Hello everyone! I've been reading a lot of Ginny and Draco fanfiction lately, and so I decided to write one of my own. This is only the introduction and more chapters are sure to follow. If you read Boy Against Girl, the next chapter should be up shortly.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of J.K. Rowlings characters, although they would be enjoyable to own, and I'd also be quite rich…but that's not the point. If you recognize something as J.K. Rowlings, then it obviously isn't mine. Otherwise, it's me!
I hope you all enjoy the story, and I love to hear from you all. Please review, because I do take into consideration what is said and what I should change or keep doing. Flames are accepted, anonymous reviews are accepted, ect ect ect. Enjoy!
That's Life
Introduction
By: Aly
Ginny pounded her head against the stage door. Another failed audition. How was she supposed to become known to the world if she was never cast! It hadn't helped that she had gotten no theater experience at Hogwarts, that isn't exactly something they taught witches, but she had auditioned for the Royal Theatre Academy and she had been accepted. After graduation she hadn't seemed to be able to make anything. Not even the experimental contemporary shows done on the West End. She grabbed her bag and portfolio and called her best friend on the cell phone. Well, her new best friend. Life for her had changed a lot since she had starting living in the muggle world. She'd made new friends, done new things, and basically had a normal life. She'd kept in touch with the wizarding world, but that wasn't where her life was anymore.
"Hello, Liz speaking." A cheery voice answered into her phone.
Ginny sighed and slouched against a wall. "Oh Liz."
"Another audition?"
"Yeah. I just feel so inadequate. Maybe I should just give up. Maybe I'm not talented enough for London."
"First of all, all of that is bull and you know it. You're amazing! There just looking for lettuce and you're a carrot."
"Ha ha. Nice joke about the hair." She groaned. "I'm serious here, Liz. I feel as if my entire career has no founding."
"How close are you to a bakery?"
Ginny looked around her. "Well…I'm about 2 leagues away from The Leaky Cauldron." Right after she said t she wanted to hit herself. Liz and her had been best friends for over three years now, but she had no idea about the other part of her life.
"Oh this pub I know. Don't worry about it. I'll be at my flat at about seven, so if you wanted to meet me there I'd be fine with that."
"Sounds good. I'll have Chinese and ice cream waiting."
"And I'll bring some pasties."
Liz laughed. "You and your pasties."
"What else is there?"
"Nothing. Anyway, Adam's knocking on the door. I'll talk to you later, ducky."
And then the phone went silent.
Taking a breath she walked the rest of the way to The Leaky Cauldron. She had apparated to her parents home hundreds of times, but she hadn't visited Diagon Alley for ages. As soon as the doors open she felt at home.
"'Ello, Tom." She said with a grin.
Tom looked at her confused for a moment and then grinned. "Why if it ain't Ginny Weasley! I 'aven't seen you in years."
She grinned and looked down guiltily. "Yes well, I've been somewhat busy with other things."
"Gotten married 'ave ya? I'd 'ave thought your parents would'a told me if you 'ad, but it could'a slipped their minds, eh?"
"Actually, I've been living somewhat as a muggle. I have a small flat in London, small meaning barely existent, but it's something."
He raised an eyebrow at her. "What're you livin' out there for?"
"I'm an actress. There isn't much call for actresses here in our little world. Sure we have entertainment, but we don't have anything like Broadway musicals."
"Well, I suppose I should welcome ya back then. Here's an ale, on the house."
Ginny laughed. "You still remember my favorite?"
"Isn't free ale everyone's favorite?"
"Got me there Tom." And she laughed again. "Wish me luck in Diagon Alley. Meaning, pray that my families not there so I don't get yelled at for not telling them I was coming."
"Aye. Well good luck then. You'll be needing it."
"That I will Tom. That I will."
With that she walked toward the wall, tapped the pattern in the stones, and walked into a home she had almost forgotten.
~~~~~*~~~~~
Draco hit his desk. "No. I wanted that report on my desk by noon, it's two thirty now and you're telling me that the earliest I can expect it is by noon tomorrow? Do you not understand that I need this in order to finalize plans with the Minister and others for our attack against Voldemort."
"Look Draco, I understand that as much as you do."
"Obviously you don't, Mr. Potter."
"Look, things are under control—"
"How many times have I told you Harry. Things are not under control. If things were under control we wouldn't have a job."
Harry rolled his eyes. "You're too serious about this. You're driving all of us nuts. We can't work this fast."
