A/N: Hello? Anyone still there? So I've had a bit of luck getting some more written, and I thought I would post again. Still not promising a regular schedule, but I hope you know that is my real goal. I would like to get it finished, and then post regularly as I polish it. Thanks for your patience.

Not beta'd so I apologize for any errors.

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My Big Fat Weasley Wedding

Chapter 10

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After another lengthy snog session, Miffy appears again to remind Draco of his lunch appointment downstairs. He also hands Draco a stack of letters that have arrived this morning. Draco dismisses his elf and laughs when he holds up a Howler from Pansy.

He opens it and pulls me to his side so we can experience it together.

"DRACO ABRAXUS MALFOY!" Pansy bellows in a lowered voice, clearly doing a poor imitation of Lucius. "YOU ARE NOT MARRYING SUCH FILTH." The letter turns to me and says in her normal voice, "No offence, Ginny." Then it turns back to Draco. "YOU ARE SUCH A DISAPPOINTMENT. HOW DARE YOU GO AGAINST YEARS OF TRAINING AND PROPER GROOMING. I RENOUNCE YOU AS MY SON. REMOVE YOURSELF AT ONCE!"

The letter explodes, and I have no idea what to say. Draco shakes his head and opens another letter from Pansy.

"Draco and Ginny," he reads. "It can't be worse than that, right? Unless he's willing to risk Azkaban, which I highly doubt. Good luck! Love, Pansy."

He laughs and rolls his eyes, clearly amused with his friend's joke. I, on the other hand, am starting to rethink accompanying Draco to tell his parents. And what if it does go like that? And what if my parents react the same? After all they think that I'm with -

Cory!

Now that I remember that I was actually on a date with my former housemate, I insist that I send an owl to Cory, explaining my 'departure' last night and that I will be contacting him the next day. Christmas is only a few days away, and I want to give Holly her dress I made. I also want to tell Cory in person that I am engaged to Draco. (Engaged! Moragana's Minions!) Draco isn't thrilled about me contacting the other wizard in person ever again, but he agrees that it would be wise to warn him off from The Burrow before we have a chance to make our announcement. I jot down a note as quickly as possible, and at Draco's request Miffy immediately reappears, with a slightly frustrated look, to take it for me. My stomach begins doing a Sloth Grip Roll just thinking that Cory may have already been by The Burrow to check on my "illness".

Before I can go into a full-blown panic attack, Draco guides me through the large manor and stops in front of a set of double pocket doors.

"You ready? Let me introduce you. I have no idea why they have requested my presence. This doesn't usually happen. But they know that we are friends. It's going to upset them that I'm breaking the contract, but they do love me, Ginny. They will come around."

"Draco," I call softly. He turns back to me, his eyes wide in question. "I love you."

His face breaks into a wide smile. "I love you."

Draco slides the doors open and enters the room ahead of me. I'm not sure what to expect from the 'family' dining room. It is very elegantly decorated with gold trim and creamy ivory walls, but it still feels welcoming. The table is round, which is surprising to me, and it lends to the warmth of the room. The wood of the furniture is all cherry and the chairs are cushioned in gold and red. I laugh to myself that it looks like a fancy Gryffindor room. Lucius and Narcissa smile upon seeing their son, but they both immediately look confused at my entrance behind him. I guess Miffy didn't inform them that Draco had company. I am not sure if that's a good thing or not, and I plan on asking Draco about how many witches have been discovered in his bed in the past.

Lucius frowns slightly as he glances between us. Draco dropped my hand when opening the doors, but he remains very close to me. Narcissa seems to be deep in thought and is scanning the two of us as if looking for something.

Draco steps up to the table. "Mother, Father, you remember Ginevra."

Narcissa flashes me a warm smile, but her eyes still appear unsure of what to make of my sudden appearance. "Good afternoon, Miss Weasley. And welcome to our home. This is the first time you have been here?"

"Yes, and thank you, Mrs. Malfoy. It's very lovely, um, what I have seen."

"Thank you. Please do join us for lunch."

I look over to Draco, who turns back to me. He winks at me before pulling a chair out at the table. I sit in the chair and am thankful that there are still two empty seats between Narcissa and me. Unfortunately, Lucius is sitting just on the other side of where Draco sits.

"So, Father, for what reason is it that you wanted to see me?" Draco asks as our plates of food appear on the table. That's impressive. Just like Hogwarts.

Lucius takes a sip of his drink and eyes me over the glass. He turns to his son and says, "It has to do with your contract with Malfoy Enterprises. We can discuss it later."

"My contract? Is there something they want to change?"

"No, and we will discuss it later."

Draco places his hand on my thigh under the table and gives it a gentle squeeze. "Father, can you at least tell me what this is about?"

He sounds so innocent. Too innocent. I know immediately he is goading his father. I place my hand on top of his and smack it lightly. The last thing we need is for his parents to be angry when we tell them about our engagement.

Draco chuckles at my hidden warning and continues, "Ginevra and I have much to do today. I'm not sure I will back until late this evening. If it's something important, I would rather discuss it now."

