The Dragon and his Flame by tigereyes320
Part 6 of
Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters belong to JK Rowling. And the various Presses that release it. Doesn't in any way shape or form belong to me
A/N 1 I have to thank my beta's Therese and Jenny. This is my first HP fic. I have to tell you now, I have D/G together obviously also Ron/Her. This fic will change POV from someone telling a story in one time, to seeing the scenes in the story in the past. Then back to the time when the story is being told. Parts will be the story. Interludes will be scenes from the story's present time. Interludes will tell you what everyone's been doing since the story.
A/N 2 I have to thank echo for letting me (reluctantly) borrow her pairing of Katie Bell with Percy from Absolutely Spiffing (a great read by the way)
A/N 3 I like constructive feedback. tigereyes320@hotmail.com Pairing will NOT be changed in anyway. So those that do not like my Pairings are under no obligation to read this story.
A/N 4 I want to thank everyone again who has reviewed and said they liked the story I really appreciate it. I am so glad yo guys like the story. I was afraid since it wasn't that original you all might not like it. Thanks for proving me wrong. I'm getting the next part out as quickly as I can. I promise not to hold it for ransom. If you want to review, great. If you don't, that's ok too. I just hope you enjoy it. If you want to know when I update leave your email address in the review section.
Draco sat on his broom, looking down from high above the quidditch pitch. He and Potter had been up and looking for the snitch for over an hour. It was a gusty day and the winds kept picking up. Draco looked around the pitch and saw Ginny sitting with her older brothers in the Gryffindor seats. He shook his head, the little brat was wearing his green and silver scarf. 'She must have nicked it when I wasn't looking.' Draco mused. Out of the corner of his eye Draco saw a glint of gold. The snitch. He glanced around to see if Harry had spotted it yet. When he saw that Potter hadn't, Draco dove for it. Everyone was on his or her feet, all of a sudden. Draco didn't let it bother him. Was it so impossible that he catch the snitch for once?
What Draco hadn't seen was that Katie had just thrown the quaffle and scored. A bludger had been heading straight for her. Fred went and hit it away from her, toward an empty spot on the pitch. When Draco dove to get the snitch, he put himself right in the bludger's way. By this time Harry had seen the snitch as well. He tried to try and get to the bludger before it hit Draco. Draco's fingers were just touching it, when the bludger hit him.
Draco remembered feeling the wings of the snitch before the incredible pain blocked out everything but Ginny's scream. He realized that he must have been hit by a bludger. Then his world went black.
"I still can't believe you want to let it stand Harry!"
Draco heard the other players mumbling agreement.
He felt something cool and wet sliding across his face.
"Would you guys keep it down?! He's lucky he wasn't killed between the bludger hitting him and breaking several ribs, puncturing a lung. He also got a nasty concussion when he fell off his broom. Even Madame Pomphrey's getting worried. He should have woken up by now. He's been unconscious for almost a week." Draco heard Ginny say impatiently and worriedly.
Draco smiled at the thought of his Flame telling them what to do. He grew thoughtful she was worried about me. 'You tell 'em Ginny.' Then he heard Weasley say to her "Ginny come on. You need your rest, and you need some food. You won't be good to anyone if you get sick."
"I don't want to leave him. No one comes up here except for Snape and us. Not even his team mates."
"Ginny you go eat and take a nap. Harry and I'll take over until you come back. I don't want to see you for at least four hours."
"All right Hermione. If he wakes up you'll tell him I was here?"
"I'll tell him. Go."
Draco felt Ginny's lips touch his forehead. "I'll be back soon Dragon. Mione and Harry will stay until I get back."
Draco decided not to stay silent any longer, "Come back soon Flame."
"Draco!" Ginny put her hand on his face. "You're ok?"
"I'll be fine. I'm a little thirsty. Can I have some water, please?" Draco asked. Hermione brought a glass of water to his mouth so he could take a drink. After he slacked his thirst he eyed Ron and Harry, "I'm assuming we lost as usual to you Gryffindor's?" Draco asked. He raised his eyebrows at the looks on their faces.
"It's up to you." Harry said. "You had the snitch, but when the bludger hit you, you let it go, and I caught it. We could re-do the match, in a few days. Or, we could let it stand as ii is with Slytherin winning. You did catch it first."
"What do the other Slytherin's say?"
"They don't really consider it a win. They'd like to redo. I'd like to redo the match. Harry says it should be up to you. Angelina who's the captain agrees with Harry as does most of the team." Ron said matter of factly. "And now that Prince Charming is awake you are going to get something to eat and go to bed. You're not to come back until tomorrow."
