A/N: Sorry it's taken so long to update. I've been rather busy lately, but I do hope you enjoy this chapter. Again, thanks so much to all my fantastically amazing reviewers and please, review this chapter as well!
Chapter 10 "The truth is, I bleed you"
I guess I never told you
About this life I'm living
The next morning Ginny had just stepped from the bathroom, wrapped in a fuzzy scarlet robe, when she noticed the owl tapping gently at her bedroom window.
The creature was carrying a large parcel wrapped in green and silver. She immediately opened the window, grasped the package and recognized the handwriting from his many files at Gringotts. She untied the letter from the owl's leg, tossed her a few owl treats and freed the string from around the package.
"Why, you do keep your word, don't you Malfoy?" she murmured to herself, lifting a dark green brassiere from the box.
She checked the tag and whistled in appreciation. Not only was it Egyptian silk, but it was exactly her size. She shifted through the contents of the box and found three sets of silkly emerald green undergarments and one rather racy pair of transparent black lace.
"Oh my," she whispered, replacing the knickers and finally turning her attention to the letter.
She read it through twice, unable to keep the grin from her face, before scribbling a reply and attaching it to the waiting birds' leg.
She practically flounced back into the bathroom, carrying the box with her and feeling a cheerfulness she had not experienced on a Sunday morning in ages. She wondered vaguely how much Malfoy would appreciate it if she wore only those lacy knickers to their date on Friday.
It's heaven versus hell
In a split decision
He looked up from his paperwork and grinned pompously when he received her prompt reply. He stroked the wing of his owl gently, glad Ginny had agreed to his suggestion of meeting him at the Leaky Cauldron, and tried to quell the excitement bubbling in his chest.
The moment he had realized she had left him so abruptly the night before, he had decided to owl her for a proper date. She was right, as much as he did not wish to admit it. They had started off rather horribly and he was determined to show her that he was not quite as arrogant a git as he had been at school.
He folded her reply and tucked it inside the drawer of his desk where he kept private paperwork, making a mental note that it would be four long days before he saw her again.
This secret religion is
The best that I've found
It was Friday evening and she was, despite her best efforts, running behind schedule.
She glared at the Weasley clock, cursing her habitual tardiness, as the hand labeled "Ginny" moved to "late."
She pondered for possibly the 10th time that day why Malfoy had asked her to wear Muggle clothes for their date. She and Hermione had spent Wednesday evening seraching several shops in Muggle London before Ginny had decided on skinny black slacks and a green military-style jacket with elbow-length sleeves and a white singlet underneath. She wore her hair pulled back in a long, curling ponytail.
She had just fastened her traveling cloak over the Muggle clothes when her father emerged from his study.
"Another late night at the bank?" he asked as he crossed into the kitchen, not bothering to look up from the book about Muggle plugs he was reading enthusiastically.
"Yes, I'll be home late," she called, rushing to the door. "Don't wait up!"
She jerked the front door open and turned on the spot the moment her stiletto boots hit dirt.
She appeared suddenly in the small courtyard behind the Leaky Cauldron, but instead of tapping the brick wall and heading down Diagon Alley, she turned and burst into the pub.
She saw Malfoy immediately, standing stiffly by the main street entrance. She was halfway across the room before she realized what he was wearing and stopped suddenly. He was clad in black trousers and a dark green cashmere jumper. She studied him silently for a moment, only mildly surprised that she found him somehow more attractive in the simple clothing.
He caught her eye and she hurried over to him.
"So sorry I'm late," she breathed.
He looked tense for a moment, as though he were biting back a scathing comment, before replying calmly.
"It's after seven, Weasley, but I suppose ten minutes isn't that bad." She scoffed and he smiled faintly. "I believe I should apologize as well. I only arrived five minutes ago, thinking I was dreadfully late."
"What, Perfect Mr. Malfoy was late?" He pulled a face at the name and she laughed lightly.
He motioned towards the door and she followed him out of the pub, falling in step beside him as they started off down the busy London street. The early June air was pleasantly warm on her face.
"Might I inquire as to why you requested I wear Muggle clothing?"
He turned towards her and a familiar smirk lit his face.
"I'd have thought it obvious, seeing as we're currently parading about Muggle London."
Not wishing to have another row, she simply arched her eyebrows and continued: "And why exactly are we parading about Muggle London?"
"That, I'm afraid to say, is something you're going to have to wait to find out about."
He stopped abruptly and raised a hand. It was a moment before she realized he had hailed a taxi and her confusion heightened.