Taking a deep breath through his nose, Lucius doesn't even bother to hide his frustration when he nods at me. "It is rude to discuss business when he have a guest."

Draco smiles and starts to speak, but Narcissa decides to cut off any further antagonism her son has planned. "Draco, darling, we simply wanted to discuss your personal secretary. We believe we have found a perfect candidate who will fit within the company's requirements. In fact, I have scheduled a meeting with her tomorrow afternoon so you can … interview her."

Impressed with her smooth delivery and clever way of describing a potential bride, I almost miss what she is actually saying. Then the reality of what is going on sinks in. She wants him to meet a witch that she and his father have picked out for him to marry. I begin to breathe a little more quickly, trying to curb my temper and jealousy. I stuff another bite of the food in my mouth and keep my head down.

Draco rubs my thigh soothingly, and I can't help but smile at his gesture. I look over at him, expecting him to make our announcement. Instead, he asks, "But, Mother, why would you schedule an interview on a Sunday?

She glares at him. I think she knows he is being intentionally obtuse. "Why not?" she retorts. "The sooner you hire a new secretary, the better."

He gives her a look of disappointment, one that is obviously put on, and sighs loudly. "I'm not sure if tomorrow will be a good time to meet her. Perhaps another day." I pinch his hand, and he laughs out loud. "Or maybe not."

"Maybe?" I whisper angrily, and he continues to laugh.

I glance over at Lucius to see what he thinks about this turn in the conversation. He is looking right at me. I freeze under his intense gaze.

Draco contains his laughter and notices the staring contest I am currently locked in. "Father, Mother." I break away from Lucius and find Draco looking at me. "I'm sure she is a nice candidate. They all have been." He smiles as he says 'nice'. It's his way of telling me anyone else would only be average to him.

Returning his smile, I lean towards him. He kisses his spot, and I hear both a gasp and a groan.

Draco brings our joined hands on top of the table, keeping his eyes on me. "But I've already made a decision." He looks up at his parents, but I keep my eyes on his profile. "I've asked Ginevra to marry me, and she has said yes."

Silence. Absolute silence.

I look across the table. Narcissa is staring at Draco, her mouth slightly open. Lucius is turning red with anger. He is looking straight ahead, avoiding eye contact with anyone.

After what seems like an eternity, Lucius lets out an exasperated sigh and turns to his son. "Is this some kind of joke?"

"No, Father. There is nothing about this that is a joke. I am in love with Ginny, and I want to marry her."

"You cannot do this, Draco! We will lose the company. How can you – "

"I'm sorry, Father. I would rather lose everything we own than lose her." His grip tightens on my hand, and he looks back at me with an encouraging smile. "I tried to play by your rules. You know that I have. But I did not design that contract. We wouldn't even need that bloody thing if you hadn't destroyed the Malfoy name."

"And there wouldn't be a clause about you being married if you hadn't been destroying your own name." Lucius levels his cold grey eyes at me and I stiffen. "Do you realize what you have done? He will lose my grandfather's company because of you!"

Draco springs to his feet and stands over his father. "Don't you ever speak to her that way again. It's bad enough that she even has to be related to you after what you have done."

Leaning back in his chair, Lucius gives his son a smug smirk and crosses his legs. "If you want to choose her, fine. But you will lose everything. Don't forget. There are other Malfoys that can take your place."

I wonder who these other Malfoys are and vaguely recall Draco mentioning some distant cousins in France. I can't believe Lucius would actually disinherit his only child, but it makes me feel dreadful all the same. I pull on Draco's arm to get his attention. "Draco, maybe we should –"

"No," he commands as he sits back down. "Don't even think it. He can threaten me all he wants. It won't change a thing." He begs me with his eyes to believe in him and holds my face in his hands, waiting for my response.

Lucius slams his hand on the table. "Draco, I'm serious. You go through with this, and I'm through with you."

Draco doesn't even flinch, just stares into my eyes. He actually looks calm. He mirrors the grin that is spreading across my face.

Suddenly, Narcissa stands up. "Lucius Hyperion Malfoy. Enough! You swore to me after the war that it would always be family first. Draco has found the woman he loves, and you will be happy for him."

She sits down gracefully. "Draco," she calls. "Draco, look at me when I am talking to you."

Draco smiles at me before quickly pecking me on the lips. We both turn to her. "Yes, Mother."

"You love her?"

"With all my heart."

"And you love my son?"

"More than I dreamed possible."

Narcissa looks back at her husband. "There. That's settled. Lucius, you and our son will address this Monday morning with the board."

"Narcissa, da –"

"Don't 'Narcissa, darling' me! What happened to the man who was willing to blackmail the entire Ministry of Magic to get his way?" She glances at me quickly, probably to see if I am reacting to that. I'm too enthralled with watching her in action. "What happened to the man who would stop at nothing? Do I need to brand you, too, in order for you to do what I ask?"

Morgana's Minions! Didn't expect her to go there. Draco even cringes with that comment. Of course, he bears the Dark Mark as well. It's something we have talked about before. I think I may have loved him more after hearing his side of the story.

