Against All Odds

by jay1013

“Does that mean you could remember what happened last night?” Ginny hoped that sex was not on the list of the night’s previous events.“Do you mean before or after we had sex?” Draco said with a smirk. Ginny groaned. Sex with Draco Malfoy. So not good.

14. Once Bitten, Twice Shy

I realize I could have posted a chapter a lot sooner than I actually did. To say this chapter is long is an understatement, at least in comparison to my other chapters. I could have broken up this chapter into two or even three separate chapters, but I had no idea where to end when chapter and begin the other. In fact, I had a difficult time ending this long one. I hope I made the right decision by keeping it all together. Anyway, let me stop blabbing. Here's the long awaited fourteenth chapter. Enjoy!

"That is the stupidest plan I have ever heard!" Ginny exclaimed. "I cannot believe it took you so bloody long to come up with...the most ridiculous suggestion I have ever heard in my life."

"If it's so ridiculous, then don't do it," Johnathan said simply. He lifted his cup of tea and gestured towards Ginny with it. "I mean, you were doing so well on your own. I just can't understand why you even asked us for help."

Matthew held up a hand before Ginny could respond. "Let's just try to make sense of the plan. Maybe, once we have addressed everyone's concerns, we can agree on exactly what is going to happen when you get back to the office."

"Concerns? I'll tell you my concern. I can't just throw myself at him," Ginny said.

"Why not? It's easy. Victoria could give you some pointers. Darling, I've noticed you haven't tasted your salad. Is the food here not to your liking?" Johnathan asked. The question threw her off balance considerably, just as he had intended.

"Er, well, yes. Of course it is. I just-Don't try to change the subject! I refuse to act like some tart just so that some man will notice me."

"No one said you had to act like a tart. Just make some passes at him. Flirt with him. Make him think it's just sex for you. It will confuse him, throw him off a bit. It would drive him crazy. And if he's crazy about you, then love could be the next step up. Now-"

"Excuse me," a tall, busty blonde interrupted. "Mr. Stevens, this fax just came in for you. I'm afraid it's very urgent and requires your immediate attention."

"Immediate attention, you say?" Johnathan ran his tongue along his teeth and wiggled his brows at Matthew and Ginny. "Well, then Karen, let's get to that...fax." He stood and escorted the blonde out of the restaurant.

Ginny stared, opened mouthed even after they had disappeared. "And who was that?" she wondered aloud.

Matthew flashed her a grin. "Johnathan's secretary."

"Oh" was all she could say. After a brief moment, she managed to recuperate from her initial shock. She cleared her throat and looked back at Matthew. "It occurs to me that the two of you know a great deal about my life, my love life in particular, while I know next to nothing about yours."

"You want to hear my life story?" He pulled out a cigarette and his lighter. He lit the cigarette and took a long, slow drag. He began to play with his lighter, an unconscious nervous habit he had developed in his early teens. Ginny remained silent, waiting for him to speak. He sighed and closed his lighter. "I can't speak for Johnny. His life, his story. As for me..." He began to play with his lighter again, flipping it open and closed. "I was born and raised in New York. Upper East Side, if you want to get specific. Ever heard of it?"

"Yes."

"My father created this computer company. That's what he did, manufactured computers, and it was enough to make him a millionaire. My mother isn't a leech. Her side of the family owns a hotel chain. Of course, Mother doesn't know a thing about neither the computer nor the hospitality industry, but she and my father love each other and somehow manage to work out any and all kinks in their marriage. And that is all I am going to tell you about my family." He held up a hand to stop Ginny's protest. "I know very little about your own family. As for my love life...I know about your first love, so I'll tell you about mine. She was, and still is, a bit reckless."

He paused long enough to take another slow drag of his cigarette before he put it out. A smile, slow and stunning, crept slowly along his face. "What a terror she used to be. I must have been about thirteen when she came up to me one day at school, demanding me to kiss her. Her request shocked me so I just stared at her. She began to pout, this full lipped, sexy pout. It scared me that I wanted to kiss her because up until that point, I had always thought of her as more of a younger sister. I couldn't kiss my younger sister. And so I opened my mouth to make some sort of joke about the situation and send her painlessly on her way, without a kiss. Do you know what she did? She framed my face in her hands and dragged my face to hers before I could get a word out."

He smiled wistfully at the memory. "I'd always loved her, as a sister. But that day, my heart opened another door for her. I grew to love her as a person. We hooked up off and on after that day. Mostly off. Have you guessed yet who I am talking about?" Ginny shook her head. "Victoria."

"Victoria...Wellington?" Ginny's jaw dropped. "You two don't seem as if you've..."

"Yeah. Don't mention it to anyone. She doesn't want people to know that we've hooked up in the past. Anyway, she was my first love, but not my only love. There was this one other woman. But her love was tainted." He said it in such a flat tone, that Ginny knew his heart had been broken. So she reached out her hand for his on the table and squeezed it gently in silent support. He hesitated at the gesture before looking up and continuing. "Her name was Laine Marshall. You may have heard of her."

"Is she the one who dated the manager of the Yankees a few months ago?"

"That's Laine. We used to go to school together, long before I had ever met Victoria or Johnny or Jordan. But we never spoke to each other. She's four years older than me. Hell, we weren't ever on the same floor in school. And we didn't go to the same school for long. I ended up transferring to Johnathan's school along with Victoria.

Laine and I somehow ended up going to the same college. Which is weird considering she is four years older. I never questioned it though. Not until long after. She asked me out to dinner one day while we were both studying at the campus library. She wanted to discuss politics over a caesar salad. It was the first time a girl had ever asked me out. I was curious enough to accept her offer and became infatuated enough to continue seeing her. She used to leave me little notes on my apartment door, reminding me of events that were going on around the campus she thought I may have been interested in attending."

"That was sweet of her."

"Sweet?" Matthew snorted. "I was worth ten billion dollars at the time." When Ginny gaped at him, he shrugged. "That's only about a third of what I am worth now. I didn't suspect her to be a gold digger at the time, though I should have. The signs were all there, but I was too young and stupid to notice them. All I wanted was her love. And when I realized I couldn't have that, I settled for affection and then later on for attention. She gave me a lot of attention, as she gave other men attention."

"She cheated on you?"

"She even hit on Johnathan a few times. He tried to tell me, but typical male ego prevented me from believing him. Eventually, my brain overtook my hormones and I began to realize what was going on. She was hinting at marriage, practically shoving me down the aisle. She would only dine at the most luxurious restaurants, where people go to see and be seen and dine among the world's elite. She would only accept jewelry for presents. And those events she left me notes for? They all dealt with business. She wanted me to be a successful businessman, a CEO of some large corporation. She knew I was set to inherit my father's company upon his death. It wasn't me she wanted, but the money. My money. Or should I say my family's money."

"Didn't she have money of her own?"

"Yes, but a billion is so much more than a million," Matthew answered bitterly.

"Did she and Johnathan-"

"Well, well. Déjà vu," Draco interrupted from behind her. Ginny's spine involuntarily stiffened. Calm down, she thought. They were bound to come face to face eventually. It was just happening sooner rather than later. While Matthew's eyes remained focused on hers, she tried to relax her muscles. It was Matthew who squeezed her hand now. Ginny looked down at their joined hands. She had forgotten she had her hand in his. Her first instinct was to pull her hand away, but she kept her hand where it was. There is no need for you to feel guilty, she reminded herself. We do not date and therefore I am not cheating on anyone.

"Hello, Draco." She ignored her pounding heart and looked up to smile at him. "Matthew and I were just having lunch. He's paying this time."

"I apologize for yesterday. I hadn't intended for either of you to end up scrubbing dishes all night." At that, Ginny couldn't help but giggle. Matthew arched a brow in silent warning. Then he lifted her hands to examine them. "Such lovely hands," he murmured. "Marred by hours of labor." He brought her hands to his lips and kissed each of them slowly and tenderly. "Take good care of them so the next time we meet, they will be perfect again."

"I...will," Ginny finished awkwardly. Matthew lightly squeezed her hand again. "Oh, yes. Draco. We almost forgot about you. Would you like to join us for some desert?"

"No, I-" Draco started.

"Nonsense. You must join us, Draco. This is my last day in England, you know."

"Last day? Pity your visit was so short." Draco sat in Johnathan's old seat, directly in between Matthew and Ginny.

"Yes, what a pity," Ginny sighed.

"Will you miss me, darling?"

"Of course I will, Matthew. And will you miss me?"

"I'm going to miss you so much, I shall call you every day for an update. And you know, darling, you can visit me any time you'd like in New York. There's always room for you in my apartment. There are...an ample amount of places to sleep." That comment set off uncomfortable warning bells in Draco's head. Was Matthew implying something sexual?

"And you'll visit me as well I hope. There aren't many places for you to sleep in my flat, however-"

"Where is Johnathan?" Draco cut her off. Ginny and Matthew exchanged smiles. He was falling right into their trap.

"Around," they both responded vaguely. Abruptly, Matthew leaned forward towards Ginny. "Ginny, darling, you seem to be out of wine. Shall I order you another glass?"

"No, no. I could always have some of yours if I get thirsty. That is, if you would be willing to share." Ginny fluttered her lashes. She was surprised at how easily she could flirt with a man. Then again, this was only practice. And with Matthew of all people, someone she considered more of a brother than a potential lover. With Draco, it was more important because it was for all the marbles.

"But, darling, we ordered different kinds. Maybe you should taste mine to see if it is to your liking." Matthew picked up his glass and leaned in even closer to Ginny. He tilted the glass until it touched her lips. Unsure of herself, Ginny took a small sip. She had no idea what the wine tasted like, but the questioning look in Draco's eyes was enough to content her enough to smile.

"Mmm. It's perfect," she purred. She hesitated for barely a second before lifting her hand to run a finger down Matthew's cheek. "Sweet and delicious. Reminds me of a certain someone."

"When are you planning on returning, Matthew?" Draco spoke suddenly. He felt awkward watching their exchange. He wasn't jealous, that much he knew. Had he been jealous, Matthew would have been laying in a stretcher. But he didn't feel right sitting in between them. He felt like an intruder, an outsider, that's how intimate the moment was.

"I only ever travel on business. I've discovered over the years that New York has become my first love. But I suppose I shall be in town for your wedding next. Victoria tells me you have pushed up the date." Matthews eyes remained on Ginny's, not an easy feat considering he was the type of person who liked to look at the person he was speaking to. But he had a job to do and he didn't want to let Ginny down.

"How quickly word has spread," Draco muttered. "Her information is accurate. The wedding is to be on Valentine's Day."

