Chapter 25: Surprises
Charlie Weasley entered his office at the Baia Mare Dragon Reserve in Romania. He sat at the old beat up desk that had served him well over the last eight years. He was preparing his report on the progress achieved with the small Chinese Red had been working with over the last fortnight. The creature was near death when it had arrived at the reserve but with a few more months of care, she would be ready to be released. Charlie scanned the desk for a quill when he noted the velum envelope addressed to him. He couldn't think who would have sent him anything addressed as Mr. Charles Linus Weasley, his family and friends always addressed his correspondence as Charlie. Allowing his curiosity to overtake him, he opened the letter and read the elegant script. He was dumbfounded when he discovered that the letter was from Narcissa Malfoy. What was more astonishing however, was the fact that she was requesting an audience with him. The letter stated that Ginny's happiness might depend on the proposition she needed to discuss with him immediately. The letter was cryptic enough that he followed her instructions and utilized the portkey she had enclosed.
*****~~~~~~~~~~*****
Draco quietly entered the bedchamber and deposited the gift box on the vanity before turning toward the bed where Ginny remained sleeping. He thought vaguely that she must have been more exhausted than he realized. He hated to wake his sleeping princess, but they did have reservations later in the evening.
He sat gingerly on the edge of the bed and brushed the stray strands of hair from her face. The minute contact was enough to draw her from her restful slumber.
"Good afternoon, Angel."
"M-m-m," she replied stretching in a most feline manner causing a chuckle to escape from Draco's lips.
Ginny's first thought upon hearing Draco was that her hair must be awry and she must look a fright. She reached up and gathered her unruly hair running her fingers through her long tresses.
"I look awful don't I?"
Draco looked at Ginny's pink tinged face with embarrassment showing in her eyes.
"No, Angel," he answered. "I was just thinking that Blaise's pet name for you is quite appropriate when you move like that."
Before Ginny had an opportunity to reply, a light pop was heard.
"Master," the servant interrupted bowing to Draco. "Tobin has the afternoon tea yous requested."
"Place it on the table and return to your duties."
"Yes, master," the servant replied as he followed Draco's order.
Draco took Ginny's hands in his. "Let's get some tea, then you can have a nice warm bath before we leave for the evening."
"Where are we going?"
"It's a surprise," he answered.
"But how am I supposed to know what to wear if I don't know where we are going?" she asked in attempt to gain more information.
"That, my angel has already been arranged," he replied then looked pointedly at the box he placed on the vanity when he entered.
Surprise crossed Ginny's face. "Draco, you shouldn't…oh, what's the use. You are going to do whatever you want no matter how much I protest."
"Exactly," he retorted before kissing her on the nose.
Ginny sighed. She couldn't really be irritated with him for this. What girl wouldn't enjoy being lavished with gifts? He acted as though he enjoyed giving her things. Who was she to begrudge him his enjoyment?
He led Ginny to the small table appointed with the tea service and held her chair as she sat.
"Now, drink your tea, take your bath, and when you're dressed, have Lettie bring you to the family parlor. If you need anything, just ask Lettie and she can get it for you." He leaned over and gently kissed her lips. "If you need me, Lettie will find me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to floo Mother. Apparently, I missed her call and she's not to happy about that."
"Well, you better go then. That's one witch you don't need to be angry at you."
"Agreed. I'll see you later, Angel," he replied as he walked through the door.
~*~*~*~*~******~*~*~*~*~
Charlie Weasley sat in the wingback chair staring across the desk to the society witch that had requested an audience with him on behalf of his sister's happiness. He listened as she informed him of the nature of this meeting, the betrothal of her son to Astoria Greengrass. He listened as she explained what part he could play in assuring his sister's happiness by assisting in Narcissa's plan. He listened carefully to her as she imparted what she knew of Ginny and Draco's relationship aside from the fact that he was the father of Charlie's soon to be born nephew. The two were in love with each other. He knew this of course, but it was quite different hearing this from her, a Black and a Malfoy to boot. She seemed to be quite in favor of their union unlike his parents. This was puzzling to say the least.
"Mrs. Malfoy, if you don't mind, why aren't you upset that your son was… is …well, that you're grandson is part Weasley? It seems to me as long as I can remember, Malfoys and Weasleys never got on too well."
