Chapter Six
After dinner Draco hid himself in the study. He forced himself to keep his mind on his work, forced his quill to the paper, forced writing, but only an ink blot showed up. He threw the quill down, then ran his hands through his hair.
"That woman!" He nearly shouted.
Strange emotions were running wild in Draco. He couldn't believe that he almost took Ginny, there in the entry way. Oh, sure, she was his wife, and the servants would have been appalled. He just couldn't help being drawn to her.
He stood up from his desk and began pacing the room. Where was she now? He thought. Probably getting ready for bed. He'd only have three more nights to share the same bed with Ginny, then she'd retreat back to her own room. He wanted to be intimate with Ginny, to gently caress her, kiss her. But he also wanted her to want him also. He was so used to just taking what he wanted without thinking who it caused pain to. But he didn't want to cause pain to Ginny.
Completely forgetting his work, he exited the room and went up the stairs. His brain was exhausted from the overload it took on that day. If Draco wasn't careful, he'd suffer a breakdown!
Draco opened the door and saw Ginny, reading, in bed. She was wearing a pajama top instead of the green lingerie. He somehow thought she looked more beautiful tonight, though.
"I was wondering when you'd come up." Ginny smiled, putting the book down on her lap.
Were you really wondering? Draco thought. "I'm sorry, I must have kept you from sleep."
"Oh no, I was just reading the next section in the French book." Ginny held the book up for proof.
"Can you speak any French yet?" He inquired.
"Oui, un peu." She replied.
"I have something to show you, but it'll have to wait until I'm finished getting ready." Draco headed towards the bathroom and emerged ten minutes later.
"You had something to show me?" Ginny asked as Draco climbed in between the sheets.
"Yes," Draco paused. "I thought it very selfish of me not to go on a honeymoon, so I planned a belated honeymoon." He showed her the brochure he brought from the travel agency and smiled as Ginny's eyes lit up.
"Draco, this is wonderful!" Ginny leaned over and gave him a quick hug, and kiss on the cheek. He could still feel her warm lips where she touched them, even when she pulled away. "Next week? Well, will you be free to go?"
"Of course! I'll just take the time off that's necessary. My boss won't have a problem with it." Draco smiled at Ginny. "I also need to inform you that my Mother will be paying you a visit tomorrow, around two. My Mother can be a little...well, let's just say she's an acquired taste. I'd like to appologise now for anything she may do or say tomorrow."
"Oh," Ginny said, "She can't be that bad."
"You don't know my Mother...maybe I should stay home from work to make sure things go smoothly."
"Draco, that won't be necessary. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to get some sleep." Ginny had the light turned off, and she sank down into the bed. Draco watched Ginny for a moment, before he too sank into the covers, all too aware of his wife next to him.
~*~*~
Rain had arrived early the next day, carrying a rather large chest with her. She opened it up to reveal tiny doll house sized pieces of furniture.
"I put a shrinking charm on them. They'll be their right size as soon as we get the wallpaper, carpet and everything else in the room."
They headed up to Ginny's room which was now void of any furniture, and the walls were bare. Rain began to wave her wand around, putting up different pieces of wallpaper, and colors of paint. Ginny could scarecly approve one color, before Rain had put up another.
"I agree, the light blue is wonderful...but it won't go with the furniture." Rain stood in the middle of the room, looking over the different splotches of color. Her eyes brightened, and she formed a huge smile on her face...Ginny was quite scared. "I have it!"
She waved her wand and the room was covered in a light green, set off by purple and blue flowers. Ginny had to admit, she liked the combination.
"Oh my, I have to be going." Rain looked at her watch. "My other clients set everything on punctuality. I'll be back tomorrow!" And with that, she disapparated.
Now, Ginny thought. All we need is a carpet, and my furniture. Then I can have my room back.
Ginny went down to see Molly and had a cup of tea with her. They were talking about nothing in particular when the doorbell rang.
"That must be Mrs. Lucius Malfoy." Molly said, and Ginny's heart began to beat shrilly.
