A/N So sorry for the long wait. I had some other writing obligations that had strict deadlines, but those are over now. Big thanks to Sw33tCh3rryP13 who generously agreed to beta this chapter, then proceeded to hold it hostage until I finished my other writing obligations. It was exactly what I needed to get over my writer's block. ^_^
Brilliant thanks to AirmidM for her generous loan of Anthony Goldstein's Cerridwen's. If you don't know her stories, you should go check them out (I especially love the DGB ones).
Also, huge thanks to everyone who reviewed/alerted/followed since the last update! The support and feedback goes a long way to making the writing better. As always, please continue to let me know your thoughts - what you like and dislike - and I will do my best to make improvements in future chapters.
Chapter Four - Belle of the Ball
The morning of the gala dawned with a nervous Ginny staring up at the ceiling of her bedroom at Luna's flat. In a few short hours she would be attending an important Ministry Gala as the official date of Draco Malfoy. That was the part that was making her the most nervous – being Draco's date. Yes, her last major formal event had been the Victory Ball on the anniversary of the war but that had been with Harry and all of her family and friends. This was with strangers and she would be on her own… as Draco's date.
They had been spending more time together in the months that she had worked with MNZ but there were always other people around to act as a buffer. This time, it would be just the two of them. What would she say to him? What would they talk about? Admittedly, Ginny hadn't thought it through completely when she had accepted his invitation but now that the Gala was approaching and the date loomed she was finding it difficult to remember why she agreed in the first place.
Another complication was that Harry, and no doubt Tracey, would be there as well, considering this was one calendar event that he never missed. It would be the first time that they would knowingly be in the same room together and she didn't know if she was ready for that. Furthermore, she would be there as the date of his arch-nemesis. Ginny had to stifle a giggle when she thought of what Harry would say when he saw her on Draco's arm. A part of her - the vindictive, spiteful part - was somewhat looking forward to seeing the look on his face when he saw them. But another part of her was afraid that being in the same room with Harry would bring back all the old feelings, as well as the feelings of the night of the break-up when he had trampled all over her heart in favour of Tracey.
As the dawn's light broke through the window curtains Ginny determined that sleep had abandoned her and decided to make some breakfast for herself and Luna. A few hours later, as Ginny was sipping the last of her third cup of tea and reading the Weekend Prophet, four owls arrived delivering her gown from Madam Flitter. In all her early morning worries about being Draco's date and seeing Harry, Ginny had completely forgotten that the best gown she had ever seen was being delivered that morning. As she lifted the lid on the box, Ginny gasped in awe at the masterpiece she was to wear tonight. The navy blue and black sequined creation was divine and in a split second all of Ginny's insecurities about the Gala went right out the window. She now honestly could not wait for tonight. With a new spring in her step and some new-found confidence, Ginny got ready for her morning of beauty at Pierre LeFey's Salon.
Following Ginny's appointment at Pierre's LeFey's Salon she had a lunch date with Colin to catch up on the happenings of the last week. They agreed to meet in Hogsmeade at Cerridwen's, a café owned by Hogwarts alum Anthony Goldstein and frequented by the pureblood elite and the who's who of the wizarding world.
In the late afternoon Ginny waltzed into the café about ten minutes late to see Colin sitting in one of the plush arm chairs on the patio. She supposed he sat in view of the main doors to prevent her from having trouble spotting him. She made a beeline for her friend and literally plopped into the plush chair across from him, smiling from ear to ear.
"I'm so sorry I'm late, Col," Ginny said, as she picked up the second menu that had appeared on the table. "Pierre took a bit longer than expected because he wanted to try a few styles with my hair before he committed to this one." The petite redhead was still breathless, but her breathing was slowly going back to normal.
