Chapter Four:
Ginny couldn't believe the nerve of that man, ordering her about as if she were a servant, or worse, a slave. She didn't know what his idea of marriage was, but it certainly didn't reflect Master/Slave. She was not going to let him order her about like that.
"Argh, he makes me so mad!" She yelled. She was pacing her room, looking disgustedly at the dark drapes.
Suddenly one of the doors opened, which Ginny knew to be the bathroom.
"Would you keep it down? I'm trying to get some sleep." It was Draco! In her room!
"What--How..."
Draco rolled his eyes. "Our rooms are connected by the bathroom."
Ginny suddenly thought of the time she spent in the bathroom, without realizing he could have barged in at any moment.
"Why are they connected by the bathroom?" Ginny's eyes were stille wide.
"Do you have to ask?" Draco smiled. "Because if--"
"Stop, I know!" Ginny yelled. "Do the doors lock?" Ginny asked.
"Of course they do...but why would you want to keep your husband out?" Draco gave her a chilling smile, causing her to blush, in turn causing Draco to laugh.
"I'd prefer if you knocked next time." Was all Ginny could get out.
"Very well." Draco almost closed the door. "By the way, some interior designers will be here tomorrow to help you decorate your room...I certainly couldn't leave it up to your own taste. They'll be tearing things down, and what not, so you'll have to stay in my room for a week." Draco watched her blush deepen, just the reaction he was hoping for.
"Aren't there...any other rooms?"
"They are musty and covered in dust, and it would just be easier this way. Goodnight, my dear." The door closed, and Ginny fell onto her bed.
"This marriage just keeps getting better, and better." Ginny yelled into one of the pillows.
~*~*~
Draco didn't know he expected Ginny to join him for breakfast. He knew he had upset her the night before, and would try to avoid him for at least as long as she could. He finally gave up on waiting for her, then left.
Ginny had waited to hear the front door close before she took her shower. One could never be too careful, she said to herself as she undid her robe, and stepped into the steaming shower. After that her thoughts were filled with her Mother's arrival today. She put on the best clothes she owned, and looked into the mirror.
"I'll have to go shopping soon." She thought she might as well take advantage of the benefits of this marriage.
"Good morning, Ginny." Molly said, greeting Ginny in the dining room.
"Have you had your breakfast yet?" Ginny asked.
"Not just yet. I usually wait for you to finish."
"Then I'll join you in the kitchen." Ginny didn't wait for a reply, she simply headed towards the kitchen and entered.
Ginny saw something scurry out of site, and hide behind a counter. "What's that?" Ginny shrieked.
"That would be Blossom, the kitchen Houself. There's Pinky, the upstairs Houself, Juke, the downstairs Houself, and Sara, the garden Houself."
Ginny slowly made her way towards Blossom, but soon saw that Blossom was terrified.
"I is doing nothing wrong, Mrs...I is doing nothing wrong." Blossom had her hands up to her face, as if to shield herself.
"I'm not going to hurt you." Ginny said softly.
Blossom lowered her hands a bit and looked into Ginny's eyes. A small smile played across her wide face.
"I is Blossom, Mrs., and Blossom will get you want you want." Blossom bowed.
"Why did she cower from me?" Ginny asked Molly.
Molly pinched her lips together, and tried to change the subject.
"I asked you a question." Ginny said a little firmer.
"The Malfoys never spoke to the Houselves unless it was to punish them." Molly answered.
"Surely they wouldn't resort to violence." Ginny asked, appalled. Molly's silence told all. "That is unacceptable!" Ginny said in a high voice. "I will not have my servants beaten! I must have a word with Mr. Malfoy and let him know this house is being run the way I see fit."
Molly gave a small smile. Ginny definately was not Malfoy material, but she did have the same stubborness.
Ginny spent the rest of the morning helping Cookie prepare for the lunch her Mother and her would have. She quiclky went upstairs to freshen up, then waited in front of the fireplace in the entrance. After only five minutes of waiting, Molly Weasley appeared, along with Hermione.
Ginny nearly jumped for joy at seeing both her Mother and her dear friend. She hugged them both in turn, then led them to a hall toilett so they could wipe the soot off their faces. They were seated in the sitting room, talking about this and that. Hermione asked to be excused...she had gotten a mark of soot on her clothes, and wanted to take care of it in the bathroom.