It was true, Ginny had completely forgotten about her Mother-in- Law's visit. She scampered up the stairs and changed into a very elegant robe, and met Narcissa in the drawing room.
"Hello, my dear." Though Narcissa's words were kind in themselves, the tone in which they were said gave way to other feelings. Narcissa had not changed at all. Her looks were still surperior, and she always had the air that she was doing one great pleasure meerly by being in their presence.
"I'm honored to have you sit with me." Ginny said.
"My dear," Narcissa exclaimed. "Why, your robes! They are evening wear! And your hair, oh no, do you not have a maid to do your hair?"
Ginny hadn't had time to do her hair, and she conciously ran a hand through her tresses.
Narcissa gave a deep sigh. "Well, I suppose coming from your background..." She trailed off.
"I suppose I could use a little counsel in that area as soon as we get back." Ginny said.
"Back? From where?" Narcissa inquired.
"Draco and I are to take our honeymoon in France next week." Ginny brightened at the idea again.
"Oh, I adore France. I must ask Lucius to take a trip. We could double honeymoon with you two."
"Would you like some refreshment?" Ginny asked through clenched teeth.
"Oh, no dear, but I need to speak with you." Narcissa straitened in her chair. "You must know the reason you were married to my son." Ginny moved slightly in her chair. "Of course you know, to produce an heir."
Ginny knew exactly where this conversation was going, and was a little frightened as to which path would take them there.
Narcissa continued, "I know when I married Lucius I thougth him handsom, but I was not in love with him any more than he was with me. I had Draco directly, and with a little help of a potion, he was a boy. After that, Lucius and I had not shared a bed together. Oh, we find bed companions in others, as I'm sure you and Draco will, but my dear, the quicker you bare a male heir, the quicker you can begin your life." Narcissa smiled as if she had given Ginny a most precious piece of wisdom. Ginny only blushed.
"But we haven't even--that is to say..."
Narcissa's expression was one of surprise. "You mean to say you have not slept together? Not even on the night of your wedding?"
"No, we have not!" Ginny seemed to have found herself, and she stood in defiance. "And I must kindly ask you to either leave, or discontinue this conversation."
Narcissa stood gracefully. "Virginia, there are a great many things in the Malfoy blood, but to love is not one of them. Remember that and you will not get hurt." Narcissa left directly.
Ginny stood there, not sure if she were angry or appalled. She made her mind known to Draco that evening while in bed.
"I'm sorry, Draco, but your Mother is insufferable!" She nervously played with her fingers.
"What has she done?" Draco knew his Mother would do something to upset Ginny.
"Well, first she insulted my robes, then she invited herself on our honeymoon and then--" Ginny stopped.
"Well?" Draco pressed.
"Oh, I can't say it, it upsets me so." Ginny blushed.
"Now I'm intrigued." Draco laughed. "Tell me, what did she say?"
"Well, she asked if we shared the same bed." Ginny whispered.
"But we do!" Draco waved his arm at the bed they were both in.
"Not like that." Ginny said.
"Oh," Understanding came over Draco. "I know my Mother can be a bit blunt--"
"Blunt is not the word to use! She said some other things that bothered me as well."
"Ginny, you shouldn't pay her any mind. I think she's a little upset because she's no longer the bell of the ball. The newspapers and magazines don't print artciles about her any more...it's you they write about. I think she's just a little upset."
"Do they have to go with us to France?" Ginny couldn't bare being in a strange land with that awful woman.
"I'm afraid we can't deny them. I'll try to have our time occupied with touring, alright?"
Ginny stared down at her hands, then nodded. And once again Draco had missed his chance with Ginny.
~*~*~
The rest of the week went by and Ginny had her room back. She was now standing in the room, looking at her reflection. There was to be a Ministry party tonight and Ginny was fitted with a very elegant robe. It was midnight black silk, hugging her waist, and flowin down to her feet. The sleeves were long, and flowing, and her hair was done up in a french twist.
Ginny frowned at her reflection. She pulled at the low neckline, which was just a little too low for her, but which was the style in women's ball robes. But that wasn't what was bothering her.