"Ron!"
"Don't be giving me that puppy dog look, it isn't going to work!" Ron crossed his arms and did his best to stay firm. "Oy, don't start with the tears. All right you two can have fifteen minutes alone and then you are going to get something to eat and go to bed. If you fight me on this I swear to Merlin, I'll owl Mum,"
"Ok I promise. Just fifteen minutes."
"We'll just wait outside. Come on you guys. Give them some privacy. Draco will give his answer about quidditch tomorrow. Good to see you awake, Draco. We'll be back in a bit, to see if there is anything you need. Fred, George why don't you find Snape and tell him that Draco is awake." Hermione said as she herded everyone out of the Hospital ward.
"That girl is a born teacher," Draco said as he heard her still giving instructions as the door closed behind them.
"Yeah, she is. She's got a bit of a soft spot with you. Dragon don't you ever scare me like that again." Ginny said
"I promise no more diving into bludgers. You do look tired. I can't believe these words are going to come our of my mouth, but I agree with your brother." "Pigs must be flying. Ok I'll go eat a good dinner and I'll see you tomorrow. Want me to nick you anything special from the kitchen?"
"Your company will be fine. I'm getting kind of tired myself. If you're going to insist Granger stay it'll only be until I fall asleep. Then your brother can come and take her back to Gryffindor where he can snog her stupid."
Ginny leaned over and gave him a soft kiss on his lips. "Don't forget you owe me some snogging as well. See you tomorrow." She took a peek at the door and then slipped into the bed beside him. "Ron said I had fifteen minutes. I want to hold you. Do you have a problem with that?"
"No. I've missed holding you." Draco drew his arm around her. Soon he felt Ginny relax into a deep sleep. Draco smoothed his hand up and down her back and she snuggled closer. They stayed like that for a time.
"All right Ginny." Ron said as he came around the curtained off bed. "Time to go." His voiced dropped off as he looked at the couple on the bed. 'I wonder if Malfoy even knows how hard he's fallen for my sister." Ron watched as Draco tightened his arm protectively around Ginny.
Ron heard Hermione come up behind him He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her temple. "I'm gonna be stuck with Malfoy forever aren't I Mione?"
"It appears that way. Are we letting them sleep?"
Ron sighed, "I'll go down and get us some food from the kitchen. You can stay, and keep an eye on them. We'll let 'em sleep for a while. If Pomphrey or Snape come in, we can say her presence calmed him down. I'll be back in a bit." He kissed her quick and was out the door before he could figure out if he had lost his mind or not. Letting his sister, his only sister, his sweet innocent baby sister stay snuggled up to that ferrity Slytherin git. So what if he saved Hermione's parents at Christmas? He must be losing his mind.
Well after that the Dragon Prince and the Flame Princess were always seen together. He had decided to have a rematch in quidditch, Slytherin won against Gryffindor, but Gryffindor still had more points so they still won the cup. Not long afterwards, the O.W.L.S. were taken and grades received, the Prince could still hold his head up. All too soon it was June and time to leave.
Draco and Ginny sat together with the Dream Team and talked on the ride back home. Hermione had helped them come up with a code that they could seemingly be writing mushy letters to each other but Lucius could see where Ginny had provided 'information' on any raids. Also, the same code could be used for Draco to send Ginny any names that could possibly arise. On the letters that there was a code involved Draco would add a dragon, and Ginny would add a Flame. Thus the covert operations began.
*^*^*^*^*^*
July 1st
Dear Dragon;
I thought you might like to come visit us this summer. Harry's coming the last week of July and staying until School starts in September. You could come before then if you don't want to spend a week with Harry and my brothers. Percy asked Katie to marry him this past weekend. She said yes! Finally I'm going to have a sister! Katie decided on Puddlemere for a team. They are willing to give her time off, as well as let her retire temporarily if they have kids. Katie says she wants at least two. They are planning for Valentine's Day. Mum is over the moon, at the idea of grandbabies. She'd like to owl your Mum to invite you over. Do you think it would be ok? Owl me soon.
Love, Your Flame
July 5th
Dear Flame;
I checked with my parents. I told them to expect your Mum's owl. After it arrived I got pulled into conference with them. My father thinks it would be a good idea for me to spend the last weeks of summer with you and your family. Don't ask me why. I think he's up to something. I'll be coming August 10th. Send your brother, Percy my best wishes. I'll see you soon. I'll be sending another owl in a day or two. My dad is going to a meeting tomorrow night. How serious do you want to be next year. Write me soon.
