A/N-Thanks to those of you who waited patiently and gave those encouraging words. I'm so sorry but it's really got to end! It will start moving very fast soon.

Chapter 41

Draco sighed deeply and smiled. He looked up at large brick house and stroked his chin. He couldn't help but feel impressed with Ginny's taste. He knew deep down that he would have accepted any house she would have chosen but he truly liked this one already. It had a dramatic entry with two large white pillars surrounding a gleaming porch light. As they stepped onto the wrap around porch and discovered a white swing to their left, they both smiled at each other.

Draco opened the captivating front door that had two dragons etched into the glass and a golden handle. Ginny gasped once they stepped inside. A dark wood stair case curved into the foyer. The hard wood floors seemed to touch every part of the house. There were doors to the left and right. Each room seemed to have a different scheme of colors however each one had a picture of a dragon over the fireplace with matching scales. The kitchen was at the end of the all the different rooms and the countertops were black granite with flecks of silver. All the appliances were black or silver. The cabinets matched the color of the dark hard wood floors exactly. The family room that was connected to the kitchen was centered around a large oval fish tank set into the wall.

"Oh my…" Ginny whispered as she watched several creatures she had never seen before swim happily about the tank. She stepped directly in front of it then covered her mouth. She watched in awe as two creatures swam closely together and up to the front of the tank looking at her curiously. "Those…They can't be…" Ginny pointed at the two creatures that looked exactly like miniature dragons. One was an emerald green and the other a metallic purple. "Draco look."

Draco came up from behind and scooped his arms around her. "Aren't they amazing? I've never actually seen one before."

Ginny couldn't believe how beautiful they were. "They're not real dragons are they? In water?"

Draco chuckled. "No…I think they're called Orian's. Some sort of cousin between dragons and serpents or something. They don't get any larger than this if I'm correct."

"You are correct sir." A deep voice said from behind. Draco whipped around and pulled his wand out. "Forgive me Master Malfoy. We spoke earlier about the house."

Draco sighed in relief and approached the small old man shaking his hand. "Yes Mr. Winsworth. May I introduce Ginny Weasley?"

They old man bowed his head and shook her hand gently. "Pleasure to meet you madam. Master Malfoy told me all about you. Do you like those creatures?"

Ginny smiled widely. "Of course! They're probably the most wonderful things I've ever seen. But, are they dangerous?"

The man laughed softly. "Only to those who threaten what is dear to them. They live for hundreds of years with their companion. They're extremely rare as they only mate once every twenty five years. Their one offspring usually remains with them unless they find their own mate. These two are very young and were caught by the owner about ten years ago just outside of Paris."

Ginny nodded in amazement and continued to watch the creatures press their snouts against the glass while looking at her. Draco and the man began to negotiate the price of the house as Ginny excused herself to look around upstairs. Each bedroom was just as elegant as the rooms down stairs. Ginny walked into the master bedroom and noticed two French doors to her left. She opened them and stepped out onto a large balcony that overlooked the entire property. She hadn't even noticed it from the front but it too wrapped around the entire house. There was a built in fire pit that was surrounded by several soft looking chairs. Ginny sat down in a fluffy green recliner and took in her surroundings. All she could hear were the buzzing of insects and the gentle wind blowing through the trees that enclosed the property.

She could have fallen asleep that very moment. Draco stepped out onto the balcony and smiled at Ginny as he walked towards her. He pulled a red recliner next to hers and sat down. He grasped her hand and leaned in kissing her softly. "Welcome home Ginny."

The next few days were hectic ones. Ginny had packed all of their belongings and apparated her and the twins into the foyer of their new home. She clicked her tongue at herself realizing how much easier it would have been to apparate into their bedroom as she carried them upstairs. Draco had a sudden business matter to attend to in Hogsmeade so Ginny was in charge of facilitating the move. She reluctantly hired movers but insisted on handling the packing herself regardless of Draco's protests.

