A/N-I haven't explained everything that happened while Draco was gone yet...The answers are coming!
Chapter 36
Draco and Ginny sat in the examination room in silence. Draco was sitting on a chair looking out the window as Ginny sat on the examination table in nothing but a gown they provided her. Ginny was exhausted and wanted to do nothing more than sleep forever. Her body ached and she felt as if she had been hit by a train. She was twisting her hands about and looking at Draco nervously. She wondered why he wouldn't look at her. Little did she know Draco was trying desperately to conceal his anger towards her. Now that they were both safe, he was able to think clearly about everything that had occurred over the past months. Just as Ginny was about to beg him to speak the healer walked in.
"My name is Monica and you must be Ginny. How are you feeling?" Ginny just shrugged and looked at the short young woman. She had shoulder length black hair and brown eyes. "No need to be shy Ginny. And this must be the father?" Monica looked over at Draco and smiled.
Draco nodded politely and cleared his throat. "She's been through a lot and we're very concerned her health and the pregnancy."
Monica placed her hands on Ginny's stomach and shut her eyes. It seemed as if an eternity flew by until she spoke. "Lay back for me Ginny and we'll see how the babies are doing."
Ginny began to lay back but then sat up again quickly. "Babies?"
Monica looked from her to Draco in surprise. "Yes babies. Didn't you know you're having twins?"
Ginny shook her head in shock as she looked at Draco. He shot up and walked over to her with a grin from ear to ear. He squeezed her hands tightly with his. "Haven't you even seen a healer yet Ginny?"
"Well no! The only person who knew until yesterday was Hermione! I didn't know what I was going to do!" Ginny began crying as Monica tried to console her.
"Ginny, everything is going to be fine." She looked over at Draco since Ginny couldn't stop crying. "You say she's been through a lot? I can tell her body's doing everything it can right now to protect the babies. It was the Cruciatus curse wasn't it?" Draco nodded. "The babies will be fine. When she was cursed, she was able to cast a shielding charm around them which protected them completely from any of its effects. Unfortunately, it's going to take a toll on her for some time as she left herself with nothing. Now lay back Ginny."
Ginny took a deep breath and laid back feeling a little more hope that the babies were in fact fine. Suddenly they heard a ruckus outside the door and recognized Mrs. Weasley's voice. "That's my baby in there! Let me through!"
Draco laughed and kissed Ginny's hand. "I'll handle her…" Draco started to walk away and then turned around with a smile. "Ginny, can I tell her?"
Ginny's heart leapt. He didn't seem to hold any anger towards her and was completely distracted by the fact that he would soon have twins. "Of course Draco….I love you."
He walked back to her and kissing her softly. "I love you too Ginny."
He walked out of the room and found Mrs. Weasley practically wrestling with a hospital guard. She had gotten him into a head lock and shouted. "I have six boys you twit. You have picked a fight with the wrong Mother!"
Draco laughed loudly. "Mrs. Weasley, let him go! Ginny's fine."
Mrs. Weasley released the guard as he rubbed his neck. Draco pulled out fifty galleons and dropped it in his hand. "That will be all thank you." The guard looked at Draco in disgust but then the galleons. He got up, gave a look of irritation to Mrs. Weasley, and stomped away.
Mrs. Weasley ran to him and scolded him. "What's going on with her? Ron wouldn't tell me anything! What happened Draco? Is she alright? Why are you smiling? Say something!"
"I'm smiling because now I know where Ginny gets her energy from. My Father and Voldemort performed the Cruciatus curse on her. It will continue to affect her for some time but she is going to be alright." Mrs. Weasley started to fall back as Draco caught her.
Her eyes filled with tears. "Oh my dear baby! I will kill them!"
Draco rocked her back and forth. "You don't have to. They're gone Mrs. Weasley. They're both dead. Ginny and your grandchildren are safe now."
Mrs. Weasley snorted and looked up at him with his evil grin. "Grandchildren?"
Draco nodded happily. "Twins…I guess we have your blood line to thank for that."
Mrs. Weasley squealed in delight. "Can I go in and see her?"