"So." Molly said, her hands clasped in her lap.
"Come on, Mother. The moment I saw you I knew you wanted to ask me something." Ginny smiled.
"How is your marriage going?"
"As good as could be expected."
Molly fidgetted in her seat before saying, "Is he gentle with you...you know?"
Realization at what her Mother was getting at dawned on Ginny, and a faint flush covered her cheeks.
"Mother!" Ginny yelled.
"Ginny! I just want to know that he's not hurting you."
"I don't know...we haven't even...you know." Ginny waved her hand in the air.
Molly gave a huge sigh of relief, and held her hand to her chest. "But you know, dear, sometime you will have to...you know...but don't be afraid! It's the most wonderful experience a man and woman can share together, and--"
"Mother, you gave me this speech five years ago! I don't need it now." Ginny said.
Their conversation was ended by Hermione's return. She noticed a little tension between the two, but didn't dare ask. They were soon called to lunch.
"This is a wonderful room, dear." Molly said, looking around the small room.
"Thank you."
"Wow, look at your gardens!" Hermione exclaimed, looking out the window.
"We'll be having tea out on the patio furniture." Ginny smiled. She liked playing hostess.
Lunch went very well. Hermione got to the reason she had decided to come visit with Molly.
"Ron dropped these off before he left for Canada." Hermione placed two tickets on the table.
Ginny picked them up and looked at them closely. They were Quidditch tickets for Ron's game in Canada.
"So the date is final?" Ginny noticed it was marked September twelfth.
"Yes, we're all going, together." Hermione had meant her, Harry and his wife, and the Weasley family. She knew that "we" didn't include Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy.
"That's nice." Ginny smiled.
"Well, dear, it was a wonderful lunch. Could you show us the grounds?" Molly asked, getting up.
Ginny showed them the house first, then went to the back lawns. She explored them a little the other day, but not very thoroghly. There was a hedge maze in the far left corner, and a rose garden surrounded by a white picket fence in the far right corner. There was a small stream that ran its way through the garden, and a fountain in the middle. After smelling the roses, and admiring the fish in the fountain, they were beckoned to tea.
"I miss outdoors." Hermione said.
Her flat didn't give her much gardning area, and she was hard pressed for time to visit the parks.
"You'll have to stay over some time, Hermione." Ginny said, but there was pleading in her eyes.
Departure was soon inevitable, but Ginny found she wasn't alone for very long. The doorbell rang shrilly, and Molly answered it.
"Hello, I'm Rain from the Interior Designing Co. This is my assistant Kate. We're here about Mrs. Malfoys room."
Ginny stole a glance at the women. The one named Rain was a tall witch, wearing dark blue silk robes. Her hair was short and blonde, and fixed like a pixies. She wore glittery makeup, and very high heels. Her assistant, Kate, was in black robes that didn't look special at all. Her dark brown hair was tied behind her head, and she was carrying a notebook and quill in her hands.
"I'm Mrs. Malfoy." The words felt foreign on her tongue, but she suspected she'd get used to it.
"Mrs. Malfoy, on behalf of The Interior Designing Co., we thank you for considering us. We will do our best to please you, and make your room gorgeous! Now where is it?"
Ginny led the two up the stairs and to her room. Rain nearly fainted from shock.
"Black? In a woman's room? Do you have a death wish?" Rain asked, but didn't wait fo ran answer. She closed her eyes and began humming to herself. "I'm sorry, no inspiration whatsoever will penetrate through this- -this mess! Have Micah's demolition group up here immidiately." Rain pointed towards Kate, who hurridly jotted down notes. "Now, Mrs. Malfoy, do you have a preference?"
Ginny looked puzzled. She had no idea what her room should look like. Back home her room was a mixture of pinks and purples, and a little childish. She thought that Rain would definately faint at hearing that. Ginny resorted to shaking her head.
"Good, a free reign! It's always easier this way." Rain patted Ginny's shoulder, then led her back downstairs. "Now, I can have Micah's group here by six, but they'll have to leave soon after and come back tomorrow morning to finish. They're strict on closing at seven. I'll be going to some shops to get some ideas for your room, I can tell right now just what I have in mind, just by looking at you."
