"Draco Malfoy?" Arthur Weasley said, confusion written all over his face as he said the name as though it were foreign to him. "Lucius Malfoy's son?"

Ginny swallowed and nodded slowly. "Yes, that Draco Malfoy," she replied, though she was certain that she had never heard of another.

Ginny was sitting in the kitchen at the Burrow with her mum and dad, having decided to accept her mum's offer of dinner the day before to finally end the silence on who could possibly be the father of her baby. Her parents stared at her with open mouths, their expressions of deep confusion mirroring each other's.

"And... and how did this happen?" Molly Weasley asked.

"It just did," she answered, knowing this was ultimately a lame response and wholly inadequate.

"When?" her dad asked.

"When I was on holiday," she said gently, not wishing to agitate them with a louder tone. "He was there and we just... sort of... went together."

The pair of them looked at each other, obviously unable to figure out what they should say or do and Ginny liked it like this for the time being. It meant less shouting and lecturing. "Does he know?" her mum asked, turning back to her daughter.

Ginny nodded. "Well, the papers made sure he knew," she muttered, rolling her eyes.

"And what are his intentions?" Molly asked, and Ginny could detect some hesitancy there as though she expected the worse possible outcome.

Her dad scoffed before she could answer. "His intentions? Molly, this is Lucius Malfoy's son we are talking about," he said with a frown. "His intentions for our daughter will either be nothing or to make her life unbearable."

Ginny scowled. "Actually, his intentions are good," she said with a satisfied grin, folding her arms. "He wants to be in the baby's life. And I would rather you didn't tar Draco with the same brush as his father, he is nothing at all like him."

Her parents stared at her in shock again. "Well, that's... good... Isn't it?" her mum said to her dad, uncertain.

Ginny could tell that her dad was beginning to agitate himself by the way he could barely bring himself to look at her now, or her mother for that matter. "We don't know this boy, Molly," he finally said, his voice strained. "All I know of him is his damn father." Then he laughed loud, making his wife and daughter look at him in bemusement.

"What's so funny, Dad?" Ginny asked, frowning at him. She knew her parents would not be exactly ecstatic about this, but she hasn't expected this at all.

"Lucius Malfoy," he said between laughing, "does he know?"

"Yes, Draco told him a couple of weeks ago," she replied, glancing at her mum who seemed just as put out by her husband's laughing fit as her daughter was.

"And? How did he take the news that his only son had fraternised with a Weasley?"

Ginny blinked, still utterly confused as to why her dad should care. "He is not speaking to Draco," she replied.

Arthur descended into gales of laughter, smacking his knee and close to tears. "This is something at least!" he choked out, taking his glasses off and wiping the tears from his eyes. "I would love to see the look on his face!"

"Arthur!" her mum snapped, causing her dad to stiffen. "How dare you laugh about this?!"

"If I didn't laugh, Molly," he said, calming his laughter. "I think I would cry instead."

Ginny was taken aback by this. "Cry? Dad, why would you cry?"

Arthur looked at her, his cheeks still red from his outburst but there was nothing but seriousness in his eyes now as he spoke, taking her hand. "Ginny, you are our only daughter," he explained. "Of course we want only the best for you, not this. I know little about Lucius's son, very little, but your brother despises him and I suppose it must be for good reason. How can I be happy that you should have a child with such a man?"

"He is not like that with me, Dad," she said, squeezing his hand. "He is not like how he was at Hogwarts. I can't say truthfully that he will have any love for Ron, but he wants to be in the baby's life. I can't deny him that right simply because Ron doesn't like him."

Her mum reached out now and took her hand. "But, Ginny, what of you?" she asked, a worried look on her round face. "You wanted marriage, you wanted a family. Can the Malfoy boy offer you this?"

Ginny looked down, embarrassed by the question. Would they understand? "He wants to marry me," she finally said with a sigh.

"Oh!" both her parents gasped.

"Well, that is more than I ever hoped for!" her mum said, patting her hand. "I could not bear the thought of you doing this on your own, you will have us, of course, but it is always better to have a strong unit -."