The whole time she spent in Draco's bed, not once did he ever touch her. By wizarding law, a wife could not deny her husband, and she almost expected Draco to throw that in her face if she refused. But somehow, Ginny hadn't wanted to refuse. And by the time she realized this, she was back in her own room.
"Ready?" A muffled voice came from behind the bathroom door.
The door slowly opened and Draco came through. He stopped dead in his tracks, and gaped at his wife.
"What, what's wrong?" Ginny hoped she hadn't gotten anything on the new robes.
Draco recovered his senses. "You have no jewelry." He pulled his wand from his pocket and suddenly Ginny felt weight around her neck. She looked at the mirror and saw a silver necklace there. At the end was a heart with a diamond in the center.
"It's beautiful." Ginny said, fingering the heart.
"Yes." Draco smiled. "Ok, this blasted party is going to start. We have to leave now."
The car ride to the party was filled with Draco informing Ginny of all the important people that would be there. He warned her against making conversation with his boss's wife.
"She'll talk 'till the stars fall out of the sky." He laughed.
He gave her a rundown on what would happen that night. While the guests were arriving, they would sit and talk in a drawing room. Dinner will be announced, then dancing. Ginny couldn't believe all that was going to stretch into four hours.
"My feet already are tired from the anticipated dancing." Ginny laughed.
"And you, I'm sure, will not have a moments rest. I'll have to beat every guy away from you with a stick." He held her hand in his and squeezed it. "You are beautiful."
Ginny could feel heat rising within her. She raised her eyes to Draco's, and he was looking deep into hers. Ginny's heartbeat quickened as Draco's head came closer to hers. His lips were nearly upon hers when the car suddenly came to a halt and the doors opened. Ginny cursed the driver for stopping, and followed Draco out.
When they entered the room, Ginny had the feeling she was one of the youngest women there. She could spot only two other girls who looked about her age, and the rest were older. She ignored all the turning heads as she entered, and tried to concetrate on not stepping on her robes. Draco seated her near his mother, then walked away to talk with some other men.
"Ladies, this is my daughter-in-law, Virginia." Narcissa said introducing her to the other women around her.
They all looked rich and snobby. Ginny wished she could have gone with Draco, but knew their conversation would not include a woman. She sat and listened to Narcissa's group gossip about every other person there and nearly screamed! That's when dinner was announced.
Draco collected his wife and led her to the dining room. A large rectangular table was set up to seat all the couples. Gold plates were set around the table, and large garlands of flowers were strewn on top. The moment the last person sat, the food appeared on the table.
"Draco." Ginny whisperd to him.
"Hmm?" He said, helping himself to some salade.
"I have too many forks!" She pointed to three forks near her plate.
"No, Ginny, one's a salade fork, the other's a meat fork and the last...well, I think the last is just for looks!" He smiled at her, and began eating.
Ginny decided on mimicking Draco, and helped herself to some salade also.
To say the least, dinner was quite the adventure. She just so happened to be seated next to an old man who had trouble hearing and would insist on Ginny repeating herself at least five times. Across from her was a large woman who's eating habit sickened Ginny. She lost her appetite, and the large woman seemed to have found it and claimed it as her own. But the dancing was by far the best!
It seemed the men practically lined up to dance with Ginny, and she was flattered. There was only one man she didn't wish to dance with again. Lucius Malfoy.
She couldn't put her finger on it, there was just something about him. His oily voice, his slithery hands. He grasped her a little too tightly, and his smile unnerved her. After that dance, she was claimed by someone else.
She managed not to step on anyones feet, and even enjoyed herself. That was until she freshened up in the ladies room. She was enclosed in a little corner which hid her from the rest of the room. She took her shoes off and was rubbing them when the door opened. She was about to make her presence known when they began talking.
"And Mrs. Draco Malfoy! The girl is a terrible flirt! She dancedwith your Albert twice!" One woman said.
"Well, if I could have chained my husband to me, like you, I would have." The two began laughing.
