Chapter 11- Loose ends

"Nothing's going on?" Harry demanded, storming into Ron and Hermione's living room, where they were sitting in comfort on the couch. Unpacked boxes scattered the room, along with open luggage, as they had just returned from their honeymoon two days before.

"What?" Ron asked, brows furrowed in confusion.

"You told me nothing was going on," Harry said, looking at Hermione. "The least you could have done was tell me the truth."

"I did," Hermione said. She sat up, pulling her legs off of Ron's lap. "Where are you getting any other idea?"

"She was at Draco's." Harry started to pace the room, running a nervous hand through his hair.

Ron and Hermione exchanged a look. Ron's was more furious, while Hermione couldn't help but look tentative. "Harry," Hermione said with care. "I'm sure it's not what it looks—"

"She had dinner with him!" Harry shouted, interrupting. "She was wearing a green dress, a fancy green dress."

"What does the dress matter?" Ron asked, with disgust at the idea of Ginny even in the home of a Malfoy.

"She wears green when she's feeling daring," Harry said, finally standing still. "I can't take this," he said.

"Don't blow it out of proportion," Hermione warned.

"Blow it out of proportion?" Ron stated. "I have half a mind to go over and force Ginny into her senses."

"You can't force Ginny into anything… you should know that," Hermione pointed out. She stood and guided Harry to a chair. "Calm down. Tell us what happened. Everything," she added. The only way she could analyze the scenario was to be told the precise events while her and Ron had been gone.

Harry explained the reception—most of which Hermione already knew—how the two of them had talked a few times since the wedding, how he thought that the reparations were just around the corner, and how he had showed up at her door to find she had already left with Draco. Hermione just clicked her tongue and shook her head. "I'm sorry Harry," she said.

"No hope then," Harry responded, reading into the apology. He could feel his heart pulled at the mere insinuation.

"I wouldn't say that," Hermione said. "I'm just sorry you learned you loved her so late."

Harry looked down. This was his fault. Ginny would have never had an opportunity to date Draco if she was taken. Harry knew Ginny well enough to know she wouldn't cheat for the sake of a challenge.

"You have to act," Hermione said.

Harry, still pensive shook his head. "No, I think her choice has been made clear," he said.

"Mate, you can't just—" Ron started.

"I can't beg her to come back to me either. I had plenty of opportunity, and Draco picked it up when I wouldn't."

"Don't you get it, though?" Hermione asked. "You know her. You're the one she has history with. Do you think Draco would understand the significance of Ginny wearing green? I didn't even know that, I doubt Ron did. You're the one who knows Ginny inside and out. Don't throw it away now." Hermione gave a look of desperation, clinging to the hope that Harry would listen to her.

Harry stayed quiet, his jaw tense while he thought. "I'm going to go," he said. "Sorry I interrupted."

Hermione and Ron looked at Harry with concern, but let him go.

"Ginny," Lance said, gesturing for her to come from the end of a row of cubicles. Ginny took a deep breath and stood, with a file in hand, making her way past some others. She didn't know if she could take another random assignment if someone decided to go missing.

It had almost been three weeks of hearing nothing from Harry; not from lack of trying. She had gone to his house a couple days after he had shown up at her apartment. She wanted to talk to him about everything, but he wasn't there. She tried to talk to Hermione, but found out that Harry had been spending all his extra time at work, avoiding everyone else. This increased Ginny's guilt in spades and she wasn't sure what to do. She had owled him a week after; nothing. To fill the gap of nothingness, she had even taken quill to parchment and written to Draco, apologizing for the situation that had unfolded.

He had written back the same day.

Dearest Ginny,

I'm only sorry to have put you in such a scenario. I regret to inform you that I will be leaving soon to attend to some business. After my return, I hope you'll be so kind as attend dinner with me and continue our friendship.

Yours truly,

Draco Malfoy

As much as she would have loved to believe 'friendship', Ginny didn't trust the word. It was too hard to put herself there again. So instead of worrying about when Draco would return, she continued to keep her efforts to get Harry talking to her again, but to no avail.

Vance was unusually quiet as he led the way into his office and pulled a chair up for Ginny. "You know, I've had you working for me for quite a while," Lance said, looking at Ginny. "I've never seen you quite so upset. What's going on?"

"Nothing," Ginny lied, looking down at her hands, folded in her lap.

"Your work hasn't been getting done like it used to."

"I'll pick up on it, I promise," Ginny said, getting the feeling that she was going to be given the boot. "I'll go back to my desk right now and—"

"Woah, woah, Ginny," Lance said with a bit of a laugh. "Don't worry. You still are more proficient than half the staff, but I was talking to my wife about it and she seemed a bit concerned that you would be acting like this. It's not like you, and I'm wondering if you're not happy here." His smile changed throughout the speech until it resembled a scowl.

"No," Ginny said. "It's a great job. I'm… I just… it's just a lot of personal stuff that I have to deal with."

