A/N - All the names mentioned in this chapter are true characters and can be found in various places in the books – again I must apologise for the length of time it has taken me to update, I know, it has been months.
Finally I also want to warn you that Narcissa Malfoy appears in this chapter and I have never written her before. I am not satisfied at all with how I have portrayed her so I apologise in advance if she is to OOC for your liking!
Ginny sat cross-legged on the wicker chair at the edge of her dorm room and watched the chaos that surrounded her.
"VICKY! I need that spell now!"
"Hey Demelza, can you spell my hair now, it's dry."
"WHERE DID ROMILDA GO? She has my shoes!"
Girls from different years ran into others rooms and magazines full of hair and make-up
spells littered the floor.
"Ginny… Hey – Ginny?"
A shake on her shoulder broke her reverie.
"Are you okay Ginny?" the girl asked worriedly.
She glanced up to see Hermione wearing a deep pink halter-neck gown in a silky material that fitted close to her body and grew lighter as it went down, finishing in a pale pink. Her hair was tied in an elegant knot that rested on the nape of her neck, with two gently curled strands lying against the side of her face.
"Hey Hermione. Wow, you look gorgeous… Going with Ron?"
Hermione's cheeks reddened slightly. "Mmm, yes. Hey Ginny, you know Harry would still love to go with you. He hasn't asked another girl."
Ginny rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling slightly. It was one of the things that amused her greatly about the trio. Having seen her for so long in the position of 'Ron's little sister' it seemed almost alien that she was in fact one year away from being a fully fledges witch and perfectly able of finding her own dates thank you very much!. "I'm okay. I am honestly going with someone."
Hermione continued to look concerned. "Are you sure Gin? I mean, you're not even dressed yet."
Ginny stood up and after stretching slightly she smiled. "I better get started then hadn't I?"
Hermione glanced up at the clock on the opposite wall and Ginny could almost see the cogs turning in her head. It looked as though she had half a mind to press her even more over who would be taking her. "You had better hurry Gin. The ball starts at eight and it's already seven thirty."
"Then you better go down with Ron." she gestured the rapidly emptying room. "Once people have left I can get changed in peace. Anyway, I am meeting… I am meeting my escort at eight thirty."
Hermione tried not to raise her eyebrow at that bit of information, but instead she nodded and turned to leave the room.
"Oh and 'Mione?"
Hermione turned round, biting her lip slightly before remembering the freshly applied lip shine spell and dabbing at it gently with a perfectly manicure little finger. "Yes?"
"Mum, Dad, Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred and George should be here by now. Can you say hi from me and tell them and Harry and Ron that I will be down by eight thirty?"
Her friend smiled, nodded and left the room.
Ginny sat down on her bed and waited until Pavarti and Lavender's ten inch heels could be heard clicking on the cold stone tiles no more before getting up and making her way towards the bathroom for a quick shower.
Letting the warm fresh water cascade down her body she slowly and meticulously rubbed in her vanilla shower gel before shampooing and conditioning her long red mane. The silence of the room and the gentle pulsing of the shower calmed her jumpy stomach slightly and allowed her tangled thoughts to wander. She and Draco had agreed to wait until the ball was in full swing before entering. If the hall was packed with couples dancing then they would be less likely to draw attention to themselves. Also, if Ron or one of her other brothers did decide to start a fight with Draco they would be less likely to do it on a crowded dance floor under the eye of Professor Dumbledore. Thinking about her brother made her nerves start up again, so, turning off the shower rather more harshly than intended, she began to scrub herself dry, willing her thoughts to move on.
Ginny shrugged of the towel and slipped on a fresh pair of pants and a clean bra. She towel dried her dripping hair and after hanging her towel up she padded across the floor to her cupboard, gulping slightly as her baby toe collided with the bottom of the piece of furniture. She pulled her uniform across and reached to the very back to grab the single most expensive and beautiful piece of clothing that she owned.
The gown had been a joint 16th birthday present from her mum and dad the previous year and she had immediately fallen in love with it. Taking a deep breath she slipped it off the hanger and undoing the zip, she pulled it over her head and flicked her wand at the zip to do it up.
The soft, shiny material slipped gently over her curves and slid down her legs. Shivering with anticipation she smoothed it down ever so gently and carefully. Slowly she moved over to the mirror and smiled softly.
The dress had been second hand but it was still in very good condition. Her mother had easily fixed the small stain on the bottom and the rip in the back. It was a creamy gold colour and
fell close to her body in a straight line down. It had thin spaghetti straps and the bodice extended down and split into two panels that fell over her hips. The bodice was beaded intricately with small gold beads and sequins. The skirt fell in soft layers under the extended top half.
Ginny had been a bit worried about wearing such an obviously Gryffindor dress, but now that she saw it on herself every thought of concern disappeared. In all the time that she had been going out with Draco she had always felt slightly inadequate. He always was and always was going to be richer, more handsome and more at ease in the upper class society than her and it worried her slightly. She had been having her doubts recently as to whether they really were a good match, but her reflection in the mirror banished these thoughts almost immediately. Standing there in her dormitory, damp hair cascading down her back and her feet bare, the dress made her feel like a million galleons.
