Chapter Seven

"I hardly recognise myself," I said as I smoothed my hands down the sides of my dress self-consciously.

"You look gorgeous," was Hermione's enthusiastic response.

Luna, who'd also come over to provide moral support while I got ready for tonight's gala, nodded her head dreamily. "Yes. Like a majestic Articuno."

I thanked my friends without missing a beat - I had no idea what an Articuno was, but at this point I usually assumed her comments were intended as compliments.

It wasn't that I disagreed with them - I knew I scrubbed up well when I made the effort - it was that I didn't look like me. Draco had surprised me by arranging for a stylist to come over and do my hair and makeup, and I felt so bad for the harried witch when she arrived on my doorstep I could hardly turn her away. She'd taken my comments on board for my look (hair pinned up and away from my face so I wouldn't have to worry about wrecking it, along with natural looking makeup) but I hadn't been prepared for my appearance to be so flawless. It was unsettling, to say the least.

There was a firm rap on my front door, in such a precise and measured manner that it could only have been Draco, and it looked like I didn't have any more time to mull over my appearance.

"Well. Wish me luck," I said to my friends by way of goodbye, before they left via the Floo and I let Draco in.

Draco looked me over when he entered, giving me a prompt nod which I assumed was his approval of my outfit, before settling on my settee. "How do you feel?" he asked.

Looking at Draco in his formal, three-piece charcoal suit, I felt hot and I couldn't formulate words. He looked classy and handsome and I couldn't help but imagine removing each item of his outfit one by one, personally ruining that perfectly polished exterior. I took my time memorising the lines of his body as he sat in my living room, hoping that my perusal wasn't too transparent .

"Fine," was all I offered him as an answer, and while he arched a brow at my delayed reply, he made no mention of the blush that crept along my cheeks. "That stylist was totally unnecessary, by the way."

"I know," he replied. "I also knew you wouldn't say no if she turned up on your doorstep."

I scowled at him. "In future, we discuss this kind of thing first. You know I don't like other people making executive decisions."

"I know," he repeated with a smirk as he checked the time on his pocket watch and I wanted to tear my hair out. "Are you ready to go?"

I sat down on the sofa next to him in order to holster my wand in the leather band around my calf, enjoying Draco's appreciative expression as I lifted my dress and exposed part of my leg. "Now I am."

"Excellent." He stood, then offered his hand to help me up, and we made our way outside.

To my surprise, a car waited for us at the end of my garden path - the sleek, black lines of this car looked far more expensive than the beat-up one we'd owned years ago. "We'll need to make an entrance," Draco said by way of explanation as he helped me in, then walked around the car and entered on the other side. "And we wouldn't want to ruin your dress by taking the Floo."

I didn't miss the calculating look in his eye. "You really think of everything, don't you?"

"I have a high attention to detail."

A short drive later, I was greeted by erratic camera flashes as the driver held the door open and helped me out of the car. I tried not to feel totally awkward while I stood up and tried to keep the slit in my dress in place. Luckily, I didn't hear any horrified yells, so I assumed I hadn't revealed too much while I exited the vehicle.

Draco was at my side an instant later, linking my arm through his to escort me inside.

"Remind me what this benefit is for?" I asked as I smiled for the cameras.

"We're here to raise money for children affected by the war."

I looked from the plush carpet at my feet, up to the ancient building we'd arrived at. "Can you imagine how much it cost to hire all of this stuff? We could have just given them that money."

"Yes, but then you wouldn't look as good in front of the press." Draco tilted his head down to whisper in my ear, the gesture feeling romantic and intimate though the words were not. "Take some questions."

I looked over the jostling reporters either side of me and spotted a familiar face - Phileas Flanigan, who wrote for the sports section at The Prophet. He'd attended many of my post-match press conferences over the years, and I guessed he'd been delegated to this event due to the fact many of my peers would be attending tonight. I gestured for him to speak, and the remaining reporters quieted in order to hear his question.

