Title: Was I Ever Loved By You?

Author: Audrey (booksmartbrilliance@msn.com)

Rating: PG

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Summary: Ginny Weasley has it all. Successful career woman, love interest of Harry Potter, the envy of her generation. Life can't get any better. Until something happens that brings everything crashing down around her and she's forced to look at life from a different angle.

A/N: This chapter was slow in coming, but I think it was worth it. :) Yes....yet another country song. Not a trend, I promise. It just fits, though!

Special Thanks to Priya Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I would still be stuck on the first scene if not for you! You really should be listed as a co-writer on this chapter. Dani, thanks for letting me stall on Detention while I worked out issues on this. You ROX!, Potty for Potter, thanks for the feedback and encouragement, Sunkist, Happy Birthday! Thanks for being you, Anna thanks for sharing your opinion with me, you have no idea how much you helped.

Chapter Ten -- Fireworks

I don't want another heartbreak
I don't need another turn to cry, no
I don't want to learn the hard way
Baby hello, oh no, goodbye
But you got me like a rocket
Shooting straight across the sky

It' s the way you love me
It's a feeling like this
It's centrifugal motion
It's perpetual bliss
It's that pivotal moment
It's, ah, impossible
This kiss, this kiss
Unstoppable
This kiss, this kiss


This Kiss by Faith Hill

* * * * *

I'm thirty minutes late as I run through the doors to the Witch Weekly meeting room. "Sorry I'm late," I say, before realizing that the room is empty. I wonder for a moment if the meeting has been moved and I wasn't told about it.

"Glad you could make it, Weasley," Malfoy says from the corner of the room, causing me to jump.

"Where is everyone?"

"There isn't anyone else," he says. "This meeting is to discuss the next issue and your future at Witch Weekly."

"Oh," I say, trying to fight back the butterflies in my stomach. Though I'm not sure if it is from the possibility of losing my job, or just being in a room alone with him. You'd think I'd never been kissed under a mistletoe before with the way I've been replaying the moment in my mind all day.

"Have a seat," he says, motioning towards a chair. I sit down and he reaches over me as he sets a book of figures down in front of me. His face is grim as he points to them. "Take a look at these."

I sigh as I open the first page. I skim over the figures as he paces behind me. "I can't believe this!" I say as I look up at him.

"I know," he says, looking grave. "It's disgraceful."

"It's great! Draco, our readership has tripled!"

"Exactly. Who would have thought that Ron Weasley prancing around in boxers would gain so many new readers? It makes you wonder if Potter did us a favor by saving the world."

I smile brightly at him, "You're just jealous."

"What? Of Weasley?"

"Yes," I say, grinning at him. "Perhaps we should make this a trend. You can be featured in your boxers on the next cover. I guarantee that would gain us even more new readers."

He smirks at me, "In your dreams, Weasley."

Now, how does he know about that?

"Well, Ron would be a tough act to follow. I mean, we've already received over 50,000 entries. No one can blame you for being scared of not measuring up."

He grins at me. "Nice try. Too bad I'm not the stupid sixteen year old I once was. Otherwise I might have walked straight into that not-so-subtle goading. But 50,000? Are you serious?"

"Yes," I say sighing, "And they're going to take forever to get through."

"You mean you're actually going to look at all of them?"

"Well, yes. I'm not sure how else to do it. I promised Ron that this one would be hand picked."

"You have better things to do. Hire a temp to enter each woman's criteria into a database and then you can narrow down the candidates to those that actually have something in common with Weasley."

"I think that would work, " I say feeling relieved at the prospect of not having to deal with that many entries clamoring for my brother's attention. "But what if there are quite a few left?"

"Weed out the dogs and then..."

"Then?" I ask when he gets a far away look. His attention snaps back to me and he smiles brightly at me.

"I've got it. Then we'll leave it to fate."

"Fate?"

"We'll get an enchanted box, stick in the remaining names and it will choose the winner. Not unlike the Goblet of Fire."

I wince, remembering what the Goblet had meant for Harry.