He pulled the door open and gestured for her to get in, but she was still going over the fact that he seemed oddly familiar with the non-Magical section of London.
"Unless you'd like to take the Tube?" he asked.
"No, this is fine," she replied, recovering and sliding into the backseat of the vehicle. He slid in beside her and closed the door.
"St. James Park, Marlborough Gate entrance, please," he said to the driver before turning to gaze at her. "You look very nice, by the way."
"Thank you. You look handsome as well."
She was too baffled to blush and only gaped silently at him as the streets flew by in a rush of summer colors.
In seemingly no time at all, the driver had announced their destination and Draco was pulling Muggle notes from his pocket. They were on the sidewalk when Ginny turned to him, more puzzled than ever.
"This is all very nice, and don't get angry, but how do you -- ?"
"Know about Muggles? I thought you'd realized by now that I am certainly not my father." He frowned at her, but did not appear irritated. "My mother and I stumbled upon this fantastic French restaurant a few years ago and it happened to be a Muggle establishment. Since then, we've found we quite enjoy Muggle cuisine and one must become familiar with how to properly pay and --"
"That's wonderful! My father would simply love that," she interrupted, feeling uncomfortable at her unfounded prejudices. "I'm sorry for thinking it strange for you to be familiar with all this."
"It's quite alright," he replied, turning towards a magnificent looking park she had only just noticed. "This is St. James Park and, in my opinion, one of London's most beautiful places."
She gazed around, taking in the soaring trees and lush green lawns, and found she quite agreed.
He led her to a street vendor and they fell in the queue behind a harried mother juggling a baby on her hip while a toddler raced around her legs.
"I thought we'd grab a sandwich and some coffee. Take in the park or something. Sunset by the lake should be nice tonight," he said quietly, stepping deftly to avoid colliding with the small child that was zooming towards him.
She simply nodded and pondered again how very different this man was from the pointy-faced boy she remembered from school. She didn't realize she had been staring at him, smiling stupidly, until he turned and meet her gaze. He smiled widely at her then, and the effect it had on his features was starling. His face relaxed and she found him warm and appealing.
The woman in front of them had somehow balanced the baby and their food in her hands before staggering off, the toddler trailing quickly behind her. Draco and Ginny ordered and again Draco paid with Muggle money. He was heading to a bench underneath an enormous elk tree when Ginny stopped him.
"Oh, can't we walk around and eat? It's just, I've never been to a park this huge and spectacular and I'd love to have a look about." She smiled sweetly at him and he could not deny her.
They tucked their sandwiches in napkins, sipping their coffee, and took off along a winding path, eating and chatting casually as the sun started its slow evening descent.
"So," she began, "you mentioned your mother earlier. Are you very close?"
"Yes, I suppose so," he replied, pausing to take a swallow of his coffee. "She's in France right now. Since father died, she's been taking a summer holiday at her grandmother's house every year. I don't expect her back until September."
"Isn't it lonely without her? Or do you have your own flat or something?" she asked, thinking of her own large family and how it was comforting, although at times slightly annoying, to constantly be in the company of others.
"No, I live at the Manor, and I don't find it particularly lonely. I stay busy enough, managing the estate and all," he said, shrugging. "It was always just the three of us any how."
Ginny simply nodded and took another bit of her sandwich, letting her mind drift back to a letter she had received from Ron years ago that had briefly mentioned the news that Lucius Malfoy had been killed by comrade during a Death Eater round-up after the war.
"What about you?" he asked. "I remember there being about 20 Weasley's. Tell me about your family."
"There are quite a few of us, but not 20," she laughed and easily recited all her siblings' names, starting with herself and ending with Bill. "Then there's mum and dad, of course. Dad's still working for the Ministry and mum's doing whatever it is she does, which is usually meddling."
They stopped to drop their napkins and empty coffee cups into a rubbish bin and continued on around the path, a glistening lake gleaning in the distance.
"Did you start working for Gringotts right after Hogwarts then?" he asked.
"Yes. My brother Bill and his wife were moving to Egypt after the war and I went along. After training to be a charm-breaker, I joined a traveling team. I'm really lucky to have traveled so much these last few years. It's been a blast." She paused, composing her thoughts, and let her eyes wander over the sloping lawn to her left. She saw a young couple lounging on a blanket, cooing to an infant who kept reaching upwards, trying to pull the glasses from the woman's face. "But I've missed my family; my home."
They walked in companionable silence for a moment and Ginny heard the faint chiming of a clock announcing it was quarter after eight.
