Chapter 6
A week later, armed with a newfound hope and her friends sunny encouragement, Ginny smoothed out the nonexistent wrinkles of her silk gown as she stepped into a large ballroom. Out of habit, her eyes scanned the area, taking note of which spots would provide the best defensive position or possible escape routes. It was a skill that had kept her alive during the war, but now served as nothing more than a useful tool to network the room. As this evening was about nothing more than simply giving fate a chance, as Luna so eloquently put it, Ginny didn't bother immersing herself in the crowds. Instead she snatched a flute of champagne floating by and took the staircase to the split second level, positioning herself in the corner. It provided the perfect vantage point of being able to see most of the room with the added benefit of being out of sight. She hadn't missed the hungry and speculative eyes that had instantly fallen on her the second she entered. No doubt all eager to bear witness to train wreck that had become her life the past year. It seemed her night now had two goals; find Nott to appease the fates, and avoid the clutches of the gossiping hoards.
As far as plans went, the wait it out approach was not Ginny's style, as patience was not her strong suit, but she saw no other option than to wait until the a man in question arrived so she could oh so casually approach him. How she was going to do this without actually ever having had a civil conversation with the man was the next hurdle. One that she was willing to improvise when the time came.
Two glasses of champagne later and the pitfalls of her brilliant plan were becoming glaring obvious. She didn't actually have any idea if Nott was even going to bother to show up. Sure, he had accepted the RSVP, Ginny had pulled a few strings in the Ministry to see the guest list, however that didn't mean he would follow through. Hadn't she already learned the painful lesson that men could be unpredictable?
A sigh fell from Ginny's lips as she realized she was going to have to venture out of her safe haven at some point. The second level was becoming increasingly crowded and from the glances being thrown her way, it was only a matter of time before she was trapped in a painfully intrusive conversation. Being on the move was the only surefire way to avoid that horrid fate. The Ginny from last year would have glared and snarled at anyone that attempted to irritate her, but now she was too tired and dare she admit it- rather fragile about the subject that was surely bound to be thrown in her face.
Chin held high, Ginny set a fast, but still polite, pace down the grand staircase. Sadly her dress didn't get the memo about maintaining her dignity and caught under her heel on the last step. Muttering curses, Ginny hopped on one foot as she yanked the delicate material free, an increasingly difficult task as her other hand was still clutching her glass and trying not to add to the debacle by spilling everywhere.
Suddenly a hand landed on her elbow, steadying her; allowing Ginny to finally wrangle the troublesome gown into submission. Lifting her head to thank the stranger, Ginny let out a groan at the arrogant face looking down at her. In an instant, she yanked her elbow free, ignoring that his hand was surprisingly warm for a cold blooded Malfoy. She watched as Draco turned his attention away from her face, eyeing the half empty flute in her hand, most likely recalling the last time she had foolishly mixed with alcohol around him. Ginny flushed at the memory, quickly banishing it and desperately filling the silence before he could mock her. "I'm not drunk so bloody stuff it."
Cool gray eyes sparked with amusement even as his voice was aloof. "Ah Ginny, belligerent and crude, the telltale signs you're definitely your usual self."
Ginny snorted and pointedly ignored his use of her first name. Hopefully after failing to get a rise out of her, he would quickly become bored of the new game. "I must have forgotten the part where you became an expert on my usual self." She grinned in satisfaction at her mocking impression of him, not caring that it was beyond childish. Besides, it was one her better ones if she did say so. Too bad no one else was here to enjoy her efforts.
A sigh of disappointment escaped Ginny's lips when his only response to her antics was a raised brow. "Well, I happen to know that you don't attend these events unless it's mandated by the Ministry, so why are you here?"
She had forgotten just how observant Malfoy was; always had been actually. That annoying skill had most likely ensured his survival quite a few times over the years. Now he seemed to be using it for the sole purpose of trying to best her.
"I happen to care about helping the…" Ginny trailed off for a moment, brows furrowing. Oh well, not like her excuse was worth the effort to begin with. "What's tonight's charity anyway?"
