Chapter Seven:
Packing was no easy task. She had to be prepared for anything! She brought robes for summer heat, cold nights and in between weather. She brought a few new bathing suits she had bought, knowing full well they'd be on a Muggle beach at one point in their journey.
They were to take a large wizard's cruise ship from England down past Spain and into the Medeterranian and land in Southern France. They would spend time on the coast, trapsing through the countryside, a day in Bordeux and two days in Paris. Ginny spent all her extra time reading the French book, and got quite good.
"Ginny! We're going to miss the boat." Draco laughed, coming into the room.
Ginny was going through her trunk one last time, strands of her hair escaping from her pony tale.
"I hope I got everything." Ginny's eyebrows furrowed.
"If you forgot something, we'll just buy you another one, now come on." Draco closed the trunk and ordered the chauffer to bring it down to the car. They were greeted at the docks by Draco's parents.
"This promises to be an exciting time." Lucius said, eyeing Ginny.
Ginny gave a weak smile, then they all boarded the boat. They had double suites, each consisting of a bedroom, small kitchen and sitting area. They both shared a private deck where they could lounge in peace. Connecting the two suites was a door, which Ginny insisted be locked at all times.
"I promise my Mother won't barge in on us." Draco laughed, getting himself a drink.
"It's not your Mother I'm concerned about." Ginny said under her breath.
"They're having dancing tonight...I thought you'd like to go." Draco said, coming over to sit by Ginny, drink in hand. "They're all dressing Muggle style, which ought to be hilarious."
"Oooh, I'll wear my new black dress." Ginny's eyes brightened. She thought she'd never find an occassion to wear the black dress.
"I can't wait." Draco smiled.
"Well, I'm going to change into my bathing suit and go to the pool." Ginny got up and walked to the room.
Her bathing suit was a one piece that was white with orange and green flowers. Her hair was pulled up in a pony tale, and her long legs ended in black sandals. She wrapped a towel around her waist then exited the room.
"Coming?" Ginny asked.
Draco turned to answer, and paused. "I am now!" He quickly changed into some trunks and followed her to the pool. The water was at just the right temperature, and many couples were lounging in chairs, or bobbing up and down in the water. Draco met a few people that had gone to Hogwarts, but not at the same time as her. Draco just sat on a chair while Ginny emerged herself in the pool.
"Good afternoon, son." Lucius sat next to Draco.
"Hello, Father." Draco replied, averting his eyes from Ginny.
"Now aren't you glad I made you marry that Weasley?" Lucius said, his gaze falling on the object of their conversation.
"She's a nice girl." Draco said.
"Ah, I'm sure she is." Lucius laughed. "Your Mother told me you two haven't laid together. You better hurry, son, before she finds someone who'll open her eyes to pleasure."
Draco's face turned red with anger. How dare his Father talk about Ginny like this, front of him!
"Need I remind you, Father, that you are speaking about my wife?" Draco knew his parents didn't share a room for a reason, didn't think he'd follow in their tradition.
"I'm just saying, Draco, you better watch out. She's innocent to the world...someone just might take away her innosence." He began laughing, then walked away.
~*~*~
Ginny looked at her reflectoin appreciatively. She had bought a book in the boutique called 101 Charms For Your Hair. She now had her hair fall to her shoulders in ringlets. her black dress had two inch straps and came down to a low waist line, then flowed to her knees. Her shoes were short heels, with black straps. As she walked out of the room she saw Draco bending over the door knob to the door that connected the two suites.
"What are you doing?" Ginny asked coming closer.
Draco quickly straitened himself. He was wearing a very nice suit of black, with a red rose in his pocket. He seemed to have slipped something in his pants pocket.
"Nothing!" Draco smiled. "You look very beautiful Ginny. Only this time promise me at least ONE dance."
"I can't promise you anything, Draco. First come, first serve."
"I guess I'll have to stick near you all night." He held his arm out to her and they left for the dance.
The dining hall was clear of chairs and tables, and hanging overhead were fairy lights. A live band was playing at one end, and couples were either dancing or mingling. Draco led Ginny to the center of the room and placed her hand on his shoulder, and his hand on her waist.
"See, I get the first dance...only right seeing as I'm your husband."