"Mr. Weasley, it has only been in the recent past that there has been a disagreement among the two families. I believe it was something between Lucius and Arthur, or possibly Molly. I'm not sure, but to answer your question, Ginevra has been the best thing to happen to my son. I care not what her last name is. I only care that she loves him and makes him happy."
Charlie nodded in agreement. He wanted nothing more than to make sure that Ginny was loved and cared for. He knew that if she chose to remain with Draco her material needs would be met. He only hoped that the boy had her heart in mind as well.
"You do realize what you are asking me to do will cause quite a stir in my family?"
"Yes, that thought had occurred to me, but I think that the happiness of my son, your sister, and their child would outweigh that cost. This is the only way for them to be together because of my late husband's interference."
"I understand, but before I can agree to this I need to speak with Ginny myself…to make sure that this is what she truly wants. I want nothing more, than her happiness. If she can find that with your son, then I have no problem with your proposal."
"Very well, Mr. Weasley. Ginevra and Draco will be here tomorrow for lunch and a little impromptu surprise."
Charlie rose from his seat. "Until tomorrow then Mrs. Malfoy. In the mean time I need to have a discussion with a few of my brothers."
"Very well Mr. Weasley. Just use the portkey I gave you earlier. It will return you to this room once you activate it."
Charlie nodded is head slightly in understanding as the house elf appeared to escort him to the main entrance where he could floo to his brothers' shop.
~*~*~*~*~*****~*~*~*~
Arthur Weasley sat in his study with the door closed and magically locked. This was his sanctum at the Burrow, and no one entered without his permission. Today however, he wanted to assure that he was not disturbed in any way. He sat at his desk holding a letter he received nearly two weeks ago, but had yet to open.
He recognized the script immediately as that of his only daughter. He was hurt that she felt she could not confide in him the identity of the father of her child. He felt his daughter could not trust him and that broke his heart.
He didn't know much about the young Malfoy, only what he had heard from Ron and Harry, which wasn't in the Malfoy's favor. He tried to sort out what he knew about the situation. He knew that Ron was always a hothead and tended to act without thinking everything through. He knew that Ron was easily antagonized and once he was, he quit thinking completely and only responded. Harry really wasn't much better. When he was angered, he was able to think things through a bit, but only a bit.
Harry, he had thought that Harry would become an actual member of the family. He had noticed the way he and Ginny had exchanged glances over the years, but the boy had ended every chance he had when he decided to go behind Ginny's back and see the Lovegood girl while he was dating Ginny. It took months before she could be in the same room with the boy without wanting to cause him bodily harm. She trusted and loved him, but he threw that away. He hurt her and that would not be tolerated. The boy may have saved the wizarding world from the greatest evil ever known, but he broke his little girl's heart and that was unforgivable.
Ginny, his little girl, his fae princess she was the light of his life. She had been since the day she was born. She did have a bit of her mother's temper, but it usually took quite a bit to stir it. For the most part, she was a good judge of character, her first year aside. It took a while for some one to gain her trust. However, unlike her brother, she thought of the outcome before she made a decision and gave everyone a chance. It was something she did after her first year. She felt that if she could be given a second chance after the chamber and the acts she was forced to commit against her fellow students, then everyone else at least deserved the same treatment.
Arthur lifted the letter from his desk. If his loving little fae could do that then he could read her letter.
Dad,
I know you are angry with me for not telling you about Draco. I wanted to tell you, but I didn't know how you would react. I know our family and his have not gotten on in the past, but he isn't his family, he is only one person who deserves a chance to prove himself.
He has only known about the baby for a few days. It was my choice not to tell him after he broke things off with me. Before you get too angry about that, he had his reasons. Lucius was plotting to escape from prison and kidnap me among several other things he had planned. Draco found out and stopped him. The only reason he left me was to protect me from Lucius. He thought that if he weren't with me, then Lucius would not want to hurt me. He was wrong. If it weren't for Draco, Lucius may have succeeded. Draco is the one who informed the Ministry of Lucius' escape attempt.
Dad, I know you haven't been on good terms with his family, but I love him. He is the father of my child and one day, I will marry him. I want this to be with your blessing, but I will do it without. I want a family just like the one you created with Mum, one that is full of love, respect, and honor. I want that with Draco.