"The same, except for the impossible challenges and brushes with death?"

"I'm not sure about that," He says as he sits in a chair beside me. "It is your brother we're talking about here."

I roll my eyes, "That should work....as long as she's pretty."

"You know, this is a brilliant idea. Think of all the publicity Witch Weekly would get if we broadcast the contest on the Wireless..."

"That's brilliant!"

"...on Valentine's Day."

"Yes! Perfect. I'll call Ramona Travis tomorrow and have her schedule us some time. She owes me a favor."

"Excellent."

"So, I take it you've decided to keep me on as Editor of Witch Weekly?"

"Yes, you could even say that I'm very happy with your performance. You've really turned things around these last three months. I knew you could do it."

"Thanks," I look down at the figures again with the hopes that he can't see my pleased blush. "So," I say not looking up at him. "Now that I've single-handedly tripled readership, I think I deserve something nice."

"What did you have in mind?" he asks. I look up at him and put on a smug smile..

"A raise would be nice, a bigger office, a company car..." I trail off as he takes my head in his hands and leans over to kiss me.

This isn't any mistletoe kiss.

I'm glad I'm sitting, because otherwise I'm sure my knees would have buckled. My heart is beating so loudly I can hear it pounding in my ears and I can feel warmth spreading all over my body as he breaks the kiss and straightens up.

"How was that?"

"That was nice," I say trying to stay as cool as he appears. "But it's no company car."

He smiles and shakes his head, "You really have a way of saying the most absurd things at the most inappropriate moments."

"It wasn't absurd," I say defensively, though it's obvious by the way he's looking at me that it wasn't really meant as an insult. I frown at him, "Was that your idea of a compliment?"

"Some friends of mine are having a New Year's Party, would you like to go?"

I blink at him. "Are you asking me out?"

"If I were, would you consider it?"

I open my mouth to answer when the door swings open and Colin walks through it carrying a pile of prints. He begins laying them out on the table before he notices us. "Oh, hello," he says taking us in. "I didn't know you were working this late."

Draco and I exchange a glance.

"Well," Draco says scooting back from the table. "I think all of that sounds fine."

"Yes," I say shutting the book of figures. "I'll get right on that."

Draco makes his way to the door. He nods at Colin, "Creevey"

"Mr. Malfoy," Colin says nodding back at him.

"Oh!" I say as he reaches for the door handle. "Mr. Malfoy?"

"Yes?" he asks raising an eyebrow at me.

"I've considered your offer and I accept."

He smiles at me. "Glad to hear it. I'll talk it over with you more tomorrow."

"Great," I say, ignoring the curious look coming from Colin.

"Goodnight," Draco says to both of us before slipping through the door.

"What was that about?" Colin asks fixing me with his searching look.

"Oh, nothing," I say smiling at him. "Just a little business."

* * * * *

"What is it with you Weasleys?" Lars asks straightening up from behind the counter. "Do you all consider yourselves the modern matchmakers of the Wizarding world, or what?"

"Come on, Lars," I say, giving him the look that used to get my brothers to do anything for me. "It would mean so much to me if you just did me this tiny favor."

"Tiny favor? You do realize, that having someone who rejected you set you up on a blind date is just barely above taking your sister to a formal on the Scale of Pathetic, don't you?"

I glance nervously out the Joke shop window. Angelina and Alicia have promised to keep the twins busy at the Three Broomsticks so I have time to talk Lars into going out with Hermione, but they can't keep them there forever and so far it's been a no go. I'm getting desperate.

"Look, I can pay you more than what my brothers offered you to go out with me."

Lars looks shocked, "Now you're bidding on me? I'm disgusted by you people....flattered, yes, but disgusted. What kind of a person do you think I am? My love cannot be bought."

I cross my arms and stare hard at him.

He wavers somewhat, "Well, except for that one time. But that was a mistake. I did give back the money, didn't I? From now on, my love can't be bought."

"Can it be bartered then?" I ask as inspiration strikes me.

Lars cocks an eyebrow, "What?"

