"First, Percy. Now, you? What is wrong with all you Weasleys fraternizing with Malfoy?"
Ron exploded as soon as Ginny told them about the project she'll be working on with Malfoy Hotel and Resorts. It's been a month since their last meeting. Sorting the terms and conditions proved to be tricky, especially when it came to getting the Prophet's permission. Since Ginny serves as the editor's top reliable travel columnist, there were concerns about the amount of work she has to do for Malfoy. After days of back and forth, mostly by owl, the Prophet saw the project as a partnership which can benefit them in the long run. Think future investor. After updating Ginny's work schedule both with the Prophet and with Malfoy to match, they all signed the contract. That was Friday. Now it's Sunday, hence why she has to deal with Ron's outburst yet again.
"Oh, do shush, Ronald. I think it's a great opportunity for your sister. Imagine, she gets to publish a new book and travel to a new destination. Mind you, I'm not so fond of the schedule. We hardly see you as it is," Mrs. Weasley looked at her pointedly, but she released a deep sigh. "Regardless, it sounds exciting," the Weasley matriarch ended with an encouraging smile.
If it was even possible, Ron's eyes got 5x bigger than it already is and he started sputtering. "I don't get it. I don't get the lot of you. This is Draco fucking Malfoy! Are we forgetting that he used to torment us in school?" He shouted.
"Ron! Language!" Mrs. Weasley screeched.
Percy, who has been quiet throughout Ron's outburst, decided it was time shove his 2 cents in. "Do get a grip, Ronald. This project is not just about Draco. This is about international magical cooperation between two Wizarding Ministries. No one's feeding Draco's ego here, we're all just doing our jobs."
Ron looked at Percy. "Draco?"
Ginny decided to intervene. "It's company policy, Ron, let it go." This time, Ron looked at Ginny. "Besides, I already signed the contract. The Prophet approved. Everything's ready, I'm leaving in two weeks. So nothing you say will change that unless I die."
"In two weeks? That's so soon!" Mr. Weasley chimed in. Usually, the Weasley patriarch chooses to stay mum in these high tension situations, but, since he rarely sees Ginny these days, he can't help but be surprised. "You just got back from Madagascar a few weeks ago."
Everyone turned to look at Ginny. She's been sent awfully to a lot of assignments the last few months.
"Well, we're actually already behind schedule, so that's them being generous."
"That's them turning you into a slave!" This time Ron interjected again.
"Are you saying I have no say in what I do?" Ginny asked quietly.
Everyone stayed quiet, waiting whether Ron will reply or not. Treading carefully, Ron responded.
"I'm just saying you already have a good job. Why would you accept this job and with that slimy git too?"
Ginny sighed. "Like mom said, it's a great opportunity. Do you know how hard these opportunities come by? Even for my books, it's always difficult to get resources and sponsorships just to make them happen. This project is literally handing me everything on a silver platter and you want me to reject it?" Ginny's voice was raising towards the end, to the point of screeching.
Ron involuntarily cowered from his sister's voice. He knew not to push her buttons when she gets all screechy.
"Fine, fine!" Ron said exasperatedly. "Just stay away from that Death Eater scum!"
Ginny rolled her eyes instead. It's better to end the conversation here than make it longer. She took a bite of her pot pie and found that she lost her appetite. So, she sat there listening to the conversations around her.
After brunch ended and having helped in cleaning the dining area, she approached her mom and dad who were sat themselves on the dining table while the others moved to the living room.
"What's wrong, dear?" Mrs. Weasley asked in a loving voice.
Ginny smiled at her mom. She's tired from all the fighting. "All that shouting just made me tired. I think I'll head on home." She moved to hug her mother and then her father.
"But, you can just rest in your old room if you just need to take a breather," her mom pleaded.
"It's alright, mom. I have work early tomorrow morning and I kind of want to prepare a bit. It's best for me to get home," Ginny said with a smile.
"Ginny, take care of yourself. You only have one body, so make sure to give yourself some rest and food," her father said, with a hint of sadness and concern towards his only daughter.
She knows she hasn't spent time with her father since they've both been busy with work, so she understands where his worries are coming from.
Ginny hugged her dad again and kissed the top of his head. "Don't worry, dad. I'll take care of myself."
"We're just looking out for you," her dad said.
"I know," Ginny replied and stood up. "Tell the others I've left. I don't want to run into Ron and become an unwilling listener to his unsolicited big brother speech."