It hurts that my letters to the Burrow are being returned. I only hope that this letter will be read. I miss you and Mum and honestly, the closer it gets to the birth of this little one I miss you more. It scares me that I will be doing this without Mum. I love you, Mum and all of my brothers, even the pigheaded gits that haven't spoken to me since my birthday. I miss you all so very much.
Love,
Ginny, your fae princess
Arthur folded the letter and placed it in the breast pocket of his robes. He was wrong and he knew it. It was time to make this right. He knew Molly would not be going along with this until her temper settled, but it was time to swallow his pride and make amends to his little fae. The best place to start would be with the twins. They knew their sister better than anyone and he owed them as much gratitude as he could muster for their devotion to her.
Arthur rose from his desk and waved his wand reversing the wards that he had previously placed on the room. He walked into the sitting room holding his drawn wand.
"Molly, I'm going out for a while. I should be back by dinner time," he called as he apparated from the room before she could voice a response.
~*~*~*~*~*****~*~*~*~*~
Ginny slowly lowered herself into the jasmine scented bubbles that filled the oversized claw foot tub. The warm water engulfed her body relaxing all of her muscles simultaneously. It had been a while since she was afforded the opportunity to soak in the warm depths of an actual tub. Showers were nice, but once in a while, a girl needs a relaxing bath filled with gloriously scented bubbles. Ginny reclined in the tub allowing the warmth of the water to penetrate her body as the soft jasmine scent lulled her to sleep once more.
It was never a good idea to get into a warm bath when you aren't fully alert to begin with. Ginny found this out as she was awakened by the high pitched squeak of the house elf, Lettie.
"Miss…miss…yous must wakes up now! Yous still has to get ready!"
"H-m-m?" Ginny asked groggily.
"Miss…Miss…please wakes up," Lettie begged.
"Oh, sweet Merlin!" Ginny exclaimed as she realized what the elf was rambling about. She had fallen asleep and her time was running short. She sat up and quickly finished bathing and washing her hair with Lettie's help which absolutely please the little elf.
As the water was drained from the tub, Ginny tried to raise herself from the tub, but found it to be quite slippery. No matter how she tried to move she managed to slide one way or another, or it was just too awkward to raise pregnant body.
"Ughh! Stupid bloody tub!" she cried in frustration.
"Miss, please let Lettie help yous."
Ginny looked at the little elf who wanted nothing more than to help her, but she knew that the only way she would be able to do that was with elfin magic and she just was certain how safe that would be for the baby, not that the elf would intentionally harm her or the baby, but Ginny wasn't familiar enough with the creatures and their magic.
Ginny realized that the only way out of the tub would be with Draco's help. She hung her head in defeat. Embarrassment washed over Ginny as her cheeks rapidly matched the color of her hair. She looked at the anxious house elf who was beginning to look distressed.
"Lettie, can you find Draco and tell him I need his help?" she asked timidly. The little elf popped out f the room before Ginny could finish her request with 'and hand me a bath towel before you go" Ginny sat in the could empty tub as her dignity departed and Draco burst through the door with a panicked expression on his face.
"Gin, what wrong? Is everything alright?" he blurted out.
"Yes…no!" Ginny replied crossing her arms over her chest the mumbling. "I can't get up and I need your help."
Draco looked at her. Confusion and worry lined every feature of his face. "What is it, Angel? I didn't quite catch that."
"I said," she spoke a bit louder. "I need your help. I can't get out of this Merlin forsaken tub without loosing my footing and sliding all over the place."
Draco exhaled in relief that nothing was wrong with the baby as eh had feared. Once that fear escaped her realized the predicament the beautiful redhead was in and a smiled tugged at the corners of his lips. He gazed at the indignant woman sitting in the empty tub with her arms crossed over her chest.
She saw the smile creeping across his face. "Don't you dare laugh Draco Malfoy! This is not funny!" admonished the discomfited Ginny Weasley.
"I'm sorry, Gin. You scared the hell out of me. I thought there was something seriously wrong. Here, let me help you." Draco leaned over into the tub placing one arm around her shoulder. "Gin, love you need to wrap your arms around my neck."
