Special Note: I can still remember August of 04 and the 'oh crap' feeling in the pit of my stomach when I learned Rowling had posted Ginny's birthday on her website as August 11th. I had written a great many Matchmaker chapters, and needed Ginny's birthday to fall over Easter Holiday, not the end of Summer Holiday! Since Ginny's birthday wasn't celebrated or mentioned in the books, only on Jo's site, I chose to keep her birthday as is and tell any who asked 'did you know?' yes, I did, lol.
Now that there is an official 'canon' sixth year, I hope readers will accept the alternate birthday along with the alternate story written pre HBP, but edited afterwards.
The title is taken from the song sung by The Stray Cats in the film Sixteen Candles.
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Chapter 36- Sixteen Candles
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I don't want this holiday to end, Luna thought with a heartfelt sigh. She stood on the sun terrace, watching the sun rise above the ocean. This was their last day at the casa. Tomorrow, they would Floo home and spend the remaining days of break with their families before heading back to school.
She felt bad for not wanting to spend time with her father and his new…friend... It was selfish to want him to remain faithful to the memory of her mother forever. Acknowledging that didn't change Luna's feelings.
"You're up early. Hey, what's the matter?" Warm fingers brushed the tear off her cheek, before pulling her into a hug.
She leaned against her boyfriend and confessed miserably, "I was thinking about Daddy. Somehow, knowing he's dating makes me feel like I've lost my mother all over again."
His arms tightened around her when she began to cry. Luna was grateful that he didn't spout platitudes, or offer advice. He just stroked her back, and held her close to his heart.
Wesley led them over to a hammock in the far corner of the terrace. As pillows went, his chest was a bit too firm for true comfort, but she wouldn't have moved her head for all the duck feathers in the world. The gentle rocking motion of the hammock soothed almost as much as the fingertips sifting through her hair.
Eventually, she looked up into sympathetic eyes.
He asked, "Feeling better, are we?"
His curved lips and deep dimples were so cute. So was that raised golden eyebrow. Luna said, "We?"
Wesley's smile turned impish. "Well, when you're unhappy, that makes me sad, so if you're feeling less so, then I'm happier too."
That was so sweet. Her lips parted while she lifted her mouth toward his.
"C'mon, Red. It's our last day. I say we siesta six times if we want to."
Luna jerked violently like a little girl caught being naughty. The motion caused the surface of the hammock to tilt. She slid off atop Wesley, who laughed.
"What in the blazes are you two playing at?" Draco demanded.
Matter-of-factly as possible, Luna said, "Don't ask, and I won't tell."
Ginny snorted with amusement and tugged her boyfriend's hand. "Let's go grab the hammock by the pool."
Luna waved goodbye while she attempted to untangle her legs from Wesley's. It proved impossible. He wouldn't let her go, and my, what attractive legs he had. Felt good, too, rubbing against hers. On the cool tiles, she braced her hands on either side of Wesley's smiling face and kissed him enthusiastically.
"Don't take Malfoy growling 'my hammock now, Ape-Man' personally, baby. I'm sure that this one is perfectly nice too…ooohhh!"
Blaise's exclamation prodded Luna to point toward the French doors the couple had just walked through. "My hammock. Go now!"
Hands raised, Terry grinned, "Fine. Musical hammocks it is."
Luna watched the other couple duck back into the house. A hand waved in front of her face.
"How about we try kissing on a soft surface this time?" Wesley grinned.
He pulled Luna to her feet, slid an arm around her waist and waltzed her toward the hammock.
After a leisurely breakfast, the friends decided to return to Tarifa. This time, they took the mopeds and drove to the wizard section of the public beach.
Luna told Wesley once they parked, "I'm not up for windsurfing again. I just want to lie in the sun and enjoy the view."
"I want to sunbathe too," said Ginny. "Why don't the rest of you join us after a sail?"
The group staked out a spot with an enormous beach blanket before the boys and Blaise went to rent windsurfing rigs. Lying on her stomach, enjoying the gentle breeze, Luna pillowed her cheek on an arm. "I'm going to miss this place."
"Me too." Ginny sighed. "Most of what I'll miss will be spending time with Draco. I can't help thinking that makes me a bad person."
Straight-faced, Luna said, "It does."
She giggled when Ginny shot back, "Like you don't have it bad for Wesley."
Luna sighed. "I have it very bad…and it feels very good." She contemplated the sunlight sparkling on the ocean through half closed lids. Time passed in a pleasant daze.