Draco nodded again and led her into the room. Ginny was already dressed and talking with Monica. "Mum, isn't it wonderful?"
"Yes dear, I'm so pleased! Do we know the sex yet?" Mrs. Weasley addressed Monica.
Monica smiled and looked over at Draco. "Well I do. Ginny wasn't sure if Draco wanted to know yet. I need to complete some paperwork so I'll leave you to discuss it." Monica left the three of them in the room.
Mrs. Weasley changed the subject quickly. "Ginny dear, Draco says the curse will affect you still…How do you feel?"
Ginny frowned. "Honestly Mum, I don't feel well at all. But the important thing is that the babies…I don't know how I'll get used to saying that. The important thing is that the babies are perfectly healthy." She stroked her stomach with a grin.
Mrs. Weasley seemed saddened by the comment. "Ginny, your health is just as important. We need to get you straight to the Burrow and I will get you back to normal."
"Mum I don't think food is the answer." Ginny chuckled.
Draco cleared his throat. "Your Mum's right Ginny. You getting your strength back is essential. She and I will see to it that you're completely taken care of."
Mrs. Weasley beamed at them both. "Shall we find out what the little dears are then?"
Draco looked pleadingly at Ginny who smiled in agreement. Monica walked back in with a smile on her face. "I can tell by the looks on your faces that you want to know?"
Ginny nodded excitedly. Monica reviewed her paperwork and actually seemed to enjoy watching their anticipation. "Your boys are due October 31st."
Mrs. Weasley screamed and clapped her hands together as Draco and Ginny hugged in happiness. Draco rubbed and kissed her stomach. He walked over to the window and wiped his eyes. "When can we take her home?"
Monica flipped through her papers again. "You can take her home immediately but I do want to see her back in a week. Ginny, your only responsibility is to rest. I do not want you doing anything other than eating and resting. I'm not confining you to your bed however the more you sit the better. Your body needs time to recuperate and prepare for the delivery. Twins are hard enough to deliver without all the added stress you've already been through. I want to be notified immediately if your health worsens even in the slightest. Any questions?…Good, the lady at the desk will check you out."
They all shook their heads and left the examination room. Ginny sat at the desk as the very plump old lady started stamping her paperwork. Mrs. Weasley walked into the gift shop. The old lady had Ginny initial and sign the very long bill. Ginny became extremely nervous knowing her parents couldn't afford to pay for it. Ginny looked behind her wondering where her Mum had gone. Draco wondered what she was staring at and took the bill out of her hands. He paid the lady and assisted Ginny out of her chair. "You're going to have to get past this Ginny. I'm going to be taking care of you and I don't want to see or hear you worrying about money again."
Ginny nodded nervously as they found Mrs. Weasley looking at baby clothes. "Oh Ginny! Look at these! Aren't they wonderful? I'm sorry! We need to get you back to the Burrow. Everyone is waiting for us."
They apparated outside the Burrow and were immediately bombarded with questions from everyone spilling out of the house frantically. Draco shouted. "Alright, alright! Ginny's home and she's okay. Let's get her inside and she can answer all of your questions."
They ushered Ginny in and she sat down on the couch. Her brother's and Harry were pacing the room as Hermione was shushing everyone. Mr. And Mrs. Weasley sat on a couch across from her waiting patiently. Ron couldn't stand it any longer. "Well? Is the baby alright?"
Ginny nodded but then looked at Draco. "You tell them." She thought.
He smiled and acknowledged her request. "The babies are perfectly healthy."
The entire room whispered. "Babies?"
Draco nodded proudly at them. "Yes, we only just found out that our twin boys are due on October 31st."
Everyone cheered and either hugged or shook hands around the room. Hermione cried in happiness at the news and seeing Ginny and Draco back together. Ron hugged her and Draco. "Congratulations Malfoy…I hope they're nothing like you."
Draco laughed. "I'm not so bad once you get to know me!"
Ron chuckled as he and Draco went to talk to his brother's who were already discussing whether or not the new twins would take after Fred and George. Harry walked up to Ginny and hugged her tightly. "I'm so happy for you both. Now you can start to look forward and not over your shoulder anymore."