"Saving dragons or maybe orphans." He paused, then gave a graceful shrug of his shoulders. "Or orphaned dragons."
Despite her best efforts, a small chuckle escaped Ginny's lips. "Your passion for philanthropy is inspiring."
Without missing a beat, Draco smirked. "One could say everything about me is inspiring. Which most do."
"Wow, such modesty. You really should learn to overcome that. Don't be afraid to brag a bit. Otherwise how will we all know how amazing you are?" Realizing that she was quickly losing thread of the conversation, and in no little part, the irritation she had been carrying towards him since their last encounter, Ginny steered them back to the topic at hand. "But that doesn't answer my question."
"Since you never answered mine, we'll call it even."
Ginny grinned, not at all disturbed by the fact he had seen through her avoidance tactic. It was impressive really, as most of her family and even Harry and Hermione had often fallen into that little trap. When she was younger, it had been an endless source of entertainment when Fred and George would join in, usually resulting in their mother forgetting her initial point and throwing her hands up in frustration. She practically cackled at the thought of how much she would have to annoy Malfoy to make him follow her mother's footsteps. It would be the most noble endeavor. "I'm going to assume that's your way of saying you have no clue."
Instead of defending himself like she predicted, Draco merely nodded. "No one here knows or cares what the excuse for tonight's party is. See and been seen, otherwise, what's the point?"
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Hmm, lets think, shall we? What in the world could the point of a charity ball be?" Tapping her chin as if in thought, Ginny looked up at him with comically wide eyes before snapping her fingers. "Oh, that's right- helping people. Or maybe dragons."
"If that was the purpose here, we would all merely toss our money at them without the grand displays and posturing."
As much as she hated to do it, Ginny conceded his point. After all, she had made the same cynical remarks to Harry over the years, albeit in a much more sarcastic- and she would like to think wittier- fashion.
"I can safely bet my vast fortune that we could ask anyone in this room and not one would know what we're supposed to be rescuing."
Ginny rolled her eyes at his blatant bragging. She wondered if he simply laid in wait until the perfect moment to casually mention his wealth. She was tempted to suggest he just charm a sign above his head declaring I have more money than you! However, her sarcastic retort would have to wait as his proposition was much more fascinating. She was never one to pass up a good wager. "You're on Malfoy."
Surprise and something that looked oddly like anticipation danced through his gray eyes. "Living dangerously, are we Ginny?" Before she could retort, Draco continued. "Here are the terms of the wager; we both get to choose 2 guests to ask, when we're done, we will find the hostess and determine if any of the answers match hers. If none do, which they won't of course, I win. You will then owe me a favor. Do you agree to these terms?"
The formal wording of the bet itself was nothing new to her, having participated in more than her share of formal wizard wagers over the years, however her head jerked head back in surprise at his price. Ginny looked up into his face, trying to get a read on him. Out of all the things he could have bet, that was the last thing she would have guessed. What the hell kind of favor could she provide? It's not as if she had more money or connections than he did. With a shrug, Ginny held out her hand and grinned when his enveloped hers. It's not as if she had too much on the line, he on the other hand…
"Deal. Of course when I win, the first thing I'm going to do is paint Malfoy manor a lovely Weasley orange. That would look splendid, don't you think?" Her grin widened at the cringe that met her words. His disdain for the idea made it all the more appealing. "Lets get this started."
There weren't too many people in attendance that she was on a first name basis, thus giving Draco the upper hand when it came to choosing the participants in their little game. She wasn't worried though, the additional challenge would make her victory that much sweeter. When her eyes caught sight of Nott in the crowd, Ginny bit her lip; torn at completing the bet or abandoning it in favor of pursing the true purpose of the night. It was a fleeting hesitation before she quickly reasoned that she could find Nott after. The temptation of the challenge was too strong, especially if it resulted in Malfoy's defeat.
Ginny stood up straighter as she spied the best option so far. Mr. Brinkel was a good man for the job; around her father's age and former Auror, he was bound to have an inkling about tonight's affair.
"Mr. Brinkel! How are you?"