"Oh, dear, she's just a fad. That red hair is new to the aristoractic soiety. No doubt it will go out soon."
"Yes, and I'm sure her husband will think the same way. Did you see him dance with Bianca? Nearly all the dances!"
"Oh, I saw! And to think they were once very passionate about each other. Too bad she had married the oaf Vincent, just to get the money he was to inheirit."
"And what a scandal! The Crabbe fortune had been wasted on You-Know- Who's campaign. Tut-tut."
The women exited, leaving Ginny to drown in their conversation. Who was this Bianca? She hadn't gone to Hogwarts, or Ginny would have remembered her. Is this what Narcissa meant when she said Draco would find other bed companions? Was Draco already sleeping with this woman?
"Is anything wrong?" Draco asked as she sat next to him.
"I feel a headache coming on." Ginny rubbed her head with her hand.
"We'll leave then." And they left immidiately.
~*~*~
Draco had no idea what had happened the short time they were apart at the party. He noticed that her expression changed from happiness to fright when she was dancing with his Father. But Lucius seemed to have that affect on nearly everyone. He made a reach for her hand, but she pulled away.
"Ginny, tell me." Draco's voice had a hint of concern, but for the most part was filled with demanding.
"Tell you what?" She asked meekly.
"What happened! Did someone say something to you? I know how those people can be! They call themselves polite society, but they are far from it. Don't pay attention to them." Draco pleaded.
"I'm fine, I just had a headache." Ginny stared out her window, and gave a sigh of relief when their house came into view. "I'm going to bed."
Ginny was nearly to her room, when Draco grabbed her by the hand.
"Ginny, I don't want you to go to bed with misconceptions in your head!" It seemed he had grabbed her a little too hard, for she recoiled in fear, and backed into her room.
Draco entered her room, and shut the door behind him.
"Don't!" Ginny held her hands out in front of her, as if to shield herself.
"I'm not going to hurt you, I just want an explantion." He sad softly.
"It's nothing." Ginny backed away from him, and was stopped by her bed post. Draco came near her, and she shut her eyes in fear.
"You think I'd hurt you?" He asked, bring his hand up to her chin. "Ginny, I would never hurt you, I just..."
"Well, I don't want to." Ginny said.
"You know you can't refuse me. I could bring this to the Law Keepers."
Ginny nodded her head.
"But I would never do that. I would never push you to do something you didn't want to do."
"What if I'm never ready?" She asked. "Will you find solace in the arms of another?"
"Ah, so now we have the cause of your 'headache.'" Draco smiled. "What gossip have you been hearing?"
"Not gossip." Ginny whispered. "Who's Bianca?"
Draco stepped back in surprise. He certainly hadn't expected this. "Bianca and I were once...close. But she chose her path, and she got what she deserved. She said she had loved me, but it was really my money she was after. Do you know what it's like to love someone and not be loved in return?"
Ginny knew exactly what it was like. She had loved Harry, very truly and very deeply. She recalled their last conversation together. She had gone home for the Christmas Holidays last year and Harry had announced his engagment. She had found him alone soon after and confessed her love, only to be pittied, as if it was a school girl crush.
"I love you, Harry, and I'll love you till the day I die!" She recalled saying.
"Ginny, you'll find someone...trust me. You'll love him so much it'll hurt. And then you'll forget about me."
"I know what it's likes to love." Ginny said, trying to fight back her tears.
"Well then you should be able to feel my pain." Draco left her alone, and as soon as the door closed behind him, she fell onto her bed, and the tears rolled forth. Her emtions were all tossed around in her head, and she didn't know what she felt any more. She hadn't thought about Harry since her wedding, but now he was all there was in her mind. The raven haired boy soon transformed into a blonde, and Ginny cried herself to sleep that night, and woke to find Draco had already left for work.
(A/N: It seems my chapters keep getting longer and longer!!! I'll make a special effort to find time to write. I promise, the next chapter will be EXCITING!!! The trip to France, and an intense scene! For those of you who have read Gone With The Wind will notice some similarities... k, that's it, I guess)
After dinner Draco hid himself in the study. He forced himself to keep his mind on his work, forced his quill to the paper, forced writing, but only an ink blot showed up. He threw the quill down, then ran his hands through his hair.
