Disclaimer: Not JK, not able to have a holiday without a few burrs (sand spurs) to step on. The chap title is from a Counting Crows song.
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Chapter 33- Holiday in Spain
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The sunshine in Spain had a quality that Luna found hard to describe, but easy to appreciate. It was bright, and yet soft; warm, but not glaring.
She sat beside Wesley at the tiled dining table in the sunny courtyard that was the heart of the beach house, nibbling at a slice of melon. Luna admired her boyfriend's outfit. The blue camp shirt with a banana leaf print coordinated with her bikini.
She was beginning to wonder if the thrill she felt whenever they inadvertently matched was becoming a fetish. Deciding that she didn't give a toss one way or the other, Luna smiled when her boyfriend offered her a strawberry. She made sure to suck his fingertips along with the fruit. Wesley leaned toward her.
"Rules, Roberts…."
Draco's coolly amused drawl made Luna's head jerk back. She reminded calmly, "The rule is no excessive public displays of affection." Bending forward, she lightly kissed lips that curved impishly. Adorable dimples got kisses too.
Blaise laughed. "Poor Draco, he thinks kissing done by anyone other than himself is excessive."
Grey eyes mocked. "Yeah, well, if you think lying half naked on the sofa isn't, then I'm afraid to ask what you think is too much of a public display."
Luna hid a smile over Blaise's blush. "I wasn't half naked!"
"Boot was."
Ginny put her hand on her boyfriend's arm. "What about lying half naked on a hammock?"
The airy question stopped the Slytherin sniping. It also made Draco do something almost equal in rarity to a sighting of the Crumpled-Horn Snorkack. He blushed. The tinge of red made him look less god-like, more human…and likeable. Luna couldn't suppress a giggle.
The other girls joined her.
Wesley grinned. "I'm choosing to regard your question as hypothetical, Ginny, and think that we should agree to keep, uh…private moments…private. So no more, er, sofa, and I propose that we be like the Yanks when it comes to however one is dressed on a hammock."
"How's that?" Luna asked.
"Don't ask, don't tell."
With mock-solemnity, Wesley stretched out his hand, musketeer fashion. Beside him at the end of the table, Terry put his hand over his friend's hand. "Works for me."
Blaise leaned over to place a smacking kiss on Terry's cheek and set her hand on his.
Ginny slanted a 'do it, or else' look at Draco before adding her hand to the growing pile. He nodded grudgingly and then looked to his left. Luna smiled serenely and sat patiently. After Wesley groaned that his arm was starting to ache, Draco curled his lip and covered Ginny's hand with his own.
Feeling like the-queen-of-the-mountain, or at least the hand pile, Luna placed her palm on top, thinking, all for one and one for all.
Minky appeared when they finished breakfast. She shooed the teens away from the dishes. Luna didn't protest. This was her kind of holiday. She followed Draco and Blaise into the parlour, asking curiously, "Where are we going?"
Blaise said, "Tarifa! We know this bloke named Rico who's got a house on the wizard end." She smiled. "It's surfers' paradise. You'll love it, the winds are light today. Anyway, he gives lessons and rents rigs and boards. We'll Floo over to his place. Rico will have you out on the water in no time!"
A short, derisive laugh made all eyes turn to Draco. He sneered. "Rico Suave tries to give lessons in more than windsurfing, so watch his hands, girls."
The group looked back at Blaise. She rolled her eyes. "His name is Rico Cruz, and he isn't a perv, he's just…friendly." She tossed Floo powder. "Sol y Mar!"
Luna took a deep breath and followed. When she stepped out of the rustic hearth into a room filled with various boards, sails, masts, and other pieces of equipment. Blaise and a man were discussing 'light sails' and 'beginner boards'. The back presented to the room while the stranger showed the girl a small sail with mysterious items called 'battens' and 'cambers' was lean, muscular, and deeply tanned.
The Spaniard turned. Luna blinked. He was in his late twenties and ruggedly handsome, with a smile that was blindingly white. Dark eyes gleamed. "Hola! You are Luna, so pale, like the moon. You wish to glide across the water like a bird?"
The others had Flooed into the room while the instructor was holding her hand in both of his. Trying to gently tug it away, Luna said doubtfully, "I don't have a lot of upper body strength." Her eyes popped wide when his hands slid up her arm.
"Windsurfing is about finesse, not muscle. I will teach, you will learn and maybe even be better than your boyfriend. You have a boyfriend?"
