Disclaimer: JK Rowling is the genius here! It's all her characters, her
brilliance! I just concocted this story in my head! Obviously no $$$ is
being made. (
It's a Saturday afternoon and I have to type 20 pages worth of the story from my notebook! My hands are going to hurt...eek.
On with part 3!
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The car whizzed from the garage and took off into the air. Within a few seconds London was out of sight behind them.
"Do ya mind if I put on some music? You like The Beatles, right?" Ginny said as she popped in a muggle CD. The opening chords of "Penny Lane" burst through her sound system. "I LOVE THIS SONG!" Ginny squealed and started singing along with the music. Draco couldn't help but join in, Ginny's infectious reaction to music was hilarious. She was bopping her head around, her hair, which she'd took down earlier, was bouncing wildly around. Her voice was like that of a siren, as sweet as the coo of a dove. By the time the song was over, both were singing at the top of their lungs, Ginny in her sweet soprano range, Draco in a low, clear tenor.
"The Beatles can brighten any day, don't ya think, Ginny?" Draco said as "Let It Be" started on the car's. They lightly hummed the tune as they came upon the Malfoy Manor.
"We're here! Where should I park this thing?" She said to Draco as they car hovered above the enormous Manor.
"Why not in that new garage mother had built for her cars. It's right over there." Ginny followed his pointed finger to the wooden building. She touched down with a bump and slowly drove it inside the garage, which housed about 5 expensive cars. Draco took her bag out of the car and they walked out of the garage. Ginny was confused as to where to go.
"Should we walk to the front? Are there back doors to manors?" Ginny questioned.
"Of course there are! Follow me, we'll go through the kitchen and have some dinner before going up to the room you'll be using." He said over his shoulder as he walked, Ginny following. He guided her into the manor's kitchen, where a fleet of house elves were busy at work, some bringing up hard liquor and wine from the cellar below, others carrying glasses. As they entered, Theodore, their tall portly, butler approached them. "Master Draco, Miss Weasley." He bowed his head in respect. "Madame Malfoy has a message for both of you."
"Yes, Theodore, what is it?" Draco asked.
"She said to eat dinner soon. She had to go to London to take care of a few things for tonight. Apparently there was a mishap with a charm and she left in a hurry. Anyway, Draco, your purchases today have been unloaded and taken care of in your room. Miss Weasley, the house elves will bring your bag up to your room. Madame Malfoy has requested that you use The Rose Room, in the West wing. When you finish your dinner, I'll show you to the room." Theodore said stiffly.
"I guess my mom REALLY liked you, that's the nicest room in the manor. Not to mention in our private wing." Draco informed her. "Thank you Theodore, but I'll take her myself."
"As you wish, Master Draco." He said, turned, and walked calmly out of the kitchen. A cluster of house elves swarmed Ginny's bag from where it was resting next to Draco's feet.
"Oh.wait.I can get it.." Ginny said trying to get their attention but they'd already had disappeared. "This is so strange, having servants do everything. Wasn't it boring growing up like this?" She looked up at Draco.
He laughed and said "That's how I was raised. I thought it completely foreign to clean up after myself and carry things and such." He said and guided her to the table in the corner of the kitchen, "I did a little at Hogwarts but at home it was back to having a complete staff. It wasn't until I was out on my own that I was entirely independent. To tell you the truth I'm still re-adjusting to this treatment as well. I feel guilty seeing all the house elves, I would torment them all which I was a child, I'd pull pranks on them and frame them for things I'd do. Yet still they treat me the same now." He said as steamy plates of chicken parmesan were presented in front of them. Ginny placed her napkin on her lap and began the appetizing dinner. "See?" he bent over in his chair to the small elf and the other behind her carrying a large box of wineglasses and politely said, "Thank you, Tilly. And does Lindy need any assistance with that box she's carrying?"
"Oh no, Master Draco doesn't need to help the house elves. We is fine. Master Draco and his lady friend Miss Virginia Weasley will eat their dinner." She said meekly and left in a hurry.
Draco turned back to Ginny who was picking at her food. "Doesn't my lady friend Miss Virginia Weasley like her dinner?" He joked.
Ginny laughed and replied, "Oh it's delicious its just that I'm not too hungry, our lunch filled me up. I can't eat anymore."
"I'm not too hungry either. I'll only have a few bites maybe." The two picked at their food for a few more minutes before finishing, both feeling guilty for letting it go to waste. "What do you say I bring you over to the wing you'll be staying in. Bring you to the greenhouse maybe?" He smiled at her.
"You have a GREENHOUSE?! Oh I'd love to see it! If it's not too much trouble!" She was bursting with excitement.
"Lets go then." He got up and urbanely offered his arm. She got out of her seat and soon they were walked together, arms entwined, down an long hallway.
"Are you sure your mother wants me seeing her private wing?" Ginny asked meekly.
"Well its quite obvious she really likes you. She is letting you use her favorite guest room, the only one in her wing. I can't even remember the last time she had anyone use it, sometimes I would actually. It's a very soothing room." He continued.
"Your mother lives in her own wing?" Ginny was so confused when it came to aristocrat things.
"Oh no, it was added to the house, its almost a hideaway from the rest of the house. But no, my mother still lives in her old bedroom which is near my room. When I was a child, my mother insisted on having their bedroom be close to mine so she could be closer when I slept. I had awful nightmares and usually had insomnia for most of my childhood so she always wanted to be nearby. Even though she could have just apparated from somewhere else, she always insisted that if magic ever failed, she could always get to me." Ginny listened intently as she looked at all the grand paintings, between them stone pillars with bowls of flames, illuminating the hallway. Each painting was a portrait of aristocrats, she guessed they were all Malfoys, as most held the characteristics of Lucius and Draco.
"Really? I had trouble sleeping when I was a child too. Lucky for me my parents and 6 brothers just feet away in the Burrow." She said as she recalled the sleepless nights that plagued her childhood.