I miss you, Your Dragon
July 8th
Dear Dragon;
PAHH USQV BWPDAN NWEZ KJ JKPP EJ PDNAA ZWUO. Be careful I want you here in a month
Love, Your Flame
Translation: Tell your father raid on Nott in three days
July 11th
Sweet Flame;
PAHH USQC BWPDAN OAWIQO BEJJAGWJ. I'm sure I'll have fun. Do I have to bring Potter a belated birthday gift?? I wish we could just talk. I miss the sound of your voice. Maybe muggles have a few good ideas after all.
Love, Your Dragon
Translation: Tell your father Seamus Finnegan
July 19th
My Dragon Prince;
I'm so sorry for not writing sooner. We went to meet and greet the Bell's. We were there almost a week. Weasley's Wizard Wheezes is now an actual company. Believe it or not the twins asked Percy to help them set up the company. Get it organized and such. He took some time and helped them organize the whole thing. He's really quite proud of them. They're turning their love of pranks into a thriving business. Percy also gave them some ideas on how to branch out slowly. Bergin's and Blotts have agreed to carry a small selection of their stuff, like disappearing-reappearing-scrambling self-inking quills. All sorts of goodies. One piece of very important advice, if Fred or George offer you anything to eat or drink when you're here? DO NOT TAKE IT! I love my brothers dearly but they are ALWAYS up to mischief. Harry is coming in a few days. And no you don't HAVE to give him a gift, but it would be nice. I cant believe it in less then a month you'll be here. My older brothers Charlie and Bill will be coming the last week in August to visit. Mum worries with them so far away. Are you having a nice holiday so far? Did you and your family do anything together? Gotta go Mum's calling me to help with the party preparations. Ron's going crazy because Hermione's coming tomorrow. Write soon my prince.
Love, Your Flame
July 27th
My Flame Princess;
I'm sorry as well. My family decided to go on holiday to Italy. We have some distant relatives there. I'd love to take you there one day. You'd enjoy it. Rome, Venice, and Florence are especially beautiful. I found something for Potter as a gift. I found something your Mum might like as well, as a thank you for inviting me to stay with you. It sounds like your family is having a lot of fun. Trust me I know not to eat anything Fred and George give me. I'm glad Percy is helping them out. I've played a few tricks myself on people; maybe I'll give them a hand. Sometimes I wish we were back in school so we could be in the Astronomy tower together at night. I can't believe in two weeks I'll be seeing you. Thanks for the warning it's working. Talk to you soon. Ginny, is this love?
Your Dragon Prince
August 3rd
Dragon
Seven more days. I'm counting them. And yes it is. I love you, Flame
August 9th Flame
I'll be arriving by floo with my mother tomorrow morning before lunch. See you tomorrow, love.
I love you too, Your Dragon.
Draco signed his letter and sent it off with his owl. He had just about finished packing. He threw himself on his bed and closed his eyes. He'd get to see his Flame tomorrow. Over a month without her was way too long.
Draco woke up the next morning, feeling quite refreshed. He wasn't sure why he woke up in such a good mood. Then it hit him. He was going to see Ginny, along with all six of her brothers.
Draco got up, showered and changed into some black pants and a heather- green tee, and finished tossing some last minute items into his trunk. He then went down to join his parents for breakfast.
"Master Draco you is wanting breakfast this morning?" Lissy the house elf asked.
"Yes, I would." Draco had to fight to not say 'thank you' or 'please' to the elf. Lucius would kill him first and ask questions later. 'Malfoy's are not polite to lesser beings, such as elves. In public, of course, we are polite to those not of our station. Appearance is everything to a Malfoy' he could hear his father's voice in his head.
"Draco?"
Draco heard his mother call his name.
"I'm sorry Mother, did you ask me something?"
"Yes, dear. I asked if you were packed and ready to go." Narcissa Malfoy asked as she composedly drank her tea and ate her toast.
"Yes Mother, I'm all packed."
"You have the key to your vault if you need any money? Do you have the gift we choose for Mrs. Weasley?"
"Yes I have the key and my money from this past year. I also packed the gift carefully. Has Father already eaten?"
"Yes, he's already left for the day to be at the Ministry. I would like to say a few things to you. Draco, you know, at one time your father was a very different man. He made a decision that changed all of our lives. As his wife my place was by his side. Draco, you're my son and while I may not show it, I love you very much. If you choose to follow your father or if you decide to take another path, I'll stand by you as well. Whatever you choose to do with your life, I want you to know you're my son first. I'd like to see you happy with a family of your own someday. You always have a choice. I've said my piece. When you're done, come get me in my sitting room and we'll go." Narcissa rose from the table.
