Chapter 4

As a rich and famous Quidditch player, Viktor Krum had lived in mansions, castles, impressive yachts and private resorts. Over the top luxury was by now a familiar companion. So it would have come as a surprise to his adoring fans that his cherished home was a small cottage nestled between lazy rolling hills. Just a simple structure with a colorful garden and an overhanging porch where he could tune out the stresses of the world and enjoy the soothing presence of his wife. On most of his mornings off from his hectic schedule of training and games, they would cuddle on the porch swing that overlooked the abundance of blooming flowers and soak in the serenity that surrounded them.

When a loud groan floated out of the open window above him, followed by the telltale sound of mumbled curses, Viktor immediately understood that it was not going to be one of those mornings. The thought didn't bother him though as he could see the joy in his wife's face at her dearest friend's proximity, even if the other woman was currently grumbling rather creative curses at the sun.

Ginny covered her face with her arm in attempt to block out the persistent sunlight, however even that small movement added to the painful throbbing in her head. Abandoning her futile attempts, Ginny sat up and frowned at the familiar bedroom. She had stayed in Luna's guestroom enough to immediately recognize it, but that didn't explain what she was doing here in the first place. A quick glance to the bedside table revealed that Luna was just as thoughtful as she had always been and left out a bottle of hangover potion and a glass of water. Without hesitation, Ginny downed both and immediately felt the drums in her head cease. Once more able to think clearly, Ginny racked her brain for just what had happened the day before. As much as she wished otherwise, she could clearly remember the device working and just what the horrid results of her tireless efforts had been.

It felt cruel that the universe would think to pair her with either of the men in that room. She had thought the damn device would lead her to true love, not the sources of some of her worst memories. Maybe it was wrong? Or perhaps faulty? After all, it was centuries old. With a nod at her rationalizations, Ginny pushed down the hard ball of dread in her stomach.

There, that was settled. She would simply forget about this bizarre quest and none would be the wiser beyond herself and Luna. And Merlin knew that if there was anyone she trusted with her deepest secrets, it was the fiercely loyal blonde.

The thought of fair hair suddenly reminded Ginny of another, far less trustworthy confidante. The image of Malfoy filled her mind and Ginny let out an angry scream of frustration as her mind was suddenly filled with memories of an afternoon of drinking and casually revealing her bizarre thoughts. Hadn't Ginny learned the hard way that she couldn't hold her alcohol? Her drunk self was far too trusting and frighteningly honest. Mortification filled her veins at all she had revealed to Malfoy. Was she just a glutton for punishment these days?

Ginny was pulled from her self-hatred by Luna's cheerful voice. "Oh good, you're awake. Did you sleep well?"

Without bothering to answer, Ginny stumbled out of the bed and rushed past her friend. "Where's your paper?"

The blonde didn't need to bother with a response as Ginny's gaze landed on the pages sitting on the table. Trembling hands yanked them to her as she frantically scanned each headline, flipping through it twice before finally shaking her head in disbelief.

Nowhere in the papers was a headline declaring that pathetic Ginny Weasley was spiraling out of control in a quest for a desperate rebound. Confusion swirled through her. Had Malfoy not sold her out? After her shocking declarations the day before, surely he would have found it amusing to share her insane ramblings with the rest of the world. Only, he hadn't.

There was no time to dwell on his motives. Time was ticking and it was imperative that Ginny explain precisely- or to be more accurate, threaten profusely- why he should keep his mouth shut.

"I love you! Promise we'll get together later this week, yeah?" Ginny waited only long enough to receive a smile and nod in response before she was apparating away.

Viktor walked into the kitchen in time to see the redhead disappear. "Everything is ok?"

Luna grabbed her husband's hand and curled against his side. "Much better than it's been in a long time. Care to join me on the porch?"

A startled shout from outside his office was all the warning Draco got before a red whirlwind entered his office, hair tangled and clothes rumpled.

His efficient secretary rushed in right after her, looking panicked and out of breath. "Sorry Mr. Malfoy, she just apparated in with no warning!"

With a casual wave of his hand, Draco addressed the stressed woman, but his eyes never left the intruder standing in front of him. "Thank you Portia, that will be all."