"No, dearest." Lucius closes his eyes, squeezing the bridge of his nose. "Draco, are you prepared to fight this clause in the contract?"

"Of course. That was my intention. There is no reason for them to think Ginevra is not a perfect witch for me to marry. She is beautiful, intelligent, and comes from a highly respected family."

"Who would have thought," I say between some nervous giggles, "that what once would have been my only redeeming quality is now what is causing all this trouble?"

Lucius smirks, looking at me with a little less anger. "Believe me, Miss Weasley, the irony is not lost on me."

"I think you can both start calling her Ginny or Ginevra. She is, after all, going to be family." Draco places his arm around me and kisses my head.

Narcissa takes Lucius's hand in hers, places it on the table, and pats it. I bite my lip to avoid more giggling. She looks over at my hand that is resting on the table on top of Draco's. "Ginevra, where is your engagement ring?"

"Oh …"

"Mother, I wanted to ask if we could pick one of Grandmother's rings."

"Oh, how wonderful! There's a particularly beautiful sapphire that would be perfect." She pats Lucius's hand once more. He smiles tightly. "Draco, I can't believe you proposed without a ring."

Draco only shrugs in response.

"I don't even need a ring." What the Chang, Ginny! Of course you need a ring!

Lucius hisses, earning another, slightly harsher pat on his hand. Draco and I share an amused grin, which turns into more happy gazing.

"When is this wedding going to take place?" Lucius practically barks at us, interrupting our little moment.

Draco squeezes my shoulder and looks back at his parents. "I was hoping sooner than later. We haven't really discussed it."

"We should have it here," Narcissa exclaims. "It would be perfect in the solarium in the spring with the gardens in the background. I must show you the room, Ginevra. What about mid to late May?"

I look to Draco and then back at my future in-laws. That sounds so strange. "Um … well … I'm not sure. Um… my parents might not want to have it here." I notice her face drop. "But please do show me the room. I'd love to see it. And maybe we can convince my mum to have it here."

"Ginevra, you're going to have to learn to speak more gracefully if you want to be the mistress of this estate," Lucius drawls.

Draco glares at him. "Father."

Lucius shrugs simply and gives us both an innocent smile. So that's where Draco gets it.

I lean into Draco a little more to calm him down. "He's right," I state loudly. That gets everyone's attention. "I need to be more confident. That's not how I run my business, and that's not how I plan to run this manor."

Draco chuckles.

Narcissa gives me a nod, impressed with my attitude. "So then? Are we settled on May?"

She's really getting into this wedding. I decide to enjoy her enthusiasm because there is a good chance it will be the only place I will find it. Whether we are married at the Manor or at The Burrow may not even be a concern to my parents if they disown me. "May sounds lovely."

After that, we continue to enjoy our lunch with Narcissa firing off question after question concerning wedding details. Lucius does his best to smile when she looks over at him, but I notice that he is still less than pleased about our engagement. Draco surprises me by contributing several suggestions to the growing list of arrangements. Occasionally, I feel a twinge of guilt that we are already making plans before my mum and dad even know I am getting married. Draco catches on to my hesitation and deftly leads the conversation to our lives after the wedding. I'm not sure if that really soothes my nerves or not. As much as I want to be confident, I know that taking over the manor will be a lot of work that, unlike Daphne and her friends, I have not been raised to do.

Eventually, Narcissa calls for her personal elf, apparently they each have one, and has her mother's collection of rings brought to the family sitting room. I am quickly learning that the manor houses rooms for the public and rooms for the family. I can't even comprehend the need for that. But I do love the sapphire ring that Narcissa has picked. Before I can take it, Draco drops to his knee once more and proposes in front of his parents. Narcissa cries and Lucius almost rolls his eyes as Draco places the ring on my finger. It all feels a little surreal to me. Again, I remind myself to enjoy the happiness whilst I can.

.

Draco insists, to his mother's dismay, that he will give me a tour of the manor. I start to argue with him that his mother can join us, but he leans in and whispers all the naughty things he wants to do with me and distracts me completely. Soon enough, we are touring the main floor of the manor. Draco points out several art pieces and paintings of Malfoy ancestors, who eye me curiously and begin whispering to each other as we pass. He pulls me behind a tapestry and attacks my neck and lips for several minutes. Then we head to the ballroom. Yes, the ballroom. He dances me around the room, starting with a waltz and ending with a re-enactment of our first dance at the club. I am getting rather hot and bothered by the time we make it to the solarium. It is the most beautiful room I have ever been in, even with the snow-covered gardens in the background. I know at this moment I want to get married here.

Draco watches me walking around the room in awe. "You really want to do it here, don't you?"

"Yes," I breathe against the cold glass, causing it to fog. I step back and draw a heart on the glass before looking up to see him walking towards me in the reflection.

"Then that's what we will do." He embraces me from behind and draws an arrow through my heart. He starts kissing my neck again, and I melt into his arms.

"Wait, you meant the wedding, right?"

