four. tea.
The next couple of days flew by. Ginny would wake up every morning with her lecture notes strewn across her bed. This morning was no different; she woke with a start, peeling a piece of parchment off of her face that had been stuck. She hoped somehow she would retain all of the information and minute details Narcissa seemed to be quite a stickler for. Her partnership was not improving much, but she hoped she could make up for that by remembering every other bit of information in order to pass with acceptable marks. Each time they were forced to work together, an argument ensued. Each one had to get the last word. Narcissa remained thin lipped but did not reassign them to other partners. They were like that volatile muggle invention electricity. They rubbed each other the wrong way and dangerous sparks flew whenever that happened.
It was novel really as Hermione had tried to explain several times to little avail, Ginny reflected as she got ready for the second week of lessons. A rope of sorts sent signals and created the lights through currents. However if there is a break in that rope, the connection would come undone. They were similar to a broken current; the fragmented pieces creating sparks when trying to be mended together. They needed to work as one to accomplish their goals but it was easier said than done. They would never come together to shine brightly. Ginny sighed as she grabbed her notebook and quill. There was little hope of that happening at this rate.
Ginny shuffled into what looked like a ballroom with seconds to spare. She blinked, looking around the massive room. Several of the Burrows could easily fit in this space. Though the ceilings were expansive and had large decorative windows with gorgeous views of the gardens, today it looked like a drawing room. More like several drawing rooms, to be exact. Throughout the room were sofas situated with coffee tables and armchairs. Each table was set with a tea set and accompanying snacks. Ginny silently cheered as she saw delectable scones, biscuits, and crumpets galore; she had missed breakfast on account of oversleeping.
"Students! Please find your partners and sit down at one of the tea stations. Today we will be working in groups of four, so find another partner set as well," Kendra instructed. "Madame Malfoy will be out shortly to begin this week's practical lesson."
Glancing around the room, her eyes quickly landed on Draco, who happened to be already sitting with Blaise and Lena. She grinned as she made her way to the group; at least she would have some friendly faces instead of dealing with Draco on his own.
Right as she sat down, Narcissa glided into the classroom, her silk robes swirling around at her feet. At the head of the room were two chairs and a table with a similar set up to the rest of theirs. Mrs. Malfoy stood in front of the display and calmly cleared her throat. Taking that as an indication that the class was to begin, the class quickly quieted down.
"Good morning, students. Now that we have moved beyond introductions, it is time to learn how to entertain guests. This week we will be focusing on Afternoon Tea. Often times, we have guests that like to pop in at odd hours of the day. Since it is not the proper time to serve a meal, it is fitting to serve tea and snacks instead. It is especially important for a hostess to know the proper etiquette for serving tea and it is equally important for members of society to know how to conduct themselves during such occasions," explained Narcissa. She then moved to sit in one of the chairs, facing across from Kendra.
The pair began to demonstrate the proper procedure for serving tea. From physically pouring out the tea to creating conversational points to accommodating guests, Narcissa went through every piece point by point. Ginny faded in and out of the instruction, having served many a tea in her time. Sure, it was never to the caliber of the wealthy class, but she presumed it would be the same. It was just giving your guests food and drinks; how hard could that be?
Narcissa snapped Ginny out of her reverie as she concluded, "Now class, the reason we asked you all to form small groups is to practice out this scenario – from being the hostess to being guests. Kendra and I will be monitoring you all as we walk around the class. While this is a larger team exercise, we will still be critiquing you all closely."
With that, the groups were left to their own devices as a small buzz began to reverberate around the room. As she turned back to her group, the boys looked expectantly at their counterparts. Ginny rolled her eyes. Of course, we would have to do all the work.
Glancing at Lena, she said, "I guess it's up to us to lead the activity? I can start first if you'd like."
"Be my guest," Lena replied with a smile.
Placing her hands on her knees, Ginny pushed herself up into a standing position. She carefully handed each of her guests a saucer, tea cup, and spoon. She began to pour the tea for the men, grasping the tea pot delicately but carefully as she bent across the table to serve her guests. When she got to Draco, Ginny inwardly groaned. They had barely spoken since their large spat in front of the class. Though she was still mad at him for his rude comments, she had calmed down from her boiling anger that had shattered the goblet in Malfoy's hands.
