(A/N: This is it! The end! The end of my first story I've ever completed in my entire life! I think I'm tearing up…this chapter is dedicated to all of you who have reviewed and helped me to make it better and better. Enjoy the 19 pages of D/G goodness! Next installment (it can hardly be a chapter) will be my individual thanks to the reviewers. Oh, and look forward (hopefully) to a nice angsty fiction from me: I'm very interested in doing one. Well here we go…)
GLUTTONY
'Parchment Pensive'
Draco
"I don't see why we have to have your whole bloody family over!"
"Because I want to. Is that a good enough reason for you?"
"But whyyy?!?"
"Stop it, you're starting to sound whiny. I know you hate whiny."
"What's your point?"
"The point is they're coming over whether you like it or not!"
I sighed and threw myself on the red plushy couch in the front room. "I suppose it's useless to argue then." I sulked, desperately hoping to change my stubborn wife's mind, and crossed my arms over my chest. "But I'm not wearing this sweater." I held up a thick woolly gray sweater with a big black 'D' on it. Apparently everyone in the family gets one; I was rather hoping I'd get to miss out on that particular tradition, but no such luck. My wife straightened up from the basket of laundry she had placed on the floor earlier. Her auburn hair fell into her face and since it was summer, her freckles dusted her nose lightly as she fought to keep her smile off. I can still make her laugh, despite my vast age of 26.
"Mum worked hard on that sweater."
"I don't care, it's a monstrosity!" I eyed the aforementioned offender with distaste and then jumped when I heard the lilting laugh come from behind me. "It's not funny Ginny!"
"Oh yes it is!" She came and sat next to me, kissing me on the cheek. "You are so funny."
"Glad I amuse Gin. You do realize that if we invite them all, we invite your brother Ron too?"
Ginny cocked her head slightly in amusement. "Yes…"
My scowl deepened. My liking for that lummox is no better than it was in school. "Last time he proposed a 'nice, friendly game of Quidditch' and then knocked me off of my broom, remember?"
Ginny laughed. "That was an accident honey."
"Accident my arse, that was deliberate!" Ginny narrowed her eyes and I gulped. That look is dangerous, I've come to learn.
"Don't use foul words around the baby, I don't want her picking up your filthy habits!" Oh, that's all. I rolled my eyes.
"She's asleep in case you didn't notice. If she was awake she'd be making a bloody racket and you know it," I replied, taking Ginny's hand and giving it a light massage.
"You're impossible," Ginny said leaning back and enjoying the rub anyway. What with taking care of Scarlett she's completely exhausted most of the time. Yes, we had a daughter (well two, but she's a whole other story): 6 pounds and 9 ounces of screaming baby. I always thought I'd have boys, but along with this warped marriage with a Weasley I got two girls. They're gorgeous, from an unbiased viewpoint of course. They're both my pride and joy (as cliché as that sounds). When I got to hold Scarlett (and Rayne of course) for the first time, I felt this huge responsibility and love for the little bundle in my arms, with red hair sticking out of her blanket like little wisps of fire. I was wondering where the red hair had come from as it needs to be on both sides of the generic…erm, thingy, and I later discovered that my Aunt Ruby had "ruby red" hair. I never met her because she was killed by an Auror way before I was born (so I'm assuming it's no loss). Needless to say, Molly and Arthur (as they've asked me to call them) were beside themselves with joy, even though they'd had what, six, eight, I can't keep count, before Scar. Oh, Ginny told me not to call her Scar anymore; maybe she thinks it's too violent…
"Well so are you." I leaned my head back and thought of what on earth I was going to say to everyone when they came over. A sudden thought struck me. "When did you say they were coming over?"
"I didn't," she said, avoiding my eyes. That is an instant alarm ringer.
"Virginia Eve Malfoy," it's still weird to say, "when are they coming?!?" I was definitely panicking now. She mumbled incoherently and I raised my eyebrow. "Sorry love didn't catch that…"
"Today, all right? Look, just go and get ready, matter of fact they should be here any minute now," she snapped, smoothing out the green dress she wears on special occasions. I should have known!
I groaned, putting my head in my hands. "So that's why you wore the dress!" An emotion resembling amusement flickered across her face.
"Yes, that's why I wore the dress."
"I thought that was for Scarlett's first birthday! But noooo it's because the Partridge Family is coming over for a spot of tea!" Then there was confusion.
"The Partridge Family, sweetie?" She raised her eyebrow back at me.
"Not important," I said hurriedly, not wanting to admit that during conferences in Muggle London for the Ministry I watched old Muggle re-runs. That show sucked, along with the unnaturally happy "Brady Brunch". Oh, I should tell you: I'm in the Ministry now. I can't tell you the amount of press questions that resemble "We all thought you were going into professional Quidditch…what happened?" I always brush off the question, it's not important. I did try out for the Wimbourne Wasps, Bagman's old team, and I made it too, but I didn't actually join with the team. Besides, it'd mean too much traveling away from Ginny, Scarlett, and Rayne; Scarlett's only one as of yet so I don't think it's wise.