They moved closer together to let a large group of sight-seers pass, and Ginny felt the back of his hand brush hers lightly. He flexed his hand and hooked his index finger around her pinkie before pulling her hand into his and lacing his fingers with hers.
His hand was soft and warm and fit with hers nicely. She grasped his fingers gently and smiled when he squeezed back.
"When did you start painting?" he asked once the crowd had dissipated.
"Oh, I used to draw these silly little doodles everywhere when I was at school. Neville would get so angry whenever I'd cover his school books with drawings. He bought me a set of paints for Christmas in my fifth year. I painted a little, whenever I had time. But things, well, the war, got in the way. My brother, Percy, he died in the Final Battle," she explained and felt Draco's hand tense suddenly. She looked up at him, but his expression had not changed from that of curious interest. The lake had come into focus and they started across a bridge leading over it "Anyway, for months after Percy's death I couldn't bear to look at the paints or touch a brush. It was after I had been in Egypt for a while before I was feeling myself again. The Ancient Egyptian wizards had amazingly strong belief in the afterlife," she finished quietly.
Is there room in the universe
For one last wish
"Ginny, about your bro --" he started, but stopped when she let go of his hand and turned from him.
They were in the middle of the bridge and she had dropped his hand to rush to the rail and look out over the lake. The sun was sinking slowly, illuminating the distant Shell Tower and London Eye.
He moved to stand beside her and when she turned he decided that she looked incredibly beautiful in the glowing rays of sunset.
"I'm sorry Draco, were you saying something?" She blinked up at him.
"No, it wasn't important," he said quickly.
He followed her eyes back out over the lake and watched as the giant wheel turned slowly.
The wound is deep
I'm just trying to confess it
"Have you ever been on it?" he asked, nodding his head towards the wheel.
"No," she answered, trying to keep the excitement from her voice.
"Me either, but I've heard you can see most of London from up there. Shall we have a go on it?" he asked, offering his arm.
"Yes, I'd like that, thanks." She took his arm and they set off on a path around the lake, heading towards the large structure.
When they arrived at the ticket office the queue was curiously short and Draco craned his neck to glimpse the front and ensure the attraction was still open.
"It closes at 9 p.m.," he mumbled, pushing up his sleeve to check his watch. "We've still got half an hour."
Ginny alerted him to some rather interestingly dresses Muggles and they laughed quietly while they waited. Draco purchased two tickets and they headed towards the loading area.
"What did that man call these things again?" Ginny asked, indicating the glass area where passengers were being loaded.
"Capsules, I believe," he smirked, watching as a loud and bossy employee steered people into the capsule; a woman had just stepped on, clutching a wailing baby. "And I do hope they don't try and cram us all onto that one."
Ginny laughed at the disgruntled look on his face and he pretended to look affronted at her mockery.
The employee closed the capsule and told Draco and Ginny they would have to wait for the next one.
"Thank Merlin," Draco whispered to Ginny, sighing exaggeratedly. She giggled and slapped his forearm playfully. "Oh, oh, ohhhh," he clucked, grasping her hand in his and pulling her closer to his side. "Ms. Weasley, I thought we had an agreement? I'm nice if you're nice…"
She was about to remind him that she had, in fact, been exceedingly nice for the duration of their date, but another capsule had arrived and the employee was directing them inside.
Draco clasped her hand snugly and steered her to the far side of the capsule while the employee pointed the last of the day's customers in and closed the door behind them.
Ginny saw the ground moving away slowly and glanced around; no more than 10 other people were spread out around the capsule, all engaged in their own private conversations.
It was when she turned back to the glass that she noticed the view spreading out before her. The capsule was slowly climbing as the surrounding buildings grew smaller and smaller. The setting sun was illuminating the Thames, turning the water a shining red-orange color and she squinted against its brightness, eager to soak in the incredible scenery.
"Do London Muggles really like this enormous contraption?" he asked casually.
"Well, it does quite stand out against the other buildings, doesn't it? But the views are absolutely spectacular. I've never seen London in this light before," she replied, unable to tear her eyes from the view.
Their capsule was climbing higher as the sun was sinking faster and the sky was blazing orange and red, casting London in a strange and fiery light. She could see the sparkling city sprawling out in all directions and quickly identified the Muggle Parliament and Big Ben. Everything looked so small and inconsequential from this height. It reminded her, just a little, of flying, although it would have been like flying in slow motion.
When the capsule reached its highest point she could see for miles in all directions, the city a myriad of shapes and colors. Long shadows were stretching from the tallest buildings as the sky faded into a deep crimson and purple blend.
"It's beautiful, don't you think, Draco?" she whispered.
