Working for the Dragon
Chapter 15. Day Off
8 30 am. Uh…oh.
I ran as fast as my legs could carry me down the corridors of Malfoy Empire, one hand clutching my satchel that had mercilessly swayed off my shoulder as I raced over and the other hand clutching a pair of sandals that belonged to Hermione.
It was about time that I got down to getting my own stuff. That's not the point though, the point is, I was late, for work. As much as Draco and I had an established friendship lately, maybe a little more than that but that was probably me being hopeful.
Ugh, I keep running off track here. I AM FREAKING LATE AND THAT IS PROBABLY INEXCUSABLE IN DRACO'S EYES. FRIENDSHIP OR NO FRIENDSHIP!
Phew! Got that out and look, I finally reached the door to Draco's cabin. I took a deep breath to compose myself and regain my breath after practically sprinting trying to look like I was fashionably late and I had taken my time and sauntered to work.
Even though I was anything but.
Today, feeling simple, I decided to wear a white cotton shirt which belonged to Ron and a floral print mini-skirt that wasn't so mini on me that belonged to Hermione and a thin brown belt with sandals… that I had not worn… because I could not get the straps on properly.
Don't judge me.
Before I could actually take the time and wear my sandals, Narcissa emerged from Draco's cabin.
"Ah, Ginny dear. Fabulous, I need you to…." She was interrupted by the man himself.
"Mother, if that's Ginny you are talking to, could you send her right in?"
I looked at Narcissa who sniffed in disdain, "Oh alright, get me a new secretary soon."
I shrugged apologetically though mentally I was the polar opposite. I was doing a happy dance.
No more dreaded tea parties. I was too undignified for it.
Walking into Draco's office, "Er…. Hey." I greeted him awkwardly as he bit on an eagle-feathered quill, concentrating on a document.
I sighed mentally. Why couldn't I be that quill?
Dear Lord, I was such a school girl. But still, my mind argued, you've gotta admit. His lips look simply delicious. And my thoughts raced to the extent that it could rival Play Wizard or even a mere muggle pornography website.
Actually no, we were semi-clothed. He was in his shirtless sexy glory.
"Ginny? Ginny!" I snapped back into reality only to realise that Draco was merely inches away from me.
He looked at me curiously, but I shook my head forcing myself to concentrate on not swooning at the sight before me.
Strangely enough, he was dressed exactly like the Draco I had my passionate affairs with in my dreams. He was completely casual in a light blue t-shirt and jeans and he looked sexy as hell. His blue tee complimented his eyes making them have a tint of blue.
"You ran all the way here, didn't you?" He eyed me suspiciously.
Uh oh. What do I say?
"No. I took my time. Why do you think I am so late?" I replied defensively crossing my arms and looking away.
"Late for?" Draco inquired nonchalantly.
Somehow, I felt unnerved I could tell Draco was studying me. I shook my head finding something to say.
Giving up, "This?" I threw my hand forward, gesturing frustratedly.
"Are you aware that you have the entire day off?" He raised a superior eyebrow at me.
I scanned through my brains, vaguely recalling a dream this morning about the incessant tapping of Draco's royal owl who apparently hates me because of my love for snoozing. He had pecked me on my finger and flown off, leaving behind a letter by Draco which stated that I….was off for today.
I make Neville Longbottom in Hogwarts, before the Great War look like someone with a minor memory problem!
Wait a second, if I had the day off, what the hell was I doing here?
"If I have the day off, what am I doing here?" I demanded, glaring at him, annoyed.
"Well…"He pursed his lips making me sigh internally, "I presume that you have nothing planned for the day?"
I shook my head. While reading his letter, subconsciously, I must have planned to snooze all day or bake or something.
"Well then let's go." He walked towards the door, pausing.
"Ginny, please wear your sandals."
I was completely mortified and nearly smacked my head with Hermione's sandals. They were rather pretty. White straps with coloured beads that gave it a tribal appearance, it suited my creamy complexion.
We took the floo, of course, I didn't hear what Draco called out, I was too pleased by the fact that I had a death grip on his arm and I could feel the ripples of his muscles.