I take a deep breath, "Would you go out on a date with my friend if I agree to go out with you afterwards?"

Lars rubs his chin thoughtfully. I notice there is the distinct beginning of a goatee, "Maybe, if you agreed to three dates."

"One."

"Two?"

"One," I say glancing out the window and seeing the twins walking back. "Take it or leave it."

"Deal," he says holding out his hand. I take his hand in mine and shake it, with a sinking feeling in my stomach. Once again Draco's question echoes in my mind. How do I manage to get in these situations?

* * * * *

"And this is the kitchen, though, Merlin knows I don't use it that much," Gabrielle says motioning towards the empty counters. "I practically live on the food from the Chinese restaurant downstairs. They know my order by heart."

I smile at the sight of the stark kitchen. After three months of Mum insisting I cook at least twice a week, this is a welcome relief. Gabrielle leads me out into the medium sized living room again.

"So that's it. Martha's moving out on the first, if you're interested I'd have to tell my landlord by tomorrow,"

"Are you kidding?" I ask. "I love it. I'm interested."

"Great!" she says looking excited. "I was hoping you'd say that."

"What's in that room back there?" I ask pointing to a closed door near the kitchen.

"Oh, that's my work room," Gabrielle says walking over to it and opening the door. I peek inside and my jaw drops.

I look at Gabrielle with astonishment. "What is it?"

"It's Fleur's dress for the Wireless Awards. I just finished it yesterday. Do you like it?"

"Gabrielle, it's magnificent!" I breathe walking over to it. "You designed this?"

She blushes, "Yes, I design all of Fleur's clothes. She's helping me get the exposure I need. Someday I hope to open my own dress shop."

"This is amazing," I say fingering the soft velvet. "You're going to make a fortune. I know witches that would pay top galleons for a dress like this."

"I can't believe you like it that much," she said smiling brightly at me.
"I really do! I wish I had something even half as pretty to wear to this New Year's party I'm supposed to go to. It's formal and I don't have anything decent. I'm going to have to go shopping when I can find the time."

She frowns at me, "What size are you?"

"Size six, why?" I ask.

"Why don't you just borrow this dress? It will save you some time."

"Are you serious?" I ask, having to restrain myself from hugging her.

She smiles at me. "Yes. Fleur will never know. Besides it's the least I can do, you're saving me from the hell of searching for a roommate through the Daily Prophet. Very strange people read that paper."

I laugh, "Then you should know Ron reads that paper from cover to cover every morning."

"Oh?" Gabrielle says looking away. Something in her tone makes me follow her out into the living room

"I've been meaning to ask how the double date went last night." I say, as we sit down on the white loveseat.

"Well, to tell you the truth," Gabrielle says, "It was kind of disappointing."

"Really?" I ask. "What happened?"

"Well....Ron and Hermione were going at it all night."

"Going at it?"

"Yes, they were at each other's throats. First they argued over the restaurant and then, what was the best kind of wine and then, I'm not sure how, they started arguing over Ron having his picture taken for your magazine. Hermione said it was appalling, even though I think it was very tastefully done, and that Ron should be ashamed for exploiting himself like that. Then Ron said that Hermione was just jealous because now that women were actually paying attention to him he had better things to do then sit around and wait for her to owl him when she needed someone to talk to. It was all very awkward."

"Oh," I say, "I can imagine."

"But he was really sweet about all of it," she says with a smile. "He was very gentlemanly."

"Really?" I ask raising an eyebrow. "Because usually, especially when it's Hermione, Ron just flies off the handle."

"Ron?" Gabrielle says giving me a confused look. Then she smiles and shakes her head slightly. "Oh, no. I was talking about Lars."

* * * * *

"There is no need to be nervous," Draco says as we step over the threshold into the dignified looking mansion.

"I'm not," I lie as I take in the beautiful entrance hall with it's magnificent staircases and chandelier.

Draco grins at me and leads me through the hall into another room that's even more beautiful. I try not to stare at the emerald drapes, polished antique furniture, and the baby grand piano in the corner.