Mrs. Weasley smiled. "You're brother's only got your best interest at heart."
Releasing a deep breath, "Unfortunately, I understand." Ginny looked apologetically towards her parents. "Please tell them I've gone home. I'm really sorry for leaving so early."
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley nodded in understanding before flashing a smile at Ginny. "We'll let them know. Do enjoy the rest of your day, dear."
Responding with her own smile, she warmly said, "I'll do my best. I'll see you both next week."
With that, Ginny left the Burrow and apparated home.
Since she was leaving for Spain, her work piled up in the last two weeks. Deadlines were pushed earlier and the office was a mess. Malfoy approved the assistant condition, so Maddie's been busy too. She's been running errands for Ginny when Ginny's stuck in board meetings and drafting or she's helping Ginny select photos to publish with articles. Either way, they were swamped.
The day before she was due to leave for Spain, Ginny decided to finish her work at exactly 4pm to give herself time to relax and prepare for her trip the next day. The first trip to Granada would be composed of just touring like a regular tourist to fully experience the place, so it will just be a week. Of course, she would also take photos and take notes along the way, but the real work will start on the second trip.
At 4pm, Ginny finally finished her final draft on Madagascar and submitted it to her editor. She double-checked her to-do list and also with Maddie to see if they forgot some things for the day. After confirming with each other that there were none, they went on their way.
On the way home, she decided to visit George in the joke shop. It's been a while since she dropped by and it will be another while till the next one, so she decided now's as good a time as any.
The moment she went inside the store, she immediately saw her brother on the cash register, attending to a little kid. She approached the cash register. He finished ringing up the kid.
"Well, isn't that my favorite sister?"
George went around the counter and scooped her sister up.
Ginny laughed as George swung her around like they were little.
"Put me down. You're making me dizzy."
George put her down. "Can't have that. We can't have you skiving off that trip to Spain tomorrow."
"No, we can't," Ginny said as she tried to get a bearing of her surroundings.
"So what's brings this little bigshot photographer over to my humble joke shop?" George asked teasingly.
Ginny elbowed him softly. "Stop that. I'm not a big shot. Also, is it so bad to want to visit my favorite brother?"
"I won't tell the others you said that."
Ginny chuckled. "Anyway, I came over to see how you're doing. And maybe if you wanted to skive off work and have a little bit of an early dinner with me?"
George looked at his watch. "Gin, you do realize it's just half-past 4."
"I know that. Just wondering if the boss would like to accompany his favorite sister. But if not, that's totally fine too."
George pretended to think for a second. "Hmm, I guess I can go skive off for like an hour, too. Besides, what's an assistant for if not to cover for me when I'm out with my sister? Brent!" George's assistant Brent came running from one of the shelves.
"Yes, George?"
George put a hand on Brent's shoulder. "You're in-charge for the next hour. I need to accompany my sister and make sure she gets some calories in. D'you think you can manage that?"
Brent stuttered. "Y-y-yes, I can!"
George patted Brent's shoulder. "'Atta boy! I'll see you in an hour then."
Then George escorted Ginny out of the joke shop.
Ginny and George ended up going to the Leaky Cauldron. As always, the bar is full of patrons, some of which are already drinking themselves to the point of oblivion.
As they were waiting for their food to arrive, the two Weasleys began catching up with each other. It turns out George and Angelina are trying for a baby now.
"It's about time," George said.
"I can't believe I'll see you with your own kid. I never would've thought." Ginny said in astonishment.
"What do you mean?! Did you think I was just gonna go through life without an heir for the joke shop?" George said as dramatically as he possibly could.
Ginny laughed at this. "What I mean is, you always seems so free-spirited. Not gonna lie, I was surprised you even married Angelina. Not that you guys aren't good together, but I always thought you'd just bless the world with your sole presence."
George nodded. "I see where you're coming from. Fair enough." George drank a bit of his butterbeer. "After Fred died, it was awful being alone. I was so used to having somebody, but I didn't want anyone to replace him, you know?"
Ginny just nodded.
"After I met Angelina again, it felt like I was whole again. Like I had someone to walk through life with again. That's not to say I'm forgetting Fred, no, it's not that. But, it's nice to be with someone who understands that I don't want to be alone, but I don't want Fred replaced. Also, it's nice to have hope again. With Angelina, it feels like there's something to live for again. Having a family with her is truly exciting because it's like having a new life and having the chance to start all over again. And I know Fred will like the idea of having little minions continuing our legacy. So that's another plus," he concluded as he took another swig of his butterbeer.
