DISCLAIMER: If you recognize any of the characters it clearly shows they aren't mine. If they were mine I'd be swimming in a pool of gold.. But since Ican't swim neither in a pool of gold or water. It all belongs to the great J.K. Rowling.

Chapter 12

Draco lay on his bed that night. Silk white sheets covering his bare torso. Since the day his father was gone and after the war, Draco learned that Muggle things weren't so bad after all. But no, he was no blood traitor. He still believed Purebloods were better than the rest, since the day he learned that the Dark Lord and Snape were half bloods. He had been betrayed his whole life to believe such a lie. And now here he was, staring at the teli, a muggle thing with people inside it. (lol.. A television).

His dog Lilith, a full breed female Huskie, lay beside him on his queen sized Asian like bed. His mind full of thoughts and memories that plagued his night. A bottle of Blind Dog Bourbon stood still on his bedside table.

'How could I be so stupid? So blind? They were right in front of me and I didn't even think for once that they could be mine. Their hair, their eyes, their complexion. No one else could have that. Stupid Draco! You imbecile. Now what are you going to do? You sat there with your mouth wide open and you didn't even say a thing. Not even a rapturous squeak. And mother knew! Why didn't she say anything? I'm her son. Her only son.

And now, four years, almost five have passed and not a word from Red. I could've known. I could've been there for them. Could I have?

Pansy, that stupid cow, ruined everything. I hope she's rotting in hell. That bitch.

What am I going to do?'

Lilith licked his cheek. Draco slowly turned his head towards his dog and stared at her.

"What do I do, Lilith? This is all too much for me. I didn't get Honeydukes. I lost Red. And now, I found out I'm the father of Red's daughters. Now.. I don't even know what to do."

Lilith covered her eyes with her paws and rolled over.

"Play dead? No Lilith. I can't do that."

Lilith barked.

Eventually, Draco fell asleep.

Ginny awoke to Ron, Hermione, Seamus, and Erin by the foot of her bed.

"What?" she asked groggily turning to her right side.

"The Minister knows about Pansy Parkinson's appearance in Hogsmead," Erin spoke up first.

"They want the five of us in the case. The Cho case is being handed down to Mustaine and Kinderfeld. Apparently, the healers can't find anything wrong with Pansy. It's a very powerful Memory Charm. Either that or they're going by the Muggle theory, 'Amnesia.' It's the loss of memory. She might've been pushed, hit her head and caused some damage to her brain," Hermione said.

"So now what?" Ginny muffled.

"We're going to have to talk to a lot of people to see what happened. The Malfoys. Zabinis. Parkinsons. Anyone she has associated herself with; close family. They're turning this into a big scandal at the Ministry," Erin said.

Ginny sat up and rubbed her eyes. She had too much on her plate at the moment, and now this? What was she going to do. She pulled her robe from the floor and shrugged it on. She got up and offered everyone a cup of coffee. Hermione refused.

The five of them sat in the living room. Annette and Victoria sat on Hermione and Ron's lap. Ginny looked up at Seamus and asked,

"Could it have been Polyjuice Potion?"

"No. It doesn't seem like it. It's been twelve hours. I doubt she'd have a flask full of muddy Polyjuice Potion," Seamus spoke up. "It still wouldn't make sense. What would she be doing in Hogsmead in the middle of the night by some trash cans? It's very unlikely of her. Remember how she was at Hogwarts. Pompous arse walking around Malfoy thinking she was the queen of everything and everyone? She wouldn't be caught dead dirty near some trash cans."

"True. And she wouldn't be walking around if the whole magical world knew her to be dead," Ron said.

"This is like one of those mystery novels Hermione let me borrow at Hogwarts. Very strange though. This is involves magic. Those books didn't," Ginny said biting down on her thumb.

There was a moments silence where everyone avoided looking at each other as if someone had died and no one knew what to say to the deceased person's family member or friend. Annette and Victoria were getting antsy. Their frustration towards this silence made the ice break. Victoria accidentally kicked Ron's cup and it spilled all over the forest green carpet.