"My room has always been cold and dark, I've never really been that comfortable in it. So I'd come to my mother's wing and curl up in a chair to sleep. It was partially because my father never went in that wing, he hated it. I suspect he never really even saw it. It was much better that way." He felt so comfortable with her at that moment. He'd never expected to ever tell anyone such personal information.
Ginny looked up at him in admiration. "You are such an amazing person, Draco Malfoy. And anyone who doesn't recognize that, doesn't really see you. You should know that." She stated as their eyes locked.
"And you're not too bad yourself, Virginia. And I'm very proud to call you a friend." They smiled at each other as the two realized they had come to the end of the hallway where a larger-than-life painting hung on the wall. It was a family portrait of Lucius, looking as always very regal and snobby, Narcissa looking glamorous, and a very young Draco sitting at the feet of his standing father and sitting mother. He looked to be about 3 or 4, in an adorable light blue robe.
"Oh Draco, you were so CUTE! Look at you!" Ginny was so amused she was gushing. "In your little blue robe and awwwww Draco, your cute little boy haircut! I must say I have never seen a more adorable child!"
"Stop! I looked so silly as a child, Look at my hair! It's awful!" He was so embarrassed by the portrait.
"Draco, your hair isn't that great now!" She poked him in his side teasingly.
"Hey little missy, do you want to see this wing or not. I could always give you a guest room in the dungeons!" He joked. "Fine, I'll be nice and show you..this way." He smiled at her and turned her to the left to face a set of large double doors. "La Fleur Cachée" he said and waited for the door to open.
"It's French. The Hidden Flower." She looked up at Draco, having easily translated the French password.
"Now you know the password. Come inside." He guided her into to enormous room. Ginny could barely breathe, she'd never seen anything so beautiful. The grand room, which had to be as large as the Grand Hall at Hogwarts, was decorated in the whites and creams but vast amounts flower arrangements and floral artwork accentuated the wing. Every flower was in full bloom and their shades were vibrant and vivid. Their were huge full-length windows overlooking the back of the estate on one side. Plush but formal and stylish furniture was set up throughout the room.
"Draco. I can barely speak, this is so beautiful." She looked up at him as they walked through the room, Ginny trying to take in everything.
"Told you it's a very soothing place. Now you have to see the greenhouse. It's not really a place to grow potted plants but rather our own year-round garden. I can spend entire days in our greenhouse. You'll see why." He brought her to a glass door at the end of the enormous room, flanked by 2 large marble staircases to the upstairs of the wing behind her, where she presumed she'd be staying. Draco pushed her forward, she turn her head straight, away from the upstairs behind her to see the closest she'd ever come to an Eden. She could not yet see the entire garden but what she saw was once again, breathtaking. It was a lush, garden, filled with plants. She was guided quickly through the greenhouse by Draco, going deeper and deeper, Ginny discovering small patio areas and small water displays. Glints of fairies whizzed around the small footpaths. She heard the soothing bubbling of a stream and she noticed small wooden bridges covering a stream that snaked around the garden. Draco pulled her through the narrow, winding, cobblestone pathway, through covered sections and hills filled densely with bright flowers and plants of all varieties, many that looked like they belonged in the rainforests or the exotic gardens of India. He brought her to a clearing at the end of their greenhouse garden, which she realized was at least double the size of the wing indoors. There was a small fishpond where streams emptied with a gorgeous waterfall behind it, flowering vines growing behind it. Ginny had studied gardening while training and never had she seen anything as magnificent and detailed in her life. She couldn't believe she was inside, everything about this place was so perfect. She never expected a place like this to be in Malfoy Manor. Flowers and pathways surrounded a large patio with furniture which was overlooking a wall of glass. Draco pulled her over a wooden footbridge to the patio, "Follow me! This is the best time of day to come!"
"How is this place not in every gardening publication in the world!?"
"Because no one ever come in, we never invite anyone." He said as they walked down to the patio.
"And.you brought...ME?." Ginny said quietly in disbelief. She felt ecstatic that he'd felt her worthy of something so precious and private.
"I wanted you to see this. I don't think I've ever met someone besides my mother who'd appreciate the beauty of seeing this. And it's even better when you can sit down at this time of the day and watch the sun set. It's my favorite thing to do." He said, grabbing her hand and bringing her to a rocking loveseat bench. "Please, sit." He said as he sat down on the soft cushion. She sat down and pulled her legs up on the seat. Draco lightly began to rock the bench with his foot. The atmosphere in the greenhouse was thick, relaxing, and fragrant. Draco looked over at Ginny who was gazing at the rich colorful sky. Her deep auburn hair cascading in loose curls down her back in long layers. The colors of the sunset were reflecting on her hair and brightened her eyes, almost making her have a glow. He broke the silence, "I come out here all the time, to watch sunsets. Of all the places I visited, no view beats this one. I guess there's nothing like home."
"If I had this, I don't think I'd leave. Sunsets always are the most beautiful views, especially if you share it with someone you care about."
Draco could only smile back at her, both somewhat tongue-tied. He looked down at his feet, making his long hair fall into his face, shielding his eyes and expression from Ginny's view. She laughed at him and gently lifted her petite hands to his face and tucked his blond hair behind his ears. A feeling of ecstasy ran through Draco's body at the sensation of her touch.
"Now I can see you. That hair of yours..." she rolled her eyes at him. Both exchanged joking smiles.
Approaching footsteps startled both of them, making each shoot back their heads to see Theodore. "I'm sorry to interrupt but I was instructed to make sure everything was going according to schedule by Madame Malfoy."
"Oh my goodness, Theodore you're correct. Draco we'd better go, I need to get you ready!" Ginny got up and frantically checked her watch.
