A/N: Thank you everyone SO much! I can't believe I've made it to ten chapters already! It's been so much fun writing! Over the next week or two I'm going to try to write as often as possible before university starts getting crazy. So, expect to see a few chapters a week! :) once school does get crazy busy I'll probably only post once a week - but never fear! I have so much fun writing this story there's no way I'll abandon it until it's finished. :)
Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter! It's definitely the most dialogue heavy piece I've EVER written, soo I hope it rolls smoothly.
Also - as a fun little thing, I would love to hear which of the characters in this story you like reading the most. :) enjoy!
"Urgh – no, Allen, you stir it counter-clockwise," Ginny groaned as her thirty-year-old employee blew up his second potion that day. She had never fired anyone before, but if he hit his third strike, he was out.
"Sorry, Miss Weasley. It won't happen again," The man muttered under his breath, avoiding Ginny's eyes. She observed the once empty room, which was now bustling with witches and wizards from all ages speedily brewing potions under Ginny and Blaise's supervision. The days were flying by and their grand opening drew closer. They had their staff hired, some competent and others not, and were quickly filling their shelves with new potions as they trained everyone. The closer they got to their opening date, the more nervous Ginny grew. She felt in over her head as the staff she attempted to train made more errors than Blaise's trainees. It didn't help that she only had half the charisma as Blaise. He would confidently give instructions, clearly and coherently, like a true leader. Ginny figured that it would be more difficult to screw up than to succeed under Blaise's confident orders. In contrast, Ginny felt insecure and nervous as she stuttered out her instructions. She imagined her employees' thoughts, everyone asking themselves, "Why are we taking orders from this 21-year-old bimbo?"
She spotted Draco in the corner, hunched over his desk pouring over his paperwork. She decided to take a break from training to express her concerns as she walked over to him, her head hanging low.
"Just a heads up – if you want to fire me I would understand," She said taking the seat across from him. He looked up from his paperwork and gave her a confused stare.
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm lousy at this. It's a miracle no one has died under my watch," She said, slumping over the desk feeling defeated.
"I know self-deprecation is typically the most attractive trait one can imagine – but it doesn't suit you," He drawled sarcastically as he placed his pen down. "You're doing great. We understand that you're new to this, we signed up for a few errors when we hired you. You've only been training for a couple weeks and every person in your group has progressed at nearly the same rate as Blaise. Believe me, you're doing fine. If I start to get concerned I'll talk to you before firing you."
She pursed her lips and tried to convince herself that Draco's 'pep-talk' was honest. She nodded and sighed, silently signaling that she believed him. He gave her a small smile and returned to his work while she remained at his desk. She felt a little sad. Ever since she started seeing Harry religiously she felt as though she was neglecting her friends. The evenings she wasn't working she would spend with Harry, relaxing at his beautiful flat, hanging out with Luna, who was too nervous to be around Blaise, or rekindling her relationship with her family. She was relieved that her mother and Ron were infinitely more understanding about her work when Harry was sitting beside her, supportively backing up every detail she excitedly shared. A small part of her resented the fact that she needed Harry beside her to win over her own family's support, but she figured beggars can't be choosers.
She looked at the calendar hanging on the wall and noticed the date, remembering an important detail which gave her an idea. "Hey! Harry's out of town tonight and Luna is busy at work. What do you say you, me, and Blaise get drunk at my place? It's been a while."
He lifted his eyes without lifting his head Ginny could still see his smirk as he spoke, "Missing us already?"
"Maybe a little," She said coyly, flashing him a smile.
He said his pen down and shrugged his shoulders. "Sorry, Gin. Would love to but I'm busy tonight. Got a date."
Ginny's face accidentally fell at the information, despite knowing she had no right to be upset. "You have a date?"
"I know it's shocking that you're not the only one leading a romantic life – but yes. We've gone out a couple of times this week," He drawled, with a hint of coldness. Ginny had to try harder to conceal her frown. She wasn't sure what stung more; the fact that Draco hadn't told her until that moment that he was dating someone or the fact that he was dating someone at all.
"That's great, who is it?" Ginny asked after swallowing hard, trying to think of a normal, platonic response.