"I'm too serious? You of all people should know how serious we all need to be. Voldemort is strong. Almost as strong as he used to be before you…" he searched for a moment and then sarcastically said "defeated him."
"We know this, Mr. Malfoy."
"You're parents died because they fought the fight we're still fighting. My parents kill people on the other side. There is no way a person can be too serious. We have fought for too long, and too hard, and now we're so close." A look came over his eyes. "Think Harry. This will all be over. You can be free to have a job you can actually tell people about. We can defeat him. For good this time."
"I'll get it to you as soon as possible, but this is taking a lot of decoding. We've never had something quite like this."
Draco groaned. "He must have a new code, which means he must realize that people are on to him. And that means…" He smirked at Harry and waited for him to finish the sentence.
"That all of us little peon's you like to call your friends and employees get
to work even harder while you sit on your butt and dream about…whatever it is
your dream about."
Draco laughed. "Who would have thought I'd become friends with the great Harry Potter."
"Definitely not me."
"Oh Harry, I'm hurt." He laughed again and then walked over to him. "I know I get edgy on this, but I need to make things right. I feel like half of Voldemort's reign is my fault because of my father…and well…"
Harry nodded. "It's fine. More my fault then yours if you think about it. I mean he did use my blood in our fourth year, not yours."
"True. You bloody git. Why couldn't you have just been a stronger fourteen year old and fought him off? You're so weak." He laughed again and then patted him on the shoulder.
"You just need to get out more. You know…I could set you up with someone."
"No. No way am I falling captive of the Potter fan club. I had enough of that in school."
"Oh these are only girls I've dated, broken their hearts, and then tossed to the side of the road for guys who are so beneath me like you."
Draco smirked and then shook his head. "It's a good thing I know your kidding, otherwise you'd be fired for defying your ranking officer."
"Officer? Since when are you an officer."
"Since I made myself one."
"Well let me set you up. Lavender just got divorced."
"Please no. The last thing I want is some girls baggage on being left by her husband for her best friend."
"You heard?"
"Who didn't. She writes for the Daily Herald. It was on the front page that her husband was slime and couldn't…well…function…quite properly."
"Scared she'll try to seduce you?"
"I can seduce my own women."
"Can you. I bet I could pick someone you couldn't."
"Ah. I friendly bet?"
"Friendly? More like…payback."
"For what?"
"Making me get you this report by eight."
"Try seven."
"Get real. But seriously, I'd like to bet you that I could pick a girl who wouldn't be seduced. Even by you."
"Alright. I'll take this bet. What're the stakes?"
"You get to do your own research and file your own report for my next two assignments so that I can sit on my butt all day and boss you around."
Draco thought for a minute and then nodded. "It's a bet then."
They shook hands. "Who's the girl?"
Harry thought for a minute and then shrugged. "I'll have her to you by noon tomorrow?"
Draco laughed. "Noon. Not eight, not seven. Noon."
"I won't be late."
"Yeah that'll be the day." Draco muttered as Harry left his office.
"I heard that."
~~~~~*~~~~~
Ginny felt so out of place. She was wearing a bright red skirt, a black shirt that wasn't exactly modestly cut on the top, and black strapy high-heeled sandals. Her hair wasn't the normal Weasley poof, but laid softly down her back to the mid-waist area, waving softly.
People would stop and stare as she made her way down the street. Robes of every color dotted the crowd, and hats bobbed up and down as they walked.
She was about to enter Flourish and Botts, she did need some new books, when she bumped into someone. A someone with remarkable red hair and freckles.
"Gin?"
"Ron?"
"What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same thing." He looked at her and then laughed. "You look good. Bloody good."
"Same for you. You look excited. What's going on?"
"Herm and I," He grinned, "are having a baby."
Ginny squealed. "Oh!! How exciting!! Which one's pregnant? You or Hermione?"
"Oh shut up." And then he ruffled her hair and hugged her. "I'm so excited you're here. I was going to owl…but…"
"But you weren't going to get to it because everyone forgets to invite me to things because it's as if I life an entire world away."
"Well you do, Gin. But we don't forget you…you just can't ever come. But we're having dinner tonight. At mums. Everyone will be there. The fam, Harry, everyone."
Ginny grinned. "I'll have to cancel plans, but I'm sure that Liz will understand that my favorite brother is having a baby. Well…maybe she won't understand why you're having it…but…" And then she shrugged.
