Chapter 2

Obscenities and muttered grumblings drifted down the usually quiet halls of the Department of Magical Wards and Protection. While not a totally shocking occurrence to encounter in the high stress world of the Ministry, what was slightly disconcerting was the way each member of said department paused briefly upon hearing the crude phrases and let out a small smile of relief.

To any outsider, the reactions seemed drastically out of place. However, for those that had been subjected to the quiet and subdued atmosphere of Ginny Weasley's office in the past seven months, the sudden change was a source of joy. The return of passion, even in the form of frustration, was a sign that maybe things were finally returning to normal.

Upon joining the department of Magical Wards and Protection so many years ago, Ginny had been a fireball of energy and ideas.

It had taken all of magical England by surprise when the newly minted war hero – as well as holder of the coveted title of girlfriend to the savior of the Wizarding world- had shunned prestigious positions thrown at her and ignored the more exciting endeavors sent her way. Instead, Ginny had eagerly jumped into an often overlooked, but extremely important role, of Ward Handler. It wasn't as flashy as the role of Auror or as mysteriously sexy as curse breaker- still it was a vital part of the work that both did on a daily basis.

To Ginny, it was a passion that she had continuously stumbled upon over the years until she could not deny that simply put, it made her happy. She had first discovered a knack for easily detecting wards as a small child- much to her mother's chagrin when it was time to hide presents. Her time in Dumbledore's army had revealed that she was also rather skilled at creating her own- many even exceeding those that members of the Order could make. The day Tonks and Reamus had proudly declared this fact was a memory that Ginny still gathered strength from when faced with some of her hardest cases. It wasn't until her hellish last year at Hogwarts though that Ginny started to realize just how crucial her skills may actually be.

With Hogwarts overrun by Death Eaters and finding herself now in charge of a rebellion- along with Neville and a few other brave 6 and 7th years-Ginny had taken it upon herself to seek out the mysteries of the castle and find protection for the vulnerable students she was now tasked with protecting. She had quickly learned that not only was she a natural at detecting even the most powerful and subtle of wards in addition to creating her own, but she was also naturally skilled at unraveling those that she encountered. The work that most wizards found too complex, tedious and sometimes seemingly impossible was exciting to Ginny and felt like an intriguing puzzle that had multiple moving pieces.

The entire department had welcomed her enthusiasm, especially when paired with such skill, with open arms and within a few short years, Ginny found that the most difficult cases often found their way to her desk. Coworkers would drop by to get her opinion and she would venture out to fieldwork with glee.

Which was why, upon the brutally publicized heart break Ginny had endured and her withdrawn demeanor for the better part of the year, the offices had felt overwhelmingly gloomy. If questioned, no one would dare admit it, but there had been a few muttered conversations over drinks about adding some harmless inconveniences to Harry Potter's seemingly perfect life as retribution for breaking the spirit of one of their own. While Harry Potter was their hero, Ginny Weasley was their friend. Of course, nothing ever came from these discussions, and it was just a mere coincidence that last month Sally Salazman forgot to remove a blistering puss ward from a location that Auror Potter happened to be at. It was an oversight- because of course wards are complex and sometimes evolving things and no one was to blame for the simple mistake. Besides, there was no serious damage done. Auror Potter was fine, having only endured a week of vile tasting potions and oozing and itching blisters. The fact that it just so happened to coincide with the Ministry's annual ball- with mandatory attendance for all Ministry workers- and prevented him and his new girlfriend- now wife- from attending was nothing to speculate over. Merely a series of unfortunate events.

Ginny, while clearly miserable, had looked rather relieved at lack of the happy couple. Which to the entire department, even that slight improvement was a cause for celebration. A satisfied grin crept onto Sally's face as she walked by the office, watching for a moment as the very angry red head continued her diatribe. Unwilling to disturb the young woman, Sally continued on her way, humming a peppy tune.

"Stupid buggering piece of shite." Ginny muttered at the small device in her hand. "Why won't you listen to me!"

Letting out a huff, Ginny fell back into her chair and contemplated the item in question. For the last five days, Ginny had poured every ounce of her energy into solving the mystery of this magical relic. Anyone that was familiar with her many moods would have immediately been able to see that it wasn't simply for curiosity's sake either.

Ginny Weasley was on a mission.

One that had started almost immediately since returning home from that farce of a family picnic. Tired and emotionally raw, Ginny had finally convinced her family to let her to escape from the Burrow with the clear intention of promptly falling into bed to cry herself to sleep, as was her newest ritual. However, unlike so many nights before, upon returning home, Ginny stopped short before she could continue with her pathetic plans. As she was removing her robes, her hand skimmed the cool metal in her pocket and curiosity overtook her. It was a welcome feeling that she hadn't felt in far too long.

Sitting on her bed, Ginny smoothed her fingers over the engravings, frowning as she realized that the flowers actually spelled out a name. Had that been there before? Ginny was almost certain it hadn't, but then again tears had been blurring her vision at the time, so maybe it had...

