Chapter 16: Heartbreaker
"Slytherin!"
The brown-haired boy jumped up, a pleased smirk on his face, and sauntered over to the table draped in silver and green. Ginny smiled – something about the boy's self-satisfied smirk reminded her of Draco – and she made a mental note to tell Draco about it later.
"Miriam Fox!" Hagrid, who had taken over McGonagall's task of reading the roll, boomed out. A timid-looking blonde girl hesitantly approached the Sorting Hat, and Harry leaned over to whisper in Ginny's ear.
"Ten knuts she's a Hufflepuff."
Ginny grinned. She loved this game. "I think you might be underestimating her," she challenged. "I'll take that bet. She's a Gryffindor."
"Gryffindor!" the hat shouted, almost as soon as it had touched the girl's head.
Ginny turned nonchalantly and raised a cocky eyebrow at him. He rolled his eyes. "Dumb luck. This one's a Ravenclaw."
Ginny appraised the incoming student, noticing (with an eye that year's with Draco had attuned to fine clothing) the fitted cut of the boy's robes and the slight swagger with which he approached the Hat. He definitely came from old money. "Slytherin."
"Slytherin!" Harry turned to Ginny, shock written all over his face, and Ginny grinned cheekily.
"Are you sure you want to be playing this game, Potter? I always win."
Harry scowled. "All right, well now this is getting serious," he said, narrowing his eyes melodramatically at the next student. Ginny laughed aloud, stifling it quickly when McGonagall shot her a stern look.
Half an hour later, when dinner had been served, Ginny held out her hand expectantly. "A worthy adversary, my dear," she said, turning her nose up at him, "but you owe me three Galleons, two Firewhiskies, and an unnamed favor at a later date."
Harry sighed. "I knew I shouldn't have raised the stakes halfway through."
"Well, in your defense," Ginny said, scooping a heap of corn onto her plate, "It was looking pretty good for you for a while there. You really improved!"
Harry shrugged. "Well, to be honest, I went with the opposite of what I actually thought. It tended to work."
Ginny guffawed. "Great strategy," she chuckled.
"My sense of the houses has been completely mucked up since my first year," Harry sighed, taking a large bite of chicken breast.
Mouth full, Ginny just shot him a quizzical look. He swallowed. "Ever since the Sorting Hat almost put me in Slytherin," he said lightly. "And anyway, Peter Pettigrew was probably the most cowardly person I ever met, and he was in Gryffindor…."
Ginny almost spat out her food in her rush to speak. "The Hat almost put you in Slytherin!"
"Old news, Weasley," Harry teased.
"That would've been quite a scandal – the great Harry Potter in Slytherin."
Harry raised his eyebrows. "And here I thought you had a higher opinion of Slytherins these days."
"Indeed I do," Ginny said, "Draco will never believe it. The two of you could have been best friends."
"Somehow I doubt that," Harry laughed.
"You're really not that different, you know," Ginny insisted, grinning,
"No," Harry countered. "Really, the only thing we have in common is you."
Ginny thickly swallowed her bite of chicken, but Harry was smiling good-naturedly. Just then, a small bird with very dark – almost black – plumage ducked into the hall. All of the students' heads turned – very few pieces of evening post got through Filch's strict regulations. The bird made a bee-line straight for Harry, dropped a small envelope on the table in front of him, and darted back out into the night.
With no change in expression, Harry slipped the envelope into the front of his robes and turned back to Ginny. She raised her eyebrows at him, but the students, seeming to realize they weren't going to get any more excitement out of that delivery, slowly turned back to their meals.
After dinner, the students dispersed to their common rooms with their prefects, and Ginny and Harry headed back to their rooms through the quickly emptying hallways. As they walked, Harry slipped the envelope from his inner pocket and tore it open.
"Just didn't want this to cause more commotion than it had to…you know how McGonagall is about evening post," he said sheepishly.
Ginny saw a Ministry seal on the front of the envelope . "What is it? Looks official."
"Just another note from Kingsley," Harry said, scanning the parchment. "He's been trying to get me to join the Aurors ever since I turned him down. They have a shortage."
"Oh," Ginny said softly, "I didn't know."
"And there's still a lot to do…cells of Voldemort's supporters who refuse to give themselves up. He's been keeping me updated on this case they're following…a little boy who was kidnapped four days ago. Danny Eckhart," Harry continued distractedly, eyes still flicking across the page.
"Merlin," Ginny said, "That's horrible. Why hasn't it been reported in any of the newspapers?"