"I haven't accepted," Ginny said hastily, cutting through her mum's monologue.

"What?" Arthur said, confused again. "You haven't accepted?"

Ginny shook her head and looked up at them again. "How can I accept him? We will never work!" she said loudly, if she said it loud enough then it might actually make them understand. "Our families and friends hate each other!"

Her mum and dad glanced at each other, and her dad sighed. "Ginny, that may be so," he said gently. "But I have no hate for this boy. Your mother has no hate for him. Don't let our distaste for his father influence your decisions. That goes for your brother too. His feelings for this boy are not your concern. If you love him, then you must accept him."

Ginny looked back at the pair of them, aghast. She had never expected them to be so understanding. "Why aren't you shouting at me?" she asked. "I thought you would be angry."

They both laughed. "Ginny, you are not a child anymore, we cannot force you to make decisions anymore," Molly said with a smile. "However much I would wish you did listen to me, we cannot be angry with you. Not over this."

"What about Harry?" Ginny asked. "I thought you would be upset that I had no intention of going back to him?"

"Harry let you go, darling, that is his mistake," Arthur said with a sigh. "We will always see him as a son, regardless of whether or not he is married to you. We certainly can't force a relationship between you two when you are to have another man's baby."

"I thought you blamed it on me, that Harry finished with me," she said, taken aback again.

"Dear Merlin! Of course we never blamed you, Ginny," her mum said, getting up to come around the table and hug her daughter. "I'm sorry if our pestering made you feel like that, we just wanted to help. We thought Harry would come around, thought that he just needed some space. But... Well, it doesn't matter anymore. Focus on yourself, Ginny, and on the baby. Like your father said, if you love this boy, then marry him. If not, then... You can make your own decisions."

Ginny felt tears coming by the way her eyes prickled and she sobbed as her mum pulled her into a hug. She felt her dad pat her on the back as he embraced her too and Ginny had never felt so mistaken in her life before. Never in a million years had she dreamed that her parents would be so accepting of Draco, of what she had done.

"Thank you, mum, and dad," she said through her tears, hugging them with all her might.

"Don't think this is the difficult bit over with," her dad said as they pulled away. "We've got to meet him first, marriage or not. And you will need to tell your brothers."

After her dinner with her parents, Ginny had disapparated to Draco's flat, having promised him that she would see him before the antenatal appointment tomorrow. There was apprehension twisting inside her stomach as she knocked on his door, knowing that her control would be tested again. She had taken her parents advice, she would consider his offer of marriage but she couldn't let him influence her decision in any way. It had to be her own decision, she had to figure out whether or not she was actually in love with him.

The door opened then, snapping her out of her thoughts, and Draco stood aside to allow her to pass before shutting the door behind her.

"What did you want to see me for?" she asked as she dropped her bag down by the sofa and took a seat.

"I've cancelled your antenatal appointments at St. Mungo's," he replied as he sat in the same armchair he had occupied before.

Ginny blinked. "What? You cancelled them?" she bristled. "Why would you that?! You can't just go and cancel my appointments, Draco!"

"Just calm down," he said with an infuriating smile. "This is for the best. Anyone can spot us going to St. Mungo's together and it doesn't take a genius to work out what we are doing there together," he explained. "And I don't trust the staff. No. I have secured a private mediwitch, who will see to all your needs throughout the pregnancy and during the birth."

Ginny had to admit, it did make more sense to do it this way but she was still annoyed at him. "Well, you should have at least asked me first," she said with a huff, folding her arms in indignation.

"I wanted it to be a surprise," he said, leaning forward. "It isn't everyday that a witch can get such personal care. It's a gift from me," he said gently. "I will cancel her services if you do not wish for this?"

Ginny stared at him, how could she be angry with him when he had intended it as a gift? What pregnant witch wouldn't want a personal mediwitch or wizard throughout the entire process? It was a scary thing to go through as it was. "She must be very expensive though, Draco," she said, biting her lip. She didn't want him to spend so much money.