An arm slid around her waist, pulling her, and her arm, away from Rico. Wesley smiled, but his eyes were glacial. "Yes, she does."
Unfazed, the Spaniard turned to Ginny. He didn't touch her, only promised she would 'be one with nature, exploring the waters of paradise.' Perhaps it was the sight of Draco's steely gaze that warned the man not to try anything.
Rico cheerfully waved the group toward the door, informing them that their 'rigs' and boards were outside, waiting.
Over the next couple of hours, Luna learned to read the wind, to find out from which direction it was blowing so that she could 'build' herself an invisible wind clock to keep oriented and know which way she should be going. It was funny to think of herself as the centre of an invisible clock, but it was logical, since when she moved the 'clock' would move with her.
Upwind was always twelve o'clock and downwind six. As long as she remembered that she couldn't sail upwind, and to do most of her sailing between three and nine o'clock, everything would be smooth sailing. She smiled.
A smooth, husky voice speaking behind Luna caused her smile to fade. "I have never seen anyone get to the ready position as quickly as you. Are you always this fast?"
She stared. Was he using provocative language on purpose or by accident? The problem with Rico was that she didn't know if he was just a friendly person who had a Latin propensity for encouraging by touching, or if he was trying to make a move on her. That quandary had turned the lesson from something that was supposed to be fun into a nerve wracking experience.
Wesley had been watching Rico like a hawk every time he wandered near her. She'd learned quickly in order to be able not to need the man's so-called guidance.
The group first used boards without fins, practising on the beach the six steps they'd soon perform in the water. Blaise and Draco were assisting Terry and Ginny, leaving Rico free to walk around supervising. They'd learned to go from kneeling, to standing and uphauling, or raising the sail.
Once they transitioned from a neutral position with feet on either side of the mast along the centreline of the board, the teens practiced maintaining the correct sail and body positions. Amusingly, the last three were named Ready, Set, and Sailing.
"Slowly rotate your upper body one more time, Luna. What a lovely straight back you have."
Luna stepped out of position to get away from the tanned fingers trailing down her spine. Why, oh why did she wear a bikini? The matching sarong had been taken off in order to practice without being hampered, and Merlin did she feel self-conscious when a dark gaze was appreciating the view.
With a nervous smile, she moved toward Wesley. "Are you ready to hit the water?"
"I'm ready to hit something." His scowl was one Draco would've been proud to claim.
Luna said, "Do you wish we hadn't come? Maybe I shouldn't have worn this suit."
His mood shifted. Dimples flashed. "The sight of you in that bikini has been the highpoint of my day. It's not your fault that Rico Suave is enchanted by your beauty." He gave the Spaniard a look that caused the man to move to 'help' Ginny instead of continuing in their direction. Wesley met her eyes and smiled ruefully. "I've never acted the jealous bastard with another girl. Do you wish we hadn't come?"
She liked his protectiveness. It wasn't wounding, implying that she'd dressed to invite attention. It was flattering. Luna said, "I can't wait to sail with you."
Shortly afterwards, Rico pronounced them ready to go 'cruising.' A simple sail from one point to another was all she wanted. Blaise and Draco could 'freestyle' all they liked. Luna didn't care about learning tricks and manoeuvres.
A charm made the boards feather light and easy to carry to the water. Other spells protected their bodies from sun and becoming chilled in the water. She sailed parallel to Wesley, the experience of gliding effortlessly over water so clear and sparkling with sunlight made her laugh joyously. The light wind lifted her hair. Luna could see the muscles in her boyfriend's back flex. She envied the slight tan that made Wesley look even more golden and piratical.
Suddenly, Luna couldn't wait to get back to shore. When she finally tired of windsurfing, the too-friendly Spaniard waded into the water to help her with the board.
Cruz grinned. "You are a natural in the water. Were you a mermaid in another life?"
Pink washed over her cheeks.
He said laughingly, "Si? I knew it!"
She helped him lay the equipment under a shelter at the side of the house to dry. Luna became uneasy, noting that none of the others had returned, and she and Rico were all alone.
He moved closer, an intent look crossing handsome features. "Luna."
She took a step back. "Um…yes?"
Dark eyes entreated. "I desire…very much…."
She retreated. Oh Merlin, he's way more experienced—bad choice of word—than me in navigating around piles of equipment. What should I do if he touches me? Scream?