They paused at the staircase landing. Harry's room was right above Ginny's, so he would have to continue a floor further.
"The Ministry's trying to keep it hushed up," Harry explained, "Don't want to cause another panic. It's a delicate situation."
Ginny nodded. "So…any news?"
Harry finished the letter and re-folded it, shaking his head. The letter had completely altered his mood; his brow was now furrowed and his eyes had darkened. "They have three veteran Aurors actively on it, and a big chuck of the department doing research. But they still haven't located him."
She put a hand on his arm. "I'm sorry. It's only been a few days though…I'm sure they'll find him."
Harry sighed. "Yeah," he muttered, but he didn't sound convinced. He lapsed into a thoughtful silence, then shook himself. "Anyway, I shouldn't be bothering you with this. You should get some rest – big day tomorrow."
Ginny nodded slowly, a little concerned about him. "Yeah, you too. Get some rest." She gave him a quick hug and he headed up the staircase. She did need to get some rest. Tomorrow was the first day of classes.
Ginny dressed carefully next morning, smoothing her robes and pulling her hair back into a neat bun. Lesson plans in hand, Ginny headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast. Many of the students were already there, and Ginny spotted several of the teachers – including Harry – at the high table. She grinned and waved to Harry as she made her way across the hall. He raised a hand back, but his smile looked a little forced. Her brow furrowed, and she noticed out of the corner of her eye that all of the students that were there were gathered in small groups, whispering frantically over something on the tables. Several of them turned and gawked at her as she walked by.
"What's going on?" she asked as she took her seat and began pouring herself a glass of pumpkin juice.
"Have you seen the Prophet yet, Gin?" Harry asked, and Ginny noticed his elbow resting firmly on a copy of the newspaper.
"No," Ginny answered slowly, "it gets delivered to my room, but I haven't had a chance to look at it yet…. Why do I get the feeling I'm not going to like this?"
Harry hesitated, and beside her, Madam Hooch cleared her throat. "Witch Weekly published an article…," the older woman prompted.
Harry sighed. "And the other papers picked it up…." he continued. "It's not exactly flattering."
"Oh, for Merlin's sake, Harry," Ginny said impatiently, yanking the Prophet from under Harry's elbow.
Ginny scanned the front page confusedly. It was just a story about the opening of a new wing at St. Mungo's. "What're you on about?" she asked, turning to Harry.
"Page seven," he muttered, "Apparently they've started a brand new gossip column just for us."
"Oh, bloody hell," Ginny said, flipping through the pages. She felt her cheeks reddening at the headline.
BREAKING POTTER'S HEART: GINNY WEASLEY SEEN WITH MALFOY HEIR
Under the headline were two photos. One was a re-print of Ginny and Harry holding hands at The Three Broomsticks from the earlier issue. The other showed her and Draco holding hands and entering their flat. It must have been taken just that past weekend – Ginny recognized the clothes she'd been wearing. Printed next to each other, the two photos made her look like a tart. She read the article, anger rising with each word.
He is certainly no stranger to heartache, but many in the public hoped that Harry Potter had finally found a lasting love in Hogwarts sweetheart Ginny Weasley. Last week, it was widely reported that Potter and Weasley had rekindled their romance. However, it seems that both Potter and the wizarding world at large were fooled by Miss Weasley, who spent a romantic weekend at the flat of rich bachelor Draco Malfoy, heir to the Malfoy family fortune.
Though Weasley's intentions remain unclear, some former classmates believe that, this time, her ambitions have gotten the better of her. "She comes from quite a poor, obscure family," one, who asked to remain anonymous, revealed. Potter is one of the most famous wizards in history, and Malfoy is in line to be one of the richest wizards in England. However, it cannot be ruled out that Miss Weasley simply enjoys toying with the hearts of two very eligible bachelors. "They were complete enemies at school," says another former classmate, "It must be a rush…having them fight over her."
Ginny slammed the paper shut, not bothering to read the rest. "What complete bollocks!" she snapped in a harsh whisper. "Who are these 'former classmates' anyway!"
"Prophet probably made them up," Harry sighed.
"And this is what everyone's reading?" Ginny asked, glancing around to where the students were still whispering furiously amongst themselves.
"Well some of them have got the other magazines. The Witch Weekly one's worse, actually. It says you're cheating on me with Malfoy, and what will I do now that they've broken the story and torn down your ruse!" Harry said sarcastically.
"Ugh!" Ginny huffed.
"It'll blow over, though," Harry said, collecting himself. "They print junk like this all the time. Remember what happened to Hermione in fourth year?"