Clearly reluctant to leave her boss with the crazed looking woman, Portia was a professional to the bone and followed his orders, the soft click of the door behind her echoing in the room.

As if that was her cue, Ginny suddenly advanced on him, both hands leaning against the expensive mahogany desk as she glared at her adversary. "Listen here Malfoy."

"Oh, we're back to last names? But I specifically remember you telling me there were too many bloody Weasleys and to call you Ginny." Draco leaned back in his chair, enjoying the splotches of red that colored Ginny's face.

Actually, if her drunken memories served her right, Ginny had forcefully demanded that he use her first name. For some reason in her state of inebriation, it had seemed crucial.

"Malfoy. Listen." Ginny growled, trying again.

Before she could continue however, Draco interrupted. "Yes Ginny?"

"Would you stop that?" How this frustrating man was declared one of Witch Weekly's top 3 eligible bachelors, Ginny would never know. They probably had never attempted to have a conversation with him.

"Stop what, Ginny?" While his tone was innocent, his eyes revealed that he knew just how much he was grating on her nerves.

"Oh honestly, what are you, a first year?" An irritated huff escaped her as she stood up straight. Clearly her intimidation tactic wasn't working, so why bother. For the first time since entering the room, Ginny looked around, her eyebrows going up at the posh interior. While the whole thing screamed casual elegance, it didn't really speak for his profession. "I thought you were a potions master?"

"Contrary to popular belief, not all of us sit in a cold dungeon all day. Despite what Snape may have lead us to believe."

Against her best attempts, Ginny felt her lips tug up at the dry retort. Finding the large space more than a little intriguing, she walked to the far side of the room, studying the little bottles that lined one wall. This was likely the only time in her life she would be here, might as well satisfy her curiosity. Her eyes caught one that was filled with sparkling blue smoke and she gently picked it up, holding the pretty concoction up to the light.

"As much fun as this has been, did you storm into my office just to poke around my office? Speaking of, impressive breaching of my wards."

At the lack of mockery in his tone, Ginny floundered for a response as she turned to face him. Never once in her life had she expected any sort of praise from his lineage. "A Malfoy praising a Weasley, what's the world coming to?"

"Yes, I'm quite disturbed as well. Although it does explain the sinister horseman I saw this morning."

A smirk crossed Draco's lips at her snort of amusement. Ginny wondered when he had developed an actual sense of humor because she sure as hell knew he hadn't been full of dry witticisms back at Hogwarts. Or maybe she just hadn't been in the mindset to appreciate them at the time. Not that it mattered, Ginny reminded herself. She was here on a mission, not to trade quips with the man. "Anyway, about why I'm here. I wanted to make sure that you realized our discussion yesterday was private. Drunken ramblings you should definitely forget and never ever mention to anyone- ever. Otherwise there might be some very unpleasant consequences- for you."

There. Ginny was positive even the most daft wizard would have understood the veiled threat in her words.

"Ah, you mean about your impending engagement? I couldn't share the good news even if I wanted to. It's not as if you've even decided on the groom yet." The grin on Draco's face could only be described as gleeful. Ginny might have taken a moment to appreciate the way it made his usually sharp features soften, giving him a more approachable aura. However she was far too busy grinding her teeth in rage to take note of the change. "That's extremely poor form you know. Especially announcing the upcoming nuptials without even informing either of the potential grooms."

She had not resorted to solving arguments with hexes since her Hogwarts days, even in the past year when there were occasions that would have been more than justified, but oh how she was tempted in this very moment. "Just keep your bloody trap shut Malfoy."

"Why the sudden secrecy? Second thoughts perhaps? But you seemed so sure yesterday." The grin slowly slipped from Draco's lips as his eyes narrowed meaningfully on the bottle in her grasp and his voice turned contemplative. "Almost as if you had a guarantee."

For a moment, Ginny puzzled over his words until realization of his subtle accusation came to her. "For fucks sake Malfoy." She hissed, stomping her foot in agitation. "I already told you I'm not making a love potion! If you don't believe me, ask Luna."

Just as unexpectedly as Ginny had arrived, with a quick flick of her wand, she was gone. Leaving Draco looking at the empty space thoughtfully.

It wasn't until she was standing in her own flat that Ginny realized she was still holding the shimmering little bottle.

"Son of a bitch."