DISCLAIMER: Nothing is mine; all this fantastic universe and characters belong to the amazing J.K. Rowling.
CHAPTER 9. MEETINGS, MEETINGS
The press conference was definitely a success. The Wizarding World was already enthralled with the new couple and their future wedding, and according to Dumbledore's plan every wizard and witch in Britain began pondering their lives and prejudices before and during the war. This young couple gave them the sense of novelty and hope and that was highly appreciated especially after the horrors of Voldemort's era. Their love symbolized a very needed new beginning for the Wizarding World, and it showed the total acceptance between two historical rival houses, the complete trust between two beings entirely different from each other. While Draco Malfoy was the aristocrat per excellence, the only son of a very known and powerful Death Eater, and heir of the Malfoy Estate, Ginny Weasley was the only daughter of a rather poor Ministry employee whose family fought against Voldemort and his Death Eaters, but the girl couldn't offer to the marriage anything but her beauty and intelligence. And they were in love. Draco Malfoy and Ginny Weasley declared their undying love for each other just minutes ago. It was almost as if this marriage was made to prove that Fairy Tales were true.
But, at that moment the reality for Draco and Ginny couldn't be more different. They were just acting, at least Draco was. He was representing the most difficult role in his life. After kissing Ginny he had to force a smile into his face, certainly his usual smirk would ruin the reporter's perception of his love for the littlest Weasley. However, Draco allowed himself to enjoy the look in Ginny's eyes.
"You're very right in being scared love. Our life together is only beginning" Draco murmured in Ginny's ear, and then kissed her softly on the forehead. It seemed a tender gestured from a man deeply in love, nothing more afar from reality. "And our marriage will be forever, I promise you'll enjoy it almost as much as I enjoyed your leaving me Ginevra" His words were so soft, almost like a caress, that for a second Ginny forgot that Draco was promising to put her into hell, and she let herself get lost in his soft voice, remembering the time when he wanted nothing more than her.
Once more, Draco's attention was directed towards the reporters, who looked anxious to get any other declaration from the new couple. It was as if Voldemort himself was nothing but a nightmare and as if the most exciting news was this coming wedding. "Now ladies and gentlemen, my beautiful fiancée and I need to retire, it's been a long day. We expect to see you at the engagement party and of course, at the wedding. Thank you very much for your time and..."
"Miss Weasley, one last question if you don't mind" Rita Skeeter interrupted impolitely Draco's speech and without expecting an answer from Ginny, continued her question "I'm sure the Wizarding Community wants to know what it's like to be the future wife of a Death Eater's son" Skeeter questioned Ginny with an impassive voice. The room went quiet all of a sudden, all the expectant stares directed to Draco and Ginny, waiting for an answer or a reaction. The majority of the reporters there knew better than provoking a Malfoy, but apparently Rita Skeeter was not afraid of Draco's wrath. For what seemed an eternity, Draco and Ginny remained still, not moving a single muscle, finally Draco made a move clearly intended to drag Ginny along with him towards the exit making a mental note to casually 'forget' the wedding invitation for Rita Skeeter, but he discovered that Ginny didn't move. He fought to maintain his face without any expression when he wanted nothing more to demand an explanation for Ginny's behavior. Dumbledore's face showed certain degree of annoyance at Skeeter's indiscrete question, especially when he so carefully had managed to avoid the questions regarding Lucius' whereabouts.
Ginny sent a death glare to Rita Skeeter for just a second before smiling brilliantly, she felt Draco tense at her side, clearly uncomfortable at the situation, his silver eyes clouded with anger, betraying his otherwise impassive face. But you had to really know Draco Malfoy to recognize the signs of his anger.