Draco's good manners' wouldn't allow him to do other wise as he rose as well. As his mother passed by him. Draco kissed the cheek his mother proffered. She put her hand to his face and smoothed his hair off of his face, as if remembering a time when he was young. Draco caught her hand and brought it to his lips. "I love you too, mother."
"Enjoy your breakfast. I'll see you in a bit." Narcissa kissed his cheek.
Draco waited until his mother left the room to tuck into his breakfast. They only had this closeness when his father wasn't around. When he was, his mother was the cold perfection that his father demanded.
*^*^*^*^The Burrow*^*^*^*^
"Ginny!" Ron shouted pounding on the door. "Get out of the loo! Malfoy likes your face as is! GINNY! Come on. MUM! Ginny won't get out of the loo."
"Ron!" Give it a break." Charlie said as he came around the corner.
"Yeah," Bill said. "I believe the twins said you were in the loo for over an hour, the day 'Mione came." Bill gave Ron a pointed look.
"Ok. Ok. But I got firsts when she finally comes out. I'm gonna find Mione." Ron said as he turned away from the bathroom, and walked back down the hall.
"So what do you think of Draco Malfoy being Ginny's boyfriend?" Charlie asked Bill as they walked down the stairs to the kitchen where Molly Weasley was cooking up a storm.
"I don't know. I haven't heard great things about him over the years. But it takes a lot of brass to do what he did. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. If Ginny sheds one tear because of him, then I will kill him and bury him so deep no one will find him." Bill said as he pulled his long hair back with a rubber band.
"Percy tell you anything about the wedding yet?"
"Nope. Morning Mum." Bill said as they entered the kitchen. He leaned down to kiss his mother on the cheek.
"Morning Bill, Charlie. Fred! Drop that toast."
"Honestly woman, haven't you figured out I'm George" Fred said getting into the old joke.
Molly caught him with a glare.
Fred shrugged and went and put his arms around her "I'm only joking I am Fred." he whispered in her ear.
"Honestly Fred! Is that anyway for a young businessman to behave?" Molly sighed exasperated, but pleased that the sons that she had always worried about would be just fine. 'After all' she thought 'There aren't many bosses that could handle my boys. So it was best that they're going to be their own bosses.'
Molly Weasley may have disliked most of their pranks, but her Fred and George certainly made her smile. Of course, they had also added most of the gray hair she found on her head. She sighed and wondered where the years had gone. Five of her boys out of Hogwarts and one engaged to be married. Who'd have thought that Percy would be the first of her boys to get married? And to a good friend of the twins at that. Molly adored Katie, who saw something incredible in her straight-laced son. She looked over at the table where five of her seven children were. Molly always felt blessed in her children; even with money always being tight. She couldn't imagine her life without any of them. Molly thought to herself, 'Every night I pray I never have to find out if I can live without them. My fondest wish was that all my children grow up healthy and happy and find someone to share their life with. Of course if they WANT to give me lots of grandbabies to play with so much the better.'
Molly put more food on the table as Ginny came down stairs. "Tuck in everybody. I want to finish the dishes before Draco and Narcissa get here."
"Don't worry Mum we'll be nice and everything."
"Now I've put him in with you and Harry Ron. I expect you to behave." the tone Molly used left no room for any arguments.
"Yes Mum."
"Oy! Look at the time! Everyone finish up quickly! They'll be here soon. Bill I do wish you'd agree to cut your hair."
"Mum!"
"Well, You think Percy is the only one of my children I want married? What girl is going to want you with that hair?"
"Fleur didn't seem to mind it. By the way Bill, how was your holiday in Paris?" Hermione asked innocently.
"Fleur? That French girl? Is it serious?" Molly asked eagerly.
"Thanks Mione. Yes, Mum the French girl. It's not that serious. I spent some time with her on my holiday. Right now she is in a special academy of dance. She has another year and a half of that. We're taking it one date at a time. If Percy says it's ok to bring a date, I'll bring her to the wedding. You can officially meet her then." Bill said as he took his plate to the kitchen.
Ginny looked at her family anxiously, "Now you guys promise you'll be nice to Draco. That means all of you. Promise?"
Her brothers and Harry looked to each other an then back at her with an innocently reply of: "We Promise!"
Molly shook her head as she saw all six of them crossing their fingers behind their backs.'I hope Draco is ready for this.' she thought.
Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters belong to JK Rowling. And the various Presses that release it. Doesn't in any way shape or form belong to me
A/N 1 I have to thank my beta's Therese and Jenny. This is my first HP fic. I have to tell you now, I have D/G together obviously also Ron/Her. This fic will change POV from someone telling a story in one time, to seeing the scenes in the story in the past. Then back to the time when the story is being told. Parts will be the story. Interludes will be scenes from the story's present time. Interludes will tell you what everyone's been doing since the story.
A/N 2 I have to thank echo for letting me (reluctantly) borrow her pairing of Katie Bell with Percy from Absolutely Spiffing (a great read by the way)
A/N 3 I like constructive feedback. tigereyes320@hotmail.com Pairing will NOT be changed in anyway. So those that do not like my Pairings are under no obligation to read this story.
A/N 4 I want to thank everyone again who has reviewed and said they liked the story I really appreciate it. I am so glad yo guys like the story. I was afraid since it wasn't that original you all might not like it. Thanks for proving me wrong. I'm getting the next part out as quickly as I can. I promise not to hold it for ransom. If you want to review, great. If you don't, that's ok too. I just hope you enjoy it. If you want to know when I update leave your email address in the review section.
Draco sat on his broom, looking down from high above the quidditch pitch. He and Potter had been up and looking for the snitch for over an hour. It was a gusty day and the winds kept picking up. Draco looked around the pitch and saw Ginny sitting with her older brothers in the Gryffindor seats. He shook his head, the little brat was wearing his green and silver scarf. 'She must have nicked it when I wasn't looking.' Draco mused. Out of the corner of his eye Draco saw a glint of gold. The snitch. He glanced around to see if Harry had spotted it yet. When he saw that Potter hadn't, Draco dove for it. Everyone was on his or her feet, all of a sudden. Draco didn't let it bother him. Was it so impossible that he catch the snitch for once?
What Draco hadn't seen was that Katie had just thrown the quaffle and scored. A bludger had been heading straight for her. Fred went and hit it away from her, toward an empty spot on the pitch. When Draco dove to get the snitch, he put himself right in the bludger's way. By this time Harry had seen the snitch as well. He tried to try and get to the bludger before it hit Draco. Draco's fingers were just touching it, when the bludger hit him.
Draco remembered feeling the wings of the snitch before the incredible pain blocked out everything but Ginny's scream. He realized that he must have been hit by a bludger. Then his world went black.
"I still can't believe you want to let it stand Harry!"
Draco heard the other players mumbling agreement.
He felt something cool and wet sliding across his face.
"Would you guys keep it down?! He's lucky he wasn't killed between the bludger hitting him and breaking several ribs, puncturing a lung. He also got a nasty concussion when he fell off his broom. Even Madame Pomphrey's getting worried. He should have woken up by now. He's been unconscious for almost a week." Draco heard Ginny say impatiently and worriedly.
Draco smiled at the thought of his Flame telling them what to do. He grew thoughtful she was worried about me. 'You tell 'em Ginny.' Then he heard Weasley say to her "Ginny come on. You need your rest, and you need some food. You won't be good to anyone if you get sick."
"I don't want to leave him. No one comes up here except for Snape and us. Not even his team mates."
"Ginny you go eat and take a nap. Harry and I'll take over until you come back. I don't want to see you for at least four hours."
"All right Hermione. If he wakes up you'll tell him I was here?"
"I'll tell him. Go."
Draco felt Ginny's lips touch his forehead. "I'll be back soon Dragon. Mione and Harry will stay until I get back."
Draco decided not to stay silent any longer, "Come back soon Flame."
"Draco!" Ginny put her hand on his face. "You're ok?"
"I'll be fine. I'm a little thirsty. Can I have some water, please?" Draco asked. Hermione brought a glass of water to his mouth so he could take a drink. After he slacked his thirst he eyed Ron and Harry, "I'm assuming we lost as usual to you Gryffindor's?" Draco asked. He raised his eyebrows at the looks on their faces.
"It's up to you." Harry said. "You had the snitch, but when the bludger hit you, you let it go, and I caught it. We could re-do the match, in a few days. Or, we could let it stand as ii is with Slytherin winning. You did catch it first."
"What do the other Slytherin's say?"
"They don't really consider it a win. They'd like to redo. I'd like to redo the match. Harry says it should be up to you. Angelina who's the captain agrees with Harry as does most of the team." Ron said matter of factly. "And now that Prince Charming is awake you are going to get something to eat and go to bed. You're not to come back until tomorrow."