Still smiling she flicked through the closest magazine to find a basic make-up spell and quickly muttered it at her face in the mirror. Her cheeks acquired a gentle rouge that swept up her cheekbones and a light eye shadow appeared on her eyelids. Her eyelashes darkened slightly, outlining a pair of big, caramel coloured eyes and her full lips gained a soft pink coating. Never a great fan and wearer of make up, she decided that it was nice to have her more pleasant facial features emphasised for once!
Sweeping her wand over her hair, she dried it off. The red mass of curls flopped back onto her shoulder and she was in one mind to leave it as it was. However it was a formal ball and she knew that Draco was used to women with intricate and expensive hairstyles so she returned to her original plan. Moving back over to the mirror, Ginny then took the top few layers of her hair and curled it around into a small bun through which she pushed two green hair chopsticks that she had magically coloured gold. The rest of her hair hung down her bare back above her dress in soft curls. She pulled two small strands out to frame her face at the front.
Finally she rummaged around in her trunk and pulled out a pair of smart, black, satiny slippers. She waved her wand at the turning them into a creamy gold. She slipped them onto her feet. They were slightly too large (having rather small feet and rather too little money she had been forced to purchase them in a Muggle charity shop overseen by a very snotty lady) but a flick of her wand and the muttering of a well practised spell padded them out slightly around the edges, at least allowing her to walk safely in them.
Taking a deep breath, Ginny Weasley smiled nervously to herself and left the room to find Draco. Whatever happened tonight, with him, with her family or even with his family, she was going out to have a good time and by golly she was going to make sure she had one!
Draco was beginning to feel a little anxious. It was nearly eight thirty and Ginny should be appearing at any moment and yet he almost didn't want her to. It was the first time he was going to be seen in public with her (even if they were going to be in close proximity to Dumbledore who could easily help avert and large disasters) and, although he wouldn't admit it, his insides were churning. She was a beautiful, funny, well liked Gryffindor and he a detested Slytherin, supposed supporter of Lord Voldemort – what was everyone going to think when they saw him leading her in? He was more than a little nervous about meeting with her brothers and the longer things could be delayed, the better.
He fiddled anxiously with his black robe and then smoothed off some imaginary specks of dust from his highly expensive, hand made dark green dress shirt and black trousers that he wore under the dress robes. He ran a hand nervously through his shoulder length, pale blond hair and was about to take another peek into the closed open doors of the great hall, from which he could hear gentle dance music and the chattering of many students when a discreet cough sounded from the top of the stairs.
He looked up and his heart began to thump even harder.
She was beautiful. There was no other word for her. He watched as she made her way
carefully down the stone stairs into the entrance hall and he savoured the sight. Her gold dress made her milky white skin shine out and her hair glistened and threw pools of light around the darkening hall. Her eyes looked nervous, but she was smiling, and as she stepped towards him he could see a smattering of freckles covering her nose and chest.
Smiling he glanced down once more at her dress and he almost laughed at the sheer Gryffindorness of it. Surprisingly he found that he didn't care. It suited her and he just liked the way it emphasized her gentle curves and flat stomach. Through the slight split up the side he caught a glimpse of her toned legs. She looked like a fairy queen, so pure and innocent and yet untamed and he laughed at himself, goading himself for even thinking of something so tacky. He, strong and mighty Draco Malfoy almost felt intimidated – by a Weasley! He looked her up and down again and she winked back at him, setting him at ease.
He couldn't help but smirk a little.
"Ginevra, you look beautiful."
She smiled up at him and gratefully slipped her arm through his as he held it out for her, he felt it shake a little under his touch so he gave it a gentle, reassuring squeeze.
"You don't look all that bad yourself," she laughed as she felt herself smile at the sight of him looking so handsome and virtually edible.
He held out his other hand to the open doors on the other side of him. The rest of the entrance hall was empty. "Shall we?"
She nodded firmly. "Yes, we shall – well, before we chicken out."
Ginny's arm through his, he led her down the entrance hall towards the door. He paused at the entrance to the door.
"I take it your whole family came tonight?"
"Yes. Your mother too?"
He nodded and taking a slight breath he stepped through the door.
Surprisingly no one noticed them at first as he led her past the empty tables and towards the dance floor. Nearly everyone was dancing, with the exception of a handful of parents, staff and siblings who were sanding round a bar at the other end of the dance floor or sitting on the wooden bar stools talking. She was shaking even more now and had it not been for the fact that her arm was firmly clasped in his he had the feeling that she might have bolted. He lowered his voice slightly.
"Gin, we're in this together."
He saw her nod and his grip loosened slightly as he felt the shakes slow down slightly. She was still biting her lip and he glanced at it quietly. She smiled back and stopped nibbling.