"Fiona Herd"
"Who's that?"
Instead of answering he opened the drawer of his desk and pulled out the Fusion magazine they had previously starred in and flipped to a page in the middle. Without speaking a word he pointed to the drop-dead-gorgeous model on the page. Fiona Herd. Ginny knew the name sounded familiar. She was Luna's number one model for her magazine and fawned over by men all over the country. Ginny's eyes widened as she examined the model's beautifully bronzed skin, plump red lips, luscious wavy chestnut hair and smoldering blue eyes. She was scantily clad, wearing lacy lingerie which left little to the imagination, selling what appeared to be perfume although the advertisement wasn't very clear.
"How did you even meet her?" Ginny asked, still gaping at the magazine.
"I met her the day we had our photoshoot, actually. You and Blaise had your hair finished before me and when I went to track you done afterward I bumped into her in the hallway. Naturally, I saw a beautiful woman so I used my charms on her and she told me to owl her some time. I only got around to mailing her last week, though," He explained, resuming to his paperwork once again.
Ginny tutted her tongue and shook her head in disbelief. "Only you, Draco Malfoy, would get the most beautiful woman in the country's information and wait a month to contact her."
He shrugged and looked her in the eyes and smirked, "I guess I was a little distracted."
His stare sent shivers down her spine and she silently wondered why everything he said seemed to have a double meaning. They broke their gaze when a female's voice disturbed their staring contest.
"I HAVE PRESENTS!"
Their eyes snapped towards the voice to see Luna carrying two large gift-bags, smiling enthusiastically at them. "Hi, Luna!" Both Ginny and Draco said excitedly as she warmly hugged them both. "What kind of presents?" Draco asked, peeking into the bags eagerly.
"I hope you don't mind that I let myself in, but I had to bring these over as a 'store-warming' type gift? You know, not a house-warming, but a store-warming?" She said, sounding distracted as she glanced around the room. "Where's Blaise? I would feel guilty if you opened them without him."
"He just ran out for a quick lunch, he should be back any minute," Ginny said as Draco pulled up a chair for Luna, motioning to her to sit.
"Is it weird that I'm here?" She hissed to Draco and Ginny, "I mean, I know I said we would still be friends, but I've been kind of a lousy friend lately. I haven't seen him since – you know. Is he mad at me?" She kept staring at the door, expecting Blaise to come sauntering around the corner at any moment.
"No, why would he be mad at you?" Draco asked honestly.
"Because…you know…things didn't work out. At all," she was biting her nails, which was apparently a new habit she had developed.
"He's definitely not mad at you," Ginny assured before adding, "But I can't promise he won't be weird around you…because I mean…you're acting like a bit of a lunatic yourself right now."
"Urgh, I know. I just wish it had worked out then we wouldn't be in this situation," She moaned.
"You are both being complete idiots," Draco said flatly, causing Luna to stare at him blankly. "What? You are. You go on one date which is a little awkward, as every first date in the history of the world is, and instead of giving it another go, you resolve to never see each other again and sit around moping for weeks, unable to look at each other when you're both clearly infatuated."
Ginny let out an audible laugh as Draco said everything that had been on her mind perfectly. Luna, however, gaped at him, trying to form an argument.
"I-it's more complicated than that!"
"No, it isn't." He drawled. Ginny laughed once again as couldn't refrain from Draco's blunt honesty as he continued, "If it is complicated it is only because you are both making it complicated. There is nothing standing in the way of you two dating. You're both young, single, and have no roadblocks stopping you. I haven't heard of a less complicating romantic situation, to be honest."
Luna scowled at him and Ginny continued laughing. She directed her glare to Ginny who tried to stifle her giggles.
"What? I mean, he is right."
"Whatever," Luna said, rolling her eyes. She admired the bustling room around her as she watched the staff happily making their potions. "You are all doing fantastically. I can't wait until it opens."
"Me too. It'll be nice to know exactly how successful we really are," Draco said stressfully. "It's so difficult trying to budget when I'm only estimating profits."
"Is that why you're so tense? You seem a little grumpy," Luna said, taking advantage to poke fun at him after he called her and Blaise stupid.