"Ron!"
"Don't be giving me that puppy dog look, it isn't going to work!" Ron crossed his arms and did his best to stay firm. "Oy, don't start with the tears. All right you two can have fifteen minutes alone and then you are going to get something to eat and go to bed. If you fight me on this I swear to Merlin, I'll owl Mum,"
"Ok I promise. Just fifteen minutes."
"We'll just wait outside. Come on you guys. Give them some privacy. Draco will give his answer about quidditch tomorrow. Good to see you awake, Draco. We'll be back in a bit, to see if there is anything you need. Fred, George why don't you find Snape and tell him that Draco is awake." Hermione said as she herded everyone out of the Hospital ward.
"That girl is a born teacher," Draco said as he heard her still giving instructions as the door closed behind them.
"Yeah, she is. She's got a bit of a soft spot with you. Dragon don't you ever scare me like that again." Ginny said
"I promise no more diving into bludgers. You do look tired. I can't believe these words are going to come our of my mouth, but I agree with your brother." "Pigs must be flying. Ok I'll go eat a good dinner and I'll see you tomorrow. Want me to nick you anything special from the kitchen?"
"Your company will be fine. I'm getting kind of tired myself. If you're going to insist Granger stay it'll only be until I fall asleep. Then your brother can come and take her back to Gryffindor where he can snog her stupid."
Ginny leaned over and gave him a soft kiss on his lips. "Don't forget you owe me some snogging as well. See you tomorrow." She took a peek at the door and then slipped into the bed beside him. "Ron said I had fifteen minutes. I want to hold you. Do you have a problem with that?"
"No. I've missed holding you." Draco drew his arm around her. Soon he felt Ginny relax into a deep sleep. Draco smoothed his hand up and down her back and she snuggled closer. They stayed like that for a time.
"All right Ginny." Ron said as he came around the curtained off bed. "Time to go." His voiced dropped off as he looked at the couple on the bed. 'I wonder if Malfoy even knows how hard he's fallen for my sister." Ron watched as Draco tightened his arm protectively around Ginny.
Ron heard Hermione come up behind him He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her temple. "I'm gonna be stuck with Malfoy forever aren't I Mione?"
"It appears that way. Are we letting them sleep?"
Ron sighed, "I'll go down and get us some food from the kitchen. You can stay, and keep an eye on them. We'll let 'em sleep for a while. If Pomphrey or Snape come in, we can say her presence calmed him down. I'll be back in a bit." He kissed her quick and was out the door before he could figure out if he had lost his mind or not. Letting his sister, his only sister, his sweet innocent baby sister stay snuggled up to that ferrity Slytherin git. So what if he saved Hermione's parents at Christmas? He must be losing his mind.
Well after that the Dragon Prince and the Flame Princess were always seen together. He had decided to have a rematch in quidditch, Slytherin won against Gryffindor, but Gryffindor still had more points so they still won the cup. Not long afterwards, the O.W.L.S. were taken and grades received, the Prince could still hold his head up. All too soon it was June and time to leave.
Draco and Ginny sat together with the Dream Team and talked on the ride back home. Hermione had helped them come up with a code that they could seemingly be writing mushy letters to each other but Lucius could see where Ginny had provided 'information' on any raids. Also, the same code could be used for Draco to send Ginny any names that could possibly arise. On the letters that there was a code involved Draco would add a dragon, and Ginny would add a Flame. Thus the covert operations began.
*^*^*^*^*^*
July 1st
Dear Dragon;
I thought you might like to come visit us this summer. Harry's coming the last week of July and staying until School starts in September. You could come before then if you don't want to spend a week with Harry and my brothers. Percy asked Katie to marry him this past weekend. She said yes! Finally I'm going to have a sister! Katie decided on Puddlemere for a team. They are willing to give her time off, as well as let her retire temporarily if they have kids. Katie says she wants at least two. They are planning for Valentine's Day. Mum is over the moon, at the idea of grandbabies. She'd like to owl your Mum to invite you over. Do you think it would be ok? Owl me soon.
Love, Your Flame
July 5th
Dear Flame;
I checked with my parents. I told them to expect your Mum's owl. After it arrived I got pulled into conference with them. My father thinks it would be a good idea for me to spend the last weeks of summer with you and your family. Don't ask me why. I think he's up to something. I'll be coming August 10th. Send your brother, Percy my best wishes. I'll see you soon. I'll be sending another owl in a day or two. My dad is going to a meeting tomorrow night. How serious do you want to be next year. Write me soon.