"That too," he murmurs into my neck.

His lips return to their work, and he wraps his arms around me more tightly. I leave one hand on his arm that is around my waist and lift the other to grab his hair. How many times I have wanted to run my fingers through his hair! I turn my head to meet his mouth with my own. Nothing ever feels as good as being kissed by him. I can feel his arousal growing, and I moan as he gently pushes into me.

He pulls his mouth away and gives me a heated look. "I want you."

I take a deep breath, not breaking our gaze. "I want you, too." I quickly turn in his arms and attack his mouth again.

He swiftly presses me into the glass, and the combination of his heat and the cold wall makes my body hypersensitive. I moan loudly as his hand works its way up my dress and brushes against me intimately. Encouraged by my vocal reaction, he hoists me up and wraps my legs around him as he shoves me into the wall. I barely notice the quickly muttered spell until I feel my tights tear open. It only excites me more to know he is being so demanding. Then his fingers find their way between us and I have to break our kiss to gasp for breath. I am consumed with desire, and it doesn't occur to me to question what we are doing. We are both panting as we rock into each other. Feeling my climax approaching, I urge him to not stop. He suddenly shifts his hold on me and with several flicks of his thumb, I cry out in pleasure. My voice echoes around the open room before Draco covers my mouth again with his and swallows the rest of my whimpers.

He gently places me back down on my feet, and I immediately blush at what we just did. He snickers at my embarrassment and leans in for another kiss. "Maybe we should finish this upstairs."

I start to agree, but then I picture what exactly that would mean. "I thought you wanted hours to enjoy each other? I need to get home soon."

He places his arms on the glass above my head and leans into me. "You're right." He kisses me sweetly and groans a little in frustration as he pulls away.

I feel a surge of emotion towards him and grab onto his trousers, pulling him back towards me. His eyes widen as I begin unbuckling and unzipping his trousers and reach my hand inside. He feels bigger than I had thought he would be, and I swallow down my nerves. Keeping my eyes locked with his, I enjoy the look of pure pleasure spreading across his face. I smile sweetly and say, "Is this okay?"

He closes his eyes and tilts his head back. "More than okay, love."

It doesn't take long for Draco to find his release, and we spend several more minutes kissing against the wall. Eventually, I push him away as I am starting to get chilled from the icy glass against my back. Draco recommends a cup of tea in the kitchens to finish the tour of the first floor.

Oh yeah. I forgot about the tour.

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Once we finish touring the remainder of the house, it is getting late in the afternoon and I know that I need to get home. More importantly, I know that we need to tell my parents the 'good news'. I decide to change into my other clothes and ask Draco to wear something more casual as well. I am dreading my parents' reactions, but I don't need to rub it in their faces that I have spent the night with him by returning in the same dress I left in the night before.

Morgana's Minions! I can't believe that just yesterday I was mentally preparing myself to face Draco and be done with him. Now we are getting married.

We Side-Along Apparate just outside The Burrow. Our wards are not as strong as they had been during the war, but I'm fairly certain Draco won't be allowed past them without my help. I start towards the house when he tugs me back to him and kisses me.

"I love you. You love me. They want you to be happy. We just have to convince them that I do that." He pecks me again on the lips. "I do, do that, right?"

"Yes, you make me happy. Very happy." I blush as I remember our afternoon in the solarium.

"I love it when you blush like that. It makes me think that you're wanting to do naughty things with me." He grins while wriggling his brows, his arms tightening around my waist.

"I always want to do naughty things with you, Draco."

"You do?" He bends his head down and kisses my neck. "Does that mean we get to initiate your parents house today like we did mine?"

"Funny." I roll my eyes at him. "It's going to be so weird during the wedding to know that our first sexual experience together was in that room."

He actually looks proud at the thought. "So you're definitely planning on having it there?"

"I love it there. My mum will love it there, too. We just have to get her to see it."

"Well, Mother will be thrilled." He kisses his spot and takes a deep breath. "Shall we?"

We enter through the front door because I figure my mum is probably in the kitchen and my dad in his office. This is the safest entrance.

"Mum, Dad," I call. "I'm home." Well, that's obvious.

"Ginny, dear, I'm in the kitchen," my mother answers from the right.

I smile at Draco, and he gives me an encouraging nod. "Let's do this."

I decide to try and get my mum's approval first. That would be the smartest route to go. We walk into the kitchen, and I immediately feel a surge of guilt as I take in the scene before me. I was supposed to have been helping her bake today for the holidays.

"Ginny, I thought you'd be home hours ago," Mum throws over her shoulder as she works at the counter. "And we need to talk."

"Yes, we do," I say softly.

Before I can continue, she turns around, takes one look at Draco, and screams.

"What is he doing here?" she hollers at me, a frightened look on her face.

"Mum, I need you to sit down," I state as calmly as I can.

"Molly, you alright in there?" my dad's voice sounds from the other side of the house.

My eyes widen, and I shake my head no at my mum, pleading with her to hold off on calling him. Draco holds his hands up in surrender, which makes me want to laugh.

