Chapter 13

She was glad that Draco did stick to his promise that their trip would not contain any keyports or brooms. She was quite surprised when she discovered that they were taking a car. She was even more surprised when Draco was the one driving them to the new manor, not only was the car the latest model, but he was also a skilled driver. She was impressed that he didn't tailgate like most other drivers just to show off to their friends. The trip was pretty smooth and Narcissa kept up an ongoing conversation as she did yesterday when she visited them in their house.

            While on the trip, Ginny could help think back to what happened last night. It was just too sudden. How many times has Draco kissed her? There was the time when he came over to her house late at night just to "punish" her. Then the next morning there was that "vacuum" kiss. Then later on there was the kiss that made Harry really mad…and now last night! What was going on? Each kiss she was powerless to stop, though she found herself wanting to push him away and yet she wanted him to keep going. Never in her life has she been kissed in those ways. When she was with Seamus, he never kissed her that way. Maybe Draco's kisses were different because he's such a lady's man; maybe he had time to improve his "skills". She hated to admit that she loved the feel of his hands on her body and the way his lips made her tremble. What power he had over her. Then there was that matter that sent her mind thinking all night: Draco's eye color.

            Either her mind was playing tricks on her or it was jus the trick of the light. It was eerie yet mystifying. Could he actually do that on purpose? Does he just change hues or can he change the entire color? What did it mean when it changed? She thought she would go crazy if she didn't find out! Maybe she could ask Draco's mother…would she even tell her? Maybe not, after all Narcissa might not like it if she was sticking her neb in some other people's business. Maybe she should just go and ask him herself. Oh, yeah right! As if that would be a fine scene! She could just imagine it now, she'll be like: Oh Draco, I couldn't help wonder, why do your eyes change hue? Hah! She wasn't even sure if it was real or not. She should just wait a while longer if she sees it happen again. He hoped it would be some time soon because she didn't know if she could survive without knowing this enigma.

            They got news that the mall would be moving its location to the other side of the town by the next month. They just had to get things all prepared. For that month, Draco would just have to be contented with he has for the meantime. When they were finally on the Malfoy estate, Ginny could see the few things that were added when she and Draco left the premises. On the front was a sprawling landscape with grand fountains. The gate had the Malfoy Crest on it and only opened when a member of the family was coming in. Going to the house itself took some fifteen to twenty minutes! Before they saw the house, another gate was there to guard it. Maybe Draco was over-reacting with the tight security. She mentioned it to Narcissa and she just scoffed. She said that a Malfoy needs all the securities in life. The house was twice as big as their original home. It had marble pillars on the front, making it look like something out of the ancient Grecian homes. A huge marble staircase led the way to an equally large double ebony door. Of course, if you didn't want to take the stairs, there was the back and side doors that only opened to that of the Malfoy's. The first place you would be in once entered was the Reception Room. It was where all the guests were received. It was also where business negotiations would be held. A single dark green carpet led through another room. Inside the reception room were two large family sofas and two recliners. There were two glass tables on either side of the room to serve guests as a writing table or if they wanted to eat.

            The next room branched of to different rooms. This room was called The Hall. On the lower left, it led to the four guest rooms that were large enough to house around twenty guests in total. To the upper left was the dining room and also led to their over-sized kitchens complete with all the inventories needed for a chef's dream. The middle led to the Banquet Hall where all parties would be held. The Banquet Hall had a clear view of the garden-to-be surrounding it. Narcissa had planned to put two or three fountains for atmosphere. She also planned to make some path walks were guests could stroll and a space where they could dance. In the Banquet hall was a grand staircase that led to the balconies to that the guests could view that sky. The next room to the Banquet Hall to its right was a staircase leading to the library. The Library was already stacked with books. Ginny grinned when Draco informed them that he had ordered the books six months ago so that he could just have the reserved. It had cost him a lot of money to get all of them. The library was also connected to a work office, which was also connected to another small kitchen-supper room upstairs in case they were too lazy to get something downstairs to eat. The lower right room led to the Family Chambers were members of the family slept. Narcissa's room was the first. It was still kind of bare because Draco wanted her to design her own room. Next to her's was Draco's room. Ginny wasn't surprised by the color scheme, dark green for the plush carpet and for the wallpaper. The pillows were black, green or a really dark blue. He had a worktable to the far side, his own bath and a humongous closet full of clothes. He also had a dresser to keep some of his things.

            Going back to the Great Hall, they went into the garden and walk for a while until they came to a separate house, except slightly smaller than that of the main structure. Draco explained that in case that the other house was too crowded or noisy, this was where the family could escape too. This house contained three bedrooms, a living room and a den, each furnished with cozy looking decors and ornaments. Both the furniture was a mix of modernized and traditional things. There was also a snazzy looking kitchen-eating place.