Ginny's face reddened, but the darkness covered her blush.
Draco leaned his head towards her and breathed deeply. "You smell so good." He said, keeping his head close to hers.
"You do too." Ginny said, taking in his spicy after shave.
"Ginny, I--" Draco was interrupted.
"There you two are! We knocked on your door but there was no answer." Narcissa and Lucius waltz right beside them. "We didn't know you two had left without us."
"Yes, son, bad form." Lucius smiled, a slight curl to his lip.
"We're going to be docking tomorrow morning! I'm excited to go shopping!" Narcissa exclaimed. "We'll have to go together!" Ginny faked a smile.
"Now, now, Narcissa. I believe we were disturbing the happy couple." Lucius laughed, then led Narcissa away.
"Draco, I think I need some water." Ginny's knees began to go weak, and Draco led her to a chair. He returned to her with a glass of water, and sat beside her.
"What's the matter?" Draco asked, putting his arm around her.
"I don't know. I just don't feel well all of a sudden." Ginny wiped away beads of sweat from off her forehead.
"I'll take you back to the room?"
"Yes, please."
Draco let her lean on him all the way to their room. He layed her down on their bed and instantly she fell asleep. Draco placed the back of his hand on her forehead and noticed she had a slight fever. He removed her shoes from her feet and placed the covers around her. Draco hadn't gone to sleep, rather he spent the night reading, ready for when Ginny would awake.
It seemed Ginny had caught a bad fever. She insisted on seeing it through, claiming it would go away in a couple of days. The first few days of the trip, Ginny spent in her room. The ship had docked and the guests were to travel by portkey to different locations, then travel back the same way. Draco absolutely refused to leave Ginny's side.
"Draco, we can have a maid check on her every hour." Narcissa said, wanting Draco to accompany her on her shopping expeditions.
"Mother, I'd rather Ginny wake up to a familiar face."
And for the first three days Ginny lay in bed, Draco sat beside her. He got her water, and food he thougth she'd be able to keep down. Her hair was soaked with sweat and the sheets were drenched. He'd demand that they be changed three times a day. When Ginny woke, she could do no more than smile, then drift back into sleep. Finally, one morning, Ginny awoke and saw Draco sitting in a chair, an open book on his lap, sleeping.
"Draco!" Ginny said just loud enough to wake him.
"Huh?" Draco opened his eyes in confusion, then saw Ginny. "Are you feeling well? You look a lot better."
"Gee, thanks." Ginny laughed. "I'm feeling lots better. I think I'll take a shower."
After her shower Draco had a tray of breakfast ready for her. She ate hungrily as if it was her last meal. Draco admired his wife while she ate. She was in a white bathrobe, her hair held up by a white towel.
"Do you think you'll be able to go out today?" Draco asked.
"I think so." Ginny said, smiling.
"Good, because today we're going to Bordeux. And you know what they're famous for." Draco simled widely.
"What?"
"Wine."
Ginny had never tasted so much wine in her life. Sure, she had a glass every now and then for special family occassions, but this was more wine than she'd had in her entire life put together. The first few tasting tables, Ginny wasn't told she was supposed to spit out the wine. Needless to say she was a little topsy after that. Draco simply laughed at his balance challenged wife.
After Ginny gained most of herself back, they continued to taste wines, and eat cheese. They finished their evening with a large meal and none other than some more wine.
"Draco, I think I'm drunk!" Ginny laughed as they entered their rooms.
"I know, what would your Mother think?" He laughed.
"Oh, please don't tell my Mother." Ginny hiccoughed, then tried to sit down, but missed her chair.
Draco laughed until tears formed at the corners of his eyes. Ginny just stared at him angrily. He helped her up and led her to the room, laying her down. Draco was about to go change when Ginny grabbed him by his collar and forced his lips to touch hers.
Draco knew she was only doing this because she was drunk, but he didn't care. Her lips were so soft, and tasted sweet from the bread they had eaten after their meal. Ginny's hands left his collar and found their way around his back, and she pulled him closer still. His hands made contact with her body, and he was feverishly trying to lift her top off. His bare hands touched her stomach, and Ginny let out a soft groan.
"Draco." She whispered, then something happened. It stopped!