Ginny cried and hugged him again. "Thank you Harry. You've always been so good to me."
"It's because I love you Ginny." He kissed her on the cheek and joined the others in teasing Dracoabout his future sons.
George was practically in tears as he laughed loudly. "They'll probably set the sofa on fire just like we did Fred! Or they'll convince one of their servants to do it for them!"
Everyone laughed except for Mrs. Weasley. "First of all you two! That little stunt is nothing to be proud of! And I am going to do everything in my power to protect both of those little angels from the likes of you!"
Fred looked at his Mum as if she were crazy. "Angels? Have you forgotten who the Father is? There isn't a single innocent bone in Malfoy's body. Isn't that right?" Fred pointed at Draco who was trying to stop laughing out of respect for Mrs. Weasley.
"I think I've proven myself enough today. But honestly Mrs. Weasley, I can't deny that they've got mischievousness coming from both sides of the family." She began to protest but Draco interrupted her. "But, I know you'll make sure they're as sweet as can be."
Mrs. Weasley was flattered at the comment and announced she would be starting dinner. Mr. Weasley leaned in and whispered to Draco. "I've never seen anyone win as many arguments with my wife as you have. You fit perfectly into this family." Draco beamed as Mr. Weasley's slapped him on the back. Once again Draco had that familiar feeling that he could tell him anything. He truly cared about how Mr. Weasley felt about him. Draco looked at him as how a Father should be and made a mental note to try and be like him with his own children.
Ginny didn't feel like resting so she followed her Mum into the kitchen and watched her and Hermione prepare dinner. Every so often they heard loud laughter and yelling come from the men in the living room. After a while, Draco came in and sat next to Ginny. "How are you feeling?"
Ginny yawned and stretched. "I am a bit tired but I'm fine."
"Can I get you anything?" Draco tried to stand but Ginny stopped him.
"I'm fine Draco. Just go enjoy yourself." Ginny said lovingly.
"I am having a good time. This is what families are supposed to be like." Draco whispered but Mrs. Weasley and Hermione heard and smiled. Mr. Weasley walked in and sat next to him.
Mrs. Weasley brought him and Draco some tea. "Draco dear. I know it's so sudden with you just finding out today but what are your plans for the babies?"
Draco sipped his tea slowly and pondered the question. "Well Mrs. Weasley, it's really up to Ginny." He turned his gaze on Ginny. "I don't think the Manor is a very cheerful place for someone who is trying to get well. Would you like to stay here?"
Ginny sat back and thought as she crossed her arms. "I would like to stay but, Draco I have missed you so much. I couldn't bear to be apart from you anymore."
He shifted uncomfortably. Mrs. Weasley noticed and looked at her husband with daggers. "Arthur?"
Mr. Weasley smiled. "Draco, you are welcome to stay here with Ginny. I don't think you two could get into anymore trouble together with her current condition."
Draco laughed uncomfortably but acknowledged the comment. "I would be honored to stay here. Thank you."
Mrs. Weasley walked over with her hands on her hips. "Now that, that's out of the way….What are your plans for the babies?"
Ginny looked annoyingly at her Mother. "Mum, he only just found out today. Give him some time to think-" Draco grasped her hand gently.
"I will sell the Manor so that we can find a place of our own." Draco said confidently. "We need a fresh start and that will be my first step in settling our assets. My Father had turned everything over to my name when he was sent to Azkaban so it won't be too difficult. I will of course need to add Ginny's name as well so that if anything were to happen to me, she and the boys would be taken care of." Ginny twitched at that comment which made him hold her hand even tighter. "Ginny, everything is going to be fine. It's just good to be prepared."
Mr. Weasley smiled. "Exactly. And what have you decided to do for work?"
Draco once again felt ignorant as he did all those months ago when Mr. Weasley had first asked him that question. "I'm sorry sir but I still don't know. With Dumbledore's assistance I did graduate but I still haven't chosen my path yet. But don't worry sir! I have plenty of Mon-" Mr. Weasley raised his hand to silence him.