I miss you, Your Dragon
July 8th
Dear Dragon;
PAHH USQV BWPDAN NWEZ KJ JKPP EJ PDNAA ZWUO. Be careful I want you here in a month
Love, Your Flame
Translation: Tell your father raid on Nott in three days
July 11th
Sweet Flame;
PAHH USQC BWPDAN OAWIQO BEJJAGWJ. I'm sure I'll have fun. Do I have to bring Potter a belated birthday gift?? I wish we could just talk. I miss the sound of your voice. Maybe muggles have a few good ideas after all.
Love, Your Dragon
Translation: Tell your father Seamus Finnegan
July 19th
My Dragon Prince;
I'm so sorry for not writing sooner. We went to meet and greet the Bell's. We were there almost a week. Weasley's Wizard Wheezes is now an actual company. Believe it or not the twins asked Percy to help them set up the company. Get it organized and such. He took some time and helped them organize the whole thing. He's really quite proud of them. They're turning their love of pranks into a thriving business. Percy also gave them some ideas on how to branch out slowly. Bergin's and Blotts have agreed to carry a small selection of their stuff, like disappearing-reappearing-scrambling self-inking quills. All sorts of goodies. One piece of very important advice, if Fred or George offer you anything to eat or drink when you're here? DO NOT TAKE IT! I love my brothers dearly but they are ALWAYS up to mischief. Harry is coming in a few days. And no you don't HAVE to give him a gift, but it would be nice. I cant believe it in less then a month you'll be here. My older brothers Charlie and Bill will be coming the last week in August to visit. Mum worries with them so far away. Are you having a nice holiday so far? Did you and your family do anything together? Gotta go Mum's calling me to help with the party preparations. Ron's going crazy because Hermione's coming tomorrow. Write soon my prince.
Love, Your Flame
July 27th
My Flame Princess;
I'm sorry as well. My family decided to go on holiday to Italy. We have some distant relatives there. I'd love to take you there one day. You'd enjoy it. Rome, Venice, and Florence are especially beautiful. I found something for Potter as a gift. I found something your Mum might like as well, as a thank you for inviting me to stay with you. It sounds like your family is having a lot of fun. Trust me I know not to eat anything Fred and George give me. I'm glad Percy is helping them out. I've played a few tricks myself on people; maybe I'll give them a hand. Sometimes I wish we were back in school so we could be in the Astronomy tower together at night. I can't believe in two weeks I'll be seeing you. Thanks for the warning it's working. Talk to you soon. Ginny, is this love?
Your Dragon Prince
August 3rd
Dragon
Seven more days. I'm counting them. And yes it is. I love you, Flame
August 9th Flame
I'll be arriving by floo with my mother tomorrow morning before lunch. See you tomorrow, love.
I love you too, Your Dragon.
Draco signed his letter and sent it off with his owl. He had just about finished packing. He threw himself on his bed and closed his eyes. He'd get to see his Flame tomorrow. Over a month without her was way too long.
Draco woke up the next morning, feeling quite refreshed. He wasn't sure why he woke up in such a good mood. Then it hit him. He was going to see Ginny, along with all six of her brothers.
Draco got up, showered and changed into some black pants and a heather- green tee, and finished tossing some last minute items into his trunk. He then went down to join his parents for breakfast.
"Master Draco you is wanting breakfast this morning?" Lissy the house elf asked.
"Yes, I would." Draco had to fight to not say 'thank you' or 'please' to the elf. Lucius would kill him first and ask questions later. 'Malfoy's are not polite to lesser beings, such as elves. In public, of course, we are polite to those not of our station. Appearance is everything to a Malfoy' he could hear his father's voice in his head.
"Draco?"
Draco heard his mother call his name.
"I'm sorry Mother, did you ask me something?"
"Yes, dear. I asked if you were packed and ready to go." Narcissa Malfoy asked as she composedly drank her tea and ate her toast.
"Yes Mother, I'm all packed."
"You have the key to your vault if you need any money? Do you have the gift we choose for Mrs. Weasley?"
"Yes I have the key and my money from this past year. I also packed the gift carefully. Has Father already eaten?"
"Yes, he's already left for the day to be at the Ministry. I would like to say a few things to you. Draco, you know, at one time your father was a very different man. He made a decision that changed all of our lives. As his wife my place was by his side. Draco, you're my son and while I may not show it, I love you very much. If you choose to follow your father or if you decide to take another path, I'll stand by you as well. Whatever you choose to do with your life, I want you to know you're my son first. I'd like to see you happy with a family of your own someday. You always have a choice. I've said my piece. When you're done, come get me in my sitting room and we'll go." Narcissa rose from the table.