While she was trying to avoid making conversation with her partner, she couldn't help but notice Draco's eyes linger a little too long on her chest as she bent lower to pour the tea. Though he tried to quickly shift his focus somewhere else, Ginny had caught him. Noticing his misbehavior, Ginny felt she had to teach him a lesson. Carelessly moving the teapot several centimeters to the left, the piping hot liquid began to pour into his lap instead of his cup.
Draco yelped, quickly standing up to wipe the tea that soiled his nice slacks, sending his cup and saucer in the air. Blaise easily caught the cup and saucer before it hit the ground. A few of the students looked over to see what the commotion was about, but quickly went back to their business. It was once again another Weasley-Malfoy row. It was beginning to be commonplace around the Conservatory and had lost its entertainment value.
"My apologies, Malfoy. I suppose my hand started to… linger," she said pointedly but in her polite, hostess tone while narrowing her eyes at him. Okay, so perhaps she hadn't calmed down as much as she thought. He deserved it though.
Draco growled as he threw the soaked cloth napkins onto the table. "That was completely uncalled for! You've probably given me third degree burns! Not to mention ruin a completely fine pair of pants!"
Sitting down and crossing her legs like a proper lady, Ginny calmly replied, "You seem to be forgetting one thing."
"Oh yeah? What's that?" He replied, searching his pockets for his wand to fix this predicament.
"I'm a Healer," Ginny responded, pulling out her own wand.
"My mistake. How could I forget?" Draco rolled his eyes. "Oh right, you remind me at every opportunity," he added dryly.
"Well, you keep regarding me as incompetent!" Ginny cried, moving across to fix the mess that she created.
"Your profession is moot when you clearly lack motor skills," He retorted. Just as he found his wand, he realized Ginny was right next to him. Ginny saw his wary expression as he inched closer to Blaise and further away from her. Ginny bit the inside of her cheek to prevent her laughter from erupting as she got closer. She adeptly applied some healing charms to heal the burns and prevent any scarring. Ginny saw his eyes soften as the pain dissipated and he sighed with relief. She then quickly performed a few cleaning spells, leaving his slacks and the carpet as good as new.
"Hey, she's actually pretty good," Blaise chimed in, admiring Ginny's handiwork. Draco merely huffed in response, crossing his arms across his chest.
"It's not fair, Lena, you get the smart one while I'm stuck with this buffoon," she remarked, settling back onto the sofa. Lena chuckled and Blaise beamed at Ginny while Draco scowled at his partner.
As the acting hostess, Ginny quickly finished serving the tea to her guests and offered snacks. With her trusty wand in hand, she decided that it was best to finish serving her guests with magic to avoid further mishaps. She levitated the rest of the components to everyone.
Just as she had finished assembling her own teacup, she noticed Draco's peculiar expression. While everyone else was pleasantly enjoying her tea, he was holding his saucer as far away as he could from his body.
Eying it suspiciously, Draco asked, "How can I be sure you haven't poisoned this?"
"I guess you'll have to try it and find out," Ginny replied, pouring the cream into her cup.
"On second thought, maybe I should be happy if it is poisoned. I'll no longer have to continue through this ordeal," Draco stated. After a few more minutes, he brought the saucer closer to him. He sniffed the steaming liquid, slowly moving the cup, making the amber liquid whirl like a cyclone. Eventually, he brought the cup close to his lips, but still hesitated.
Ginny quipped, "I had no idea Malfoys were so paranoid."
"We proceed with caution when it's necessary." Draco asserted.
"Well look at Blaise, he's nearly done with is tea and seems to be doing just fine," Lena supplied.
"Yeah, mate, it's actually a good cup of tea," confirmed Blaise as he gulped down the last few drips.
Draco narrowed his eyes and scowled at his best friend. "Oh sure, take her side."
Ginny chuckled as the sugar cubes plopped into her own pool of tea. She quickly stirred her drink, the spoon clinking around the insides. Draco gave her a disapproving look and raised an eyebrow.
"What's the matter with you now?" Ginny replied, irritated. She set her spoon on the edge of her plate.
"You don't make noise while stirring. Every good host and hostess knows that. It's absolutely barbaric," Draco answered, calmly sipping his tea.
"Well, call me a savage then and pass me a crumpet, Malfoy," Ginny sighed. She was positive she had all of the rules of etiquette down for tea.
