Chapter Twenty-One – Romantic Night

It had been six long days since Ginny had last spoken to Tom, and she was beginning to worry that she had done something seriously wrong. It seemed so out of character for her husband to shun her completely, but smiling and racing down halls with her seemed insane too. Still, something was bothering him and she was determined to fix things between them. Sure, there marriage had been forced upon her, but she had grown to love the man.

Thinking it best to confront him today, Ginny slipped out of bed and wondered to the bathroom where she turned on the hot water. Taking a warm bath, Ginny dried off and left the foggy room before ventured back to her bedroom. Searching through her closets, she looked for a casual dress. After slipping it on she swished her wand and immediately had her makeup applied and hair pulled into an elegant French twist.

Once satisfied with her appearance, Ginny moved towards Tom's private study. As she came closer, Ginny tried to think of lines to open the conversation.

'So Tom, why won't you talk to me anymore?' 'I noticed you have given me the cold shoulder for six days and demand to know why!' 'Tom, please help me fix whatever we are in.' 'What is the matter with you lately?' 'Do you hate me?' 'We need to talk about your attitude.'

Pausing at the door to his office, Ginny took a deep breath and cleared her throat, trusting that the right words would come to her.

Knocking once before entering, Ginny pushed the heavy doors open and let herself in. Marching over to his desk she took in the look of surprise that colored his face. Waiting for him to say something, Ginny silently stood before him. When nothing happened she blurted out, "Tom, what is going on? You haven't uttered a word to me in days…six days! I don't understand, what has changed between us? Please, let me help us become what we use to be."

Silence enclosed the two as Tom looked at the woman standing across form him. Rising to his feet, Tom pushed back his chair and smoothed down his pants as he straightened his back. Once up, Tom circled his desk, stopping inches from Ginny's body. Leaning in slightly he whispered, "I know that things have been stressful between us the last week, but I swear it is all over." Giving her gentle kiss he continued.

"Tonight, the ballroom at seven. Meet me there in your fanciest dancing dress."

With that he went back to his plush seat and sat down. When Ginny openly stared at him, he said, "You will understand later. For now though, I must finish some work."

Showing no signs of leaving, Tom sighed.

"Come on, leave."

Looking frustrated, Ginny turned around and went back to her room to pick out an outfit for later that night, thinking, what is going to happen next?

Before she knew it, the time to meet Tom in the ballroom was approaching fast. Disappearing to her destination, Ginny tightly shut her eyes, waiting for the spinning and nausea to subside. When the room stopped spinning, Ginny cautiously opened her eyes to a sight like none other.

The ballroom was bathed in a romantic light that came from thousands of candles, both floating in the air and placed around the room. As her eyes adjusted to the light, she noticed a table set for two in the middle of the dance floor, with one red rose sitting elegantly in a crystal vase. Letting out a delighted gasp, Ginny admireringly walked around the room, taking in the beautiful carvings, painting, and sculptures. There was one thing that they all had in common, something that both shocked and slightly scared her.

She was in all of them.

Some tasteful nudes, wedding pictures, one of her in a summer dress, and many up close photos of her face, each with different expressions, looked at her from around the floor. One picture in particular grabbed Ginny's attention most. The subject was of Tom and her as they had been when they first made love. Both were lip locked in a passionate kiss, his hands on her waist while hers on his back. Her hair just happened to shield her breasts from view, but the rest of her pale skin was easy to see. Tom was fully naked but had turned away from the viewer; his firm buttocks out for all to see. But it wasn't the nudity that had taken Ginny's breath away; it was the obvious love the two shared. It wasn't all about lust, that much was easy to see. No one could fake what the two showed in the scene, that was for sure.

Tom silently entered the room to see Ginny had already arrived. Even though it wasn't part of his plan, he found that it worked to his advantage. Sneaking up on her he let his hand run down her back lightly. Feeling her shiver, Tom leaned in and kissed her neck, planning to leave his mark. He was very pleased when Ginny didn't resist, but moved her head to the side to allow him more access. He could have lived in that moment for the rest of his life if it was remotely possible, yet he had to pull himself back into reality. He wasn't here to sleep with her, but to gain back her trust.

"You look gorgeous tonight." Tom said in a deep, husky voice.

Turning around slowly, Ginny glanced at Tom and found that he wasn't only gorgeous, but breathtaking. His black hair sexily feel into his eyes which shown brightly in the room. His easy smile showed off his perfect teeth and part of the personality he hid so well.

"Tom," was all she could utter.

But it was enough for him. No, her being her was enough.

With a snap of his fingers, an elegant slow song floated around the room, apparently coming from nowhere. Allowing herself to be lead onto the dance floor, Ginny and Tom wrapped their arms around each other and swayed to the music. Resting her head on his shoulder immediately relaxed Ginny who soon was in a peaceful state that she hadn't experienced in years.

Tom couldn't help but notice a sent wafting from his dance partner and asked, "What is that delicious smell?"

"Cotton candy," Ginny muttered. Then deciding she wished to discuss the topic more she pulled slightly back and said, "It's a muggle flavor. Isn't it great? I would eat it if I could!" Childishly giggling, Ginny smiled at Tom before moving from his grasp.

"I sure am hungry. I think we should use that table and eat something delicious."

"How could I have been so rude? Please come, sit down."

Taking her hand, the two walked over to the table where Tom pulled out her chair and helped her sit. Once Ginny was comfortable he went to the other side and sat too. As soon as both were sitting, a menu zoomed into the room and hovered above the couple.

Out of the center a mouth appeared and began to recite their dinner options.

"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Riddle. Tonight I will inform you about the wonderful dinners we have for you tonight. We have the finest lobsters that are very delicate and full of taste. It comes with a baked potato and a salad."

We also have a prim rib with the soup of the day, which happens to be noodles with carrots and peas. With that you get a basket of fresh bread and salad."

And our last item on the menu tonight is the chicken cordon blue. It will be lightly seasoned with pepper and comes with seasoned fries, potatoes with gravy, and your choice of salad or bread."

So what can I get you Mrs.?"

"It all sounds amazing, but I will go with the prim rib. I couldn't ever pass up such a fine cut of meat."

"Excellent choice madam. And what would you like Sir?"

"You've given me too many choices, you know I cannot pick when confronted with a variety of my favorite meals." Thinking hard about his choices Tom finally decided on the lobster. "It's been a long time since I've had lobster, and I trust your word that I will be given the best."

"Yes Sir, we only serve the best of the best. Now may I entice you to champagne?"

"Of course you can." Ginny said, "We will take a bottle of your best champagne."

"You have great taste Mrs. I will be back with your salads and bread soon. Please feel free to do as you wish until then."

Then the magical menu shredded into pieces, was engulfed in flames and began to shoot firecrackers shaped as hearts, doves, and kisses around the room. Without a care in mind, Ginny leaned into Tom and kissed him deeply. Resting her head back on his shoulder, Tom ran his fingers through her firey locks. Caught in the moment Tom kissed Ginny's head and sincerely said, "I love you Ginny."