She shrugged. "All right then…but they're coming over for her first birthday Draco, not just because I want them too although I really, really do…" She gave me that Look and I laughed despite myself.
"Fine, I'll be civil. Well, if they are that is." She grinned happily.
"Fair enough." The doorbell rang. "Oh good Lord there they are, run upstairs and make yourself look presentable please," she called over her shoulder as she ran to the door. I looked down at myself: sweatpants and a black V-neck sweater.
"What's wrong with this?" I called back as she fumbled with the chain lock.
"Go before I hex you! You need to get Rayne down here anyway," came the blunt answer. I smirked and then ran up the stairs three at a time (carefully, naturally) praying that this rendezvous would be harmless.
'Memories in an UNenchanted Diary'
Ginny
Well, another day has come and gone although I know Draco doubted it during dinner. I'm pleased to report that everyone seemed to get along fine, and there was no food projectile throwing of any kind. Draco was incredibly difficult when he found out my family was coming over, but I had already invited them all weeks before. In the Weasley family, birthdays are huge events, especially if it's a first one.
I knew why Mum had so many children the moment I held my first daughter, Rayne. She's so beautiful, with silky blonde hair and big gray eyes that reflect the sky before it rains (thus the name Rayne). She's probably what Draco would have looked like if he was a girl, although his eyes are tiny. Right now, her hair goes down to her waist (although she's very small, being only four) and I love brushing it and putting it into little plaits. Then Scarlett came along and she looks almost exactly like I did when I was born, only with big blue eyes instead of my brown. She inherited Draco's pale skin so that the blue is even more profound, and her red curls are longer than the average baby's hair. I love them both so much, I'd gladly have another baby just to feel more of this love that gives me a warm thrill before I drift off to sleep every night. I don't care what anyone says about ruining my career; Mum was so smart when she had seven children: children are incredible.
Anyway, I invited all of them over today, including Harry even though he's not technically a Weasley. He's going through a rough time though, so I thought he could use one of our robust family get togethers. His wife, a girl from Beaubaxtons, was killed by a Death Eater two months ago. I cried buckets at her funeral; I miss her so much still. She was such a sweet girl too; she quickly became one of my best friends. I don't think I've ever mentioned her before…her name was Aurelie, coincidentally Fleur Delacour (now a successful robe stylist)'s cousin. When Fleur introduced her to Harry I could see that they would end up together. It was…let me think…my seventh year, his first year on the Liverpool Skrewt's Quidditch team (although now he plays for England; so do I actually, but that's another story), and Aurelie was visiting. She was probably one of the greatest Aurors this generation has ever seen, and she got on famously with Harry. They got married a year later and had one kid, also a daughter, named Brenna. She got Harry's black hair instead of Lie's blonde. Oh God I'm tearing up now, so I'd better move on.
The doorbell rang, and after yelling at Draco to make himself look tidier than his lounging clothes did, I opened the door to reveal Ron and Hermione standing there with their two boys.
"Ron! Hermione! Thank you so much for coming…oh my God, look at how big they are!" I knelt down and smiled at them. The younger one, Dylan, is so shy that he dived right behind his mother and buried his head in her cloak. We all laughed, and I discreetly slipped a small caramel into Blake's waiting hands. That child has such a sweet tooth that Hermione has practically bought out her parent's stock of sugar free candies to stop him from getting cavities, and I should know; the candies are disgusting. Blake flashed me an adoring smile and popped it into his mouth as they all walked in. Ron scooped up Dylan and practically dive bombed onto an armchair.
"RON, the chair!" Hermione and I screeched at the same time, and we all burst out laughing. Ron chortled as he set the now shaking Dylan next to him and motioned for Blake to come next to him.
"Come on Blake, I suspect Ray will be down any minute now –"
"-along with Draco," I cut in.
"-along with Bleach Boy, and then you can play." I scowled at Ron who grinned impishly back, reminding me of Fred and George more than ever.
"Cut it out Ron, that's exactly what he's suspecting. Besides, his hair color is completely natural…I checked," I replied mischievously, sitting on the arm of the sofa and motioning for Hermione to sit somewhere. Ron mimed being sick while his sons looked on curiously. Hermione obliged my silent request, laughing at the look on Ron's face.
"Come on honey, you two really need to get over this grudge already!" she said matter-of-factly, sighing with relief as she lowered herself into a chair.
"You're just saying that because he's handsome," Ron replied defensively.
"Hmm, where have I heard that before?" Hermione said, tapping her chin mockingly. He rolled his eyes.
"Don't remind me about that Lockhart prick Herm, we're here to-to celebrate Scarlett's birthday!" he said, as if he had just realized it. He got out his wand and muttered something and a small package appeared in his hands. He handed it to me and then looked at the cradle that held Scarlett. Hermione looked too.
"Oh, she's so beautiful Ginny!" I smiled.
"Thank you." The doorbell rang. And rang. And rang. Ron got out a few coins.
"Right, who's betting its Fred or George?" Hermione snatched the coins away.
