The next morning and afternoon was spent with Mrs. Zabini. They went to the spa first, Ginny moaning in pleasure as she was first treated to the massage of her life, she in fact felt like a new person, with all the herbal mixtures they used on her. Mrs. Zabini gushed about how some of their products were magnificent and they were what made her who she was.
She bought some for Ginny, who thanked her profusely after trying to tell her not to bother.
She then got her face taken care of. Her hair was washed and treated as well that once they were done, her hair looked alive, bright Ruby red and in wonderful ringlets, she also had manicures and pedicures.
Her toe nails were then painted warm brown while her nails we're warm brown that glittered but her forth fingers were a silver color. She absolutely loved them.
They spent most of the afternoons at the spa and Ginny really didn't mind. So this was how the rich prepared for balls and parties hunh?
Well maybe not only rich, she accepted that she wasn't the type to go through all this extra miles to get ready for such things, but really, she wouldn't mind it.
It was December 31st.
The time was 4pm and Ginny was staring in awe at the dress Giulia had brought for her courtesy of Mrs. Zabini.
The dress was a royal bluefloor length satin evening gown gown, with an A line skirt, high front slit, sleeveless fitted bodice, V neck with spaghetti strapcriss cross, princess seams, spaghetti straps over shoulders.
(If you're interested in a picture--'JVN67098')It really complimented her. Her Ruby red hair would definitely shine with her chocolate brown eyes. This gown would have definitely cost quite a lot of galleons!
She wondered how she'd look in it and how Blaise would react. She smiled, twirling her hair. Just then, Giulia popped in.
"Mistress asks if you like your gown and need any corrections made to it before the ball tonight by 10pm."
Ginny shook her head, smiling largely.
"No! No, it's absolutely perfect! I didn't even expect something this beautiful! Send my thanks to Mrs. Zabini."
Giulia immediately bowed and popped out and Ginny began her preparation for the ball. Thankfully she had 6 hours and she really wanted to show that bitch Corinna just who she was trying to mess with.
She took a well steaming bath and rubbed her body with the creams Madam Zabini had bought for her. She then decided to treat her hair and did it in a low bun, adding some pearls also gifted to her on her hair. She decided to go without any jewelries apart from the ones on her hair and the bracelet she got from Blaise. She then did a light make up which sparkled on her face. She was about to wear her form fitting gown when a knock on her door halted her.
Curious, she walked over to it and opened it and a squeal left her mouth.
"Luna!!"
They hugged happily and the tension Ginny had felt earlier, seemed to lessen.
"What are you doing here?! Merlin! I missed you! And you look so beautiful!!"
Ginny gushed as Luna dramatically twirled in her beautiful shiny black backless assymetric mulberry silk satin elegant gown. it flowed to her knees and behind her, flowed down to the floor and the inner dress itself was a bright red. Her hair was in a tight high ponytail. Her make up was minimal but royal looking and she wore matching black stiletto heels.
"Well, daddy and I were leaving Spain early when I got a letter from Draco asking if I'd love to be his date for the Zabini New year ball. Daddy got easily convinced when I told him you were staying there as well."
Ginny clapped excitedly.
"Great! Cause I have a lot to tell you. First, we need to talk about this bitch called Corinna…"
9:48pm
"Andddd done!"
Ginny breathed out in relief as she twirled around in her blue dress, her silver stiletto heels shining and her leg looking extra smooth as the gown parted and showed her leg. Her boobs packed well in a not too revealing but appreciative way.
"Perfect! Blaise wouldn't be able to look elsewhere!"
Luna smiled deviously and Ginny's cheeks blushed red. She really did hope Blaise noticed her, and probably danced with her.
"How did you get here by the way?"
"I met Draco at the Italian ministry. I'm also going to be staying the night and then leaving in the afternoon."
Ginny nodded as the tempus charm showed it was almost 10. Hand in hand, they walked out the room and towards the large ball room. Slow ball room music rang around as a table of food was put to the end of the room and people had already started filling into the room.
She spotted Blaise with Draco and his friends and Corinna standing close to him in a revealing wine outfit.
Dante whistled in appreciation when he saw them.
"Well! Look at the beauties!"
The guys and Corinna turned and Luna walked to Draco's side, giving him a kiss.
Blaise though, was staring right at Ginny so intensely as he looked her up and down, smirking in approval.
He walked up to her, taking her hand and placing a kiss on it.
"Don't you look stunning little Weasley"
Ginny blushed as she nodded at him smiling.
"You don't look so bad yourself."
Before they could talk more, Corinna sauntered up to them, placing her hand around Blaise. She looked at Ginny and placed a fake smile on her face.
"Ginny! I didn't think you'd decide to come"
Ginny raised her eyebrow and crossed her arms.
"And why would you think that?"
She shrugged and playfully smirked.
"I don't know, you just don't look as though you'd be into things as…civilized, as this."
Before Ginny could have her come back though, a loud voice using the sonorus charm spoke. It was Blaise's mother.