Draco stood up and saw Ginny, asleep. She had a small smile on her lips, but she was decidedly asleep. Draco didn't know whether to laugh or cry! He settled with falling asleep himself.
~*~*~
"Are you sure you'll be ok?" Draco asked Ginny, who was on chair in their private deck.
"Yes, you can go with your friends now." Ginny waved him off, then began reading a book she had.
Draco assumed Ginny had no recollection of the night before, seeing as she was completely normal with him the next morning. He had seen some people he knew the other day, and had made a date to play Quidditch on a special pitch above deck. Ginny had said she wanted to catch up on some French phrases so she'd be ready when they went into Paris later on.
Draco left, and Ginny was finally alone, but not for long.
"Ah, I see we both came out here with the same intent." Lucius said, pulling a chair closer to her. He showed her a book he had, and smiled.
"Hello." Ginny forced a smile, and pulled at her short shorts.
"Isn't the French language romantic?" Lucius commented on her book.
"Yes, it is." Ginny agreed.
"The French could teach us so much. They know when to stop working, how to eat, how to love." Ginny couldn't help but feel this last remark was made towards her. "The French are well known with giving into their desires. I think if we all gave in, we'd find ourselves much happier."
Ginny closed her book, and stood up. "I have a headache, I'm going to lay down. The heat..."
Ginny quickly walked to her room, but before she could close the door, Lucius had forced his way in.
"Do not lie to me, girl." Lucius said, his smile gone. "Why do you run from me?"
"I don't run from you." Ginny tried backing away from him, but found herself stopped by a chair.
Lucius lifted his hand to her face, and ran a finger down her cheek. Ginny felt a cold chill run down her spine. She felt like crying, she felt like running, but her brain wasn't getting through to her legs.
"So young...so beautiful." Lucius smiled.
"St--stop. I'll scream." Ginny threatened.
"I don't think you will." Lucius grabbed Ginny's face by the chin, and pulled it close to his. He licked her cheek, and Ginny started pulling away, but that only made him angry.
"If my son won't show you the way of the world, I will!" Lucius grabbed Ginny's shirt and it ripped down the front, revealing the upper half of her two piece bathing suit. "Ah, little flowers." Lucius said, amused at the pattern.
Ginny's adrenaline was pumping by now, and she took a bold chance. She stomped on his foot, and while he cried out in pain, she kneed him in the groin. She pushed him over, and he fell to the floor. She was about to make a run for it when she too fell. Lucius had grabbed her by the ankle and pulled her down. And now he was on top of her.
"You little wench!" Lucius slapped her, and Ginny felt the stinging pain on her cheek.
Lucius began pulling at her bikini top, but Ginny was trying with all her might to get out from under him, which made Lucius's task much harder. That's when the door opened.
"Ginny?" Draco's voice sounded. "I came back to see if--" Draco stopped at what he saw in front of him.
"Draco, help!" Ginny yelled.
Draco made a mad dash towards his Father and yanked him off of her by the back of his shirt. He didn't think twice before punching him, then pinning him to the wall.
"You bastard!" Draco yelled. "How dare you! How dare you!" Draco slammed Lucius' head into the wall, then turned him around so he was facing him. Draco noticed the damage he had done, but it wasn't enough.
"Draco, stop--" Lucius tried to get out, but his words were greeted with rapid blows to the head.
"I-never-want-to-see-you-near-my-wife-again!" Draco said with each blow. "You got that?"
By now Lucius's face was damaged beyond recognition. Blood was dripping from many cuts, and bruises were sprouting up everywhere. Draco finally let go of his Father and ordered him out of the room before he'd go and get his wand. He turned around and rushed towards Ginny.
"I'm sorry, I should have known." Draco held her in his arms, letting her sob out the whole tale. "I promise you, it will never happen again! I'll kill him!"
"Draco, I was so scared." Ginny sobbed into his chest.
"We'll go home. I'll demand there to be a portkey to London at once! We can find a small flat. I wouldn't step foot on a piece of property owned by that--man!"
"Draco, what about your Mother?" Ginny looked up at him.
"She wouldn't believe me. Even if she did, my Father's been a womanizer his whole life, and my Mother knows it." Draco held her closer, and vowed then that nothing else would harm her. And that's when he realized he loved her.