"You do seem a little grumpy," Ginny agreed, "I don't know why you'd be grumpy. You're dating Fiona-fuckin-Herd." She tried to hide any hint of bitterness from her voice.
"Oh, right! She told me about that last week," Luna said. "Isn't she sweet?"
Ginny gasped and swatted Luna's shoulder lightly, "You knew!? Why didn't you tell me?" She whispered, knowing full well she didn't conceal her emotions very well. Her eyes darted to Draco who was trying to act aloof, though unable to conceal the wicked grin plastered on her face. Luna's gaze shifted uncomfortably between Draco and Ginny.
"I-I don't know? Because it's…private I guess? Also…Did not think it was important?"
"Well, it's not important," Ginny said in defense, "I just don't like feeling left out. Does Blaise know?"
"Oh, yeah," Draco said coolly and Ginny threw her hands in the air.
"Why does everyone know besides me?"
"Maybe if you weren't spending all your time with Harry you would have been there when I told Blaise," He said playfully.
"Shit! There's Blaise," Luna hissed, almost trying to hide her head behind Ginny's, but Blaise noticed her instantly.
"Hi, Luna!" He said almost too cheerfully.
"Heeeey, Blaise. How are you?" she said as she leaped from her chair and shook his hand professionally. Ginny and Draco were both cringing at the visible awkwardness.
"I'm fine. What brings you here?" He said, his tanned skin turning red.
"I brought you a present!" She shouted quickly, much louder than she intended, causing Blaise to be taken aback. Draco groaned for Luna.
"Present?" Blaise asked questionably and Luna quickly rushed to her gift bags, practically throwing them in his arms.
"Yep, present! It's there. Don't light it on fire. I need to go, though. Work is busy. Bye now!" She rambled speedily, her usual pale complexion scarlet red. She scurried away quickly and she reached the door Ginny heard her quickly say, "Oh, hello Harry! Would love to chat, gotta run!"
Ginny's head snapped back so hard she felt dizzy as she saw Harry waltz through the storefront. She quickly turned to Blaise, who had a friendly smile planted on his face, and Draco, who's cool expression promptly turned into a scowl.
Harry awkwardly stepped towards the desk and he ran his hands through his hair as he hesitantly spoke, "Sorry, I hope it's okay that I came here. I just wanted to say goodbye to Ginny before I left on my trip."
"Absolutely, mate," Blaise said honestly. "Make yourself at home."
Draco quietly scoffed and rolled his eyes, which Harry noticed, causing his eyes to narrow. Ginny shot Draco a glare and he transformed his sneer into a pleasant smile and he nodded politely to him.
"That's so sweet, Harry. Come on, let's go into the back," She said, grabbing his hand to lead him towards a more private area. As she passed Draco she heard him quietly mutter under his breath, "God forbid they spend a night away from each other." To which she heard Blaise whisper, "Be nice, Draco."
When she pulled Harry into a private room he was scowling and said sarcastically, "It looks like you're all working hard."
"We were taking a quick break," She said, although wondering why she felt the need to defend her work ethic to Harry. The way he spoke was as though he had just caught them doing something inappropriate.
"Malfoy sure seemed happy to see me," He drawled, sounding annoyed.
"He just needs to get used to you, that's all. It is a little weird, after all," She said calmly, placing her palm on her chest and kissed him gently. "It's so good to see you."
She could feel him relax as he warmed up to her touch, "I wish I didn't have to go."
"It's only a couple nights. You'll be so busy doing whatever it is that Aurors do, it'll be over before you know it," She said optimistically.
"You're not…um…going to be hanging out with them the entire time, are you?" He asked uncomfortably and Ginny frowned.
"Well, we will be working together, so sort of?" She said, narrowing her eyes, aware of what he was asking. "I might hang out with Blaise tonight but Draco has a date."
Harry seemed to ease up at that comment, and she made a mental note stating that Harry appeared to be alright with Blaise but not Draco. "That's good, I'm sure that'll be fun."
"Yeeeah…" She said, feeling unsettled with the discussion. She hesitantly decided to add, "Harry, I really want this to work out. But they're my friends…Sometimes I'm going to hang out with them when you're not around."