"How romantic, Ginny. They are to marry on a lover's holiday. I suppose I shall have to buy two presents: one for the bride and groom and a second for my valentine."

Ginny giggled and batted her eyes. She felt ridiculous, but knew better than to comment. "I shall thank you in advance. How cruel of you to let me know of this present months before you are to give it to me. Now I shall spend my time wondering what you could have possibly gotten me. But that was your plan, wasn't it? To have me thinking of you?"

"Guilty as charged." Matthew leaned in, as if to kiss her.

"Ginny, we really must get back to the office. Pansy's divorce has our floor positively swamped," Draco said.

"Oh." Ginny pouted a little before smiling apologetically at Matthew. "Duty calls."

"So it does. We shall say goodbye properly over dinner tonight."

"What time is your flight that you have time to have dinner with her?" Draco muttered under his breath. Matthew, having a keen sense of hearing, heard him and mentally did a small victory dance.

"My flight leaves whenever I get there. I have my own private jet," he explained. "I'll let you two get back to work. Ginny, I will see you later." He leaned in once more and this time, his lips briefly rubbed over Ginny's in a gentle and quick kiss.

Ginny stood and hesitantly held out a hand for Draco. When he merely stared at her outstretched hand, she wanted to jump with glee. Instead, she settled for arched brows. "We haven't got all day, Mr. Malfoy."

"Er, right." Ginny and Matthew exchanged a look at his fumble. Neither had ever witnessed a Malfoy miss a step. Then Matthew smirked at Ginny, a sort of 'I told you so' smirk. Ginny rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out at him. When Draco turned around to see what was going on between the two of them, Matthew was innocently sipping from his teacup. I must be going mad, Draco thought as he accepted Ginny's hand. She led the way out of the restaurant and they walked all the way back to the Ministry of Magic hand in hand. Draco remained silent, not sure of what to say. Since when was Ginny Weasley the type to hold hands?

"Oh, no," Ginny moaned as they stepped onto their floor. She quickly let go of his hand and ran to her desk. Draco followed after her at a much slower pace. What had gotten into her? Why was she acting so different? When he got to her desk, he nearly hooted with laughter. Poor Ginny Weasley was being choked by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Well, not choked per se. They were hugging her so fiercely, they may has well been choking her.

"Ginevra Molly Weasley, you ought to be ashamed of yourself!" Her mother suddenly lectured. "You move back to London without telling a soul. We hadn't even known you were considering relocating. And then you get a job at the Ministry without letting us know. That's just adding insult to injury. If you had wanted to work here, you had only to ask your father for help acquiring a job. He's worked here for over fifteen years. He knows the Minister of Magic. Why, he's even dined at our home a few times while you were still in New York. He could have gotten you a better position than the mail room, I can assure you of that."

"Mother," Ginny said through gritted teeth. "I do not work in the mail room. In case you haven't noticed, you are at my desk. I am Draco's secretary."

"You took over Annie's position?" Molly gaped at her incredulously. "How can that be possible? Annie worked down in the mail room for five years before she had been promoted to Department Head Secretary."

"Yes. I imagine she did have a few years experience before she became secretary. But, you see-How exactly did you learn all of this?" Ginny asked, changing tactics.

"That's the most upsetting part. We heard it in the passing from Hermione. And then your brother Ron and Lavender corroborated her story. Even Harry knew about this before us. According to Harry, he's even been over to your new flat. He says it's marvelous. Can you imagine that, Arthur? Our daughter's former boyfriend has been over to her flat before her own parents had even known she was on this side of the pond." Molly suddenly looked as if she wanted to cry and it made Ginny feel small. The truth of the matter was, she had gotten so used to not having to answer to anyone that she hadn't remembered to call her parents. She couldn't say that, though. It would crush them.

"Well, the flat is marvelous, mother. I would invite you over, but I have a roommate-"

"Yes, we've heard of her as well. Moving in with a stranger. You like to live dangerous, don't you dear?" Ginny's father scolded her.

"I guess I do," she said defensively. Arthur and Molly's eyebrows rose in surprise. They hadn't expected her to be so stiff with them. They silently hoped it was only the years they had been apart that had brought up a wall in their relationship.

"She's hardly a stranger." Draco mentally cursed himself for interfering when all three Weasleys turned to look at him. "She lives with my girlfriend, Catherine Bennet-Price."

"Bennet-Price?" Arthur slapped his forehead. "Of course! The Minister of Magic's daughter. Aren't you two engaged?"

"Yes. The wedding's this February." He couldn't say why, but Draco was sick and tired of saying that. In fact, if he could get by the rest of the day without thinking about his upcoming wedding, his life would be all the better.

"Congratulations, Draco. Isn't that wonderful, Arthur? Draco Malfoy's getting married. I never thought I'd live to see the day," Molly said with a small shake of her head. And just what the hell was that supposed to mean? Draco thought with a small scowl.

"Mother, that was unbelievably rude. Now, this is a place of business. I have work to do and I can't imagine Father can afford to while away the entire afternoon lecturing me for not consulting you before moving."

"We're not here to criticize, Ginny." Molly nodded at Arthur's words in agreement. "Nor are we saying you need our approval. We'd just like to know what's going on in your life once in a while."

"Yes, that's understandable. Please, can't we speak some other time? There's work to be done." Ginny looked at Draco for help. I should stay out of it, he thought. But instead, he stepped right into the heart of the situation.

"I'm sure she didn't mean to hurt your feelings, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. The truth is, hardly anyone knows about her move or career change. The only reason I even know is because she works for me and lives with my girlfriend. We truly do have work to get to. Perhaps this family reunion can be rescheduled for sometime after business hours?"

"I agree." At the unknown voice, Ginny turned and nearly screamed in frustration when she saw it was her brother Percy. "Ginny, how nice to see you again. I hope you have been doing well for yourself."

"I have, thank you. If you'll excuse me, I have files to look over." Ginny went behind her desk and checked Draco's messages. She could feel stares on her, but she refused to look up until she had heard her family leave the reception area. She let out a small sigh as she made one final note. "Here's a brief summary of your messages and what needs to be done."

"Maybe you should-"

Ginny decided to cut Draco off. Keep it business until you've got your nerves and temper under control, she told herself. "Pansy Parkinson called twice and her soon to be former husband, Oliver Weiss, called once. I have no clue what Pansy could have possibly wanted, but Mr. Weiss wanted to know how long it would take for the divorce to be processed and if he could possibly speak to an expert on Muggle-Wizard divorces. Vanessa Daniels phoned to schedule an appointment. She wants to put up her muggle child for adoption, but heard that it is illegal for her to do so at a muggle orphanage. Charles Mason has a nosy neighbor who recently found out he is a wizard and he wants to know what to do about the situation. That's it for your messages. Just as a reminder, you have a two o'clock with Carl Mack and a board meeting down in the Minister's office at four fifteen. Cassandra Levine will be here a five thirty and you have a dinner meeting with Angela and Roger Pierce at eight ten. Try not to be late. I hear the Pierces can be quite fussy with ordering what to eat."

"Who told you that?" Draco asked out of curiosity.

"Johnathan. He dated their daughter, Monica, for a while in his teens," she replied distractedly as she looked over her notes.

"Of course he did," Draco said dryly. "Tell Dean to handle Charles Mason. Call Ms. Daniels back and let her know that it is illegal to put a child who descends from wizarding parents up for adoption in the muggle world. She doesn't need an appointment, but if she insists on fighting the law then pencil her in for ten minutes sometime next week."

"You're booked solid for the next month," Ginny interrupted. Which meant she didn't have much time to flirt with him.

"I know. That's why I said ten minutes rather than a standard appointment of thirty minutes. I won't have you call back Oliver Weiss because quite frankly, his question isn't all that important. If he continues calling, however, put him through to me. I feel sorry for the sap, having been married to Pansy and all. I may need to reschedule Carl Mack's appointment because it may conflict with the board meeting. If that does become an issue, I'll let you know and hopefully you can reach him before he leaves for here. I wouldn't want to waste his time. The same goes for Cassandra Levine. I would appreciate it if you could call the Pierces and send them my regrets for canceling on them."

"Should I give them any particular reason or just the standard 'an appointment ran later than expected?'" Ginny asked as she furiously jotted down notes. Draco couldn't help but wonder what she was writing. He hadn't given her that many directions. Though it irked him to see her paying so little attention to him and a great deal more attention to her notes, he kept his voice cool and emotionless, as it had always been.

"Give them the standard response. And while you are on the phone, put me through to Catherine." At that, Ginny looked up and arched a brow. That got your attention, he thought. "That will be all, thank you." He walked into his office and slowly closed the door behind him. He'd baited her, of that much she was sure. And although it stung her heart to do so, she did as he asked. Shrug it off, she ordered herself. You have far more important matters to take care of at the moment. So she picked up the phone again and made a long distance call to New York.

"Wellington Enterprises," a snooty and semi annoyed receptionist answered.

"Victoria Wellington, please. Tell her it's Ginny Weasley." Ginny drummed her fingers on her desk as she waited to be transferred.

"Ginny! What a pleasant surprise! I hadn't expected you to call back so soon. How did you know I was even in New York?" Victoria said.

"Matthew and Johnathan told me you'd left last night. So how was your flight?" Make small talk, she thought to herself. Be as casual as possible. Matthew had warned her how perceptive Victoria was. The smallest mistake could ruin her plans.

"Long, but that's to be expected. How are my boys? I hear you three had lunch today. I hope they didn't decide to pull another dine and dash on you."

Ginny laughed a little. "No. They paid this time."

"We really must get together again. Perhaps the next time I am in London or whenever you're in New York..." Ginny heard her move around papers, as if she were searching for her calendar. No, her Blackberry, Ginny decided. Victoria Wellington seemed like the type of person who would own a Blackberry.

"Actually, that's precisely what I am calling about. Your next visit that is."

"Oh?" Intrigued, Victoria sat back and propped her feet on her desk. "What about it?"

"Well..." Ginny started. She took a deep breath and reminded herself to relax. "I'm throwing Draco a surprise birthday party and I was hoping you could make it. I know he would love to have you there."

"Draco's birthday? That's in a week, isn't it?"

"About a week. It's on Friday."

"Do you think you can pull it off by Friday? Isn't that too little time to plan?"

"Er, well-"

"I could help you, darling." Inspired, Victoria flipped through her Rolodex. "I can take care of the location and the caterers. I just love planning parties."

Ginny sighed with relief. "I was hoping you would say that. Matthew and Johnathan offered to help as well. Between the four of us we should be able to have everything under control."

"The four of us," Victoria repeated. Ginny couldn't see her, but she was grinning wickedly. "Don't you think his girlfriend should be included in the festivities?"