Mum looks warily back and forth between us. "I'm fine, Arthur!"

I sigh in relief and mirror her movement to the table. Draco stays perfectly still.

"Mum, I have a lot to tell you, but it's all really good news. In fact, it's the best news. So if you could just hear me out, hear us out," I pause as she glances over to Draco, a look of mistrust on her face. "I promise you'll be happy too."

"Well, sit down, Mr. Malfoy. Since this surely involves your unwelcome presence in my home," she states gruffly.

He quietly pulls a chair out next to me. "Mrs. Weasley, I'm sorry to arrive unannounced in this way, but I think it would be best for Ginny to explain everything." He looks at me and smiles. We agreed it would probably be better for him to remain silent as much as possible.

"Mum, do you want the whole story or just the bottom line?"

She eyes me sceptically for a moment. "Let's just start with what he is doing here and then if we need your father you can start at the beginning."

"Okay, well, we are together … as a couple …we are in love." I watch her grow more and more upset with each declaration.

"Is that why Cory sent an owl to you today? Has he been covering for you?"

"Um. No. He knows nothing about me and Draco." She cringes when I say his name. This is not looking good.

"I didn't think so. He seemed very concerned that you were not feeling well." She arches a brow at me and purses her lips.

"He came over?"

"No. I had no choice but to read his owl after I checked with Luna to see if you were with her. As I said, I expected you home hours ago, Ginny. I was starting to get worried. I already had mixed emotions about you staying with Cory last night." She suddenly inhales quickly and turns her narrowed eyes at Draco. "You were with him, weren't you?"

"First of all, Mum, how dare you read my owls! I can't believe you would do that. I'm only a few hours late. There was no reason to invade my privacy."

"Where you have been, Ginny?" she asks angrily.

"I've been with Draco. I thought that was obvious when we came in together, and I told you we were a couple."

"I need your father." She starts fanning herself with a dishtowel. "I'm afraid I'm going to hex you without him here."

"Mum! Wait, please. I'm sorry that I kept this from you, but I wasn't sure how serious things were going to be."

She pales for a moment. "Serious?"

Even in this intense moment, I can't keep the smile off of my face. "We're engaged."

I hold out my left hand to show her the ring and hope Pansy is right. I can see the conflicting emotions on her face. She is impressed with the ring. She is elated that I am finally getting married. She is terrified of the man next to me.

"Mum, I'm so happy. Draco makes me happier than I have ever been. Ever. Please be happy for us."

With a deep frown on her face, she puts her head down in thought. Draco takes my right hand under the table and gives it a gentle squeeze. I look over at him and smile. He mouths 'I love you' to me. I lean into him and mouth it back.

When I look back at my mum, she is watching us closely. She looks upset, but I can see that she has softened a little bit. "You're father's not going to be so easily swayed."

I squeal in happiness, jump from the table, run around it, and hug her tightly. "Thank you, Mum. Thank you! I told you it was good news. I love him so much. And he loves me, just like he should. Please believe me."

She gives me a tired smile. "I know, sweetheart. I can see how much this means to you." She turns back to Draco. "You have your work cut out for you, young man. Arthur's not the only one you will have to convince."

"Yes, Mrs. Weasley. I just want to make Ginny happy."

"Then the first thing you need to do is go back to his office and ask permission to marry his daughter. Probably should have done that to begin with, but what's done is done. I won't lie for you, and I won't let Ginny lie to him either. That ring is on her finger already, and it's up to you to explain yourself."

"Yes, of course. Thank you, Mrs. Weasley. I love Ginny, and because it means so much to her, I will do whatever it takes to make this work."

She clucks her tongue at him as she shakes her head and then stands to lead him to my father.

Maybe we should have told them together. I didn't anticipate her separating us. "Mum, why can't we bring Dad in here?"

"You want him to accept this?"

"Of course."

"Then Mr. Malfoy here must do things properly." She stops and looks between the two of us. Draco has taken my hand again, and we are standing close together. "This wedding isn't going to have to take place in the next couple of weeks, is it?"

I scrunch my face in confusion. "Why would we -"

"No, Mrs. Weasley. We were thinking of May." He gives her a serious look.

She looks at me again and then back to Draco. "Let's keep it that way."

"We will."

She leaves the kitchen, and I pull him back. "What was that about?"

He smirks. "Your virtue."

I blush to my toes. "What?"

"She thought maybe you were pregnant."

"Pregnant? Ha!" I laugh, and he chuckles with me.

"Good thing I can honestly say to your father that we have not consummated our relationship."

"Please don't tell him that! Why would you even talk with him about that?"

"It might make him trust me more."

"And then what? If he asks you again before the wedding, what will you do?" After this afternoon, I know that it won't be much longer before I am ready to be with him.

"Let me worry about that, love. Let's just get their blessing first. Although, I like the way you think." He leans in and kisses me soundly before heading out into the hall where my mother is probably eavesdropping.