"I know," He said sadly, "It's just hard, you know? Especially the way Malfoy looks whenever I enter the room, it's like he's mad at me for dating you."
"Are you sure he's not just mad because you guys have hated each other for a decade?"
"No, it's different. He's jealous, I know it," He started and Ginny tried to cut him off so he quickly added, "I think he likes you."
"Pfffft, no he doesn't, Harry. Do you know who that bloke is dating? Fiona Herd! Why in god's name would he be interested in me?" She argued, and Harry shrugged his shoulders.
"I don't know…I just have a bad feeling."
"Well, you're wrong. And getting jealous over nothing. Believe me, if he liked me, he would have made it known in the past months that we've been spending time together." She said and hoped that she didn't let her tone of voice make it known that she had secretly been eagerly hoping for him to make it known in the past months.
"I guess so…"
Suddenly Ginny got an incredible idea. "I know! Guaranteed if you all spent some time with each other you would all get along. We've all matured so much since Hogwarts, they're actually great guys. And you're a great guy. Who knows, maybe you'll all become best friends?" She suggested and Harry's face promptly fell.
"There is no way I'm going to spend time with them."
"Harry, come on! If this is ever going to work you're to have to accept that they're in my life. Wouldn't be easier if you all got along? It would be so nice if I didn't have to choose between spending time with you or them," She grabbed his hand and looked at him with pleading eyes. Harry's stone face gradually softened and he sighed loudly.
"Fine. I guess," He said, sounding displeased, but Ginny was relieved he was willing to do it. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him deeply.
"You're the best, Harry!" She squealed and kissed him. They spent their last few minutes enjoying each other's companies and sharing cute compliments about one another. She was thankful they had managed to resolve their minor spat before he left for his work trip. After she kissed him goodbye she nervously waltzed up to Draco's desk to meet up with Draco and Blaise.
"Look what Luna got us!" Blaise exclaimed brightly as he held three purple small plants. "They're shrivelfigs! They last all year and their roots and leaves are excellent for potions! Perfect for shrinking potions and potions to induce euphoria." He stared longingly at the small plant in his hand and mused out loud, "Fuck, she's cool."
"These are amazing!" Ginny exclaimed as she admired hers fondly.
"So, how is Harry?" Draco asked breezily, not looking at Ginny. She frowned as she remembered Harry's words, unable to tell if he was absolutely crazy or maybe on to something. But she quickly told herself it was irrelevant and took a deep breath as she prepared her proposal.
"Hey, guys…I was wondering if…" She trailed off slightly as she mustered the strength to ask the question, "How would you feel about going out for drinks with Harry and I on Friday? I think it would be good if we cleared some of the tension."
Draco and Blaise both scoffed loudly and looked at her incredulously.
"You have got to be kidding me," Draco stated.
"Come on! It'll be fun! We can bring Luna?" She said, directing that to Blaise who simply shook his head.
"Ginny, that sounds like a nightmare. Worst idea you've ever had," He said flatly.
"Why?"
"Oh, let's see. Let's put Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter at a table and pretend we are all good friends. Oh, and while we are at it, let's invite Luna! The girl of my dreams who can hardly look at me! Oh hey, I know, why not invite a couple of dementors while we are at it, to really lighten up the mood."
Ginny clasped her hands together in a praying motion and begged, "Pleeease, guys. It would mean so much to me. I can't stand all this hatred between everyone. I care about you all so much."
Draco continued shaking his head in disbelief. Blaise, on the other hand, softened a little. He groaned loudly and said, "Fine. If Draco will do it then I will."
She turned her neck to Draco who looked appalled. "Blaise? What the hell?"
"Come on, man. This has got to be hard for Ginny. The least we can do is try," Blaise said and Ginny's heart melted at Blaise's unwavering empathy.
Draco sighed loudly, "Fine. But I'm doing this because I care about you, not because I want to be chummy with Potter." He took a pause and contemplated his decision before adding, "And I'm bringing Fiona."
"Great! That's great! Thank you so much!" She cheered.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Draco muttered, "Anyways, we should probably get back to work. We don't want any more explosions."