A dark haired woman in her mid forties breaks away from a conversation and walks over to us her arms held out in front of her.

"Draco Malfoy. You made it after all."

Draco kisses her lightly on the cheek and flashes her a winning smile, "Hello Marla."

Her eyes travel over to me. "And who is this lovely creature?"

I smile nervously as Draco introduces me. "This is Virginia Weasley, we're business associates."

"I see," she says, something I can't quite name flashing in her eyes. "Virginia, that dress is absolutely stunning. Where did you get it?"

"Thank you," I say looking down at the midnight blue velvet, "It's a Delacour original."

"Delacour, I don't think I've heard of him," Marla says taking Draco's arm.

"Her..." I correct, but she's already dragging Draco towards a blonde woman playing the piano sadly.

"Excuse us, Virginia. I'm going to borrow Draco for just a moment," she calls over her shoulder. "Draco, darling, have you met my daughter, Reanne? She's just nearly divorced and..."

Draco shoots me an apologetic look over his shoulder. I stand awkwardly near a large window looking out on the balcony feeling very uncomfortable. I feel like everyone is staring at me. As if by looking at me they'll know that I don't belong here. They'll know that this dress isn't mine, that I've never seen so many expensive things outside of Better Homes and Dungeons, and they'll definitely know I'm out of my league. What am I doing here?

"You don't belong here."

I snap out of my thoughts and look up apprehensively at a woman standing beside me.

"Excuse me?"

"I said you don't belong here," she says in a distinctly American accent. "What are you doing here? You're much too young to be celebrating New Years with a bunch of geriatrics and one raving divorcee."

"Oh." I say, giving her a relieved smile. "I was invited."

"Really?" She asks raising an eyebrow. "Which one of these old men are you with? I dare say, they must be robbing the cradle. You don't look a day over twenty two."

I laugh, "I'm twenty eight and I'm here with Draco Malfoy."

"Well, this is interesting," she says flashing me a wide smile. "I'm Joan Thornhill, eccentric millionaire and busy-body."

I take her outstretched hand. "I'm Gin--Virginia Weasley, Editor of Witch Weekly."

"Ah, pretty and smart. No wonder Draco invited you."

"Thank you," I say. "May I ask how you know Draco?"

Curiosity is overpowering my sense of etiquette. She says his name with the same familiarity I use when I say Ron's name. There's affection with a touch of disdain that I've never heard in the same sentence with Draco's name, let alone in regards to him. Listening to us it would almost seem as if we were talking about two different people, her an old friend, me a stranger.

"New York. He used to work under me. He was the best Editor I ever had. I know you think being the Editor of a Wizarding magazine is difficult, but you should try your hand at a Muggle one someday. Different challenges, and they aren't all swept away with the wave of a wand."

"You mean you're..."

"Muggle? Yes, but rich so they don't mind so much. Draco's actually the one that introduced me to your world. You've just reminded me. I have to find Draco and complain about the way things have gone all to Hell since he left. Where did that man get off to?" She takes my arm and leads me in search of Draco, all the while still talking to me amicably, as if we're old friends. "How do you know him?"

"He owns the Weekly," I say as she spots him near the piano talking to the woman Marla had called Reanne.

Joan taps him on the shoulder and he turns around. I can't help but laugh at the look of surprise on his face as he takes us in. I've never seen Draco look so undignified. He recovers quickly though as he smiles at her. "Joan, I didn't know you were here."

"And imagine my surprise when Ms. Weasley told me you were here," Joan says with a small smile. "What were you thinking? Leaving her all alone to fend for herself. You're lucky she ran into me."

"Yes, very lucky," Draco says looking at Joan strangely.

Joan's smile fades, "You should be ashamed of yourself, Draco Malfoy."

I look from Joan to Draco, neither one looks particularly happy.

"It's okay, really," I say, feeling like I've gotten dragged into something between friends. "I was fine."

"I mean....really!" Joan says.

"Joan, may I speak with you alone for a moment?" Draco says taking her quickly by the arm and directing her away from us. I watch as they disappear through a doorway leading out to the balcony.