"That's alright, Gin," Colin replied. "You look fabulous, by the way," Colin continued, as he gave his friend the once over. Her auburn hair was styled in an elegant up-do with some black gem accents dotted around the crown to give the impression that she was wearing a diadem. Her makeup was a light smoky-eye with glossy lips and accented cheekbones. All in all, Colin thought his normally gorgeous friend looked outstanding. "But aren't you afraid your hair and make-up with get ruined between now and tonight?" Colin glanced at his watch and realized that it was only half past two. The ball wasn't until eight, and that left more than enough time for disaster to strike.
"I'm not worried. Pierre used a charm of his own creation that set my hair and make-up until dawn tomorrow. Apparently, until then, this 'do is impenetrable," Ginny said, with a satisfied smirk. A few moments later, a server arrived to take their order and Ginny ordered a pear and bleu cheese panini while Colin ordered a shepherd's pie. When the server left, Colin just sat back in his seat and gave Ginny a knowing smirk.
"What? Do I have something on my face?"
"Someone's palate sure has gotten refined since she started spending her time around the snakes." Ginny noted that Colin was wearing a smirk that was more amused than accusing, so she felt comfortable enough to tell the truth.
"I had it at work. It was a lunch time recommendation of Draco's when he got tired of hearing me order 'peasant food' from the elves. Do I sound pretentious?" The rising blush on Ginny's cheeks was almost completely hidden behind the make-up, but Colin could still see that she was a bit bashful about her associations with Draco and the other Slytherins.
"No, Gin. You don't sound pretentious, just worldly. It suits you." Colin's genuine smile and honest reply made Ginny feel better. This was why she liked her friends, they never judged.
"Good. Because I really like it! It's light but surprisingly filling; perfect for lunch." The childlike glee on the redhead's face while talking about her lunch selection could be compared to a little girl describing her new doll. Colin could only respond with a chuckle. The server returned not long after with their order, and the two friends dug into their meal. They chatted about inconsequential things while they ate, the minutes passing rapidly as the two friends laughed and joked.
"So how did you hear about this little café, anyway?" Colin gave the café's blue and white, Mediterranean décor and obviously expensive, polished, faux-distressed furniture a cursory glance before turning back to Ginny. He could see the blush rising again, and knew that this place was somehow related to Draco. The knowing smile graced his lips again as he waited for her answer.
"I heard Blaise and Draco talking about it. It's owned by a former classmate of theirs, maybe you remember him, Anthony Goldstein? He was a Ravenclaw prefect. They all run in the same circles… you know, privileged purebloods. Anyway, I heard them talking about entertaining clients here and thought I'd check it out. Do you like it?"
Colin looked around the café again, this time with a more detailed, artistic eye, noting the patio with its relaxed plush armchairs, low tables and magical overhang obviously designed to protect the patrons from the elements while still maintaining the outdoor atmosphere. The main interior room featured a rustic Mediterranean décor with more low tables, relaxed chairs and sofas dotted around the room. There was a bakery counter with a glass display case showcasing the pastries of the day. Double doors behind the counter obviously led to the kitchens, and an archway on the customers' side of the counter showed a corridor that Colin assumed led to the loos.
Turning back to his friend, Colin replied, "I do. It's obviously high-brow in that relaxed, 'we're-posh-and-going-on-holiday' sort of way. Might be a nice place to frequently patronize, gain a more affluent clientele for my photo studio. You know the kind of people I'm talking about…" He said that last bit with a cheeky wink at his friend whose only reply was to giggle.
Ginny was just about to comment when she glanced at her watched and realized the time. "Sweet Circe! Is that the time? I've got to go!" They had been sitting and chatting about inconsequential things for so long that Ginny didn't realize the time and now had to hurry if she wanted to do all of her pre-event preparations.
"But Gin, you already did your hair and make-up, what more do you need to do?" Colin asked, as he watched his redheaded friend flit about paying for their meals and gathering her belongings to leave.
"There are other girly things I need to do before tonight, Col, and I'm running out of time," Ginny responded, when she returned from paying the tab. "Are you staying?"
Colin looked around as more people filed in and out of the café, laughing and chatting with each other. "I think I'll stay, see if I can make a few customers, get a few contacts or at least get a few dates," Colin said, as he winked at Ginny again.