Packing was no easy task. She had to be prepared for anything! She brought robes for summer heat, cold nights and in between weather. She brought a few new bathing suits she had bought, knowing full well they'd be on a Muggle beach at one point in their journey.
They were to take a large wizard's cruise ship from England down past Spain and into the Medeterranian and land in Southern France. They would spend time on the coast, trapsing through the countryside, a day in Bordeux and two days in Paris. Ginny spent all her extra time reading the French book, and got quite good.
"Ginny! We're going to miss the boat." Draco laughed, coming into the room.
Ginny was going through her trunk one last time, strands of her hair escaping from her pony tale.
"I hope I got everything." Ginny's eyebrows furrowed.
"If you forgot something, we'll just buy you another one, now come on." Draco closed the trunk and ordered the chauffer to bring it down to the car. They were greeted at the docks by Draco's parents.
"This promises to be an exciting time." Lucius said, eyeing Ginny.
Ginny gave a weak smile, then they all boarded the boat. They had double suites, each consisting of a bedroom, small kitchen and sitting area. They both shared a private deck where they could lounge in peace. Connecting the two suites was a door, which Ginny insisted be locked at all times.
"I promise my Mother won't barge in on us." Draco laughed, getting himself a drink.
"It's not your Mother I'm concerned about." Ginny said under her breath.
"They're having dancing tonight...I thought you'd like to go." Draco said, coming over to sit by Ginny, drink in hand. "They're all dressing Muggle style, which ought to be hilarious."
"Oooh, I'll wear my new black dress." Ginny's eyes brightened. She thought she'd never find an occassion to wear the black dress.
"I can't wait." Draco smiled.
"Well, I'm going to change into my bathing suit and go to the pool." Ginny got up and walked to the room.
Her bathing suit was a one piece that was white with orange and green flowers. Her hair was pulled up in a pony tale, and her long legs ended in black sandals. She wrapped a towel around her waist then exited the room.
"Coming?" Ginny asked.
Draco turned to answer, and paused. "I am now!" He quickly changed into some trunks and followed her to the pool. The water was at just the right temperature, and many couples were lounging in chairs, or bobbing up and down in the water. Draco met a few people that had gone to Hogwarts, but not at the same time as her. Draco just sat on a chair while Ginny emerged herself in the pool.
"Good afternoon, son." Lucius sat next to Draco.
"Hello, Father." Draco replied, averting his eyes from Ginny.
"Now aren't you glad I made you marry that Weasley?" Lucius said, his gaze falling on the object of their conversation.
"She's a nice girl." Draco said.
"Ah, I'm sure she is." Lucius laughed. "Your Mother told me you two haven't laid together. You better hurry, son, before she finds someone who'll open her eyes to pleasure."
Draco's face turned red with anger. How dare his Father talk about Ginny like this, front of him!
"Need I remind you, Father, that you are speaking about my wife?" Draco knew his parents didn't share a room for a reason, didn't think he'd follow in their tradition.
"I'm just saying, Draco, you better watch out. She's innocent to the world...someone just might take away her innosence." He began laughing, then walked away.
~*~*~
Ginny looked at her reflectoin appreciatively. She had bought a book in the boutique called 101 Charms For Your Hair. She now had her hair fall to her shoulders in ringlets. her black dress had two inch straps and came down to a low waist line, then flowed to her knees. Her shoes were short heels, with black straps. As she walked out of the room she saw Draco bending over the door knob to the door that connected the two suites.
"What are you doing?" Ginny asked coming closer.
Draco quickly straitened himself. He was wearing a very nice suit of black, with a red rose in his pocket. He seemed to have slipped something in his pants pocket.
"Nothing!" Draco smiled. "You look very beautiful Ginny. Only this time promise me at least ONE dance."
"I can't promise you anything, Draco. First come, first serve."
"I guess I'll have to stick near you all night." He held his arm out to her and they left for the dance.
The dining hall was clear of chairs and tables, and hanging overhead were fairy lights. A live band was playing at one end, and couples were either dancing or mingling. Draco led Ginny to the center of the room and placed her hand on his shoulder, and his hand on her waist.
"See, I get the first dance...only right seeing as I'm your husband."