Draco's good manners' wouldn't allow him to do other wise as he rose as well. As his mother passed by him. Draco kissed the cheek his mother proffered. She put her hand to his face and smoothed his hair off of his face, as if remembering a time when he was young. Draco caught her hand and brought it to his lips. "I love you too, mother."
"Enjoy your breakfast. I'll see you in a bit." Narcissa kissed his cheek.
Draco waited until his mother left the room to tuck into his breakfast. They only had this closeness when his father wasn't around. When he was, his mother was the cold perfection that his father demanded.
*^*^*^*^The Burrow*^*^*^*^
"Ginny!" Ron shouted pounding on the door. "Get out of the loo! Malfoy likes your face as is! GINNY! Come on. MUM! Ginny won't get out of the loo."
"Ron!" Give it a break." Charlie said as he came around the corner.
"Yeah," Bill said. "I believe the twins said you were in the loo for over an hour, the day 'Mione came." Bill gave Ron a pointed look.
"Ok. Ok. But I got firsts when she finally comes out. I'm gonna find Mione." Ron said as he turned away from the bathroom, and walked back down the hall.
"So what do you think of Draco Malfoy being Ginny's boyfriend?" Charlie asked Bill as they walked down the stairs to the kitchen where Molly Weasley was cooking up a storm.
"I don't know. I haven't heard great things about him over the years. But it takes a lot of brass to do what he did. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. If Ginny sheds one tear because of him, then I will kill him and bury him so deep no one will find him." Bill said as he pulled his long hair back with a rubber band.
"Percy tell you anything about the wedding yet?"
"Nope. Morning Mum." Bill said as they entered the kitchen. He leaned down to kiss his mother on the cheek.
"Morning Bill, Charlie. Fred! Drop that toast."
"Honestly woman, haven't you figured out I'm George" Fred said getting into the old joke.
Molly caught him with a glare.
Fred shrugged and went and put his arms around her "I'm only joking I am Fred." he whispered in her ear.
"Honestly Fred! Is that anyway for a young businessman to behave?" Molly sighed exasperated, but pleased that the sons that she had always worried about would be just fine. 'After all' she thought 'There aren't many bosses that could handle my boys. So it was best that they're going to be their own bosses.'
Molly Weasley may have disliked most of their pranks, but her Fred and George certainly made her smile. Of course, they had also added most of the gray hair she found on her head. She sighed and wondered where the years had gone. Five of her boys out of Hogwarts and one engaged to be married. Who'd have thought that Percy would be the first of her boys to get married? And to a good friend of the twins at that. Molly adored Katie, who saw something incredible in her straight-laced son. She looked over at the table where five of her seven children were. Molly always felt blessed in her children; even with money always being tight. She couldn't imagine her life without any of them. Molly thought to herself, 'Every night I pray I never have to find out if I can live without them. My fondest wish was that all my children grow up healthy and happy and find someone to share their life with. Of course if they WANT to give me lots of grandbabies to play with so much the better.'
Molly put more food on the table as Ginny came down stairs. "Tuck in everybody. I want to finish the dishes before Draco and Narcissa get here."
"Don't worry Mum we'll be nice and everything."
"Now I've put him in with you and Harry Ron. I expect you to behave." the tone Molly used left no room for any arguments.
"Yes Mum."
"Oy! Look at the time! Everyone finish up quickly! They'll be here soon. Bill I do wish you'd agree to cut your hair."
"Mum!"
"Well, You think Percy is the only one of my children I want married? What girl is going to want you with that hair?"
"Fleur didn't seem to mind it. By the way Bill, how was your holiday in Paris?" Hermione asked innocently.
"Fleur? That French girl? Is it serious?" Molly asked eagerly.
"Thanks Mione. Yes, Mum the French girl. It's not that serious. I spent some time with her on my holiday. Right now she is in a special academy of dance. She has another year and a half of that. We're taking it one date at a time. If Percy says it's ok to bring a date, I'll bring her to the wedding. You can officially meet her then." Bill said as he took his plate to the kitchen.
Ginny looked at her family anxiously, "Now you guys promise you'll be nice to Draco. That means all of you. Promise?"
Her brothers and Harry looked to each other an then back at her with an innocently reply of: "We Promise!"
Molly shook her head as she saw all six of them crossing their fingers behind their backs.'I hope Draco is ready for this.' she thought.