"Don't you dare teach our children about gambling Ron!" Ron groaned but fell silent as I went to open the door. Sure enough, two identical freckly faces grinned at me. They just turned 28; I remember because Draco wouldn't come with me to the party. He's way too stubborn sometimes.
"Hello darling sister of mine!" Fred greeted, giving me a huge hug. I laughed.
"Hello darling brother of mine!"
"Wow, I still can't get over the fact that my baby sister has her own house and family!" George remarked as I got his hug. "Nice place."
"You say that every time you come here," I replied affectionately, showing them and their wives (I love having Angelina and Katie over, they're great fun) into the living room, offering to carry one of the children. Between them, Fred and George have five children. Fred and Angelina's children have milky brown skin and light brown hair and are both boys. Jonathon and Sam are both way too energetic for me to handle, but Fred and Angelina have more energy than anyone I've ever met so they're up to the challenge. George and Katie's children are blonde and blue eyed: Kelsey and Paige are identical down to the last blonde ringlet, and as much trouble as Fred and George were at eight. Andrew's still a baby, older than Scarlett by a few months, and he mostly just sucks his thumb and sleeps. I wish my children were that easy!
"Well it's true," Katie said amicably, settling herself next to Ron and Dylan on the sofa with Andrew. Ron and Hermione said 'hello' and we all started chatting about things like the weather and how high the chances are of Harry going to the World Cup. I really hope they make it; it's been his dream ever since he saw it with us right before my third year. All of a sudden, I heard my husband starting to make his way down the stairs and I sprang up to intercept him. Ron, Fred and George all looked up with the same look of apprehension on their faces. Katie and Angelina went about smoothing their shirts out and Hermione crossed her legs. I glanced at Hermione and we shared a 'here we go' type of look.
I caught Draco on the top stair and he nearly fell over from surprise. "What the bloody hell are you doing up here instead of down there?" he said, straightening out his gray shirt.
"Just letting you know who's here. So far, we've only got Fred, George, Angelina, Katie, Kelsey and Paige, Andrew, Jonathon, Sam, Ron, Hermione, Dylan and Blake." I said this all very fast and by the end of it we were both laughing too hard to say anything else as we climbed down together. All of their heads jerked up as they saw us come down, and Draco sobered up very quickly.
"Hello all," he said, trying to keep down his laughter. That man is hysterical when he wants to be. Too bad it's not more often.
A mumbled 'hello' came from everyone except for Hermione who gave him a smile. I am so grateful that she's trying to look past…well, her past with Draco for me. Draco nodded and we both sat down. There was a moment's pause.
'Parchment Pensive'
Draco
"Well, you're looking good Mal-Draco," Ron said to me after I had come down with Ginny. I couldn't help the smirk that came on my face.
"Likewise, I'm sure." Ginny glared at me and I gave her a what-did-I-do? Look which was countered with a you-know-what-you-did Look. I sighed and leaned back. From behind me on the staircase came the pitter pat of Rayne's Mary Janes. I turned around, happy for the intrusion and got up to greet her. She stood at the bottom of the steps with her delicate hands clasped behind her back, looking very pretty in the blue dress Ginny bought for her last week. I smiled down at her. "Well look who decided to come down and greet our guests!"
She smiled up at me, and I swear I saw a smirk, even if only a hint: "Yeth Daddy, you took long enough." She has a lisp we're trying to correct in case you're confused why she said 'yeth'. Everyone, including me, laughed heartily as I picked her up and walked back over to the couch.
"That's my girl. Say hello to everyone then Ray." She gave them all a brilliant smile, which can be translated into 'Hello, I hope you're all doing well.' Ray's not big on speaking unless she wants to, not unlike me on some occasions.
"You grew so much!" Hermione said to Rayne, who beamed proudly. I gave her a grateful smile. Hermione, unlike her husband, has actually pretty much accepted me as Ginny's husband instead of Draco Malfoy. In most cases, being known as something and not someone is not desirable, but you have no idea how happy I am to be known as 'Ginny's husband' instead of 'Draco Malfoy' amongst the Weasley's. For a friendly lot, they can be complete cows when they want to be.
"How old are you now Rayne?" George's wife (I think it's Katelyn? Something like that, I can't keep all of these names straight) asked kindly.
Rayne held up four fingers shyly and I smiled right along with her. "Her birthday is in April," I blurted out, sounding like one of those proud fathers who spoil their kids rotten. Hell, I am one of those proud fathers! Life's a funny thing.
"Oh we'll have to have another party then, eh Draco me boy?" one of the twins said. I can't tell them apart still, it drives me mad. Even worse, they know of this disability and use it to their full advantage. I tried to tell Ginny, but that woman won't do anything about it; she thinks it's funny.
"I wouldn't miss out on the chance to have another one like this," I replied simply, and Ginny nudged me hard with her sharp elbow. "Ow, what?!?"