Ginny's face reddened, but the darkness covered her blush.
Draco leaned his head towards her and breathed deeply. "You smell so good." He said, keeping his head close to hers.
"You do too." Ginny said, taking in his spicy after shave.
"Ginny, I--" Draco was interrupted.
"There you two are! We knocked on your door but there was no answer." Narcissa and Lucius waltz right beside them. "We didn't know you two had left without us."
"Yes, son, bad form." Lucius smiled, a slight curl to his lip.
"We're going to be docking tomorrow morning! I'm excited to go shopping!" Narcissa exclaimed. "We'll have to go together!" Ginny faked a smile.
"Now, now, Narcissa. I believe we were disturbing the happy couple." Lucius laughed, then led Narcissa away.
"Draco, I think I need some water." Ginny's knees began to go weak, and Draco led her to a chair. He returned to her with a glass of water, and sat beside her.
"What's the matter?" Draco asked, putting his arm around her.
"I don't know. I just don't feel well all of a sudden." Ginny wiped away beads of sweat from off her forehead.
"I'll take you back to the room?"
"Yes, please."
Draco let her lean on him all the way to their room. He layed her down on their bed and instantly she fell asleep. Draco placed the back of his hand on her forehead and noticed she had a slight fever. He removed her shoes from her feet and placed the covers around her. Draco hadn't gone to sleep, rather he spent the night reading, ready for when Ginny would awake.
It seemed Ginny had caught a bad fever. She insisted on seeing it through, claiming it would go away in a couple of days. The first few days of the trip, Ginny spent in her room. The ship had docked and the guests were to travel by portkey to different locations, then travel back the same way. Draco absolutely refused to leave Ginny's side.
"Draco, we can have a maid check on her every hour." Narcissa said, wanting Draco to accompany her on her shopping expeditions.
"Mother, I'd rather Ginny wake up to a familiar face."
And for the first three days Ginny lay in bed, Draco sat beside her. He got her water, and food he thougth she'd be able to keep down. Her hair was soaked with sweat and the sheets were drenched. He'd demand that they be changed three times a day. When Ginny woke, she could do no more than smile, then drift back into sleep. Finally, one morning, Ginny awoke and saw Draco sitting in a chair, an open book on his lap, sleeping.
"Draco!" Ginny said just loud enough to wake him.
"Huh?" Draco opened his eyes in confusion, then saw Ginny. "Are you feeling well? You look a lot better."
"Gee, thanks." Ginny laughed. "I'm feeling lots better. I think I'll take a shower."
After her shower Draco had a tray of breakfast ready for her. She ate hungrily as if it was her last meal. Draco admired his wife while she ate. She was in a white bathrobe, her hair held up by a white towel.
"Do you think you'll be able to go out today?" Draco asked.
"I think so." Ginny said, smiling.
"Good, because today we're going to Bordeux. And you know what they're famous for." Draco simled widely.
"What?"
"Wine."
Ginny had never tasted so much wine in her life. Sure, she had a glass every now and then for special family occassions, but this was more wine than she'd had in her entire life put together. The first few tasting tables, Ginny wasn't told she was supposed to spit out the wine. Needless to say she was a little topsy after that. Draco simply laughed at his balance challenged wife.
After Ginny gained most of herself back, they continued to taste wines, and eat cheese. They finished their evening with a large meal and none other than some more wine.
"Draco, I think I'm drunk!" Ginny laughed as they entered their rooms.
"I know, what would your Mother think?" He laughed.
"Oh, please don't tell my Mother." Ginny hiccoughed, then tried to sit down, but missed her chair.
Draco laughed until tears formed at the corners of his eyes. Ginny just stared at him angrily. He helped her up and led her to the room, laying her down. Draco was about to go change when Ginny grabbed him by his collar and forced his lips to touch hers.
Draco knew she was only doing this because she was drunk, but he didn't care. Her lips were so soft, and tasted sweet from the bread they had eaten after their meal. Ginny's hands left his collar and found their way around his back, and she pulled him closer still. His hands made contact with her body, and he was feverishly trying to lift her top off. His bare hands touched her stomach, and Ginny let out a soft groan.
"Draco." She whispered, then something happened. It stopped!