            One room contained nothing but carpet, pillows and beanbags. Outside of this room was a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi, which was again surrounded by plants.

            After the whole tour, Ginny analyzed that everything else was completed except the garden and Narcissa's room. They had lunch and Draco made an announcement that alarmed Ginny and overjoyed Narcissa.

            "Since were here, I thought we could test our new home. Of course, mother can't sleep in her room yet, so I suggest we sleep here instead."

            "That would be marvelous!" Narcissa clapped her hands as she got the champagne from the refrigerator. "Let's make a toast to our new home"

            Ginny had a sinking feeling in her gut. Who knows what might happen to her here if she spent another night with Draco? It was too dangerous already! Besides, her brother would be worried sick about her and start calling for everyone to find her. Plus, she did promise Harry that she would come baby-sit one day…what if one of those days was today or anytime soon? She always promised herself that every chance she'd get she'd leave, but somehow she always got stuck. "I'm not sure if I could stay. You see, I might be needed back at the office and my family might be worried about me."

            "Come now, Virginia!" Draco held out his wine glass for his mother to pour champagne in. "It would be only for another night, surely they would understand. As for the Ministry, I'm sure they would be very understanding because after all, I did pay a lot."

            Ginny's eyebrows snapped together in a frown. "And because you're also a regular client?" What was Draco up to? It can't just be trying out the house. He has an ulterior motive.

            "Yes Ginny, dear." Narcissa spoke up. "It would be just one more day, we promise we wont hold you back any longer. You're always welcome to visit us back at the old manor and here. Of course, we'd have to give you some sort of admittance so that you could enter the gates." She smiled at Ginny warmly. "You will stay, wont you? Grant the request of an old woman."

            "Alright, I will…and you're not old." Ginny told Narcissa, which made the woman smile again. "If you don't mind I'll have to go back to my house to get some clothes."

            "No need," Draco sipped his drink. "Mother, this has such great flavor…where did you get this?"

            "I had it since my parents got married, this wine is pretty rare at this time." Narcissa answered her son. "Why ever do you ask?"
            "Nothing really." He replied. Then he fixed his looks on Ginny. "As I said, you wont be needing any new clothes because I could provide them for you. I could get someone to come over with a new set of clothes in just your size. What would you need?" Draco reached for his cell phone.

            Ginny shook her head in protest. "I can't take new clothes!" Draco was ordering new clothes for her from where? What was this? Home Shopping Channel? "

            "It won't be nothing, really. If you're embarrassed about me spending money on you, dismiss the thought. Remember, I still have to repay you for helping me out."  Draco reminded her.

            I wished he's stop helping me out already! She muttered darkly under her breath.

            "What was that?" Draco stopped from dialing the number as she finished muttering.

            "Nothing," she couldn't get of it, she had no choice but to go along with it. "Alright, just be sure to let me talk to whoever it is you're calling."

            "As you wish," Draco finished dialing and Ginny could here the faint ringing. She stared gloomily at her un-drunk champagne and drowned it just before Draco gave her the menacing phone.

            She stood up and left the area so that she could order her clothes in private. She told the person her measurement and requested for some lingerie, nightclothes…preferably long jams, along with some regular tees and some shorts. She also added some slippers. Just when she was about to hang up, Draco called from the next room. "Don't forget swimwear! You are going to swim, aren't you?" it sounded more like a statement than a question. Fine! She gave the last order for a swimsuit and hung up. She hardly noticed that she forgot to tell the person what kind of swimsuit she wanted.

            She slumped in her chair and asked Narcissa to pour her another glass of champagne.

            *                                                           *                                                           *

            The clothes came in quicker that they expected. Narcissa suggested that they all should spend time by themselves. Ginny was glad for that suggestion. She needed time away from Draco, though she wouldn't mind spending time with his mother. Funny how genes can be transmitted to another being. Draco got most of his traits from his father…the Malfoy traits. The looks were a cross between parents. Narcissa contributed to his caring side, which he rarely shows. Nonetheless, Draco had a distinguishing trait that was also came from both sides: the need to be surrounded with wealth.

            Draco was in the library as usual, while Narcissa tended the gardens. She had also called in a crew of her own to help her with the preparations of the other garden. What was Ginny to do? She thought of coming up with a plan to keep Draco off her back…but then she figured that Draco would probably throw off whatever she was planning because of his wit. Either way, she was useless against his kisses.

