"You shouldn't have told her that we've had a rough life, James."
"Sorry, mum. It just... slipped out. Besides, I don't really mind what we've been through."
"You're a saint," Ginny sighed. "But, no matter how saintly, I'd feel more comfortable if you went... somewhere."
"I'm coming with you, mum. Do you still have the letter?"
"What? Oh yes, here it is." Ginny pulled a crumpled piece of parchment out of the pocket of her robes, and handed it to her son.
Ginevra Weasley, he read.
I request your presence (along with your son) in England this coming Saturday. I trust you remember where the Leaky Cauldron is? I will get us a private parlor – just tell Tom your name and he'll know where to bring you.
Do not be frightened – as I know you are – because no harm shall befall either of you. You'll do well to remember that, Miss Weasley.
I'll see you at noon. And wear your cloaks! Oh, and before I forget – when you arrive in England, do not let anyone know that you are back. Do you understand me?
Once again, do not be frightened. This is just something you're going to have to put your trust into – no matter how little that trust may be.
It was unsigned.
"Mum, are you sure we should trust this bloke? What if it's a trap?"
"Don't you think I've already thought of that?" Ginny snapped. "Come on, James. Get inside."
James looked up at the building his mother apparated them in front of, and frowned. "This looks like..."
"It's a respectable place, James. Just get inside."
"'ello, missus. What can I do for ya?" Asked the toothless bartender, as Ginny and James walked into the door.
"My name is Gin–"
"Right this way."
Tom led Ginny and James through a dingy hallway lit with torches, that emitted an awful smell. Ginny was on full alert, wand at the ready, staring suspiciously into shadows.
"Here you are, miss." Said Tom gesturing to an old wooden door. "Right through there."
Ginny opened it, albeit cautiously, and glanced inside.
It was a well furnished room, with a brilliant red rug trimmed in gold. A wide window looked out onto muggle London to Ginny's right, and bookcases aligned the walls. Couches and chairs littered the floor, and faint music was coming from an unknown source.
"Where's this person that's supposed to meet us, mum?"
"I-I don't know, James."
Although they didn't notice it, a man was sitting in the shadows of the room, observing his guests quietly. The woman, Ginny, he noted, was quite a looker. Her red hair fell in long tendrils down her back, while amber eyes glistened dangerously. She stood at 5'7", with a generous bust and an ample waist. Freckles were sprinkled lightly across her pointed nose, that sat on a round face. Well, the man thought in satisfaction, this is going to work out nicely.
"Jamie, lets..." Ginny trailed off as she caught sight of movement in the corner. The man stood up, allowing sunlight to fall directly into his face.
"Well Weasley," he sneered, "glad to see you've learned how to tell time."
Clenching her fists, Ginny managed to spit out, "Draco Malfoy. I should have known."
0o0o0
"How did you like your lunch, Weasel?" Asked Draco, putting his napkin over his emptied plate.
"Look Ferret-face. Cut the crap, okay? I don't have time for this. Where are they? At least let me get James to safety. You must have some compassion."
Draco ignored her, and said, "you didn't tell anyone you're in England, did you?"
"My parents." Said Ginny coldly.
"What?" Draco asked, startled. "Leave it up to a Weasley to bung up even the simplest of instructions! Did I clearly state do not let anyone know you are back! That INCLUDES YOUR PARENTS!"
Ginny leapt up from the table they just had lunch on, looking furious. "You listen here, Malfoy! What right have you got, dragging me halfway across the world, just to scream at me? I don't even know what this is bloody about! Either kill me, or let me get on with my life! Come on, James! We're leaving!"
"Oh no you don't Weasel!" Draco got up too, and yelled, "Tilly! Tilly where are you?"
With a loud 'pop', a House-Elf appeared at Draco's feet.
"Y-yes Master? How can Tilly help her Master?"
"Tilly, listen, do you remember that situation we discussed, the one we didn't want to happen?"
The House-Elf nodded.
"Well, it's happened. Will you–"
"Already on it, Sir!"
"What's this about, Malfoy? I happen to know your involvement with–"
"All in due time, Weasley."
"No, I think not. You see, my son's life, not to mention mine as well, are both in considerable danger. And here you are, luring us into some... trap. Why couldn't I tell my parents I was back? Where did that House Elf go? Why are you here?"
Ginny viewed the man in front of her, seething. He wasn't at all attractive – his skin was too pale, his aristocratic cheekbones too high. His Seeker build, and intimidating 6 foot-something-or-other height towering over, gave the a look of being stretched considerably like Laffy Taffy. Cold, silver eyes roamed about the room, analyzing everything they came in contact with, while blonde hair fell softly in front of his face, not quite reaching shoulder length.
"Sit down, Weasel. Firstly, Tilly, my House Elf, has gone to perform memory charms on anyone who now knows you're back. Secondly, I am not going to hurt you. Or your son. Look," Draco sighed, and leaned back into his chair. "I suppose I have to start from the beginning. Sit down!"
"Mum."
Ginny sat, glaring at both her son and her former schoolmate.
"Go on."
"Twelve years ago, as you know, Harry Potter defeated Voldemort. That, of course, was the end of all evil, according to Fudge. But for people like you and I, we knew better."
"What are you getting at, Malfoy?"
"This. Those Death Eaters that were after you, for two years, were under the control of my father. When he died – you knew about that, didn't you?"
"No. I wasn't aware." Said Ginny stiffly.
"Oh. Well after he died, the remaining followers of Voldemort were under my jurisdiction. You can imagine my surprise when I found out I was the one who had to track you, and give them information to where you were located. I–"
"WHAT!" Ginny stood up, fury etched into her face, eyes ablaze. "YOU'RE the cause of my – our – pain? Do you realize what we've been through?"
"SIT DOWN, WEASLEY!"
"Mum," James hissed.
"Before I was interrupted–" he glared at Ginny, "– I was going to say that I fed them false information. Those tips that told you of their arrival, those were from me, as well. I couldn't feed them false information forever, you know. So I devised a plan to warn you, and give you time to move elsewhere."
Ginny was silent, a cacophony of thoughts flowing through her brain.
"Why?" She managed to gasp out.
"Don't think I did it to protect you – I'm not a Slytherin for nothing," he sneered. "You owe me a Wizard's Debt, Weasley, and I've decided to collect it right now."
The anger was back, and Ginny stood up for the umpteenth time. "No. I didn't ask for it. We're leaving, James Potter. Now."
"Ah, ah, ah, Weasley. Not so fast." Draco stood, as well. "You know the rules. When I want to collect, you comply, or pain of death."
"What will you have me do?" Asked Ginny through gritted teeth.
"For ten years I've watched you raise your son. I, unlike you, am a very busy man and had no time to properly raise mine–"
"You have a son?"
"Yes. He's the same age as yours. And he needs a babysitter."
"What! I have to play nanny to your son?"
"Precisely. And for your services, I have conveniently told the rest of the Death Eaters you and your son got killed in a car crash."
"Why couldn't you have done that years ago?"
"Because I didn't need a nanny before now."