"That woman!" He nearly shouted.
Strange emotions were running wild in Draco. He couldn't believe that he almost took Ginny, there in the entry way. Oh, sure, she was his wife, and the servants would have been appalled. He just couldn't help being drawn to her.
He stood up from his desk and began pacing the room. Where was she now? He thought. Probably getting ready for bed. He'd only have three more nights to share the same bed with Ginny, then she'd retreat back to her own room. He wanted to be intimate with Ginny, to gently caress her, kiss her. But he also wanted her to want him also. He was so used to just taking what he wanted without thinking who it caused pain to. But he didn't want to cause pain to Ginny.
Completely forgetting his work, he exited the room and went up the stairs. His brain was exhausted from the overload it took on that day. If Draco wasn't careful, he'd suffer a breakdown!
Draco opened the door and saw Ginny, reading, in bed. She was wearing a pajama top instead of the green lingerie. He somehow thought she looked more beautiful tonight, though.
"I was wondering when you'd come up." Ginny smiled, putting the book down on her lap.
Were you really wondering? Draco thought. "I'm sorry, I must have kept you from sleep."
"Oh no, I was just reading the next section in the French book." Ginny held the book up for proof.
"Can you speak any French yet?" He inquired.
"Oui, un peu." She replied.
"I have something to show you, but it'll have to wait until I'm finished getting ready." Draco headed towards the bathroom and emerged ten minutes later.
"You had something to show me?" Ginny asked as Draco climbed in between the sheets.
"Yes," Draco paused. "I thought it very selfish of me not to go on a honeymoon, so I planned a belated honeymoon." He showed her the brochure he brought from the travel agency and smiled as Ginny's eyes lit up.
"Draco, this is wonderful!" Ginny leaned over and gave him a quick hug, and kiss on the cheek. He could still feel her warm lips where she touched them, even when she pulled away. "Next week? Well, will you be free to go?"
"Of course! I'll just take the time off that's necessary. My boss won't have a problem with it." Draco smiled at Ginny. "I also need to inform you that my Mother will be paying you a visit tomorrow, around two. My Mother can be a little...well, let's just say she's an acquired taste. I'd like to appologise now for anything she may do or say tomorrow."
"Oh," Ginny said, "She can't be that bad."
"You don't know my Mother...maybe I should stay home from work to make sure things go smoothly."
"Draco, that won't be necessary. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to get some sleep." Ginny had the light turned off, and she sank down into the bed. Draco watched Ginny for a moment, before he too sank into the covers, all too aware of his wife next to him.
~*~*~
Rain had arrived early the next day, carrying a rather large chest with her. She opened it up to reveal tiny doll house sized pieces of furniture.
"I put a shrinking charm on them. They'll be their right size as soon as we get the wallpaper, carpet and everything else in the room."
They headed up to Ginny's room which was now void of any furniture, and the walls were bare. Rain began to wave her wand around, putting up different pieces of wallpaper, and colors of paint. Ginny could scarecly approve one color, before Rain had put up another.
"I agree, the light blue is wonderful...but it won't go with the furniture." Rain stood in the middle of the room, looking over the different splotches of color. Her eyes brightened, and she formed a huge smile on her face...Ginny was quite scared. "I have it!"
She waved her wand and the room was covered in a light green, set off by purple and blue flowers. Ginny had to admit, she liked the combination.
"Oh my, I have to be going." Rain looked at her watch. "My other clients set everything on punctuality. I'll be back tomorrow!" And with that, she disapparated.
Now, Ginny thought. All we need is a carpet, and my furniture. Then I can have my room back.
Ginny went down to see Molly and had a cup of tea with her. They were talking about nothing in particular when the doorbell rang.
"That must be Mrs. Lucius Malfoy." Molly said, and Ginny's heart began to beat shrilly.