"Well, if there's anything I can do to help, you know I'm here, but I had something else I needed to talk to you about."

Ginny's gave a look of confusion, wondering what else there could be to discuss. The end of May was still weeks away and there wouldn't be anything… except an assignment. She really didn't want to go out on one of those right now. "You know, my roommate's being going through a rather tough time and I don't know how much overtime I could put into an article right now."

Lance's smile returned. "Oh, then I suppose you won't want to be taking a management position in Paris," he said.

Ginny looked on with a stunned expression. "Paris? As in Paris France?"

"Yes, that's the one," Lance said, sitting back. "They need a new assistant editor over there and I thought you might like to go; even if it means losing you here, I thought you'd like a chance at the job."

"Yes," Ginny said when she caught the meaning of what her boss was saying. "Yes, yes, triple yes," she said. "I'd love it."

"I thought you would." Lance reached over for a group of papers. "I need to get you to fill these out and the magazine will take care of the rest. You'll be leaving in two weeks."

"Two weeks?" Ginny said, shock and excitement mingling until she had on a big stupid grin. "Thank you! Oh thank you so much!" she added while standing and hugging Lance without any sign on restrain.

"You better be careful, or rumors will start on how you got the job," he joked pulling away. "Just fill out the paper and have it to me in two days."

"Yes, sir," Ginny said and exited with a smile.

"I still can't believe you're leaving me alone with those two," Cathryn said while watching Ginny pack. They had known for over a week, but it hadn't been long enough.

"I'll be back," Ginny said. "The assignment isn't permanent and at least the company is paying out my lease. You'll have your own room now," she added.

"I know, but… you can't leave now, what about Harry?" Cathryn asked.

Ginny took a breath and sighed. "I've tried to talk to him. I think Harry might need some time," she explained. She hated to admit it, but Ginny felt she had pushed him away. Perhaps too far to even get him back.

"Can't you stay for me, then?" Cathryn asked with a sappy pout.

Ginny smiled at her friend. "You'll do fine here. I'll be back to visit next month," she said. Cathryn stood and started helping Ginny place the folded clothes in her large suitcase.

"When is that dinner again?" she asked.

"Tomorrow night. You going to be there?" Ginny asked.

"Of course," her roommate replied with a smile. "Is it alright if I bring Derek?"

Ginny gave a sly smile. "Yes, please do," she said. "How long has it been now?"

"Five months," Cathryn said with a slight blush.

Ginny gave a simple nod and started to pack her clothes again. "I bet by the time I get back, you're already going to be living with your Mister Wonderful."

"Not if you come back in a descent period of time," Cathryn said. "I'm going to go make some macaroni," she added, standing and leaving the room.

Ginny finished packing her clothes; the only thing left hanging in the closet was the green dress. She didn't know why she hadn't returned it yet. Perhaps out of fear that Draco might approach her, might even try and talk her into a relationship again. Ginny didn't trust herself. With Harry not talking to her, she could act on impulse with ease, but she also knew it wasn't wise to allow herself that luxury. Instead, she let it hang there, trying to decide what to do with it.

Staring at the fabric, Ginny didn't even notice the knock at her bedroom door, and was caught off guard as some brothers of hers came in. "Dad said to come help you with your things," Bill said. Behind him stood Fred and George. Ginny was glad she had already taped up the boxes; it would make it more difficult for the twins to insert things she didn't know about.

She nodded to Bill and started pointing out the things that needed to be taken for storage at the Burrow. They followed her instructions, which surprised Ginny, and sat down for some of Cathryn's runny Macaroni after.

"This is good," Bill said. Cathryn smiled, glad for the compliment, even if it wasn't true in its entirety. Ginny realized that her brothers liked anything. None of them were picky when a plate was put in front of them. "You've been quiet," Bill said, looking at Ginny. "Everything okay?"

Ginny nodded and forced on a small smile. "Just thinking."

"We're here to talk to, should you need it," he promised his sister as they continued to eat.

The dinner at the Burrow was much fancier than that of Cathryn's boxed cooking. Molly had gone all out, trying to make sure Ginny had a proper farewell, and had outdone herself, trying to keep herself busy and her mind off the fact that her only daughter and youngest child would be so far away. "You can come and see me anytime," Ginny assured her after dinner while everyone was mingling. Molly was near to tears and Ginny hated seeing her like that.

"You can come home too," Molly said, almost more to herself than to her daughter. "You be safe, and be careful who you trust over there."

"I will, Mum," Ginny assured her. The door opened, and Ginny's head snapped to the opening. For the tenth or eleventh time that night, it wasn't Harry. "Cathryn, you're here," Ginny said, hoping the disappointment in her voice wasn't too apparent.

Derek followed behind Ginny's roommate, standing there as the two hugged. Ron noticed the man at once. "You're Heathman," he exclaimed.

Derek turned around. "Yes," he replied. "And you are."

"Ron," he said. "Ron Weasley. Ginny, I can't believe you didn't tell me he was coming!" he exclaimed.