"Oh shut up."
Ginny raised her eyebrows suggestively. "You think I can?" She paused for a minute. "Actually don't answer that. What time is dinner?"
"Eight. At The Burrow."
"I'll be there."
"You better be. Gotta rush and tell others." He hugged her again. "See ya, love."
She pulled out her phone again and dialed Liz's number.
"Hello it's Liz. And this better be good, because Adam was just about to—"
"Sorry for interrupting anything, but I've just talked to my brother and he found out he's pregnant and so we're having a family dinner. It's sort of miraculous you know."
"Your brother is pregnant???"
"Well…no. But his wife is. And the miracle is that she's stayed with him long enough for them to be married, let alone have a baby. Guess she's stuck now. I wouldn't want to be stuck with Ron. Had to go through that for a week when we were locked in the attic with the ghoul and—"
"You had a ghoul…?"
"We had very good imaginations." Ginny corrected herself. "Do you understand? Is it ok?"
"It's fine. Just wish you had a date. I could see being stood up for a date…but for a family dinner. I mean, jeez Gin. Where are your priorities?"
Laughing she answered, "I dunno. Obviously not on the right things."
"You need to get a boyfriend, ducky. Adam has a great
friend…"
"I can find my own man, thank you very much. Even though I can't make a show doesn't mean that I can't get a boyfriend."
"I've known you for three years, and you've only dated three times."
"Well…I haven't met someone with the same…background."
"That's because you act! All the men you see are gay!"
"Now that's not true."
Silence.
"Ok…so most of them are gay."
"We're having dinner on Saturday, that's in two days, and you are going to bring not only delicious pasties, but a delicious man. Understood?"
"Fine." She sighed. "But I am not happy."
"And he can't be one of your gay friends. I'm talking, man."
"I learned what a man was long before you did. I have six brothers."
"True. Adam's getting impatient though…I love you bunches. Talk to more about the details of our dinner. Got it?"
"Got it. Bye, love."
She looked around Diagon Alley. Where was she going to find a man who has….well straight and not a wizard."
~~~~~*~~~~~
Ginny apparated home quickly to change her clothing. She chose a white peasant top and a tie-died skirt with brown sandals. She pulled back her hair with a leather strip and put on some lip gloss. Maybe she could try and talk Harry into coming, although she hated dating him. It was like asking Fred out. Ewww. She shuddered at the thought. Finally deciding she was mentally prepared, she apparated to the family house, The Burrow.
"Ooof!"
Ginny looked under her and smiled innocently. "'Ello Fred."
"How on earth did you pass your apparition test. Every time you come over I'm the only one you seem to land on. Your aim is terrible."
"How do know I don't aim for you?" She grinned wickedly and hugged him. "I still love you though."
Sputtering he slapped her lightly on the bottom. "You're cheeky. You know that ?"
"I'm the only girl. I have to be in order to survive. Plus," she cuddled up to him, "you are my favorite brother."
Fred grinned. "That's true. Well come on, let's go in."
Ginny took a deep breath and then went in with him. "Mom's going to attack me, isn't she?"
George came up on her other side. "Well, you haven't kept in touch for almost two months. You've basically been asking for it."
"Couldn't you take some of the slack for me? Please?"
"Why would I want to detain my own mum?"
"Because you're my favorite brother."
And then kissed him on the cheek.
"Hey!" Fred pouted. "I thought I was."
George just looked at him. "Yeah right. Like anyone could like you." Then he turned back to Gin. "You're my favorite sister, but I don't love you that much."
"Git."
"Always and forever."
They walked into the main room in the Weasley home, the kitchen, she was practically attacked by her nephews, nieces, brothers, and the dreaded angry mother.
"Virginia Anne Weasley what have you been doing? Last I heard from you weren't doing much of anything. Still going on with the acting nonsense and then the next thing I know, nothing. No owls, no visits, nothing. No owls returned, and I sent you one almost everyday."
"Yes I know, Mum. Your poor owl must have almost died."
"That's all you're going to say? You lead me to believe that you're dead and all you're worried about is a blooming owl?"
"Well yeah. I mean why should I worry about me being dead. I know I wasn't." She smiled. "I've just been busy. Life is hectic out there. I have to make my own food."
The room gasped.
"Yeah I know. Weird concept, huh?" She continued. "But the point is that I don't always have time to write. I meant to, really I did. But once I started getting behind I didn't want to face getting yelled at by you."