"Good evening Lords and Ladies, Heirs and Heiresses and distinguished guests, I hope you all came here safe. To begin this wonderful ball, we will begin with a waltz so please, grab a partner and get to the dance floor."
Before Corinna could drag Blaise, he excused himself over to his mother as his father had not arrived yet. Corinna stomped her feet in anger and Ginny chuckled. Corinna turned to Ginny and glared before walking to Dante and dragging him to the dance floor.
A tap on her shoulder and she turned to see Marco smiling at her.
"Will my lady grant me the honor of accompanying me for the first dance?"
Ginny smiled and curtseyed.
"Of course my good man"
He escorted her to the dance floor and as the musicians began to play their instruments, everyone began to move with the song.
"Sorry about Corinna by the way"
Marco said as they started a conversation.
"Excuse me?"
"Corinna. I've noticed the way she stares at you. She sees you as a competition you know?"
"Me? But, why?"
"For Blaise's affection. She's been after him for quite some time now but he isn't interested in her"
Ginny scoffed and mumbled.
"Why not? She's beautiful… even I have to admit that"
Marco raised an eyebrow at her like he couldn't see where she was coming from.
"Yes, she is stunning, but they're other things to look for in a woman as well. And I think Blaise knows that."
Before Ginny could talk more, she was spun into another arms as was customary for people to switch partners during the song being played.
Surprisingly, she spun into Draco's arms who smirked at her.
"Well, well! If it isn't the Weasel. Didn't know you could clean up like this"
Ginny scoffed at his idea of trying to play nice.
"Of course! I can when I want to. You don't look bad too"
"I am a Malfoy, its not something new."
Ginny chuckled.
"I see arrogance is a family thing."
He raised an eyebrow.
"Its not arrogance if we know we're this good looking"
"And ego too!"
"I'll take that as a compliment"
Ginny shook her head amusedly.
"I can see why Luna really likes you…"
Draco raised an eyebrow at her before smirking.
"And I can see why my cousin likes you too… You're not so bad"
Ginny frowned.
"Likes me? What are you talking about?"
Draco frowned.
"He hasn't—"
The song stopped and we moved to the others.
"Hey Ginny! Draco! That was a nice dance and Marco was a pretty great dancer!"
Luna said as she skipped over to them.
"Hey Luna! I see you're having fun!"
"I am! Now pardon Draco and I, but I need a couple of dances from him before we relax. See you later!"
Ginny laughed at the couple and smiled as she saw the others. She wasn't really a fan of this kind of dances, mostly because she wasn't raised that way. Also, while her mother had thought them to her, she didn't always go for Balls. Well, except the Hogwarts yule Ball but that was all.
Although she knew the annual Senior dance was in late May or so, she knew it wouldn't be customary.Just a bunch of people hanging out is all.
Taking a glass of wine, she sipped as she watched others dance across the hall, talk in circles or eat at tables.
Just then, she noticed Blaise walking up to her. She smiled as she saw him almost reach her but the Corinna stopped him, dragging him to the dance floor unable to deny her as it would look rude.
Ginny sighed as she sat back down again, playing with the loose curl on her hair.
She smiled as she saw Luna whisper something into Draco's ear and he blushed a beet red. She also saw the lady Malfoy as well, dancing with an elderly man, looking as composed as ever.
The large magical clock on the wall said it was already 11:45pm. Almost time for everyone to move outdoors for the countdown and a surprise.
Standing up, she walked out to a darkened verandah where no one would disturb her as she stared at the wonderful blue sky. It was quiet and peaceful and she smiled before shivering a bit at the cold night's air.
She turned when she heard footsteps and faced a glaring Corinna who walked till she reached the verandah, resting on it.
"You know, I don't like you Ginny. You've kind of been a pain since you arrived, always getting in the way of Blaise and I. I don't like that."
Ginny looked taken aback by the 19 year old's bluntness.
"Excuse me?"
Corinna whipped around real fast and Ginny was real startled that her she almost brought out her wand from her wand holster which Corinna noticed and chuckled.
"If I really wanted to harm you Ginny, I'd have done that discreetly and you obviously wouldn't have seen it coming. But no, I'm not even going to bother with that. You see, I want you to stay the hell away from Blaise!"
Ginny glared. Who the hell was this bitch thinking she was talking to?!? She was freaking Ginny fucking Weasley! No one told her what the hell to do!
"I don't think you know who you're talking to you bitch! Nobody tells me what to do! And no one tells Blaise who he should be friends with too! I don't know what sick and twisted image you've created in your head about you and Blaise, but it's not going to happen!"
Corinna scoffed.
"Oh, and you think it'd happen with you? He doesn't even see you that way! To him, you're just a poor, lonely, miserable thing he decided to pick up as a pet project. You will never be by his side. You will never hold him close. He will never see you how you want him to. Because you're just pathetic. A pathetic broken thing—"
Ginny lost her temper and slapped her as Corinna hit the nail on the head.
Corinna stepped back in shock, her hand on her red imprinted cheek, staring at Ginny in shock.
"Even if he never sees me how I want him to, I've promised myself, I'll be his friend. That is more than what you can obviously offer. Now get the hell away from me. NOW!"