"That's none of our business Draco. I am convinced you can take care of Ginny and the twins. I just wanted you to know that we're here to support not only her, but you as well."
Draco smiled at the feeling of having someone support him. Especially a father figure.
"Thank you sir." The evening continued to be a happy one. Ginny went upstairs to sleep right after dinner.
She awoke the next morning and looked around her room. She noticed a few of Draco's things and his trunk beside the wall. She started to get up but decided against in not having any energy. After only a few moments Ron opened the door carrying a few suit cases. He looked irritated at Ginny as he let them drop to the floor. "Your boyfriend has more clothes than any girl I've ever seen. Look at this! A trunk and six suit cases! Who needs all of this? Does he change his clothes after every meal?"
Ginny laughed softly. "Where is he?"
"Outside with Bill and Charlie trying to convince them that his broom is still faster than the new ones out right now. He's mental!" Ron pointed at the window where Ginny saw Draco and her brother's fly by. She was overcome with emotions and began to sob.
Ron rushed to her bed. "What is it Ginny? Are you in pain?"
Ginny shook her head. "I'm just so happy Ron. This is exactly how I wanted things to turn out. Well not exactly how but, I did want him to be accepted by everyone. Including you Ron. I wanted him to be a part of our family."
Ron hugged his sister in confusion. "You're crying because you're happy? You're just like Mum! Anyhow, he is a part of the family Ginny. So enough of this happy tears rubbish. Can I get you anything?"
Ginny nodded and asked to be moved outside to watch. Ron set her up on a very soft lounge chair with a blanket and pillow. He hopped on his broom and joined the others. Draco looked her way and waived. "Your brother's seem to think my broom's a bit out dated! They've almost got me convinced to buy a new one!"
Ginny yelled back. "I'm starting to think they're right!" And just as she said that Harry flew by catching the snitch quickly. Draco smacked his broom in anger and joined in everyone else's laughter. Hermione walked out bringing Ginny some tea.
She felt Ginny's stomach and smiled. "I can't believe how things have turned out."
Ginny looked surprised. "Yes you can Hermione! And you're just tickled with yourself that you were once again right about everything."
Hermione smiled proudly. "Well I just had a hunch about him Ginny. He just looked at you with so much love. You can't fake things like that….Has he told you where he's been all these months?"
Ginny shrugged. "No, but probably spying for Dumbledore. Neither of us have brought it up yet. I'm sure we'll get it all out soon though. All that matters to me are these little guys and him. How we all got in this situation isn't important."
The girls watched them for hours and finally Draco flew down to check on her. "How are you doing?"
"I'm actually ready to go lie down." Ginny yawned.
"Your wish is my command." Draco scooped her up into his arms and carried her inside. He lay her down on the bed and began to change out of his clothes. Ginny giggled to herself thinking about Ron's comment. "You find something funny?"
Ginny tried to hide her smile. "Just something Ron said earlier. I'm so happy to have you here."
Draco put on some shorts and lay next to her. "Me too." He kissed her softly and stroked her stomach. He suddenly shot up and yelled. "What was that?"
Ginny laughed and sat up as well. "That was them. They do it mostly when you're around or when I'm thinking of you." She guided his hand back onto her stomach as the twins kicked eagerly.
Draco had an excited look and started talking to her stomach. "Hello in there. Don't give your Mum too much trouble now." He felt them kick harder. Draco seemed very pleased with himself and carried on a conversation with her stomach as Ginny drifted off to sleep.
She awoke some time in the night to use the restroom. When she returned to her room she looked at Draco lying asleep in her bed face up with his hands behind his head. He looked extremely comfortable and was only wearing the shorts he had put on earlier. It turned out to be a hot summer night so Ginny went to open her window. She turned around to look at him again and had a flicker of the feeling she had her first night at the Manor. Draco's arms and chest were well defined and it all looked so inviting. She decided against her thoughts seeing how she was in her parent's house and the healer did request her to rest.
She crawled into bed and snuggled next to him. Draco moaned and kissed her softly moving his hand onto her stomach again. He whispered. "I love you Ginny." And kissed her one more time before falling back to sleep.