"You're incorrigible," Ginny countered, with a giggle before giving him a kiss on the crown of his head and turning to leave. "Okay, come by tomorrow for brunch and I'll tell you and Luna all about my night. Later!"
The afternoon flew by quickly, and before Ginny knew it, it was time for Draco to arrive. Luna was sitting in the lounge when the doorbell rang.
"Tell him I'll be right there," Ginny shouted, from the direction of her bedroom.
Luna simply smiled as she made her way to the front door. Draco was standing in all his cultured, aristocratic glory on the other side of the door when Luna opened it. Amongst the faded wallpaper, threadbare carpet and the flicking light fixture, Draco Malfoy, wealthy heir and lauded businessman, looked every bit the image of a fallen angel. He stood regally in a black Muggle tuxedo, crisp white shirt and polished black shoes. His hair, while considerably less gelled and stiff than during his formative years, was carelessly dishevelled in a way that suggested that it was accidental.
"Malfoy. Please, come in," Luna greeted, with a polite nod, before retreating to the lounge to return to the book she was reading.
"Lovegood." Draco replied, following the waif-thin blonde into the flat.
When Draco navigated the small flat to find Luna in the lounge, Luna looked towards the door as if surprised to find him there.
"Oh! Malfoy, Ginny says she'll be out in a minute." She blinked at him owlishly before returning to her book.
Draco had just begun looking around the lounge at the interesting - if rather eclectic - décor when Ginny appeared at the door. She looked stunning in the navy blue gown. The sweetheart neckline drew the eye to her décolletage and Draco was very happy that he had taken Hettie's advice and not gotten a necklace to go with her gown.
Earlier that week, Draco had visited the couturier to glean some idea as to what jewellery to get the redhead to perfectly complement and accent the gown. It was part of his plan to woo the former Gryffindor. He intended to wine her, dine her and completely spoil her to the best of his ability, which happened to be quite considerable. He had exquisite taste in gems, and intended to drape her in jewels as often as possible, but would refrain from traditional large diamonds because he knew the redhead would refuse them.
For this occasion, onyx, pearls and a smattering of white diamonds were the gems of choice, and seeing the redhead in the gown, Draco knew he made the correct choice. Approaching her, he removed the jewellery box from his inner jacket pocket and opened it, placing its contents within Ginny's view. Her pleased, startled gasp was Draco's indication that he had, in fact, chosen correctly.
"For you, Ms. Weasley." His offering was simple and straightforward. No preamble.
"Oh, I couldn't - It's too much. I couldn't possibly-." Ginny's mumbled refusal was silenced by Draco's strong hand delicately placing the black pearled bracelet around her wrist.
"Hettie recommended black jewels for such an exquisite dress on such an exquisite lady, and she was right. It's as if they were made for you." The sincerity in his voice and the gleaming pearls on her wrist soon had Ginny agreeing with Draco's assessment.
Walking over to the mirror above the entry table, Ginny replaced her simple faux-diamond earrings with the onyx drop earrings, feeling, for all the world, like a princess. Tonight was gearing up to be the best night of her life. Walking back into the lounge, draped in jewels more expensive than her entire family's combined income, Ginny approached the blond man.
"How do I look?" Ginny did a small turn when she reached Draco, before stopping to face him.
"Delectable," was his reply, as he gave her a delicate kiss on the cheek. Ginny felt him linger there, his pointed nose shifting to caress her jawline and inhale her perfume, before extending his arm for her to take.
"Shall we? Good night, Lovegood. Don't wait up." Ginny's only response was a brilliant smile. Tonight was sure to be amazing.
They had arrived just in time to do the red carpet walk with all the photographers before the gala began. Ginny was awestruck. She had never seen that many photographers in one place. They were separated from the red carpet by metal barriers and kept shouting the names of the people on the carpet, trying to get their attention for the optimal photo.