Obviously inspiration didn't have a problem walking through the front door, Ginny thought. All the while Rain was talking, Kate was taking notes. Soon after Rain and Kate left, the door bell rang a second time. Molly answered again, but this time to a man.
"I'm from Micah's Demolition, here about the black room." Ginny led the man, and his assistants up to the room. They wouldn't let Ginny follow, and she waited outside, listening.
She could hear a bunch of ripping, and loud noises and wondered what on earth they were doing in there. Promptly at seven o'clock, the noises stopped and the men exited the room.
"This room is banned." The man said, and put a sealing charm on the lock. "Do you have children?"
"No." Ginny said a little irritated.
"Good, don't let anyone in here." The man gave a small bow, then left with the assistans leaving Ginny puzzled and mad.
~*~*~
Draco tried his best to busy himself with work until closing. He didn't want any sexual jokes thrown his way again. As soon as the clock struck seven, he calmly got up from his chair, and made his way slowly from the buidling.
"Go as fast as you an!" He yelled at the driver.
Soon he was in his house, and being greeted by Molly. Before he could ask, he was told Ginny was upstairs. Draco went up the stairs and saw that Ginny was outside her door, wand in hand.
"What are you doing?" He asked, amused.
Ginny turned around, startled. She blew a bit of hair out of her eyes. "I'm trying to open the door to my room."
"Why, is it sealed?" He asked.
"Yes! Some guy sealed it, saying it wasn't safe. They were tearing everything up in there!" Ginny had to admit, she wished she could have ripped the curtains from the windows, but didn't want anyone else to have the pleasure.
"Maybe you should take his advice." Draco folded his arms, then headed back down the stairs trying not to laugh.
"Dinner's served, sir." Molly said.
Draco sat at the table, and soon Ginny came in and sat down across from him. They had a small feast, and Ginny was busy concentrating on her soup when Draco spoke up.
"So how was your day, dear?"
Ginny seemed to think he thought this was one big game, playing house together.
"Fine, sugar quill." Ginny thought she'd just have to retaliate. "My Mother and Hermione came over for lunch and some tea. I had a lovely afternoon." Ginny took another spoonfull of soup.
"Well..." Draco said.
"Well what?"
"Don't you want to know how my day was? I'll tell you anyway." Draco cleared his throat. "My boss gave me a very important assignment, and if I do it well, I might be promoted. I'll get my own office with a window, and have a staff of my own."
"That's lovely, dear." Ginny said between slirps of soup. "Oh yeah! I almost forgot." Ginny's face brightened up. "My brother is going to be playing in Canada, and he gave me two special tickets. It's for September twelfth, so if you want to go, you could get the week off."
"What if I don't want to go?" Draco asked.
"Fine, but I'm going. Do what you like."
Draco had a suspicion that if he did what he "liked," he'd be mauled by his wife. The thought brought a smile to his face.
"What?" Ginny asked, disheartened by the look he was giving her.
"I'll go." He said, wiping the smile from his face.
The rest of dinner was uneventful and void of any other conversation.
"Well, I'm going to bed...are you coming up?" He raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, I was going to finish this book I started reading...I'll be up shortly." Ginny lied.
"Bring the book up, you can read in bed. Once I'm asleep I don't want doors opening and closing that could wake me up...I'm a very light sleeper."
"Oh, alright then, I'll just go get it."
Draco walked up the stairs towards his room, and Ginny hurried to the library. She searched a few shelves before removing a book that taught you how to speak french. Well, it's better than The Many Ways To Curse A Friend. Ginny walked as slowly as she could, hoping that Draco would already be nestled in bed, so she wouldn't have to walk around him to...do her nightly grooming.
She opened the door a bit, her heart beat inreasing. She clutched the book towards her, and entered. Noises were coming from the bathroom, and Ginny gave a sigh of relief. She quickly tossed the book on a night table, and was startled when the door opened.
Draco came out of the bathroom, in some long loose pajama pants. He was shirtless, and his chest was very well defined and hairless. He stood on the other side of the bed, then looked curiously at Ginny.
"Aren't you going to get ready for bed?" He asked.
"What?" It seemed Ginny had been staring. "Oh yes, of course!" Ginny opened a dresser drawer that she assumed had her stuff in it. She quickly pulled something out, thinking it was her pajamas, and headed towards the bathroom. Once she was inside, she looked at what was in her hands.