Cool drops of water hitting her warmed skin made Luna startle. Rolling over, she smiled up at the boy blocking the sun. "Have a good time?"
"Yeah, it was great. At the end we had a laugh, too, giving Blaise a ride on her board."
Blaise dropped down to the blanket beside Luna, leaning back on her elbows, laughing. "I felt like Cleopatra being carried by her big, strong, bodyguards. It was fab."
Terry stretched out beside his girlfriend. "That bloke waiting by the surf shop stared so hard I thought his eyes would pop out."
Wesley lay on his side facing Luna. He kidded his best mate, "Good thing he left before you could finish muttering that hex." His expression changed from joking to serious when he promised Luna, "If a bloke ever stares at you like that, he's going to regret it, Buttercup."
She reached out to trace his lips with a fingertip. "I love it when you go Dread Pirate Roberts."
"Think it's sexy, hmmm?"
She nodded solemnly. He chuckled.
Blaise gasped. "Stars and stones, I forgot about the Gillyweed!" She reached for a carryall. Taking out a small package, she handed a small, salty smelling ball to everyone.
The couples left the blanket for the ocean.
Luna felt her heartbeat quicken, wading into the sea with a golden-haired pirate. She pretended the Gillyweed was a delicacy to mermaids and not rubbery icky-ness. Wesley grimaced. It seemed that his imagination wasn't up to the task of making the mass palatable. When they sank together into the clear blue depths, it felt like sinking into a dream.
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The mermaid swam toward the pirate who had stolen her heart.
He was diving down to look at a vividly coloured fish. Ever since she had used the enchantment to enable him to breathe underwater, the human had been fascinated with her world. He loved to explore the coral reefs and wrecks, especially. His white grin would flash whenever they discovered gold and other treasure.
She smiled whenever she discovered something new about kissing.
Sometimes, when he rested upon the soft moss of her grotto, her handsome pirate would tell stories about the wonders to be found on land. His face would light up, and that pleasant voice she loved to listen to would ring with such passion, she longed to explore that strange world with him.
A slender hand rose to touch the pearls around her neck. Could she really leave the sea, her people? She stretched out both hands. Her love took them in his with an inquiring look. Smiling, the mermaid propelled them toward the distant shore.
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Flipper-like feet keeping her treading water a few metres away from Wesley, the vision became reality. Her pirate was lifting an eyebrow, his merry blue eyes silently asking, daydreaming again? She nodded ruefully while swimming forward. Tracing his features with webbed fingers, Luna smiled. Even with blue-tinted skin, he was incredibly handsome. She was so lucky. Being with him was worth leaving her father, worth everything.
His lips felt cold, and yet they warmed hers. Kissing him underwater felt like being in a bubble. They drifted together with the gentle current, mouths fused, legs entwined. Long blonde strands floated in a curtain around them, blocking the view of the underwater world. Uncaring, eyes closed, Luna was absorbed in the kiss.
Eventually, the bubble popped. She swam to the surface and took in deep gulps of air.
Wesley treaded water beside her. He asked, "What were you daydreaming about this time?"
She said, "The mermaid decided to leave the sea to be with her love."
Something male and primitive gleamed in his eyes. He swam forward and kissed her. They sank beneath the water. A few moments later, they returned to the surface, laughing. The experience wasn't the same without the aid of Gillyweed, although it was still very sweet. They floated on their backs, holding hands as they slowly propelled themselves toward shore.
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On three sides of the old farmhouse table, three girls stood staring at each other apprehensively. Ginny's gaze hardened with resolve. Someone needed to make the first move. She was willing to take a chance, risk life and limb.
"Wait!"
Knife paused above the cutting board, Ginny told Blaise, "We agreed to make dinner by hand on our last night. I want the extra credit in Muggle Studies, so watch me and you'll see that it's not much different from potion making."
Again, the blade's descent was stopped by a sharp 'Stop!'
Ginny made an effort not to snap. "What's the problem?"
Looking embarrassed, Blaise said, "This reminds me of a novel I read once. Like Water For Chocolate. When the girl cooked, her emotions permeated the food." She bit her lip. "If we make this dinner in the wrong mood, our last night together could be ruined."
"You don't seriously believe…."
The expression on Blaise's face said that she did.
Luna said, "Where does the term 'culinary magic' or 'kitchen witch' come from? I'd rather be safe than sorry." She smiled at Blaise. "What should we do?"
