A/N: Thanks to SometimeSelkie for being a great beta and for the wonderful suggestions in this chapter. I hope you like them!

The Safe House

Chapter Twenty-Six

Ginny hid the broom behind an abandoned shed at the back of a field just outside of King's Pike. It would only take her ten minutes to walk into town from this location, and she had thirty minutes before the morning train would be departing. She had brought a bag to carry with her and to store any purchases she might make. She also had knotted her long hair into a tight bun at the back of her head and covered her head with a pretty scarf. She wasn't attempting to look stylish, but she was hoping to not be recognized, still unsure of what exactly had caused Draco's Mark to disappear. She finally made her way to the train station and purchased her one-way ticket. There were not many people out and about the small town, but she couldn't help smiling broadly as she passed by the local residents. After three people had chosen to join her compartment on the train, she realized that, although she was excited to see other people, being too friendly was probably not the best idea.

Arriving in Norwich was thrilling. She loved the hustle and bustle of the city, and simply stood amidst the small crowd at the train station for several minutes, enjoying the sounds and the energy of the people. She scanned the station and saw a gift shop with a display of Muggle cameras. Excited at the thought of finally being able to capture some memories in the house, she quickly made her way to the small shop and purchased a disposable camera. Why would they throw away their cameras? Are they really that wasteful? She wandered over to the map of the city on a nearby wall and began scanning it for any magical clues. Her wand was tucked between her breasts, so she leaned forward with her hand at the base of her wand and whispered "Rivelero". A few new names appeared on the map in glowing letters. She felt a man join her and slid her eyes over to him, checking to make sure he could not see what she had done. After he walked away, she was able to concentrate once again on her new destination, North Witch Alley. She cross-referenced a nearby Muggle location, interestingly enough called the Dragon Hall, and headed out into the sunshine.

Ginny walked for about ten minutes to reach the Dragon Hall and nervously looked around her. There were buildings along this street, but she could not begin to imagine which one would lead her to North Witch Alley. She thought that it would be like most entrances from the Muggle world to the wizarding world. She thought that it would simply appear to her. She walked up the street and back again, knowing the alley had to be entered from the east side of the road. It wasn't until she was once again heading back up the street that she noticed a sign with one small, but possibly important, detail. A detail that she was hoping would indicate the elusive entrance.

A small shop was labelled the 'Norwitch Beauty Supply'. She stood at the front door and stared at the letter 't' in the name, willing it to mean what she wanted it to mean. Hesitantly, she entered the shop and noticed that it did indeed sell different kinds of soaps and ointments, amongst other types of beauty aids. She perused many of the shelves and was starting to feel rather discouraged by the time she reached the back of the shop. Just as she was turning around to leave, she saw two people, who were clearly not dressed as Muggles, heading towards another door. The door was unmarked and appeared to lead to the storage area. The wizard discreetly tapped the door five times with his wand before opening it and waited for the witch to pass through. Ginny wanted to shout with joy as she marched over to the door. She glanced around the shop and noticed that no one was even looking in her general direction. Quickly, she repeated the tapping with her own wand, grabbed the handle and opened the door, and walked into what appeared to be a lobby. She immediately recognized that she was in a magical building. Wizards and witches were milling around, using their wands to perform simple tasks. Everyone inside seemed cheerful and was talking animatedly. An owl flew in through an open window and landed at the front desk. Ginny was nearly weeping with relief. These people were happy, and she couldn't help but think the reason for their happiness and ease was that Voldemort was dead.

North Witch Alley was not nearly as big as Diagon Alley, but Ginny treasured every second of her time there. She bought several items for Thuban, including clothes and a few toys. She did not see a wand shop, so instead she focused on finding a copy of the Daily Prophet. It was easy enough to find the current issue, but she wanted one from the day before and especially wanted the one from Tuesday. She finally stopped at a small teashop and found a secluded corner to read over the Thursday edition. She also needed a moment to just take it in and cry. It had really ended. The war was over, and they were free to leave the house and find their families. She found that it was becoming difficult to concentrate on the articles in the paper because she desperately wanted to share it with Draco. She wiped her cheeks and folded the paper neatly to stow in her bag.

An elderly witch, who was running the shop, had come to check on her upset customer. "Dearie, there's so much to be happy about right now. Have you lost many to this war?" She smiled warmly at the younger witch.

"It's been difficult. I've recently been sick, and I just left my flat today to find this out." Ginny gave her a watery smile as she gestured with a wave of her arm.

"Oh my! Well, it's time to stop those tears and join the rest of us in celebrating." She looked at Ginny's hand and noticed her wedding ring. "Was it your husband that you lost?"

Ginny's eyes widened briefly when she caught herself from replying in the negative. "Yes. That's why no one was around to tell me."

"And your parents?"

"They are Muggles." She was surprised at how quickly the lie rolled off of her tongue.

"Well, then this has been a hard time for you. Don't worry about your check. It's my gift. You're still young, and I have a feeling that you will find a whole new life ahead."