"Be nice," she hissed through her teeth and I rolled my eyes but shut up, pulling Rayne onto my lap. There was another one of those awkward pauses. Please let Bill and Charlie get here soon… I silently prayed. Those two are pretty much the only brothers who genuinely like me, probably because they didn't have to go to school with my loathsome self. As if on cue, the doorbell rang and I leapt up with Rayne in tow to get away from the living room.
I opened the door and relief swept through me. "Charlie! Thank God you're here!' Charlie laughed and then looked down at Rayne who was now clutching my leg.
"And who is this little beauty?" He and Rayne have this game where he pretends he doesn't know her, and they do it every time. Rayne giggled. She likes her Uncle Charlie better than her Uncle Ron because "he liketh Daddy too". That's my girl!
"Rayne thir," she said happily, beaming because her Uncle Charlie had arrived.
"A beautiful name for a beautiful girl," he said smiling and giving her a huge hug. Rayne squealed and then pulled on his red hair. Charlie winced; unlike Bill, his hair is short and man does it hurt when short hair is pulled! "Not so hard on the head please doll." Rayne nodded, her eyes wide and suddenly very serious.
"I'm thowy I hurt you Uncle Charlie," she said and he smiled.
"No lasting harm done. So, are they picking you apart in there Draco?" he asked me, handing over my daughter. I smirked.
"Me more than them really; got to keep your defenses up!" Charlie however shook his head at this.
"Not in this family man, they'll snap if you take it too far as you are Draco Malfoy after all." He grinned suddenly. "Think about it: you are the worst offender ever: You took their little sister and made her a Malfoy! The horror!" I laughed.
"She makes an excellent Malfoy," I said, leading him into the room where everyone else was. Thank God he came; I don't know how I would have survived without one genuinely friendly face. "Charlie's here," I announced, and after this I practically had to dive onto the couch in order to avoid the surprised and delighted family members that came at him. 'How did you get time off of work?' 'So Charlie's back! Splendid!' and 'Want a game of Quidditch?' were among the exclamations. I watched in amusement as he escaped them laughing and plopped down next to Katie and George. Everyone took this as an invitation to sit down as well, but the doorbell rang again. I was getting up to go when Ginny practically sprinted towards the door.
I scowled as the voice of Harry Potter came from the entrance hall. Be nice, I told myself sternly, he's grieving. I heard Ginny say something and Harry gave a low, short chuckle before they came into view. I didn't move, although everyone else did, and it was Charlie's arrival all over again. 'Harry! So glad you could make it!' 'Are you holding up all right dear?' 'Oh look how big she got!', you know the kind of jabber. So when everyone finally sat back down, the only available spot was in the armchair next to the couch I was on. Harry walked over and sat down rather rigidly, looking around at everyone. Our eyes locked and I kept up the steely gaze without a flinch. He shrugged, leaned back, and then started to participate in the conversation that was now taking place.
"I miss Hogwarts so much, I loved school," Hermione was saying fondly, bringing Dylan up onto her lap. "It'll be Kelsey and Paige's turn in a few years I suppose?"
George nodded, looking faintly proud but disgusted at the mention of school. "Can't say I liked the old shack myself though; the only fun were the pranks." Fred nodded in firm agreement and I stifled a laugh. Those two haven't changed a bit.
Ginny came over to sit next to me and I wrapped my arm around her as she spoke. "I hated it. It did get a lot better towards the end," she smiled at me and I had to work hard to suppress a triumphant smirk, "and it was rather fun at times."
Katie suddenly almost choked on her cocktail and we all waited patiently while George patted her on the back. She spluttered, smiled gratefully at her husband, and then said what she was probably dying to say. "We should get out all of the old albums!"
As if it was rehearsed, me, Harry, Ron, Fred and George all groaned in unison as the girls squealed happily. "Do we really have to, love?" I asked Ginny as she got up to fetch them. She turned around and gave me a Don't-argue-with-me look and I sat back sulkily. Ron sniggered and I glared at him. This of course, set everyone else off laughing. "Oh do shut up, will you?" I muttered. Luckily, I was saved by the bell. I rolled off of the couch in a rather dashing James Bond way if I do say so myself, and ran for the door, wincing as the weight fell on my right foot. I'm getting better at running now though.
"Arthur! Molly! So good to see you!" I said, lying through my teeth. Don't get me wrong, they're wonderfully…nice people.
"And you too dear," Molly said smiling congenially, shaking off her umbrella. Arthur gave me a rather forced smile as they entered into the house. I walked back in the room with a smirk on my face, which they all promptly noticed: with Molly there, making fun of me would be very difficult. I flung myself back into my spot on the couch after offering Ginny's parents a drink and a chair. Ginny then came through the door, cheeks flushed with excitement, all of the albums in her arms. At the sight of her parents she dumped them on my lap (causing much discomfort) and squealed happily as she hugged them both.
"When did you two get here?" she exclaimed as her mother handed her a pie (apple, if I remember correctly: bloody good pie).
"Just a couple minutes ago darling, don't worry," Molly laughed as they all sat down.