It was true, Ginny had completely forgotten about her Mother-in- Law's visit. She scampered up the stairs and changed into a very elegant robe, and met Narcissa in the drawing room.
"Hello, my dear." Though Narcissa's words were kind in themselves, the tone in which they were said gave way to other feelings. Narcissa had not changed at all. Her looks were still surperior, and she always had the air that she was doing one great pleasure meerly by being in their presence.
"I'm honored to have you sit with me." Ginny said.
"My dear," Narcissa exclaimed. "Why, your robes! They are evening wear! And your hair, oh no, do you not have a maid to do your hair?"
Ginny hadn't had time to do her hair, and she conciously ran a hand through her tresses.
Narcissa gave a deep sigh. "Well, I suppose coming from your background..." She trailed off.
"I suppose I could use a little counsel in that area as soon as we get back." Ginny said.
"Back? From where?" Narcissa inquired.
"Draco and I are to take our honeymoon in France next week." Ginny brightened at the idea again.
"Oh, I adore France. I must ask Lucius to take a trip. We could double honeymoon with you two."
"Would you like some refreshment?" Ginny asked through clenched teeth.
"Oh, no dear, but I need to speak with you." Narcissa straitened in her chair. "You must know the reason you were married to my son." Ginny moved slightly in her chair. "Of course you know, to produce an heir."
Ginny knew exactly where this conversation was going, and was a little frightened as to which path would take them there.
Narcissa continued, "I know when I married Lucius I thougth him handsom, but I was not in love with him any more than he was with me. I had Draco directly, and with a little help of a potion, he was a boy. After that, Lucius and I had not shared a bed together. Oh, we find bed companions in others, as I'm sure you and Draco will, but my dear, the quicker you bare a male heir, the quicker you can begin your life." Narcissa smiled as if she had given Ginny a most precious piece of wisdom. Ginny only blushed.
"But we haven't even--that is to say..."
Narcissa's expression was one of surprise. "You mean to say you have not slept together? Not even on the night of your wedding?"
"No, we have not!" Ginny seemed to have found herself, and she stood in defiance. "And I must kindly ask you to either leave, or discontinue this conversation."
Narcissa stood gracefully. "Virginia, there are a great many things in the Malfoy blood, but to love is not one of them. Remember that and you will not get hurt." Narcissa left directly.
Ginny stood there, not sure if she were angry or appalled. She made her mind known to Draco that evening while in bed.
"I'm sorry, Draco, but your Mother is insufferable!" She nervously played with her fingers.
"What has she done?" Draco knew his Mother would do something to upset Ginny.
"Well, first she insulted my robes, then she invited herself on our honeymoon and then--" Ginny stopped.
"Well?" Draco pressed.
"Oh, I can't say it, it upsets me so." Ginny blushed.
"Now I'm intrigued." Draco laughed. "Tell me, what did she say?"
"Well, she asked if we shared the same bed." Ginny whispered.
"But we do!" Draco waved his arm at the bed they were both in.
"Not like that." Ginny said.
"Oh," Understanding came over Draco. "I know my Mother can be a bit blunt--"
"Blunt is not the word to use! She said some other things that bothered me as well."
"Ginny, you shouldn't pay her any mind. I think she's a little upset because she's no longer the bell of the ball. The newspapers and magazines don't print artciles about her any more...it's you they write about. I think she's just a little upset."
"Do they have to go with us to France?" Ginny couldn't bare being in a strange land with that awful woman.
"I'm afraid we can't deny them. I'll try to have our time occupied with touring, alright?"
Ginny stared down at her hands, then nodded. And once again Draco had missed his chance with Ginny.
~*~*~
The rest of the week went by and Ginny had her room back. She was now standing in the room, looking at her reflection. There was to be a Ministry party tonight and Ginny was fitted with a very elegant robe. It was midnight black silk, hugging her waist, and flowin down to her feet. The sleeves were long, and flowing, and her hair was done up in a french twist.
Ginny frowned at her reflection. She pulled at the low neckline, which was just a little too low for her, but which was the style in women's ball robes. But that wasn't what was bothering her.