Ginny smiled again at the kind witch. "Thank you. Do you by any chance have the papers from earlier this week?"

"Oh yes, I bet you would like to see the whole story. I always buy several copies for the shop. You can take some with you."

"Thank you so much!" Ginny grabbed the woman's hand and squeezed it tenderly.

ooo

Ginny Apparated back to the shed where she had hidden the broom. Checking over her body, she laughed when she realized that she had made it through her mission. She grabbed the broom and immediately Apparated back to the house.

"Draco! Draco! Where are you?" She came running in the back door, her bag swinging off her shoulder. She stopped in the kitchen and sat the bag on the table. She could hear him running down the stairs and the hall. It was in the afternoon, and she realized that he had probably just put Thuban down for his nap.

Draco heard Ginny's exuberant call, and after quickly checking to see if she had awoken the baby, he stormed through the house. His whole body had been like a tightly wound coil since she had left early that morning. He burst through the swinging doors and picked her up. "Ginevra. You made it home." He set her back down and cupped her face. "I take it you found good news."

"The best news! It's over!" She threw her arms around him and held him for several minutes. Finally, she pulled away from him. "Is he asleep?"

He nodded and took her face in his hands again. "What exactly did you find?"

"I have the last three papers of the Daily Prophet. I haven't even looked at them, really. I glanced through today's paper, which was mostly about rebuilding and ensuring that this could never happen again. There is a picture of Harry on the cover of yesterday's paper. He doesn't look as happy as I thought he would. Ron and Hermione were in the background. I didn't get much further because I wanted to come back to you."

He kissed her and sat them down at the table, her sitting on his lap. "Well, let's see what has happened."

She grabbed the bag from the table and began pulling out the shrunken gifts for Thuban.

He picked up a tiny set of robes. "So you went shopping?" He laughed heartily and then kissed the back of her neck. "Get me anything?"

"Listen. I have not been able to properly shop for years, and I'm a mother! I haven't bought my son one little gift in the thirteen months he has been with us. I just couldn't help it. Look how adorable these clothes are." She had momentarily forgotten the newspapers and used the wand to enlarge all the baby clothes.

He chuckled against her neck. "When we get back, I will take the two of you shopping like you have only dreamed. Now, can we briefly move on to less important matters? Like finding out what has happened in the world these last three years."

"Sorry." She grinned and turned back to her bag, handing him one of the papers. "Here's Tuesday's paper."

The two devoured the newspapers. Most of the articles were merely speculative about exactly what had happened early Tuesday morning. The article accompanying the picture of Harry had given the most information, though it was clear that the Ministry and Harry were not being completely forthcoming. They were able to gather that Ginny's parents and her brother Bill were safe from references and quotes within some of the other articles. Draco didn't say anything, but she could tell he was very worried about his parents. After finishing the current paper, Draco sat back in his chair. Ginny had moved to the other chair in their frenzy of searching for answers. He had become contemplative and quiet. She reached over and touched his hand, giving him an encouraging smile.

He quietly started, "I wish I knew …" Then he closed his mouth and took a deep breath through his nose. This was part of his fears. That they were dead. That his parents were gone, and he would never be able to say goodbye. He looked over at his wife, and he felt his heart stop. Maybe all of it is ending. Maybe all of my happiness will be over.

Before she could speak, he stood up and pulled her to him. He kissed her deeply, and then suddenly, he scooped her into his arms. He carried her up the stairs and laid her on their bed. Without words, he expressed all of the love he had for her. Every touch, every kiss; he felt like he was marking her as his. Ginny was like a puppet to him. She let him work her as only he knew how. She knew he was distracting himself, but she wanted to help him. All too soon, they would be returning to reality. At least, for these last few days, she would let him feel some sense of control.

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oooooOOOooOooOOOooooo

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George had returned to Andromeda's flat by Thursday evening. He knew that they had buried Lucius that afternoon, and he hoped that it wasn't too soon to disturb Narcissa. They had just finished eating dinner when he arrived, and Pansy was keeping Teddy entertained in the front room. He sat on the overstuffed chair and watched her playing 'Exploding Snap' with the little boy. After she gave a dramatic sigh and admitted defeat, she sent him to get ready for bed.

Teddy stopped at the doorway, as if suddenly remembering something, and ran back over to George. "Did you ask Uncle Harry to come over? You said you'd bring him with you."

George plastered a smile on his face, but on the inside he was seething. He had asked Harry to come with him, but the other wizard had not been "up to it". George leaned over and levelled his gaze at the hopeful boy. "Harry is super busy right now with everything. You know what happened this week, don't you?"

"He's always busy. I thought he'd come play with me now."

"Well, Teddy, as soon as he is done talking to all the newspapers and the Minister of Magic, I'm sure he will come right over."

"He's talking to the Mister of Magic?" His eyes went round.

George snuck a look at Pansy, who was smiling at the little boy's mistake. He turned back to Teddy and replied, "That's right. That's a really big deal. But I promised to bring him, and I will. Deal?" He held out his hand.