"You look beautiful tonight, Ginevra," he began, and I nodded my head and forced a smile at Phileas, despite the fact the leading comment on my appearance grated me. "How will attending this event affect your preparation for the match against the Wasps on Friday?"

"Not at all," I answered, happy we were starting with somewhat familiar territory. "As you know, the team is very strict with our pre-game preparation, and we have firm restrictions on 'partying' during the Quidditch season. I'll be on my best behaviour tonight."

Apparently the remaining reporters weren't pleased with discussion of my profession, because there was a great surge and they all began to yell questions over each other.

"Ginny! How is your family taking your new relationship?"

"Will you be moving into Malfoy Manor?"

"Ginny! How's Malfoy in the sack?"

I blushed deeply at the last question, and Draco cut in at that moment, silencing the reporters succinctly. "We would appreciate it if you would refine your questions to ones that are befitting of a lady."

"Draco!" someone called from the back of the crowd, and I glanced at him with a raised brow.

He shrugged back, and turned his attention to the witch. "Yes, Arabella?" he asked, obviously having recognised her. It made me curious to know just how friendly he was with the press.

"Arabella Petrie - The Daily Prophet," the witch clarified for my benefit while she flashed a simpering smile at Draco, and I tried not to be annoyed by the behaviour. "Draco, how has being associated with Miss Weasley affected your social standing?"

"I'm incredibly lucky to have Ginny in my life."

"A source has informed me that your parents have refused their blessing for financial reasons."

His expression went cold. "I fail to see how my financial status is relevant to current circumstances."

I snorted at the ludicrousness of this questioning - I knew how Draco despised talk of money. The reporters noticed my reaction and began clamouring for my attention again, and I reluctantly gestured to a plain-looking witch at the front of the crowd.

"Emiline Higgs of Witch Weekly," the woman introduced herself as she adjusted her glasses. "Will you be submitting an application for The Ministry to match you with Draco Malfoy when the new laws come in place?"

I felt my anger rise, not so much at the assumption that Draco and I would marry, but at the witch's use of the word 'when' rather than 'if'. As though he could read my thoughts, Draco took my hand to steady me, and I let out a deep breath in order to calm myself.

"No," I told Emiline Higgs in a measured voice - realising she'd given me the perfect opportunity to talk about the laws. "I will not. I won't allow The Ministry to dictate whether or not I can be with the man I love." There was a scramble amongst the reporters below me as they all clamoured for my next question, but I held my hand out to silence them with all the regal command of a queen. I was sure that their growing frenzy was more to do with the fact I'd used the word 'love', but I wasn't going to miss an opportunity to say my piece. "If The Ministry wants to throw me in Azkaban for refusing to be forced into a vulnerable situation? Fine; I'll consider it a sentence well spent, and I will happily live out my days in the company of Dea - of real criminals."

I took another deep breath before I continued - glad I had caught myself before I'd said Death Eaters - making sure to formulate the words in my head before I said them just like I'd been practicing for weeks. "I know that standing up for yourself can be intimidating, and I know what it's like to stand alone against what feels like impossible odds, but life has taught me that anything is possible if you have enough nerve. If there's anything that our generation has proved time and again, it's that we can do anything if we stand together.

"You have the right to choose how to live your own life; to be with the man or woman you love, or not to be with anyone at all. I'm not trying to tell you what choice to make, only that no one has the right to make that choice except you." I glanced at Draco, and was pleased to see him looking at me smugly as he wrapped his arm around my waist. I smiled at him, content with my piece, and on impulse I wrapped a hand around the back of his neck and pulled his face towards mine.

Our lips crashed together, and I barely registered the erratic flash of cameras as his tongue grazed mine, teasing my mouth open. I felt dizzy at the contact - at finally indulging in the real, physical intimacy with Draco that I'd been imagining for weeks. The kiss was better than anything I'd imagined, and it did nothing to curb my appetite for more.

He pulled away suddenly, and I gazed at him in a daze, wondering if I'd merely imagined the world-shattering kiss. Carefully, he lifted a hand to run it across my lower lip, his face close to mine and expression still cryptic. "No more questions," I said to the screaming reporters, with barely a glance in their direction as Draco took my hand and we entered the venue together.