Althania

Years later, when her own story was retold to younger generations, it would go that upon the momentous discovery, Ginny had gracefully jumped into action with a determined glint in her eye.

Far less impressive was what actually happened. Startled by the familiar name, Ginny immediately fell off her bed and landed in an ungainly heap. There she stayed for the next hour as she stared wide eyed at the possession of her favorite ancestor.

Tracing the name, Ginny softly murmured her favorite childhood story to herself. By the end of the tale, there was a soft swell of hope deep in her chest as Ginny contemplated just what she was holding. Could this be the magical tool that had lead Althania to her one true love? Was there a chance that this whole time, it had simply been shoved away in their attic? It most certainly was a very real possibility as with most pureblood families, the Weasleys tended to cherish their family antiques- even if they were unceremoniously stashed away.

So if this was in fact the magic gift bestowed upon her ancestor, what did that mean for Ginny herself? It was a question that followed Ginny into a restless sleep. The following day, she had restlessly roamed her small flat, her mind a whirl of thoughts as her hand continuously drifted back to the pocket housing the small object.

It wasn't until the evening paper was delivered with a sudden pop on her dining table that her fragmented thoughts began to form a unified idea. It appeared that the newlyweds were still a captivating topic, especially since pictures from the joyous event had started to make their way into reporters hands. There didn't seem to be an end in sight as far as Ginny was concerned. The wizarding world was fascinated by their savior's every move and as such, papers felt the need to report even the most trivial facts.

With a dejected sigh, Ginny watched a picture of Harry and his new wife, dressed in elegant wedding robes, grin at each other as if sharing a particularly amusing secret. An angry sob broke from her throat at the image and with a shriek she threw the paper across the room. How could Harry possibly be that happy while she was so miserable? How was it fair that he had gotten his happily ever after and it didn't include her?

Most of all, when was this agony going to fade so Ginny could have her own fairytale ending? She was so tired of it all that she would practically do anything to change the current state of affairs. Holding the metal object in her hand, Ginny wished her ancestor was here to sympathize with her. For if anyone understood what Ginny was going through, it was the desperate heartbroken woman from that tale.

In an instant, a flash of understanding washed across Ginny. Althania had been in exactly the same position as Ginny herself. Only, she hadn't allowed it to dictate her life. Instead, she took matters into her own hands and made damn sure that she got the life she wanted.

There were many things that Ginny believed in and fate just so happened to be near the top of that list. Maybe she was meant to stumble into the attic that day. After all, what were the odds that just as Ginny was feeling the same despair as Althania once had, that she would find the solution to the other woman's problem? She was sure if she asked Hermione that the brilliant witch could calculate the odds, however that wasn't necessary for Ginny.

This was her destiny, it had to be.

With a sudden conviction, Ginny stared down at the piece of metal and made a vow that she would find her own heart's desire just as her ancestor had.

So with a newfound determination fueled by hope, Ginny ignored the owls of her family and firmly sent away all those that unexpectedly dropped by. Oddly, they all listened to her and provided her with solitude. Ginny didn't realize that it was the sudden reappearance of the spark in her eyes that allowed her family to breathe easier and provide her with the space she so clearly desired.

For days, Ginny had tried every spell she knew, and researched many that she hadn't even known existed. Still, nothing she did seemed to get the thing to work for her. Honestly, she didn't even know how it was supposed to work. All she had was a vague childhood story that didn't provide any sort of direction.

Ginny might have been discouraged by her lack of progress or allowed doubts to creep in at the thought that it was only meant to work for Althania. However, she could feel the pulses of magic coming off the device in waves and oddly, it felt as though it was calling out to her in encouragement. It was rather impossible to explain without making herself seem crazy, but luckily she found unwavering support from her closest friend. Which was fortunate as three days into her futile attempts, Ginny found herself in desperate need of a pep talk.

"I see what you mean." Luna said in her dreamy voice. Holding the object in question close to her ear, the witch let out a small hum. "Magical items have a spirit of their own. This one has been waiting for you."

A relieved sigh escaped Ginny's lips. "You think so too? I was sure I was starting to lose my mind."

Luna let out an airy laugh. "It doesn't like being parted from you for so long." As she reached over to drop it back into the redhead's hand, her voice lowered. "Neither do I."

Ginny's eyes darted to her friend's face and she studied the woman that she loved like a sister. How long had it been since Ginny had called Luna or merely spent a few hours with her? Too long, by Ginny's calculations. Sure, the blonde had been there in the first few months of Ginny's heartbreak, offering her support, but as time passed, Ginny had begun to avoid the rest of the world in favor of wallowing in her misery. Shame washed over her as she realized that beyond ten minutes here and there when it couldn't be avoided, Ginny had not actually spent any time with her dearest friends. Far too caught up in her own despair, she had totally lost sight of what she did have.

"Oh Luna, I've missed you too!" With a slight pang of surprise, Ginny realized the absolute truth to her words. How had she not realized this sooner? "I'm so sorry! Tell me everything I've missed out on."