Ginny grinned. "Must have slipped my mind," she said.

"Slipped your mind that one of the best bloody Quidditch Chasers was coming here?"

Hermione put a hand on Ron's arm. "Stop before you embarrass yourself," she said. Ginny noticed that Derek was smiling with entertainment at Ron.

"I'm not going to," Ron said, turning his attention back to the tall athlete. "Have you ever thought about playing for the Cannons? With a Chaser like you they couldn't lose—"

Ginny stepped away, feeling sympathy for Derek, who probably wouldn't get out of that conversation for quite some time. "We've got to be off, Ginny," Tonks said, coming over and giving her sister-in-law a hug. "Be safe."

"I will," Ginny said, before turning to her brother. "See you later, Charlie."

"I better," he responded with a smile, and the two left.

Everyone dwindled away in a similar manner until Molly and Arthur were doing dishes and Ginny was sitting with Hermione in wonder that Ron was still talking Derek's ear off. Cathryn was also listening, though, but didn't bother interjecting, as she had never really been interested in sports. "Does he do this at home?" Ginny asked.

"He's not as bad," Hermione said. "Then again, I won't respond, so it's usually short-lived." Hermione and Ginny laughed at this.

The door opened, and Ginny turned, only to see George bringing in a chair. "He's at work," Hermione said.

"Who?" Ginny asked, trying to show her casualness.

"Harry," Hermione said. "He thinks Draco won."

"There's not contest," Ginny said, frustrated at the thought.

"There is, though," Hermione said. "And your heart is the prize."

Ginny looked down. "The prize has been shattered," she said with an amused lopsided grin. She looked up at Hermione. "Why hasn't he responded to my owls?"

"I don't know," Hermione admitted. "It could be he needs time. Maybe it's just that he doesn't know how. I'm afraid he may have given up, though," she told Ginny.

Ginny opened her mouth, and shut it several times before looking elsewhere. "Nothing happened."

"Now you're just lying to yourself," Hermione said with a smile.

Ginny knew she was right. Draco had come onto her, offered her the world, if she wanted it. Something had happened, and it was too late to just take it back. "Fine," Ginny said, conceding to fact that Hermione was right. "What should I do now?"

"I'm not sure," Hermione said, "but I'd suggest whatever makes you happy in the end." Hermione stood and beckoned for her husband. Ron gave Ginny a hug first, then moved back to a last couple words with Derek.

"Do what makes you happy," Hermione said, giving Ginny one last hug.

Ginny watched as Hermione drug Ron out of the house. Cathryn came up for her good-byes once the two were gone. She was almost as emotional as Molly, but left without a tear being shed.

Ginny sat down, with everyone now gone, and thought about what to do, Hermione's last words ringing in her ears.

The day she was to leave, Ginny made a special trip to the Malfoy mansion. She knocked on the large doors, a parcel in her hands. "Can I help you," the stiff maid that had helped Ginny before asked.

"I'm here to return this—"

"Mr. Malfoy requested that you keep the dress, and the jewelry," the maid interrupted.

"I can't do that," Ginny said. "Please tell Dra—Mr. Malfoy that I appreciate the offer, but respectfully decline at the moment," she added, trying to make her tone match the maid's. She handed over the wrapped items, which were taken. "And also, I have a note for Mr. Malfoy," Ginny said, placing it on top.

"I'll make sure he gets these," the maid said, then shut the door.

Ginny turned and started walking down the road to where her portkey would be. She turned a little ways out. The mansions was massive, but she could see in the highest window to the right, Draco was looking down at a note in his hands. He shifted his attention to the road, where their eyes met. Ginny turned and continued her walk down the road.

The portkey didn't take her to Paris, or back home, but to the apartment of Harry Potter. She knocked on the door, not expecting an answer. She didn't get one. With care, she slipped an envelope identical to the one that had held Draco's note under the door and walked away, knowing she had to finish getting ready.

A/N: So this was supposed to be the last chapter, but it was getting too long… so now this is the second to last chapter. The next one might not be quite so long, but I hope you like this one. Please Review!

Thanks:

Countess Mel: Thanks! I'm not a true DG shipper, but it's fun to write this.

JamieBell: Yay for you getting to review! Every time I use flowers in ANY of my stories, there's a reason… go look up the flower meaning and that might make sense. And, I've said it a million times… he's not as nice as we see him around Ginny… I mean, think about it: do you think he acts towards Pansy the way he does towards Hermione? I think not. Sorry about the lack of insults… but I think that Ginny would have kept stopping him midsentence… then I would have just had them shouting back and forth, and I don't see that happening either.

Love2fool: Will do lol.

Josalyn14hpfreak: Thanks! I'm glad you like it.

Wolf's Scream: Thank you! I hope you liked the rest of it… not sure how far you got.

Dancerrdw: Thanks

Melody: I disagree… I think Harry was confused and definitely took too long, but I think he's sincere.

Hermione30: Here's the next chapter.

Dadswell: Thank you.