Once we were inside and alone in the entryway, I instantly regretted taking liberties with Draco. I'd enjoyed it of course - how could I not? - but it somehow felt wrong in light of the fuss I'd kicked up about faking a relationship in the first place. I felt like a hypocrite.

"I'm sorry," I told him honestly.

Draco smirked at me. "Ginevra Weasley, offering me an apology? I might die of shock."

I rolled my eyes at his cavalier attitude. "I mean it. I got carried away with the interview, and I'm sorry I sprung it - the kiss - on you like that."

His expression darkened, though I wasn't sure why. "No matter," he took my arm and lead me further into the building, just as another attendee came in behind us. "You answered their questions well."

"Thank you," I replied, wondering at his change in tone. I intended to question him on his sudden change in attitude, but we'd entered the main hall and were surrounded by other people before I had a chance.

We had entered a grand ballroom, with a sprawling black marble floor and gauzy, silver curtains hanging from high archways. Tables were scattered about the outskirts of the rooms in a pentagonal shape, with a tall dias in the middle of the space where a group of musicians played a melodic, orchestral piece. Groups of witches and wizards mingling prior to the start of the event surrounded the dias, and the room was lit by the soft glow from an enormous, glittering chandelier hanging above us - which I suspected was charmed to look like clusters of stars.

There were displays in front of each column towards the edges of the room, where an item was on display for our viewing - I assumed these were goods to be auctioned later in the evening.

Theo spotted us and made his way over immediately, followed by a bored looking, dark skinned man who I vaguely recognised. "Ginevra, you look lovely, as always," Theo greeted me, shaking my hand and then Draco's. "You remember Blaise Zabini from Hogwarts?"

"Yes, I believe so," I said as I shook Blaise's hand in turn.

A waiter passed our group by, and Draco alleviated him of two glasses of champagne, passing a delicate looking flute to me and keeping one for himself. "Santé," he said, pausing as he lifted the glass to his lips when I raised a brow at him in question. "Cheers," Draco clarified for me, and we both sipped at our drinks.

"I heard your interview," Theo said, conversationally. "You were fantastic, but Merlin's beard those reporters can act like rabid beasts sometimes."

Blaise gave Theo a bored look. "They're an incredibly crass bunch. I make a point of avoiding them wherever I can."

"Not everyone has that luxury, Zabini." Draco arched a brow at Blaise's comment, his tone so patronising I might have been mortified if he'd directed it to me. Apparently Blaise was used to this treatment because he didn't flinch - though he did excuse himself with an apathetic nod of his head.

"Well I thought I did alright, considering," I continued once Blaise had left. I could feel a blush rising as I remembered the questions pertaining to my sex-life - I hoped that didn't make the papers, or Ron might spontaneously combust when he saw the news.

"You've made a vast improvement," Theo continued to compliment me, then lowered his voice. "Though it is lucky that you had your relationship with Draco to distract them."

I hesitated in answer, merely out of consideration for the fact we'd been thrown into this, but ultimately found myself nodding my head. "Yes. I suppose it was lucky, wasn't it?" Draco hastily excused us then, in order to make the rounds, and as he escorted me to another group of people, I noticed his expression was pensive. "What are you thinking about?"

This jolted him from his thoughts, and he shrugged. "Nothing of consequence."

Judging from his expression, his thoughts didn't seem inconsequential, but as we arrived before a small cluster of witches I was reminded that now was not the time to pursue it.

"Draco!" cried a dark haired witch, clad in a red dress not unlike the one I'd tried at Madam Malkin's. "How lovely to see you again."

"Yes, it's been far too long," agreed the witch next to her, who looked nearly identical except for her fair hair and black lace gown.

"Ladies." He shook both of their hands. "May I introduce my girlfriend, Ginevra Weasley. Ginevra, this is Astoria and Daphne Greengrass - our hosts for the evening."