The whole time she spent in Draco's bed, not once did he ever touch her. By wizarding law, a wife could not deny her husband, and she almost expected Draco to throw that in her face if she refused. But somehow, Ginny hadn't wanted to refuse. And by the time she realized this, she was back in her own room.
"Ready?" A muffled voice came from behind the bathroom door.
The door slowly opened and Draco came through. He stopped dead in his tracks, and gaped at his wife.
"What, what's wrong?" Ginny hoped she hadn't gotten anything on the new robes.
Draco recovered his senses. "You have no jewelry." He pulled his wand from his pocket and suddenly Ginny felt weight around her neck. She looked at the mirror and saw a silver necklace there. At the end was a heart with a diamond in the center.
"It's beautiful." Ginny said, fingering the heart.
"Yes." Draco smiled. "Ok, this blasted party is going to start. We have to leave now."
The car ride to the party was filled with Draco informing Ginny of all the important people that would be there. He warned her against making conversation with his boss's wife.
"She'll talk 'till the stars fall out of the sky." He laughed.
He gave her a rundown on what would happen that night. While the guests were arriving, they would sit and talk in a drawing room. Dinner will be announced, then dancing. Ginny couldn't believe all that was going to stretch into four hours.
"My feet already are tired from the anticipated dancing." Ginny laughed.
"And you, I'm sure, will not have a moments rest. I'll have to beat every guy away from you with a stick." He held her hand in his and squeezed it. "You are beautiful."
Ginny could feel heat rising within her. She raised her eyes to Draco's, and he was looking deep into hers. Ginny's heartbeat quickened as Draco's head came closer to hers. His lips were nearly upon hers when the car suddenly came to a halt and the doors opened. Ginny cursed the driver for stopping, and followed Draco out.
When they entered the room, Ginny had the feeling she was one of the youngest women there. She could spot only two other girls who looked about her age, and the rest were older. She ignored all the turning heads as she entered, and tried to concetrate on not stepping on her robes. Draco seated her near his mother, then walked away to talk with some other men.
"Ladies, this is my daughter-in-law, Virginia." Narcissa said introducing her to the other women around her.
They all looked rich and snobby. Ginny wished she could have gone with Draco, but knew their conversation would not include a woman. She sat and listened to Narcissa's group gossip about every other person there and nearly screamed! That's when dinner was announced.
Draco collected his wife and led her to the dining room. A large rectangular table was set up to seat all the couples. Gold plates were set around the table, and large garlands of flowers were strewn on top. The moment the last person sat, the food appeared on the table.
"Draco." Ginny whisperd to him.
"Hmm?" He said, helping himself to some salade.
"I have too many forks!" She pointed to three forks near her plate.
"No, Ginny, one's a salade fork, the other's a meat fork and the last...well, I think the last is just for looks!" He smiled at her, and began eating.
Ginny decided on mimicking Draco, and helped herself to some salade also.
To say the least, dinner was quite the adventure. She just so happened to be seated next to an old man who had trouble hearing and would insist on Ginny repeating herself at least five times. Across from her was a large woman who's eating habit sickened Ginny. She lost her appetite, and the large woman seemed to have found it and claimed it as her own. But the dancing was by far the best!
It seemed the men practically lined up to dance with Ginny, and she was flattered. There was only one man she didn't wish to dance with again. Lucius Malfoy.
She couldn't put her finger on it, there was just something about him. His oily voice, his slithery hands. He grasped her a little too tightly, and his smile unnerved her. After that dance, she was claimed by someone else.
She managed not to step on anyones feet, and even enjoyed herself. That was until she freshened up in the ladies room. She was enclosed in a little corner which hid her from the rest of the room. She took her shoes off and was rubbing them when the door opened. She was about to make her presence known when they began talking.
"And Mrs. Draco Malfoy! The girl is a terrible flirt! She dancedwith your Albert twice!" One woman said.
"Well, if I could have chained my husband to me, like you, I would have." The two began laughing.