Ginny put the twins down for a nap and walked downstairs to prepare lunch. She walked into the kitchen and made herself a sandwich. As she sat at the bar of the island, the fish tank caught her eye. There peering through the glass were the creatures she had seen just days before. She dropped her sandwich on her plate and ran over to the glass. She gently tapped it with her finger and the green Orian did a flip while the purple one blew bubbles at her. Ginny laughed as tears filled her eyes. "I'm sorry you're still here. I almost forgot how fond of you I was. I wonder when they'll be taking you."

"They won't be taking them." Draco whispered behind her.

Ginny turned around quickly with a look of surprise. "They won't?"

Draco gave her a shocked look. "Did you really think I wouldn't find some way to keep those for you?" Ginny blushed and shrugged. "It's not that often that you reveal things you like or want so when you do, I have to act quickly."

Ginny scoffed. "What are you talking about? You know how much I love you and the boys. I show it all the time…Don't I?"

Draco quickly pulled her into a hug. "I'm talking about material things Ginny. Possessions. You don't let me spoil you so when I get the chance, I have to take it…..No matter how expensive it is." His eyes moved towards the Orians as they were still staring happily at Ginny.

Ginny blushed again. "What do you mean how expensive it is? How much did they cost?"

Draco shook his head. "Oh no you don't! That's not the way it works around here….I don't question you about our money and you don't question me. Just trust that I would never make a purchase that would affect our future in the slightest."

Ginny raised an untrusting eyebrow at him. Draco threw his hands in the air. "Alright, alright! I spent a little more than I should have. We may not be able to eat for a while. The boys will definitely need to cut down on how many bottles they drink. I'll need to get a second job….. But at least you got what you wanted right?"

Ginny smacked him hard on the arm. "Draco! That's not funny!"

Draco laughed as he scooped her up into his arms. He kissed her passionately as he carried her upstairs into their bedroom. He softly laid her on the bed and crawled on top of her. He kissed her neck as she ran her fingers through his hair. Ginny whispered into his ear nervously. "Draco? We should really get a contraception potion…Don't you think?"

Draco smiled evilly as her removed a small bottle from his pocket. Ginny grabbed it from his hands quickly and laughed. "Is that why you went to Hogsmeade? To get this?"

He laughed and kissed her cheek. "Among other things yes. I was very patient at the Burrow seeing how your parents and brother were in the next room. But, now I just don't see myself behaving with quite as much tolerance in our own home. You don't mind do you?"

Ginny giggled shyly. "Are you kidding? That's the Malfoy side I love about you! Always planning ahead for your own benefit…Well mine as well I guess." She laughed softly as he nibbled her neck. They made love for hours into the night.

It was time for both of them to return to Hogwarts. Hermione was due any day and Emmery in about a month. Ginny wasn't sure what to expect when she returned. She had been away so long and was now a Mother. She only had one term left but still felt that she was far too mature for school now.

Regardless of how apprehensive she was, Draco reminded her of the example she would be setting for the children if she didn't finish. That suddenly changed her mind and before she knew it she was on the Hogwarts Express. She was lucky enough to find Luna alone in a compartment and staring dreamily out the window. "Ginny! Oh my goodness! It's been so long. How are you?"

Ginny smiled as they hugged. "I'm fine. Well no I'm not! I feel so strange coming back. Especially without Ron and Hermione….And Harry I guess."

Luna studied Ginny carefully. "How is Draco? How are your boys?"

Ginny perked up quickly. "Oh they're all so wonderful. My Mum will be looking after the boys while I'm in school. Draco and I just bought a home near Hogsmeade so I won't be staying in the dormitories. I can't imagine being away from the boys a whole night."

Luna listened intently as Ginny told her things that had happened recently. They had been sending owls regularly but it was much more intriguing to Luna to hear things first hand. Luna laughed softly. "Do you realize what a tight lid you both have kept on this?" Ginny shrugged. "The ministry simply honed in on the fact that Harry defeated Voldemort. They didn't even mention you or Draco. The last everyone heard, Draco had left you behind to do work for Dumbledore before term had ended. And then you didn't return but no one knows about the twins yet. A lot of the girls said terrible things about you. Jealousy, I guess."