I wait all of three minutes before my nerves get the best of me and I decide to work on the pies my mum had been making when we arrived. I heard some shouting when Draco and Mum entered my dad's office, but someone quickly silenced the room. I'm not surprised at the outburst, but I am surprised my mum stayed in the room with the wizards. My dad would probably consider this 'wizard business', but he also is smart enough to have my mum stay as a mediator.

I am just placing the two pies in the oven when I hear the door opening behind me.

"Thank you, Ginny," Mum says genuinely. "Come sit down. I have some more questions for you."

"Okay," I reply. I sit across from her and wipe my hands on the towel sitting on the table.

"You have been friends with Draco for some time now?"

"Yes, we actually went on a date first, but then we decided to be friends. I'm sorry I never told you, but I … I guess I just liked having him all to myself. And I was afraid you would forbid me seeing him."

"Hmm… And this friendship? When did it become more?"

"Last night?" I smile sheepishly.

"Ginny! How do you go from being friends to being engaged so quickly?"

I want to tell her about the contract, but I know that the Malfoys do not want anyone knowing its contents. "Well, I fell in love with him months ago and he loved me too, but we just didn't admit it to each other."

"Yes, he mentioned something about that."

"He did?"

"Yes, he also said that his parents were more or less arranging a marriage for him and that is why he had not pursued you."

"That's also why I agreed to date Cory, even though I was very much in love with Draco. I had hoped Cory would … I guess I hoped I would be able to move on with Cory, but I was wrong. I kept comparing them." She gives me a disappointed look. "I know, Mum. I shouldn't have used Cory like that, but I had even ended my friendship with Draco. I was really going to try and make it work."

"You ended your friendship? Ginny, just how did this engagement come about?"

"It was too difficult to see him and not be with him like I wanted. Then when Harry and Oliver-" I stop and bite my lip, averting my eyes to the suddenly fascinating dishtowel.

"Harry and Oliver what?" she asks with great concern.

"It's nothing."

"Ginny, I don't know what happened between the three of you, but just because I'm old and your mother doesn't mean that I still can't figure some things out. I probably don't want to know the details, but I watched the result for years. Please don't tell me you have started this relationship to get back at Harry."

"No!"

She just stares at me for a moment, reading my face. "Okay, I believe you. So what prompted this sudden proposal? Thank Merlin you're not pregnant. Your father would probably end up in Azkaban."

"I knew you were listening." I narrow my eyes at her, but smile at the same time. "No, definitely not pregnant. Last night was the first time we had seen each other since I ended the friendship, and I guess seeing me with another wizard was enough to convince Draco to get off his arse and make a move." I smile broadly. "I never expected a proposal either, but Draco is expected to get married and he's decided he wants it to be me."

"And you're okay with being the witch to fulfil his obligations?"

"It's not like that, Mum. He loves me."

"Well, let's hope he can convince your father."

.

I don't get to see Draco again this evening because my father walks him out the front door and watches him Apparate away. Dad refuses to let us say goodbye and tells my mum to tell me to not leave the house. I feel like such a child, but when I go to the sitting room to speak with him about it, he ignores me. Actually turns his head away from me and ignores me. Mum follows me into the room and wrings her hands at his behaviour, but she stands by him, as usual, and ushers me back into the kitchen. She explains to me that Dad will be making his decision on Monday. I have no idea what is supposed to happen between now and Monday, but if it means my family will be supporting my marriage, then I will put up with it.

I do receive an owl from Draco later, telling me he loves me and misses me in his bed. I can't agree more. One night in his arms and I am ruined. My little bed has never felt so empty before. I toss and turn all night dreaming about the solarium. In my dreams, things progress much further.

Sunday morning, my father is still not speaking to me. Though, I do catch him staring at me a few times during breakfast.

"Mum, I need to go see Cory today. Am I allowed to do that?" I petulantly ask.

My dad huffs behind me at the table.

"You're going to see Cory?" she asks with genuine surprise.

"Yes, I need to tell him about Draco. I want him to hear about our engagement from me."

My dad huffs again.

"Ginny, it's fine with me, but maybe you should hold off on telling him about Draco." She tilts her head and nods to my father behind me. I know what she isn't saying. No reason to tell Cory I'm unavailable if Daddy won't let me marry Draco.

"Mum, I have to explain to him why I didn't go home with him the other night. And he deserves to know the truth."

Another huff.

My mum sighs and turns back to the kitchen sink. "I just think that you should wait. That's all. And he thinks you came home. There's no reason to tell him anything different."

"But I didn't go home, I was with the man I'm going to marry. I can't let him think that nothing has changed."

Another much louder huff.

"Mum, I'm going to marry him. No matter what. I love him, and I want you all to support me, but I'm not changing my mind."

Dad huffs once more so loudly I picture his eyes popping out.

"I think Dad has something caught in his throat. You should check on him. I'll be back later."

Mum faces me again, her lips pursed. I give her a cheeky smile and leave.

.

I have been to Cory's house one time whilst we were dating. It is a lovely home, still filled with pictures of his wife. It had been a bit awkward seeing her everywhere, but I can't blame him for wanting to keep her presence alive for Holly's sake. When I Floo into his living room, she is sitting on the floor colouring.