"Your help in preparing a meal. I am not so good in la cocina."
He wanted her to make lunch? Stunned, Luna nodded.
Behind them, laughter chimed. "Don't worry about feeding us, Rico. Minky should Floo over with a picnic basket anytime now. Do you still like black grapes?"
Rico took Blaise's board, dismantling the rig to lay out the sail, mast, and other equipment to dry. The man looked pleased that she'd remembered his preference. "What a little mother you are, always taking care of others. I remember how you hovered over your friend like a hen with her chick years ago. He's a rooster now, that one!"
Blaise said, "Oh look, the others are coming up the beach. Why don't Luna and I go inside and wait for Minky while you help them with their gear? Point them toward the outside shower, por favor, they'll probably want to rinse off before eating."
"Si, Mamacita."
Tugged by the wrist, Luna followed Blaise over to rinse the salt and sand away before entering the whitewashed home. The house-elf hadn't arrived yet. Crossing her arms, Blaise smiled brightly. "I told you Rico wasn't a perv."
"He's still too friendly for me…or Wesley."
The smile became less dazzling, but more real. "I bet Wesley stays by your side the whole time we're exploring the reefs after lunch."
Blonde eyebrows rose. "How will we do that?"
"Gillyweed. Can't you just imagine? It's going to be so romantic."
While Blaise drifted into a private reverie, Luna 'saw' herself diving into the waves.
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The water was crystal clear, the reef abounding in marine life that made the sea bed home. A mermaid with long, blonde hair swam toward the man who had just plunged into her underwater world.
By his black clothing, he appeared to be one of the pirates that sent so many to a watery grave. Pirate or not, the man needed aid. She reached the unconscious human and took his hand in hers, using an ancient enchantment to share her ability to breathe water like air.
The siren studied the handsome face and golden hair. Her pulse quickened. A school of fish whirled by. She smiled a greeting and swam back to her cave, the pirate carried effortlessly along.
Inside the underwater cave, the mermaid headed toward a patch of light, undulating to propel the man up and out of the water, onto a ledge in her grotto. The moment her hand was removed, the pirate coughed up water and took in a lungful of air.
His thick lashes fluttered. Eyes bluer than the sea after a storm stared into hers. "Am I in heaven?"
His smile was charming. She reached out to touch one of the little indentations in each cheek. They were adorable. Raking strands of golden hair out of his compelling face, the man said, "I must not be dead, since you've got a tail instead of wings, although you look like an angel."
She smiled. His voice made her feel fluttery inside. Irresistibly drawn, the mermaid levered herself out of the water and pressed her lips to tempting masculine ones. She'd seen humans do this, and now she knew why they did. It was wonderful.
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"Luna, Blaise, why are you staring off that way?" Draco demanded, impatiently waiting for the loonies to snap out of it and fix some lunch. He was starving. Windsurfing was fun, and Ginny had been impressed with his turns and sail spins, but it also made him hungry.
Blinking themselves out of whatever daze they'd been in, the girls looked at each other and began giggling. He frowned. What a good influence Lovegood was on his mate.
When the Zabini house-elf arrived carrying a picnic basket, Blaise said, "Minky! I need your help. The back patio is nice and shady, but the table's not big enough, and we need more chairs." The two headed toward the back of the house.
The rest of the group came in through the side door. Rico Suave was flashing that Latin Lover smile while trying to interest Ginny in slalom sailing. Draco walked over to slip a proprietary arm around her waist. He ignored the amused look on her face and informed the group, "Lunch is ready on the patio."
He held Ginny back from following the others. "Something amuses you?" Draco used a fingertip to trace smiling features, taking extra time and care with pink, curving lips. Interesting how big and dark her eyes became while she shook her head. The black bikini with a wrap skirt was very pretty with pale, freckled, blushing skin.
He daringly trailed a finger along the edge of the top, whispering, "What you said about lying half-naked in a hammock…was that an invitation?"
"Yes."
His jaw dropped. It snapped shut when she said, "I want you to lounge around half-naked anytime you want."
Draco tried, but couldn't hold back laughter. It burst forth and was joined by Ginny's. Kissing that smart mouth made him smile. His girl was sliding her hands down his back when a chorus of voices called from the patio, "Rules!"
Out on the patio, the elf was nowhere in sight, but her work was evident. A long, weathered, cedar table was covered with white cloth and an array of food. The others were waiting for them. Draco sat between his girl and his best mate.