Before they knew it, they were at Hogwarts and walking into the Great Hall. As the students piled in Ginny glanced at the staff table and saw Draco eyeing her with a smirk. She looked away quickly as her face began to burn. The thought of him sitting at the staff table made her stomach do a flip.

As the chatter died down and Dumbledore welcomed the students, Ginny looked over at Draco again who was now watching him intently. Dumbledore went through his usual speech and then looked over at Draco. "I have an announcement to make. Professor Snape has taken over as Headmaster at Durmstrang and-". The Great Hall burst into cheers and clapping from all students except the Slytherins. They looked around at each other appallingly. Draco stifled a chuckle at their response. Dumbledore smiled softly and then raised his hands to silence them. "I can tell you are all extremely happy for him and wish him the best on his new adventure." The students were whispering happily and wondering who the replacement might be. It didn't seem as if anyone even bothered to look and see who was now sitting in Snape's seat. They all seemed to be so distracted with disbelief and happiness.

Dumbledore continued without bothering to demand silence. "The decision for his replacement was a very easy one. I have chosen someone who I feel has already proven himself in many ways and I trust wholeheartedly. I am delighted to introduce you to your new Potions instructor, Draco Malfoy."

Silence…..Dead silence. Everyone looked over at Draco sitting in Snape's seat. Most of their jaws dropped. Some simply squinted at him trying to believe their eyes. The poor first years had no clue what the big deal was and looked simply frightened. Draco sat back and grinned confidently. Ginny's heart was pounding and was sure everyone could hear it. Draco continued to grin as if the silence made him more comfortable. He didn't appear to be bothered by in the least….He seemed to be expecting it.

The students started to look back and forth at each other. At that moment, some caught a glimpse of Ginny who was beat red and seemed to be sinking in her seat. More whispers, more dropping jaws. They all seemed to start replaying last year's events in their heads and trying to piece it together. Draco's absence and then Ginny's. Now they were all wondering what had happened over all this time. As Luna had mentioned, the ministry hadn't really publicized much of Voldemort's downfall. Most people didn't even know of Draco's involvement. And to Ginny's relief, most of them still didn't have a clue if there was any connection whatsoever between her and Draco.

Suddenly, Luna began clapping loudly. The other staff followed along with some other polite students. Dumbledore leaned over and whispered something to Draco and they shared a short laugh. "I'm sure Professor Malfoy appreciates your warm welcome and let me remind you that he will also be head of Slytherin house."

Ginny couldn't understand why but this made the Slytherin's jump up cheering. She was sure that they would still view him as a traitor since he had 'dated' her. She made a mental note to ask Draco about that one later. Dumbledore excused everyone and Ginny looked over at Draco who winked in between shaking hands with some of the staff. She headed out the door's to wait for him so they could apparate home together. Draco came out shortly after her and smiled. They apparated home together and laughed about how awkward the night had been.

The next morning Ginny walked into Potions with her heart jumping into her throat. The thought of Draco being her professor was completely nerve racking. She had already completed seventh year potions the previous year so she wondered why on earth Dumbledore would enroll her again. She sat down next to Luna and faced the chalk board. She could feel the other students staring at her which made her face burn and her palms sweat. She wondered where on earth Draco could be and wished he would hurry and start the lesson. Then, they would all be staring at him…Not her.

Luna cleared her throat and didn't notice that Draco had just walked out of his office. Luna spoke loudly. "My goodness Ginny. I told you how radiant you looked this morning….I mean everyone's staring at you. They must want to know what your secret is." This made almost everyone turn the other way in a huff. Ginny shifted her eyes down to her lap but silently thanked Luna for commenting to break the awkwardness. Draco shook his head as he smiled, leaning against his desk with his arms crossed.

"Good morning." Draco said confidently. Ginny's stomach did a flip as she looked up at his handsome face. "I hope you all had a nice rest over Christmas break because this is where the real work begins…." Draco went on to explain the changes he was making to the curriculum and what to expect for the remainder of the term. Ginny wasn't listening though. She was staring into his eyes as if she had only just met him. She suddenly felt very giddy and was trying to hide her smile. Her thoughts fell onto the last time they had made love and what a great kisser he was.