"The venue looks beautiful," I told them, politely. "Your taste is exquisite."

"Thank you," said the darker woman, then huffed exasperatedly. "Why does everyone insist on introducing Astoria first? I'm the eldest."

"Please ignore my sister," Astoria advised as she shook my hand. "She's merely jealous of my importance."

"It's rather refreshing that you insist on reminding everyone of your age," Draco told Daphne, despite the fact she was pouting like a child.

"I never understood why women felt the need to lie about that kind of thing," I said, warming up to the topic. "My great-aunt Muriel has turned 'fifty' so many times that my brothers keep slipping garlic into her food to see if she is a vampire."

"Good lord," Daphne said, laughing. "Why lie about such a thing? I want everyone to know just how experienced I am."

Astoria snorted. "'Experienced' is one word for it."

I laughed at the banter between the two sisters, which I imagined they only indulged in in front of me due to Draco's presence. I was finding myself increasingly fascinated by the Slytherin social dynamic, which I now realised I'd never truly been privy to thanks to the fact I'd never had an 'in' with that crowd.

"Speaking of experienced women," Daphne said to Draco, after reprimanding her sister for such impolite conversation. "Your mother is looking well. We hadn't expected her to come - though we are so pleased she will be here so we can thank her for her generous donations during the auction."

Draco's expression was instantly guarded. "Neither had I." He took my arm again. "If you excuse us, I should find her in order to make introductions."

Draco carted me away, and I was so horrified by the revelation that I'd have to meet Narcissa Malfoy this evening that I allowed him to pull me behind a curtain across the room.

"I apologise," he said, once we were hidden from any prying eyes. "I wasn't aware she was coming or I would have prepared you."

I laughed nervously. "You make it sound like I'm about to take a test."

His expression was all seriousness, and I was not in the least reassured. "You are, of sorts. Mother is aware of our situation, and I'm confident she will attempt to catch you out. In fact, I'm sure it's the reason she decided to attend this evening."

"Why?"

"To ensure you won't fail in front of the wrong people, of course. Mother is very conscious of the family's reputation."

"Your mother sounds like a delightful woman," I told him sarcastically and was rewarded with an amused smirk.

"Yes, she can be, on occasion," his expression grew serious again. "Will you be alright?"

I was momentarily taken aback by his concern for my well-being but brushed it off, sure that it was merely on a superficial level. "Of course."

"Very well." He offered his arm to me, and I took it. "Let's not delay. We'll bring the battle to her."

xxxxx

Narcissa Malfoy, as it turned out, was the kind of woman who seemed perpetually displeased with her surroundings.

At least that was the impression I got of her when we found her on a rear balcony, holding court over a group of well-to-do women while she held a dry martini in one gloved hand, a cigarette attached to an ornate holder in the other.

"Draco," she drawled - though it sounded more like an announcement - when we emerged from the building. The witches around her disbursed with demure nods of their heads. "I was wondering when you would find me."

"Mother," Draco greeted her, kissing her on each cheek. "May I officially introduce you to my girlfriend, Ginevra Weasley."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs Malfoy." I held out my hand in order to shake hers.

Narcissa's expression was disinterested when she looked at my extended hand. She proceeded to examine me from head to toe and somehow dismiss me all with one brief glance, her lip curled. "Likewise, I'm sure."

I tried not to scowl at the way she disregarded me so casually as I slowly lowered my hand again. Draco could obviously sense my ire, because he addressed her before I had a chance to reply. "I wasn't expecting you to be here, Mother."

"Well I don't know why not, Draco," she told him, and I could see exactly where Draco got his patronising tone from. "I only donated half of the auction items."

"How generous of you," I told her. "This cause must be one very near to your heart."

Narcissa peered down her nose at me for several long moments, as though she was trying to decipher my meaning. "One does what one can." She drained the rest of her martini and placed it on a nearby table. "Get me another drink, Draco. You know how I like them."

"Mother-" Draco began, but she held her hand up to silence him. He hesitated, but did as Narcissa asked when I surreptitiously nodded my head at him.