Draco shot up off the seat. "Hold my hand, we'll apparate to your room. It's quicker. Just hold very tight ok?" He took her hand and intertwined their arms and fingers. Within seconds they were outside the door to her room, on the open hallway of the upstairs of the wing, it overlooked the main room downstairs through which she and Draco had entered earlier. The double doors to her room where flanked by two tables, both with large vases of 40 pale pink roses arranged in each of them.
"Your room, miss" Draco opened the door, as a bellhop would at a ritzy hotel.
Ginny walked into the spacious room. It was decorated much like the downstairs grand room of the wing but this had a much more cozy, less formal, more romantic warmth to it. Everything in the bedroom looked fluffy, decorated with creamy off-whites and shades of red and pink for pillows and accessories. Resting on the king size bed was her change of clothes. Her gown, still in it's garment bag, was hanging inside the otherwise empty closet. The vanity, near the closed bathroom door, had all her 'girl things' laid out, all the make up neatly lined up and her hair care things along with a few face towels in the center.
"Draco, this is just too much! I feel like I'm intruding!" Ginny said in a guilty voice.
"How can you be intruding if my mother OFFERED. She wants you to use this room and sleep here tonight. Just look at this little note she left!" Ginny picked the small note out of Draco's hand, which he'd pick up off the table near the bed.
Virginia-
I'm sorry I couldn't be there this evening to greet you two but I'm sure Draco will show you around our wing. Make sure he takes you into the greenhouse if he hasn't already. I hope you like this room up here, it's my personal favorite. You will of course be spending the night, correct? It would be far too late for you to leave after the party! I'll be seeing you this evening, I'll make sure to stop by.
Thanks again,
Narcissa Malfoy
Ginny put the note back down. And noticed Draco head for the door. "Ya know I think I'm going to go get ready for the party..I'll see you in a little while." He said as she tried to escape. Ginny wasn't letting his sly ways win.
"HOLD IT RIGHT THERE, MISTER! I'm not finished with my job for today! Don't think I'm letting you off so easily!" Ginny scolded him.
"I almost escaped.. You were in the perfect moment of elation! Next time, Weasley, next time."
"Very funny, Draco." She gave him an exaggerated condescending look. "I thought we weren't going to argue over this. Now you're going to go take a shower because I need your hair wet to cut it bathroom sinks are not deep enough. And don't even think about being a grump about it. You're a grown man. Can I trust you to return if you go back to the shower in your room?" She said in a maternal tone.
"Of course I can be trusted. I am old enough so you won't have to chase me like a child around the house. I'll return in approximately 10 minutes." He said trying to sound respectable.
"Fine then. But take this conditioner and use it in the shower after you shampoo. I need to be able to get a comb through that hair of yours before I cut it." She handed him a bottle of Paul Mitchell conditioner off the vanity table. "I'll be ready for you when you return." She replied and Draco apparated out of the room.
Ginny went over to the vanity and took a hair elastic and put her thick hair into a high ponytail. She took off the skirt she'd worn all day and slipped into her casual pair of dark denim bootcut jeans and a fresh black zip-up jumper.
"Well I better set up before he gets back!" Ginny started talking to herself, which had always been an embarrassing habit. She opened the door to a stunning bathroom. It was a huge open room, in the far left corner was a large shower, in against the wall on the right side of the room was a large Jacuzzi tub, with marble stairs going up to it, creating a ledge around it where candles and flowers adorned the edge. Between the shower and tub, in the far right corner was the sink with a grand mirror behind it. Various soaps were neatly scattered about the bathroom, Expensive unopened shampoos and conditioners were on a small seat in the shower and also in a basket next to the tub. Across from the tub on the left wall was a table with a huge vase of roses. Next to it was a wooden attendant's chair. She took the chair and positioned in the middle of the room, in the open space between the tub and the table. She carefully took the large vase of flowers and placed them on the thick marble ledge of the tub and set out a white towel on the table, not wanting anything wet to ruin the finish of the wood. She carefully laid out all her supplies: combs, scissors of different sizes, clips, little pots, bottles and tubes of hair products. When it came to situations like these, she always had to have everything tidy and orderly. She opened a closet that was to the right of the large tub, near the entrance to the main room to find towels. She took out a large towel and neatly set it on the chair. She checked her watch. "Ok Draco should be returning soon...anytime now..yup..HURRY UP, DRACO!" She yelled to herself. She took a seat on the marble steps surrounding the tub as Draco appeared at the door. She popped out of her relaxed position and stood back up as she took a good look at him. He was wearing a clean pair of jeans and a tight white mens' tank top as an undershirt, showing his broad shoulders and toned arms. Ginny felt her cheeks go red as her eyes instinctively scanned his torso. She could see his large chest and abs through the tight tank he was wearing. He had towel tried his hair but it hung , stringy and damp around his head and shoulders. "Well are going to just bloody stand there? Sit down in the chair!" Ginny ordered. He slowly went over to the chair as if he was walking to his death.
Draco's stomach was in knots. Memories of his childhood came whizzing back. He'd always had a phobia of haircuts, ever since he was very small. It was something Narcissa would talk about with over tea with her friends 'oh little Draco threw such a fit the other day when we took him to get his hair cut!' and 'Lucius had to step in and force Draco to cut his hair!'..He got the familiar queasy sensation as Ginny stood about 5 feet away, leaning back on her knees looking at him. She easily read the emotions that were plastered on Draco's face. "Don't look so nervous Draco, I know your type. Let me guess, you used to throw fits as a child and your parents would cut your hair against your will and then through the rest of your life you've gotten nervous and tried to avoid cutting your hair." She stated.
"Well maybe I don't want to cut my hair. Maybe I'm just pissed of at my mother for doing this to me. I'm 21 years old and I should be able to decide for myself!" He snapped at her.
"I think there's more to it than that. I've never seen you look so vulerable. It's almost disturbing, Draco."