"Sorry we're late, I had a bit of trouble at the Ministry," Arthur apologized, taking a liberal sip of his brandy. I picked up my own glass and downed a bit of the gin and tonic that was in it. I looked down to see Rayne's big gray eyes looking up at me expectantly. "Go play with Blake and the twins honey," I said, watching her happily trot off to be with her cousins. Soon, all the children besides for the babies had scampered off and the adults were left alone.
'Memories in an UNenchanted Diary'
Ginny
I grinned happily around the room: everyone I love most in the world…that is, except for Aurelie and Bill. I frowned. "Where's Bill Dad?"
"Oh that's right, he's very sorry honey, but he's had a bit of a dilemma with Gringotts it turns out. He can't make it today, but he says he'll send Scarlett's present by owl when he gets the chance." Dad took another sip of his brandy and I sighed.
"Fine, fine, fine…is he all right?" I asked, squeezing myself in between Draco and Angelina on the couch. Draco shot me a bad tempered look, I suppose for throwing the albums on him earlier. I smiled sheepishly and turned to Dad again.
"Of yes of course, they just need him that's all." I breathed out, relieved. Bill's job has gotten more and more dangerous as they years pass by.
"Well then that just leaves Draco's guest." Draco looked up sharply (as did everyone else) and raised his eyebrow. Yes, I took the liberty of inviting one of his older friends, now one of mine as well. She said she'd come a little late though, so Draco would just have to be in suspense a little longer. I winked and then turned back to my family, much to his frustration. He doesn't like surprises unless he's in on them.
"Let's have a look at the albums then, shall we?" Angelina cut in eagerly. I grinned and handed her the top one on the pile (on Draco). She opened it up like she was opening a gift: apprehensive and excited. She squealed when she saw the pictures. "Look it's Quidditch at Hogwarts! Oh, I miss that," she added as she showed us the print. The Gryffindor Quidditch team was all huddled together, looking pensive and eager to play. Harry stood in the middle with a stick, drawing a play out in the mud as the rest of us shivered in the cold. I leaned forward curiously and saw myself; a scrawny little red haired girl, clutching her Comet Two Sixty and watching Harry slyly out of the corner of her eye. I glanced at Draco, whose expression had darkened considerably.
Angelina flipped the page and beamed. "Oh, who got this shot? It's brill!" We all craned our necks to get a good look: a Quidditch game in action. I could see myself in the corner, catching the Quaffle gracefully. Draco and Harry were in the foreground, shoving each other and concentrating very hard on getting the Snitch in front of them. You could see Ron cheering in the background, completely forgetting all about his Keeper duties. I grinned at the picture: I remember that being a good and grueling match. Draco obviously remembered it too by the smug look on his face.
"I seem to remember winning that one," he said smirking. I rolled my eyes and gave Harry an apologetic look. He shrugged, actually laughing.
"No, he deserved that win," he surrendered, eyeing the photo with interest. "Why didn't you go into pro Quidditch Draco?" All eyes turned to look at my husband. He shrugged.
"I just didn't want to I guess," he said. I stayed silent, even though I know that there is a perfectly good reason why Draco didn't pursue Quidditch. As much as he'll say it's because of his family, he'll never admit to anyone about his injury, the one that stopped him from accomplishing his lifelong dream. It was maybe three weeks after he made the Wimbourne Wasps, and he was in a state of elation for a long while. He'd go around randomly yelling "I'm going to be a professional Quidditch player!!!" Yes, he's crazy. Anyway, I was outside with Rayne, who was about one at the time, and we had brought out a picnic basket. Draco was flying on his Firebolt, showing off with loop the loops and steep dives that I envy. As a Chaser, I don't get many of those and they're wicked fun. We were laughing so hard, and Draco decided that he wanted to take Rayne for a ride on the broomstick. You should have seen Ray's face when he lifted her up onto his lap and they went zooming around the garden: that girl is a born Quidditch player. But then something really horrible happened; Draco still has nightmares about it, in fact he had one a few nights ago and it took me all of ten minutes to calm him down again.
Ray got restless and pried herself off of his lap, and started falling towards the ground. I started shrieking of course, being the overprotective mother I am, and he went into Super Seeker Dad mode. I've never seen him dive so fast. Of course, he caught her, but only inches before the ground. He slammed his right foot into a pointed rock and (this is so gross) it went practically all the way through his bare foot. Madam Pomfrey used to like me when I was at Hogwarts, and had taught me a few useful remedies. I ran over and numbed his foot so that he wouldn't feel it too much when I pulled it out, but he was excruciatingly close to yelling out from pain. I managed to fix it up pretty well, but he still limps a little. He'll show off now by running up the steps three at a time, but he still can't do much flying and whatnot. It pains me to see it because he was one of the best flyers I know, and I fly for England. Draco never got over it really; he kept saying what a horrible father he is, and that's bull. It was pure accident, but he won't stop beating himself up for it. He gets on with his job at the Ministry: International Head of Sports and Games.
Harry raised an eyebrow. "You didn't want to? Come now, everyone saw how much you like flying!" he exclaimed. I gave Harry a sharp look and he shut up, surprised. There was an awkward silence before Angelina set down the Quidditch album and held out her hand for another.