Teddy nodded quickly and shook the wizard's hand. He suddenly hugged George and then ran from the room.

Pansy started picking up the cards. "He really likes you."

"What's not to like?" He wriggled his eyebrows at her.

"You did want to speak with Narcissa, right? Because I don't think we have time for me to answer that question." She flashed him a devious smile.

"No, I suppose we don't." He leaned over and picked up a card that had fallen to the floor. Handing it to her, he stared into her eyes. "He's not come to see you either, then?"

Her gaze dropped from his, and she walked back to the sofa. "I live with him - well, normally I do. Did you know that?" He shook his head no. "For quite some time. That's the best part, really. I've not been home for two months, and I've barely even seen him, either. I'm not sure if I even have a home anymore." She laughed softly and sat down.

He grimaced as he forced himself to rush out, "You should go back. He's hurting right now, and you should help him."

"No, I'm staying here for now. I owled him this morning that I would be getting my things tomorrow. I think I want to get my own place. I've never lived on my own before." She paused and took a deep breath. "He's mourning your sister, George. He's been doing that since I joined the Order. And I have been 'helping' him for over three years. You don't even want to know what I did for him in the beginning." She gave him a dark look.

"You're right. I don't want to know. But I do want to know why?" He was getting nervous. This was not a conversation he was prepared to have. "Why do you stay? Do you really love him?"

"Yes. I don't know. Sometimes I think I do. Right now, I think I hate him." She chuckled again. "He knows that I'm there for him. It's up to him right now. I'm tired of being his back-up plan."

Just then, Narcissa joined them and handed a vial to George. "Here is the vial of memories that you need. There is something about Ginny."

George inhaled sharply. "What is it?"

"I'm afraid it doesn't tell us where she was or is, but it appears that the Dark Lord never laid his hands on her." Her eyes were bright, and she smiled warmly. "Severus rescued her. He took her before anything happened to her. He gave his life for her, George. Wherever she has been, she has been safe."

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oooooOOOooOooOOOooooo

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Draco continued his aggressive sexual behaviour over the next couple of days. Although Ginny enjoyed being ravished by her husband, and she didn't really want it to stop, she was getting somewhat concerned over why he had become so demanding. It wasn't that they had never indulged in rough sex before, but it was the way he looked at her before his attacks. He looked desperate, and that was something she had rarely seen on his handsome face.

She pushed him away from her, early on the morning of their anniversary. "Okay, Draco. What is going on with you?"

He frowned and then began kissing his way down her throat and onto her chest. She once again pushed him away. He sat up and said, "Ginevra, it is our wedding anniversary, and if you don't mind, I would like to enjoy you thoroughly before Thuban wakes up." He gave her a wolfish grin and then dove under the sheet.

"Draco Malfoy, stop it!" She was trying not to yell because he had a good point about Thuban getting up, but she really wanted to have this conversation. He, of course, had not stopped, and so she jumped out of the bed before he could make her forget her name, never mind her question. "What is going on?"

He sat up again, the sheet falling from his shoulders, a terrible scowl on his face. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Yes, you do. Why are you being so … so horny?" She actually blushed at her husband, who was just moments before kissing her in a very intimate way.

"Do you not like it?" He smirked at her, but it wasn't quite working, as she could see that hint of desperation in his eyes.

"No." His face fell, and she knew for sure something was going on. "I mean, of course I like it, but no, I don't like … I don't like you like this."

"Like what?" he challenged.

"Scared."

"What do I have to be scared of?" He rolled his eyes as he sat back against the headboard. He was refusing to look at her.

"I don't know. That's why I am asking." She crawled back in bed and sat on her knees facing him. "What happened that first night you went to town?"

He briefly thought of the woman at the bar, but he knew that she had nothing to do with his behaviour. Finally, looking up at Ginny, he could see concern etched across her face. "I don't want to lose you."

"You're not going to lose me."

"We go back tomorrow, and I know you think that everyone will be so happy to see us, but I have a bad feeling about it."

"Oh…. Draco, I hope that everyone will be happy, but I know that is probably not what will happen. I'm not leaving you. Ever."

"And having amazing sex with me isn't influencing you at all, is it?"

"Nope. I'm afraid that I love you no matter how often or amazing the sex is. You, my darling, are stuck with me. There is no use wasting your energy."

"No use at all?" He pulled her into his arms. "What about celebrating?"

"Oh, well, we should definitely celebrate our anniversary." She leaned in and kissed him sweetly.

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A/N: Thank you for reading. Please leave a review – I promise to reply if you are logged in and have your PM enabled! This is the last chapter of Part Two.

Rivelero = Italian-ish for Reveal

Norwich is pronounced [norrich / norridge] but it is derived from Norðwc or North-wic, (http:/www british-history ac uk/report aspx?compid=77971). I researched a lot to learn the historic pronunciation for Norwich, and I cannot find a definitive answer if it ever was pronounced with the "W", but for my story, let's say that originally it was and that's the play on words used by the magical community. Dragon Hall is a real place. King's Pike is mine.