Ginny pointed to a cylindrical, light yellow cheese. "What kind is this?"
Draco smiled. "Idiazabal. It's intense, sharp, and buttery." He pointed to different items on the table. "Try it with Serrano ham and some of that crusty bread."
"You must try my brother's olive oil." Rico leaned across the table and drizzled some on a slice of bread, handing it to Ginny with a smile. "It's extra virgin."
Draco noticed Roberts didn't look any happier about the Spaniard's extra chummy act. Boot was oblivious to the undercurrents, too busy feeding Blaise a slice of orange. When Cruz, waving off their assurances that lemonade was fine, rose to go get a bottle of a 'robust red from Navarra,' Luna lifted a plate of small pastries. "Rico asked me if I had a fondness for tarts."
"Ooohhh, piperade, yum, I love tarts!" said Blaise.
Draco replied sourly, "So does Rico Suave."
Blaise fed a slice of orange to her Jungle-Man, allowing him to lick the juice off her fingers. "Rico is just friendly, and you're just jealous."
Speak of the devil—he returned before Draco could deny the ridiculous accusation. He wasn't jealous. He also wasn't going to ask Blaise to peel him any grapes, either. Not when he knew where her fingers had been.
Sullenly refusing wine, he ate while intermittently peering at green and black globules and considering whether or not to ask his mate to go wash her hands. White blond eyebrows rose in surprise. A peeled grape had just been dropped onto his plate. Ginny met his gaze and smiled shyly.
He picked up the fruit with a grin. Draco felt all warm inside, and it didn't bother him a bit.
Minky reappeared to whisk away the dishes. She handed Blaise a small pouch filled with small balls that looked like greyish-green rat tails rolled together and covered in slime. Draco sniffed when he was handed one. It smelled salty.
Blaise said, "It's saltwater Gillyweed. After eating it, we'll be able to breathe underwater for an hour!" Rico started to put it into his mouth. She yelped, "No! Not until you get in the water. Gillyweed gives us temporary gills, and flipper-like feet. We don't want to be fish out of water."
The couples split up, each finding their own spot to wade into the water, while Suave went off who cared where. When he reached waist high water, Draco turned to Ginny and confessed, "I hate choking down nasty stuff."
She made a face. "Me too. That Polyjuice was disgusting."
Holding up the Gillyweed ball, he said, "I'll do anything for you." He took a bite, chewed once, and then quickly swallowed. "Rubbery octopus tentacles—my favourite."
Ginny looked relieved that it wasn't worse. She scrunched her eyes closed and ate half at one time. He chuckled and finished the rest of his while she forced the final half of hers down. Her eyes grew wide. She clutched at his shoulders. He sank down into the water.
Breathing salt water was like breathing air. It felt so weird. Long red tresses floated around them. Ginny smiled and reached up to touch a spot under his ear. He had gills? Hers were barely noticeable…unlike that blue tint her skin had taken. Small feminine feet now resembled flippers. Bubbles floated around them while they laughed at the sight of webbed fingers.
They held hands to swim further out into the ocean.
It was like a submerged garden. The transparency of the water made colourful fish and other marine life seem even more vivid. They drifted toward a reef.
There was a ship to explore. It was small, with a single mast, and of no great historical import. He grinned at her and pointed back to where they came. The Gillyweed wouldn't last much longer. There was something else they had to do.
Within swimming distance to shore, they paused, flipper-like feet treading to keep them together. Brushing red strands out of his way was harder than it looked. Finally, Draco anchored them behind her ears. A stream of tiny bubbles appeared when she laughed. He pulled her close and kissed cool, wet lips.
Her legs twined with his while her hands sank into his hair. They floated sideways. It could've been upside down. At that moment, he cared about nothing except the feel of their lips and tongues and mouths moving together. Grey eyes opened and stared into brown.
He had never looked into a girl's eyes while kissing before. He had never wanted to let a girl know what he was feeling before. Floating underwater, with their bodies pressed together, it seemed that they were in a private world where it didn't matter if she saw his hand shake while touching her, where he didn't need to put on a Slytherin front, he didn't need anything except…air! The Gillyweed had worn off.
Draco pushed Ginny to the surface. They tread water, gasping at the shock of bright sunlight against eyes that had become used to the shaded depths.
"That was amazing!"
He reached out a hand to push wet strands away from her face. "You're amazing."