"May I?" I nodded.
"Of course!" I handed her a white album with lace around the edges, curious myself as to what was inside. Diary, I hadn't taken a look at those albums in ages! Hermione slid over to sit beside Angelina and they opened the album together. My mother took one look at the pictures and started tearing up.
"Oh Mum!" Fred and George said simultaneously, laughing at Mum's sensitivity. Mum dabbed at her eyes with a hankie.
"I'm sorry, it's just such a wonderful memory!" she replied, smiling fondly at me and Draco. A huge smile came across my own face as my eyes landed on the scripted gold invitation:
'Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Weasley & Mr. Lucius Malfoy cordially invite you to the holy matrimony of Mr. Draco Alexander Malfoy and Miss Virginia Eve Weasley, on the 25 of May, year of our Lord two thousand and six.'
While all the girls cooed over the beautiful pictures the men all squirmed rather uncomfortably in their seats. I know for a fact that Draco doesn't like being forced into a suit, and the image of him in a tux at age 20 is one he'd rather like to forget. Regardless, I scooted over to the Angelina, Katie, Mum and Hermione as they were all huddled around it and peeked over their shoulder.
I remember getting into the dress. I loved the feel of the creamy silk. The off the shoulder flutter sleeves were light and airy, pure angelic radiance shining over every stitch of thread. I smiled as they turned the page to reveal a shot of the audience, which was huge. In the balcony was the press: dozens of black trench-coated men with huge cameras, people on the sides to magic away the purple clouds that came from them with every snap. You see, they wanted to have a full article on the miracle of a Weasley and a Malfoy marrying. I suppose it was a miracle of some sort; I kept saying "Are you kidding me?" when he proposed. He finally got very annoyed and shouted "Just take the bloody ring will you?!?" Anyway, only three or four years before I was certain that Harry was the only guy for me. That just goes to show how wrong a person can be: it's weird, but I can't imagine being with anyone else. We balance each other out…it just works. With Harry, I think it'd be way too boring. I love Harry like a brother anyway. Right about then, I think he was stuffing his face with the mini quiches along with Ron. You've got to love mini quiches.
They flip the page and we all laugh at the sour look on Lucius Malfoy's face as he watched the photo Draco and me walk up the aisle. He and Draco had a dreadful row when he told him (or so I've heard). Lucius didn't even know we were going out actually: we did a good job of covering it up after the mortifying event mid sixth year on the Quidditch pitch (Slytherin won that game, by the way). I watch the photo as a very thin blonde woman, Draco's aunt, jabs him with her handbag. That sends us all into hysterics, especially Dad who loathes Lucius Malfoy (and with good reason). I can't say that Lucius was too pleased with us, but he couldn't really do anything although he threatened to disown Draco. All for appearance's sake he "accepted" it; pretended he and Dad were friends, you know. We don't talk to him too much; he only comes over like once a year to see the children. Otherwise it gets ugly.
The album closed and I jumped at the noise: I was daydreaming about the wedding. God, that was the best wedding (in my opinion). The reception was held at dusk on the hill by Ottery St. Catchpole, thousands of little floating candles everywhere. There was one of those white tent thingies, and tons of food: Mum was in her element. The stars twinkled down as though they knew it was a special day, and every time I looked at my new husband I got a thrilling little chill down my spine, especially when he smiled.
"Oh my GOD look at this!"
'Parchment Pensive'
Draco
They all got weepy when the wedding pictures came out. It was extremely embarrassing, having pictures of you in a penguin suit being paraded in front of people, half of whom you had never laid eyes on before then. As Angelina flipped the page to a close-up of my dad's sour face and I grimaced, trying to forget the huge row we had when I told him.
["Come in." I walk into the room. He's sitting by the fire, reading an old book with a gold binding (probably a Dark Arts book, they all are). His head comes up to see who came in. "Oh Draco! Come and sit next to me why don't you?" His mood is good today because of his promotion at the Ministry. That's basically the reason I chose today to tell him.
"No thank you, I prefer to stand," I say, coming and standing behind the armchair opposite him. He leans back and places his fingertips on the fingertips of his other hand. He is curious.
"What brings you here?" He asks, intrigued. I take in a deep breath.
"I've come to tell you of my plans to get married," I say cautiously, and he laughs.
"Well don't look so nervous about it my boy that's splendid news! Besides, the will states you can only have your inheritance with a wife so it works for us all." I hadn't even thought about the will. Interesting. I steel myself for the inevitable question, and it comes: "Who's the lucky lady?"
I mumble something and he cocks and eyebrow, amused. "What was that?"
"She's a beautiful woman Father," I say, hoping that maybe he'll just leave it be. As much as I want to tell him, the consequences will be dire. I'm not ready for that, not today.
"I have no doubt," he says. "But a name would suffice here Draco."
"She can sing, and cook, and sew, and is an excellent writer…" I ramble on, sounding for all the world like Longbottom on Valentine's Day.
"All very admirable skills. But I still think that having a name would top the list," he says, still not catching the dread in my voice.