"Maybe I'm just apprehensive about tonight, and that I'll be feeding into my mother's wishes for me that aren't going to happen."
"Will you stop snapping at me! If you are REALLY that adamant about not cutting your hair I won't do it. You're old enough that you can decide for yourself, I'll just go explain it to your mother and get her to understand." She turned towards the door.
"Wait. Ginny. Just listen to me for a second. I want your opinion." Draco asked softly.
"Then tell me."
"I think I'm scared that if I go tonight, if I become this perfect son in the eyes of my mother, I will be going against who I am. I don't want to be my father, and by living this life again, that my mother wants for me, I will end up extremely unhappy."
"You are over-dramatizing. You are thinking of returning home as a death sentence. Only YOU can become that person you don't want to be. Living here again, with your mother, doesn't have to be what it was. It's not some sort of relapse, it's a new chapter in your life story. Your first chapters were angst-ridden, the last chapter was introspective and exciting, and now you have to begin the next chapter. The only way this will be a good chapter is if you have an open mind. To me you sound like you're afraid to do what you want because of your mother. She loves you so much and from what I've seen, she's changed a lot too. Maybe this is the beginning of growth for the both of you."
"If she's changed so much why did she want to throw me this party?"
"Because she wants you to be happy. Talk to people, become social again. She's still confused too. It must have been pretty lonely for her, ya know? Her husband is sentenced to life in Azkaban, her son leaves home abruptly after fighting against his father, leaving her here. She wants her son back. He's here but she barely knows him."
"I guess you're right, Ginny."
"Now do I have to go talk to your mother or not?" She questioned.
"No. I'm ready. Like you said, it's time for a change. It's just hair anyway." He faked a smile and tried to look brave. Ginny fastened the towel around his neck and pinned the ends together in the back.
"Relax, sweetheart. Trust me. I know what I'm doing." Ginny said as she picked up a comb off her little work table she'd set up. She lightly combed through his damp, blond hair which was silky from the cream rinse she'd insisted he use in the shower.
She reached over and picked up a shiny pair of narrow scissors. Draco bit his lip in anxiety. She put her hand on his shoulder and whispered in his ear "Relax. You'll be fine. I'm just going to cut off the length first. No big deal." She combed all the long hair into her palm and with a few quick snips about 6 inches had fallen to the floor. "Was that so bad?" She laughed.
"Stop making fun of me and cut!" Draco growled. Ginny started cutting off most of the length, creating piles of blond hair on the floor. "How much are you cutting off?!" He said as he glanced at the piles on the floor.
"Keep your head straight! And I promise you'll look so handsome!" She sweetly cooed to him as she continued combing and cutting away. Each little snip rang in his head. As she cut against his neck shivers ran down his spine.
She moved to the front and started cutting. She would take the now short pieces and comb them between her fingers and snip downwards. "Ginny, its too short!" He said as he rolled his eyes up to see what she was doing.
"Quit whining. I'm cutting it so you actually look like an adult for a change. Even when you were at Hogwarts you had this little boy haircut. Don't you think it's time you looked like you should be taken seriously?" Ginny said as she did a few finishing touches.
"Yeah, I guess." He said quietly.
"Well I'm finished cutting. But don't get up, there's one more thing." She ran her hands through his hair quickly to get any shorn pieces of hair out of his hair. She grabbed her wand, stood back and pointed it in Draco's general direction and said "Nonhirsutum", a simple cleaning charm, and the piles of hair on the floor and Draco's shoulders and chest disappeared. Ginny unclipped the towel and said "Just one more thing, don't get up yet!" She took a fresh comb, made a side part then took a little container of pomade and rubbed a little in her palms.
"What are you putting in my hair!?" Draco said nervously. He had never really liked hair products that much.
"It's just pomade. Calm down. It's to add more texture." She gently rubbed the pomade through his short hair and then brushed it back and pushed a few strands into place. "Finished!" She pulled him out of the chair and over towards the mirror. "Take a look!" She instructed.
Draco didn't recognize himself. He was just staring at the person in the mirror. "Whoa" was all he could say. She had cut it short, alright. It was a little longer on top and got shorter. It was parted on the side and combed sideways except for a few pieces of short blond hair fell halfway down his forehead. He looked at himself, his short hair indeed made him look more mature and handsome. It also made him look taller and more masculine but not too over-done. Very soft and natural looking.
"You'll get used to it." Ginny chimed in. She stood up on her toes and gently ran her fingers above his ears, making the short hairs brush back a bit. "Not to boast but I think it looks far better than before, Draco. Do you like it?" She asked quietly.
"Yes, I do. You were right. I think it's an improvement. I still have to get used to my hair being so short." He ran his fingers through his shorn hair, he was used to having a lot to hold on to, now the longest pieces on top and in front were only about 2 inches. "I feel kind of naked, Ginny." He laughed down at her, who was looking at Draco's reflection.
"Well you sure do look very handsome. Why don't you go dress yourself. I'll see you in a little while, Draco."
"Alright, I'll see you later." He said as he turned to the door, wanting to walk back to his room. "One more thing Ginny."
She looked back at him as she started putting the vase back on the table. "Yes?"
"Thank you for everything. You've done an exceptional job today. Your agency is very fortunate to have such a talented employee." He said sweetly as they walk walked through the door to her bedroom.
"You're welcome, Draco. I can't say I've ever had a better work day." She replied with equal honesty and watched him softly shut the door to the Rose Room.
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So sorry to stop it there, I was planning to only have 4 chapters in the fic but I think it will end up being 5. I had to take a break so I decided to stop it there. I was going do to a little more before the party but that shall be in the next chapter. Sorry to disappoint anyone but I've been handwriting then typing this story for probably a good 20+ hours this weekend.
I'd like to give special thanks to kayla because she reads my chapters of my fics and gives me her opinion beforehand. Thank you some much, love you lots. (
PLEASE REVIEW!