"No clue, it's Muggle. Got any ideas, Ginny?"
"At home, Mum listens to happy music in the kitchen. Want to look through the Orpheus Orbs? We could try that too."
In the lounge, the trio stopped a moment to enjoy the view. On the beach, the boys were tossing the sphere Wesley brought to the casa--a Frisbee. Ginny watched Draco's impressive musculature shift to catch and throw the sphere. She noticed the other girls appreciated different aspects of the 'scenery' and giggled.
After a few minutes, they walked over to consider the collection of orbs hidden inside a cabinet. Ginny lifted one out. "The Beatles Greatest Hits! They've loads of upbeat songs."
Back in the rustic kitchen, Ginny placed the orb on the table and gave it a spin. The song Nowhere Man played. She smiled weakly, lifted the orb and rotated again. This time, Hey Jude projected.
Luna asked, "Should I try?"
Ginny and Blaise both said, "Yes!"
After the next spin, music poured out, cheerfully assuring that the girl had the singer's love Eight Days A Week.
Ginny began cutting the stems from the leaves of Swiss chard in rhythm with the song. She sang off-key while slicing the stems on the diagonal and cutting the leaves into thin slivers. Luckily, they ate the biggest meal in the middle of the day. The one they prepared now was lighter and easier to conjure, or cook.
Salad Parador was named after a restored castle in Andalusia. They had visited the magnificent structure and admired the Moorish tile work. The view of the olive trees creating a patchwork quilt out of the valley below had been breathtaking. Along with a bottle of olive oil, Ginny had asked for the recipe for the salad she'd ordered at the Parador restaurant. The shrimp and vegetable salad seemed easy to prepare.
On the huge antique that had never been used for actual cookery, Minky had charmed one of the burners to act like a Muggle appliance. Luna, with an enviable confidence, heated olive oil in a large skillet and added garlic. Ginny added the chard and watched it be sautéed to soften before being set aside.
Another spin of the orb resulted in a second lively tune spilling into the kitchen. Ginny hummed along while trimming the ends off thin green beans. They were cooked until crisp-tender and added to the chard.
Blaise had been peeling shrimp. She added them to a skillet with cherry tomatoes and thyme and gestured for Ginny to shake the skillet to cook the shrimp. The three friends sang along to Yellow Submarine.
After the girls divided the chard leaves tossed with balsamic vinegar among six plates, they topped each with crisp beans and sautéed chard stems. The shrimp and tomatoes were arranged on top. Luna sprinkled a few olives while Blaise added a sprig of thyme.
Each of the friends carried two plates to the courtyard table. The boys, showered and waiting hungrily, duly admired the salad.
Once the salad was eaten, Draco asked, "What's the next course?"
Three sets of feminine eyes met in a panic. Ginny rose. She told her fellow chefs, "Let's take the plates back to the kitchen and bring out the entrée."
In the kitchen, Blaise said, "What entrée?"
Ginny shoved dirty plates into the kitchen sink. "Hell if I know!"
Luna said calmly, "Why don't we ask Minky to help?"
The house-elf must have been listening inside the pantry to pop out so suddenly. With only a trace of a smirk, she asked, "Is my assistance required?" The unanimous 'yes!' was heard with a toothy smile. Minky said, "I will conjure Andalusian steak rollos if that is acceptable."
Relieved, Ginny returned to the courtyard. She giggled when, after tasting the beef, Draco complimented her cooking skills as 'just as good as a house-elf's.'
Luna heard her and started giggling as well. Blaise sputtered with amusement, and soon the secret was out and their boyfriends were laughing too.
Once the plates were cleared away, Ginny became aware that Draco was watching the arched doorway expectantly. She followed his gaze and saw Drinky and Minky carrying an enormous cake lit with candles. Torn between laughter and tears, she listened as the group sang, "Happy Birthday to you!"
Ginny said, "I didn't expect this. My birthday's not until next week." Silver eyes smiled into hers. The girl's heart turned over.
Wesley said puckishly, "Sixteen candles make a lovely light, but I think you're supposed to blow them out to receive a wish."
With a racing heart, she made a wish before blowing the candles out. After wild applause, Minky cut the cake. Drinky extended a basket full of presents. Ginny said, "Oh no, you shouldn't have."
Draco gave her a look that stopped her half-hearted protests. When she reached for a festively wrapped package, he said gruffly, "They're not much, just tokens, really."