Draco laughed. "When will you understand that cost doesn't matter?" he asked. "My mother has specifically instructed me to get only the best of everything, so that is what I will do. She will be disappointed to hear that I've allowed you to go to St. Mungo's."

Ginny sighed. "Well, I suppose it's fine then," she mumbled, still feeling uncomfortable at the amount of money he was spending.

"Excellent," he said. "She will be here soon."

Ginny baulked. "Your mother?" she asked, staring at him with wide eyes. She was not at all prepared for meeting his mother. She was dressed in jeans and a jumper again for a start, her hair was scrapped up into a ponytail and her makeup was very minimal. Narcissa Malfoy did not strike her as someone who would appreciate such a dressed down appearance.

"No, the mediwitch," he said, checking his watch and not noticing her relax.

"At this hour?"

"She comes when it is convenient for us, within reason, of course," he added. "What do you think I'm paying for?"

Moments later, there was a knock on the door and Draco stood up to answer it. A plump, round-faced woman stepped over the threshold and Ginny was reminded of her mother. That was a calming thought in itself.

"Mr. Malfoy, good to meet you," she said in a firm voice. "And I take it this is Miss Weasley?" she asked after shaking his hand and walking further into the living room. Ginny stood up and shook the woman's outstretched hand, and she had a firm but comforting grip. "I am Mrs. Florence. Pleased to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too," Ginny replied with a smile. "Thank you for coming."

The mediwitch smiled back at her, a fleeting look of surprise on her face as though she hadn't expected to be thanked. "You are very welcome, Miss Weasley," she said warmly.

"Please sit," Draco gestured to the sofa. "I will get my elf to arrange tea." Draco disappeared into the kitchen whilst the pair of them sat down.

"So, I take it you have been to St. Mungo's, Miss Weasley, for your previous appointments?" Mrs. Florence asked.

Ginny nodded. "I have," she replied. "Then Draco secured your services."

The mediwitch nodded. "It is good that he did, especially with this being your first baby," she said in a gentle voice. "It can be quite daunting for new mothers and, if you can afford it, it is always better to go for the more personal option. I will be on hand whenever you need me, Mr. Malfoy has my address. I always aim to get to my mother's within the hour. If I have a labour to attend to, then I will send an assistant in my stead. They are all very well-trained."

Ginny nodded as she spoke, feeling that this was a very personal service. It made her feel far more relaxed about the idea of giving birth. "I hope I shan't be too bothersome, at least."

Mrs. Florence laughed. "Nothing is ever too bothersome when it comes to my mother's. I am here to help you, and Mr. Malfoy, through this process," she said genially. "Ah, I do need to ask, did St. Mungo's give you an idea of when the baby will arrive?"

"Yes, in April," she replied.

Draco returned then, with Frisk at his heels, who held a large silver tray with tea cups and a teapot on it, with milk and sugar lumps on the side. He sat down in his favoured armchair whilst Frisk placed the tray on the table and began to serve them their tea.

"A spring baby, that will be nice," Mrs. Florence said. "It is never ideal to be carrying in the middle of summer. It is not at all good for the mother to be so hot and bothered. Spring is a perfect time."

Ginny smiled. "Yes, my mum had that trouble with me," she said with a shrug, thanking Frisk for the tea.

"Is there anything Ginny should be doing?" Draco asked. "To make sure the child is healthy, that is?"

"I'm glad you asked," the mediwitch replied after sipping her tea. "At the sixteen week mark, you should be able to start being more active again – that is if you no longer feel fatigued or sick?"

Ginny shook her head. "No, I'm feeling fine now," she replied.

"That's a good sign," Mrs. Florence said with a reassuring nod. "Light activity will be good for you and for the baby – walking, swimming, light exercise. Absolutely no Quidditch on any account," she added with a stern look. "And you must make sure you are getting the right foods, a balanced diet is always recommended generally, but now it is imperative that you eat well and often. It helps if the father does the same," she said pointedly to Draco. "I trust you have avoided alcohol?"