"If you say so, savage," Draco replied, handing the plate of crumpets over to Lena. Ginny rolled her eyes. Perhaps she should pay better attention next time, she mused.
The conversation slowly began to flow between the two men while she was making small talk with Lena. While sipping on her hot drink, she couldn't help but overhear what Malfoy and Zabini were talking about.
"How are the Estate's affairs doing?" Blaise asked Draco as he munched on a raspberry scone.
"Pretty good, actually," he responded. "You know how we've been expanding our investments this past year, yeah? During the past several weeks we've been focusing on the Institute of Muggle Studies, and…"
The Institute of Muggle Studies? Her brows furrowed quizzically. What would a Malfoy have to do with that? She knew that Hermione was currently contracted to the Institute through the Ministry of Magic because of her impressive magical abilities as a Muggleborn witch, but she could not imagine why Draco would have any vested interest in such manners. It piqued her interest.
Unable to control herself, Ginny butted into their conversation, blurting out, "The Institute of Muggle of Studies? Why would you be working with them? You willingly interact with Muggleborns like Hermione, Malfoy?"
Both Blaise and Draco looked at her like she had sprung a third head.
"What's the matter with you guys? I just asked a simple question," Ginny responded to their incredulous stares.
"Why are you talking?" Draco asked dumbly.
Ginny looked at him, angrily. "What in the bloody hell do you mean 'why are you talking?'"
Lena cleared her throat. "Uh, Gin, according to today's lesson we're supposed to sit here quietly as the men discuss their affairs." It looked like it was painful for Lena to supply this information. "We're supposed to 'direct the conversation to simpler matters', as per direct quote from Madame Malfoy."
Ginny gapped. "What is this bullshite?" At least in her own home her parents participated equally in conversation with their guests. "Stupid backwards society," Ginny muttered, slumping in her seat as she crossed her arms while she seethed.
Lena nudged her friend, indicating that Narcissa was coming closer to them. Ginny quickly fixed her posture and plastered on a gleaming smile for all the world to see. Turning to Draco, she said, "Can I get you anymore tea, darling? After all, I'm here at your beck and call just as any trophy wife would."
"You're more like the consolation prize," Draco muttered, nibbling on a biscuit.
"What was that, dear? I just waited for you eagerly to come home. I didn't do absolutely anything today! It's too much for my pretty little brain to handle, what you know with that blood loss us females must deal with every month," Ginny continued, dramatically clutching her heart, in mock dismay.
Lena snorted while Narcissa, who had seen the whole display, gave Ginny a disapproving look, quickly scribbling in her notebook before snapping it shut and moving onto the next group.
Ginny was pretty sure they were all going to get marked down. She felt a little guilty that Blaise and Lena would get bad marks because of her, but the rash side of her won out once again. The boys deserved it for their ridiculous reaction. As if she was going to be seen but not heard by anyone, let alone her hypothetical mate.
Feeling exhausted by this tumultuous exercise, Ginny relinquished her rights as hostess to Lena. Lena quickly took over the after tea duties, such as offering the men pipes and lighting it up from them.
As her friend settled back onto the sofa, Ginny remarked while chewing on a biscuit, "I'm surprised women just don't slip some Amortentia into the men's tea and call it a day."
"This isn't 1843. Hasn't happened for centuries," Blaise seamlessly responded, as if commenting on the weather.
Ginny stared at him wordlessly, looking utterly horrified. She scarfed down another scone to help quell her miserable mood.
Later that evening as the group convened in the common room, Ginny couldn't help but roll her eyes at the sight before her across the room. Draco Malfoy was quite salaciously flirting with one of the many females during their communal hours. It was vomit inducing.
Currently, he was trying to use his smile on his latest target – Morgan Cornwall, a petite, green-eyed girl with long blonde hair. He kept leaning over and whispering things to her. Much to Ginny's annoyance, Morgan kept giggling in response, batting her exaggerated dark eyelashes. Sure, he had a decent smile but he wasn't that great. It annoyed Ginny to no end and she couldn't figure out why. She eventually settled on the fact that it was because he clearly lacked any sense of respect or honor for their partnership, as faulty as it was. Or for Morgan's and Tristan Burke's, for that matter.