"No!" Ginny moaned.
Ginny recognized at once the silky green lingerie Hermione had given her. If she went out now Draco would give her strange looks. If she changed, she'd feel uncomfortable walking. Either way she was going to have a red face. She decided on wearing the lingerie, and trusting in fate to keep Draco's eyes occupied elsewhere.
She brushed her teeth and washed her face and ran a brush through her hair. She dumped her clothes in a hamper, then creaked the door open. The light in the bathroom went off, and the only light in the room was coming from two lamps, one on either side of the bed.
Ginny could feel the soft, smooth material flow gently around her body. She dared a look over at Draco, who was staring right at her.
"I'd like to think you dressed up for me, but I somehow doubt it. Do you have a dream date?" Draco mocked.
"My other pajams are dirty!" Ginny lied again. What sort of marriage was this turning out to be?
"I'll leave some Muggle money for you tomorrow, you can shop in town."
Ginny could feel his eyes on her as she made her way towards her side of the bed. She sat was close to the edge as she could without falling over, then grabbed her book. Now that she was safely under the covers, she began to read.
"Since when have you been interested in French?" Draco asked.
"Since I saw this book." There, that wasn't a lie.
Draco picked up a magazine he was reading, and they sat in silence. Finally, Draco put his magazine on his nightstand, and said, "Off!" and the light went off. Ginny continued reading a bit, before she felt Draco shift around on his side of the bed.
"Were you planning on turning out the lights before the sun came up?" Draco said through gritted teeth.
"I want to finish this section." Ginny said.
Draco did something totally unexpected. He sat up and scooted over to her. He grabbed the book from her hands, then reached across her and laid it on her night table. His arm brushed her upper chest, and Ginny breathed in deeply, causing her to smell his cologne, which was divine.
"You can finish tomorrow!" His rough words brought her crashing back to reality.
"Off." Ginny said quietly, and the light flickered off.
(A/N: Wow, I'm really beginning to love this story! I have SO many ideas for it! If you have any ideas on scenes you'd like to see transpire between the odd couple, lemmi know and I'll think about them.
Peace, Luv, and bullettproof marshmellows!!!)
Ginny couldn't believe the nerve of that man, ordering her about as if she were a servant, or worse, a slave. She didn't know what his idea of marriage was, but it certainly didn't reflect Master/Slave. She was not going to let him order her about like that.
"Argh, he makes me so mad!" She yelled. She was pacing her room, looking disgustedly at the dark drapes.
Suddenly one of the doors opened, which Ginny knew to be the bathroom.
"Would you keep it down? I'm trying to get some sleep." It was Draco! In her room!
"What--How..."
Draco rolled his eyes. "Our rooms are connected by the bathroom."
Ginny suddenly thought of the time she spent in the bathroom, without realizing he could have barged in at any moment.
"Why are they connected by the bathroom?" Ginny's eyes were stille wide.
"Do you have to ask?" Draco smiled. "Because if--"
"Stop, I know!" Ginny yelled. "Do the doors lock?" Ginny asked.
"Of course they do...but why would you want to keep your husband out?" Draco gave her a chilling smile, causing her to blush, in turn causing Draco to laugh.
"I'd prefer if you knocked next time." Was all Ginny could get out.
"Very well." Draco almost closed the door. "By the way, some interior designers will be here tomorrow to help you decorate your room...I certainly couldn't leave it up to your own taste. They'll be tearing things down, and what not, so you'll have to stay in my room for a week." Draco watched her blush deepen, just the reaction he was hoping for.
"Aren't there...any other rooms?"
"They are musty and covered in dust, and it would just be easier this way. Goodnight, my dear." The door closed, and Ginny fell onto her bed.
"This marriage just keeps getting better, and better." Ginny yelled into one of the pillows.
~*~*~
Draco didn't know he expected Ginny to join him for breakfast. He knew he had upset her the night before, and would try to avoid him for at least as long as she could. He finally gave up on waiting for her, then left.
Ginny had waited to hear the front door close before she took her shower. One could never be too careful, she said to herself as she undid her robe, and stepped into the steaming shower. After that her thoughts were filled with her Mother's arrival today. She put on the best clothes she owned, and looked into the mirror.
"I'll have to go shopping soon." She thought she might as well take advantage of the benefits of this marriage.
