a/n: this is it, everyone, the Ball and the End. I am so glad to have had your support throughout this story, I am grateful to you all! There will be an epilogue, so stick around!
The Dinner. The Ball. The End. The Epilogue.
Molly had just finished adding a hand with Draco's name on it to the clock when it shifted to "traveling" and then almost immediately to "Malfoy Manor" which she had added earlier. Ginny's hand soon followed and Molly sighed.
At the Manor, Ginny and Draco had just walked through the great double doors into the main hall. The rectangular shape of the entryway never ceased to amaze Ginny with its size.
"Do I get to see your bedroom now?" Ginny asked mischievously.
"As soon as the party is over, my love." Seconds later, Narcissa Malfoy entered the hall in a magnificent dress fit for a queen. The color of course was green, contrasting nicely with a pitch black. Her long blonde hair fell in wavy curls around her face, and her slender face and sharp cheekbones added to her formidable but beautiful appearance. Draco gawked in an extremely un-Malfoy like way.
"Well, don't stand there staring! I've been informed that there is to be a party announcing your…marriage, is it? Congratulations, darling." She smiled warmly. "I've already gotten the house elves working, I brought back many of the old ones to help! We only have two hours to get this whole fiasco replanned! I can't believe you two wanted to keep it small, it shall be a Malfoy party to remember, as all the old ones once were."
"Mother? But, St. Mungo's, and your illness…" Draco stuttered.
"Snap that jaw shut, Draco! A Malfoy does not stutter, or gawk as you were earlier. I see your manners have fallen lax in my absence. Stand up straight! St. Mungo's cannot explain my recovery, and they say I may take ill again anytime, so I intend to enjoy my freedom while I have it. Now, your tuxedo is in your room on your bed. Go, put it on and then come back down and continue with the preparations." She looked at Ginny. "Ginevra and I have a dress to find and only an hour to find it in. I believe I have some of my old dresses in my powder room on the third floor, if you wouldn't disagree to wearing one of those?"
"Not at all, Mrs. Malfoy." Ginny replied politely.
"Narcissa, dear. After all, you're a Mrs. Malfoy too." She grabbed Ginny by the arm and gently pulled her toward the staircase. Draco grinned as he saw her going up the left staircase, her wing of the house. It hadn't been used in awhile, and Draco was glad to see it inhabited again.
Traditionally, in pureblood families, the married couple in the house stayed in the right wing, where Lucius had stayed, and the guests stayed in the left. Narcissa had taken the left wing when their marriage fell apart and Draco took the right when Lucius died. The main family rooms were located in a stretch of rooms in the center of the house, and the children's rooms were directly above that.
Three hours later, Narcissa and Draco stood in the hall greeting the flood of guests that were arriving in groups of twenty or more.
"Mother! Who did you invite?" Draco muttered with an annoyed air.
"Oh, the family, your guests and Ginevra's. A few of my friends and some employees of the Ministry." She finished her sentence very fast and moved away from her disgruntled son. When the flow of people finally stopped, except for the last stragglers, music started, and the huge buffet was opened.
Five minutes later, Draco spotted her. She was wearing a beautiful dress he had never seen before. Her eyes seemed to glow, set off by the beautiful emeralds set into the neckline and train of the dress, which dragged slightly on the black and green tiles. Where Narcissa's dress was dark, Ginny's was a light, spring green. Her red hair fell down her back in a straight cascade. The candle lit ceiling set of the fiery highlights in her hair.
Silence fell over the crowd and all that was left was the sound of the music playing a waltz. Draco rushed to the end of the staircase as she began to descend and took her hand in his. She gracefully stepped off the last marble step and they made their way to the dance floor.
"May I have this dance, milady?"
"Anything for you, Draco." Ginny smiled and they swept away through crowds of people dancing as if they were floating on air. When the last chords fell from the band's instruments, they parted and Draco sent Ginny to find her family and friends.
"Ginny! Oh, Merlin you look incredible!" Hermione and Luna rushed forward followed closely by Ron and Harry.
"Thanks!" Ginny's face was flushed with excitement. She quickly received hugs from her mother and father and almost everyone in sight. Amicable chatting surrounded her and Ginny was struck by how much she was loved. She ate a few grapes and a delicious piece of pie, careful not to spill any on her dress.
At the end of the current song, the lead singer of the band stepped to the microphone. "At this time, we would like to announce the conclusion of this wonderful party!" Cheers sounded from every corner of the hall. "And also dedicate this last song to our bride and groom, Draco and Ginevra Malfoy." The floor cleared except for the couple, who radiated love. Notes filled the air as they gazed into each other's eyes.
"I love you, Draco."
"I love you too, my darling Ginny." Draco smiled contentedly as they danced, and vaguely noted that they were being joined by other couples who wanted to join in the last dance. The floor was soon swirling with colorful dresses and black tuxedos and suits. Suddenly, there was a loud bang and every candle in the hall was extinguished. Screams from frightened children and frantic adults soon died down into a murmur.
Ginny grabbed Draco tightly for support. The two were strangely detached from the rest of the mob.
"Draco? I'm afraid of the dark."
"Everything will be fine, Gin." Draco locked his fingers into her hair comfortingly.
"How can you be without a light, Draco?" She whispered.
"You are my light, Ginevra." He pulled away from her and grabbed both of her hands. "Whatever happens."
VERY IMPORTANT A/N:
semi-final a/n: There it is! I hope you like the ending, but it really isn't quite the end yet. I have two ideas for the epilogue, let me know which one you would like to see...
The first idea is the cliche ending where the author reviews what happens to the characters about ten years later, with kids and everything of the sort,It'll be interesting too, but...
The second idea I had is a little different...it would pick up right where the this chapter left off and it's VERY original. (Draco and Ginny are still together! I promise!) No character death or anything, it's happy in it's own way, kind of like the Phantom of the Opera's ending if you've seen the movie. With the Phantom and the rose on her grave. I like it. Let me know what you think!