Schoolgirl.
We arrived what looked like a really posh garden that was slightly offshore an orchard. There were acres of land with pasture, cows, and blooming flowers announcing the arrival of spring. It was a beautiful sight, really. We walked towards a huge, white marquee which was decorated with a diamond-based chandelier and wooden dining furniture was set for hundreds of guests to dine at.
Fresh flowers were placed in vases which was set across the tables. Looking towards the food section, I was in awe of the colourful variety of different types of puddings, treacle, cakes etc. There was even chocolate fondue! And a little chocolate fountain!
Obviously, I was admiring the dessert section. This place was fantastic.
"Where are we, Draco?" I breathed, still admiring the venue.
"We are attending a little celebration." He said, looking pleased at my amazement.
"Whose?"
"One of my clients runs a winery. The real wine-making festival occurs in October back from where he comes from, but the theme for today is wine-making festival. So everything is going to be like how it is back from where this festival originates from, Italy. He is celebrating the birth of his son." He explained.
Looking up, I saw an elegant banner that said, "The birth of Acorri Bianche."
Bianche. The name rang a bell.
It was a brand of wine that my father loved. I gasped in surprise at my realisation. We were at Antonio Bianche's party.
Antonio Bianche was a famous vintner (someone who makes wine and sells them) across the wizarding world.
WOW.
As I took all of that in, someone approached us, none other than Antonio Bianche himself. He greeted us, saying something in Italian to which Draco replied in equally fluent Italian which sounded amazingly sexy. His voice flowed like honey.
He nudged me to put my hand forward, which I did and Antonio kissed it.
"Ah, che bella donna." (Which means, what a beautiful woman)
I looked at Draco for help because I couldn't speak a word of Italian to save my life. Except maybe, a foreign word just flickered through my mind,
Merci
Oh no, that's thank you in French.
Meanwhile, I decided to smile and look pretty. Psshyeah! Like that would work. I scoffed mentally.
Thankfully, the businessmen did not pay too much of attention to me, which was great because I let my mind wander off admiring the scenery before me.
There were people of the poshest attires, sipping sparkling wine from flutes and nibbling on bits of ricotta cheese which I had learnt from Draco was tradition at this festival.
I wanted to try some too, I pouted. I walked towards the food booths deciding to get food from the booth which had the most colourful flags on it.
"What will you have, Ma'am?" A young waiter with a slight Italian accent asked me.
I stared at all that was for display. Oooh, this was the booth that served ricotta cheese. There were waiters going around serving canapés with ricotta cheese in them.
Must have come from this booth, I mused.
"I can't decide." I finally told the waiter who was staring at me intently, waiting for my order.
A torch lit in my head, "How about you, surprise me?" I said enthusiastically.
The waiter looked taken aback as though no one ever asked him such a question before. The likelihood of that was a 100 percent, I'd say. Sensing that I was actually serious about it, he handed me a small plate with what I'd call the traditional.
"There is nothing better to enjoy a glass of wine with than a bit of cheese." He advised.
I smiled at him and took my plate, heading off to a corner. I stood alone, nibbling on the cheese feeling like that rat in a muggle movie that I watched with Teddy while baby-sitting.
It was slightly sweet.
"It's a savoury delight isn't it?" A woman who looked slightly middle-aged asked me. Her tone was rather snooty, she sounded like the type who would turn her nose if I were to disagree with her opinion.
So I, in all my glory replied as perkily as I could, "Absolutely!"
She smiled thinly scrutinizing my attire and wrinkled her nose in distaste when she looked at my black, floral not so mini but supposedly mini skirt.
"I have never seen you around the High Society before. Are you from Ireland or….?" She pressed nosily.
I could feel my temper flaring though I bit back a retort. Before I could say anything that didn't sound as unpleasant, someone else interrupted smoothly.
"Actually, she is my date."
DRACO! I felt my jaw drop open in surprise. Date?
Before I could stop myself from reacting, my heart started thumping madly with joy. I could feel my cheeks flush. I bit my lip to keep myself from smiling dreamily. I felt like one of those girls who'd just toss everything in the air, twirl around and everything would come floating down while I was in my dream world.