"Victoria!" shrieked Ginny.

"Sorry mum," she said.

Annette and Victoria were beginning to have more of that Malfoy look to them. No trace that a Weasley could be the mother. Except for a few freckles here and there by the corner of their eyes. Ginny couldn't help but notice. And now that Draco knew, it seemed as though Annette and Victoria weren't just her own, but Draco's as well.

"Listen, you guys. I have something very important to do today. Do you mind?" Ginny said a bit embarrassed.

"Oh.. No problem. See you later," Ron said.

They all left in an awkward manner. What was going on? Ginny felt as though everyone in the world knew her secret. And now that Draco knew, must she tell everyone? No, she wasn't ready. Not now.. Not just yet. Not ever. Well, she will.

"I'll tell everyone when I'm on my death bed. Yeah, that's right," she sighed as she picked up Ron's cup from the floor. Annette looked up at Ginny and then gasped.

"What?" Ginny asked a bit gloomy and confused.

"Daddy," she shrieked.

Ginny turned around slowly. Daddy. That only meant..

"Oh no," she whispered to herself.

"Morning Red," Draco spoke slowly.

Ginny rose from the floor and kept her back to him. Annette and Victoria seemed to be glued to Draco's legs. Draco didn't budge.

"What are you doing here?" she asked clutching her robe a little tighter.

"I came because I wanted to apologize for my behavior last night and because I wanted to talk to you about something," he said.

"Well, I'm busy so if you don't mind," she started.

"Ginny please," he interrupted.

Ginny stood by the doorframe leading to the bedrooms and looked at Draco. She had tears in her eyes.

"Victoria. Annette. Go play in your room," Ginny said. She didn't take her eyes off of Draco.

"No. Let them stay. They're.. They're my.. My daughters too," he stuttered.

"Look, Draco. I've been hurt enough. I'm sorry I dropped this down on you like a bomb but the circumstances called for it. Your mother warned me. She told me to tell you. I assumed you knew," she said biting her lip.

Draco ran his fingers through his hair and sat down on the sofa. He sighed. Annette and Victoria curled up next to him on either side. He looked at them both and contemplated their presence.

"They're beautiful," he said after a long silence.

"Thank you. They look more like you than me so I'm assuming they have your beauty," she said, chuckling in the end and feeling stupid.

Draco looked up at Ginny's deep brown colored eyes. Ginny looked down at her feet. She wouldn't budge from where she stood. She had a feeling someone was watching her but she wasn't quite sure. Strange that she would. She turned slightly to her left and peered into the girl's bedroom. She saw a flock of golden blond hair: Mrs. Malfoy.

"That's preposterous. You're quite beautiful Ginevra Weasley. Most especially your lips. Those freckles make them seem as if they've been bitten all day long," he whispered the last two sentences.

Ginny took no notice to what he had just said. She was too preoccupied by Mrs. Malfoy.

"Will you excuse me for a second Malfoy," she said quietly.

Draco nodded.

Ginny walked slowly towards the girl's bedroom. Mrs. Malfoy was standing there clutching a silk handkerchief against her chest. She looked up at Ginny with no sign of surprise for being caught.

"Mrs. Malfoy. What are you doing here? What if Draco sees you?" Ginny hissed.

"Oh don't bother. I'm just so happy that he finally knows. Oh, just look at those three. It's as if he's been there all this time," she said.

"I know you're thrilled Mrs. Malfoy but.."

"I'm assuming you wish for me to leave you two be. I'll be on my way," she said waving her hand.

"Oh no. It wasn't that. I didn't mean it that way," Ginny shot up.

"That's quite alright. I have a lot of things to do. Shopping. For the girls, Draco and myself of course."