"She does have a name…" I say slowly. Father makes a motion with his hand like 'And?' "I daresay you've met her acquaintance before." I try hard not to show the hatred I now harbor towards him for slipping that diary into her cauldron.
"Indeed? Well, is it the Parkinson wench? The illustrious Zabini? Come now, don't keep me in suspense," he says sarcastically, sounding more like himself. The scotch is wearing off; I don't have much time to tell him now.
"She wasn't a Slytherin in Hogwarts Father," I say and he looks astonished.
"You? Marry outside of the Slytherin house? This is more interesting than I first perceived it to be. What house might she have been in then? Must be Ravenclaw...Tell me Gryffindor and I'll laugh." Oh the irony.
"Then I won't tell you; your laugh is coarse and harsh." There's a stunned silence.
"Dear God boy," he whispers, "who is the bloody girl?"
"It's not Granger," I say hurriedly, "or Patil the Seer, or Brown her sidekick. I promise it's none of them," I say, praying to get out of here soon. He gets up slowly, clutching his scotch glass.
"If you don't tell me now I will hex you so that you can't walk for a week boy," he says menacingly. He'll never do it, but he means business now.
"If I tell you she has red hair maybe you'll guess the culprit," I say nonchalantly, helping myself to some brandy. I think I'll need it: I'm right.
"A Weasley?" he says, stunned. "You're marrying…well, there's only one Weasley out of the seven of them, so I suppose that makes it Virginia. Ah yes, Virginia Weasley…I remember her well," he says settling into his chair, his eyes cold as winter rain. "Gullible little girl, full of unspoken…well, unspoken something. Interesting girl…but she's not meant to be a Malfoy."
"What is that supposed to mean?" I say, dangerously soft.
"It means simply that a girl who is pretty much white trash should not even be associating with someone like you, full of class and proper upbringing. Why on earth are you marrying her?" he asks, chuckling. Anger rises up: he thinks it's funny.
"I care for her Father," I reply, not daring to say how much I actually love this girl he disrespects so much.
"You care for her. How touching. Well, I care for Scottish beer but you don't see me running around marrying it! Let me put it this way: I am a champagne drinker. To drink beer, even though I like it, would be lowering my standards. I don't want to see you drinking beer Draco. And besides, have you met her father yet? How could you possibly think that he will welcome you with open arms? The man is an imbecile and a fool, and I don't expect his offspring to be any different."
"All right that's it." I stand up: what am I doing?!?
"What are you doing?" Damn him.
"I'm really fed up with your bullshit Father. Do you realize you're using an alcohol analogy to explain my engagement?!?" I say, furious. "Oh yes, that shows maturity. That and the fact that you can't get over some sort of phobia of red headed people! You can talk all you want about Wizarding Pride and Filthy Disgraces, but you really aren't fooling me: I am a Malfoy after all. You're scared out of your narrow and utterly arrogant mind, either that or you're just plain bigheaded!" Not one of my better rants, seeing as the brandy is about to crash on the floor, out of my shaking hands.
He comes up right in my face. "Give me a reason," he breathes, "and I swear she'll be the most unhappy bride on the face of the earth."
My hand tightened on Ginny's shoulder at the memory. She looked up at me, surprised, but then gave me a soft smile and a kiss. Once she pulled away, I was in much better spirits. "Let me go get Scar- it is her birthday after all!" I got up and walked over to the cradle, gingerly removing Scarlett from it. She stirred slightly, and then settled into my shoulder. I smiled and went back to sit with Ginny.
Ginny's maternal instincts really took a steep incline after having children. I swear, she is never happier when she's taking care of them, and I have no trouble saying it. She's like Molly in that retrospect, every bit the loving mother. Kissing Scarlett's red-covered head, I settled into my seat to listen to the discussion now going on. I didn't like it.
"Who would've thought- a Weasley and a Malfoy?" Arthur was saying, chuckling. Charlie caught my eye; he knows how much I hate these conversations. All awkward and nothing to say as it's all been said before: "Oh Malfoy, why didn't you pick meee?" "What on earth possessed you to propose to her?' Well all right, to be fair, those excerpts were from the Slytherin reunion last year. Not a pleasant experience, I'll tell you that. And to cap it off, Petra Skeeter (Rita Skeeter's unpleasant sister) was there. Made an article about how "once brooding and sexy Draco Malfoy is now skulking around hoping not to be noticed." Bull. I made plenty of social interaction, although granted it was with my fist.
"You mean a Malfoy and a Malfoy Dad," Ginny replied gently, and I could hardly keep my face from splitting apart with the stupid grin threatening to overcome my indifferent demeanor. Arthur looked like he just realized it.