I was so overreacting.
"Ginny? Ginny?" Draco shook me lightly by my shoulder. I snapped back to earth dazedly looking at him.
It's a crime to look so smoulderingly sexy.
"Where is your mind at?" He wondered rhetorically. Trust me, you don't want to know.
"Nothing." I replied innocently. "-I was just thinking about the ricotta cheese I just nibbled on. She asked me whether I liked it."
"And did you?"
"Honestly, not really but I told her otherwise." I shrugged before he could ask me for an explanation.
"The original one does lack flavour and only authentic cheese-lovers like Blaise would enjoy its texture and whatever makes them sound extraordinarily dignified. Let me show you something else." We walked back towards the colourful booth again.
Draco looked at the displays before he removed the lid, picked up a piece.
"Here, try this one."
I opened my mouth to reject it but he put it right in, I had to bite a piece off before I ended up dying from asphyxiation.
"Mmmm, this is delicious!" I exclaimed, enjoying how the flavours seduced my taste buds.
Draco handed me the rest of the piece. "I only like the best." He smirked superiorly at this statement of his.
"I can tell." I stuffed the rest of the piece in his mouth before he could react. His eyes widened in shock, I laughed and took a step back but he grabbed me before I could move any further away.
He pulled me closer till I could feel his body pressed against mine. His hands gripped my waist tightly. He was merely inches away from me. My heart raced in anticipation.
"What should I do to you for that?" He whispered softly, his cool breath tickling my ears.
Suddenly it was as though no one else existed in this place. It was just us in this beautifully decorated marquee.
My breath got caught in my throat. "Whatever you want to."
He moved a strand of my hair back and leaned in.
"Ah, Draco. La danza è già iniziata, porti la tua ragazza lì!" (This means - Ah Draco! The dance has already started, bring your girl there!")
We pulled away in alarm as Antonio Bianche himself stood before us, his beady black eyes twinkling in amusement.
"Shall we?" Draco looked at me.
I nodded my head silently and the three of us walked towards where the celebrations were. There was loud festive music playing and people were dancing in what looked like a bucket. I looked on curiously.
"What is that?"
"That is how we make wine, Bella donna." Antonio Bianche replied, gesturing modestly to where people were laughing and jumping.
"You mean to say, that there are grapes in there?" I gaped at it in surprise.
"Yes." He clarified.
"Ooooohh…" I squealed in excitement. I pulled Draco with me toward the gigantic bucket. There were indeed grapes in there; people were stepping on them with their bare feet. It looked fun!
"Wow." Draco smiled at my amazement. It was a fascinating sight.
"Why don't you join us?" A friendly brunette invited me as we looked on.
"Oh no!" I shook my head, "-Thank you. I couldn't possibly do that."
"Oh come in." She insisted pulling me. "You are dressed for it. You just have to take off your sandals. I'm sure boyfriend here wouldn't mind at all." She looked pointedly at Draco.
I turned to look at his expression and also for permission. "Not at all, go ahead, Ginny."
"Come with me." I requested shyly.
–"I'd love to, but I have a wound on my foot that has not been dressed properly. I should probably avoid any chances of contamination."
I felt slightly disappointed but oh well. Removing my sandals, I folded my skirt and clambered in the bucket trying to look as elegant as I could.
"Oh jump in already!"
The ground felt entirely different, like stepping on grapes all the time. I walked on them a bit, my feet enjoying the different texture and treatment.
Gradually I got in sync to the rhythm that was playing and I started to move to the beats. Draco watched me from afar. I waved at him, laughing and enjoying myself.
His face was light and carefree, like he was in complete freedom.
I couldn't bring myself to pay attention to anyone else. It was as though I danced for Draco and only Draco. I swayed my hips a little, trying to look more seductive.
Draco gestured that I was doing a good job, making me laugh once again.
Screw the girl with floating papers etc, this was awesome.
I danced for a few more minutes before I finally decided to climb out, Draco helped me out like the perfect gentleman.
"My feet are all stained with grape juice!" I observed excitedly.