"You know Miss Skeeter, as I've already told you, I'm the most fortunate witch in the entire world. Not only I'm marrying the man I love, but also an extraordinary man who has been able to make his own decisions in spite of everyone, who has the strength to make his own choices, choices that I trust blindly. And let me tell you that I couldn't think of Draco as something as simple as a son of a Death Eater, when he is much more than that. I think Miss Skeeter, that judging someone for his parent's decisions is not the best way to evaluate someone's life, what really matters is our actions, and I'm sure that Draco Malfoy has proved to the entire Wizarding World, that he is his own person, even when he didn't have to prove anything to anybody" Ginny's voice was full of passion at that point of her speech, but she was really trying to keep her appearance calm and collected "And answering your question let me tell you that I couldn't be more honored in being the future Mrs. Malfoy, or in being the wife of this son of a Death Eater. Good night ladies and gentlemen"
After finishing her little speech, Ginny began walking towards the exit, leaving behind a very astonished Draco, and incredulous Harry and a crowd of reporters gaping. Trying not to loose his composure, Draco followed Ginny in her leaving, totally dumbfounded at her latest actions. This was the Ginevra Weasley that Draco discovered once and loved for that moment on. A woman with her own opinions, self confidence, a woman with whom you wouldn't want to mess. Nevertheless, Draco never expected that passionate speech from her. When he heard Skeeter's vicious question, he assumed that his best option would be ignore the obnoxious reporter, but when Ginny resisted his attempt to drag her out of the Great Hall, Draco couldn't help himself from getting a little nervous expecting only the worst. But he was more than gladly surprised at Ginny's speech, he never expected her to defend him with such force, especially not after all his threats of making her life miserable, and certainly not after their bitter breakup.
When Draco was able to catch up with Ginny, far away from the curious glances of the outside world, he found himself at a loss of words. What was he supposed to tell her after her marvelous display? Ginevra supported him openly, she couldn't have been more clear in her showing the entire world that she was proud of becoming his wife, and still... and still he despised her. It wasn't possible for Draco to just forget their history together and show her his admiration at her courage when he remembered every time he looked at Ginny's face, that she betrayed him once, that when he needed her most she decided to leave him alone. And now she decided to stand by him, Draco was officially confused and he didn't realized that Ginny stopped walking and was now looking at him with concern.
"Is everything all right Draco?" her voice was so soft, and her posture was shouting her concern for him, even if she tried her best to hide that fact from Draco.
"Yes, everything is just fine" he replied coldly. Draco knew he had a lot of things to settle before going to the Manor with Ginny, and also knew that this was not the better time or place to figure out Ginny's actions, there were more important things to do. Later, there would be enough time, and they needed to talk. "We will leave Hogwarts soon Ginevra, but before we leave I have to settle some things" She only nodded as if she didn't really care and resumed her walking. "I need to speak with my father" Draco pressed trying to get a reaction from her without moving, but she only looked at him with a certain degree of annoyance. She already knew that Lucius Malfoy was not dead, and she assumed that Draco needed to talk to him before Dumbledore decided what to do with him. "I'll meet him at Severus' chambers, I guess he's there already." his tone was annoyed at not being able to get a reaction from Ginny.
"So, do you want me to leave?" Ginny asked.
"No, you will be with me, darling" Draco smirked and started to walk at her side. "By the way, your git of a brother wants to see you before we leave. Do you want to talk to him?" Draco saw Ginny doubt for a moment, and then she shook her head in a negative. Draco was fairly surprised; he thought Ginny would want to see her brother, but maybe after the previous events it was wiser not to talk to him. He arched an eyebrow in a silent question, and Ginny answered.
"I don't want to talk to him right know, I mean, if you don't mind" Ginny's voice was clear and firm, but she was evidently tired. She didn't know what could possible Ron want, maybe he wanted to apologize for his behavior, the point was that Ginny didn't want to have another confrontation with his brother and certainly she didn't want to witness a fight between he and Draco. If she was going to have Draco back, she should be more careful, especially with her family.
"I don't mind. I'll let him know that you don't want to see him", Draco sounded unconcerned. In fact Draco didn't want to deal with the Weasel again. Not after everything he went trough the day.