Moving closer, she leaned forward and gave him a kiss. "No, we're amazing together."
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Ginny floated to shore, wishing that Gillyweed had lasted longer. Kissing underwater had been incredible. She walked up the beach beside Draco, holding his hand. After rinsing off again, the group gathered their things, thanked Rico and Flooed back to the beach house.
The couples split up to take a siesta. Out on the back sun terrace, in a corner shaded by the house and palms, she watched Draco stalk over to a hammock. Ginny giggled at the pout making his classic face cute.
He scowled. "What?"
Ginny stretched out on the gently swinging fabric. "Are you pouting because you wanted us to try the hammock by the pool and Terry called it without asking first?"
Silvery eyes glanced away before Draco lowered to lie beside her. "Of course not."
He draped a leg over the edge, his foot pushing off the tile. The force used caused the hammock to rock violently. Ginny rolled against her boyfriend's side, one hand bracing itself against his muscular upper body. Her fingers smoothed over his torso, enjoying every contour of his chest and abs. Chiselled lips pursed. When Draco turned his head toward her, she kissed him.
He smiled against her mouth. "Yes, I was pouting."
The look in his eyes made her pulse race. Surprisingly, he pulled her to lie against his chest, restricting long fingers to stroking her back. Firm, smooth, and incredibly warm, his skin felt so good. Draco's touch was so relaxing, she fell asleep.
When Ginny awoke, the sun had set and the world was wreathed in twilight. Eyes unfairly blessed with the longest pale lashes were closed. In sleep, the handsome face had a vulnerable quality to it that tugged at her heart. She couldn't resist sliding up to tenderly kiss parted lips.
A hand slid under her hair to curve around the nape of her neck. Draco held her gently in place to deepen the kiss. It became hard to remember to breathe. It was like being underwater again, in a private world where nothing else existed.
"Ahem."
Ginny froze.
Draco said curtly, "What is it?"
"Dinner is to be served in one hour." Minky said apologetically. "My mistress is asking me to apprise you of that fact. Excuse me, I must go prepare."
Alone once more, Ginny couldn't help giggling. Reluctant to part, Ginny sighed while she took the hand extended and was helped to rise off the hammock. Still holding her hand, Draco lifted it and kissed the back before holding the palm against his cheek. "Thank you."
She didn't ask 'for what?' He was thanking her for trusting him with her body as well as her heart. This was a side that the Prince of Slytherin rarely showed. If only her parents could see how he treated her with love and respect. Smiling, even while inside she felt torn between laughter and tears, Ginny said huskily, "Thank you."
After Draco had walked her back to the girls' room, she opened the door to find Blaise showing Luna a few dance steps. Blaise wore a short, black scarf dress with ivory vines winding around the edge of the fluttery silk. Luna's dress with a halter top looked like a fabric watercolour with its shimmering swirls of pink, yellow, and turquoise. The two girls looked up.
Blaise said, "We're Flooing to Seville later, so hop in the shower, girlfriend!"
Ginny said over her shoulder while heading for the lavatory, "There better be some hot water left, girlfriends." She could hear the witches cackling on the other side of the door. When she came back into the room after using a drying spell on her hair, the silence made her nervous.
Blaise arched an eyebrow. "Nice, practical bra you've got on, but it doesn't go with your dress."
Since Ginny planned on wearing a plain black tank dress, her plain black bra certainly did 'go with.' Her eyes flickered over to her the dress spread out on the bed. It wasn't anything that she'd packed in her suitcase. It was a copper over black crochet minidress with a low bodice and a fringe hem. Next to it was a pair of black slides so pretty, she took an inadvertent step forward.
Luna said, "It'll look gorgeous with your hair."
Luna Lovegood was giving fashion advice. The girl had gone from radish earrings—wait, she still wore those—and was now telling her what to wear? Ginny moved another pace closer to the bed.
Blaise tempted like a serpent, "C'mon, aren't those Manolo's calling you? They're charmed for comfort. You can dance all night and never turn your ankle. Look, Luna's wearing pink slides, and I've got black ones with buckles. We'll make the boys drool over our legs! How can you resist?"
She couldn't. Before Ginny knew it, the practical bra was off and the crochet dress with a built in 'support spell' was on. In a daze, she slipped on the shoes that made her feel like a princess. Her friends led her over to a vanity. Blaise smiled wickedly and opened a case of Siren cosmetics.