"I've never been angry at you, just sad is all." Luna's blue eyes sparkled as she spoke. "I'm surely pleased to have you back now though. I think I'll especially need you in six months."

Ginny frowned in puzzlement at the odd comment, her eyes widening as she took in the way Luna's hand lowered to rest on her still flat stomach. A squeal of delight escaped Ginny's lips as she grabbed the other witch in a tight hug. "I'm so happy for you! Was Viktor through the moon?"

The blonde seemed to glow at the mention of her husband, nodding in response to the question. It had been a surprise to the entire world when eligible bachelor and six times world cup Quidditch champion, Viktor Krum, had married nobody Luna Lovegood. It was even more of a shock when the couple exceeded expectations and beat the four year mark. Many had lost good money on that bet.

The rest of the afternoon was spent with Ginny catching up on all the details she had missed out from her friend's life while in her self-imposed exile. Before leaving however, Luna had spouted off a list of spells and a few unusual ingredients to help with Ginny's plight.

Which was how Ginny found herself traipsing through the less than popular Beetles, Bottles and Brooms Shop the next day. She had always avoided the odd shop in favor of Diagon Alley's establishments, but as she needed more unique ingredients, this was her best bet. So caught up in making sure she had everything on her list, Ginny wasn't watching where she was going and too late realized her mistake. Slamming into a hard body, all of her new purchases fell to the ground where she surely would have ended up had a muscular arm not steadied her at the last moment.

"Oof, sorry about that." Ginny's voice faded as she met a familiar smirking face and haughty gray eyes. "Malfoy."

"Weasley."

When he didn't continue and just stared down at her with his infuriating arrogance, Ginny huffed to herself and bent down to retrieve her items. Of course the git didn't even attempt to assist her, just watched with eagle eyes her every movement. Probably thought he was too good to do such manual labor.

"Either you're making a love potion or are planning a moonlight erotas ceremony." An amused brow rose and his smirk grew. "Both are equally pathetic just so you know."

A hot blush spread across her cheeks at the implication that she would resort to either thing. Both were scraping close to rock bottom in Ginny's opinion. The spells that Luna suggested simply required some aspects of each- which was not even close to the same thing as Ginny wasn't attempting to sucker some poor wizard into loving her. She was searching for her one true love, not a temporarily manufactured feeling.

Never one to back down from a challenge, Ginny narrowed her eyes. "Well how would you know what goes in either if you haven't done them yourself?"

Ginny tilted her chin up in satisfaction at her argument. There, that would show the stupid prat.

Instead of looking put out by her words, his lips twitched in actual amusement. "I'm a potions master."

The huff of pride Ginny had felt just a moment ago vanished. Of course she knew that. All of bloody England knew that Draco Malfoy had entered the elite profession and excelled at it. Honestly, what was wrong with Ginny? Hadn't she actually had a conversation about this very topic with Harry, Hermione and Ron over dinner a few times over the years? Harry had been pleased that his former nemesis was doing so well. While he would never say what exactly happened, Harry had visited the Malfoy family a few weeks after the last battle and had returned with a sense of closure. Hermione and Ron had been of the same thought that Draco was attempting to prove to the masses that he was a contributing member of society in order to rebrand the Malfoy name. Why else would one of the richest men in the country enter such grueling training for a profession he didn't even need?

"I figured it was just a rumor because if you were one, I surely thought you would have mastered a potion that would remove the broom from your ass." With that, Ginny spun on her heel and marched away with her head held high. She had more important things to do than verbally spar with Draco Malfoy.

The rush to get home did little good as Ginny found herself back to square one the next day. No matter what she did, the little device sat there thrumming with magic and taunting her with a lack of response.

Which was how Ginny found herself in her office cursing at the stubborn piece of metal. "Just bloody do something! Anything!"

When nothing happened, Ginny gently rubbed the engraving and felt her anger seep away into a bone deep fatigue. "Please work, I don't know how much longer I can go on like this."

In a flash of blinding purple light, Ginny found the world spinning around her for what felt like ages. As fast as it had started, it abruptly stopped. She stumbled forward, grabbing a nearby wall as her vision attempted to right itself. What the hell had just happened? Looking down at the small object clenched in her death grip, Ginny felt the magic pulsing from it in powerful waves. Was it really that simple? All she had needed to do was ask?

More importantly, now what?

Looking around her, Ginny realized that for one thing, she was no longer in her office. From what she could tell, she was in the back room of an office. Or maybe a restaurant? From the sounds of lively laughter and the clinking of cutlery from the other room, she was leaning towards a restaurant. Voices closer to her drew Ginny's attention and she realized she was actually standing in a small hallway directly outside of a private room.

Crossing her fingers that she wasn't interrupting a delicate affair, Ginny softly walked closer to the room and poked her head out of her hiding spot, immediately blanching as two things became clear. The first was that the device in her hand was gaining in strength as she moved closer to the private room and thus closer to its inhabitants. Second, neither of the two men in the room were what she had been hoping for when dreaming of her soulmate.