Friday came alarmingly fast and before she knew it she and Harry were standing in her flat getting ready to meet them at the bar. Ginny was nervously looking in the mirror as she admired her navy blue dress. She glanced over at Harry, marveling at how handsome he looked when he dressed up and smiled. "I know I've said it a dozen times but I can't thank you enough for doing this."
"I know I've said it a dozen times but I can't believe I'm doing this," He muttered before smiling, "But I know it makes you happy. Are you ready to go?"
Ginny nodded and they apparated to the dingy English pub where Ginny had met Blaise and Draco the very first time. Luna was standing outside, wearing a light lavender lace dress and had her hair in a long, loose side-braid. Her arms were crossed when she spotted Ginny and Harry.
"Why am I here?" She asked throwing her hands in the air, "This is going to be so awkward."
"I've been asking her that all week," Harry said jokingly, "I'm glad you're here, though. It'll be nice having another friendly face."
"Ohh, Harry. If it weren't for the fact that I love Ginny and that I haven't seen you in well over a year, I would have bailed."
"Cheer up, you guys! Everything is going to be fine," Ginny said encouragingly, although not believing her own words completely. She dragged the pair inside the bar and spotted them almost instantly. Her heart started racing as she witnessed the beauty of Fiona Herd in person. She was breathtaking. She wore a deep plum floor-length dress with a plunging neckline, a diamond necklace, and pearl earrings. She insecurely observed her own outfit one last time, suddenly feeling very plain with her lack of cleavage and inexpensive jewelry. Ginny, this was a terrible fucking idea, everyone was right.
"Hiii, guys," Ginny said awkwardly, making their presence known. Draco, Blaise, and Fiona stood up from their seats politely, holding out their hands for Harry to shake.
"Hello!" Blaise said happily before turning to Luna. His voice cracked a bit as he spoke to her, "Hello Luna, you look n-nice!"
"Thank you, you as well."
"Hi, Harry, Good to see you again," Draco said stiffly, but politely.
"You as well," Harry said, returning the same formal tone.
"Oh, and this is Fiona. Fiona, I'm sure you know all about Harry Potter," Draco introduced and Harry shook her hand, "And this is Ginny Weasley, my business partner."
"Hello, nice to meet you," Ginny said pleasantly, shaking her hand.
"You as well. Luna, it's so good to see you again," Fiona said warmly, embracing Luna in a quick hug and pecking her on the cheek.
"You as well. You look absolutely stunning," Luna said, admiring Fiona's gown.
"Oh, yes, well…Draco forgot to mention how casual this establishment was."
Ginny snorted, "Heh, yeah, he did the same to me, too."
Fiona cocked her eyebrow, "You two have been here before?"
"Oh, yeah, well this is where I met with Blaise and Draco for the first time."
"Ohh…so this is where it all began," Harry thought out loud, admiring the dusty television sets and ratted dart boards.
"How was your trip, Harry?" Draco asked cordially, and sent Ginny a glance which said, 'See, I'm trying.' She smirked back at him.
"It was good. Boring, but good."
"Good."
There was an awkward silence. Ginny could have kissed the waiter when he took a drink order.
"I'll get a pint of whatever you have on draught," Ginny said quickly, eager to have some alcohol to dull her nerves.
"A large glass of merlot, please," Luna said hurriedly, "Like, as large as you've got."
"I'll have a water, thanks," Harry said, causing Blaise to shoot him a shocked glance.
"You don't drink, Harry?"
"No, I've never liked it. I prefer being in control of my body."
"Ahh, bad experience one night?" Blaise said suggestively, raising his eyebrows.
"No, not really. Just not a fan."
Ginny had to stifle a giggle as she saw Draco roll his eyes. The waiter returned promptly and delivered the drinks, to which Ginny and Luna exhaled in relief.
"I swear we aren't alcoholics," Ginny giggled to Harry, who cocked his brow at her.
"I sometimes think I am…" Blaise contemplated, "I rarely go a day without a drink."
"We are 21, what else would we do?" Luna asked.
"Well, we could use the money to put towards our business," Draco suggested, "But then how would we celebrate?"
Ginny, Luna, Blaise, and Draco all laughed, leaving Harry and Fiona feeling as though they've been left out on a joke. Luna thankfully sensed their discomfort.