Honestly, why did he even bother inviting me if he's going to be disappearing with older, attractive women all night? Now what am I supposed to do?

I look at Reanne who is staring at me.

"This is a lovely party," I say successfully moving things from awkward silence to awkward and forced conversation.

"Yes, it is, isn't it?" she says, a dazed look about her. After a moment or two it's obvious she's not going to speak anymore, so I make my way to the food table. In the center is a gorgeous display of caviar. Having never been bored enough to taste fish eggs before, I find myself suddenly willing to give it a whirl. It can't taste any worse than some of the Bertie Bott Beans I used to eat when I was a girl. I taste a bit and am pleasantly surprised at it's velvety taste as it seems to melt in my mouth. I take a much larger bite this time and almost choke on it when a voice comes from behind, startling me.

"Pardon me."

I turn around to see the most gorgeous man I've ever seen. I blush as I swallow a mouthful and move aside so he can get to the table. Perhaps I can go hide in the Loo for the rest of the night. Surely, I can't embarrass myself there.

I shudder as I imagine myself walking across the room with a piece of toilet paper stuck to my shoe.

He surprises by moving with me, so that he's standing in front of me. "May I just say, that dress is absolutely magnificent on you."

I feel my cheeks flush as I try to smile back at him. "Thank you, it's a Delacour original."

"As in the supermodel?"

"Yes. She plans on wearing something very similar to the Wireless Awards Friday," I say, mesmerized by his deep blue eyes.

"I doubt it will look as good on her." I feel my heart give a flip flop as he winks at me. Hello, Mister Gorgeous! If Draco's going to be disappearing all night, then I might as well have some fun in his absence.

"I'm terribly sorry to corner you like this, but aren't you Virginia Weasley?" he asks, smiling ruefully at me.

I give him my best smile and step closer to him, "Yes, I am."

He flashes a devastating smile my way. "I thought so. I just had to come over and introduce myself. I'm Gregory Freeman. I'm a huge fan of your work."

"Oh," I say taking his hand. "Thank you."

"Witch Weekly always catches my attention. Especially the cover you had out a week or two ago."

"The one featuring Fiona Diversa?" I ask remembering how much grief Colin had experienced talking the gorgeous Spanish Quidditch captain into posing in only her Quidditch robe. It had been for an issue discussing the use of sexuality by female athletes to further their sports, and had received rave reviews, especially from male readers. It's questionable though, how many male readers actually read the article and didn't buy it for the pictures. I suddenly remember the Morgana's Abersnythe line and wonder if that's how Colin had managed it in the end.

"No, though that issue was fascinating. Actually, I'm talking about the Holiday one, featuring Ron Weasley in boxers."

"Oh," I say a little too loudly as I step away from him.

"That was magnificent. Though I was disappointed to read the contest is for witches only. I would hope that the Weekly would be more open-minded than that."

"Well, I..." I don't know what to say. I know my face must be crimson. All I can think is that it's a good thing Ron isn't here, otherwise Gregory would be missing quite a few of his perfect teeth.

Gregory gives a small sigh as he takes a sip of champagne. "Ah, I suppose he's straight then? All the good looking ones are."

"Yes," I manage to say.

"Shame."

"Yes, well if you'll excuse me I have to..."

"Of course," he says waving a hand dismissively. He smiles wickedly at me. "Tell your brother to call me if he ever changes his mind."

I sigh. No wonder. Gorgeous Gregory was just trying to get on my good side so that I'd put in a good word or two for him with Ron. I have the worst luck with men. Either they don't love me, they ditch me at the sight of older women, or they're gay and attracted to my straighter-than-an-arrow older brother.

I'm almost afraid of meeting any of the other guests, each that I've met so far seems to be a bit...odd. My eye travels over the window and I spot Draco still outside with Joan. I give up trying to make him pay attention to me, as it is obviously hopeless, and decide to settle on the safety that comes with numbers. Two is better than one, right?