Draco scanned the crowd and he could just make out his mother conversing warmly with
Professor Snape. He took another quick look round and discovered Ginny's eldest brother dancing with his wife Fleur near to Ginny's dancing parents. Charlie was chatting with
Hagrid and Percy with Professor McGonagall. The twins were cutting through the crowd as they tangoed with Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnet and Ron was trying to dance with Hermione while almost knocking Pansy and Blaise flying. He had to laugh at the git.
Satisfied that his girlfriend's family was otherwise occupied, he took another brief glance of the room and was almost relived to find Potter sitting on a bar stool near Professor Flitwick. He was laughing with Longbottom and Lovegood and seemed to be holding an extra large butterbeer.
"Your family is otherwise engaged."
Ginny smiled warmly up at him. "I came to the same conclusion. D'you think it's safe to dance?"
In response he unhooked his arm from hers and held out his hand to her. "May I claim the first dance Miss Ginevra?"
She placed her hand lightly in his. "Why of course you can Sir Draco."
Holding onto her small, warm hand he led her through the last of the dinner tables and onto the edge of the dance floor. Looking up he saw Dumbledore dancing next to him with Professor Sprout. She looked a little shocked but Dumbledore simply winked.
Almost smiling he took Ginny's waist and she let her other hand fall lightly on his shoulder just as the music changed and slowed down.
He manoeuvred her around a few other couples until they were well within the crowd. Gently he felt her lay her head on his other shoulder and he sighed in satisfaction, feeling himself relax. They began to slowly dance to the music.
"I –" she faltered, wondering whether to speak her mind or not. "I didn't wasn't sure whether I was doing the right thing by coming today."
Draco raised an eyebrow. "By doing the 'right thing' I suppose you mean coming with me instead of Potter?"
She nodded and then smiled. "I am always pleased to be proven wrong."
His only reply was to hold her closer to him. After a few moments her spoke, "a drink perhaps? I would like to introduce you to my mother."
She looked up at him warily. "You do?"
Taking her hand firmly her led her off the dance floor and towards the bar. "What would you like?"
"Just a butterbeer please."
Draco turned to the bartender and signalled for two. Armed with their drinks in one hand he let his other hand rest on the small of her back and gently guided her towards were his mother had just finished her conversation with Professor Snape. She had placed her glass on the bar and was just getting up when she noticed him.
"Draco darling, you came!" gliding over Narcissa Malfoy placed a gentle kiss on her only son's cheek. Cautiously without appearing to do so she took a glance at the redhead. Nodding her head towards Ginny she stroked Draco's cheek. "Are you going to introduce me?"
Ginny shook slightly as Draco pulled her forwards. Never having been on speaking terms with the Malfoy's she had sworn to hate them since her fateful first year. After almost six years she was beginning to trust Draco but the thought of being introduced to his mother terrified her no matter how sweet and accepting Draco made her out to be.
Draco seemed to notice her fear and slipped his hand around her waste, pulling her closer. "Mother, this is Ginny, Ginevra Weasley, Gin this is my mother."
Narcissa took a step forwards and held out a perfectly manicured hand.
With some encouragement from her Slytherin Ginny took the hand. "It is a pleasure to meet you Mrs Malfoy."
Narcissa smiled softly. "Please Ginevra, call me Narcissa. I must say I love what you have done with your gown. It brings out the colour in your eyes most beautifully."
Ginny blushed. "Thank you Narcissa."
"You are in the year below Draco I believe?" she questioned, gesturing towards the bar stools.
Smiling, Ginny sat down. "Yes, I'm in sixth year, I turned 16 in August."
"So no exams this year? That is lucky. I always say that the teachers work their students too hard." she gave a small laugh and accepted the flute of champagne that Draco handed her. "Draco must have studied all Christmas."
"It is bad," Ginny agreed. "But to be honest I think that those in Beauxbatons are worked even harder. My sister-in-law, Fleur, barely slept during exam time."
Narcissa looked up. "Fleur Delacour?"
"Yes."
"Why I know the family very well. We were neighbours in France when Draco was younger!"
Ginny smiled. "Really? Well it is a small world. Fleur married my eldest brother Bill – William nearly a year ago."
"I heard she had married! Well, do congratulate her for me won't you?"
Sipping the last bit of her butterbeer Ginny nodded. "Of course."
Draco stood up and smiled at his mother. "If you will excuse us mother."
His mother smiled and stood up. "I will come and say goodbye before I leave. Have fun darling."
Slipping her hand in Draco's Ginny nodded at Mrs Malfoy. "Goodbye Narcissa, it was lovely talking to you."
Draco steered her gently away and to the nearest table. "She liked you."
His girlfriend looked up at him. "Did she? I couldn't tell."
He nodded. "Yes she did." he pulled out a chair for her and sat down next to her. "Not only did she initiate the conversation, but she was genuinely interested in what you had to say."
She smiled at him and was about to reply when a shout came from across the room. Colour drained out of her face as she looked up and realised who it was.
Ron Weasley and his army of Fred, George, Charlie and Harry were all stampeding across the dance floor towards them with a look on their faces that clearly depicted war.
"YOU CAME WITH THE FERRET? ARE YOU UNDER THE IMPERIUS CURSE?"