Ginny looked down at her naked form and hung her head.
"I…um," she started, but only sighed heavily without completing her thoughts.
"Ginevra," Draco spoke softly. "We need to get you out of this cold tub and into something warm. Love, I've seen your body before. This is nothing to be embarrassed about." He reached out gently lifting her chin up so he could look into her eyes. "Trust me," he implored.
Ginny saw the sincerity in his eyes and that was all it took. Ginny wrapped her arms around Draco's neck as he braced one arm behind her back and the other under her knees lifting her from the tub and gently placed her on the marble floor taking a step back as he did so. He looked at her vastly altered frame. Gone were the petite body, narrow hips, and median breasts she once had. That body was replaced with a rounded womanly body with curved hips, full round breasts, and an obviously pregnant form.
Just looking at her naked form made him feel as though fire was coursing through his veins. He was completely mesmerized by her body. His mind could only think of the delicious things he wanted to do to her at this moment. Damn those healers and their restrictions. He wanted her. He needed her. He needed to touch her, to feel his skin on hers. It had been far too long.
He was jarred from his reverie as the object of his desire fled the room. Draco rapidly blinked his eyes and shook his head trying to clear his thoughts while shifting uncomfortably in his tightened trousers before hastening after his witch to find out what was wrong.
Ginny felt her feet touch the cool marble of the floor moments before Draco relinquished hold of her and stepped back. She watched as his eyes roamed over her body not saying anything. He stood there staring, gawking at her. 'Why won't he say anything? I know I'm as big as a hippogriff, but he doesn't have to stare like that.' Ginny's shoulders sagged as she dropped her head looking at her own pregnant body. She felt the stinging of tears that she fought to keep from falling. 'The last time her saw me in this state was when this happened, now he must think I'm hideously grotesque.'
"Draco," she called quietly, but there was no response. "Draco," she called again a bit louder. He still did not respond. Ginny turned and fled the confining area with the tears she had tried in vain to repress running freely down her face. She wasn't sure where she was fleeing to, but the first thing was to find something to cover her body.
She stood in the dressing room with her dressing gown clutched in her hands. Her hold on the innocent garment was so tight her clenched hands were void of color with the exception of the delicate veins running through them. Before she could stop herself, she began sobbing in earnest.
Draco followed the sounds of the heartbreaking sobs and found Ginny in her dressing room clenching her dressing robe as if her life was tethered to it. He didn't quite understand what happened; one minute she was standing there, the next minute she was running from the room in tears. It agonized him to see her like this.
He walked into the dressing room stopping within arms reach of her. He tentatively raised his hand and gingerly placed it on her shoulder.
Ginny was so absorbed in her sorrow that she did not hear Draco enter the room, nor did she register his presence behind her. When she felt his hand on her she shoulder, it startled her. She turned abruptly causing her to become slightly unsteady on her feet.
Draco saw her waiver unsteadily and reached out catching her upper arms to steady the unbalanced witch. He was taken aback when she recoiled from his touch the second she was securely standing on her own.
Ginny refused to look him in the eye. She hung her head in embarrassment and shame over the entire situation. "I'm sorry, I'll just put this on so you don't have to see…me," she stated.
Draco was confused. He grabbed her hands stopping her movement. Ginny whipped her head up glaring at him.
"Gin, what are you on about? Why did you run out?"
"You were just…gawking at me," she began. "I…I called you…twice. You didn't answer. You were too…too repulsed by me…my body to say anything," she finished with fresh tears cascading down her cheeks.
Draco couldn't believe what she was saying. How could she think that he thought her body was revolting? It would definitely explain her departure, but it was the farthest thing from the truth.
"I promise you, I wasn't thinking anything of the sort, quite the opposite actually."
"Draco, I know what I look like. I'm as big as a hippogriff and look like I swallowed a quaffle! I can only assume I have feet because I haven't seen them in ages!"
He grasped both of her hands in his and looked in to her emotion filled eyes. "I know this hasn't been easy for you, but honestly my angelfire you are the most beautiful creation I have ever seen."
Ginny tried to refute his claim, but Draco gently placed a finger over her lips to stop her as he finished.