The older man looked startled at their sudden arrival in front of him, but smiled and rolled with the new development. "Miss Weasley, I haven't seen you in ages. Why not since-" His voice suddenly cut off, before uncomfortably clearing his throat. Ginny's grin turned brittle in an instant as she knew the unspoken words hanging in the air. Not since her father's birthday party some eleven months ago; the same event that she and Harry had joyously announced their engagement. Once a beautiful memory was now a painful reminder. The guilty shifting of the older man did little to ease the sudden ache in her chest.
The game had suddenly lost its excitement.
Ready for the evening to be over, Ginny let out a small sigh and bluntly asked. "You know, I'm not sure what we're actually fundraising for tonight. Do you?"
Relief swept across Mr. Brinkel's face, happy that the awkward moment was being overlooked. "I can't say that I do. You know how these things go. Marla drags me along and I just enjoy the food."
Malfoy nodded politely and Ginny was vaguely surprised that he wasn't gloating at his apparent win in this round. Instead, he seemed vaguely put out as his voice was clipped. "Excuse us, we should greet the hostess."
Ginny mustered up a farewell smile for the man and followed Malfoy's path. Maybe he was suddenly just as tired of this night as she was?
"Your pick next, Malfoy."
Without responding, Draco took her hand and tucked it into the crook of his elbow, leading her towards a beautiful blonde showing far too much leg through a bold slit in her dress, who appeared to be holding court over four besotted looking wizards. Upon spotting Malfoy however, the woman immediately ignored her admirers.
The blonde's emerald eyes narrowed at Ginny before she let out a simpering whine. "Draco darling, where have you been? We were just saying how boring this party is without you. I've been especially missing you."
"Yes, it looks like you've been beside yourself." Draco retorted dryly. "I was just discussing how important tonight's occasion is. After all, I don't think anyone could argue that the proceeds are truly going to a noble cause. Don't you agree?"
The woman nodded eagerly. "Absolutely, you know how I take it upon myself to help those in need. I would say it's more than a passion. It's a calling."
For a moment, Ginny worried that if her eyes rolled any further back she would cause permanent damage. It was nearly impossible to bite back the mocking words that were so desperate to spill forth and from the amused gray eyes watching her, Draco knew her struggle. However, the bet was hinging on the vapid woman's answers, so Ginny restrained herself.
The impressed look that crossed Draco's face was so patently fake it was bordering on absurd, but the simpering blonde preened at the attention. Draco's eyes flickered briefly down to meet Ginny's before sending her a sly smile. "I wasn't aware that you cared so much about eradicating the bat bogeys."
A startled laugh burst from Ginny's throat, the sound foreign after so long. Belatedly, Ginny covered her mirth with a small half hearted cough, before sending Draco an appreciative wink. For some reason, it was oddly touching that he remembered her trademark hex from so many years ago. Although, the fact that he had once been on its receiving end might explain his sharp memory.
The still unnamed woman nodded vigorously, clearly pretending Ginny didn't exist. It was clear by this point that no one was going to waste time with introductions Ginny mused wryly. "Absolutely! The damage they cause is horrendous!"
Ginny shook her head in disagreement, finding it suddenly much easier to offer a sincere grin. "Oh, I don't know. They've taken care of nasty little pests on occasion. Useful in my opinion."
Before the now frowning woman could retort, Ginny pulled Draco away with the hand still tucked into his bent elbow. "Lovely chat, but we must be going."
Neither bothered to wait for the woman's response before they walked into the crowd. Voice smug, Draco leaned down to murmur. "Two points for me, worried yet?"
"Not even close, still two more to go. Besides you were practically spoon feeding her the wrong answer. Cheater." Ginny muttered distractedly, scanning the room. A new surge of competitiveness was rushing through her system and she would not back down.
"That was simply showing a little finesse, but if you would prefer…" Draco pulled them to a sudden stop, tapping on someone's shoulder in front of them. The woman turned and Ginny immediately recognized her as a Slytheryn from Malfoy's class. She was pleased to note that the older woman had grown into her features since their school days. "Bulstrode, what's tonight's charity?"