"Actually, I was thinking to send him a short note. Maybe I could talk to him later"
"As you wish, Ginevra. But I don't want to see him in the Manor, so, if you really want to talk to him I recommend you to do it right here and right now. Understood?"
"Of course I understand Draco, is perfectly clear to me. Anyway I'd rather speak to him some other time, thank you. It's not as if I necessarily should talk to him at your house"
She attempted to keep her voice cool, but Draco could see that she was trying hard to control her temper, and that knowledge amused him. Certainly their marriage could be more than pure boredom.
"We'll see Ginevra... we'll see" Draco smirked.
They continued walking towards Snape's private chambers in silence until they reached the front door. Then Draco suddenly stopped and was looking intently at Ginny's eyes.
"My father doesn't need to know that our marriage is a farce, he doesn't need to know how Voldemort was defeated, so don't speak if you're not asked to and act as if you were pleased to marry me little one" Draco's voice was colder than usual and Ginny was definitely not pleased with his attitude; he was not asking her to help him, he was ordering to keep pretending, and some little part of her wanted nothing but to yell at him, but this was not the best time to antagonize him, besides she was dead tired, so she only nodded her agreement. At least he was trying to be civil with her, he went so far as to ask her if she wanted to speak with Ron, she reasoned with herself. She knew that dealing with Draco was not going to be an easy task, after all he was completely exhausted at the moment, and that could be the reason he was not being his usual nasty self. Ginny sighed and prepared herself to be in the presence of Lucius Malfoy, the most powerful Death Eater ever, and the man who gave her the diary in her first year at Hogwarts, the stupid diary that almost got her killed. She felt Draco's strong arm around her waist, in that possessive and at the same time, disdainful gesture that he had been doing all night, and she knew that the show was on again.
In the middle of the room were Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape talking quietly. Lucius was looking impassive at his surroundings, as composed and handsome as ever, sitting in Severus' favorite chair and listening to something Snape was saying, with a hint of amusement in his gray eyes. Draco couldn't help but wonder if his father already knew of the settlement his son had managed to get for him.
Here, still in his Death Eater robes, was the man that Draco loved and hated so much at the same time, although he recognized that his love for Lucius Malfoy was bigger than his hate.
"Father" Draco acknowledged Lucius without letting go of Ginevra, who seemed to be really afraid in Lucius presence, even when she knew that Lucius was not a threat to her safety anymore, as he didn't have his wand. And even if Lucius had been at the splendor of his power, Draco would have never allowed him to hurt Ginevra in any way. His father always respected Draco's property.
Lucius stopped talking with Severus when he heard Draco's voice and instantly he fixed his gaze on his only son, who stood tall and proud with a little redhead girl firmly held at his side, a girl that Lucius immediately recognized: Ginevra Weasley.
"Draco" Lucius managed to say. He had to recognize that his only son and heir looked rather imposing at his black robes, and with all the contained power radiating from him. Lucius always knew since Draco was a baby, that his son was destined to be a very powerful wizard, and now looking at him, Lucius knew that he was never mistaken.
"We don't have much time for this father. I'm glad to know that you were not harmed during the battle" Lucius choked softly at Draco's sincere worry.
"My dear son, you know that Severus didn't want to hurt me in any way, there was nothing to worry about" Lucius said looking at his friend, who was smirking.
"I know father"
There was a small tense silence, and Lucius was looking intently at Ginny, his question clear to Draco.
"Father, I'm sure you know Ginevra Weasley?" Draco stated softly without expecting a real answer, at Lucius nod he continued, "We are going to get married in two weeks".
Ginny expected a reaction from the older Malfoy; she was prepared to hear him shout and protest at Draco's wedding with a muggle-lover, but she only noticed him arch one eyebrow and exchange some glares with Draco, without even a word. They didn't need any words to communicate.