Corinna looked behind Ginny and her eyes widened as she saw someone there before meekly walking away, eyes shining.
Ginny stood like that, as tears fell from her eyes, breathing hard, trying to curb in the fiery temper she almost unleashed.
She heard a soft voice call out behind her. Blaise's voice.
"Ginny?"
She didn't know what to do. She couldn't turn and show him her tear stained face, out of fear of getting a real rejection from him. So yes. He did win the bet. She actually grew to love him over the past months they spent together.
She heard footsteps and he walked up to her and turned her over, sucking in his breath when he saw her teary face.
"I'm sorry. Sorry you have to see me this way, just excuse me"
She turned to go but he held her back, placing his hands on her face and she closed her eyes as the feeling of comfort wrapped her and more tears fell knowing she wouldn't be able to call him hers.
"Ginny… don't go. I heard everything she said to you."
Her heart broke once more and she mumbled.
"All the more reason to walk away right now. I guess you did win our bet didn't you? Not to fall in love with you? Well I'm sorry I kinda did"
He froze, his hands falling to his sides once more and Ginny knew she'd definitely lost him then and there. She turned and began walking away, deciding to just go to her room, especially since she was leaving tomorrow evening. She could always lock herself in her room throughout anyways.
Before she could take anymore steps, Blaise yanked her hand, turning her to him and placing the softest yet firm kiss she'd ever gotten on her lips.
It tasted of wine and her salty tears that had fallen to her lips. And it was magnificent. He wrapped an arm around her waist and she brought her hands to his suit collar, staying like that for a while and enjoying the moment.
They never noticed Luna turn away smiling as she dragged Draco.
"What? Can't we stay there?"
"It's preoccupied right now Draco"
Once they reluctantly stepped apart, for air, Ginny opened her eyes.
"What… what was that for?"
Blaise looked down at her and smiled a bit.
"You've always confused me little Weasley. Ever since a long while mind you. I don't know what you did to me, most girls, I would have lead on and dumped, or I would have intimidated the fuck out of them. But you, I guess you did what most have tried to do. I honestly don't think I can sleep this night without asking you to be my girlfriend…"
He murmured as his thumb massaged Ginny's lips and Ginny looked at him in shock.
"What?"
He smiled before placing a kiss on her lips again which she leaned into before he spoke.
"Be… my… girlfriend"
He said, drawing each word with a kiss.
Ginny beamed when she heard him and nodded.
"Yes!"
He smiled a most beautiful smile and Ginny stared in awe and they kissed once more.
"Will everyone please move to the backyard with a glass of champagne in their hands for the countdown into the new year?"
His mother's voice booked softly around and Blaise smirked.
"Come on"
With her arm wrapped around his bicep, he led her out after she cleaned her tear stained face and towards a house elf who served them each a glass and they walked outside as there was 2 minutes to New Year.
"Come"
He told her as he dragged her over to his mom laughing with a man who looked much like an older Blaise. He was tall like Blaise and muscular. His black hair slicked to the back with some grey edges and strong grey but friendly eyes.
His mother first saw him coming and turned to them which made his father do the same, raising an eyebrow at the girl beside him and Ginny's heart quickened.
Yep. This was definitely his father!
"Son, who is this beautiful young lady next to you?"
Esme cut in.
"Oh darling, this is Miss Weasley, Blaise's guest. Isn't she stunning?!"
His father smiled before giving Ginny a friendly grin and Ginny curtseyed.
"A pleasure to meet a close friend of my son's"
Blaise then cut in.
"She isn't just my friend father, mother… she is my girlfriend"
His mother's eyes widened before a soft smile plastered her face, side hugging her husband who smiled at his son with an eyebrow up. So that's where Blaise got that from.
"Of course. Girlfriend. And please, while in our company, call me Alessandro."
"Of course sir. And please, call me Ginny"
Just then, the clock chimed 1 minute and Blaise excused themselves to find their friends.
"Your dad seems cool actually"
Blaise smirked.
"Zabini blood"
And Ginny laughed, slapping him playfully on the chest, feeling really carefree than ever.
They walked over to the rest, Luna beaming when she saw them and winking and Ginny blushed, knowing her best friend already knew.
"Hey where's my cousin?"
Enrico asked as he walked over to them and Marco spoke.
"I saw her hurrying out of the party some minutes ago with a red cheek mark"
Ginny hid her smirk as the clock chimed 10 seconds. Everyone began to shout out.
"10"
"9"
"8"
"7"
"6"
"5"
"4"
"3"
"2"
"1"
"Happy New Year!!!!"
Glasses clinked in celebration but Draco and Blaise's friends only had eyes for the new couple kissing in front of them and Enrico muttered.
"No wonder she left"
Luna giggled and gave Draco her own new year's kiss and he was lost to the world.
When the new couple separated Blaise muttered.
"Happy New Year little Weasley"
Ginny chuckled, deciding to ignore the nickname for now.
"Happy New Year Blaise"
And they clinked their champagne glasses to the promise of a wonderful 1999.