Ginny knew her face showed her complete panic at how to react in this type of environment, but when she looked at Draco, he had his composed, stoic mask firmly in place. He seemed right at home at these types of events, and Ginny wondered how many of these he had been to in his short lifetime. Her panic must have been palpable because he just pulled her closer to him, wrapping his arm around her waist to rest on her hip in a clear sign of possession, and whispered in her ear.
"Relax and smile. It will be over in a minute."
As they moved further up the carpet, the paparazzi spotted Draco's trademark hair and went into a frenzy.
"Mr. Malfoy! Mr. Malfoy! Over here! Who are you wearing? Who is that on your arm? Is she your girlfriend? Who is she wearing?"
The paparazzi seemed to shout all their questions at once. Ginny was having a difficult time trying to decide where to look. Draco felt her stiffen in his arms at the attention, and gave her hip a comforting squeeze. Again he whispered, "Smile," before turning her away from him slightly so that her dress was on full display, sticking his free hand into his pocket, and pausing to allow the photographers to get their pictures. Ginny had just enough time to smile before the flashbulbs went off and they began moving up the carpet again. She knew that all those photos would show Draco wearing his trademark smirk, and for some reason that thought brought a genuine smile to her face.
The Ministry had really outdone themselves on the decorations. They had gone for the clichéd theme of "winter wonderland," if the icicles, snowmen and white fairy lights were anything to go by. Ginny could hardly contain her amusement. She knew a fair amount of galleons were spent to make the Ministry Ballroom seem like a winter paradise in July, but the tacky decorations were ridiculous. Unable to control her reaction Ginny spoke.
"Their decorator should be Crucioed," she whispered.
"It's like this every year. Same ballroom, same decorator, different theme but same tacky décor," Draco said, with a chuckle. "It's part of the reason Blaise, Theo and I hate coming. We'd much rather send a big cheque and stay home than come and play nicely with people who hate us, but it's good for business. The food is usually good too." The cheeky grin that accompanied his last sentence brought a giggle to her lips. She was quickly realizing that Draco Malfoy loved food. It was kind of endearing.
"C'mon, let's go find our table," he said, steering her towards the seating area.
They found their table and took their seats. Dinner was served almost as soon as they were seated and Ginny absently wondered if Draco hadn't timed it that way to avoid socializing with the other guests. Again, this brought a smile to the redhead's face as she glanced at her date. He was Slytherin through and through, but was also surprising in so many new and refreshing ways.
As the night progressed, Ginny could honestly say she was having a wonderful time. During the dinner, the other guests at their circular table were very pleasant, the food was delicious, the wine was fantastic and her date was very attentive. He led a running commentary of who's who, and even more interesting, about the dirty secrets in their closets –- like the fact that the Head of International Magical Trading Standards Body was having an affair with his step-daughter from his second marriage to a certified gold-digger half his age. The speeches were long and tediously boring, given by people who had an overinflated sense of their own importance, and who loved hearing themselves speak, but the reassuring hand caressing Ginny's lower back kept her suitably distracted. When the business portion of the evening ended, Draco stood from his chair and extended his arm.
"May I have this dance?" His charming smile had Ginny forgetting how to speak and barely managing a nod in response.
He swept her onto the dance floor to glide to the delightful sounds of the string quartet that had taken residence on the raised platform. Draco pulled Ginny close, almost indecently so, his hand resting scandalously low on her back while his other hand held hers gently as he twirled and spun her to the music.
"Are you enjoying yourself, Ms. Weasley?" His eyes were glued to hers and it was as if everyone else in the ballroom disappeared.
"I am, very much, Mr. Malfoy. Thank you for asking." The note of surprise was not lost on Draco.
"You seem surprised." It was a statement, not a question.
"I am, to be honest. You have been very courteous and attentive. I'm not accustomed to seeing this side of you. You have managed to make me feel comfortable in a setting that I'm clearly not used to."
Ginny had broken their eye contact during her speech, feeling slightly embarrassed, and was now staring at an imaginary point over his right shoulder. Holding her chin between his thumb and forefinger he brought her gaze back to his before speaking again.