When they met the others in the courtyard, Ginny thought each boy looked very handsome. Terry wore a midnight blue silk shirt, and Wesley a turquoise that only he could get away with. Of course Draco was the most gorgeous, in a black on black striped shirt with black trousers.
His fingers kept playing with her fringe and fingering the metallic crochet. He told her three times that she was beautiful. Had she really considered refusing to wear anything other than her plain knit dress?
Dinner was served in the dining room. Minky was in alt over finally being allowed to go all out. The candlelight was romantic. The crystal sparkled and the silver shone. A Caesar salad and lemon orzo complimented the 'Zarzuela', a Catalonian version of bouillabaisse with lobster, scallops, fish and shrimp. The conversation ranged from Quidditch to what everyone wanted to do over the rest of the holiday.
Luna and Wesley wanted to go horseback riding on the beach. Blaise persuaded that a balloon ride and picnic would be fun. Terry wanted to drive up to one of the famous 'pueblos blancos' or white villages on mopeds. Draco thought they should go sailing.
Ginny wanted to explore the reefs again. At the mention of Gillyweed, reminiscent smiles were exchanged. The elf wearing a fur edged tea towel cleared the table and served dessert.
The group moved to the lounge after dinner. Blaise sat on Terry's lap in a chair. She said, "What do you think the poor wretches stuck at school are doing?"
Wesley grinned. "Most likely, they're holed up in common rooms slogging away at a long list of assignments."
Draco sneered. "Weasley and Granger are probably ruining the Room of Requirement."
He relayed the 'Highland Games' story. The boys all agreed that it was a revolting mental image. Ginny saw Luna and Blaise trade glances. They didn't appear to find the idea of Ron in a kilt distasteful, but wisely kept silent.
When the hour grew late enough for Spanish nightlife to start, the group Flooed to a small bar that was owned by a friend of Blaise's father and thanked the barkeep, who told them 'de nada' as they stepped out into the Seville night.
Orange trees and palms lined the street. The smell of orange blossoms made Ginny smile. She held Draco's hand and tried not to gape like a tourist.
Each wanted the others to try a nightclub playing 'their type' of music. They ended up in a club that was located in a large city house, with several dance floors and balconies from which to watch the dancers.
The music played was a mix of European and American dance music. Feeling mellow and loose, Ginny followed her boyfriend's lead on the floor and let herself get caught up in the sensuality of the beat and Draco's moves. She was a good dancer, even if she did say so herself. Luna was almost as good, and Blaise…was a show-off. Ignoring the down shaking spectacle, Ginny proved that she could 'work it' too. It was mad, and she wanted to dance until the sun came up.
Eventually, the girls had to find a loo. Returning to their table, they found their boyfriends surrounded by a group of senoritas that obviously wanted to have their arses hexed. Ginny went for her wand when one dark-haired beauty touched Draco's hair. She exhaled sharply when she realised that she'd left it at home. Oh well, Muggle-duelling sounded good to her right now.
Blaise patted her arm. "Leave it to me, amiga"
Arms waving, eyes flashing, Blaise rattled off a stream of Spanish mixed with Latin that sounded like a combination of threats and curses. The girls closest to their boyfriends broke out in rashes. Within moments the guys were alone.
Of course, the arrogant males thought their girlfriends jealous. When the other couples left for the dance floor, Draco smirked. "I saw you reach for your wand. Nice to know you want to keep me for yourself."
Ginny twined her arms around his neck. "You're mine, mine, mine, and don't you forget it."
He gave a bark of laughter. She said, "Shut up and kiss me."
Lips curving, he bent his head to hers. "Yes, ma'am"
-
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Blaise smiled when the techno beat slowed and the music changed. She moved closer to her boyfriend, winding slowly as the song played. Silky brown hair brushed her face. She sifted her fingers through the strands.
Dark blue eyes smiled. Was he thinking about the way she'd hexed those senoritas for making a move on boys that were already taken? She said, "If that girl had touched your hair instead of Draco's, she wouldn't have any."
Terry's mouth moved across hers. His tongue traced her lower lip. She opened her mouth and gave everything she had to the kiss.
"Rules!"
Blaise's pout made Terry chuckle. Flouncing away from the friends that had cut the kiss short, she fanned her face with a hand and sighed ruefully. Someone touched her arm and asked in Spanish.
"Eres tu Blaise Zabini?"