Intrigued by his expression, she opened the first present. It was a spyglass from Wesley. She smiled her thanks and reached for another. Luna gave her a lace mantilla. Terry's gift was an orb of Spanish guitar music. Ginny expressed her appreciation and opened the rectangular, flat gift from Blaise. It was a small painting of a white village. "I love it!" she said. I'll put it on my desk and look at it every day."
"I'm glad, but that's not the real present."
Blaise's fingers pressed what had seemed to be an imperfection in the grain of the wood. The frame sprang open, revealing two hidden frames inside. One was empty. The other held a sketch of a couple lying on a hammock. They looked happy and in love.
The couple was Ginny and Draco.
On several mornings, Blaise and Draco had quietly sketched together out on the sun terrace. Ginny had never asked to see what they were working on. In the back of her mind, she'd been afraid that they were sketching each other. Placing the opened frame carefully on the table, she squeezed her friend in a big hug.
"Guess you like it, huh?"
She nodded and looked toward Draco. He held out a flat, rectangular present. Her stomach somersaulted. Trembling fingers unveiled another sketch…of her face. The image held Ginny transfixed. Was she this beautiful, this animated? Merlin, she was glad he saw her this way.
"It's beyond beautiful," Ginny said with a misty smile. "There's a depth of feeling…." Choked up, she could only hand Blaise the sketch while she kissed her boyfriend to express everything that words couldn't say.
On the opposite side of the table, Wesley mused, "After we devour this delicious looking cake, if…a person…wanted to innocently sleep out under the stars on their birthday, would that be considered breaking the rules?"
Terry smiled. "I don't think so."
Blaise winked. "That person would need someone to keep them company."
Luna nodded serenely. "The stars don't shine as brightly without someone to share them with."
Draco looked taken aback, but then recovered to smile. "Cut the cake, Birthday Girl."
With a last look at her sketches, Ginny closed the frame and placed the painting gently aside. Smiling widely, she stood and served the cake.
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Later, lying with Draco on the hammock placed in the middle of the sun terrace, the stars seemed brighter than any Ginny had ever seen before.
The voice that made her shiver whispered in her ear, "Ready for your other birthday present?"
Happy that the starlit darkness concealed her blush, she nodded. A teasingly light kiss was pressed to her eyelids. "That was an Angel Kiss. You're getting sixteen different ones, so fifteen more to go." He took her face in his hands and held her gently while fluttering his eyelashes against hers. Her stomach fluttered too.
"What was that?" she asked shakily.
"Butterfly Kiss."
Lifting her hand to his lips, the 'hand kiss' was followed by a 'finger kiss,' which involved kissing and sucking each digit. She sighed when he kissed her earlobe, cheek, jawline, neck, and collarbone. The muscles in Ginny's abdomen flexed when his fingers raised her top and caressed them. A startled 'oh' left her lips when his lowered to her bellybutton.
The sensation of his breath blowing where he had softly kissed gave her the shivers and made her giggle. Draco's tongue darted around and into her belly button before kissing and nibbling her stomach. Ginny clenched her fingers in his hair. He chuckled, and lifted his shirt to align his belly button with hers. That brought their faces into perfect alignment. After frustrating her with an Eskimo kiss and pecking, nipping, and licking her lips from the outside to the inside, rain-cloud eyes opened. He stared into her eyes. The slow, intimate kiss made her long for a deeper one.
Her eyelids closed in anticipation when Draco murmured, "French Kiss."
Ginny knew why this was called the 'soul kiss.' It felt like she was offering her life and soul with the exchange of breath and meeting of mouths and tongues. The best present she received was the knowledge that he was offering his to her in return. Long, deep, kisses later, Draco sucked on her tongue, making her gasp. "I think that's more than sixteen different types of kisses!"
He tickled her. While she was laughing, he kissed her again and then smiled in the way that she loved. "Don't you want a few more to grow on?"
Ginny nodded eagerly.
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…the hours that we have spent, when we have chid the hasty-footed time for parting us...
The words from Midsummer's Night's Dream came to mind while Blaise watched Draco kiss Ginny for the last time. Earlier, in their room, when the girls had said their farewells, a lump had risen in her throat. It was still there, making her voice husky with suppressed emotion.
Draco nodded to the others and strode outside. Luna, and then Wesley stepped into the fireplace. When only Terry remained, Blaise tried to smile.