            She was currently in the Pillow room and decided to take a nap. She had wanted to go to the library but she was scared of what would happen when she was left alone with Draco. She considered asking him then about his eyes, but she was still hesitant about what his reaction would be to her. What if it was a personal thing? Well, she wasn't going to risk being alone with him or getting shouted at, she'd better stay here than be up there…

            Narcissa smiled to herself as she kept close eye on the crew as they followed her orders. Telling them to spend time by themselves was a great idea. Sooner or later Virginia would come to me for something but I'll say I'm busy. Then she'd have to go somewhere. Later on Draco and her are bound to get together. She nodded to herself in contempt. Yes, I really am a good mother.

            Draco's eyes were tired from reading. He had read over three books in the three hours that was given to him alone. His head was also cramped from staying in the same position. He stretched lazily and forced himself out of his reading chair and shuffled his way out the library. The manor was quiet all except for the gardeners working outside. Maybe he could take a swim? No, he'll save that for tonight. What other things could he do now? He walked around the place aimlessly going from room to room. He went outside to see his mother ordering the people around. He gave her a little wave when she looked at him. She returned his wave and went about on her own business. He entered the separate house to see if he could find anything there to do.

He went into the kitchen and got himself another glass of champagne and carried it with him as he looked inside other rooms. Finally, he came to the Pillow Room where Ginny was fast asleep.

He quietly slid the glass door open and came beside her, looking down into her face.

            A while ago, Ginny didn't want to leave this room, now he knew why. This place was a girl's haven! He took a place on a nearby beanbag and continued to watch her sleep, taking sips every now and then from his glass. He wondered what it would be like if he could just hold her in his arms while she was asleep, to feel her breathing peacefully beside him. Until now, he never had those kinds of thoughts until she came in. All those other women, he never had a mushy thought, all he thought about was playing with their hearts and having sex with them…none of this things he was thinking about right now.

            Just what was he thinking about? Oh I don't know, things about how it would be like to marry her and have children. And every night he could hold her in his arms while she's sleeping?

What was he turning into? From a cold hearted person…he turned into this? He saw it happening before he could stop it? But did he really want to stop it? Did he like the change? Maybe he liked it because Virginia was part of it.

            ***Everything has changed ever since Draco Malfoy entered my life***

***Everything has changed ever since Virginia Weasley entered my life***

"…The daily things that keep us all busy
Are confusing me
That's when you came to me and said,

…Wish I could prove I love you
But does that mean I have to walk on water?
When we are older you'll understand
It's enough when I say so
And maybe some things are that simple

…Hold me
Whatever lies beyond this morning
Is a little later on
Regardless of warnings the future doesn't scare me at all
Nothing's like before…"

            A song seemed to be both embedded in their heads as both lie in their separate worlds. Physical bodies so close yet the sprits are soaring far away. Somehow despite differences, they found a way to be friendly with each other. It was a miracle that they didn't end up tearing each other to pieces the day they first met each other. That day in Diagon Alley…they'd never forget that as long as they live.

            He questioned if picking her was the right decision…he never felt like this way before, it was frightening and yet at the same time it felt so beautifully real. He didn't want to give it up…not yet. He didn't know if his feelings for her where of the kind that could take them to other levels of intimacy. He hoped that she would let him. But what of the plan? Should he just discard it and reveal his innermost desires to her? He'd lose his pride. Once he sought her, he would have to abandon his hobby…but he wasn't the man to be tied down by one woman…or was he?

            While asleep, even her subconscious refused to let go of her…

Why do you hold yourself back when you know you want to get closer to him? To know him better? Is it wrong to judge him so quickly just because of what he did before? What if he's really changed? You'd lose everything…everything that you'd ever hoped for. So what if he's the total opposite of you…opposites attract, right? Take the chance. It is better to have love than to never have loved before. People make mistakes and are forgiven. Your heart has been broken countless times…it has always mended. As you continue to live your hear will always mend…it cannot stop because love is still there. Hope. Tell him what you feel. Are you scared that you would lose yourself to him?

*** Nothing's like before…it really isn't. Pride keeps me from getting close and letting go…all I have…do I have to risk it? I wish I could prove my love…is it even love? All regularities have become confusing…Would there lives ever be the same? Nothing's like before***

            Draco had drained his entire glass and was looking at it unseeingly. A strange force was pulling at him, bringing him closer to her. He could feel the warmth of her body beside his when his hand caressed her face.

            Just one kiss…I wont lose control…

            He brought his lips to hers…the familiarity all too clear for him…

            Then there was a searing hotness coursing through his veins then everything went black.

            *                                                           *                                                           *

            He felt himself soaring through a myriad of colors, his body light as a feather…as if his entire being was empty and devoid of anything else. All that remained in his entity was Ginny. He coursed through the colors, searching and searching for his love.