"Yes of course darling," he said, looking for all the world like he wanted to bash me over the head with the brandy bottle. Ha ha, well I got her and that's that! Ha ha…
Unable to keep it any more I started to laugh. Ginny took one look at my face and cracked up too. That was all it took to get Scarlett crying. Ginny, wiping tears of mirth from her eyes, took the bawling Scarlett into her arms and I chuckled into my fist, trying to get it to stop. We were getting weird looks from her family, I'll tell you that, none of them knew what we were laughing about; except maybe Harry and Hermione. They looked like they were biting their cheeks, trying hard not to laugh with us. I gave them a roguish wink to get them going and it worked like a charm. Hermione was laughing so hard she had to bury her head in her husband's shoulder to muffle the sound.
The doorbell rang. Chortling, I got up and crossed over to the door thinking This must be the mystery guest Ginny hinted at before… I swung open the door and raised my eyebrow. The woman on the doorstep raised hers back.
"Well look who we have here!" I said, still grinning from before.
"Good Lord Malfoy, what on earth got you to grin like that?" Blaise asked, stepping in and wiping her heels on the mat. I shrugged and gave her a friendly kiss on the cheek.
"Good to have you here Blaise, they're starting on the 'How on earth did you two get together?' tangent, and I don't think I can keep from getting into any real hysterics without help," I remarked, taking her suede coat (plum color, I know Ginny's dying for one like it).
"Ah I know that one well," she replied wisely, coming in with me to the living room. The Weasleys jumped at the noise of clicking heels and then I could see the recognition coming over their faces at the woman next to me. Ginny grinned happily and got up holding Scarlett to greet her. I caught out of the corner of my eye Fred and George looking appreciatively, and then their wives hitting them with their handbags. I'll say this for Blaise Zabini: she did a good job growing up.
"I'm so glad you could make it Blaise!" Ginny greeted her enthusiastically, and Blaise smirked. Translation: smile. "Well, it was either this or another day in the office, and I swear Petra is going to drive me up a wall," she replied, grabbing a chair and sitting down. Arthur started.
"Petra Skeeter?"
"The very same."
He groaned. "I thought we were safe once Rita Skeeter became a Green Peace correspondent, but noo…she had a bloody sister!" Blaise actually laughed at this.
"Well, we're trying to clip her wings, so to speak. After the article about Draco at the Reunion…" she looked at me and I looked away quickly, as the urge to laugh was ever imposing, "…we realized we needed to keep her in check. That was brutal."
"Yeah, and so were the bruises on Crabbe's face," George said, giving me a look like well-done-mate. Ah, that memory of knocking Crabbe out cold into the pastrami samples is sweet indeed.
Memories in an UNenchanted Diary
Ginny
Oh my God, I don't think I've ever laughed so much. Draco had that superior smug look on his face and when he looked at me with it I just burst out laughing! That was so much fun.
I was so happy when Blaise came, she has to be one of my best friends now. Witty and brilliant, she works for the Daily Prophet now. I love going down at her lunch hour and just sitting in her office talking over sandwiches. Fun.
The dinner went by without much incident, if you don't count Fred and George's (literally) Smashing Potatoes. By the time everyone had to leave, every bit of food had been wiped from their plates, including the children's. We sang 'Happy Birthday' to Scarlett, and then Draco blew out the candles for her as all Scarlett seemed interested in was holding one of the flaming candles with her tiny, perfect hand. Everyone clapped, and then filed out of the house, laughing and in Ron and Harry's case, piss drunk. I kissed everyone's cheeks as Draco held Rayne's hand and held Scarlett on his hip and then I shut the door. We watched it close and then I collapsed into the plushy sofa, exhausted.
"Well that was tiring," I remarked, laughing. Draco smiled and came to sit next to me with the children.
"I liked theeing Uncle Harry again; he theemed happier today," Rayne said, cuddling in between us. I grinned.
"He did, didn't he?" I said, looking over at Draco. He nodded, looking quite serious.
"She didn't deserve to die," he said. "She was a lovely woman." I nodded silently, thinking of Aurelie's pretty face. Draco cut into my thinking.
"Well, bedtime!" He scooped up Rayne, who was giggling shrilly, and Scarlett who was fast asleep in his arms. I followed him up the stairs as he limped, and then watched him tuck them in. It still astounds me how the Draco Malfoy I knew in school can be such a loving father. We then went to our own room and- oh I've got to go. It's rather late now. Overall though, it was a great day.
Love,
Ginny
-----(Regular POV)-----
"Are you ever going to shut that blasted book?" Draco grumbled, rolling over to face Ginny. She sighed theatrically and closed the diary.
"Yes you stupid prat," she replied, placing it on the nightstand and pulling the lamp string down. "Besides, you spent forever with that stupid fishbowl." The lights went out, and the darkness washed over the room. Draco sat up and Ginny waited for him to say something.
"That wasn't terrible."
"Aha is that an admission?" Ginny asked slyly. A pillow hit her.
"Of course not!"
"Expected as much."
"Thanks for inviting Blaise though, that was a nice surprise actually."
"I thought so. Also, you seem to be on good terms with Charlie so…"
"Much appreciated."
"Draco?"
"What?"
Ginny paused. Looking down lovingly on the silver blond hair now nestled into his own pillow she smiled and buried her own red hair into her own. "Nothing. Good night."
"Night love."
-----
THE END