I walk to the door and open it quietly. Outside the air is frosty and I linger in the doorway a moment, not really wanting to leave the warmth of the room or sure how to interrupt the deep conversation they seem to be having. Draco's voice reaches my ears faintly, leaving me unable to move, even if I wanted to.

"I really like this woman, Joan. She's not like anyone I've ever met. She's insane."

"Insane?" Joan says, laughing softly. "That sounds promising."

"You never know what's going to happen next when she's around. She can take a situation and twist it around so that it's so mucked up you don't know whether to make heads or tails of it, and then the next thing you know she's managed to make it work for her. She's amazing."

"She's going to get her heart broken."

"No," Draco says, "She won't."

Joan sighs as she places a hand on his arm, "Just don't let her be another Anna."

"Joan, Anna and I just ..." he trails off as he sees me standing in the doorway. Joan follows his eyes.

I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. I feel guilty for listening in on their conversation, but beyond that I feel something else in the pit of my stomach. "I'm sorry," I finally stutter before shutting the door and retreating back into the warmth of the room. I make my way to the table where there are Champagne glasses at the ready. I pick one up and drain it.

"Virginia?"

I turn around and meet his eyes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to listen in on your conversation."

He looks at me a moment, searching out my eyes. "How much did you hear?" He asks so quietly I can barely hear him over the counting that has begun.

10....9....8...

I sigh, "That you think I'm insane."

....7....6....5....

He laughs softly. "Well you are, you know?"

....4....3...

"Do you really think I'm amazing?" I blurt.

....2....ONE.

"Completely," he says laying his hands on my shoulders as he bends down to kiss me. Fireworks explode in a myriad of beautiful streamers outside as his lips meet mine. Draco slides his hands down my shoulders, down my arms and then around my waist as he pulls me closer to him.

All around us people are cheering and wishing one another a Happy New Year, but I barely register their presence. In fact, there's only one thought running through my mind as I run my fingers through his fine, blonde hair.

Kissing Harry had never been like this.

* * * * *

A/N: This story is so much fun to write. It's very encouraging to know I'm not the only one that finds it hilarious. Please review and let me know what you think! As soon as I get some free time I promise to return the favor.

Darcel, ShortySC22, Kieta, Just a Girl, Noto Mamiko, Tifa, Archana, Yuki Arashi, and Hannah Gray ...Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review! Nothing beats that warm fuzzy you get when you see reviews in your mailbox!

Sofiechick Gah! You know I was thinking of the Stevie Nicks version when I wrote the last chapter. I've downloaded it and have been listening to it non-stop! Thank you for correcting me. It is so much better!

Lola "Lola", I like it. I'm sure there aren't too many of those around here, are there? Here's some Draco/Ginny action for you. Aren't you glad you stuck it out? :D

calculatingcat26 You are so right! I'm glad I saw the light. :)

Robyn Maddison I am so flattered by your comment! Thank you!

Potty for Potter I am trying to think of new ways to show more Ron. Muahahahaha. :)

Wordpainter You're an excellent writer! Thanks for your review. I would love fan art! Though, I'm not sure if anyone has quite been that inspired yet. :)

Kaitlin-Scott Thank you for taking the time to review! They really do encourage me to continue.

Cassi0peia Coming from a writer of your caliber I am very, very, very flattered. Thanks also for your help in whipping my chapters into shape for FA. You're great!

RonWeasley1975 Ron is probably my favorite character. I think I'm probably bordering on fantasy here...him in his boxers and all. But I really don't care...I mean come on, it's Ron!

VoldemortsIllegitimateChild Whaaaaaaat? Matt Damon and Elijah Wood are taken? When the hell did that happen? Life just isn't worth living.

cosmoz I'm a sucker for R/H too!

IckleRonniekins lmao. I thought you'd like that part. I'm so glad you like it. You know you're gong to get chapters emailed to you now.

Flav0ftheweek I meant to thank you for the idea of hooking up Lars/Hermione, Ron/Gabrielle....I think you must have had peeked at my notes. ;) I never even considered Gaberielle/Lars until your comment though. Thank you!