"Er, yes." Ginny quickly thought up of a cover. "I just figured she would be too busy planning their wedding to be able to help out."

"Right..." Victoria said slowly. She didn't believe her for a minute, but she let Ginny's lie slide. For now, anyway. "The greatest part about being your own boss is that you can set your own hours. I can be in England as soon as today."

"Thank you for-" Ginny stopped suddenly. "Did you just say today? That's a bit soon, don't you think?" Silence echoed from the other end. Ginny quickly apologized, thinking she had somehow offended Victoria. "It's not that I don't appreciate your help, because I do. I was looking forward to the two of us working together. I hear you throw a killer party." Her compliment drew no response. "Please don't be upset with me, Victoria.," Ginny pleaded.

"Why should I be upset with you?" Ginny whirled around and barely restrained a scream when she saw Victoria sitting on her desk.

"What are you doing here?"

"Helping you plan the world's biggest, most lavish party ever. We just spoke about it over the phone. Don't tell me you've forgotten already." Victoria crossed her legs and turned her head to study Ginny's work area. "I love how this desk wraps around. I've always had my own office so I've never had the opportunity to work out of a cubicle of sorts. I'd feel claustrophobic and cozy here all at the same time."

"Yes, but..." Ginny stopped and started over again. "All right. How did you get here?"

"How do you think?"

"I don't know, exactly, which is why I am asking."

Victoria sighed. "I really did think you were brighter than that, Ginny, but I'll give you a hint nonetheless. I didn't take an airplane and it only took me about five seconds to get here."

"I still don't-" Ginny's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets when she finally figured it out. "Victoria, you didn't," she whispered.

"I did. How else could I possibly have gotten here so quickly? And just in a nick of time, too. We barely have any time to plan this party." Victoria stood up and patted Ginny's cheek. "Are you all right, darling? You're looking a bit pale. There's no need to fret, I brought my Rolodex with me. We'll get this party rolling in high gear in no time at all, you'll see."

"You shouldn't have apparated here." When Victoria merely shrugged, Ginny folded her hands together in an attempt to prevent herself from strangling Victoria. "Victoria, I don't think you understand. This building may be the Ministry of Magic, but this floor is the Department of Muggle Relations. We deal strictly with..."

"Let me take a wild guess. Muggles and their associations with witches and wizards?"

"Precisely. And muggles are not supposed to know magic even exists, for their own good of course. Muggles walk in and out of this floor all of the time. The point is-"

"I get your point," she interrupted. "Your point is I shouldn't perform magic around here because they may catch me in the act. I get it. But there was no one around, no one saw me, not even you. I don't see any harm in it, do you?"

"We don't know for sure-"

"Now about this party. I was thinking it should be a small, intimate affair between friends and family. So we're looking at a guest list of about five hundred people."

Ginny stared at her for a second before bursting into laughter. "I'm sorry. I thought you just said the guest list consists of five hundred people."

"That is what I said. We have to come up with a list today so then we can start looking into locations to have this party. I was thinking maybe we could have it in my house in Kingston. Or perhaps Matthew would be kind of enough to allow us to use his house in Notting Hill. Yes, that would be perfect considering I own the house next door. We could combine our yards and- I'm sorry. I'm getting a little ahead of myself. We need to get started on that list."

"What list?" Draco asked from behind them. Ginny jumped up and, not knowing how close Draco was standing by, bumped her head against his chin. "Damn it, Weasley, are you trying to kill me?" Draco demanded as he straightened his jaw.

Victoria wanted to laugh, but decided it wasn't a good time for jokes when she saw the look on Ginny's face. "Oh, just a little side project Ginny and I are working on together."

"Side project?" Draco didn't even spare Victoria a glance. He knew both women well enough to know if Victoria was lying, she was a good enough actress to hide her deceiving ways. If he wanted the truth, he would have to pick at Ginny. "Interesting. And just what, may I ask, do an American socialite/billionaire businesswoman and a British secretary have in common? Or rather, what do the self-proclaimed muggles who grew up six thousands miles away from each other and hadn't met until about a few days ago have in common?"

"Er, we were just..." Think of something, Ginny ordered herself. "Discussing our plans to go out tonight. You know, a girls night out sort of thing."

"Yes!" Victoria beamed at Ginny, proud of her for being able to come up with such a clever cover up. "We were going to go shopping and then we were going to go hit the clubs. You know we Americans just love to party. Besides, I need to find Ginny another date for the Winter Ball. I mean, Johnny and Matt aren't exactly the world's most reliable people. They'll either forget the Ball entirely or bring someone else. And Harry...Well, let's leave him as a last resort. Meaning we need to find dates. You're so lucky you're getting married, Draco. You'll never have to worry about who to take to a party ever again. I mean, it would only be proper of you to bring your wife. People talk, you know. The more money and power you have, the more vicious the gossip. But at least you'll have that security. Of Catherine always being there."

"I suppose so," Draco replied uncomfortably. Ginny nearly gave into the urge to hug Victoria. She had smoothly changed subjects and had not only gotten them off the hook, but had placed Draco in the hot seat.

"Anyway, I really shouldn't keep either one of you much longer. If either of you needs to reach me, I have my phone on me. Au revoir, mon ami. Au plaisir de vous revoir!" Victoria blew them a couple of air kisses while walking backwards towards the exit. Because she was walking backwards, she didn't notice Ron was walking towards her carrying a large stack of files and let out a small shriek when they collided. "Sacré bleu! I mean, I'm sorry! I wasn't paying much attention." She began to pick up files at random and stack them together in a pile.

"Well, maybe-" Ron paused when he noticed who he was speaking to. An easy grin instantly spread along his face. "Victoria Wellington! What brings you back to our side of the pond?"

"I have some...business to take care of." Then in hushed tones she added, "Ginny and I are planning a party, but no one can know about it yet. You're invited, of course."

"A party, you say?" Ron whispered back. He returned to his normal voice as he glanced over at Ginny and Draco. "Leave those there. I'm sure Malfoy can sort them out. They're for him, after all."

"If you leave them to him, I'll end up picking them up myself. Might as well cut the middle man out," Ginny sighed as she got down on her knees to help out.

"I would have picked them up myself," Draco scowled. They all chose to ignore him because they believed that to be a lie.

"We should all meet up later. You know, catch up." Victoria nudged Ginny with her elbow. Ginny took the hint and agreed. "What do you say, Ron? My house in Kingston at six? Some dinner and conversation to end the day."

"Sounds like a plan." Ron finished gathering the papers on his side of the floor and returned them to Ginny. "Take extra care of these, Gin. The Minister sent them up here directly. And escorted, meaning these files must be of the utmost importance."

"Utmost?" Ginny giggled a little. "Since when do you use words like utmost?" Ron glared at her. "I was only joking. What does the Minister need with these anyway?"

"Yeah, you should just tell Ginny directly. We all know Draco will end up delegating the task to her anyway." Victoria held out an arm for Ron. "Come, Ronald. I'm on my way out and can use an escort." She tugged on his arm and couldn't help but steal a glance over at Draco and Ginny. Draco was fuming, just as she suspected he would be, and was preparing to let some steam out on poor Ginny. "Perfect," she murmured as she and Ron stepped onto the elevator.

"Did you say something?"

"Nope. Not really, anyway." I just did your sister and Catherine the biggest favor of their lives, she thought with a grin as she watched them before the elevator doors closed in front of her. Some day, she was sure they would both thank her. Even though right now, they would hate her if they knew what she was up to. Well, Catherine already hated her, she thought with a pout. But that couldn't be helped. She shrugged and chattered away about nonsense with Ron for the ride down.

Meanwhile, Draco was glaring daggers at Ginny's back. "Weasley."

"Malfoy," she responded.

He arched a brow. "You dare mock me at a time like this?"

"Sure. Why not? Anyway, I've got to get to these, so if you'll excuse me." Ginny had barely moved an inch away from him when she felt his hand grip her arm. "Is there something you'd rather I do for you, Mr. Malfoy?"

"In my office. Now," he said through grinded teeth. He stalked off, practically dragging her with him.

"There's no need to be so rude and rough with me, sir. I would have come willingly, had you asked." Ginny tried, and nearly succeeded, in hiding her anger.

"What have you been telling Victoria? I do not make you do everything for me. You're my secretary, not my personal assistant or slave. I believe I delegate work accordingly and I have never given you anything I didn't fully believe you were capable of doing."

Ginny waited a beat. "That's nice to know, sir. Will that be all, Mr. Malfoy?"

"And cut this Mr. Malfoy crap, will you? Jesus." He loosened his tie a bit and raked a hand through his hair. Ginny had never seen him so restless but chose not to comment. "Mr. Malfoy reminds me too much of my father." He looked up into her eyes and she watched his eyes become piercing, a stormy shade of grey signaling trouble was ahead. "And I am nothing like my father."

"You share a name. That is no fault of mine, sir. If you wish to dissociate yourself completely from your father, then change your last name. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have tasks I would like to get to sometime today."

"We're not done yet and you will not leave until you are dismissed. If you would just give me a direct answer to my question, I would gladly let you get back to work. So I will ask you once more. Why are you calling me Mr. Malfoy and why does Victoria think I make you do everything around here?"

Ginny glanced at the door and weighed her options. It would be best for her just to tell him as much as possible without revealing any of the plot she and the New York crew had concocted. "I'm only calling you Mr. Malfoy because Pansy and Lavender have been running up here lately, to spy on us I imagine. I don't want to draw any unnecessary attention."

"That's not it. At least not all of it." When Ginny remained silent, he sighed in exasperation. "Fine, fine. I'll drop the subject for now. Why don't you take the rest of the afternoon off? I'm sure Victoria's waiting for you downstairs."

"Really?" Giddy that her plan was working out, she ran up and hugged him. "Thank you so much!" Then she remembered how uncomfortable he was with hugging. So she eased away from him and cleared her throat to thank him in a more practical way. "Thank you for being so considerate. I appreciate the sentiment, as I am sure Victoria will. If there's anything I could do for you before I leave-"

"There is one thing," Draco interrupted. He leaned across his desk to lay a tender kiss on her lips. "Miss me, will you?" Ginny's heart sighed, but she knew she had a role to play. He couldn't know how she felt yet, the timing wouldn't be right.

"Miss you? Why ever would I miss you when I'd be in the fine company of Victoria, Matthew, and Johnathan? We'd be far too busy enjoying each other's company for me to even think about you," Ginny teased. Draco playfully pinched her cheek and then walked her to his door.

"Don't have too much fun while I'm slaving away at the office."