"I don't ever yell." Molly shouted.
Ginny raised her eyebrows.
"So I do. But you had me worried sick."
"I'm sorry Mum. I love you."
Molly smiled and then hugged her tightly. "I'm glad you're home."
"Stupid sisters," Bill muttered. "I never would have gotten away with that."
"Well," Ginny said. "Hi everybody!"
After hugs and talks and reuniting with the newest news on everybody she was almost ready to go home, when Harry came in.
"Sorry about that. Got held back at work."
"Your boss being a tyrant again?" Ron asked.
Harry laughed. "You could say that. I got a little behind and then—" He stopped as his eyes fell on Ginny.
"Umm…'ello Harry?"
"Hey Gin." He tilted his head and pursed his lips. "Yes…yes I think you'll be perfect."
"Unless if you've suddenly become a director of a musical I don't think I want to know what I'd be perfect for."
"Ginny? Could I talk to you outside for a moment."
Molly grinned and started pushing her towards Harry. "She'd love to."
"I'd love to Harry." She repeated as she rolled her eyes at her mother.
"Good. Let's go outside."
They walked toward a tree out in the backyard that had a swing hanging down from one the branches.
"I never realize how much I miss this place until I come back." Ginny commented.
"Yeah. It's a pretty great place. I couldn't imagine leaving it."
"That's only because you don't live here."
Harry thought for a moment and then laughed. "I can see how that could be a problem."
"Could? More like is." She looked up at him. "So what did you want to talk to me about?"
"Well, you see I have this great friend."
"That's not Ron? Wow I'm amazed."
"Oh hush. But anyway, he hasn't really dated for a while…"
"Oh no. Harry I do not want to date one of your friends who's not attractive and couldn't get a girl so you want to set him up—"
"No, it's not like that at all. I suppose he'd be relatively good looking for a guy, he just works a lot and can't get out much."
Ginny raised her eyebrows. "You want to set up a strict business man with me?"
He didn't say anything.
"You're nuts."
"Come on, Gin. Please?"
"Who is it? Do I know him? Did he go to Hogwarts? Don't be dumb Gin, of course he went to Hogwarts."
"Draco Malfoy."
There was silence and she tilted her head at him.
"What?" She chuckled. "I must have misheard you. For a minute there I thought you were insinuating that you and Draco Malfoy were friends."
"I did. He's…he's kind of my boss."
Silence again.
"He's a great guy. I know you wouldn't think so but…well he is."
"Draco Malfoy?"
"Yes Draco Malfoy."
"You mean the nasty Draco Malfoy who's father is a death eater and who likes to kick cats, and gave me a certain journal?"
"He isn't at all like his father. Just meet him."
She sighed. "When?"
"Tomorrow. Noon."
"For lunch?"
"No, just to meet him and then see what you both want to do."
"Did you say that he was good looking?"
"Umm….yeah….I guess…I mean it's not like I look and go…Oh wow. That's one good looking man."
Ginny laughed. "And he's straight?"
"Ginny, there is nothing between Draco and me. We're both totally straight."
The thought of Harry being anything but made Ginny go into hysterics, and then picturing him with Draco made her laugh even harder. "No…no nothing like that. I just wanted to check." After she composed herself she smiled. "Alright. I'll meet him."
"Great. I'll meet you outside the Ministry Building at eleven forty-five. Don't be late."
"Ok. Eleven forty, so that I won't be late."
"Great."
Right then her telephone rang.
"Hello, this is Ginny Weasley speaking."
"Wonderful. Sorry if it's a little late, but this is Brent Jordans. The stage manager of Songs for a New World. We were very impressed by your audition and would like to call you back Friday evening at five o'clock for a through callback. Dancing, singing, cold readings, all the works. So if you could bring what you'll need, we'll see you at five."
Ginny was having a hard time breathing. "Umm…ok. I'll be there. Five….me…being…there….yes." She hit her forehead. "Yes I'll be there. Thank you very much for calling Mr. Jordans."
"Call me Brent."
"Thank you, Brent."
"See you on Friday."
"Yeah. See you."
She hung up the phone and fell out of the swing.
Harry looked down at her. "Umm…Gin are you ok."
"I am better than ok. I am the happiest girl in the world."
"And why is that?"
She hopped up and twirled in circles. "I made callbacks!!!"
Harry looked confused. "What's a callback?"
But all Ginny did was dance around singing about how she made callbacks.