Terry's smile was crooked. "I'll mirror you tonight. Let you know how much I miss you." Pulling her into a hug, he said, "It's going to be hard to sleep without you beside me."
Last night, when Ginny and Draco retired to spend the night gazing at the stars, the other two couples had gone for a swim in the pool.
Afterwards, Wesley had commented wryly, "Partings may be sweet sorrow, but I'm not much on sorrow."
Luna said, "Then let's not part. There's no reason we can't have another co-ed slumber party."
They had all agreed to meet in the boys' chamber. This time, the beds were kept separated. Without a ring of candles, the enveloping darkness had made curling against Terry's side less comforting and more exciting. He had shifted to face her, lips brushing across her cheek to find her mouth. One hand cupped the nape of her neck while the other slipped under her pyjama top and slid upwards.
Blaise's heart and insides had melted. When his mouth moved to kiss and lick her neck before lightly sucking, she had breathed softly for his ears only, "Don't give me a love bite…there."
After her boyfriend had returned to his family, she remained staring into the empty fireplace, absently rubbing the spot on her chest that proved last night wasn't a dream. The mark didn't hurt, he'd been gentle, but the memory made her heart ache at the thought of the days that would pass slowly until they were together again.
Ruefully laughing at her Hufflepuff sentimentality, Blaise stepped out the side door. She saw Draco leaning against a pergola post, gazing out at the garden and sea beyond. She stood beside him. Together they silently contemplated the view and the realisation that this interlude was over. She bumped her shoulder into his. "I drew a second sketch of you and Ms. Freckles on the hammock. She's wearing your favourite leopard print bikini in this one. Want it?"
He pushed her toward the house. "Damn right I do."
Hours later at dinner, Eddy and Cissy, who had returned to London from Morocco, went on and on about their 'abfab holiday.' More accurately, Eddy chattered constantly while Cissy inserted the occasional acid remark. Neither seemed very interested in what their children had done on holiday. Other than the off-hand, 'you're looking gorgeously tanned, sweetie darling, you had fun, eh?' Edina asked no questions about how her daughter had spent her time.
Blaise thought about their friends' families deluging them with questions about what activities they had done, interesting places they had seen, exotic food they'd eaten. She met Draco's resigned gaze and rolled her eyes. Maybe they had it better than they knew.
In the middle of the night, when her father burst into her room, she revised her opinion.
"What's wrong Papa?" Blaise asked.
Enrique activated the illumination orbs. "I have received a letter from my esteemed abuelo." Visibly upset, he held up a sheet of parchment, reading aloud, "My great-granddaughter was kind enough to give me your direction. Seeing her was like gazing upon my beloved Sophia again. The family was very happy to meet Blaise. You have much to be proud of in your daughter. Perhaps you will accompany her on another visit one day."
He threw the letter down, stalking over to where she stood beside the bed. "What have you done?"
She shook her head. "I met your cousin Enzo's son in a club. Vicente owled an invitation to a fiesta. I went. The Romeros are good people. I don't understand why you never told me about them!"
Bitter laughter filled the air. "Good people." Furious dark eyes burned into hers. "Baby girl, those good people tried to force me into a mould of their making and when I chose another path, abuelo threw me out to make my own way."
What could she say? "That was years ago…can't you forgive them…forgive your grandfather?"
Enrique's intense features twisted. "That man wanted me to leave your mother, tell her to abort our child, so the Romero line would stay Pura Raza Espanol like those damned horses." Stepping back, he vowed before he left, "I will never forgive that and I will sell the casa they love so much before I allow my daughter to be contaminated by such a family!"
For the second time that day, Blaise stood staring off after being left alone.
Draco came into the room. "I heard the shouting. Are you all right?"
Her pain-filled eyes gave the answer. He hugged her. "How about we sleep on the sofas in the lounge?"
Mind reeling with conflicting thoughts and feelings, she docilely allowed herself to be led downstairs.
The next morning, Blaise resolved to take action. She understood her father's anger and pain, but she wasn't going to hate the family along with him. They had changed, and she was willing to forgive past mistakes.
She reassured Draco that she was fine, and he should go on to the Quidditch Supply Centre. After breakfast, she headed to the library. Papa was long gone.
In the safe hidden behind a section of false books, there was a folder labelled 'Blaise.' Documents inside proved that Sophia Zabini Romero had indeed left her a trust that included Sol y Sombra. Other papers caught her eye. It seemed her parents had set up an account for her. Scanning the statement detailing the amount of company profits funnelled into it, she whistled softly.