            He was tired; he didn't think he could go on any longer. He felt himself floating in space, the colors molding into each other to form a sickly color then it turned utterly black to enclose him in its nightmare.

            Where was she?

            She felt someone searching for her…calling out to her. She followed its source. She screamed when all the colors turned into a sickly color then to black. She fought to remain calm. That voice sounded so familiar to her…she just had to find it. She conjured all her courage and proceeded into the darkness. A soft glow bathed her, which was her courage. She continued forward, praying for a sign that the voice would be here.

            He couldn't give up…not now…not yet. He still had to find her. He let out one last deafening cry before he closed his eyes to rest. It would lead her to him. He hoped it would. He didn't know what he would do if she didn't find him.

            Her ears protested violently against the cry that echoed through the abyss. He's here! She sped quickly to find him, her heart bursting with excitement. Just there, she could detect a fading blue light. She hurried over by his side.

            He felt a presence nearing, he knew without a doubt that it was she. Her presence was so familiar to him. He opened his eyes slowly and saw a fiery-red light beside him.

           

            You found me…

            I had to…I was afraid that I might lose you. What were you doing?
            Searching for you…

            Well I guess we found each other…

            The blue light symbolized the man's soul while the red was the woman's.

            What is this?

            I don't know…it all seems strange…have we ever been here before?

            No…we haven't…

            Do you have any ideas?

            A different realm? For us?

            As if a supreme being heard their bewilderment, a voice spoke from deep within the darkness: This is a realm for only those who have a close bound with each other. An unbreakable bond that will last throughout the ages. You are Soulmates. Destined to find each other over and over again. This is your first time. You were brought here only now because both of you have conflicting feelings deep within. It is through here that you will be able to settle things. When you go back to where you belong, it will be hazy, but when you come back here, your memory will be clear as day. How to come back, that is for both of you to find out. You, being the souls would know what is happening in reality and in here while your physical selves wont. The more often you come here, you will be able to remember and talk about what happened in this realm when you go back to reality. I suggest that both of you talk things over now. Remember, Soulmates are bound to each other forever, if one is lost the other will find his or her lost part. That is how the cycle goes.

            The voice faded away, his last words echoing in their midst.

            Soulmates…were Soulmates? She asked him incredulously. But we have absolutely nothing in common. How did this happen?

            You heard him, we have a bond. I'm not refusing to stick with you. He sounded playful, and then turned serious. Are you saying that you don't want to be with me? Either way, we're still Soulmates and whatever you do, we can't get rid of each other.

            She sighed and leaned on his chest and felt strong, comforting arms wrap around her. I don't mind being stuck with you, just as long as you remember to keep your hands and lips to yourself once in a while.

            But we're Soulmates, I'm entitled to hold you and kiss you as much as I like. He protested as he gripped her possessively.

            She smirked against his chest. Well, I'll just have to leave you here then, wont I?

            No, I promise I'll try to be good!

            If you're too good then it would be no fun…I guess you'll have to ask my permission first before you do anything stupid. You know how it is in reality…

            Yes, we have to work things out. I would love to stay here and keep holding you but we also have to go back to reality and try to work things out there too so it would be beneficial to both of us.

            She sighed again. Alright, lets go.

            Together the darkness around them swirled into a soft, white light.

            *                                                           *                                                           *

            Her body felt extremely comfortable when she woke up. She just had the strangest dream. She had dreamt that she was some sort of red light and was talking to a blue light. What's even stranger was that she could remember a voice telling them that they were Soulmates. What was that all about?

            She found herself snuggled close to Draco with his arms wrapped around her. Her face was leaning against his chest. Her heart started pounding furiously. What happened? She could faintly recall that in her dream that there were two people hugging…

            Strange.

            To her surprise, her body complied to his touch. She didn't refuse. She just stayed there.

            Draco felt Ginny move in his arms and prayed that she wouldn't leave him. He had just the faintest memory of what had happened a while ago. He was a blue light and talking to a red light. Maybe he was reading to many books. But it seemed to much of a coincidence that he was hugging Ginny and that the two people in his dream were doing the exact same thing before he snapped out of it.

            Maybe it was better if he just stayed like this, keeping her in his arms. He got his wish for now…to hold her in his arms. If he 'woke' up now, it would be all over. Like a dream quickly disappearing at the first break of dawn.

            And together they remained like that for the rest of the day until Narcissa called them for dinner.

Soulmates

Like a moth drawn to a flame

Will the two be together until eternity

As long as the tides continue to come in and out

They will forever find each other…their bonds never breaking

The love shared will shake the meaning of life itself

Such is the destiny of Soulmates