"You didn't expect pumpkin juice did you?" Draco replied sarcastically.
"Oh shut up." I smacked his shoulder lightly.
We sat down and he helped me clean my feet by performing a Cleaning Spell.
"You are quite the dancer." Draco complimented me, making me blush thinking of all my impure intentions.
"Thanks." I smiled as a waiter served us both, red wine.
"Just one." Draco ordered. "-We'll share it because I know that you will not finish yours."
"Says who?" I scoffed.
"Says me." He took a sip elegantly and handed me the glass.
A sip of the wine and I knew that he was right. It was so strong! Ugh!
I had expected us to be near awkward with the nearly kiss incident earlier but things were entirely different. It was a good thing though and I'll definitely take what I can get.
"Not your poison?" Draco took the glass from me.
"Not at all." I shook my head. We watched the crowd enjoy themselves.
"I love this place. The fiesta, everything is just so full of life." I breathed in admiration.
"Not to mention the company you are with. Gorgeous, divine, simply irresistible, stunning…" Draco added on.
"Yeah that too." I agreed absent-mindedly.
Wait a minute! Company? Gorgeous, divine? What the hell did I just agree to?
"Draco!" I smacked his shoulder indignantly as I realised what he had just done.
He laughed gaily, "I was wondering when you will realise what you agreed to."
"Do. Not. Make. Fun. Of. My. Eccentricities." I warned him playfully narrowing my eyes.
"You've got it wrong Ginny. " He told me seriously, -"It's insanity."
My eyes grew big with outrage. "You…!" – He moved back knowing I was about to pounce on him.
"Alright, alright, Cat." He put his hands up, surrendering.
"That's more like it." I folded my arms and made do to ignoring him.
"Don't mess with a Weasley. Especially the little one." He said, trying to get my attention.
"It's not working, Draco!" I said in a sing song voice.
"How about a peace offering then?" He suggested.
"What do you have in mind?"
"This." He had a plate filled with fudge brownies.
I squealed and made move to grab the plate but he moved it out of my way.
"Are you still mad?" He asked carefully.
"No." I shook my head madly.
Amazing what chocolate made a woman do. I couldn't wait to get my hands on the dessert. It was oozing with chocolate sauce. Mmmm…
"Are you sure about that?" He raised an eyebrow questioningly.
"Yes, Draco. Now give it to me!" And this time, I very nearly pounced on him.
Guess what? I got my dessert and I enjoyed every last bite of it.
We spent the rest of the day together, having fun and treasuring every moment of it. It made my fondness for Draco increase. He was much more than a crush, I had realised. I liked him, a lot.
"Thank you for bringing me out here today. I loved every moment of it." I thanked Draco as he walked me to the porch of the Burrow.
The night had finally arrived.
"I'm glad you did, I wouldn't have enjoyed a minute, alone." Draco answered me seriously.
The cool wind blew, causing a few strands to disturb the trance like state I usually got into whenever I looked Draco Malfoy in the eye.
"Good night Draco." I wished him as I turned toward the door.
"Good night, Ginny." He smiled at me gently moving my messed up strands. My hair probably looked like a haystack. I thought self-consciously.
The moonlight reflected off the porch provided a strange sort of intimately magnetic attraction between Draco and me; I couldn't pull myself away from him, either. And from the looks of it, neither could he.
I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the contacts of his soft, sensual lips but to my surprise, he took my hand and kissed it lightly, like a gentleman would.
"Sleep tight." He ruffled my hair, his smirk visible under the moonlight.
I opened my mouth to reply but in a blink of an eye, he was gone.
Closing my door, I sighed leaning back. It all felt like a dream.
A good one at that.
Thankfully, it wasn't. I know because my arms were covered with reddish bruises from being irritated by me all day.
This chapter is for each and every one of you who reviewed for the previous chapter. Thank you for sticking around. I wasn't expecting many reviews and my jaw dropped open with the amount of positive feedback I got for this story. Thank you so much. :D
Thanks for reading and reviewing! XOXO
15 JULY. XOXO Can't wait.
Wish me luck, I'm going back to school after a Mid-Sem break. :D