It's a Saturday afternoon and I have to type 20 pages worth of the story from my notebook! My hands are going to hurt...eek.
On with part 3!
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The car whizzed from the garage and took off into the air. Within a few seconds London was out of sight behind them.
"Do ya mind if I put on some music? You like The Beatles, right?" Ginny said as she popped in a muggle CD. The opening chords of "Penny Lane" burst through her sound system. "I LOVE THIS SONG!" Ginny squealed and started singing along with the music. Draco couldn't help but join in, Ginny's infectious reaction to music was hilarious. She was bopping her head around, her hair, which she'd took down earlier, was bouncing wildly around. Her voice was like that of a siren, as sweet as the coo of a dove. By the time the song was over, both were singing at the top of their lungs, Ginny in her sweet soprano range, Draco in a low, clear tenor.
"The Beatles can brighten any day, don't ya think, Ginny?" Draco said as "Let It Be" started on the car's. They lightly hummed the tune as they came upon the Malfoy Manor.
"We're here! Where should I park this thing?" She said to Draco as they car hovered above the enormous Manor.
"Why not in that new garage mother had built for her cars. It's right over there." Ginny followed his pointed finger to the wooden building. She touched down with a bump and slowly drove it inside the garage, which housed about 5 expensive cars. Draco took her bag out of the car and they walked out of the garage. Ginny was confused as to where to go.
"Should we walk to the front? Are there back doors to manors?" Ginny questioned.
"Of course there are! Follow me, we'll go through the kitchen and have some dinner before going up to the room you'll be using." He said over his shoulder as he walked, Ginny following. He guided her into the manor's kitchen, where a fleet of house elves were busy at work, some bringing up hard liquor and wine from the cellar below, others carrying glasses. As they entered, Theodore, their tall portly, butler approached them. "Master Draco, Miss Weasley." He bowed his head in respect. "Madame Malfoy has a message for both of you."
"Yes, Theodore, what is it?" Draco asked.
"She said to eat dinner soon. She had to go to London to take care of a few things for tonight. Apparently there was a mishap with a charm and she left in a hurry. Anyway, Draco, your purchases today have been unloaded and taken care of in your room. Miss Weasley, the house elves will bring your bag up to your room. Madame Malfoy has requested that you use The Rose Room, in the West wing. When you finish your dinner, I'll show you to the room." Theodore said stiffly.
"I guess my mom REALLY liked you, that's the nicest room in the manor. Not to mention in our private wing." Draco informed her. "Thank you Theodore, but I'll take her myself."
"As you wish, Master Draco." He said, turned, and walked calmly out of the kitchen. A cluster of house elves swarmed Ginny's bag from where it was resting next to Draco's feet.
"Oh.wait.I can get it.." Ginny said trying to get their attention but they'd already had disappeared. "This is so strange, having servants do everything. Wasn't it boring growing up like this?" She looked up at Draco.
He laughed and said "That's how I was raised. I thought it completely foreign to clean up after myself and carry things and such." He said and guided her to the table in the corner of the kitchen, "I did a little at Hogwarts but at home it was back to having a complete staff. It wasn't until I was out on my own that I was entirely independent. To tell you the truth I'm still re-adjusting to this treatment as well. I feel guilty seeing all the house elves, I would torment them all which I was a child, I'd pull pranks on them and frame them for things I'd do. Yet still they treat me the same now." He said as steamy plates of chicken parmesan were presented in front of them. Ginny placed her napkin on her lap and began the appetizing dinner. "See?" he bent over in his chair to the small elf and the other behind her carrying a large box of wineglasses and politely said, "Thank you, Tilly. And does Lindy need any assistance with that box she's carrying?"
"Oh no, Master Draco doesn't need to help the house elves. We is fine. Master Draco and his lady friend Miss Virginia Weasley will eat their dinner." She said meekly and left in a hurry.
Draco turned back to Ginny who was picking at her food. "Doesn't my lady friend Miss Virginia Weasley like her dinner?" He joked.
Ginny laughed and replied, "Oh it's delicious its just that I'm not too hungry, our lunch filled me up. I can't eat anymore."
"I'm not too hungry either. I'll only have a few bites maybe." The two picked at their food for a few more minutes before finishing, both feeling guilty for letting it go to waste. "What do you say I bring you over to the wing you'll be staying in. Bring you to the greenhouse maybe?" He smiled at her.
"You have a GREENHOUSE?! Oh I'd love to see it! If it's not too much trouble!" She was bursting with excitement.
"Lets go then." He got up and urbanely offered his arm. She got out of her seat and soon they were walked together, arms entwined, down an long hallway.
"Are you sure your mother wants me seeing her private wing?" Ginny asked meekly.
"Well its quite obvious she really likes you. She is letting you use her favorite guest room, the only one in her wing. I can't even remember the last time she had anyone use it, sometimes I would actually. It's a very soothing room." He continued.
"Your mother lives in her own wing?" Ginny was so confused when it came to aristocrat things.
"Oh no, it was added to the house, its almost a hideaway from the rest of the house. But no, my mother still lives in her old bedroom which is near my room. When I was a child, my mother insisted on having their bedroom be close to mine so she could be closer when I slept. I had awful nightmares and usually had insomnia for most of my childhood so she always wanted to be nearby. Even though she could have just apparated from somewhere else, she always insisted that if magic ever failed, she could always get to me." Ginny listened intently as she looked at all the grand paintings, between them stone pillars with bowls of flames, illuminating the hallway. Each painting was a portrait of aristocrats, she guessed they were all Malfoys, as most held the characteristics of Lucius and Draco.
"Really? I had trouble sleeping when I was a child too. Lucky for me my parents and 6 brothers just feet away in the Burrow." She said as she recalled the sleepless nights that plagued her childhood.