"So, Fiona. You're from Beauxbatons, right?" She asked.
"Really!? Do you know Fleur Delacour, then?" Ginny asked, feeling relieved she finally had something in common with the beautiful woman.
"Oh, Fleur…Yes, we used to be good friends until she married that thi – "
Draco swiftly interrupted, "Ginny Weasley's brother, Bill."
Ginny saw Harry's face smile in appreciation at Draco's quick save, and for a split-second, Ginny thought that everything might go well.
"Yes, Bill Weasley. I heard their wedding was stunning," Fiona said amiably and Ginny nodded.
"Yes, it was beautiful."
There was another awkward silence as everyone besides Harry took a large drink.
Finally, Draco piped up, "So, as some of you know, my father will be hosting a ball at the beginning of November to celebrate our first store opening up. You're all invited, of course."
"Oh, that's excellent! I'm not sure if I'll make it, though…" Luna said awkwardly, shifting her glance at Blaise who frowned.
"You don't even know what day it is," Ginny said flatly, poking her friend's ribs.
"Ohh…well… November is the busiest month at the magazine…" She lied lamely and Fiona shook her head.
"I thought December and the summer months were?"
Luna rolled her eyes, "Fine. I'll try to make it." She smirked at Blaise who was looking at her amusedly.
"You'll have to save me a dance," He said warmly.
"For sure," She said, relaxing a little.
"Anyways…" Draco started as he observed Luna and Blaise acting like awkward teenagers, "Yeah, there's going to all sorts of potential investors there. Great for networking. If we are lucky I'll be able to charm this interested French investor who will be attending; we might get to spend some time in France."
"France!?" Ginny gasped excitedly, "Oh, I've always dreamt of going to France."
Harry nudged her side and tried to whisper as quietly as possible, "You never said anything about France."
"Well, I only heard about France just now, Harry," Ginny said, feeling annoyed that he wasn't happy for her.
"Shouldn't we talk about this stuff before?"
"Yes, but we shouldn't talk about it here," She whipped. Her eyes fell on Draco, expecting him to be smirking in amusement at their lover's quarrel, but instead, he was narrowing his eyes protectively, looking just as annoyed as Ginny felt.
"It'll be a great opportunity if we can go to France. It would be a necessary stepping stone in our franchisement," Draco said, and Ginny was surprised by how civil he sounded. As though he didn't want to start an argument, but rather to help Ginny out.
"Does Ginny have to go?"
"Believe me, I will be going," She snapped.
Suddenly a ridiculously handsome man appeared at the table and interrupted the potential heated argument. All their eyes shot to him as he turned to Luna. "I'm sorry for interrupting, but I couldn't help but notice - you are absolutely stunning. Can I buy you a drink?"
"YES," She practically shouted as she happily took the excuse to escape from the tense table. She happily stood up and linked arms with the stranger before quickly saying, "Sorry, guys, I'll talk to you later." As she waltzed over to the bar.
"Are you bloody kidding me?" Blaise exclaimed, looking absolutely crushed. "With THAT bloke? He's hideous!"
"Sorry, mate," Draco said sincerely, "Maybe he's dull."
They all glanced at Luna, who was happily laughing away at some joke the stranger had just told her. "He doesn't look very dull to me." Blaise pouted.
"So, how about that Quidditch game, huh?" Ginny said, in a desperate attempt to change the topic from her potential France plans.
They all lightened up a little as Draco and Harry managed to find some common ground. She was thankful that they were both at least attempting to be friendly, despite the weird circumstances. Ginny and Fiona even managed to bond a little over her photoshoot at Fusion. Blaise was sitting at the table, seething, as he watched Luna and the stranger flirt. Ginny felt so bad for him, and she made a mental note to remember to tell Blaise that she likely wasn't interested in the man. That she was simply using him as a means to escape this dreadful intervention. Just as Ginny once again believed that the night may end on a high note the waiter strolled back to the table.
"Any more drinks?"
"Yes, please!" Ginny said eagerly.
Harry turned to her with a judging look, "Haven't you drank enough?"