Mrs. Malfoy was quite the opposite of what everyone took her to be. Her generosity and her well natured manner were quite "un-Malfoy-ish" if you can put it that way. She was more interested in other's well being rather than her own ever since Lucius Malfoy disappeared after the war. It was said he was known to be dead, but a wife always knew: she knew he wasn't dead. But alive somewhere in hiding and would soon be coming back.

Draco took after his mother. From looks down to his manners. It was only proper to be such a gentleman, was it not?

Mrs. Malfoy with her charming looks and her beautiful smile could make a room stop and gaze only at her. She was not pompous in the least bit unless called for. There was no one as kind as her, unless you count Mrs. Weasley of course. Now, if she could only get for the both of them to meet without Mrs. Weasley trying to curse Mrs. Malfoy to oblivion.

"Will I be able to see the girls later on today?" Mrs. Malfoy asked.

"Sure. As a matter of fact, will you take them with you later today? I think Draco and I have a lot of things to talk about," she said.

"That would be just wonderful. I simply adore spending time with the girls. They're beginning to get accustomed to the Manor. Being so drafty and lonely of course. But now with Draco there, I'm sure it'll be back to its cozy self."

"Mommy. Mommy. Look at what daddy is doing. MAGIC!" Victoria shrieked in delight.

"Well, I believe I'll be seeing you later. Good day Ginny. And please, call me Narcissa," Mrs. Malfoy said smiling.

Ginny smiled and hugged Mrs. Malfoy goodbye.

Ginny walked back inside the living room. Draco was waving his wand around making a sliver light of green sparks come out of his wand which created itself into stars.

"It looks as though you're still that charming boy who impressed his women," Ginny said raising her eyebrow.

"I only impressed you and you can't deny that," Draco said smirking. "I never stopped impressing you. Did I?"

"I really don't want to talk about that as of right now, thank you," Ginny answered in a flat tone.

Draco sighed and began waving his wand around again. The girls imitated Draco with their toy wands hoping their wands would do the same. Draco laughed.

"I'm taking them over to your mother today. I'm sure you'd like to catch up with the girls, even thought they're only four years old. They'd have a lot to tell you," she sighed.

"That would be great. So, uh," Draco paused for a moment and started, "You've been leaving them with my mother?"

"Yes. A few times with her and others with my mum," she said.

"Listen, Ginny, I would like to take you out for a cup of coffee. Talk, you know. About what's going to happen now that... well, that I know I'm a father for one and visiting arrangements. I wouldn't like to barge in on you if you're with a man friend or if the girls are with your mother."

"Man friend? What man friend?" Ginny asked skeptically.

"It was in the Prophet. I don't read the damn paper. They've gone mad. But I saw your name in there along with Finnigan. So, I read it. Interesting, you know. Being partners and all in the Ministry," he trailed off retelling what he read in the paper.

"That's bu-.. That's crap," she stuttered, knowing her daughters were there and if she cursed they'd pick the word up.

"Well, in the picture you two seemed off-ly cozy," he sneered.

"There's nothing between us if you must know. We went out to dinner one night after work. That's all. What's it to you anyway who I see and don't?"

"Well, the fact that you're too busy to go out on dates with men who find you attractive since you have work and children. Especially the children part. Sorry Ginny, but no man wants a woman with children," he said.

"You know, you're being awfully rude to me," she snapped. "For one, I haven't done anything to you. You came in here uninvited, you could've been seen."

"You're taking my attitude a bit too serious," he said.

"You're being a bit farfetched," she spoke back.

She stood there by the door frame and looked at her daughters. They were very happy indeed to finally be with their father.

"How about that cup of coffee?" Draco asked.

"Let me get ready. I'm not doing this because I want to Malfoy," she said.

"I know you're not Weasley. Get ready," he said.

Ginny walked into her bedroom and grabbed her things for her usual ministrations. She stood under the water head letting the water hit her on the face.

"Why must you punish me? Really, what have I done? I know, it's the gods punishing me for my wrong doing. Right? Yes, that's it. It's my mother too. She's punishing me too. It all makes sense."