A well dressed, handsome Spaniard in his twenties stood looking at her inquiringly. Toning her glare down to a gaze of indifference, she pulled away and said in English, "Never heard of her."
"Is this bloke bothering you, Blaise?"
Terry's gallantry was heart-warming, but she wished he'd called her 'baby' instead of using her name.
The stranger raised his hands and smiled charmingly. "Lo siento, I did not explain. My name is Diego Romero." At her blank stare, he added, "Your cousin."
A short laugh escaped, "I don't have any cousins." She stepped back against the reassuring strength of her boyfriend. The man's face was a study in confusion. "I have seen your photograph for Zabini Jewellers. Is Enrique not your father?" When she nodded, a smile flashed white against a dark olive complexion. "Mi padre es su…your father's cousin…Enzo Romero. Did your papa never tell you of his family?"
Defensively, she said, "After my grandparents died, and his grandfather disinherited him, maybe my father figured he didn't have family."
Diego acted offended. "Disinherited? Never! Your father turned his back on his heritage and broke his grandmother's heart. Yeguada Romero breeds the finest Pura Raza Espanola horses in Andalusia and he chose to play with jewellery!"
Blaise fingered one of her large diamond stud earrings. She smirked. "Playing with jewellery has worked out well…and don't tell me grandpapa was too busy mucking out stalls to owl. If the man wanted to keep in touch, he could have."
"Enrique changed his name, sent back his grandfather's letters. What could the family do?"
She stared in shock. Her father had never told her, but then again, there were probably a lot of things her parents hadn't shared.
Draco strolled over with Ginny. "Tell your father he made an excellent choice. Blaise Romero doesn't have that same ring to it."
Diego stiffened. Icily, he demanded, "Who are you to interfere between family?"
Grey eyes iced over.
Blaise said bluntly, "He's more family to me than you are, so drop the attitude. If you can't speak in front of my friends, then you can ride on back to the ranch, Spanish cowboy."
Romero smiled like she'd given him an idea. "Si! You must come and visit la Yeguarda! I will tell gran abuelo, and he will owl an invitacion to you…and your friends…at…."
She told him that they were staying at the beach house.
He grinned. "I knew Enrique could not sell la casa that meant so much to his grandmother. Sol y Sombra was her favourite. Mi padre y…great-grandfather…will be pleased."
"Swell."
Kissing her hand in a way that made Terry frown and Draco and Wesley pull their girlfriends closer, Diego rejoined his party. The friends didn't feel like dancing anymore. They left the club and returned to the casa.
Starlight looked brighter without competition from man-made illuminations. The couples reclined on loungers on the darkened sun terrace and quietly contemplated the stars shining over the ocean. When the girls headed for bed, Blaise pretended to go right to sleep.
Beside her, Ginny whispered, "I'll go with you, if you want to visit your family."
On her other side, Luna said, "Me, too."
Blaise swallowed around the lump in her throat. "Thanks." She eventually fell asleep and drifted into dreams of the past.
-
The meal was torturous. Her parents had already left for a dinner party in Malaga, leaving her with the Malfoys. They weren't pleasant conversationalists.
Narcissa demanded, "Why are you always scowling, girl? Looking at your face ruins my appetite."
Blaise said, "Then it's just as well you're drinking your dinner as usual, then."
Next to her, Draco said in an undertone, "Good one."
The faint smile that curved her mouth faded when Lucius mocked, "I do believe our baby girl is feeling sad that we're taking her playmate off to a party, darling. Perhaps I should let you two attend without me and…keep her company."
"No."
Lucius' taunting smile widened. "If Marisol wouldn't be devastated to lose Draco's company, I'd be more than happy to let my son remain behind. Unfortunately," he sighed theatrically, "our hostess has made…plans…that I can't break."
Using the pretext of an upset stomach, Blaise rushed from the room. When Draco left, she was waiting in the corridor and pulled him out the side door.
In the near darkness, the boy looked ghostly pale. His eyes were haunted when she asked why he didn't tell his father that he refused to go to any of that woman's parties anymore. "I can't. I wanted to go at first, but now, whenever I try to say no, I'm unable to. It's like a compulsion. I can't resist."
Mrs. Malfoy's voice carried from the house. "It's time to go, baby boy."
Unhappily, Draco shrugged and left Blaise alone to stare sightlessly across the terrace. Her thoughts raced. Lucius calling her 'baby girl', giving her a meaningful look while stressing 'plans I can't break'. Draco admitting that he was unable to say no—that he felt compelled. Narcissa calling 'baby boy'….