"Let me finish," he admonished. "I honestly didn't hear you call me." He raised the hand he was still holding to his lips kissing it lightly. "There is nothing revolting about your body. I happen to think you are the sexiest witch in the world and the reason I didn't hear you is because I was thinking about how I want nothing more than to carry you to bed and show you how much I love you and want you. Gin, love you make me feel things that no one else has ever done and the fact that you are carrying my child makes me want you even more."
"You don't have to say that just to make me feel better."
Leaning in to her stopping when his lips were a breaths length away from hers, he replied, "I'm not." He pressed his lips softly against hers kissing her lightly. He felt her relax against him. He nipped at her bottom lip as she raised her hands to his chest. He cradled her head in one of his hands as the other slid down her back causing shivers to run through her body as he sought to deepen their kiss and meeting no resistance.
It had been a while since he kissed her like this. She knew that he meant every word he said and this fueled her desire for him. She returned his kisses passionately. When the need for air caused them to pull back, she began placing soft warm kisses along his jaw and down his neck causing a primal groan to escape from his lips.
Draco pulled back from her and looked down at her flushed body and saw the desire in her eyes. "You have no idea how incredibly delicious I think you look at this moment which is why I must leave you to dress, or I'll have a group of healers after me for not following their orders," he stated with a nefarious grin. He walked to the door pausing for one last look at the beautiful witch knowing he would need a cold shower if he spent a moment longer with the goddess standing in front of him. Before leaving he stated, "By the way, Malfoys don't gawk, we gaze appreciatively."
*****~*~*~*~*~*****
Fred collapsed on the old sofa next to George handing him a bottle of butter beer.
"Oy! George, I think this is the busiest day we've seen in a long time."
George nodded in agreement as he tipped back the drink. Fred had just slinked back stretching his lanky legs out in front of him when a loud banging was heard on the door to the flat.
"Who the bloody hell is banging on our door?" asked a tired Fred as he rose to answer the door.
"Damn well better be important, or whoever it is just volunteered to test our latest batch of experiments."
"Indeed," called Fred as he grasped the knob in his hand pulling the door open. "Well, well, dragon tamer what brings you to London?" he greeted as Charlie swept past him into the flat.
Charlie crossed the room and slumped down into the lone chair on the room running his hand through his hair. The two younger brothers watched him in concern. They were not accustomed to a quiet reserved Charlie.
"Oh, come now Charlie, it can't be that bad, can it?" asked George.
"I don't know boys, I just don't know," Charlie replied.
"Well, then what brings you here?"
"Not, that we object, dragon tamer, but you don't usually pop by for no reason," Fred added.
"You are aware that I don't actually tame dragons, aren't you?"
"Yes, but the witches seemed to be impressed with the fact that I'm related to a dragon tamer," Fred replied with a knowing smirk on his face.
"I'll bet they do," Charlie chuckled.
"Well, brother dearest, you are avoiding my question. What brings you here?"
"You're right, but before I tell you everything, I need a little information from you…and I need you to answer honestly."
"I'm offended. Our dear brother doesn't trust us, George."
"It's about Gin," Charlie cut in before they could say anything else. This sobered the jokester quicker than any sobering potion ever could.
"Sure, Charlie anything you want," replied George.
"Is there anything wrong with our Gins?" asked a worried Fred.
"No, not that I'm aware of in any event."
"Then, what about Gins?"
"Her and Malfoy"
George looked confused. "I thought you were ok with her and Malfoy?"
"It's not that. I just wondered if she's told you…if she's…if she loves him."
The boys smiled at their older brother as he stumbled through his question. They knew it was hard for some of their brothers to realize that little Ginny had grown up and could love someone other than her family.
"Yes," replied George. "You can see it in her eyes, in the way she looks at him. It's like he's the only thing in the world that could ever make her happy."
"He wants to marry her. He told her he was going to ask her later." Charlie looked confused when Fred said that.
"She was on the hospital at the time taking pain relief potions. He wanted her to have a clear head when he asked."
"She told him her answer would be yes whenever he asked," added Fred.
Charlie nodded in understanding. This took care of part of his dilemma, but opened up another one altogether. "Well then, I have a difficult decision to make."
"You lost us there. What are you talking about?"