"You made the offer," she pointed out. "Only a stupid person would turn it down." Ginny opened the door and walked back to her desk to gather the files Ron had delivered. She turned around and bumped into Draco. She smiled sweetly and passed him the files. "I believe these are yours. Have fun." I'm such a klutz, she thought. She took the elevator down and nearly collided with Victoria who was busy chatting with her brothers Ron and Percy. Ginny froze at the sight of Percy and for a second she debated taking the elevator back up. But she had already been spotted by Victoria. And running away would be the cowardly way to handle the situation. So she took the second most cowardly way to handle the situation and put on a pair of Jackie O style sunglasses she had borrowed from Katie just that morning.

"Ginny! What are you doing down here? I thought you didn't get off until much later." Victoria grinned and placed an arm around her waist. "Not that I mind."

"Draco gave me the afternoon off. And I have you to thank for that. Ron, shouldn't you be at your desk? Who knows when the Minister may decide to send you on another errand." Ginny hesitated before turning to Percy. In her head, she took a deep breath and prayed the moment would pass soon enough. "Percy, how nice to see you again. How are Cassandra and Annie?" There. She'd asked and had been polite about it.

"They're fine," he replied flatly. Ginny tried not to let his tone get to her. If he wanted to be cold, then she could be cold right back.

"Wonderful." With that said, she deliberately turned her back on Percy. "Victoria, I was hoping we could get to those errands today. We only have a week left until the big day after all."

"Great! We'll start at the florists. What kind of arrangements were you considering? And don't be afraid of cost, money is no object when it comes to special occasions like, say, weddings or birthdays. And as your friend, I am more than willing to pitch in. A girl shouldn't have to pay for her own dress." Victoria steered Ginny away from her brothers and towards the Ministry's entrance.

"What the bloody hell was that all about? You made it seem as if I were getting married instead of throwing someone a birthday party."

"Did I?" Face completely blank, Victoria shrugged innocently. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize." In her head, however, she was smirking. She knew damn well what she was doing. A pity people often underestimate her because of her size and age. "We really must get going now. So little time and so much to do! Are you sure you don't want to call Catherine? You know, reinforcements?"

Ginny pushed her sunglasses back up the bridge of her nose. "We haven't lost a battle yet, General."

Victoria hooted with laughter. "You are hilarious, Ginny. This is your war, your battle. I'm only the enlisted help which would therefore make me only a Private or, at most, a Corporal. Okay, maybe a Sergeant. But the point is, you're the General here. You're the Commander in Chief, the leader of the forces and all houlder and pointed to the florist shop.

"Help me pick some floral arrangements? And then maybe a dress? And some food for the guests? And, good God, I forgot all about the guest list!"

"Don't worry about that right now. One step at a time." Victoria stepped into the floral shop and inhaled deeply. "Ah, the smell of the wilderness. Don't you just love flora?"

"This isn't exactly the wilderness, seeing as how we're still within city limits. And doesn't the wilderness include animals as well as plants?"

"That would be fauna. And considering I'm from a city where one hundred people trying to cram into a single train car is considered normal, this is pretty damn close to the wilderness for me." Abruptly, Victoria turned away from Ginny and called over the store owner. "Ginny, this is Johnathan's sister's brother-in-law, Quentin."

"Former brother-in-law," Quentin corrected. He shook Ginny's hand and smiled down at her. "Victoria often forgets Claire and Gerald divorced earlier this year."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," Ginny said sympathetically.

"You're the only one who is. So, what can I do you two for?" Quentin kept his eyes on Ginny, which caused her to shift her feet uncomfortably. Why did he keep staring at her?

"We're obviously in need of some floral arrangements. And if you keep staring at her so earnestly, one of us just may call your wife and her-" Victoria pointed at Ginny, "boyfriend and let them know how you enjoy harassing beautiful young women that stop by your shop," Victoria replied pleasantly.

Marshall shook his head, but did tear his gaze away from Ginny's eyes. "Alright, alright. No need to squeal on me. Jesus, cut me some slack here, Ace. I'm the only American within a ten mile radius of here. Whenever another drops in, I can't help but stare."

"Excuses, excuses." Victoria wagged a finger at him as if she were about to lecture him, but instead turned to ask Ginny if she had a favorite flower.

"Er, no, not particularly..." Think, Ginny, think! She ordered herself. What is your favorite flower? "I enjoy lilies. They're so beautiful."

"What kind of lilies? We carry two types, Asiatic and Oriental, and each type contains a vast array of different colors." Quentin pointed to a pot of flowers beside them as an example. "Do you have any particular vision?" Ginny looked nervously at Victoria. Vision? No one had said anything about a vision.

"Sure we do. Just give us a minute to decide what we want. We'll get back to you in a minute or so." When Quentin left them alone, Victoria bent her head close to Ginny's. "Whatever you want. It's your party."

"But I don't know what I want. And it's Draco's party."

"So close your eyes and imagine what he would want. Or, better yet, what do you think he would find most aesthetic?" So Ginny closed her eyes and imagined. He wouldn't approve of daffodils or sunflowers; too cheery. Roses would be too obviously romantic and it was a birthday party for pity's sake, not a date or a wedding. Tulips would be too plain and ordinary to suit his personality...

"I think I've got a vision," Ginny said suddenly. She called Quentin back and placed her order. "What's next?" She asked when they stepped out of the store. Victoria grinned and pointed at the Nordstrom across the street. "That's odd. I don't recall there being a Nordstrom there before."

"That's because there wasn't one."

"Then how..." Ginny stopped and gasped. "No. Victoria, you didn't."

"I did. So what? No harm, no foul, right?"

"You can't just... teleport stores. What about the people inside? When they step out and are in another part of the continent? Or worse, the world?"

"Don't be so dramatic. I placed a charm on all of the doors so that the instant the person steps out, they are back in the town which they were shopping. And before you ask, only witches and wizards are able to see this teleportation take place. And trust me, the witches and wizards of Los Angeles do not shop at Nordstrom. We're not going to get caught and if we do, I get in trouble, not you. So just sit back and enjoy."

"Teleportation isn't even a real word," Ginny muttered.

"I'm a billionaire. If I say teleportation is a word, then it is. Look at this one!" In a swift change of subject, Victoria picked out a black halter dress that had an almost nonexistent neckline. Ginny grimaced at the thought of being practically naked. "Not going to do you any good, Ginny. But it would like just fabulous on me, don't you think? How good are you at walking in high heels?"

"What? Try to stick to one topic. You lose me whenever-"

"Here. Try these on while I pick out a dress." Victoria stuffed a pair of four inch pumps into Ginny's hands. Amazingly, they were her size. Ginny chalked it up to luck and decided it would be best to just go along with her. She strapped on the shoes, stood up, wobbled a bit, and began to cross towards Victoria. She hadn't made it even an inch when she fell.

"Bloody hell," she murmured as she stood up.

"Damn it all to hell. You can't walk in heels," Victoria accused.

"Obviously," Ginny hissed. "Damn these muggle torture chambers for feet. How the hell is a person supposed to get from point A to point B while balancing on a heel that is barely a quarter of an inch in diameter? And then to add insult to injury, said heel has to be about a foot long. It's no wonder women everywhere aren't falling over and breaking their faces on a daily basis. Whatever happened to-"

"The fundamentals of feminism?" Victoria interrupted. At Ginny's snarl, she snickered. "Sorry, I just couldn't help myself. Look, here's the deal. You can't walk in heels and your fashion sense is very much lacking any sort of sense."

"I think that may depend on one's point of view," Ginny replied stiffly.

"I'm not trying to offend you. When it comes to work related matters, you're always wearing proper and very becoming attire. But when it comes to social situations outside of work... You're too wound up, you know? So let me take care of all of that while you work the guest list. I promise you, a certain someone's going to be drooling by the time they get a look at you. Hell, all the guys tongues will be hanging out by the end of the week. Just trust me on this."

And trust is what Ginny did. The day of the party, she stood in front of Victoria's mirror admiring her reflection. "Wow. You did an amazing job," she said as she spun around to check out the back of the dress.

"Nope. You did all the work. I just helped you realize your maximum potential beauty-wise. By the way, I forgot to ask, but where did Catherine think you were this entire week? I mean, I know you didn't just tell her 'Oh, by the way. You know that girl you can't stand? I'll be staying with her for the next week or so'."

"I didn't tell her anything. She just assumed I spent every night at Harry's house. In his bed. Which is probably for the best. Are you sure there are people downstairs? I don't want to go down-" A knock interrupted her train of thought. "Come in."

"Ginny, you look gorgeous." Matthew walked over and kissed her on the cheek. Victoria cleared her throat. "Something wrong with your vocal cords, Vick?"

"No, you bastard. Something's wrong with your eyes, though. Because she isn't just gorgeous; she's stunning. Stellar. On a scale of one to ten, one being ugly as sin and ten being hot as a bed of coals, Ginny's a twelve point nine."

"Point nine?" Both Ginny and Matthew questioned.

"No one's perfect," Victoria said with a shrug. Matthew rolled his eyes at her logic while Ginny held back a giggle. "Anyway, he's proof there are people here. And if all goes according to plan, Jordan should be arriving with Draco sometime within the next ten minutes."

"Which means they should be here in a second. Jordan's always ten minutes early to everything. Used to annoy the hell out of us when we were kids, but it has come in handy from time to time. Come, my dears. We can't miss out on all the fun." Matthew took each girl's arm and led them down the hall to an elevator. "I prefer it to the stairs." Ginny nodded in agreement. They were on the fourth floor. There was no way for her to make it down without removing her shoes. She wondered, not for the first time, how it was possible that Victoria and Catherine just seemed to glide on their high heeled shoes. The second they got off the elevator, Matthew's cell phone rang. "That's Jordan. They're almost at the door. Everyone hide. Someone get the lights."

"I'll get them," Ginny offered. She flicked the switch and stood by to switch them back on the second the door was opened. She heard Draco's throaty laugh and felt her stomach churn a bit in anticipation. She hoped to God this plan would work. She heard Jordan turn the key and then finally, the door was swung open. Ginny flipped on the lights just as everyone else in the room yelled out surprise.

"Surprise! Happy birthday!" Some people even began to sing, not that Draco noticed. His initial shock wore off and he turned to thank Jordan and Victoria, assuming it had been they who had thrown the party. It was then he spotted Ginny, in a corner all by herself. She was rubbing her hands up and down her arms, trying to keep warm he imagined. Why, she was barely wearing anything! The black, pathetic excuse for a dress came off her shoulders and just barely reached her knees. That was hard to believe considering how short Ginny was. But then there was the neckline...It plunged halfway down her midriff! It was a good thing her breasts were so small, Draco thought heatedly, or else they would have popped out! The only part of her body the dress seemed to cover were her arms; the sleeves were big and, for lack of a better word, poof-y. And see-through. The sleeves were bloody see-through. Was she out of her mind? He didn't know, but he was about to find out.

