a while. You don't mind, do you?"
Since Ginny found herself unable to express her feelings right now when faced with that confident smile, and Draco was obviously too polite to snub her in front of her godmother, both said nothing and watched as Celia scuttled over to her friend.
An awkward silence fell around the two. Ginny shifted uncomfortably as she stared at her hands, unsure what to do or say. She had barely talked to Draco Malfoy unless it was to exchange insults, and since it would be rather immature to do that now, she found herself quite at a loss.
"You're staying in London, then?" asked Draco, clearly deciding he would have to be the one to break the awkward silence.
"Yes."
"Oh."
More silence.
Ginny raised her eyes to his face and wondered what he was thinking. She was glad he had not said anything rude to her yet, but it was rather ridiculous to think that either of them could come up with a civil conversation that could last any longer than five seconds. She felt like she had to try though, and so shebravely decided to ask him a question.
"Um, how do you know Celia?"
He sighed and stuffed his hands in his pockets. "She's friends with my mother. Old school friends, you know?"
Ginny nodded though privately thought it odd that Celia should be both her mother's friend and his mother's friend. It was a rather ironic coincidence, considering the circumstances their families were in.
"I take it she is the one bringing you out into society, then?"
"Yes," said Ginny. "My family couldn't afford it, so Celia offered to pay for it all."
She waited for the cutting remark about her family's poverty, but it never came. He simply nodded as if that were obvious, and glanced down the street to where Celia could be seen talking to a rosy-cheeked woman.
"How long do you think she's going to take?" asked Draco in some frustration.
"You don't have to stay, you know," pointed out Ginny. "I know you must be finding this as awkward as me, and I won't be offended if you want to leave. We never did get along at school, after all, and to be honest I have no idea what to say to you anyway, short of something that would make me look and sound rather undignified, forcing Celia to scold me."
Draco's eyes flicked back to her face in some amusement. Ginny was surprised to see a genuine smile on his mouth. She'd never thought she would see the day that Draco Malfoy would smile at her, and she could have fainted then and there at the sheer miracle of it all.
"You're certainly blunt, aren't you?" asked the blond.
Ginny shrugged. "I'm not going to pretend that I have perfect manners like all you lot seem to, and I'm just telling the truth. I really do have no idea what to say to you. I mean, think about it, Malfoy, the last time we probably spoke to each other involved petty insults and maybe a bat-bogey-hex on my part."
Draco laughed. "Most likely."
"Right, so how in Merlin's name are we supposed to have a decent conversation when all I can think about is how horrible you were in school, and, more than likely, you're thinking the same thing about me?"
"I don't know, but we seem to be doing all right."
Ginny shook her head sagely. "So you say now, but give us more time to get over the surprise of meeting each other again, and I promise you we will both be regretting half the things that come out of our mouths."
He seemed amused, not quite a smile lurking on his mouth, but before he could say anything Celia was back and beaming happily at the both of them.
"There now, Ginny, I've just invited Maria and her girls to the little party we're going to be having for your coming-out ball." Her beady brown eyes flickered to Draco, and she gave him a sharp poke in the arm. "I hope you're going to come. I plan to make Ginny quite the success, and goodness knows your attendance will make it all the more."
"I don't think she'll need me to be a success," replied Draco, much to Ginny's surprise, "but I will come if it will please you, Celia. I'm sure Mother will want to go, anyway."
"Then it's settled," declared Celia cheerfully.
Ginny was still staring at Draco in bewilderment, unable to determine whether he had been sarcastic or not with his strange comment, but he merely nodded to the both of them, excused himself politely, and then carried on his way to wherever it was he had been going to before Celia had hailed him over with her energetic waving.
"You two seemed to be getting along nicely," said Celia. "Where do you know each other from?"
"School," answered Ginny absently, still watching Draco's progress down the street in some confusion. She wasn't sure what to make of grown-up Draco.
"Well, be sure to further the relationship. He could make or break you, my dear, and you do not want to be seen as boring to Draco Malfoy."
Ginny's hackles raised at that. "Surely people could like me for just being me rather than whether Draco Malfoy finds me entertaining or not?"
"Ah, you're still so naïve, but never mind, dear," said Celia, patting Ginny's hand, something she seemed to do a lot of. "You'll soon learn."
Ginny didn't think she wanted to learn as it just seemed stupid, but she nodded her head all the same and followed Celia into the café, all thoughts of Draco Malfoy slipping from her mind in the face of such delicious food. What was a man to chocolate éclairs, after all? Or, at least, that was how Ginny was feeling after having her stomach protesting to her for the past half hour.
After they had finished their lunchandcompleted the last of their shopping in town, Ginny finally got to get her hair done. The hairdresser had wanted to cut Ginny's hair short, as was the fashion, but Celia had long decided to use that red hair to Ginny's full potential, and so she had insisted the length stay the same, but perhaps some layers would help give it some 'oomph'.
Ginny was quite content to let them decide everything, never been given the luxury of having professionals do anything with her hair, and once she saw the finished result, she was well-pleased with her decision not to interfere. There was not much difference, but Celia had been right in thinking that the layers would shape the redhead's face in a more complimentary way.
"Ah, now that looks lovely," praised Celia.
Ginny smiled and played with a few strands of her hair. "It does look nice, doesn't it?"
"Yes, and you are going to be simply beautiful once I get you ready for the ball. I can just tell you are going to be all the rage."
For someone who had never been seen as anything but just another Weasley, Ginny could not help the smile that came to her face or the excitement that flooded her at the prospect of the upcoming ball.
London was proving to be everything that she had dreamed it would be.