"She's the village broomstick, that Morgan. Everyone's taken a ride on her at least once," Lena supplied, when she caught what was in Ginny's line of vision
Ginny looked at her blankly, stunned by the harsh statement her usually sweet friend had just given.
"What?" Lena asked. "It's what Blaise told me." She focused once again on the magazine in her lap, flipping through it sheepishly.
Ginny could no longer listen to Morgan's obnoxious, bubbly giggles. "Ugh," Ginny groaned. "If I hear one more fake giggle, I'm going to crack. I need some air." She quickly made a beeline for the entrance, Morgan's high-pitched laughter ringing in the distance. Anywhere was better than here.
Draco stepped out into one of the garden terraces near his mother's white rose bushes. He inhaled deeply, breathing in the cool air as his gray eyes scanned the garden, which was naturally in full bloom at this time of the year. The sun had sunk but the sky still hadn't completely darkened.
He remembered all too clearly Ginny's dark eyes glimmering with anger. However, there was something else mixed in - hurt. Somewhere, very deep down inside, it struck him. He had made fun of many Weasleys time in and time out, but usually they responded with anger and fists. This was a strange reaction from one of his better opponents.
That tiny annoying voice in the back of his head told him what he did was wrong. He kept trying to swat it away throughout the week, unable to put his pride aside. It continued to nag at him though, until he was no longer able to ignore it. Draco knew he had to do something about his predicament, for the sake of his sanity, limbs, and most importantly, the bet.
Suddenly, he heard footsteps somewhere behind him, and shifted away from the rosebushes and back onto the concrete. There he saw Ginny Weasley, clad in a worn dragon-hide jacket over her homely dress, her arms folded over as her hands rubbed her arms for warmth. Strands of radiant crimson swirled around, her hair freed from the restraint of her braid. Her rebellious look contrasted greatly with the grandeur of the Manor and the elegance of the garden.
"Isn't dragon hide a bit out of the budget for a Weasley?" Malfoy quipped, approaching his unpredictable partner, his hands shoved in the pockets of his pants.
"It's my brother, Charlie's, old jacket; he works with dragons," she replied, too tired to go toe to toe with Malfoy.
Shifting the conversation, she said, "And just what were you doing over there? Snogging in the rose bushes?"
Draco smirked, planting himself adjacent to Ginny. "Perhaps. I'm sure you are disappointed at the fact that it wasn't you in those rose bushes with me."
Ginny looked utterly disgusted as if that night's dinner was about return from the way it went into her stomach. "You're completely mental."
"Calm down, Weasley," he laughed. "I just came out here for some fresh air."
"Oh…" Ginny responded, lamely.
They stood for several moments, in uncomfortable silence. Draco knew this was his opportunity to try to make amends. For once, Ginny didn't seem to be on the defense, and perhaps would be willing to listen to reason. He tried to think of a way to begin when her voice interrupted his thoughts.
"I didn't know you liked green eyes," she commented awkwardly.
Draco paused for a moment, unsure of how to answer. "They're alright, I suppose. Why? What's it to you?"
"Oh, nothing. It's just that your arch nemesis Harry Potter has green eyes," she explained.
Now it was Draco's face that was scrunching up in disgust. "Oh gods, Weaselette. Thanks a lot! You've completely ruined anything good about Megan Cornwall."
Ginny continued to elaborate as she said, "they're the same exact shade too. Uncanny, really."
"Not. Another. Word. Weasel. I am this close to retching," he indicated by pinching together his index finger and thumb, leaving little space in between.
"Well, stop acting like a cad in the common room then!" she snapped.
Draco sighed, slowly exhaling. He face palmed, taking a few seconds to recollect himself. He needed to stop antagonizing her. If there was any hope of winning the bet, this was the perfect opportunity to save face. "Look," Draco began, awkwardly shifting his weight from heel to toe, teetering back and forth. "Daphne may have been a bitch last week but she's not completely wrong."
Seeing the outraged look on Ginny's face, he quickly continued before she took over the conversation. "Look Weasley, you may have gotten comfortable at Hogwarts and St. Mungo's, but this is my turf. This is my home, my people, my rules. I could actually be an asset in completing this program successfully. You clearly came into this program for a certain reason, and I doubt you want to fail."