"Happy birthday, Draco! Why such a sour look on your face? I traveled six thousand miles to be here," Victoria pouted.

"And Ginny worked so hard to put this thing together," Jordan added. Draco's eyes narrowed as he focused his attention on Jordan.

"Ginny planned this? I thought you two had. Seeing as how you flew six thousand miles and all."

"Nope. We're just guests. Ginny did everything. In under a week, too. That girl can move when she has a mind to." Victoria saluted her before turning back to Jordan. "Oh my God! I completely forgot. Kevin's asleep upstairs. We should go check up on him."

"But Kevin's in-" Jordan started only to have Victoria practically drag her away. Alone for the first time all day, Draco leaned up against the wall to study Ginny once again. She was taking tiny sips from her glass of champagne, as if she were afraid the next drop would make her completely drunk. Draco imagined she was bored out of her mind; she was speaking with Neville Longbottom after all and everyone knew what a drag he could be most of the time. Draco weighed his options. He could remain where he was, wait for her to come to him. But that could take hours, if it ever happened. Or he could go to her, ask her the many questions that were burning in the back of his mind. Before he realized his intent, he had already walked over to her.

"Excuse me. So sorry to interrupt, Longbottom, but I've an urgent message for Weasley. An urgent, private message," Draco snapped. Neville nodded and nearly tripped over his own feet as he ran off.

"That was rude," Ginny commented. "But then you are the birthday boy, so I guess you're allowed to be rude. Just for today."

"I don't need nor want you permission to do anything."

"Oh?" Ginny arched a brow at his tone. "What do you want then?"

"I want to know why the bloody hell you're parading around Matthew's mansion naked. I want to know what possessed you to throw me a party in the first place. I want to know what's going on between us and why it feels as if our relationship has shifted to even boggier ground," Draco snarled. He began to pace, an odd habit for a usually calm and well composed man.

"In that precise order? All right. I'm not naked, I'm wearing a dress made of black lace which I purchased with Victoria's credit card at Nordstrom. I threw this party because it's your birthday and I figured someone ought throw you a party, so why not your secretary?" Ginny paused for a second. That was the easy part. "I'm not sure what's going on between us," she started slowly. "I don't know if something has shifted between us or if it's just one sided. That's for you to decide."

"For me to decide?" His low voice and cool stare let her know just how close he was from losing all control. "Oh, I'm sorry. I thought this was a relationship. And seeing as how a relationship requires more than one person, I just assumed a shift would affect both of us. I seemed to have been mistaken."

"Do you want to fight? Because I sure as hell don't." Ginny sighed when he just stared at her. "Look, I'm wearing six inch heels that are murdering my feet as we speak. I'm wearing a dress that just barely consists of more material than a camisole. I spent two hours on my hair, the most I've ever spent on it in my life, let me assure you. All of my free time from the past week went into putting this event together. I'm tired, uncomfortable, and just this side of irritated. I don't have the time, energy, or inclination to argue with you. Especially not on your birthday. And why are you looking at me like that?"

He leaned over as if to kiss her. Ginny automatically held her hand out to shove against his chest. But instead of kissing her, he turned his head to whisper in her ear. "Thank you. I forgot to thank you for all of your trouble. Though I would prefer it if you were wearing more than a...what was the word you used? Ah, yes. More than a camisole."

For a brief second, Ginny rested her head on his shoulder. Then she remembered where they were and who was present. And was instantly furious with him. "Aren't you even going to ask about her? Whether or not she's here?"

Confused, Draco stood back and tilted his head. "Who?" He asked after a moment's thought. Ginny wasn't sure if she should laugh or slap him.

"Who? I'll tell you who. Your girlfriend and wife-to-be, Catherine Bennet-Price, that's who. What nerve you have, yelling at me one second and then kissing me the next."

"I didn't kiss you," Draco pointed out.

"Close enough. And in public too."

"I don't see how it was close enough if my lips were nowhere near yours. But go on, get this off your chest. I got to yell and rant so it's only fair you get a chance to as well."

"Yelling and ranting? I haven't even begun to yell and rant. Who are you to tell me how to dress? Why should you care if I'm parading around buck naked on Matthew or Harry's backyard? I'm a grown woman, perfectly capable of making her own decisions. And seeing as how you have no claim on me, I can do whatever I want with whomever I want whenever I want. Shame on you for thinking otherwise."

"Are you finished?" Ginny's mouth dropped open. "From your reaction, I'll take that as a no. But since it's my birthday, let's make it a yes."

"You're abusing-"

"Hush now. You had your turn," he said mildly. "I'd like to address one issue before we move on and celebrate my birthday. You're right. I have no right to tell you what to wear or what to do with your life. It is your life and you have the right to live it as you choose. But you were also wrong."

"Oh? Which part?" Ginny said hotly.

"You said I had no claim on you. That's a lie and we both know it. Don't deny what is, but accept or at the very least acknowledge it. We really should discuss-"

"Draco! There you are! I've been looking all over for you. Happy birthday!" Katie placed a hand on each of his cheeks and brought his mouth down to hers for a kiss. She let him go suddenly and turned to wave at Harry. "Harry was keeping me company until I spotted you. I almost forgot about your birthday, truth be told. Thank Merlin Ginny remembered. And planned this entire thing all by herself. You did a wonderful job, Ginny, and should be proud."

"I am, thank you. If you'll excuse me-"

"Not so fast!" Katie held onto Ginny's arm so tight, Ginny was afraid she'd discovered her secret love affair with Draco. "Where have you been the past week? You didn't stay a single night at our flat. I was worried at first, but then figured you just got lucky."

"I did," Ginny replied sweetly. She nearly jumped with joy when she saw Draco's expression darken.

"But I just spoke with Harry and he didn't mention anything."

"I didn't stay with Harry. I spent the week here."

"Here? In Matthew's mansion?" Katie clasped her hands together and sighed. "I can't blame you for choosing him over Harry. He's so..."

"What can I say? I have a thing for guys with blue eyes." Ginny shrugged then squealed when Matthew came up from behind her.

"Sorry to scare you, a stór mo chroí, but I just had to see you up close. From far away, you looked like a bright, fiery flame burning against the darkness that is you dress. And your eyes, they are so beautiful. Like chocolate truffles, they are exciting and delectable. A stóirín, my heart thuds against my rib cage, threatening to burst out, just at the sight of your lovely face. A chuisle mo chroí. You must smile for me. I want to see your face and eyes when you smile." But Ginny was already smiling and shaking her head at his antics.

"Gaelic, Matthew? Really, try a more poetic language like French. Actually, it's not more poetic, but at least I can understand it. More or less."

"Understanding takes away from the beauty of it all. And you understood me for how else would you have known it was Gaelic I was speaking? Where are my manners? Good day to you, Catherine. And happy birthday to you, Draco.Are you two enjoying yourselves?"

"You have a lovely home, Matthew. And these garden are just to die for," Katie said as her eyes swept over them once more.

"Pity there are so many people that must be attended to; I would have given you the grand tour. Is it just me, or is it rather warm for December?"

"It is unnaturally warm for this time of year," Ginny concurred. "But we should be grateful for the weather. Had it been colder we couldn't have been outside." And why the hell were they talking about the weather? "I am rather thirsty, thanks to the heat. Perhaps I should-"

"No need to move, a stór. I shall bring you back a glass of your favorite drink. I'll be back before you know, but do miss me while I'm gone." Matthew turned and rather than going to the bar about twenty feet from where they stood, decided to go to the bar inside the house. That ought to give her some time, he thought with smile.

"Merlin! What was he saying, Ginny? I don't speak a word of Gaelic. I didn't know you could either," Katie said in hushed tones.

"Flaming red hair. That's a dead giveaway there's some Irish in my blood. The truth is, I'm not fluent in it," Ginny admitted. "Matthew knows more than I do, but I know a few terms and phrases. A stór means my darling and mo chroímeans my heart. A stóirínmeans my little darling and I believe he also called me his pulse."

"His pulse." Katie sighed. "The romance of it all."

"That wasn't romantic," Draco sneered. "It's a ploy, a trap. Guys like him speak every language and use any means necessary to get naive girls like you into bed."

"Draco! That was mighty rude and uncalled for." Katie smiled apologetically at Ginny. "He really doesn't mean that."

"Yes, I do. And you don't speak for me. Just because we're getting married doesn't mean we suddenly become one entity. I have my own opinions and will voice when and how I choose." He had crossed his arms over his chest and was pouting. He looked so adorable, Ginny smiled.

"Êtes vous jaloux?" Ginny muttered as she brushed a strand of hair out of his eyes. Before she could remove her hand, he'd caught her wrist.

"Je n'ai pas su que vous pourriez parler le français," he responded flatly.

Ginny shook her hand free. "There are a lot of things you don't know about me."

"What's going on?" Confused, Katie turned from one face to the other.

"He said he didn't know she could speak French," Matthew supplied. He handed Ginny a glass of Merlot and flutes of champagne to Draco and Katie. "Slàinte mhath. Or cheers in English," he said to Katie and Draco.

"Hmm. I think I need to get out of the sun for a bit," Katie announced abruptly. Draco took her arm as if to lead her away. Seizing the opportunity, Matthew swiftly took Katie's other hand in his.

"Yes, our pale American skin isn't used to the burning, often unforgiving, British sun. Why don't we go inside and I can give you that tour? Draco, you'll keep Ginny company, won't you?" Matthew didn't wait for a response. He walked away, dragging Katie along, before anyone else could get a single word out.

"I really must-" Ginny started to excuse herself.

"Let's sit down," Draco cut her off.

"I'm not going anywhere with you." Draco sent her a look, but Ginny would not budge. So to settle the matter, Draco scooped her up in his arms and walked towards the nearest table. He deposited her in a chair and then proceeded to order them drinks. All the while, Ginny remained frozen with her mouth hanging open. She finally got over her shock and managed to speak. "What was that all about?"

"You said your feet hurt. I assumed it would have been even more painful for you to remain standing or to walk to a table. So I settled the matter by carrying you." Embarrassed suddenly by his actions, he lit a cigar.

"I didn't know you smoked. And thank you."