Draco stood up and saw Ginny, asleep. She had a small smile on her lips, but she was decidedly asleep. Draco didn't know whether to laugh or cry! He settled with falling asleep himself.
~*~*~
"Are you sure you'll be ok?" Draco asked Ginny, who was on chair in their private deck.
"Yes, you can go with your friends now." Ginny waved him off, then began reading a book she had.
Draco assumed Ginny had no recollection of the night before, seeing as she was completely normal with him the next morning. He had seen some people he knew the other day, and had made a date to play Quidditch on a special pitch above deck. Ginny had said she wanted to catch up on some French phrases so she'd be ready when they went into Paris later on.
Draco left, and Ginny was finally alone, but not for long.
"Ah, I see we both came out here with the same intent." Lucius said, pulling a chair closer to her. He showed her a book he had, and smiled.
"Hello." Ginny forced a smile, and pulled at her short shorts.
"Isn't the French language romantic?" Lucius commented on her book.
"Yes, it is." Ginny agreed.
"The French could teach us so much. They know when to stop working, how to eat, how to love." Ginny couldn't help but feel this last remark was made towards her. "The French are well known with giving into their desires. I think if we all gave in, we'd find ourselves much happier."
Ginny closed her book, and stood up. "I have a headache, I'm going to lay down. The heat..."
Ginny quickly walked to her room, but before she could close the door, Lucius had forced his way in.
"Do not lie to me, girl." Lucius said, his smile gone. "Why do you run from me?"
"I don't run from you." Ginny tried backing away from him, but found herself stopped by a chair.
Lucius lifted his hand to her face, and ran a finger down her cheek. Ginny felt a cold chill run down her spine. She felt like crying, she felt like running, but her brain wasn't getting through to her legs.
"So young...so beautiful." Lucius smiled.
"St--stop. I'll scream." Ginny threatened.
"I don't think you will." Lucius grabbed Ginny's face by the chin, and pulled it close to his. He licked her cheek, and Ginny started pulling away, but that only made him angry.
"If my son won't show you the way of the world, I will!" Lucius grabbed Ginny's shirt and it ripped down the front, revealing the upper half of her two piece bathing suit. "Ah, little flowers." Lucius said, amused at the pattern.
Ginny's adrenaline was pumping by now, and she took a bold chance. She stomped on his foot, and while he cried out in pain, she kneed him in the groin. She pushed him over, and he fell to the floor. She was about to make a run for it when she too fell. Lucius had grabbed her by the ankle and pulled her down. And now he was on top of her.
"You little wench!" Lucius slapped her, and Ginny felt the stinging pain on her cheek.
Lucius began pulling at her bikini top, but Ginny was trying with all her might to get out from under him, which made Lucius's task much harder. That's when the door opened.
"Ginny?" Draco's voice sounded. "I came back to see if--" Draco stopped at what he saw in front of him.
"Draco, help!" Ginny yelled.
Draco made a mad dash towards his Father and yanked him off of her by the back of his shirt. He didn't think twice before punching him, then pinning him to the wall.
"You bastard!" Draco yelled. "How dare you! How dare you!" Draco slammed Lucius' head into the wall, then turned him around so he was facing him. Draco noticed the damage he had done, but it wasn't enough.
"Draco, stop--" Lucius tried to get out, but his words were greeted with rapid blows to the head.
"I-never-want-to-see-you-near-my-wife-again!" Draco said with each blow. "You got that?"
By now Lucius's face was damaged beyond recognition. Blood was dripping from many cuts, and bruises were sprouting up everywhere. Draco finally let go of his Father and ordered him out of the room before he'd go and get his wand. He turned around and rushed towards Ginny.
"I'm sorry, I should have known." Draco held her in his arms, letting her sob out the whole tale. "I promise you, it will never happen again! I'll kill him!"
"Draco, I was so scared." Ginny sobbed into his chest.
"We'll go home. I'll demand there to be a portkey to London at once! We can find a small flat. I wouldn't step foot on a piece of property owned by that--man!"
"Draco, what about your Mother?" Ginny looked up at him.
"She wouldn't believe me. Even if she did, my Father's been a womanizer his whole life, and my Mother knows it." Draco held her closer, and vowed then that nothing else would harm her. And that's when he realized he loved her.