Suddenly she felt all eyes on her again….Including Draco's. Luna nudged her softly. Draco raised an eyebrow. "Would that be alright with you Miss Weasley?"

Ginny looked around the room nervously. Luna whispered. "Just say yes."

Ginny cleared her throat. "Oh yes of course….Sorry."

Draco chuckled and beckoned her over to the chalk board. Good God! What was she supposed to do? She looked over at Luna again for some sign of what was going on. Luna just smiled as the rest of the class stared intently. They seemed to be enjoying her uncomfortable confusion. Draco gestured for Ginny to take the chalk. Ginny looked at him as if he were crazy. "What in the heck am I supposed to be doing with that?"

Draco smiled as she took the chalk slowly out of his hand. "Well, if you had been listening to my compelling speech dear, I had asked if you would write the instructions on how to make a sleeping draught."

Ginny sighed in relief and turned her back on him to begin writing. Draco leaned against his desk and watched her with a satisfied smile. Once Ginny was done she wiped away the chalk on her hands and turned to look at him as the rest of the class began their potions. "Would it have been too much to ask for you to give me a heads up next time? What am I your slave now?"

He watched her sit back down with Luna ensuring no one was noticing his grin. "Well, I was actually hoping you could be my assistant. You've done this already. Dumbledore's giving me permission if you agree."

Ginny crossed her arms childishly. "Only if you behave yourself."

Draco smiled. "Never." They exchanged smiles again as Draco made the announcement. "I almost forgot. Miss Weasley actually completed seventh year potions last year so she will be my assistant. She will be in charge of grading your essays and answering any of your questions." The class looked over at her and shrugged it off as they returned to their potions.

Ginny was furious. Grading all of the essays? Answering all the questions? What exactly was he going to be doing? Did he take over Snape's position or did she? Revenge was the only thing she could think of. She watched him as he walked over to a Slytherin girl whose potion was turning bright orange when it should have been pink. As Draco was talking to her, Ginny decided to act. "Have I ever told you how sexy you are?" Draco's head shot her way. He looked dumbfounded. Why would she say something like that now? He quickly looked back at the Slytherin girl when she asked what was wrong. He shook his head giving a forced smile.

They continued their conversation about the potion. "I can't stand this Draco! I wish we could go into your office right now! I just love the way you kiss me…The way you touch me…You know, doing it in your office wouldn't be a bad idea."

Draco looked over at her again and gave her a deadly expression. "Cut it out Red." He shifted nervously as he continued to speak to the girl with his back to Ginny.

Ginny shrugged innocently. "I'm sorry but I just can't stop thinking about all the things I want to do to you…Professor Malfoy….Oh God, I love the sound of that….. Professor? Is there a way for me to get extra credit?"

"That's it!" He thought furiously as he headed towards Ginny. Everyone other than Luna was looking over their potions and ingredients and didn't even notice Draco grab Ginny by the arm and push her into his office. Ginny began to laugh silently and grin as she leaned against a cabinet. He was panting heavily as he stared at her from the doorway. Suddenly he walked towards her and cupped her face in his hands kissing her passionately. He pulled away and looked at her disapprovingly. "Don't ever do that again!"

He left her in the office alone as she wondered what had just happened. Was he angry? She decided to stay in his office until she heard everyone leaving. She peered out the doorway and saw him stuffing parchment into his bag. He looked over at her and smiled as he shook his head. "You are out of control Red. How am I supposed to teach the class if I've got you saying things like that? Do you know how close I was to doing more than kissing in my office? Have you forgotten what kind of effect you have over me?"

Ginny smiled innocently. "I'm sorry Draco. I hope you're not angry with me."

He pulled her into a hug. "No, I'm not angry….You have to promise me you will never do that again. You are dangerous. I'll see you tonight."

Ginny promised she would never tease him in class again and then left the dungeons. The rest of the day went by in a daze. All she could think about was Warren and Jeffrey and how much she already missed them.