Everything snapped into place. Marisol was using Dark magic and Blaise could break the spell. If she dared.
Racing to her room, she took a small tome bound in leather out of its hiding place. There was a counter spell to the one the older witch was undoubtedly using. Blaise had a prior claim, and if the blood magic was done correctly, and Draco wanted to break the enchantment, he could be freed.
She began to scour the house for what she needed.
Twenty minutes later, Draco's bed was ringed with flickering candles. Lowering her wand after chanting the words to the spell, Blaise picked up a knife and cut her forearm.
A short time passed. The bedroom door opened.
Draco stared at her incredulously. "How? Marisol said that my life was bound to hers forever."
"She was wrong. If you want, you can break her spell."
A pale brow lifted. "Do I have to get bloody?"
"Yes."
He took off his shirt. After an involuntary look, she kept her eyes on his face. Stepping into the circle, he frowned at the knife and made a shallow cut similar to hers on his forearm. Quickly smearing blood, the boy lifted his arm. "Is this all?"
Remembering that he thought she didn't remember the first spell, she acted as though his question wasn't facetious. "No, we need to…erm…exchange blood." Tentatively, she reached up to lick coppery tasting redness off his forearm.
Draco smirked and leaned down to copy her action.
She said, "I think we have to stay together all night to break the enchantment."
"Fine by me."
The awkwardness she first experienced faded to a relief that her friend was in his own bed instead of Marisols'. Blaise gradually fell asleep, only to awake when a gleeful voice whispered, "My dear girl, I'm so pleased you didn't disappoint me."
She stared up into wicked grey eyes. Lucius stood outside the ring of enchanted candles. "I knew that if I pointed the way, you'd take care of my little problem for me."
She couldn't speak.
He answered her unspoken question. "Marisol was given permission to play with my son, not to try and keep him. I couldn't act against her myself, politics and all that, but I knew you'd get the job done." Almost fondly, he said, "Really, Blaise, I'm impressed." Her uncomprehending stare made the man grin. "Can it be you are unaware of what happens when one spell caster overcomes another?"
She shook her head. "What?"
Lucius crouched down until his eyes were on level with hers. "Blood is life, little girl. Marisol used an ancient spell that ties the caster's life to her charm. If it is broken, then my son controls his own fate…and she dies." Rising gracefully, he backed toward the door. "Pleasant dreams."
Blaise turned to stared at the boy's peaceful, sleeping face. Could she really lie there and allow someone to die so that he could live free?
Draco smiled in his sleep.
She made her decision and stoically waited for the sunrise.
"Wake up, Blaise!"
Surging upright, she looked from one girl to another. "Was I dreaming? What did you hear? What did I say?"
Ginny said, "Nothing, you were only crying."
Numbly feeling the wetness on her cheeks, Blaise scooted to the end of the bed. "I've got to take a walk, get out of here." The other girls followed her out of the house and across the sand to the ocean.
The sun was rising, spreading its rays in pastel colours across the horizon. Blaise remembered another sunrise and knew that if given the chance, she'd make the same choice. A sharp pain caused her to hop on one foot while plucking a sand burr. Meeting curious gazes, she said, "O how full of briers is this working-day world!"
The cool morning breeze ruffled long blond hair. Luna said thoughtfully, "As You Like It. I admired Rosalind very much, but I'm more like Celia." She smiled. "They are but burrs, cousin, thrown upon thee in holiday foolery."
Blaise shook her head. "I could shake them off my coat. These burrs are in my heart."
In a tone reminiscent of Mrs. Weasley, Ginny scolded, "We'll help you with those burrs any time you want, Blaise, but if you're not up to sharing, I vote that we enjoy the sunrise, and then think of a prank to wake the boys. If I'm going to wake up at dawn, then I want Draco to share my misery—erm—joy."
The girls sat huddled together on the sand for warmth while the sun rose.
Luna said, "If there's any whipped cream, we could place some in their hands, and then tickle their lips. When they go to rub, they'll…you know…get messy."
Ginny snickered. "Would licking whipped cream off Draco's face be considered an excessive display of affection?"
Blaise impulsively draped her arms around her friends and gave them a quick squeeze before standing. "Last one to the kitchen uses sour cream!" she called, racing back to the house.
No one came in last.