Ginny chuckled and turned off the shower. She changed as quickly as possible and applied on some light makeup. She charmed her hair dry and walked into the living room.

Draco was waiting by the fireplace with Annette and Victoria, who kept trying to throw spells at each other with their toy wands. She grabbed her handbag and her traveling cloak. Draco gawked at it. Designer velvet cloak.

'Where would she get the money for that?' Draco thought to himself.

"Ready?" she asked fastening the top clip.

"I.. Uh. Yeah, ready."

"I have to make a quick stop. I need to drop them off at your mum's house," she said. "If you don't mind helping, will you please take Annette with you? It's hard Apparating with two toddlers. Especially mine."

They left the room with a loud crack that erupted throughout the flat.

Draco arrived first and not a minute too late, Ginny appeared.

Mrs. Malfoy was sitting in the library drinking sweet tea with some buttered warm crumpets beside the fine China tea pot.

"Mrs. Malfoy?" Ginny knocked as she pushed herself inside.

"Oh Ginevra. It's good to see you again. Draco dear, what are you doing here?" Mrs. Malfoy asked.

"I'm just accompanying Ginny here to leave uh.."

"Annette and Victoria," Ginny interrupted Draco. She knew he wouldn't remember their names.

"That's wonderful. I was hoping they would come sooner. I'm just hoping it won't rain later on today,"

"I brought their raincoats just in case," Ginny said smiling.

"Excellent," she said. "Where are you two headed, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Well, we were going to go for some coffee. We have a lot of things to discuss," Draco said hugging his mother goodbye.

"Alright then dear. I'll see you later. If it's not any bother, will you two accompany me to dinner tonight? I can't bear to be alone," Mrs. Malfoy said.

"Yes ma'am. That would be great," Ginny said.

They bid their goodbyes and Apparated out. They arrived at a small coffee shop somewhere in Diagon Alley. Draco pushed the door open and Ginny walked inside. The wonderful aroma of freshly brewed Chestnut and Cinnamon coffee filled her nose. She smiled.

"Smells good doesn't it? It tastes just as good," Draco said.

He sat down on a chair and Ginny sat in front of him. She looked around and tapped her fingers against the table. She was sure the noise would irritate Draco.

"So, what is it you wanted to talk about?" Ginny asked.

A short and stubby witch walked up to their table,

"What will I get you two dears today?" she asked.

"A cup of hot chocolate with two buttered crumpets," Draco ordered.

"Only sweet tea for me, thank you," Ginny said.

The waitress walked on over to the counter.

"That's it?" Draco asked.

"Yes, is that a problem?" Ginny asked stuffing her hands inside her sweater.

Draco shook his head no. The waitress came back with a steaming cup of hot chocolate, sweet tea, and a plate with two buttered crumpets.

"Thank you," Ginny said smiling up at the waitress.

"Care for one?" Draco asked pushing his plate towards Ginny.

She held her hand up no but he insisted.

"Will you ever take no for an answer? Wait wait, I'm wrong. You never said no to Pansy. Speaking of which, how is she? Is she doing alright?"

Draco gave her an odd look that said: have you been drinking a bit too much Absinthe?

"Pansy? Pansy must be turning in her grave knowing that I'm talking to you. But that's not the point here. The point is, what happened after I graduated? Why didn't you contact me? What happened?" he sipped on his hot chocolate.

"Well, where do I start? After you graduated you got married to Parkinson. I stayed pregnant. I found out a little before you graduated but I didn't say anything. I went home to the Burrow and I was forced to telling everyone. I had to. I went back to school and everyone kept asking who had left me that way but I didn't say anything. I didn't want to tell you anything because you were now a married man and I didn't want to ruin your marriage."

There was a long moments pause where she fidgetted a bit and took a sip from her almost cold tea. She began again,

"I figured, well you know things might work out between them so I'll let them be, and BAM! they tell me I'm having twins. Twins? So, I didn't know what to do. I had the help of my family and that was good. Things have been going quite well. Graduated from Hogwarts at the top of my classes, Honeydukes was left in the will for Ginevra M. Weasley," she smiled, "and I became an Auror with high ranks."