"Good. It means it's working." His cheeky grin was back again.
The awkwardness of the previous moment deflected, Ginny ventured into this new course of the conversation.
"What's working?"
"My charms. I'm wooing you, remember. I wouldn't be successful if you were uncomfortable being around me, especially since I intend on spending a lot of time in your presence." His gaze was burning into hers and Ginny could see something there that caused pleasant sensations to run through her body.
Her body's reaction surprised her, having never felt that way from just a look alone. The feeling brought a pleased smirk to her face before she replied.
"Who says it will work? I could be immune to your charms and advances," She ventured, a sly look on her face.
"You aren't. It's already working. Besides, you like me because I'm a scoundrel. There aren't enough scoundrels in your life." The smouldering look he sent her sent a shiver down her spine. He noticed, and just pulled her closer to whisper in her ear.
"I enjoy spending time with you, Ms. Weasley." He then placed a gentle kiss on the pulse point of her neck.
Her euphoria at his declaration was short-lived, however; no sooner had his lips left her neck than she felt herself being pulled from his grasp and led off the dance floor. When she had gathered her bearings, she turned to find her brother, his best mate and their respective dates all glaring at her.
"What do you think you're doing?!" Ronald Weasley was livid. His face was an incredible shade of red, with the effort it was taking to keep his temper in check.
"I am dancing," she replied, equally irate, but much more in control of her temper than he was.
"I meant, what are you doing with the ferret?" He repeated his question, as if to clarify.
"I. Am. Dancing!" Her eyes turned to slits, as she wrenched her hand from her brother's grasp.
"Why are you here with him and what are you wearing?" Ron's face contorted as if he smelled something unpleasant.
"Draco is my date," Ginny replied, glancing towards an unusually silent Malfoy, with a charming smile on her face. Her date returned her smile with an answering smirk.
"As for what I'm wearing, it's called a gown. I can understand your confusion, given the attire of your present company," she said, sending a pointed glare towards Tracey Davis, Harry's date for the evening. She was wearing a garish, red gown with an inappropriately high split and a daringly plunging neckline.
"If you will excuse me, I must return to my date." Ginny had turned to return to Draco's side when her arm was grabbed again.
"Why are you doing this, Ginny? Is it to get back at Harry? I understand you're hurt, but Malfoy?"
"This has nothing to do with Harry, Ronald. Harry made his choice and I've made mine. The way you're behaving, people might think you care. But you and I both know that's not the case, otherwise you would have tried contacting me at some point during these last three months." Ron had the good sense to look ashamed but that didn't stop his mouth from uttering his next words.
"Is he paying you? Because the way you're hanging on him, you look like a high-priced call girl." During the exchange, Ron had pulled her close by the wrist that had the bracelet on it. When his eye caught the expensive trinket, he let out a low growl and unconsciously gripped her wrist even tighter.
"Ouch! Ron! Stop! You're hurting me!"
At Ginny's words, a strong arm gripped Ron's and a deep voice spoke from behind him. "That is enough, Mr. Weasley. I must ask that you release Ms. Weasley's arm or be forcibly removed from the premises."
Ginny never heard Ron's reply as she was pulled into a hard chest and a comforting embrace. As she got her breathing under control and clutched her bruised wrist to her chest, she heard Draco speak.
"Are you alright? Does it hurt?"
Looking into his eyes, she saw concern reflected there with just a bit of underlying rage. It was clear to Ginny that he wanted to be the one dealing with Ron, but felt that it was more important to be with Ginny. His sincerity and care gave her a warm feeling.
"It's just a bruise. It will heal," she whispered.
"Here, let me look at it. Let's go and get that healed properly." Draco's tone was caring as he started guiding her towards the main doors of the ballroom.
"But what about Ron?" Ginny asked pointed and pointed towards the two men who were currently arguing with her brother and his friends.