"My room has always been cold and dark, I've never really been that comfortable in it. So I'd come to my mother's wing and curl up in a chair to sleep. It was partially because my father never went in that wing, he hated it. I suspect he never really even saw it. It was much better that way." He felt so comfortable with her at that moment. He'd never expected to ever tell anyone such personal information.
Ginny looked up at him in admiration. "You are such an amazing person, Draco Malfoy. And anyone who doesn't recognize that, doesn't really see you. You should know that." She stated as their eyes locked.
"And you're not too bad yourself, Virginia. And I'm very proud to call you a friend." They smiled at each other as the two realized they had come to the end of the hallway where a larger-than-life painting hung on the wall. It was a family portrait of Lucius, looking as always very regal and snobby, Narcissa looking glamorous, and a very young Draco sitting at the feet of his standing father and sitting mother. He looked to be about 3 or 4, in an adorable light blue robe.
"Oh Draco, you were so CUTE! Look at you!" Ginny was so amused she was gushing. "In your little blue robe and awwwww Draco, your cute little boy haircut! I must say I have never seen a more adorable child!"
"Stop! I looked so silly as a child, Look at my hair! It's awful!" He was so embarrassed by the portrait.
"Draco, your hair isn't that great now!" She poked him in his side teasingly.
"Hey little missy, do you want to see this wing or not. I could always give you a guest room in the dungeons!" He joked. "Fine, I'll be nice and show you..this way." He smiled at her and turned her to the left to face a set of large double doors. "La Fleur Cachée" he said and waited for the door to open.
"It's French. The Hidden Flower." She looked up at Draco, having easily translated the French password.
"Now you know the password. Come inside." He guided her into to enormous room. Ginny could barely breathe, she'd never seen anything so beautiful. The grand room, which had to be as large as the Grand Hall at Hogwarts, was decorated in the whites and creams but vast amounts flower arrangements and floral artwork accentuated the wing. Every flower was in full bloom and their shades were vibrant and vivid. Their were huge full-length windows overlooking the back of the estate on one side. Plush but formal and stylish furniture was set up throughout the room.
"Draco. I can barely speak, this is so beautiful." She looked up at him as they walked through the room, Ginny trying to take in everything.
"Told you it's a very soothing place. Now you have to see the greenhouse. It's not really a place to grow potted plants but rather our own year-round garden. I can spend entire days in our greenhouse. You'll see why." He brought her to a glass door at the end of the enormous room, flanked by 2 large marble staircases to the upstairs of the wing behind her, where she presumed she'd be staying. Draco pushed her forward, she turn her head straight, away from the upstairs behind her to see the closest she'd ever come to an Eden. She could not yet see the entire garden but what she saw was once again, breathtaking. It was a lush, garden, filled with plants. She was guided quickly through the greenhouse by Draco, going deeper and deeper, Ginny discovering small patio areas and small water displays. Glints of fairies whizzed around the small footpaths. She heard the soothing bubbling of a stream and she noticed small wooden bridges covering a stream that snaked around the garden. Draco pulled her through the narrow, winding, cobblestone pathway, through covered sections and hills filled densely with bright flowers and plants of all varieties, many that looked like they belonged in the rainforests or the exotic gardens of India. He brought her to a clearing at the end of their greenhouse garden, which she realized was at least double the size of the wing indoors. There was a small fishpond where streams emptied with a gorgeous waterfall behind it, flowering vines growing behind it. Ginny had studied gardening while training and never had she seen anything as magnificent and detailed in her life. She couldn't believe she was inside, everything about this place was so perfect. She never expected a place like this to be in Malfoy Manor. Flowers and pathways surrounded a large patio with furniture which was overlooking a wall of glass. Draco pulled her over a wooden footbridge to the patio, "Follow me! This is the best time of day to come!"
"How is this place not in every gardening publication in the world!?"
"Because no one ever come in, we never invite anyone." He said as they walked down to the patio.
"And.you brought...ME?." Ginny said quietly in disbelief. She felt ecstatic that he'd felt her worthy of something so precious and private.
"I wanted you to see this. I don't think I've ever met someone besides my mother who'd appreciate the beauty of seeing this. And it's even better when you can sit down at this time of the day and watch the sun set. It's my favorite thing to do." He said, grabbing her hand and bringing her to a rocking loveseat bench. "Please, sit." He said as he sat down on the soft cushion. She sat down and pulled her legs up on the seat. Draco lightly began to rock the bench with his foot. The atmosphere in the greenhouse was thick, relaxing, and fragrant. Draco looked over at Ginny who was gazing at the rich colorful sky. Her deep auburn hair cascading in loose curls down her back in long layers. The colors of the sunset were reflecting on her hair and brightened her eyes, almost making her have a glow. He broke the silence, "I come out here all the time, to watch sunsets. Of all the places I visited, no view beats this one. I guess there's nothing like home."
"If I had this, I don't think I'd leave. Sunsets always are the most beautiful views, especially if you share it with someone you care about."
Draco could only smile back at her, both somewhat tongue-tied. He looked down at his feet, making his long hair fall into his face, shielding his eyes and expression from Ginny's view. She laughed at him and gently lifted her petite hands to his face and tucked his blond hair behind his ears. A feeling of ecstasy ran through Draco's body at the sensation of her touch.
"Now I can see you. That hair of yours..." she rolled her eyes at him. Both exchanged joking smiles.
Approaching footsteps startled both of them, making each shoot back their heads to see Theodore. "I'm sorry to interrupt but I was instructed to make sure everything was going according to schedule by Madame Malfoy."
"Oh my goodness, Theodore you're correct. Draco we'd better go, I need to get you ready!" Ginny got up and frantically checked her watch.