The woman in question studied Ginny with curiosity for a moment before shrugging. "Hell if I know."
"Splendid, tell Tracey hello from me."
"Will do. Later, Malfoy." Bulstrode turned back around to her prior discussion, not seeming bothered by the random interruption in her conversation. Draco for his part seemed just fine with her abrupt dismissal. From their easy familiarity, it was clear that there was a long standing friendship between the two.
However Ginny didn't have time to waste musing about Slytherin friendships, she had one last shot to win and the odds were against her.
"Should we even bother continuing or just declare me the winner?" Draco pondered. "I wouldn't hold it against you for trying to maintain your dignity."
As if the universe had sensed her plight, the crowds parted and Ginny couldn't suppress a wild grin. Her salvation was in sight. Yanking Malfoy by their linked arms, Ginny gracelessly dragged him through the crowds until triumphantly reaching her destination. If there was a moment she wished she could capture forever, it was the wide eyes and slack jawed look of shock that covered Draco's face. It was a sight to behold. The true vision of imminent victory!
"Miss Weasley. Mr. Malfoy." Minerva McGonagall studied the pair in front of her, suppressing her surprise as she took in every detail with lightning speed. It was interesting to note the way the red head grasped young Malfoy's arm, and even more telling was the fact that he let her.
The casual touch spoke of a comfortable familiarity she had not previously been aware of. Judging from the many blatantly curious looks being thrown their way, not many others had been either. The odd pair didn't even seem to be aware of the fact that the sight was causing such a stir– a very shocking oversight from the usually keen young Malfoy.
Very interesting indeed.
As a headmaster, Minerva often pondered the future of her many pupils- both past and present, but had never thought to even dream of this outcome. Then again, the bold young Gryffindor in front of her had been through a drastic emotional upheaval this past year. As for Draco Malfoy, her experiences with him over the years had shown that he had changed from the mean spirited boy she once taught. How the two had ended up not only in the same orbit, but apparently willingly so was a mystery Minerva was not ashamed to admit fascinated her. Not for the first time, she wished her old friend Albus was a witness to this sometimes strange and unexpected new world. There was no doubt he would have found this completely delightful.
It was clear that the young couple were expecting something from her as Miss Weasley was practically bouncing with glee while her partner seemed resigned. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Professor. Lovely to see you. " Ginny's eyes sparkled, a sight the older witch had not seen in some time. "We were actually wondering if you knew the charity we were supporting tonight?"
Minerva held back a frown at the unexpectedly simple request, unsure as to why her answer seemed so important to the two. "Of course, it's to assist in the relocation of orphaned dragons in Greece." In her opinion, those simple words should not have caused such a dramatic reaction, but the moment she finished speaking, the red head gasped loudly and slapped Draco's shoulder while he let out a strangely carefree chuckle. It was a sound she had never once heard from the young man, but found pleasant to her ears.
"Orphaned dragons, huh? I think I heard that somewhere." Ginny sent a pointed look to her companion, receiving nothing in return but raised brows and a careless shrug.
As if suddenly remembering her presence, the pair turned back to the older witch.
"We thank you for the assistance, Professor." Malfoy sent her a respectful nod. His overly formal countenance never failed to spark amusement in Minerva. No matter that she saw him often throughout the years, as he was the supplier of her more complicated potions. Only once had she suggested a more informal greeting, but it had quickly been met with discomfort and them promptly ignored. To be fair, it seemed many of her prior students had the same affliction, as none of the Weasley children- now young adults actually- or their friends could bring themselves to call her by her first name. It was rather gratifying to know that she had such a lasting effect.
"Yes, thank you Professor. Your help was very enlightening. Excuse us please." Ginny added, a bright grin still covering her face.
As soon as Minerva nodded her goodbye, the pair was wandering off into the crowd once more as they chatted animatedly, neither noticing the pointed attempts of other party goers to gain their attention- nor of the now thoughtful gaze of their former professor watching them with the briefest of smiles.