Ginny was thoughtful. It's been years since Fred died and there's not a day she doesn't miss him. Sometimes, she wonders what it would be like to still have him around. Her thoughts were interrupted by George's question.
"How about you? I haven't heard of you dating anyone in a while."
Ginny just gave a small laugh and took her own swig of butterbeer.
"You know how demanding my job is. If I'm not locked up at home or in my office writing the draft to my next article, I'm off jet setting to the next country or island to write one."
"Still. Didn't you ever meet anyone along the way? Casual flings?"
Ginny smiled. "No. I really don't have that much time. It's just work, work, work, and the occasional relaxation when I do have a bit of time."
"So, you really don't have a secret relationship with Malfoy?"
Ginny laughed in surprise. "What? That was already a year ago!"
George shrugged with a smile. "It's still a good time to make sure."
Ginny returned his smile and drank her butterbeer. "No, I don't."
They were silent for a while. Then, just as Ginny was about to speak, George beat her to it.
"I know, you know."
Ginny looked at George fixedly. Somewhat confused.
Before she can ask, the barmaid came with their food. They immediately dove right in and ate in silence. After they finished, they sat there just relishing what they just ate. Before she forgets, Ginny turned to George.
"What do you mean you know?"
George looked at her sister and sighed. "I know you were seeing Malfoy when that article came out."
Ginny raised her eyebrows at her brother. After all, she was in Diagon Alley with Draco Malfoy in broad daylight, someone close to her really could've seen. That much is true, apparently.
When Ginny didn't reply, George continued, "It wasn't because of the article, but I saw you two. Not in the café, but after."
Ginny tried to rack her brain. She must have looked confused since George elaborated further.
"I saw both of you apparate from that infamous alleyway."
Then, it clicked. Ah, yes.
*flashback*
"Do you have anything in mind?"
Draco half-smirked, half-smiled. "Meet me in the alleyway opposite of Knockturn Alley. We'll apparate from there."
Knowing his intentions, Ginny nodded. This is what they always do. They meet up coincidentally, and always end up in each other's beds the next, only to ignore each other until the next time. The difference this time is that they're at home base.
"I'll see you soon."
Draco went ahead and disappeared into the thickening crowd while she composed herself. It's easier doing this in another country, but doing it here in London, it's dangerous. People rarely make an association, but today they will. After all, people just saw them drink coffee together, so it won't be surprising to see an article in a tabloid or magazine.
After a minute, Ginny decided to head for the alleyway. She knows what he's talking about. It's notorious among thrill-seeking couples. She's heard enough. She's just not sure if she wants to add to that list. She would have to discuss this with Draco.
Lost in her thoughts, she didn't realize that she almost walked past their meeting place until a hand shot out and pulled her in. Before she can scream, she found that it was only Draco, pressed against her in the narrow, yet dark alley.
"Hey."
"Hey yourself," Ginny whispered.
Ginny looked left and right to make sure no one was there, then looked at Draco. "I don't know about you, but I don't fancy having sex in this dingy, narrow place."
Draco chuckled. "Me neither. Come on, let's go to my flat," and then they apparated.
*End of flashback*
Ginny looked at her brother again. "I see."
George looked at her with wide eyes. "So, it's true, you were dating? Are you still dating?"
Ginny leaned back on the chair. "No. We weren't and aren't dating."
"Then why did you have to go to an alley, and THAT alley too, and leave together?" George asked in a confused tone.
Ginny raised an eyebrow at her brother. After a few seconds, George was hit with realization.
"OH… So that's your arrangement." George slumped back on his seat and took a big swig of his butterbeer. Ginny looked at this brother amused. "I think I need a stronger one."
Ginny just shook her head. "Anyway, we're not together. And quite frankly, we don't really see each other either. They're all just coincidences that happened to end up that way."
George looked at his sister incredulously. "Wow, look at how cold you are. Is this what constant travelling does to you?"
Now, it's Ginny's turn to take a swig of her butterbeer.
"Are you not gonna tell how? When? Why you're even in this loose definition of a relationship with Malfoy?"
Ginny patted her brother's shoulder with a smile. "Let's save that for another time. I think you're scarred enough for today."
George heaved a deep sigh. "Tell me about it."