"The reason I'm here, in England is because I was invited to Wiltshire to speak with Narcissa Malfoy. She stated that Ginny's happiness could be at stake."
"What?" they asked in unison.
Charlie slowly explained the proposition presented to him by Narcissa Malfoy. He could claim his position as the official heir to the Prewett family line as the second born son. By doing this, he would no longer be a Weasley, but he would be in a position to betroth Ginny to Malfoy. He told them how Lucius had set up a betrothal agreement with the Greengrass family for the youngest daughter, Astoria.
The boys were upset until Charlie explained that neither Narcissa nor Draco knew about this information until Astoria told Ginny right before she went into the hospital and she told them. The Malfoy's contacted their solicitor to find a way to dissolve the agreement and this is where he apparently comes into the equation.
"It seems that old Lucius' dad sent a betrothal offer to Grandpa Linus for Mum's hand and Grandpa never officially declined the offer. Since, this offer outdates the contract with the Greengrass family, if I choose to become the Prewett heir, I can claim Ginny as a Prewett since she is of age and a betrothal offer has not been made under the Weasley name according to a wizarding law dating back to 1345," Charlie finished looking intently at his brothers trying to gauge their reaction.
"Come on Charlie, pull the other one why don't you," Fred snickered.
George looked intently at his older brother seeing no signs of deception. "Sweet Merlin!" he exclaimed. "You're serious, aren't you?"
Charlie nodded. "I can do this and give Gin what she wants, but…"
"You won't be a Weasley any more," George finished.
"I'm not sure what to do."
"You'll accept the offer," announced Arthur walking into the lounge from the kitchen.
"Dad?" the three men questioned. "When did you get here? Where did you come from?"
"I apparated in a little while ago. I got here about the time Charlie started talking about his meeting with Narcissa Malfoy. I didn't mean to listen in, but you wouldn't have finished the story if you knew I was here. And like I just said, you need to accept this offer."
"No offense Dad, but when exactly did you decide Malfoy would be best for Gins?" George asked.
"Yeah," Fred nodded in agreement.
"You do realize a magical betrothal agreement is unbreakable. She'd never be able to leave him if things didn't work out."
"Charlie, I know quite well how betrothals work and I'm sure this will work." Arthur reached into his robes and withdrew the letter he read from Ginny earlier. "Here, read this and see if you still have any reservations," he instructed as he handed Charlie the letter.
Fred and George stood behind Charlie reading the letter with him. When they finished, Charlie passed the letter to his father who returned it to his pocket.
"So, she really wants this…him?"
"For whatever reason, she loves him and he is he child's father." Arthur sighed running his hands up and down his face. "Your sister has been through enough in her young life and if this makes her happy and we can give it to her, we should."
"Well, I for one am glad that you finally see that, old man," Fred stated as he draped his arm over Arthur's shoulder. "So that begs me to ask, what about Mum?"
"I'm afraid it may take her a while yet for her. I'm not sure why, but she distrusts the Malfoys more than any other I've known, including myself."
The younger Weasleys nodded in agreement. They knew their dad spoke the truth about this issue. Their mum had never shared a kind word about the Malfoys as long as they could remember; they didn't know if she could.
Arthur put his hand on Charlie's shoulder and squeezed lightly. "You'll always be my son, no matter how you sign your name, Charlie; just as Ginny will always be my little fae."
"Well then, I guess the only things left to do is talk to Gin and meet with Narcissa Malfoy tomorrow.
~~~~~~*~*~*~*~*~~~~~
Draco had just portkeyed himself and blindfolded Ginny to their destination. After she steadied herself, she reached up to remove the blindfold.
"Ah-ah," he admonished. He moved behind her placing his hands on her shoulders guiding her several feet forward. Ginny could feel something in front of her, but she wasn't sure what it could be. When they stopped, Draco reached to remove the blindfold.
Ginny felt the offensive material slide down her face. She blinked several times to adjust to the light. Now, she realized that she was standing in front of a window. On the other side of the glass was a group of wizard glassmakers.
"Glassmakers?" she asked.
"Not just any glassmaker. The Master Craftsman makes specialized crystal. Mother used to bring me here every year when I was small. She commissioned a special crystal ornament for the family Christmas tree and when it was ready, we would come here and pick it up. Mother didn't trust the owls even with an unbreakable charm on the ornaments. So, while she was settling the account, I would stand here an watch the craftsmen work."