"Good morning, Ginny." Molly said, greeting Ginny in the dining room.
"Have you had your breakfast yet?" Ginny asked.
"Not just yet. I usually wait for you to finish."
"Then I'll join you in the kitchen." Ginny didn't wait for a reply, she simply headed towards the kitchen and entered.
Ginny saw something scurry out of site, and hide behind a counter. "What's that?" Ginny shrieked.
"That would be Blossom, the kitchen Houself. There's Pinky, the upstairs Houself, Juke, the downstairs Houself, and Sara, the garden Houself."
Ginny slowly made her way towards Blossom, but soon saw that Blossom was terrified.
"I is doing nothing wrong, Mrs...I is doing nothing wrong." Blossom had her hands up to her face, as if to shield herself.
"I'm not going to hurt you." Ginny said softly.
Blossom lowered her hands a bit and looked into Ginny's eyes. A small smile played across her wide face.
"I is Blossom, Mrs., and Blossom will get you want you want." Blossom bowed.
"Why did she cower from me?" Ginny asked Molly.
Molly pinched her lips together, and tried to change the subject.
"I asked you a question." Ginny said a little firmer.
"The Malfoys never spoke to the Houselves unless it was to punish them." Molly answered.
"Surely they wouldn't resort to violence." Ginny asked, appalled. Molly's silence told all. "That is unacceptable!" Ginny said in a high voice. "I will not have my servants beaten! I must have a word with Mr. Malfoy and let him know this house is being run the way I see fit."
Molly gave a small smile. Ginny definately was not Malfoy material, but she did have the same stubborness.
Ginny spent the rest of the morning helping Cookie prepare for the lunch her Mother and her would have. She quiclky went upstairs to freshen up, then waited in front of the fireplace in the entrance. After only five minutes of waiting, Molly Weasley appeared, along with Hermione.
Ginny nearly jumped for joy at seeing both her Mother and her dear friend. She hugged them both in turn, then led them to a hall toilett so they could wipe the soot off their faces. They were seated in the sitting room, talking about this and that. Hermione asked to be excused...she had gotten a mark of soot on her clothes, and wanted to take care of it in the bathroom.
"So." Molly said, her hands clasped in her lap.
"Come on, Mother. The moment I saw you I knew you wanted to ask me something." Ginny smiled.
"How is your marriage going?"
"As good as could be expected."
Molly fidgetted in her seat before saying, "Is he gentle with you...you know?"
Realization at what her Mother was getting at dawned on Ginny, and a faint flush covered her cheeks.
"Mother!" Ginny yelled.
"Ginny! I just want to know that he's not hurting you."
"I don't know...we haven't even...you know." Ginny waved her hand in the air.
Molly gave a huge sigh of relief, and held her hand to her chest. "But you know, dear, sometime you will have to...you know...but don't be afraid! It's the most wonderful experience a man and woman can share together, and--"
"Mother, you gave me this speech five years ago! I don't need it now." Ginny said.
Their conversation was ended by Hermione's return. She noticed a little tension between the two, but didn't dare ask. They were soon called to lunch.
"This is a wonderful room, dear." Molly said, looking around the small room.
"Thank you."
"Wow, look at your gardens!" Hermione exclaimed, looking out the window.
"We'll be having tea out on the patio furniture." Ginny smiled. She liked playing hostess.
Lunch went very well. Hermione got to the reason she had decided to come visit with Molly.
"Ron dropped these off before he left for Canada." Hermione placed two tickets on the table.
Ginny picked them up and looked at them closely. They were Quidditch tickets for Ron's game in Canada.
"So the date is final?" Ginny noticed it was marked September twelfth.
"Yes, we're all going, together." Hermione had meant her, Harry and his wife, and the Weasley family. She knew that "we" didn't include Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy.
"That's nice." Ginny smiled.
"Well, dear, it was a wonderful lunch. Could you show us the grounds?" Molly asked, getting up.
Ginny showed them the house first, then went to the back lawns. She explored them a little the other day, but not very thoroghly. There was a hedge maze in the far left corner, and a rose garden surrounded by a white picket fence in the far right corner. There was a small stream that ran its way through the garden, and a fountain in the middle. After smelling the roses, and admiring the fish in the fountain, they were beckoned to tea.