"There are a lot of things you don't know about me. And don't mention it." They sat in awkward silence, Ginny making pretend to be studying the house while Draco studied Ginny. She could feel his gaze on her and mentally scolded herself for being such a coward. Why are you afraid to make a move? Why are you afraid to go after what you want? She forced herself to look at Draco. She jumped out of her seat when her eyes met his. His were filled with lust and desire. That couldn't be intended for me, Ginny thought. She even turned just to make sure there wasn't anyone standing behind her. "You're often unsure of yourself." She jolted at his voice, her head colliding with a waiter's arm causing the waiter's tray to flip over and the drinks on his tray to fly onto Pansy Parkinson. Pansy screamed and charged blindly at the waiter, hands out and nails ready to scrape against skin. But a tall, blonde man with a chiseled chin and a slightly hooked nose was unfortunate enough to get in her way. She crashed into him, causing a chain of collisions when the man crashed into a couple who had been walking along behind him. The couple crashed into Ron who had been standing by the bar talking to Victoria. Victoria had been behind the bar and had managed to miss getting hit, but Percy had been seated on the other side of Ron and he was not so luckily. He got pushed back into Neville who in self-defense held out his wand and said the first spell that came to mind which set a nearby table on fire. Lavender, who had been seated at the table, ran off screaming for someone to call the fire department. Dean Thomas ran in with a fire extinguisher, but being a wizard he had no clue how to use it and only succeeded in spraying himself in the face. "I think it would be best for us to leave now." Draco was staring up at the tent's ceiling, searching for signs of sprinklers. And just when Ginny was about to agree with him, they were soaked as the sprinkler system finally kicked in.

"What's going on?" Harry demanded. Then he muttered an oath as his brand new suit got rained on.

"What-" Katie was right behind Harry and collided into him, knocking them both down. "Great, just great. Now I'm all fucking wet. You could have warned me, Potter."

"Very difficult to do when you sneak up behind someone," Harry snapped back.

"I was not sneaking. You were just so engaged in what was going on that you didn't notice I was behind you."

"If I was as engaged as you say," Harry said through clenched teeth, "then how could I have possibly known you were behind me in order for me to warn you in the first place?"

"I ran right after you when we heard those screams," Katie pointed out.

"I would just love to continue this discussion, but seeing as you're currently seated on top of my lungs and effectively crushing them, I am experiencing some difficulty breathing. So would you kindly get off of me!" Harry finished in a huff.

"Sorry," Katie said sheepishly. She started to rise but only made it to leaning against her elbows when he suddenly stood up, knocking her off of him. "Ouch." She leaned back on her hands as he wiped at his pants.

"I buy a new suit to look nice for your boyfriend's birthday and this is the thanks I get? First I get soaked and then I get mud all over me, thanks to you." Harry muttered a few curses under his breath. He glanced down at Katie and noticed she was smiling up at him. "What?" He demanded. "Have I got something stuck on my teeth? Because that would really top this wonderful day off."

"That sentence didn't make any sense. I believe what you meant to say is that having food stuck in your teeth would top off the day wonderfully." Harry blinked before shaking his head. He studied her for a moment so intensely, she began to blush. "I'm not used to being studied so thoroughly. It makes me feel as if I have a smudge on my face."

"Actually, you do." Harry grinned when she began to pout and held out a hand. She stared at it and then at him, before shrugging and taking it. He helped her up and then proceeded to wipe the smudge off of her face with the sleeve of his jacket.

"I wonder if Ginny and Draco managed to stay out of the catastrophe," Katie mused. The very people she was speaking about had yet to move from their table. Ginny had her head down on the table while Draco watched on in amusement.

"Why must I mess everything up?" Ginny whispered to herself harshly.

"I wouldn't say you messed up per se." Draco grinned when she groaned.

"An entire party, ruined. Story of my life, though. Whenever things are finally going according to plan, I have to do something so utterly stupid to mess things up. It's as if I enjoy sabotaging myself."

"I fail to see how ruining my birthday party sabotages you or your life." He held up a finger when Ginny objected. "Let me finish. I don't think you notice how important you are to the world. Or, more accurately speaking, how your actions can have a ripple of effects on those around you. Look around before saying anything. Yes, you caused this. All of this. Without you, there would be no party. And I have to say, this is a party for the books. I will never forget this day."

"I guess you may have a point," Ginny considered. Draco arched a brow causing Ginny to smile. "All right, so you do have a point."

"Darling, I always do. Now, there's this old tradition on birthdays you may or may not have heard of."

"Birthday punches?" Ginny held up a fist. "Which arm, Malfoy?"

"Please," Draco sneered. "We're much too civilized to punch each other."

"Not each other, just you. You know, there are a lot of people here who would probably love to get at least one hit in. Katie's been dying to punch you in the face since...well, you know. And Harry's wanted to do so ever since the day he met you. And Ron-"

Draco held up a hand. "No need to go on. I know what you're getting at. I used to be a jerk. Sue me. Back to the tradition."

Amused, Ginny gestured for him to continue. "Go on with it then."

"Well... I believe the birthday boy is supposed to get one kiss for each of his years and one extra one for good luck. Are you up for the challenge? Twenty four kisses for my age, twenty five with the good luck kiss."

"I don't think that's such a good idea. Katie could be around and-" Ginny stopped and thought for a second. "You know what? I can make it work. We'll just go back inside. We have to take precautions, you know." Ginny led the way as they walked across the yard. Once they entered the house, they went upstairs to the room Ginny had been sleeping in for the past few days. "Welcome to my room. Well, temporary room anyway."

"Is this really how you live?" Draco asked as he examined the mess of clothes on the floor. "You could be a lot neater-" Ginny pushed his back against the door to close it and pulled his head down to hers so that their lips were a whisper a way from one another.

"Enough talk." She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him so hard and eagerly, Draco almost didn't believe it was Ginny he was kissing. But the taste was the same...irresistible, tempting, alluring. He wasn't sure how to describe it exactly, but it was surely unique and distinct. And just as he was about to lose himself in her taste and smell, she suddenly pulled away. "I believe that's one. Twenty four to go." In response, Draco shoved her onto the bed and rubbed his lips lightly over hers. Then they suddenly started moving a whole lot faster than Ginny had anticipated. She felt as if one minute she had been standing up and the next she was laying on the bed with Draco straddling her. And just as Draco reached for the zipper of her dress, they heard a knock at the door. Draco cursed under his breath and quickly hopped off the bed. Ginny followed suit and just in a nick of time for the door opened a few seconds after she had gotten up.

"I'm sorry. I was just-" Katie stopped once she had examined both Ginny and Draco. Ginny's hair was out of place and her lips appeared suspiciously swollen. "What's going on here?" Ginny had no idea what to say and nearly turned to Draco for help. Stop doing that, she lectured herself. You can't always count on other people to bail you out of sticky situations. Do what you have to do and strive for what you want. For the umpteenth time that week, Ginny asked herself what it was that she wanted. And only when the answer Draco instantly popped into her mind did she dare to answer.

"Draco and I got soaked in the tent. We decided to come back upstairs to use our wands to dry our clothes. We couldn't possibly do it downstairs with so many muggles present, right Draco?" Ginny turned to glare at him. Draco nodded slowly.

"Then why do you look so disheveled, hmm? As if you've been rolling around in bed," Katie accused. From behind her, Harry rolled his eyes at Ginny and mimicked Katie's stance. The corners of Ginny's mouth quirked slightly before she cleared her throat and shook her head at Harry. Katie turned around and frowned slightly at him before returning her attention to Ginny. "Well? I'm waiting for a response."

"My hair is messy, this is true. But water can do that to hair, disorder it," Ginny replied.

"And what about the bed? Why are the sheets rumpled?"

"Someone ought to fire that maid. The bed is exactly as I left it this morning."

"And what about your lips? They look like you've just been kissed."

"Catherine, you're being ridiculous," Draco said.

"I was talking to Ginny."

"My lips?" Ginny blushed, which wasn't a part of the act but she figured it may help her in this case. "As a matter of fact, I had just kissed someone."

"Who?" Katie needed to know. If Ginny had betrayed her and was sneaking around with Draco, she didn't know what she would do.

"With Matthew. I saw them," Harry said. Katie whirled around and sent him a look that read of disbelief. "Before the incident. When Matthew left us together, he went to go find Ginny and Victoria. He found Ginny first, kissed her long and hard, and then went off looking for Victoria."

"How come I missed all of this?' Katie demanded.

"How should I know?" Harry shrugged. "Perhaps you were too distracted by my dashing good looks and conversational skills." Ginny, Draco, and Katie exchanged looks before bursting into laughter. "What's so funny?" Harry sounded a little hurt, but only Ginny managed to pick up on it. She instantly stopped laughing and held out a hand for him.

"I'm in the mood for some cake. Care to join me? Very well, then. Off we go. Do you remember how to play the name game?" Harry grinned at her. "I'll take that as a yes. Sloan or Skyler?"

"Sloan. Imagine, Skyler. I'd feel sorry for him. My turn. Electra or Elizabeth?" Harry asked as they left the room.

"Am I missing something here?" Katie asked Draco.

"The same thing I am, I imagine. Catherine, we need to talk." Draco sat down on the bed and patted the seat next to him.

"About what?" Katie sat down cautiously, not taking her eyes off his.

"About us, our relationship. I've noticed some serious flaws that have to be discussed at the very least."

"Such as?"

"First of all, how come Ginny gets to call you Katie while I have to call you Catherine?"

Surprised, Katie didn't speak for a moment. "Who said you have to call me Catherine?"

"You did." Frustrated with his life in general, Draco stood up and walked over to the window. He saw Ginny and Harry walking away together, arm in arm. He'd wish he could join them, but there were far more important things that needed to be taken cared of at the moment. "The one time I called you anything but Catherine, you corrected me."

"I did not," Katie said defensively.

"There's no use in lying to me or to yourself. We both know it's true. I tried using a nickname, but you said you were born Catherine and shall remain Catherine. And I quote 'It says Catherine on my birth certificate, not Katie or Cathy or Cat or Kitty.' And yet you've known Ginny for about a month or two, and she's called you Katie from the start. Why is that?" When Katie didn't answer, he sighed. "Do you want to marry me?"

"What?! Of course I do, it's just that-"

"You're making excuses. I want a simple yes or no answer. Do you want to marry me?"

"Yes. I proposed to you, remember? And I know what you're going to say. I accuse you of being unfaithful all the time, but try to see it from my prospective. You tell me you cheated on me about six months before our wedding. That, to me, is an omen of bad things to come. And it's just the things you do and say sometimes. Like was it really necessary for you and Ginny to be in here alone and dripping wet? It's just not right or fair to either one of us. Are you thinking about calling off the wedding?"

"No," Draco said slowly. "Are you?" They both held their breaths. And when she shook her head, they both sighed. "I think we should just enjoy the rest of the party."