"Yes, of course," Ginny answered. "I've been strict on that account, though I will admit I have indulged in a fair amount of cake in the past week," she confessed, feeling a little embarrassed about this as she normally had good willpower when it came to food.

"That is normal," the mediwitch laughed. "You will get cravings, as most witches do whilst pregnant, but as long as you ensure you are not over indulging and getting those healthy foods in, then all should be well. Owl me if you need a list of recommended foods, my assistants will be able to send you our guide on the subject."

Ginny nodded. "I will, thank you."

"Do you have any other questions?" Mrs. Florence asked once she finished her tea. They both said no. "Excellent. Shall we see how the baby is doing then?"

Draco stood at once. "We will go upstairs," he said, unable to hide his excitement.

So they followed him upstairs into what Ginny assumed was his bedroom. She was grateful that she wasn't going in there alone with him as she dreaded to think what she would let happen in there. Especially as it smelled so strongly of him, like cinnamon and spices. Mrs. Florence asked her to lay on the bed and lift her jumper up, exposing her growing stomach. Draco stood as close as possible, excitement in his face but she could tell there was a little nervousness there in the way his brow creased.

As Mrs. Florence waved her wand over her and jotted down some notes, Ginny could help but feel self-conscious. Her stomach had been much flatter the last time Draco had seen it and, she knew it was absurd to feel this way, it made her wish he would stop looking at her so intently. She knew it was only because she was pregnant, but her body had changed since she had last been with him, her breasts were slightly bigger and her bottom, of course, her stomach was too.

"All seems perfectly well," the mediwitch finally announced, gesturing to Ginny that she could sit up now. "Nice, strong heartbeat – we will listen to it next time. It's a good size as well, almost the size of a lemon, and I would advise not sleeping on your back from this point on. Only because it can reek havoc on your blood pressure, so just be careful." Ginny nodded as she listened, pleased that all was going well so far. "There are special cushions you can purchase that allow you to sleep more comfortably on your side, if that is a problem."

"OK," she said. "I will have a look, I do prefer sleeping on my back so it might be difficult."

Mrs. Florence nodded as she packed away her notes. "I would say to avoid having sex on your back too," she said, still in her informative voice but it made Ginny baulk. Of course, she assumed her and Draco were together. "This is what we call the honeymoon period of the pregnancy, so enjoy it, enjoy each other whilst you can. The baby will soon take away a lot of your time." She finished putting her notes in her bag and smiled as she looked up at Ginny.

Ginny quickly returned it, deciding it was for the best that she believed her and Draco were together. It would save a lot of awkwardness. "Well, thank you, Mrs. Florence," she said as she stood up from the bed. "I suppose we will see you in a few weeks time."

"Yes, I will await your owl for when you are ready," she said. "But we should be able to hear the heartbeat better, and we will also be able to get a look at the baby as well."

They all walked back down to the living room and Draco showed her out. After she had gone, he went over to the drinks cabinet and poured himself a Firewhiskey, which he downed in one. "This is how it all started, you know," he said as he turned to face her, leaning against the cabinet. "Your eyes, like Firewhiskey..." he shook his head, chuckling to himself, "how they drew me in..."

Ginny just stared back at him and they gazed at each other for a moment before she stood up. She didn't like what was stirring in his own eyes – she did like what she saw there, it was her response to it that she didn't like. "I should be going now, then," she said clearly, turning hastily to make for the door.

Draco caught her before she could make it, his hand around her wrist, pulling her back to him. "Stay," he muttered as he pressed her to him.

"I can't," she said with a sigh. "I can't stay."

"There is a great many things you think you can't do, Ginny," he replied and he buried his face into the crook of her neck. "You're an adult. You can stay, it is more that you won't stay." Ginny could feel his hands on her, wrapping around her and making her feel safe, his hands touching the bare skin of her back again and his mouth at her throat, though he didn't kiss her there. "Why do you fight this? You want me as I want you, you are pregnant with my child – what stops you?"