Draco shot up off the seat. "Hold my hand, we'll apparate to your room. It's quicker. Just hold very tight ok?" He took her hand and intertwined their arms and fingers. Within seconds they were outside the door to her room, on the open hallway of the upstairs of the wing, it overlooked the main room downstairs through which she and Draco had entered earlier. The double doors to her room where flanked by two tables, both with large vases of 40 pale pink roses arranged in each of them.
"Your room, miss" Draco opened the door, as a bellhop would at a ritzy hotel.
Ginny walked into the spacious room. It was decorated much like the downstairs grand room of the wing but this had a much more cozy, less formal, more romantic warmth to it. Everything in the bedroom looked fluffy, decorated with creamy off-whites and shades of red and pink for pillows and accessories. Resting on the king size bed was her change of clothes. Her gown, still in it's garment bag, was hanging inside the otherwise empty closet. The vanity, near the closed bathroom door, had all her 'girl things' laid out, all the make up neatly lined up and her hair care things along with a few face towels in the center.
"Draco, this is just too much! I feel like I'm intruding!" Ginny said in a guilty voice.
"How can you be intruding if my mother OFFERED. She wants you to use this room and sleep here tonight. Just look at this little note she left!" Ginny picked the small note out of Draco's hand, which he'd pick up off the table near the bed.
Virginia-
I'm sorry I couldn't be there this evening to greet you two but I'm sure Draco will show you around our wing. Make sure he takes you into the greenhouse if he hasn't already. I hope you like this room up here, it's my personal favorite. You will of course be spending the night, correct? It would be far too late for you to leave after the party! I'll be seeing you this evening, I'll make sure to stop by.
Thanks again,
Narcissa Malfoy
Ginny put the note back down. And noticed Draco head for the door. "Ya know I think I'm going to go get ready for the party..I'll see you in a little while." He said as she tried to escape. Ginny wasn't letting his sly ways win.
"HOLD IT RIGHT THERE, MISTER! I'm not finished with my job for today! Don't think I'm letting you off so easily!" Ginny scolded him.
"I almost escaped.. You were in the perfect moment of elation! Next time, Weasley, next time."
"Very funny, Draco." She gave him an exaggerated condescending look. "I thought we weren't going to argue over this. Now you're going to go take a shower because I need your hair wet to cut it bathroom sinks are not deep enough. And don't even think about being a grump about it. You're a grown man. Can I trust you to return if you go back to the shower in your room?" She said in a maternal tone.
"Of course I can be trusted. I am old enough so you won't have to chase me like a child around the house. I'll return in approximately 10 minutes." He said trying to sound respectable.
"Fine then. But take this conditioner and use it in the shower after you shampoo. I need to be able to get a comb through that hair of yours before I cut it." She handed him a bottle of Paul Mitchell conditioner off the vanity table. "I'll be ready for you when you return." She replied and Draco apparated out of the room.
Ginny went over to the vanity and took a hair elastic and put her thick hair into a high ponytail. She took off the skirt she'd worn all day and slipped into her casual pair of dark denim bootcut jeans and a fresh black zip-up jumper.
"Well I better set up before he gets back!" Ginny started talking to herself, which had always been an embarrassing habit. She opened the door to a stunning bathroom. It was a huge open room, in the far left corner was a large shower, in against the wall on the right side of the room was a large Jacuzzi tub, with marble stairs going up to it, creating a ledge around it where candles and flowers adorned the edge. Between the shower and tub, in the far right corner was the sink with a grand mirror behind it. Various soaps were neatly scattered about the bathroom, Expensive unopened shampoos and conditioners were on a small seat in the shower and also in a basket next to the tub. Across from the tub on the left wall was a table with a huge vase of roses. Next to it was a wooden attendant's chair. She took the chair and positioned in the middle of the room, in the open space between the tub and the table. She carefully took the large vase of flowers and placed them on the thick marble ledge of the tub and set out a white towel on the table, not wanting anything wet to ruin the finish of the wood. She carefully laid out all her supplies: combs, scissors of different sizes, clips, little pots, bottles and tubes of hair products. When it came to situations like these, she always had to have everything tidy and orderly. She opened a closet that was to the right of the large tub, near the entrance to the main room to find towels. She took out a large towel and neatly set it on the chair. She checked her watch. "Ok Draco should be returning soon...anytime now..yup..HURRY UP, DRACO!" She yelled to herself. She took a seat on the marble steps surrounding the tub as Draco appeared at the door. She popped out of her relaxed position and stood back up as she took a good look at him. He was wearing a clean pair of jeans and a tight white mens' tank top as an undershirt, showing his broad shoulders and toned arms. Ginny felt her cheeks go red as her eyes instinctively scanned his torso. She could see his large chest and abs through the tight tank he was wearing. He had towel tried his hair but it hung , stringy and damp around his head and shoulders. "Well are going to just bloody stand there? Sit down in the chair!" Ginny ordered. He slowly went over to the chair as if he was walking to his death.
Draco's stomach was in knots. Memories of his childhood came whizzing back. He'd always had a phobia of haircuts, ever since he was very small. It was something Narcissa would talk about with over tea with her friends 'oh little Draco threw such a fit the other day when we took him to get his hair cut!' and 'Lucius had to step in and force Draco to cut his hair!'..He got the familiar queasy sensation as Ginny stood about 5 feet away, leaning back on her knees looking at him. She easily read the emotions that were plastered on Draco's face. "Don't look so nervous Draco, I know your type. Let me guess, you used to throw fits as a child and your parents would cut your hair against your will and then through the rest of your life you've gotten nervous and tried to avoid cutting your hair." She stated.
"Well maybe I don't want to cut my hair. Maybe I'm just pissed of at my mother for doing this to me. I'm 21 years old and I should be able to decide for myself!" He snapped at her.
"I think there's more to it than that. I've never seen you look so vulerable. It's almost disturbing, Draco."
"Maybe I'm just apprehensive about tonight, and that I'll be feeding into my mother's wishes for me that aren't going to happen."