"Yes," Katie eagerly agreed. "I'll meet you downstairs. I've yet to find the loo." She dashed off, uncomfortable with discussing the upcoming wedding. Draco debated what he should do next. It wouldn't be too smart of him to be seen with Ginny again nor would it be smart for him to remain in her room. He decided he would go downstairs and share a cocktail with Victoria. It was on his way downstairs that he heard Matthew speaking in hushed tones.

"I don't know what's up with her, Johnny. She's been playing hot and cold all day. One minute, she's willing and eager then the next she's the world's biggest wallflower. I knew it wasn't going to be easy going into it, but I didn't expect Ginny to be so damn difficult to crack." Matthew paused and Draco could only assume he was speaking on the telephone with someone, more than likely Johnathan. Draco's curiosity got the better of him. He wanted to know what was really going on between Matthew, Ginny, and Johnathan. But more than that, he was just curious in finding out what on earth had a normally calm and composed person raking a hand through his hair out of frustration. So Draco remained at the top of the steps and leaned down on the railing so he could hear Matthew better.

"I know, I know, I know! I can't pressure her into anything. But sometimes it just feels like a little nudge is more than necessary. And it is her decision. She's a beautiful, smart girl with one of the greatest personalities I have ever encountered in my life. I only want what is best for her. And the way she's got stars in her eyes...I'm telling you, John, there will be a wedding within the next few months. So have your present ready." There was another pause as Matthew switched his cell phone to his other ear. "I'm not rushing her into anything. I swear to God, if she wants to get married, it will be because that is what she wanted. Listen to you. You sound like a jealous exboyfriend." Matthew laughed then and shook his head. "Or that. But you're going to have to wait in line, bud. Because Ginny Weasley is definitely off the market. Oh, I'd say you're somewhere behind Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter, and Neville Longbottom's frog. Never mind. I'll explain that later. I'll talk to you later. And FYI, you missed a kick ass party." With that, Matthew hung up and walked outside.

Marriage? Draco thought. Just who the hell was Ginny planning to marry? Hadn't they just been rolling around in her bed a few minutes ago? Enraged that Ginny was dating someone without telling him, Draco gripped the banister until his knuckles turned white. All statements in Matthew's conversation indicated that it was he Ginny was secretly seeing. But something just didn't sound right about that to Draco. Matthew didn't usually go for red-heads or blondes for that matter. He liked sleek brunettes. In fact, Draco suspected his fiancée was a more likely choice of date for Matthew than Ginny. Yet he couldn't deny what he had heard with his own two ears. Only one way to find out, he thought as he moved downstairs. He checked his anger and calmly opened the door and searched for Ginny. He wanted to strangle her when he noticed she was posing for a picture with Ron, Victoria, and Matthew. Matthew had his arm around her waist. Never mind that he also had an arm around Victoria. All Draco saw was his arm around Ginny. And for the first time in his twenty four years of life, Draco felt a twinge of jealousy. Well, over a girl at least. Before he could jump to conclusions, however, he had to speak with her. So when the photo session ended, he smoothly walked up to her and took her hand. "Care to dance, Ms. Weasley?" Confused, Ginny only managed to nod. But instead of leading her to the dance floor, Draco led her to a water fountain on the other side of the house.

"This isn't a proper place for dancing," Ginny said. She looked down at her feet and vaguely remembered stepping out of her shoes earlier. "The good news is I no longer have to worry about my feet aching. Now I only have to watch out for critters and possibly fungi."

Draco didn't smile. In fact, his entire face remained impassive. Not even his eyes showed a flicker of emotion. He spoke in a low, frosty tone. "I wonder how much of an act you put on."

"Act?" Ginny's brows furrowed together as she attempted to decipher his meaning. "What act? I am what I am, exactly as you see me."

"I highly doubt that. What kind of a person rolls around in a bed, kissing someone when they are dating a completely different person?" Draco demanded.

"Not that I have the faintest clue what you are referring to, but isn't that a bit like the pot calling the kettle black? I mean, you're only engaged and were just a few minutes ago rolling around in bed with me," Ginny returned evenly. She wasn't sure what they were arguing about, but since he had gone on the offensive, she felt she had very little choice but to defend herself.

"Yes, but at least you know I'm with Catherine. And you have known that since the beginning. I have never lied to you about that."

"As if that justifies your actions in the least. And I still have no idea what you're talking about. Are you insinuating that because you and I have a relationship on the sly, I am not allowed to see anyone else? Is that what this is about?"

Draco considered for a second. "Not only that. But for now, yes. That is what I am saying."

Ginny's eyes flickered with annoyance and she flicked her hair behind her back. Her dress was still a bit wet and clung to her skin in all the right places. Draco couldn't help but notice how sexy she looked when angry. "You fucking bastard. You have a girlfriend. You are getting married in two months. I don't need nor want your permission to see anyone. Because in two months, we're finished." The words were out of Ginny's mouth before she even thought them over. Well, know you've said them. So stop being timid, she ordered herself.

"Is that so? I don't recall discussing what happens after." His tone was dangerously calm as he walked closer to her. They were about an inch apart, so close together his breath tingled on the skin of Ginny's forehead.

"This conversation was bound to happen sooner or later. So now you know my intentions. I can't continue to see you when you're married to someone else. I am not that kind of a person and doing anything of the sort would just break my heart as well as Katie's, should she ever find out. And the truth always has a way of leaking out. But this isn't about you and Katie, is it? It's about me and Matthew. Or maybe it's about me and Harry. Or Johnathan. Or any other man out there I let touch me. Let me tell you something, Draco Malfoy." She jabbed her index finger into his chest so hard, he took a step back. "I don't deserve to be treated this way, as if I'm some little girl who needs someone to guide them through life. The only men in my life who are allowed to so much as comment on who I choose to see are my father, my brothers, and whoever I happen to be dating at the moment. And seeing as you are not a blood relative of mine or my boyfriend, you should mine your own damn business and leave me to live my life as I bloody choose."

"You are my business. For Merlin's sake, we're involved."

"Yes." Ginny nodded. "But seeing as how our relationship is so surreptitious, my business is not your business. Maybe you should worry about your girlfriend a little more. Harry, Matthew, and I all agree she seems one step away from calling off the wedding."

"No, she'd never do that." Ginny couldn't tell if he was relieved or upset by his own statement. "And we do have a relationship. It's just a little convoluted."

"A little convoluted? That's the understatement of the century. And you want to know something else? It sucks to come in second place. Scratch that. I'm not even as high as second place. It sucks to come in third place each and every time. I feel so used sometimes. Like all you care about is the sexual aspect of whatever it is we had going on between us."

Draco began to panic slightly at her usage of the past tense. "You don't come in third place. At least, not always. My priorities shift from time to time, that's all."

"Yeah. It's funny how they only seem to shift me into first place whenever you feel that I am about to walk off with someone else. Like right now."

"What do you want me to do? Call of the wedding?" Draco yelled. Ginny took a step back in alarm. She had never heard Draco yell before. He must be really pissed off, she thought. "I can't do that. Do you know how hard that is? Wanting you the way I do and knowing that I can never completely have you?"

"And why can't you completely have me?" She was adding fuel to the fire, but Matthew and Johnathan were right. Sometimes, you had to play with fire and just hope that you didn't get burned.

"We can never publicly date because no matter what happens, on February fourteenth I am marrying Catherine Bennet-Price. I can't call off the wedding."

"Why not?" Ginny demanded. "Why? Do you love her that much? Can you not live without her? Is her father threatening to throw you into Azkaban or, worse, to kill you? What's holding you back?"

"Do you know how hard it is to call of a wedding? There are over a thousand people on the guest list. How the hell am I supposed to explain to over a thousand people that, two months away from the big date, I've decided I no longer have any interest in marrying Catherine. In fact, I've decided I would much rather spend some time with Catherine's roommate whom I have secretly been seeing or at the very least fantasizing about for the past few weeks. Isn't that just splendid?" Draco suddenly gripped her shoulders to bring her eye level to him. "Don't you see? Even if I did break up with Catherine, even if I did call of the wedding, we could never be together. It would be improper for us to date. Catherine would end up hating you and she would probably kick you out of her apartment and find some way to have you fired. Both of us at that. And since her father is the Minister of bloody Magic, he can make sure neither one of us finds a job ever again in the wizarding world. That may not sound like dilemma to you, but I have very little experience with living in the muggle world. I'm too used to being a wizard." Draco paused, as if reconsidering his prediction.

"Actually, that's the easiest way things could go. Catherine could allow you to remain living with her and we could both retain our jobs. But she would quit speaking to me, I'm sure. And she'd slowly start to freeze you out. And her father would despise us both and have us run menial to slave-like errands for him. He could pass some law that would keep us from being together. If anyone can pass useless laws, it's Richard Price. So in the end we would just end up alone, unhappy, and could possibly end up hating each other."

Ginny remained silent as she tried to process all he had just told her. She had to admit she hadn't thought about what would happen after the wedding got called off, only about what would happen after they did get married. But his version of things sounded a bit exaggerated. "I don't think it would be quite that bad. Katie is a reasonable person and I think both she and her family would be happier knowing you called off the wedding while you still had the chance instead of waiting for your marriage to sour later on and then getting divorced."

"It's not that easy," Draco insisted. "I've dated her for so long...I care about her. And you. I care about you both, in different ways. And I don't want to hurt either of you."

"You know you're going to have to choose eventually, right?" Ginny asked quietly. "I've already told you I won't wait around for ever. I may not be your number one, but I'm bound to be somebody's." I hope I can be yours, she added silently. Because I'll never feel about anyone the way I feel about you.

"Don't do this," Draco pleaded. "Not right now, not on my birthday. Do I have to choose now?" Disappointed that he hadn't chosen her instantly on the spot, Ginny shook her head.

"I already told you. I won't continue to see you after the wedding. In fact, I've already got another job lined up for after February."

"Another job?" Draco lowered her suddenly, so that she was back on the ground and had to look up to see his face. "Where? With who?"

"With Matthew in New York, for Victoria's company. Victoria even said I could stay with them until I had enough for my own apartment. A change of setting could be good for me. And New York has been good to me so far. And I...just couldn't bare to stay here knowing you go home to Katie every night," Ginny blurted out. She waited for his reaction and was disappointed and hurt beyond words when she received none. It was the closest she had ever been to admitting her feelings for him. And this was exactly why she hadn't mentioned either of their feelings before, she thought heatedly as she watched Draco's face for any sign of change. He could be a ball of hot, passionate fire one minute and a human icicle the next. Merlin help her, she fell for a man who was afraid of feelings. She tried to think of something to say to fill in the awkward silence. "So...Have you enjoyed your party?"