"Yes, quite beautiful," he breathed.
She lifted eyes to Draco and was startled to find he was staring at her.
He brought his hand up to cup her cheek and pulled her face to his. She knew there were other people in the capsule, but could not find it in herself to care. Draco was kissing her feverishly and without thinking, she wrapped her arms around him. It had been nearly a week since she had felt his lips on hers, felt the way she molded neatly against him; how they seemed to fit together effortlessly.
Her heart was hammering in her chest when they broke the kiss, needing to breathe properly. She lingered in his embrace, feeling safe and comfortable. It was a moment before she was capable of coherent thoughts and she blushed gently when a couple of teenage boys whistled loudly at them.
"They're only jealous, you know," Draco mumbled into her ear, causing her to blush even harder. She took several calming breaths as the capsule glided towards the earth.
"Maybe they're jealous of me," she teased, winking and pulling back so that his lips were a safe distance from her earlobes.
He stole a quick glance at the teens before sneering at her.
"They look nothing like Potter, so I find it highly unlikely they're interested in me." She laughed despite herself and let her arms fall from his waist as the capsule stopped and the doors opened.
They stepped into the increasing darkness and Ginny buttoned her coat against a sudden burst of cool air.
"There's an Apparition point nearby," Draco told her.
He must have noticed her shiver, because he wrapped a warm arm around her shoulders and they started out towards a secluded side street. They stepped into what looked like a normal bus shelter, but she knew there were anti-Muggle wards around the structure.
He pulled her to his chest and wrapped his other arm around her.
"When can I see you again?" he asked, searching her face. The close proximity of their bodies made her head spin pleasantly and her heart do a strange sort of tap-dance in her chest.
"Tomorrow?"
"I'll owl you." He leaned forward and nuzzled her neck, seemingly reluctant to let go of her.
"What, you don't want to pick me up at my house?" she asked, smirking when he pulled back to look at her with a look of horror on his pale face.
"Are you nutters? I don't think I could fight off all those Weasley men. Not with all my limbs, and, uhm, members, in tact. Besides," he pulled her to his lips and mumbled against their softness, "there's just one Weasley I'm interested in pleasing at the moment."
This kiss was different; tender and affectionate. They took their time, exploring each others mouths, moving in a languid sort of way, each unwilling to end the kiss before the other. The distant honk of a car horn shattered the silence and the spell the kiss had cast over them was broken.
"I – I should be getting home," she whispered.
"Of course," he answered, resting his forehead on hers and struggling to regain control of his breathing.
"Goodnight, Draco."
She took a step back, dropping a light kiss on his check, and pulled her wand from an inside pocket of her jacket.
"I'd wondered where you'd stashed it this time," he said, grinning cheekily at her.
She smiled sinfully at him, winked and then turned on the spot.
She appeared at the far end of the lane that lead to the Burrow. This had been intentional; she had meant to have a walk and hopefully clear her mind. She flipped her collar up against the cooler country air and strode off through the darkness, her thoughts jumbled.
Draco was arrogant, charming, confusing, mysterious and wonderful. He was a conundrum she wasn't quite sure she wanted to figure out. He made her angry one moment and giggly and breathless the next. Most importantly of all, he had made herfeel like she was finally doing something worthwhile; like she had finally found the path she had been so desperately searching for.
It was this thought that she found most frightening.
She could forgive many of his former transgressions, but she was not yet able to forget them entirely. He had been at the bank, meeting a mysterious person, at midnight. It was suspicious, to say the least. And all those years ago, he had been responsible for letting Death Eaters into the school. She knew from Harry that Voldemort had threatened his family, and she could forgive his actions as self and family preservation. But still. Something was amiss.
She looked up when she reached the porch and caught a glimpse of her parents through the living room window. The curtains were open and she could see them sitting closely together on the couch. Her mother was knitting one of the famous Weasley sweaters and her father was still reading; his free arm draped nonchalantly across Molly's shoulders. Ginny smiled when she saw he was absently twirling a red tendril of his wife's hair around his finger. Unbidden, images of Draco's fingers tangled in her own hair floated to the surface of her mind.
She decided on the spot that she should not surrender her heart to Draco.
She worried it might already be too late.
The truth is I bleed you
When these frequencies cut me
A/N: I think this is kind of a boring chapter, but I promise it's going to get better!
Also, If there are any readers from London, or anyone who's ever been to London, I beg that you overlook my horrible comprehension of geography. I've never been to London myself, and I've taken great liberties here. So sorry!
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please let me know any and all thoughts as reviews are ALWAYS welcome!!!