"I do not need any help, Malfoy!" Ginny cried incredulously. "I'm doing just fine, thank you very much."
"Oh, sure. Our dismal marks in lessons are a great indicator of that. I think you may be the mental one out of the two of us," he replied.
With no response from his partner, he sighed with a shrug. "Suit yourself, Weasley."
I tried, he thought to himself as he reached into his own jacket pocket. He laid down the bait and it was up to her to take it. With Weasley still surprisingly silent, Draco felt it was a good time for a moment of relaxation. His hand returned from his pocket with a packet of cigarettes and a lighter. Flipping the carton open, he took one out and lit it in one swift move. He exhaled deeply, a cloud of smoke exiting his mouth in small rings.
"Malfoy! Cigarettes?!" Ginny cried, astonished. Draco winced. He was not in the mood for a lecture from a goody two-shoes Gryffindor – and a Healer to boot – about his bad habit that wouldn't seem to give. But to her surprise, Ginny had other thoughts on her mind.
"I haven't had one in so long and I'm about to crack! Your mum nicked them from my things during that ridiculous inspection," she continued. "I mean, we're grown adults, and she was going through all of my most private things!" Ginny looked at him expectantly, tapping her foot.
Draco asked, irritably, "What do you want, Weasley?"
"Well, aren't you going to offer me one? After all, it is the polite thing to do," she reprimanded. "And isn't what this Conservatory is based on? Manners?"
Draco let out another set of smoke rings before replying, "You shouldn't be smoking. It's bad for your health, Healer Weasley."
"Oh stuff it, Malfoy!" Ginny cried. "Do you really think that Healers listen to their own advice? Half of them are smoking like chimneys during their breaks while the other half are hoping to nick one off the other. If I'm really stressed out, I'll occasionally ask someone for one."
Draco thought about it for a moment. On the one hand, this was his last pack since he had decided to give up the habit for once and for all. He was down to the last several sticks and was treasuring them. On the other hand, this could be an unexpected step in the right direction. Wordlessly, he brandished the box out of his pocket and threw them over to her.
Ginny easily caught it and wrapped her hands around the container. She took one out and waited for Draco to bring out his lighter. He moved closer to her, leaning down to light the cigarette. His light eyes met her dark ones for a moment. For once there was no anger or disgust in her expression, but he was unable to read her face. Draco suddenly became acutely aware of this strangely intimate exchange, and quickly moved away.
For several minutes, they quietly enjoy their forbidden secret in peace, enjoying the pleasant evening. "Wow this is some quality stuff, Malfoy," Ginny exhaled, breaking the silence.
Draco wasn't sure where this was going. They finally had a few minutes of civility, and he wasn't keen on talking. It would break the feeble bridge he had just built.
Evidently Ginny had other ideas, as she continued, "You know, I don't understand how your mother makes a show of having us learn how to light up pipes and smokes and the like when women aren't even allowed to smoke according to this society's rules."
"No one wants to see yellow teeth on a woman or kiss an ashtray," Draco smirked.
"Like we want to see them on you guys?" Ginny scoffed, wrinkling her nose. "Pot meet kettle."
"And another thing," Ginny said, wagging her finger in the air. "Your mother spouts off the silliest bullshite I have ever heard in my twenty odd years of existence. 'A woman must definitely be seen but not necessarily heard.'"
"No idea what she's going on about, honestly. Narcissa Malfoy makes sure she's heard by everyone," Draco replied, sounding a little bored. He knew his social circle was full of contradictions, and didn't need to be told again. This was clearly a brand new revelation to the youngest Weasley.
"Stupid backwards society," Ginny muttered once again. It was slowly becoming her mantra at this rate, Draco thought.
They continued on with their task in an awkward silence once again. The sky was darkening as the minutes were flying by and a sprinkle of stars slowly began to glimmer. Eventually, Ginny threw the remains of her butt on the ground, quickly squashing it with her left foot. With a quick wave of her wand she vanished it away.
"Well… Goodnight, Malfoy," she awkwardly bade him farewell. She began to walk away, before turning around quickly. "Er, thanks for the cig," she quickly said, before disappearing back into the house.
A/N: I know, you're probably thinking ew, smoking? He's trying to kick the habit, okay? Thank you SO MUCH for the lovely reviews! Please be sure to leave one on your way out. ;)