"Will you stop snapping at me! If you are REALLY that adamant about not cutting your hair I won't do it. You're old enough that you can decide for yourself, I'll just go explain it to your mother and get her to understand." She turned towards the door.
"Wait. Ginny. Just listen to me for a second. I want your opinion." Draco asked softly.
"Then tell me."
"I think I'm scared that if I go tonight, if I become this perfect son in the eyes of my mother, I will be going against who I am. I don't want to be my father, and by living this life again, that my mother wants for me, I will end up extremely unhappy."
"You are over-dramatizing. You are thinking of returning home as a death sentence. Only YOU can become that person you don't want to be. Living here again, with your mother, doesn't have to be what it was. It's not some sort of relapse, it's a new chapter in your life story. Your first chapters were angst-ridden, the last chapter was introspective and exciting, and now you have to begin the next chapter. The only way this will be a good chapter is if you have an open mind. To me you sound like you're afraid to do what you want because of your mother. She loves you so much and from what I've seen, she's changed a lot too. Maybe this is the beginning of growth for the both of you."
"If she's changed so much why did she want to throw me this party?"
"Because she wants you to be happy. Talk to people, become social again. She's still confused too. It must have been pretty lonely for her, ya know? Her husband is sentenced to life in Azkaban, her son leaves home abruptly after fighting against his father, leaving her here. She wants her son back. He's here but she barely knows him."
"I guess you're right, Ginny."
"Now do I have to go talk to your mother or not?" She questioned.
"No. I'm ready. Like you said, it's time for a change. It's just hair anyway." He faked a smile and tried to look brave. Ginny fastened the towel around his neck and pinned the ends together in the back.
"Relax, sweetheart. Trust me. I know what I'm doing." Ginny said as she picked up a comb off her little work table she'd set up. She lightly combed through his damp, blond hair which was silky from the cream rinse she'd insisted he use in the shower.
She reached over and picked up a shiny pair of narrow scissors. Draco bit his lip in anxiety. She put her hand on his shoulder and whispered in his ear "Relax. You'll be fine. I'm just going to cut off the length first. No big deal." She combed all the long hair into her palm and with a few quick snips about 6 inches had fallen to the floor. "Was that so bad?" She laughed.
"Stop making fun of me and cut!" Draco growled. Ginny started cutting off most of the length, creating piles of blond hair on the floor. "How much are you cutting off?!" He said as he glanced at the piles on the floor.
"Keep your head straight! And I promise you'll look so handsome!" She sweetly cooed to him as she continued combing and cutting away. Each little snip rang in his head. As she cut against his neck shivers ran down his spine.
She moved to the front and started cutting. She would take the now short pieces and comb them between her fingers and snip downwards. "Ginny, its too short!" He said as he rolled his eyes up to see what she was doing.
"Quit whining. I'm cutting it so you actually look like an adult for a change. Even when you were at Hogwarts you had this little boy haircut. Don't you think it's time you looked like you should be taken seriously?" Ginny said as she did a few finishing touches.
"Yeah, I guess." He said quietly.
"Well I'm finished cutting. But don't get up, there's one more thing." She ran her hands through his hair quickly to get any shorn pieces of hair out of his hair. She grabbed her wand, stood back and pointed it in Draco's general direction and said "Nonhirsutum", a simple cleaning charm, and the piles of hair on the floor and Draco's shoulders and chest disappeared. Ginny unclipped the towel and said "Just one more thing, don't get up yet!" She took a fresh comb, made a side part then took a little container of pomade and rubbed a little in her palms.
"What are you putting in my hair!?" Draco said nervously. He had never really liked hair products that much.
"It's just pomade. Calm down. It's to add more texture." She gently rubbed the pomade through his short hair and then brushed it back and pushed a few strands into place. "Finished!" She pulled him out of the chair and over towards the mirror. "Take a look!" She instructed.
Draco didn't recognize himself. He was just staring at the person in the mirror. "Whoa" was all he could say. She had cut it short, alright. It was a little longer on top and got shorter. It was parted on the side and combed sideways except for a few pieces of short blond hair fell halfway down his forehead. He looked at himself, his short hair indeed made him look more mature and handsome. It also made him look taller and more masculine but not too over-done. Very soft and natural looking.
"You'll get used to it." Ginny chimed in. She stood up on her toes and gently ran her fingers above his ears, making the short hairs brush back a bit. "Not to boast but I think it looks far better than before, Draco. Do you like it?" She asked quietly.
"Yes, I do. You were right. I think it's an improvement. I still have to get used to my hair being so short." He ran his fingers through his shorn hair, he was used to having a lot to hold on to, now the longest pieces on top and in front were only about 2 inches. "I feel kind of naked, Ginny." He laughed down at her, who was looking at Draco's reflection.
"Well you sure do look very handsome. Why don't you go dress yourself. I'll see you in a little while, Draco."
"Alright, I'll see you later." He said as he turned to the door, wanting to walk back to his room. "One more thing Ginny."
She looked back at him as she started putting the vase back on the table. "Yes?"
"Thank you for everything. You've done an exceptional job today. Your agency is very fortunate to have such a talented employee." He said sweetly as they walk walked through the door to her bedroom.
"You're welcome, Draco. I can't say I've ever had a better work day." She replied with equal honesty and watched him softly shut the door to the Rose Room.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
So sorry to stop it there, I was planning to only have 4 chapters in the fic but I think it will end up being 5. I had to take a break so I decided to stop it there. I was going do to a little more before the party but that shall be in the next chapter. Sorry to disappoint anyone but I've been handwriting then typing this story for probably a good 20+ hours this weekend.
I'd like to give special thanks to kayla because she reads my chapters of my fics and gives me her opinion beforehand. Thank you some much, love you lots. (
PLEASE REVIEW!