"I remember," Ginny muttered. "I guess I better not open any suspicious-looking letters."
"Yeah, better not," he agreed.
Ginny got to her classroom ten minutes early to arrange everything. She dashed off a quick note to Draco (Bloody Witch Weekly. If I knew who my anonymous classmates were, I'd hex off their arms and beat them with them).
When the students began to file in, she was standing at the front of the room, leaning ever so slightly against her desk. It was fifth year Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors, and as they took their seats, several groups of girls giggled and tucked copies of Witch Weekly into their bags.
"First things first," Ginny began, when they had all settled down, "My name is Professor Weasley. I was a Gryffindor here at Hogwarts through my Fifth Year, after which I studied at home. This year, it's my job to teach you Charms in preparation for your O.W.L.S. This is going to be a rigorous course, and I expect you to come to class prepared. I don't have many strict rules. For example, I don't mind if you eat food in class or interrupt me to ask questions. But if I see any copies of the Daily Prophet gossip column, Witch Weekly, or any other trash in this classroom, I will throw it out immediately. If you are in desperate need of outside reading," she paused and smiled, "I would be happy to recommend something more accurate."
After classes, Ginny was on her way up to her room when she heard a shout behind her.
"Gin, wait up!" She slowed down to let Harry catch up to her. "How'd it go?" he asked.
"I only incinerated one copy of Witch Weekly. All in all, a successful class," she said, grinning.
"Really? I got two," he said, smirking.
"Touche."
"So anyway, I have a proposition for you. Remember that dueling competition I was telling you about?"
"Mmm," Ginny said, "The inter-house one. Should be exciting."
"Yeah, but I need a partner to help me demonstrate a couple techniques…."
"And you want me to do it."
"Yeah," Harry said, pouting pleadingly at her. "I can't be hexing my own students to demonstrate. They're all so bloody scared. I want them to see a real duel in action. I think we could put on a good show."
Ginny tilted her head, considering. "Add a quarter pound of chocolate to your debt and I'll do it," Ginny deadpanned.
"Deal."
They shook hands seriously. Just then, a very red-looking First Year bounded up to them and held out a note.
"From Professor McGonagall, Professors," he panted out.
Harry took the note and opened it, skimming it quickly. "McGonagall says she just got a Floo message from Bill…he wants us to go to…." His face broke into a wide grin, and Ginny knew what it was.
"Is Fleur in labor!" she exclaimed. Harry nodded. "Come on!" She took off at a run down the hall, Harry following after her.
"Here, take my arm," Harry said as soon as they were past the Apparition wards. She grabbed onto him, and they whirled away.
They landed about a dozen feet in front of the entrance to St. Mungo's, and Ginny was immediately nearly deafened by a shout.
"It's Potter and Weasley!" a voice called, and suddenly they were being bombarded by flashes of light and frantic questions.
"What the hell!" she said, shaking herself. Harry's arm was already around her waist, guiding her through the throng of photographers and reporters surrounding the hospital entrance.
"Harry! Ginny! Why are you both here at St. Mungo's?"
"Where's Draco Malfoy, Ginny?"
"Ginny! Are you pregnant!"
"Bloody hell!" she muttered. "This is going to be a great headline tomorrow."
"Someone famous must be in the hospital. Lucky us," Harry grumbled through gritted teeth. He half-pulled half-pushed her up the stairs and into the building, where two very burly-looking guards fixed the reporters with hard stares to keep them out.
Ginny jogged up to the front desk. "Weasley. Fleur," she said quickly.
The receptionist looked up slowly from her paperwork. Her eyes widened when she saw them standing before her, and Ginny saw her eyes flick to a copy of what looked suspiciously like Witch Weekly buried under some papers to her left.
"Oh, for Merlin's sake," Ginny snapped impatiently, rolling her eyes.
"Fleur Weasley," Harry repeated firmly, fixing the girl with a stern stare.
"Er…," the girl said stammered, hastily shuffling some papers to find the appropriate room assignment, "Third floor. Room 345."
"Let's go," Harry said, grabbing her arm again. They took the stairs two at a time.
"Ginny! Harry! Where's Draco?" Ginny's head snapped over to Fred, who had stood up and was bounding over to greet them. As Fred pulled her into a big hug, she saw the rest of her family, except for her mum, Bill, and Fleur, sprawled on couches in the waiting room.
"Draco? I'm not with him. Was I supposed to bring him?"
"No, Bill said they Owl'd him."
"Well, where are they! Are we too late!"