Ginny watched as one wizard levitated the molten crystal from the fire as another cast a cooling charm on it as yet another whom she suspected was the master craftsman began some intricate spell work on the crystal.
She watched in fascination as he wielded charm after charm giving the molten globule a definite shape. Once the shape was established, he began with the embellishments and intricate design work. Each swish and flick of his wand was precise and with purpose.
Ginny was thoroughly engrossed in the demonstration before her. It was amazing to see the artistry of the skilled wizard take form. It had developed from a shapeless globule to a perfect sphere roughly three inches in diameter. She couldn't make out the exact design from where she was standing, but it mattered not. She knew it would be an original masterpiece.
The movement of the wizard's wand slowed. He cast a final cooling charm setting the design permanently into the crystal. Then with one last flick, he cast a charm rendering the object unbreakable. He then levitated the orb into a black box with a green silk lining. After placing the lid on the box, the master craftsman carried the out of the workroom as Ginny turned to Draco with excitement and amazement in her eyes.
"That was absolutely amazing! I've never seen anything like that before."
"I knew you had to have enjoyed it; you haven't spoken for nearly half an hour," Draco smiled.
"Oh, hush you!" Ginny replied lightly slapping his arm.
"Really Angel, I'm glad you liked it," he replied before kissing he lightly on the nose. "Come on, I need to pick up something then we can go to dinner."
Draco turned and placed his hand on Ginny's lower back guiding her to the sales office.
"Mr. Malfoy, welcome," greeted the older witch. "And who is this lovely young lady?"
"Mariana, this is Ginevra Weasley."
"How lovely to meet you dear."
"And you as well," Ginny answered.
"You wouldn't happen to be relate to Septimus Weasley would you?"
"Yes, he was my grandfather. Did you know him?"
"Yes, he and I attended Hogwarts together, but that was a long time ago, dear," she smiled at Ginny. "Now Mr. Malfoy, I have your packages right here. Would you like to see them before you leave?" she asked placing two identical black boxes on the counter.
"That won't be necessary, Marina. Callum's work has always been exceptional. I don't think these will be any different."
"Thank you for your kindness. I just need you to sign this bank note and we'll be settled."
Draco lifted the quill from the inkpot as he read over the bill. The one good thing Lucius taught him- never sign anything no matter how insignificant without reading it thoroughly first. After everything met his approval, he entered his vault information and signed his name. He then drew his wand and muttered a spell tapping the parchment. After the pale green light faded, the Malfoy family crest could be seen on the lower right corner making the document official. After sliding the parchment across the counter, he cast shrinking charms on one of the packages and placed it in his robes. The other he banished to its final destination. He bid farewell to Marina and led Ginny from the sales office.
"So do you think you're up to walking a few blocks?"
"Yes, maybe then you can tell me where we are this time?"
He just shrugged and led her out into the cold evening air. He drew his hand about her waist pulling her close to him and protectively guiding her down the walk.
"I don't think I've ever been here, but it does look familiar, like I've seen a picture of this place before."
"Does it now?" he asked smirking.
"You're not even going to give me a hint, are you?"
"That would ruin the surprise."
She pouted lightly as they continued walking in silence. Ginny tried to think why this place would look so familiar. She was so lost in thought that she did not notice when Draco stopped walking until she felt a light tug against her waist. She turned, slightly embarrassed to face Draco. She caught a glimpse of the building behind him and immediately knew where she was. They were standing in front of a restaurant that displayed quidditch memorabilia from her favorite quidditch team, the Holyhead Harpies. The restaurant was named Remembrall and was located in Holyhead, Wales.
"Draco, you…you brought me to…to…oh! This is so amazing. I've always wanted to come here!" She flung herself against him hugging him tightly.
Draco laughed at her response. "I told Mother you'd rather come here than one of her favorite restaurants."
A horrified look crossed Ginny's face as she thought about how uncomfortable she'd be at one of Narcissa's favorite restaurants, which would no doubt be filled with society witches and wizards. Upon seeing the look on her face Draco burst out in laughter as he led her inside