Draco sat there speechless. She said all this as if she had told it a million times before and she didn't care in the least bit about it. And yet, this woman was strong, believe it or not, but she knew what she was doing and it was going well.

"Anything else?" she said sipping on her tea again.

"Uh. No. I'm just amazed by everything you told me. I guess you didn't really need me at all, did you?"

"Honest to say, no. I didn't. I made it on my own. Saved a lot of money along the way so these girls will have everything. It's great."

"I see," he said; gulping the remaining contents of his chocolate he sat back and stared at the empty plate.

There was a long awkward silence between them. Ginny looked down at her watch: 12:40pm. It had been quite a long day.

"Am I taking your time?" Draco asked, noticing that she had checked her watch.

"No, why?" she asked finishing her tea.

"I was just wondering since you were checking your watch an all," he said trying not to look at her. He stood quiet until Ginny spoke up,

"Look, uh.. I really don't know what else to tell you. You're probably wondering why I said my little monologue the way I did with no importance. I don't like relieving all the harsh moments I passed at Hogwarts after you left."

"I understand," Draco said.

Ginny got up and placed her cloak on. It was incredibly chilly outside and she was starting to feel it. She sat back down and half smiled at Draco.

"So, how's business at Honeydukes?" Draco asked not knowing what to say.

"It's..great. I'm actually thinking of opening up a few branches here and there in Muggle communities. I'd be leaving out the magical candy. Exposure of the Magical Community wouldn't be so good, you know?"

"True. But why the Mudbloods?" he asked.

Ginny sighed in annoyance.

"If you could please not say that word. I would greatly appreciate it," Ginny snapped.

"Well, I'm stating the facts. But please, continue," he said waving his hand for her to proceed.

"As I was saying, Muggle children eat a hell of a lot more sweets especially during the holidays. Hermione told me--"

"Granger? How is the little Mu--"

"Don't you dare say it Mr. Malfoy!" she whispered harshly.

"Fine," he pretended to zip his mouth shut.

"Good boy. As I was saying, Hermione says it's incredible how on the Easter holidays, Halloween, Winter holidays, and Valentine's Day children consume a great amount of sweets, so I was thinking, well, Honeydukes has the best sweets and children love them. Adults as well. It'd be great to open up some branches in the Muggle communities, and low and behold, I'm in the process of that. I know you have a sweet tooth, am I correct Mr. Malfoy?"

"Still am. Are you?"

"Yes," she giggled. "I'm just hoping I have enough funds to open up at least one at the moment in the Muggle community. Honeydukes is doing great at the moment because of the trips to Hogsmead at Hogwarts.. Wow. It's incredible how much sweets we're selling. Which is why I refused to hand it over to you."

"I figured. I would've bargained a lot more but there was just nothing I could do anymore. You had your mind set on NO, so what could I do? My father would've been so disappointed," he shook his head.

"I'm sure he would."

Ginny snorted. Draco stared at her and asked,

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"Oh, nothing. Don't worry about it," she smiled.

"Tell me. I know there's something to that 'nothing'," he said.

It was strange how Ginny and Draco were getting along. As if nothing had happened. As if they had been together all this time. Talking like friends and getting along quite well. But maybe it was the spur of the moment, don't you think?

Ginny looked outside and saw Harry walking by with a heavy looking parcel. Ginny scratched the side of her face and kept hidden. Draco eyed her and looked out the window.

"Potter," he whispered.

"Huh?" she pretended not to know what he was talking about.

"So, are uh.. Annette and Victoria going to start primary school?" he asked.

"Yeah, I was thinking about that. They're of age. Just get them through primary school until, hopefully, they get accepted to Hogwarts."

"They're Purebloods. They will," he said, just realizing what he had just said.

"True. Born into families with Ancient Magic," she said, just realizing as well what she had just said.