"No, Fleur's still in labor. It's been an hour and a half now, poor thing," Hermione piped up. She was dressed formally in a pencil skirt, blouse, and heels, and Ginny realized she must have come from work.
"It's a boy, I know it's a boy," Ron chimed in as Ginny and Harry squeezed themselves into the little remaining space on the couches.
"No, definitely a girl," Charlie said knowingly. "Mum said she had morning sickness for ages and that it's only ever Weasley girls that cause that kind of mess."
"It's true," Mr. Weasley said, grinning widely and pointing a mockingly accusing finger at Ginny.
"But it's worth it, of course," Ginny said, smiling sweetly. Everyone burst into laughter.
Their heads all turned as the door to the room behind them burst open and Bill hurtled out. "IT'S A GIRL!" he yelled, punching the air. They all sprang up, cheering, and engulfed Bill in a huge hug.
"Where is she!" Ron yelled over the mayhem. "Can we see her!"
They all began crowding into the hospital room. Somehow, Ginny ended up right next to Fleur's bedside. Her beautiful sister-in-law looked incredibly tired, but was smiling brightly.
"Fleur, you're glowing! Congratulations," Ginny said, grinning. She looked down to the tiny bundle of pink cradled in Fleur's arms.
"Would you like to 'old her?" Fleur asked softly.
"Oh, I'm not sure…," Ginny hesitated. "What if I drop her?" she whispered nervously.
"You won't," Fleur said, voice rising with tinkling laughter. "Here, 'old your arms like so." Ginny positioned her arms properly and took a deep breath as Fleur carefully settled the baby into them.
"What's her name, Fleur," Hermione asked from somewhere behind her.
"Victoire," Fleur said, and there was a collective sigh. Ginny looked down at the tiny baby in her arms and felt tears filling her eyes.
"She's really beautiful, Bill," George was saying jokingly, "Gonna be a real heartbreaker."
"Wait just a second! This room is not made for this many visitors!" a stern nurse cried, bustling in from outside with a tray of medical materials. "Everybody out! I have some tests to run of the mother here!"
Ginny moved to give the baby back to Fleur, but she waved Ginny away. "I 'ave to do these tests. Can you take her outside for me for a few minutes?"
"Okay," Ginny said, grinning, and the rest of the family cleared a small path for her as she carefully carried Victoire Weasley from the room.
In the hall, the rest of the family crowded around her, cooing at the baby. "Oh, she's so cute!" Hermione sighed.
There was a commotion behind them, and Draco appeared at the entrance to the stairwell. He stopped short when he saw Ginny standing with the baby. She smiled widely and at the tender look that crossed his face, a fresh batch of tears blurred her vision.
"Draco!" Charlie said, noticing him and patting him on the back as he joined the group.
"She's gorgeous," Draco commented.
"Victoire Weasley," Ginny said proudly.
Draco reached out and wiped a happy tear from Ginny's cheek, smiling down at her. Ginny wondered if she'd ever been this happy in her life.
Later, when the baby had been taken back in to Fleur, Ginny and Draco volunteered to bring some tea up to the waiting room. As they made their way to the cafeteria, Draco took her hand.
"I can't believe I missed all the excitement," he said, "I was at lunch with Pansy and when I come back the bloody Owl's sitting on my desk at work. Lazy bird couldn't be bothered to come find me."
"How is Pansy anyway?" Ginny asked, carefully not looking up.
Draco shrugged. "She's fine. Working for her dad now," he answered.
Ginny didn't know quite what to say, so she lapsed into silence.
"I think Bill's going to have his work cut out for him, fighting off all the suitors," Draco said. Ginny grinned brightly at the thought.
"George thought so too," she said.
"Veela good looks and the Weasley temper," Draco mused. "That girl is going to be a force to be reckoned with."
"The boys won't stand a chance," Ginny quipped.
"Do you think our babies will look like that?" Draco asked nonchalantly. Ginny turned to look at him so fast that the bones in her neck cracked a little.
"Ouch," she muttered. Draco was looking right at her, smiling.
"The strawberry blonde hair, the freckles," he explained. "I think ours will look like that."
"Hopefully they'd get my Quidditch skills," Ginny teased, recovering herself. This was new territory for them. They'd never talked about a future this way.
"And my sense of style," Draco countered.
"Hey! I have a sense of style!"
"If you count denim and a t-shirt every day as style," Draco said, laughing against her onslaught of light punches.
They laughed all the way to the cafeteria.
Author's Note: Thank you for all of the lovely reviews over the last few chapters. They're so motivating! Please keep 'em coming!