"I miss outdoors." Hermione said.
Her flat didn't give her much gardning area, and she was hard pressed for time to visit the parks.
"You'll have to stay over some time, Hermione." Ginny said, but there was pleading in her eyes.
Departure was soon inevitable, but Ginny found she wasn't alone for very long. The doorbell rang shrilly, and Molly answered it.
"Hello, I'm Rain from the Interior Designing Co. This is my assistant Kate. We're here about Mrs. Malfoys room."
Ginny stole a glance at the women. The one named Rain was a tall witch, wearing dark blue silk robes. Her hair was short and blonde, and fixed like a pixies. She wore glittery makeup, and very high heels. Her assistant, Kate, was in black robes that didn't look special at all. Her dark brown hair was tied behind her head, and she was carrying a notebook and quill in her hands.
"I'm Mrs. Malfoy." The words felt foreign on her tongue, but she suspected she'd get used to it.
"Mrs. Malfoy, on behalf of The Interior Designing Co., we thank you for considering us. We will do our best to please you, and make your room gorgeous! Now where is it?"
Ginny led the two up the stairs and to her room. Rain nearly fainted from shock.
"Black? In a woman's room? Do you have a death wish?" Rain asked, but didn't wait fo ran answer. She closed her eyes and began humming to herself. "I'm sorry, no inspiration whatsoever will penetrate through this- -this mess! Have Micah's demolition group up here immidiately." Rain pointed towards Kate, who hurridly jotted down notes. "Now, Mrs. Malfoy, do you have a preference?"
Ginny looked puzzled. She had no idea what her room should look like. Back home her room was a mixture of pinks and purples, and a little childish. She thought that Rain would definately faint at hearing that. Ginny resorted to shaking her head.
"Good, a free reign! It's always easier this way." Rain patted Ginny's shoulder, then led her back downstairs. "Now, I can have Micah's group here by six, but they'll have to leave soon after and come back tomorrow morning to finish. They're strict on closing at seven. I'll be going to some shops to get some ideas for your room, I can tell right now just what I have in mind, just by looking at you."
Obviously inspiration didn't have a problem walking through the front door, Ginny thought. All the while Rain was talking, Kate was taking notes. Soon after Rain and Kate left, the door bell rang a second time. Molly answered again, but this time to a man.
"I'm from Micah's Demolition, here about the black room." Ginny led the man, and his assistants up to the room. They wouldn't let Ginny follow, and she waited outside, listening.
She could hear a bunch of ripping, and loud noises and wondered what on earth they were doing in there. Promptly at seven o'clock, the noises stopped and the men exited the room.
"This room is banned." The man said, and put a sealing charm on the lock. "Do you have children?"
"No." Ginny said a little irritated.
"Good, don't let anyone in here." The man gave a small bow, then left with the assistans leaving Ginny puzzled and mad.
~*~*~
Draco tried his best to busy himself with work until closing. He didn't want any sexual jokes thrown his way again. As soon as the clock struck seven, he calmly got up from his chair, and made his way slowly from the buidling.
"Go as fast as you an!" He yelled at the driver.
Soon he was in his house, and being greeted by Molly. Before he could ask, he was told Ginny was upstairs. Draco went up the stairs and saw that Ginny was outside her door, wand in hand.
"What are you doing?" He asked, amused.
Ginny turned around, startled. She blew a bit of hair out of her eyes. "I'm trying to open the door to my room."
"Why, is it sealed?" He asked.
"Yes! Some guy sealed it, saying it wasn't safe. They were tearing everything up in there!" Ginny had to admit, she wished she could have ripped the curtains from the windows, but didn't want anyone else to have the pleasure.
"Maybe you should take his advice." Draco folded his arms, then headed back down the stairs trying not to laugh.
"Dinner's served, sir." Molly said.
Draco sat at the table, and soon Ginny came in and sat down across from him. They had a small feast, and Ginny was busy concentrating on her soup when Draco spoke up.
"So how was your day, dear?"
Ginny seemed to think he thought this was one big game, playing house together.
"Fine, sugar quill." Ginny thought she'd just have to retaliate. "My Mother and Hermione came over for lunch and some tea. I had a lovely afternoon." Ginny took another spoonfull of soup.
"Well..." Draco said.
"Well what?"