"You always think you know," she replied as he looked at her.

Draco smirked. "I do know, I know what it means when your pulse quickens," he said confidently. "I've spent enough time with you now to know your desires, my little nymph..." he laughed low then and the sound made her breath catch. "Let me kiss you then," he murmured as he smirked still, looking down at her. "Let me kiss you before you leave, just a little kiss."

Ginny looked at his lips and felt her own parting with the anticipation of the feel of them touching hers. "Just a little kiss?" she asked softly. "And that's all?"

Draco nodded. "That's all," he replied, and he bent to kiss her before she could say yes. But she didn't need to say yes, he just knew, he did always know. As she always knew with him. They could communicate with a single look and be understood by each other, that much she had realised back on the island and it was clear to see now that it wasn't just the island that had made that possible.

Ginny let her fingers crease into his shirt as he held her close, his lips soft at first but then he demanded more. Draco always wanted more, a kiss couldn't be enough, not when there was so much tension between them. She parted her lips for him and he took the opportunity to deepen the kiss, as she knew he would, and she tasted the Firewhiskey when their tongues intertwined. It was like they intertwined, as Draco had said before – mind, body, soul. It was overwhelming being in his embrace, being kissed by him and she could feel her resolve ebbing away with each of his kisses.

"Draco... you must stop," she muttered as he turned his attentions to her neck.

"Why? This feels nice, doesn't it, Ginny?" he murmured against her throat, his voice vibrating on her skin and he carried on as though she never said a thing. His hot mouth at her pulse, kissing her and biting her, sending thrills through her as she remembered their trysts back on the island.

"Why do you do this?" she whispered. How could she make an informed decision on their future? How could she think about anything when he made her lose all sense of rationale?

Draco only laughed, a deep and low sound that went through her. "I do nothing," he said, returning to her lips again. "It's just a kiss, nothing more."

Ginny stared up at him as he smirked down at her. He knew full well it was more than a kiss, it was an invitation. An invitation to stay, an invitation to his bed. "It's never just a kiss with you."

Draco shrugged. "See it how you wish," he said quietly, and he lifted his hand up to trace along the curve of her lower lip. The touch made her breath catch. "If you fear that I wish for more, then I am not stopping you from leaving."

Ginny swallowed hard and stared up at him; she hadn't expected that he would suggest for her to leave. Only moments before, he had asked her to stay. "I thought you didn't want me to leave," she said quietly.

"I'm not going to force you to stay," he replied, his hand dropping to her stomach where he kept it, resting it there, his thumb stroking a gentle rhythm over the soft material of her jumper.

The feel of his touch there made her heart leap into her throat and she found that she couldn't possibly leave, not when the three of them were connected, not when it felt so peaceable being alone with him again. They were safe in his flat, alone together, safe from the judging eyes of others, and she was safe. She reached up to his neck and pulled him down to her, kissing him firmly on the lips and he reacted instantly to her touch.

Draco pulled her close and she could feel the racing pulse in his neck, she knew what he wanted and the low growl which escaped him only served to confirm what she had known all along. The fire ignited inside her at the sounds he made for her, a fire that had lain dormant for too long, and she kissed him harder, urgent and wanting.

"I knew my little nymph was in there," he said with a chuckle.

"Shut up, Draco," she hissed back before kissing him again.

Before she knew it, he was leading her upstairs and into his expansive bedroom and the moon now shone through the large glass windows over London, illuminating the room and casting a glow upon them as he sat on end of the bed, pulling her with him.

This is what she had feared would happen, but now she just couldn't think why she feared it. This was right, this was inevitable. Draco had always said it was inevitable. Her sense had left her downstairs, her reason had left her the moment he had kissed her, and so Ginny could only be consumed totally by him. There was no use in denying herself any longer and so her senses became overwhelmed by him, his scent, his touch, his taste, his sighs of pleasure and the sight of his lean body naked for her pushed her into her base mind, not relinquishing her until she was satisfied, until he was satisfied. Nothing in the world could matter, at least until morning.