"Congratulations son" he rose from the chair and walk towards Ginny. She unconsciously took a step behind and looked at Draco for some kind of reassurance. For a brief second his eyes were full of disdain an annoyance at her actions, and remembering that he was supposedly in love with her he whispered tiredly "It's okay Gin" She put a brave face, not without feeling embarrassed at her childish behavior, and stood still until Lucius was in front of her with a smirk identical to the one that Draco used so often. He took Ginny's hand kissed it gentlemanly. Severus choked lightly.
"It would be an honor to have you in the family Miss Weasley, you will be a fine addition. I am sure you two will be very happy together" Ginny didn't miss the sarcasm in Lucius voice and for a moment she thought that Lucius knew that the marriage was only an act. But as Draco seemed to be satisfied with how things were turning out to be, she did her best to smile, knowing that she had failed miserably.
"Well son, if you just wanted to introduce me your future wife before I am sent to Azkaban..."
"In fact father, you won't have to go Azkaban" Ginny was totally surprised and she was sure that Lucius was surprised as well, even if he didn't show it.
"Son, I cannot escape, we are in Hogwarts and Dumbledore would never allow it, you know that Draco" Lucius voice was sad and tired, he wanted so much to avoid this moment to Draco.
"Don't worry father, Dumbledore agreed to let you go, isn't it Severus?" The Potions Master nodded in agreement at the shocked expression of Ginny. "Let's say that we made an arrangement. He will let you go in exchange of my... services" Draco was smirking.
Draco was concentrated in his father's reaction, and Snape approached his best friend. "We will say that you were killed during the battle and that we couldn't recover your body. Nobody will doubt Draco's world being a war hero, and with Dumbledore supporting him, you know that nobody will question them" Snape was truly glad that his best friend didn't have to face Azkaban, no matter if he deserved it or not.
"What about Narcissa?" Lucius asked concerned.
"After my wedding, mother will go on 'vacations', to recover for your death, then she will be reunited with you, wherever you decide to go. Of course not in Britain father"
"Are you sure my son? Tell me that you are not putting yourself in danger" Lucius voice was slightly trembling, only Draco noticed it and nodded promptly. For the first time during the meeting he let go of Ginny and approached his father.
"I couldn't let them kill you father. Mother couldn't stand it... neither could I" Draco said embracing his father tightly and being embraced in return. Lucius knew that all Draco did was for his mother's safety but also because Draco loved him dearly and would have done everything in his power to keep Lucius safe.
"Thank you Draco, thank you. I am very proud of you my son. You had the strength to choose the right path even when I did everything I could to convince you to join Voldemort and his Death Eaters. And now you save my life. Thank you Draco." Lucius held Draco tightly in his embrace, and only reluctantly let him go, to turn his attention towards Snape who was in a corner of his own chamber, trying not to interrupt the reunion between father and son. "Thank you to you too my friend, for your support and for your friendship".
"You don't have to thank me Lucius, it's the least I could do for you, after all you knew I was the spy and you never told the Dark Lord about it. I owe you my life my friend."
"We are even then Severus"
"We don't have much time father" Draco interrupted "We have arranged a Portkey for you, and it'll be activated in ten minutes, so you have to go. It'll take you to our mansion in Austria, so you should have no problems at all. Tonight I'm returning to the Manor, and I will tell mother of your situation, I'm sure she'll owl you as soon as she is able to do it. I'll do that myself." Draco's voice, full of emotion and certain tenderness, could have sounded foreign to anybody but not for Ginny who used to hear that same voice saying sweet nothings directly in her ear, the same voice she missed so much. Without even realizing it, Ginny was already crying, feeling herself utterly alone in the middle of that room witnessing a scene that was not meant for her eyes. She turned her back to both men and braced herself.