Two particular documents caught her eye. One was a form authorising her to control the account previously administered by her parents. The date was left open. They must have planned to sign over the fund after she finished school. The other parchment was a copy of a letter Enrique had sent--this morning--to a realtor in Seville. He was authorising the sale of his casa on La Costa de la Luz. Papa would forge her signature allowing the transaction, no doubt. Her lips curved. She was two steps ahead of him.
Deftly forging Enrique's signature to the emancipation document, Blaise gathered the deed to the house along with most of the other data. A quick spell copied the papers. She put duplicates of everything except the deed back into the file and closed the safe.
Upstairs, her mother was resistant to waking. "C'mon, sweetie darling, let me have another few winkies of sleep." Eyes bleary, the frizzy-haired woman grumped, "All right, fine, whatever dearest, I'll sign your little papers…there…Zzz…."
Blaise kissed her slumbering mother on the cheek. Quickly, she returned to her room and took out a navy Chanel suit. She looked businesslike and chic. The matching pumps and handbag completed her transformation. A quick spray of Chanel No. 5 for good measure and she was ready for her outing.
She left a note for Draco to meet her for lunch and left the house. There was a Squire Cab waiting.
At Gringotts, an accounts manager immediately ushered her into a private office. Her request was met with surprise, but her paperwork was in order, and the signatures matched the ones on file exactly. Blaise couldn't help feeling a glow of pride at being her father's daughter.
The bulk of her old account's funds were distributed into a new, numbered account. The rest was funnelled into similar accounts in banks scattered across Europe. She signed transfer forms and placed her copies of the paperwork into the dragon-hide briefcase her father had given as a belated Christmas present.
With a warm smile, she thanked the manager for the impeccable service. A goblin escorted her to the new vault. Taking a moment to admire the gold that looked like a dragon's horde, Blaise left the briefcase inside and returned to the lobby. Outside, a lift of her hand caused a Squire Cab to careen across traffic and squeal to a halt at the curb.
A couple of mornings later, she read the Quibbler with a smile on her face. The Squib Stocking Snatcher had been apprehended, and laundry lines were safe once more.
Minky entered the library. "Miss, this mail is being returned for the second time now."
The mail in question was a birthday card, from her…and Draco, although his message was written in invisible ink. Since he was on a broom ride, Blaise told the elf to inform him that she was Flooing to Diagon Alley, number ninety-three.
The shop was closed, but she figured the proprietors would be in the back office, so she rang the bell until a red-haired young man stormed to the front of the shop, yelling, "Stop ringing that bloody bell you stupid…Blaise!"
Once he opened the door, she breezed by, patting his cheek. "Hello, Fred."
"How did you know that..."
"He was Fred?" George's eyebrows waggled.
Blaise met the mischievous brown gaze of the man leaning against the shop counter. She winked. "You're the charmer."
George ignored his twin's laughing protest that he had loads of charm to ask, "To what do we owe the honour of this visit?"
She held up the card. Their smiles faded. Her stomach dropped.
Fred said in an apologetic tone, "Mum and Dad have gone off the deep end worrying that something bad will come of our Ginny's friendship with a Slytherin. They told her she couldn't have you over anymore, but…."
"We didn't know they'd decided to try and cut your friendship off. I'm…."
"Sorry, Blaise."
It was almost funny. What a nice opinion the family had of her. Of course, if they found out about Draco, that would probably justify the narrow-minded, self-righteous mindset. The boys looked miserable. That cheered her somewhat. All Weasleys weren't the same, just like all Slytherin weren't…or anybody else for that matter.
The pair was no match for what Wesley had called 'Bambi eyes.' Immediately, they vowed to hand deliver the card to their sister. She'd receive it on her birthday tomorrow. She thanked the twins and left the shop.
Outside, Draco leaned against a lamppost with his arms crossed. "Why in the blazes did you come here?"
"The Burrow is no longer accepting mail from a Zabini. The twins will deliver our card personally."
Anger flashed across classically handsome features. Draco looked over at the redheads staring out their shop window and switched into impassivity.
Silently, they walked back to the Floo station. There was nothing to say.