"Oh, dear, she's just a fad. That red hair is new to the aristoractic soiety. No doubt it will go out soon."
"Yes, and I'm sure her husband will think the same way. Did you see him dance with Bianca? Nearly all the dances!"
"Oh, I saw! And to think they were once very passionate about each other. Too bad she had married the oaf Vincent, just to get the money he was to inheirit."
"And what a scandal! The Crabbe fortune had been wasted on You-Know- Who's campaign. Tut-tut."
The women exited, leaving Ginny to drown in their conversation. Who was this Bianca? She hadn't gone to Hogwarts, or Ginny would have remembered her. Is this what Narcissa meant when she said Draco would find other bed companions? Was Draco already sleeping with this woman?
"Is anything wrong?" Draco asked as she sat next to him.
"I feel a headache coming on." Ginny rubbed her head with her hand.
"We'll leave then." And they left immidiately.
~*~*~
Draco had no idea what had happened the short time they were apart at the party. He noticed that her expression changed from happiness to fright when she was dancing with his Father. But Lucius seemed to have that affect on nearly everyone. He made a reach for her hand, but she pulled away.
"Ginny, tell me." Draco's voice had a hint of concern, but for the most part was filled with demanding.
"Tell you what?" She asked meekly.
"What happened! Did someone say something to you? I know how those people can be! They call themselves polite society, but they are far from it. Don't pay attention to them." Draco pleaded.
"I'm fine, I just had a headache." Ginny stared out her window, and gave a sigh of relief when their house came into view. "I'm going to bed."
Ginny was nearly to her room, when Draco grabbed her by the hand.
"Ginny, I don't want you to go to bed with misconceptions in your head!" It seemed he had grabbed her a little too hard, for she recoiled in fear, and backed into her room.
Draco entered her room, and shut the door behind him.
"Don't!" Ginny held her hands out in front of her, as if to shield herself.
"I'm not going to hurt you, I just want an explantion." He sad softly.
"It's nothing." Ginny backed away from him, and was stopped by her bed post. Draco came near her, and she shut her eyes in fear.
"You think I'd hurt you?" He asked, bring his hand up to her chin. "Ginny, I would never hurt you, I just..."
"Well, I don't want to." Ginny said.
"You know you can't refuse me. I could bring this to the Law Keepers."
Ginny nodded her head.
"But I would never do that. I would never push you to do something you didn't want to do."
"What if I'm never ready?" She asked. "Will you find solace in the arms of another?"
"Ah, so now we have the cause of your 'headache.'" Draco smiled. "What gossip have you been hearing?"
"Not gossip." Ginny whispered. "Who's Bianca?"
Draco stepped back in surprise. He certainly hadn't expected this. "Bianca and I were once...close. But she chose her path, and she got what she deserved. She said she had loved me, but it was really my money she was after. Do you know what it's like to love someone and not be loved in return?"
Ginny knew exactly what it was like. She had loved Harry, very truly and very deeply. She recalled their last conversation together. She had gone home for the Christmas Holidays last year and Harry had announced his engagment. She had found him alone soon after and confessed her love, only to be pittied, as if it was a school girl crush.
"I love you, Harry, and I'll love you till the day I die!" She recalled saying.
"Ginny, you'll find someone...trust me. You'll love him so much it'll hurt. And then you'll forget about me."
"I know what it's likes to love." Ginny said, trying to fight back her tears.
"Well then you should be able to feel my pain." Draco left her alone, and as soon as the door closed behind him, she fell onto her bed, and the tears rolled forth. Her emtions were all tossed around in her head, and she didn't know what she felt any more. She hadn't thought about Harry since her wedding, but now he was all there was in her mind. The raven haired boy soon transformed into a blonde, and Ginny cried herself to sleep that night, and woke to find Draco had already left for work.
(A/N: It seems my chapters keep getting longer and longer!!! I'll make a special effort to find time to write. I promise, the next chapter will be EXCITING!!! The trip to France, and an intense scene! For those of you who have read Gone With The Wind will notice some similarities... k, that's it, I guess)