Lucius noticed her crying and he immediately confirmed his suspicions. Draco hadn't forgiven her after all. He was very well aware of Draco's love for the girl in the past, he also knew when she left him for Potter, he saw his son sink into depression after she left and then grow bitter with time but Lucius also knew the other side of the story thanks to Severus. He knew that Ginny Weasley loved his son more than anything; he knew that she never wanted to leave him for Potter but her family, friends and Dumbledore himself pressured her while Draco was away in a mission for the Order and the poor girl didn't find a way out and finally accepted to become Potter's girlfriend. So this marriage was something fixed, although Lucius didn't know by whom at the moment, he made a mental note to find that out later. He looked at Ginny and then at Draco, who was staring disgustedly at her form.
"Don't be so rigorous my son, she is only a little girl" Lucius whispered, not letting Ginny hear him.
"So, you know father." Draco whispered as well, Lucius nodded "She doesn't deserve any kindness"
"Nonetheless you are kind with her, you were worried for her during the battle. I saw you Draco. You know she still loves you son, don't make her hate you" with those final words Lucius walked towards Ginny, and placed himself in front of the girl, who continued crying for the second time during the day, even when she promised herself that she wouldn't cry anymore. She opened her eyes and saw Lucius standing in front of her with his silver eyes, Draco's eyes, full of understanding, so unlike Lucius; and instead of running away she embraced Lucius Malfoy when he opened his arms to her.
He reminded her so much of Draco, that she cried harder. Cried for all the time she had been apart from him, for all the nights that she cried until she slept for being away from Draco, for all the pain and loneliness she had been put through without anybody there to help her. She was barely aware of Lucius' hand stroking lightly her hair, until she heard him purring in her ear.
"Don't cry anymore beautiful. I know you did not want to leave him, I know you never stopped loving him, I know you have suffered a lot, I know everything pet. But don't worry child, he is not that insensitive and he does not hate you, even if he still does not know that himself. Please don't cry anymore child. Try to be strong dear girl, be strong and take care of him, he needs you more than he realizes it" Ginny had stopped crying, she was more than surprised to hear Lucius' soothing words, she never would have imagined that he could be so nice, not after he gave her the diary. He was after all one of the top Death Eaters in Voldemort's ranks, a ruthless killer, how could he be so nice, so understanding? "Now I have to go, I will see you around dear girl. Please take care of my son" Lucius stroked her lustrous hair once more before turning around to face an astounded Draco, who was holding the portkey that Severus handed him before.
"Are you insane father? What the hell was that?" Draco hissed at the same time that Lucius took the portkey from his hands.
"She loves you Draco, you still love her, even if you can not forgive her yet. You are going to marry her and you know that you will not be able to get a divorce, so don't ruin your life my son, try to solve this situation with her and don't make her hate you Draco" Lucius grabbed the portkey, there were just seconds left before he was sent away "Tell your mother that I will be waiting her owl. Take care of my son while I am away Severus. I love you Draco." Lucius said before disappearing, leaving a not very happy Draco behind.
Draco just sighed and looked at Ginny, with her sweet and red eyes, her little body trembling slightly and that vulnerable look around her. He hated to see her cry, even now that he would have been happy to strangle her. He promised himself to ask the mysterious Sarah why she made him marry this girl, when he could have married someone else who didn't bother him that much. He was resolute to ignore her, but a look at her watery eyes made him change his opinion.
"This has been a hell of a day Gin. Really. We're both exhausted, so I think it's best if we go to the Manor right now. That way we will be able to rest. We will talk tomorrow little one" Draco said approaching Ginny and grabbing her hand in a placating gesture. He didn't expect her to throw her arms around his waist and hugged him tightly. Draco sighed and embraced her with his strong arms just for a little moment before pulling her apart. "We will talk tomorrow Gin, now let's go the Headmaster's office to floo to the Manor, I guess my mother is expecting me." She nodded and Draco took her little hand into his and walked towards the Headmaster's office. It really was a long day.
As always, special thanks to LittleLovelyGirl and LovesFantasy, who had been kind enough to review every chapter, I really hope you like this one also, tell me what you think. Thanks to VAB my really incredible (and fast) beta, you have been a great help here.