Weary, Draco pursed his lips in thought. "How easily you switch topics. But I suppose you are right. Now is not the appropriate or best time for us to discuss what will happen come February, though we will have to eventually. As for my party, up until a few minutes ago, I was having the time of my life."

"Ginny!" Victoria ran up and stood between the two, facing towards Ginny. "You'll never guess what just happened."

"What?" Ginny asked vaguely. She didn't care in the least what stroke of good luck Victoria could have encountered. She was wet, tired, hurt and angry that Draco hadn't immediately chosen her over Katie. And seeing a very chipper and gorgeous American billionaire didn't exactly lift her spirits.

"Okay. So remember how I said you needed a date for the winter ball?" Ginny opened her mouth to say no, she didn't recall any mention of a winter ball, but Victoria went on with only the slightest of pauses before speaking. "Well," she said slowly. Then she smiled a brilliant smile and jumped up and clapped her hands. "I was trying to get some of my friends from England to escort you, but most of them are already in relationships. Then I thought I'd ask an old friend of my father's if his son Thaddeus could go with you. I wasn't sure if Thaddeus would be a good choice for you. I mean, your name is so unconventional and his name sounds so old and stuffy. Besides, I don't know the guy too well so it would be really odd for me to set anhthing up between the two of you. I ran the idea by Matthew because he and Thad are good friends and they went to the same college and all. And Matthew let me in on the news!"

"What news?" Draco and Ginny asked simultaneously. Draco glared at Ginny above Victoria's head as he replayed Matthew's conversation in his head. There will be a wedding within the next few months. He gritted his teeth as he pictured Ginny walking down the aisle with Harry Potter waiting for her at the altar. That was the only plausible candidate for marriage. She'd only met Matthew and Johnathan a few days ago. Surely she wouldn't marry a stranger.

"You know. About the love of your life." Victoria laughed and threw her arms around Ginny. "Congratulations, Ginny! I didn't think either one of you had the gumption to do it. I mean, marriage is a serious thing, you know? I personally don't believe in true love, soul mates, or any of that hallmark crap. But I do believe in happiness and I'm glad two of my friends have found happiness in each other. I know you must feel elated. But I have to say, Matthew appears to be in way better spirits than you are. He's walking around acting like he did everything. If Johnathan knew, he'd be pissed. He likes to play matchmaker, our Johnny. You know what we should do? We should make a toast. To love, which I still think doesn't exist, and the birthday boy. What do you say, Ginny?"

"Er-"

"Splendid! Off we go then. Oh dear, I've spent too much time in London. I sounded a tad bit too British just then. Birthday boy, won't you join us?" Victoria noticed the tick in Draco's jaw but chose not to comment. His problem, she thought with a shrug. She had no idea what she could have said that had angered him so. Or maybe it had been Ginny. Then that's their problem, she thought as she led them back to the tent. She tried to ease the tension by engaging them in easy conversation concerning mutual acquaintances. When they reached the tent, Katie ran up to them and asked to speak to Ginny in private.

Ginny froze, thinking the worst. Had Katie put two and two together from the bedroom incident? "Sure. Let's go grab a couple of drinks." Katie took her arm and for a moment remained silent. Ginny decided it would be her job to initiate the conversation. She carefully asked Katie what was wrong.

"Draco's being so strange lately." Ginny waited for her to elaborate, but Katie didn't.

"Strange?" Ginny prompted.

"Distant and moody. He asked me if I wanted to call off the wedding today."

"And what did you say?" Ginny's was heart pounding against her ribs so hard, she thought it would break through and on the ground beside Katie's feet.

"Of course I don't! Can you imagine my parents' reaction if I suddenly called off the wedding? I wanted to postpone it and they nearly disowned me." Disappointed, Ginny stared straight ahead of her and focused on placing one foot in front of the other so she wouldn't fall flat on her face as she continued to head towards the bar. Katie ordered a mojito while Ginny opted for a vodka martini. "And my cousins. You've been blessed and have thankfully not met them yet. They are the worst relatives a person can ask for. They're so bloody snooty, just because they're all happily married. They just adore rubbing it in my face whenever they have a baby. 'When are you planning on getting married and starting a family?' That's what they ask me at every family function. Which is why I avoid them like the plague. Sometime I feel like they've somehow pressured me into this whole marriage business. What do you think? Am I ready to get married? Should I be marrying Draco? I'll do whatever you say, Ginny. I'm sorry for accusing you earlier. You truly are one of my closest and dearest friends. I trust your judgment more than mine at the moment."

Here's your chance, Ginny thought in the back of her mind. Tell her no, tell her you think she and Draco make a terrible couple and should break up immediately. Ginny opened her mouth to say it and then immediately snapped it shut again. That wouldn't be right, she reprimanded herself. Not only isn't it fair to her friend Katie, but it wasn't the answer to her and Draco's situation. So what if Draco and Katie broke up tomorrow? It still wouldn't be proper for Ginny and Draco to date. Not so soon after the break-up and maybe not even at all. Who goes out with their roommate's ex-fiancé? If Ginny were completely honest with herself, however, she would admit that none of those reasons would have stopped her from advising Katie to call off the wedding. No, the real reason she wasn't going to advise Katie to do so is because she wants Draco to be the one to end things.

He has to choose. Because if Katie made it easy for him and broke up with him, then Ginny would always be left to wonder who he would have chosen had he been on the hot seat. Even in the best case scenario where they ended up married and with children, she just knew she would eventually find herself wondering if she had only been his second choice. Or rather his only choice if word of their affair ever got out. So for the rest of her life she could be feeling as she did that afternoon when she had been arguing with Draco: used and like a runner up at a beauty pageant. She remembered her favorite phrase from her years in New York, what Darrius would always tell her whenever she failed to complete an entire crossword puzzle on her own: Close, but no cigar.

Her heart broke when she finally said she couldn't make that decision for her. Sometimes, she reminded herself, the right thing to do can be the hardest thing to do. "Well, I think only you can decide if you're ready for a serious, committed relationship. If you feel that the only reason you are marrying Draco is to impress or show up your cousins, then I think you are making the greatest mistake of your life by marrying him. If, however, you feel that you honestly love and care for Draco and that you are marrying him because it is what both of you want to do, then you should go through with the wedding. Only you can decide what path is right for you." Ginny felt like crying once she was done. She couldn't believe she had just screwed her own chances of ending up with Draco. She knew this had been the perfect opportunity for her to sabotage things, but she just wasn't an evil person. As much as she loved Draco, she realized she loved Katie also. Katie had become sort of like the sister she never had and she just didn't have it in her to purposely sabotage any chance of happiness Katie had with Draco.

"You're right," she heard Katie respond. "Of course you are right. So we'll continue as planned. Dress fittings are coming up. I had almost cancelled them, but now that we've had this talk, I think it's safe to say all wedding activities are definitely back on. You're such a confidence booster, Ginny. And a really great friend. What would I do without you?" Katie hugged her then excused herself to go reschedule an appointment with the caterers. Once she was out of sight, Ginny rested her head on her arms on top of the bar. She sighed heavily as she closed her eyes and attempted to block out all of her feelings of guilt and deceit. Great friend, she had said. If only Katie knew the truth...

"Quit beating yourself up," Matthew said mildly. When Ginny didn't react, he sat down next to her and lit up a cigarette. "I hope you don't mind if I smoke. Johnathan's father died of lung cancer a couple of years back so Johnathan doesn't ever let any of his friends smoke. Got to take advantage of the fact he's three thousand four hundred and seventy miles away."

"You know the exact distance?" Ginny was amused in spite of herself.

"Certainly. New York, after all, is my hometown. I know exactly how far New York is from every major city in the world. But this isn't about me or my nerdy tendencies. This is about you and your morals." Matthew took a deep drag before speaking again. He was out of his milieu and had absolutely no clue how the British would handle Ginny's delicate situation. "In New York, most women would have just told her to dump the bastard," he thought out loud.

"He's not a bastard and I'm aware of what most women would have done. But I'm not most women, now am I? No, I have to be everyone's good old pal Ginny. Always doing the right thing, even if it means sacrificing my happiness and well being," she said bitterly. She lifted her head to face Matthew and found his eyes carefully studying her. The intensity of his gaze, even though his eyes were blue and not grey, reminded her so much of Draco, a silent tear ran down the side of her cheek. She furiously wiped it away before continuing. "Damn it, Matthew. How the hell am I supposed to get what I want or even go after what I want when I feel so fucking guilty just thinking about screwing over Katie? She's such a good person. Such a good person." Her voice cracked and she could feel the sobs coming now. "She doesn't deserve this. Or me. Or him, for that matter. She deserves so much more, so much better."

Matthew put out his cigarette and wrapped his arms around Ginny. She hesitated for only a fraction of a second before she returned the embrace. "Listen to me. You are both wonderful people and deserve the world. You should never think so little of yourself. And just so you know, what you're doing isn't wrong in my opinion. Your affair that is."

"It's not?" Ginny sniffled. "I'm sure you're the only one who would think so."

"It's not wrong," Matthew insisted. "You love him and you want to be with him. You can't help the way you feel. Now, if you were sleeping with him just because you could, I would think less of you. But that is not the case."

"I think I made a mistake by not telling Katie to dump him. Do you think I made a mistake?" Ginny looked up into his face with huge, glistening brown eyes. Her mascara was running and the whites of her eyes were now more red than actually white. He knew she needed reassurance, and so that was what he gave her even though he was no longer so sure himself what anyone should or was going to do next.

"No, you did the right thing. You wouldn't be able to live with yourself had you told her otherwise." He planted a small kiss on her forehead to comfort both of them. And just when he had decided that Ginny's integrity had probably shredded the plans he and Johnathan had laid out for her, he saw over Ginny's head that Draco Malfoy was scowling in their general direction. Was the man who it is said has ice for blood jealous? Well, well, Matthew thought as a slow smile crept along his face. The recent events may have modified their plans considerably, but Ginny might be a hell of a lot closer to getting her man than she thought. He waved at Draco who only frowned in response. Yes, Matthew thought with a satisfied smirk, a lot closer than anyone had thought.

I realize this was a lengthy chapter and I would like to thank all of you who actually sat there and took the time to read it. This is the part where I usually solicit reviews, so here it goes: please leave me a review! I love reading what you have to say. Now that that's been said, I have something far more serious to say. This story is sadly drawing to an end. I know many of you readers out there are just dying to know how it all ends and I want to do the story justice so I will not be rushing the ending. Why is my story ending soon, you ask? I've almost completed the plot and have successfully reached my goal: I started writing this fanfic to become a stronger writer. I believe my writing has in fact improved, but I have to say I will miss my characters. Maybe, once the story is over, there may be a sequel.