"Don't you want to know how my day was? I'll tell you anyway." Draco cleared his throat. "My boss gave me a very important assignment, and if I do it well, I might be promoted. I'll get my own office with a window, and have a staff of my own."
"That's lovely, dear." Ginny said between slirps of soup. "Oh yeah! I almost forgot." Ginny's face brightened up. "My brother is going to be playing in Canada, and he gave me two special tickets. It's for September twelfth, so if you want to go, you could get the week off."
"What if I don't want to go?" Draco asked.
"Fine, but I'm going. Do what you like."
Draco had a suspicion that if he did what he "liked," he'd be mauled by his wife. The thought brought a smile to his face.
"What?" Ginny asked, disheartened by the look he was giving her.
"I'll go." He said, wiping the smile from his face.
The rest of dinner was uneventful and void of any other conversation.
"Well, I'm going to bed...are you coming up?" He raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, I was going to finish this book I started reading...I'll be up shortly." Ginny lied.
"Bring the book up, you can read in bed. Once I'm asleep I don't want doors opening and closing that could wake me up...I'm a very light sleeper."
"Oh, alright then, I'll just go get it."
Draco walked up the stairs towards his room, and Ginny hurried to the library. She searched a few shelves before removing a book that taught you how to speak french. Well, it's better than The Many Ways To Curse A Friend. Ginny walked as slowly as she could, hoping that Draco would already be nestled in bed, so she wouldn't have to walk around him to...do her nightly grooming.
She opened the door a bit, her heart beat inreasing. She clutched the book towards her, and entered. Noises were coming from the bathroom, and Ginny gave a sigh of relief. She quickly tossed the book on a night table, and was startled when the door opened.
Draco came out of the bathroom, in some long loose pajama pants. He was shirtless, and his chest was very well defined and hairless. He stood on the other side of the bed, then looked curiously at Ginny.
"Aren't you going to get ready for bed?" He asked.
"What?" It seemed Ginny had been staring. "Oh yes, of course!" Ginny opened a dresser drawer that she assumed had her stuff in it. She quickly pulled something out, thinking it was her pajamas, and headed towards the bathroom. Once she was inside, she looked at what was in her hands.
"No!" Ginny moaned.
Ginny recognized at once the silky green lingerie Hermione had given her. If she went out now Draco would give her strange looks. If she changed, she'd feel uncomfortable walking. Either way she was going to have a red face. She decided on wearing the lingerie, and trusting in fate to keep Draco's eyes occupied elsewhere.
She brushed her teeth and washed her face and ran a brush through her hair. She dumped her clothes in a hamper, then creaked the door open. The light in the bathroom went off, and the only light in the room was coming from two lamps, one on either side of the bed.
Ginny could feel the soft, smooth material flow gently around her body. She dared a look over at Draco, who was staring right at her.
"I'd like to think you dressed up for me, but I somehow doubt it. Do you have a dream date?" Draco mocked.
"My other pajams are dirty!" Ginny lied again. What sort of marriage was this turning out to be?
"I'll leave some Muggle money for you tomorrow, you can shop in town."
Ginny could feel his eyes on her as she made her way towards her side of the bed. She sat was close to the edge as she could without falling over, then grabbed her book. Now that she was safely under the covers, she began to read.
"Since when have you been interested in French?" Draco asked.
"Since I saw this book." There, that wasn't a lie.
Draco picked up a magazine he was reading, and they sat in silence. Finally, Draco put his magazine on his nightstand, and said, "Off!" and the light went off. Ginny continued reading a bit, before she felt Draco shift around on his side of the bed.
"Were you planning on turning out the lights before the sun came up?" Draco said through gritted teeth.
"I want to finish this section." Ginny said.
Draco did something totally unexpected. He sat up and scooted over to her. He grabbed the book from her hands, then reached across her and laid it on her night table. His arm brushed her upper chest, and Ginny breathed in deeply, causing her to smell his cologne, which was divine.
"You can finish tomorrow!" His rough words brought her crashing back to reality.
"Off." Ginny said quietly, and the light flickered off.
(A/N: Wow, I'm really beginning to love this story! I have SO many ideas for it! If you have any ideas on scenes you'd like to see transpire between the odd couple, lemmi know and I'll think about them.
Peace, Luv, and bullettproof marshmellows!!!)