"Let Urquhart and Higgs handle it. That's what they get paid to do," he replied absently, as he led her down a more brightly lit corridor. "Ah, this will do," he continued. "Let's see what we can do about that wrist."
As Draco healed her wrist with his wand, Ginny observed the man before her. He had matured. She thought he would have relished throwing their budding relationship in her brother's face, but instead he had stood back to let her handle it, knowing that she could. He only intervened when her safety was threatened and even then, he had taken her to safety and left others to handle the aggressive bits. This new information, coupled with what she had observed during her time with MNZ, was painting an appealing picture of this new Draco Malfoy.
"You have private security?" Ginny asked, with a quirk of her eyebrow.
"Only for public appearances," Draco answered with an amused smirk on his lips. "Remember, people still don't like me very much. I'm the big, bad Malfoy heir. There, all better." Ginny looked at her wrist and was pleased to see that the angry outlines of Ron's fingers that were starting to form were now gone.
"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy. You are such a gentleman. A regular knight in shining armour," She joked.
"A dark knight, perhaps," he returned, placing a delicate kiss on her wrist. "Now, do you want to go back inside, or has the interruption ruined your evening and you would prefer I take you home?"
Ginny looked up at his face and could not find it in herself to leave. She wasn't ready for the night to end, and knowing that there were two very large men on Draco's payroll ensuring her security, she felt safer about being in the ballroom with an irate Ron and Harry.
With a beaming smile, Ginny answered Draco's question with, "More dancing please!"
Draco's sunny smile and rumbling chuckle were a picture of perfection that Ginny felt privileged to witness. He replied, "Good. Shall we?" As they made their way back into the ballroom, Ginny thought her own contented smile would need to be chiselled off her face.
It was well after midnight before Draco and Ginny left the Ministry Gala. The music was wonderful, the drinks kept flowing, and they danced and talked for hours. Ginny vaguely remembered being worried about what she and Draco would talk about. In reality, they spoke of anything and everything. No topic was out of bounds. Ginny found that Draco had a cutting wit, and a brilliant, dry sense of humour, much like her own. They shared ideas and observations they made in the ballroom while Draco twirled her to the music.
As he walked her to her door, Ginny couldn't help the smile on her face. It felt like it had been there all night. With the minor exception of the encounter with Ron, Ginny's night was perfect, and even that had let Ginny see that to Draco she was the most important thing in any situation – a pleasant change to the feelings she got during outings with Harry.
"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy. I had a wonderful night," Ginny said, as they stood in front of her door.
"You're welcome. I'm glad you had a good night. I did, too."
"You're a very good dancer, I was impressed," Ginny said, as she stared into his eyes.
"I survived the Narcissa Malfoy School of Etiquette," Draco replied with a chuckle, as the thumbs resting on her hips made small, hypnotizing circles.
"It was a job well done. I had a wonderful time."
"You already said that."
"I guess I did," Ginny said, blushing slightly. She watched as Draco lowered his head to hers, his smoky grey eyes never leaving her chocolate brown ones.
When their lips met, Ginny felt like her entire body had been dipped in a warm bath. It was startling at first, but soothing as time passed. His lips were warm but firm, soft and comforting. The kiss was short and delicate but extremely satisfying. As first kisses went, Ginny had to admit that this was one of the best, if not the best, she had ever had. His thumbs were still making their circles, her lips were tingling and his arms had pulled her closer throughout the kiss. Their embrace didn't last long, but it heated Ginny's entire body. She felt as if she had chugged an entire case of butterbeer, the heat in her body radiating from the inside out. When they broke the kiss, Ginny's eyes were clouded with desire and she could see the same thing reflected in Draco's.
"Goodnight, Ginny." Draco gave a parting farewell before leaving another small kiss on her cheek.
"Goodnight, Draco," Ginny replied, then turned and walked into the flat. She could hear Draco's footsteps as they retreated down the corridor.
Making her way through the now-darkened flat, Ginny reflected on this appealing new side to Draco Malfoy.
For pictures of Ginny's dress and jewellery, visit the link posted on my profile...
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