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Draco walked beside Blaise across the station platform. As they neared the Hogwarts Express , he tried not to be envious. His mate would get to snuggle up to her boyfriend for the trip, while he would be stuck with Parkinson, Crabbe and Goyle, and whatever other toady jumped at the chance to sit in his compartment. Instinctively, his hand slid into a trouser pocket to grip a small mirror. If he hadn't been able to see and talk to Ginny every day that they were apart, he knew he would've been miserable to live with. Blaise had enough to deal with from her father and his estranged family without her mate taking his frustration out on her.
He had gone flying a lot.
"Are we getting weird looks again?" Blaise asked.
"A few, but nothing like before." Draco sneered at a nearby couple who were staring instead of thrusting their Hufflepuff daughter onto the train. He met a nervous dark gaze and smirked. "We haven't used Polyjuice lately, so we should be safe from Quibbler articles."
"Thanks for reminding me. I get paranoid sometimes. See you."
His answering half-smile was still in place when Draco strode into the Prefect Carriage. Ah, the joys of being lectured about duties and responsibilities. If the Head Boy would hex occasionally to make sure that he was really listening, it would almost remind him of dear old Dad.
One of Father's infrequent missives had arrived yesterday. He had opened it with the mix of dread and anticipation that marred every aspect of their relationship.
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My son,
The news that I have been receiving about your deepening bond with Blaise is most welcoming. Your choice of a pure blood without ties to blood traitors pleases me. Continue to excel in your studies and be sure and give our 'baby girl' my regards.
-
Draco had decided to keep the letter a secret. His friend didn't need any more nightmares.
Patrolling the train corridors, Draco reflected that with no Granger giving him disdainful looks behind bushy hair or Weasel glaring evilly at him--not to mention not having to see Potter's scar head while checking the compartments--prefect duty was almost pleasant. True, the Ravenclaw Quidditch team still looked ready to kick his arse, and almost every compartment had a silly girl or two who tried to catch his eye, or just giggled inanely whilst staring rudely, but he was used to that. Making rounds was less onerous with less people on board.
In his pocket, the mirror turned warm. He took it out. "Impatient to snog me, are you?"
"Shut up and get to the storage cupboard now, Malfoy."
"Yes, ma'am."
In the tight space, pressed against the back of the door by his girl and kissed firmly, Draco knew that life was good. He said, "I missed you."
She laughed. "You've seen me every day in the mirror."
Shaking his head, the boy drawled, "I didn't see all of you." He dropped to his knees, lifting her top to press an open-mouth kiss to her abdomen. "I didn't see this."
Ginny bit her lip when he licked her belly button. She asked, "Could you do that shivery thing?"
He made her shiver and sigh raggedly. It was music to his ears. Standing, he pulled her against him and brushed a kiss across shiny, soft hair.
She whispered, "I missed you, missed being with you so much. I love you."
"I love you too."
Upon reaching Hogwarts Station, he exited with Crabbe and Goyle in tow. There was a slight chill in the air. Draco hoped his girlfriend wouldn't be cold in that thin top of hers.
He returned Blaise's wave as she, Terry, Wesley and Luna piled into a carriage. He wished that he could ride with Ginny on his lap. Instead, he covertly watched her, Creevey, MacDougal, and another couple load into a carriage and roll away. With an effort, he refrained from taking his mood out on the boys. What a paragon of restraint he was becoming.
Inside the castle, he headed toward Slytherin House. A tall, red-haired beanpole came running down the corridor, bumping him and exclaiming, "Cor! Sorry, ma--Malfoy!"
Unwillingly amused by how fast the Gryffindor's expression had gone from apologetic to angry, he drawled, "Unless you're apologising for living, Weasel, don't waste your breath." It was tempting to remind the red-faced boy that grinding was bad for teeth, but he decided simply to walk away.
Draco had only gone a few paces when he heard, "Ron!"
He paused to watch Ginny hug her brother. The open affection on their faces made him wish once again that his girl's family wasn't so bloody damned close. Draco turned away and continued on to his common room. The Greengrass twins were like leeches, attaching themselves to his arms the moment he stepped inside and asking if he wanted any help unpacking. Shaking them off with an icy 'not in this lifetime', he took the stairs two at a time.
Draco stretched out on his bed, thinking of all the things he could do—organise the assignments that were due in class tomorrow, make sure his quills and inkpots were readied, have the boys shine his shoes. He laced his fingers together behind his head and did nothing but brood.
"Boss…er…Malfoy…it's time for the returning feast."