Without even a second to think, Draco scoffed loudly. "Are you serious? It's her third drink."
Harry shot daggers at Draco, "I wasn't talking to you."
"Don't judge Ginny for having three drinks. Live a little," He said coolly. Fiona looked uncomfortable.
"Sorry, but I don't think it's required to be constantly drunk in order to 'live a little'. Although, clearly after spending time with you she's getting an influence."
"She's not constantly drunk," Draco snapped. Ginny's face turned bright red as she put her head in her hands.
"Please don't argue over this. This is so stupid."
"No. Why does he think he should have a say in what you do with your life?" Harry asked, slamming his glass of water on the table.
"Are you fucking joking me? Why do you have a say?" Draco shot.
"That guy isn't even hot. I'm way more attractive than him," Blaise muttered to no one.
"I have a say because I've been her friend for ten years."
"Well, it sure doesn't seem like you know her very well if you're judging her for how much she drinks."
"So you're saying that after spending – what – two months with her you know her better than I do?"
"Maybe I do."
"Draco!" Fiona hissed, looking embarrassed. Ginny felt so bad for her. Even if she was slightly jealous of Fiona, the poor girl didn't ask to be placed in this horrible situation.
"That's bullshit. Maybe if you hadn't spent half of your life being a death eater and actually gotten to know her, there would be an argument. BUT OH! Guess what! You did!" Harry shot.
"HARRY!" Ginny screamed at him but they both ignored her.
"She's obviously not even into him. Look, she keeps yawning," Everyone continued to ignore Blaise.
"Shut up, Potter. You don't know what you're talking about." Draco spat.
"Really? Enlighten me, then!"
"No."
"Yeah, because you know I'm right."
"No, it's because I'm not going to waste my breath explaining anything to that thick head of yours."
"Don't forget I saved your damn life, before!" Harry roared.
"And I saved your life!" Draco sneered in return.
"Please, just sit down and stop fighting." Ginny begged, her heart rate skyrocketing.
"No, Ginny. I'm sorry, this guy is an asshole and I don't see what you see in him."
"He's not that bad…" Fiona muttered sadly to herself.
"How am I the asshole?" Draco shouted, clenching his fists. "I'm the one who wants the best for Ginny in every regard. I'm the one who wants to see her succeed in life. All of you who all supposedly 'care' for her only support her if she's complying with your stupid conditions. I'M the one who sees that she is a talented witch and should pursue her passions, but all of you fucks would be happier if she was miserable, working in a damn joke shop!"
"All we want is what is best for her!" Harry shouted, gripping his water tightly.
"So do we!"
"SHUT THE FUCK UP. RIGHT NOW," Blaise slammed his hands on the table, his voice boomed in their ears, as he stood up to face them. "You're both being fucking embarrassing assholes right now. How old are you? Grow up!"
The table went silent and everyone stared at their drinks looking ashamed.
He continued, "Listen, we all fucking love Ginny. We all want what is best for her. But for fuck sakes, Ginny has her own brain! Harry, she's going to travel for work whether you like it or not because that is her job. I do remember you travelling today and she didn't give a damn. She supported you instead."
You could see the look of regret on his face as Harry realized how big of a jerk he had been. Blaise then turned to Draco.
"And Draco, what the fuck are you doing? You've got this stunning woman beside you and you spend the night screaming over Ginny? I know you hate Harry, but get your shit together." He spat and Draco looked at Fiona, apologetically, with a similar regretful face as Harry.
"And you, ladies," Blaise directed to Ginny and Fiona, "You've both been a delight and I apologize on behalf of these morons for ruining your nights. Fiona, I hope you forgive Draco after tonight because he's usually half-decent. Ginny, I'm sorry this night didn't go as you hoped."
Ginny and Fiona nodded in appreciation. Blaise slammed his fists on the table.
"OKAY. Now that that fucking stupid argument is over, we need to focus on the bigger issue at hand," they all stared at him blankly before he pointed at Luna. "That girl is the girl of my dreams and I adore her. She's wasting her time on that bloke because no bloke will treat her as good as this bloke." He pointed to himself, his chest heaving heavily as he spoke. "Now, I fucked up a couple weeks ago and almost let her get away from me, but after watching you twats scream at each other, it has made me realize that I'm so over this petty dramatic bullshit. Luna would be disgusted with both of you."