"Hi!" She smiles brightly. "My daddy said to take a seat. He's in the loo."

"Okay." I sit the gift box with her robes on the floor next to her. "I'm Ginny, and you're Holly, right?"

"Yes." She continues at her task.

"I'm a friend of your daddy's, and I brought you something for Christmas. That's why I'm here."

Her eyes grow wide as she looks from me to the gift. "That's for me?"

Cory comes in and sits next to me. "Say thank you, Holly. You can put it under the tree."

"Thank you!"

He reaches out and takes my hand. "Hi. You look like you're feeling better."

"Um, yeah."

"Holly, Ginny and I are going to the kitchen to talk. Stay in here please." He stands up and I follow him silently. I wanted to see Holly open her gift, but I figure I don't deserve it after what I have done.

Once we are seated at the table, he sighs and gives me a resigned look. "Well, you sent me a Malfoy owl yesterday."

"I did?"

Why do the Malfoys have tags on their owls? Seriously. I think Miffy is in cahoots with Draco. Of course she is. She's his personal elf, practically raised him.

He laughs softly. "I knew something was off with him the other night. I haven't been around him often, but I saw him at the hospital when Violet was born. He was much more outgoing that day. He seemed almost cheerful, which was surprising considering what a prat he was in school."

I blink at him and shut my gaping mouth. "Mmmm." That's all I've got.

"He was watching you all night. I kept thinking, 'That's right. She's with me, you stuck up prick.' I guess the joke's on me, eh?"

"Oh, Cory. I'm so sorry. Draco and I have been friends for months, and we were always fighting it, well he was, but the point is, it was always more than friendship. A lot more. I do like you, and I honestly wanted things to work with you but …"

"Neville told me you were hung up on someone else. I didn't realize it was him, but it's fine, Ginny. I knew you weren't really free. I was hoping you would be, but I'm guessing Malfoy finally made his move."

"Yes." I hang my head down in shame. I don't want to tell him the rest. Maybe my mum is right.

"Ginny?" He gives me a genuine smile. "We had seven weeks. I had seven years with Holly's mum. I'm fine. Honestly. I think we could have been good together, but it was obviously not meant to be."

"You really deserve the best, Cory. You're one of the best. Thank you for being so kind. I'm sorry that I wasn't honest with you from the beginning. Could we still be friends?"

"Of course. I'm sure we will be seeing each other through Neville and Pansy anyway. Especially if that ring means what I think it does."

Well, I guess I'm telling him. "Um … yeah. He asked yesterday." Technically this is not a lie considering he did ask in front of his parents. I have decided Mum is definitely right about not telling him everything.

"And your parents? They're okay with this?"

"Not really. But it doesn't matter to me."

"Good for you. My parents couldn't believe I wanted to marry a Muggle. But I never regretted it for one second. Not even when I was losing her so young. If you find love, Ginny, you need to hold on to it with everything you have."

"Thanks, Cory. Happy Christmas." I stand up and hug him goodbye. He seems to be as okay with this as he says. And I feel a huge relief at getting this task over with.

.

I send an owl to Draco as soon as I return from Cory's house, and he replies later in the evening. It's actually nice to be able to talk about him and send him an owl, but I miss him. My father is still giving me the old Silencio throughout dinner. Before I go to my room, he informs me that he is meeting Draco the next morning and will be making his decision whether he approves of our relationship then. That's all he will say. He won't give me one clue as to what is happening the next morning, and Draco did not supply any more information in his owl.

The next afternoon, I am busy helping my mum wrap the last of the Christmas gifts when my father returns home from the meeting.

"Ginny, I've had an interesting morning. Let's have a seat and talk."

"Oh, we're doing that now," I mumble sarcastically under my breath. I look to Mum for a clue to his decision, and she shakes her head in confusion. "Yes, Dad. Would you like some lunch?"

I follow him into the kitchen. My mum remains in the other room, but I would bet Galleons that she is using some Extendable Ears.

After preparing my dad's plate for him, I start to sit across from him at the kitchen table. He stops me, gesturing to the seat next to him. It makes me nervous.

Dad wipes his mouth after taking a drink of pumpkin juice. "There will still be rules in this house that I expect you to obey as long as you're living here."

I nod sadly.

"Once you are married, you can do whatever you want."

I look up at him in astonishment. "Married to Draco?"

"Was there another fiancé you were hiding from us?" He gives me a small smile.

"No, he's the only one."

"He's proven to me that he loves you, Ginny. I'm sorry that I didn't trust you to make a good choice."

"Thank you, Daddy." I start crying as I embrace him.

"He showed me the contract."

"He did?"

"Lucius was there, too. I've never seen him act so … unlike himself."

"That's because Narcissa will hex him into tomorrow if he doesn't support us." He raises his eyebrows in question, and I nod before we both laugh.

"Well, after reading that contract and hearing Lucius's perspective, I hate to admit it, but I can see why he's afraid of what this will mean. It's very explicit in that Draco must not marry a pureblood witch. He's going to have a real fight ahead of him to keep his company."