Apparently, he had bored himself to sleep. Draco nodded to Crabbe. "Right. I'll be down shortly." He headed for the shower.
Refreshed physically if not mentally, Draco tried not to pout when Blaise came rushing down the girls' staircase with wet curls, hastily buttoning her school robes. "Sorry I'm late. Terry and I took a detour behind the statue of Rupert the Red."
Must be nice to snog whenever you felt like it and not care who saw. Wonder when he'd be able to do something that simple. Draco attempted to drag his sorry arse out of the dumps he was wallowing in. He teased, "I would never have known." Graciously, he dried her hair with a charm.
In the Hall, his gaze was drawn to the Gryffindor table. Ginny was talking to Granger. When the other girl turned to talk to Weasley, brown eyes searched and found his. Her sparkling eyes made him smile wickedly as he sauntered toward his own table.
It was hard not to stare at Ginny. Their gazes kept meeting briefly and looking away before anyone noticed. Surreptitious glances proved that her attention was on him instead of her housemates. Blaise waved openly. Gryffindors looked shocked when Ginny waved back. He made a secret hand sign. Across the tables, his girl returned the gesture. Draco looked down to conceal a smile.
At the staff table, Professor Snape looked…different…. Usually, the wizard scanned the chamber for rule breakers—preferably Gryffindor. Tonight, Snape didn't look angry, or bored, or suffering from indigestion. He looked impassive, but…relaxed. Draco decided not to speculate on the reason. He didn't need indigestion.
Owls flew in to drop newspapers onto the tables. Parkinson received her copy of the rag she lived by, the Intruder. Draco's attention was on Ginny when the pug-faced harpy shrieked, "I swear to Merlin, Zabini, I am going to get you if it's the last thing I do! You…you slag!"
"Silencio!" His wand had been out and pointed reflexively.
Pansy continued to mouth obscenities.
Goyle yanked the tabloid from her hands and handed it to Draco.
The headline screamed, Hogwarts Girl Gone Wild!
Underneath the caption was a photograph that made his jaw drop. It was Blaise, reclining on a board, being carried by Wesley, himself, and Terry. She sat up to ruffle Draco's hair before leaning back on her elbows and lifting Boot's long strands to her lips.
Beside him, Blaise chanted, "Shite, shite, shite!"
That was pretty much his thought too. The bloke they'd seen staring by the surf shop. He hadn't been admiring a pretty girl. The bastard had been taking a picture worth who knew how many galleons. Below the photograph was a short article.
Like mother, like daughter? The Zabini Jewellers 'It Girl' was rumoured to be spending her holiday with her close, personal friend and heir to the Malfoy fortune. Sources close to the wealthy pure-blood confirm that the girl and 'several young men' were seen frequently on the beaches of Tarifa, Spain and partying in the clubs of Seville. When asked for comment, infamous party maven Edina Zabini said, "Get out of my way, you horribly dressed man. If my sweetie darling has it off with every boy at Hogwarts, it is none of your bloody business!''
The whispers echoing across the Hall had risen to a dull roar. Boot stood behind them, saying, "Let's get the hell out of here."
They rose. Luna and Wesley did too. They left their schoolmates gossiping wildly. A final glance at Ginny showed that she was on the verge of tears. Draco just felt sick. In the entry, the couples embraced to give each other comfort. There was none for him.
Wesley said, "Where can we go to talk about this?"
Albus Dumbledore spoke from the staff entrance. "You may each return to your Houses, Mr. Roberts. Not you, Mr. Boot. Your parents are waiting to talk to you in my office."
Blaise cried, "Oh my gods…Terry!"
Boot tried to smile, but it was more like a grimace. "It'll be okay, baby. I'll talk to you soon."
When her boyfriend walked out of sight, Blaise gave up the pretence of hopefulness. She started crying silently.
"Blaise?" Ginny rushed into the entry, placing a sympathetic hand on the other girl's arm. "Where's Terry?"
"Dumbledore said Mr. and Mrs. Boot were waiting to speak to their son in his office," Draco replied.
"Oh no, what can we do?"
Determined not to just stand around, Draco said, "I have an idea. Come with me." With Ginny by his side, and the others following close behind, he strode purposefully down the main corridor.
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A/N: I'm feeling kinda like Yoda, "The clone wars have begun." Except it's the family wars…cue the Empire Theme music… There's a Sixteen Candles one shot, in Ginny's pov, that I'd love for you to read...after you review this chapter, of course. :D