They all continued to stare at him, gawking. Ginny had never seen Blaise look so furious in her life and tears swelled in her eyes as she refrained from giving him the largest hug. He took a huge breath before he continued one last time, "Would it be crazy of me to just go over there and fucking steal her away from that chump and kiss her or something?"
"No, Do it!" Ginny cheered happily.
"Absolutely kiss her," Harry even said, and Ginny smiled brightly at him.
"I don't know your relationship but you seem really into her so why not?" Fiona said awkwardly.
"If you don't do something I am going to lose my mind," Draco said warningly, shaking his finger at him as he was clearly frustrated by Blaise's recent depression.
"Thanks, guys."
And the four watched from afar as Blaise determinedly marched towards Luna. They watched him as he gently tapped on her shoulder and they heard him say, "Luna, I'm bloody crazy about you." Luna's mouth dropped and the stranger crossed his arms looking irritated that Blaise was ruining his chances. Before Luna even had a chance to respond Blaise delicately brushed a strand of hair off her face and cupped her cheeks in his hand. Ginny saw Luna give a light nod, indicating that Blaise could continue. And he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her in passionately as pressed his lips to hers. Everyone who witnessed the grand romantic gesture cheered, and the stranger stomped away angrily. Ginny almost cried from how adorable the scene was as she saw Luna pull away quick enough to say, "It's about damn time, you idiot!" And resumed kissing Blaise.
"That. Is. So. Romantic." Fiona said, brushing a tear away. "I hardly even know these people and I'm crying."
"I didn't even think I liked Blaise but that was the greatest thing I've ever seen," Harry said in disbelief.
Ginny and Draco exchanged looks and couldn't stop themselves from laughing. "FINALLY." They both shouted and clinked their drinks together as they cheered. It seemed that all the previous tensions from earlier had evaporated, as they all admired Blaise, who really proved to be the hero of the night. The four of them chatted merrily, as Harry, Luna, and Blaise bonded over their Hogwarts memories and Ginny, Draco, and Fiona discussed Fiona's life as a model. All previous jealousy seemed to evaporate from Harry as he laughed with Draco over an embarrassing story about Ginny he heard from Ron once.
Slowly the night dwindled down as Luna and Blaise happily left the bar, hand in hand. Harry paid for their bill and he and Ginny were about to part ways when Ginny said, "I need to talk to Draco for a minute alone. I'll be right back." He nodded and she tracked Draco down, who was heading down the street with his hand resting on Fiona's back.
"Hey! Draco! Can we…talk for a minute?"
Fiona nodded, signaling she was fine with it. Ginny led him down a dark alley away from any noise. She didn't really know what she wanted to say to him, but she knew she had to say something. Draco leaned beside Ginny with his hands in his pockets, looking down into her eyes.
Finally, she began speaking, "Listen, about tonight – "
"I'm sorry about how I acted," He interrupted, looking embarrassed.
"And I'm sorry for how Harry acted."
"Well, I don't think it is your place to apologize for him, but thanks anyways," He said smiling, as he began to walk back towards Fiona.
"Wait, stop," Ginny sighed as she had one question nagging in her brain, "Why did you do it?"
"Do what?"
"I don't know…stand up for me I guess?"
His eyes fell for his shoes as he swayed back and forth on the balls of his feet. He then looked at the stars in the sky, and Ginny's heart began to race as it was evident he was desperately trying to organize his thought.
Finally, he sighed loudly. "I don't know. I guess I just don't like seeing you get treated that way. You're my friend."
"Just... friends… right?"
She looked into his eyes, searching for something. Any indication to answer the question that had been racking her brain all night. She wasn't sure what she was hoping to find. Blaise's comment to him regarding that he needs to 'get his shit together' and stop fighting with Harry over Ginny almost confirmed the question she had. He slowly took a step closer to her, causing Ginny to freeze in her spot, scared and excited of what might happen. But instead, he simply shrugged his shoulders and pursed his lips.
"We should get back to our significant others. We don't want to keep them waiting."