I sigh. I hate that I am causing this to happen. "Dad, is it selfish of me to want him anyway? Even if he loses everything?"

"Draco made it clear to me that he was choosing you, no matter what. He's a grown wizard, Ginny. It's his right to do what he pleases with his business. It's not your fault that the Malfoys ruined their name to the point of losing their family company."

"Thank you. Thank you so much. I couldn't imagine not having you in our lives."

He frowns slightly at that statement. If he thinks I would have broken my engagement for him, he would have been very disappointed. But I'm not about to rock the cauldron with him. He has given his blessing and that is all I need from him.

He takes my hand in his and gives it a gentle squeeze. "Now, as for those rules. You will not be spending the night at his home nor will he be staying here."

"But I would have stayed with –"

"Yes, and that was a mistake on my part. What's done is done, Ginny, but I will not be allowing that type of behaviour in my home again."

I want to point out that it would most likely be happening in Draco's home, but I think better of it. Clearly, the contract has won Dad over but Draco has not.

He stands up and places his napkin on the plate. "I need to get back to work. Draco said that his mother would be inviting you and your mum to tea tomorrow." He leans down and kisses my head. "Bye, Ginbug. Congratulations."

.

Draco enters the Floo around five o'clock with a large smile on his face. He sent an owl earlier asking to come see me this evening. I haven't seen him since Saturday evening, and it feels like two years as opposed to two days. He stands in our sitting room and uses his wand to clean his clothes. He looks very handsome in his suit.

"Ginny," he breathes as I walk towards him. He embraces me in his arms and holds me for a moment.

"I missed you," I moan into his chest. I shiver at his touch as his hands begin to run lightly up and down my back. "How did we used to go without seeing each other all the time?"

"I have no idea. Where's your mum?" he says softly.

"Probably waiting on the other side of that door," I whisper. "You better kiss me now before she comes in."

"That I can do."

He bends his head down and gently brushes his lips against mine. I can't hold back though, and I stand up on my toes as I grab his hair and deepen the kiss. Draco's hands are just finding more interesting places to hold onto when my mum comes bursting into the room.

"Oh, Draco! I see you made it through the Floo. Arthur said he would be connecting us to your work Floo. How was your day?"

I turn in his arms and lean against his chest, enjoying the feel of his warm body around mine.

"It was a wonderful day, Mrs. Weasley. As you know, I was granted the blessing to marry your beautiful daughter this morning. I hope your day was just as joyous."

He kisses the top of my head, and I have to hold in a chuckle at my mother's near swooning.

"So handsome and polite. Oh, Ginny! I can't wait to start planning this wedding."

I look up at my fiancé and meet his amused eyes. "Yes, he's quite the charmer."

Draco stays for dinner which is served later than normal since my father had to stay late at work. It isn't the most uncomfortable dinner I have ever sat through, but my father is clearly not completely at ease with Draco's presence. My mother wants to talk only about the wedding, and my father wants to talk about anything else. Anything except Draco's work. I want to ask about the meeting with the board, but my dad says it is wizards' business. I wonder aloud if there are any witches on that board. Draco squeezes my hand under the table, and I let the subject drop. My mother and I give up on discussing the wedding, and we let the two wizards lead the stilted conversation. Then Muggle technology is brought up. Finally, my father seems to warm up to Draco when he realizes that they can discuss many things Muggle. I try not to let it bother me too much that almost all of Draco's knowledge of the Muggle world has come from the witches he dated over the last few years.

Once dinner is finished and the kitchen is cleaned, my father bids Draco a good evening. It is his not-so-subtle way of telling him to leave. I lead my fiancé to the back door and follow him onto the porch.

"You can Apparate away from here over by the shed. It's closer than going out the front. I'll talk to Dad about adding you to the wards."

"I don't think he's going to do that any time soon, Ginny. He made it clear this morning that, although we are technically engaged, he expects us to follow traditional courting rules. And he would be happy to revoke his blessing at any moment."

"Revoke his blessing?" I sputter. "Can he do that?"

He chuckles as he wraps my scarf around my neck. Once, twice. Then taking the ends, he pulls me to him. "He can do whatever he wants, as long as I get you."

I lean forward and give him a quick peck. "Draco, you know that I will marry you with or without their blessing, right?"

"Do they know that?"

"Yes. They're not too happy about it. Mum is excited about the wedding itself, but I think she just pretends you are not a Malfoy."

"And if they change their minds, Ginevra, what will you do? Even with their blessing, I'm not allowed to see you as much as I'd like."

"I'd move in with Luna." His face falls a little. "Was there somewhere else you thought I should go?" I tease him.

"Nope." He smirks. "Your mother has peaked through the kitchen window twice now so I should probably go." He kisses me sweetly and then glances at the window behind me. "I can't wait to be with you, Ginny."

After a more passionate kiss, we both sigh as he pulls away and walks to the shed. Just before he starts to Disapparate, I shout, "I love you!"

"I love you." And then he is gone.

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