"And what have you done, Ms Weasley?" Narcissa asked once Draco went back inside.

I was taken aback by the question. "Pardon?"

"What exactly have you done to deserve my son's support?"

Draco had said Narcissa might test me, but I couldn't see a jot of insincerity in her words. I struggled to withhold my temper. "My relationship with Draco is no one's business but our own."

"Anything to do with my son is my business."

Her attitude was surprising, and I couldn't seem to reconcile her possessiveness with the Draco I'd gotten to know so well. "Your son is a perfectly capable wizard, and I can assure you we are doing perfectly well without your input."

She narrowed her eyes at me. "I strongly suggest you be more careful with that tongue of yours."

My expression hardened at the threat. "Draco ensures that I put it to good use," I shot back, then dipped my head at her, courteously. "If you'll excuse me."

I tried not to rush as I walked back inside the building, my heart racing at what I'd said to Narcissa so recklessly. If she had been testing me, I'd certainly failed. I didn't bother heading much further inside, hoping that Draco would find his way back to me. As I returned to the main room where the majority of guests had begun to congregate, I was intercepted by a familiar voice.

"Ginny!" someone called, and I turned to see a group of fellow Quidditch players and their partners clustered to one side of the room.

"Hello," I greeted, happy to have found a group of people I already knew. I exchanged the necessary pleasantries with Demelza Robins, who played with me on Gryffindor's Quidditch team in school and had gone on to play for the Falmouth Falcons. "Thank Merlin, I've found my people."

Demelza, a much taller witch than I, laughed along with the man next to her - a wizard who would have been in his early thirties. "Ginny, have you met my husband before? Thaddeus Blair." Demelza introduced me to the equally tall wizard. I'd recognised Thaddeus instantly, of course. He was another Falcons player, who'd been forced into early retirement a few years ago due to injury. I tried to hide the pity in my expression; his current situation was my worst nightmare. How unfair was it to have a career cut short for something you were powerless against?

"I don't think we've ever officially met. It's a pleasure," I said as I shook his hand. Thaddeus seemed a pleasant enough man, but I thought I could see a shadow lurking beneath the surface - I couldn't imagine what his life was like. The reason I worked so hard to take care of myself was to avoid any injuries that could affect my career.

"Look who it is!" cut in another witch, Indira Choudry, who was a beater for the Cannons and had played for England in the last three International Cups - much to my jealousy. "You're the last person I thought I'd find at one of these events, Weasley."

"You're one to talk," I replied with a laugh. "It's dark outside - I thought that was bed time at the retirement home? Or did they move you into a museum with the rest of the fossils?"

She snorted, her dark skin carrying a slight flush that told me she was probably a little tipsy. "I can still fly circles around you."

At that moment, I felt a hand slide around my waist and I knew before I looked that Draco had joined me. "Hi," I said to him, telling myself that they way I leaned into the warmth of his embrace and smiled up at him was to make our relationship all the more convincing to my peers.

"Everyone, this is my boyfriend, Draco Malfoy. Draco, this is Demelza Robins, Thaddeus Blair and Indira Choudry."

Draco's mouth twitched as he shook each of their hands. "It's a pleasure to meet. I'm a dedicated supporter of the Falcons."

If Demelza, who had been at Hogwarts the same time of me, was startled by this introduction then she hid it well. Of course, she'd certainly had enough time to digest the news of our relationship thanks to Witch Weekly. "It's always great to meet a fan! Though I'm sure Ginny is heartbroken by the betrayal."

"I more than make it up to her, I assure you," Draco told her with a smirk, and I tried not to blush at the visuals he brought to mind.

At that moment, there was a chiming noise, and I looked over to see the Greengrass sisters on the dias in the centre of the room, saving me from formulating a response. "Witches and Wizards, thank you all for attending and for partaking in tonight's silent auction. If you would please be seated, entree will be served in just a few minutes. After the final course has been served, we will allow another hour in which you may view and bid on each item displayed around the room, and we will announce the winning bids at the end of the evening."

We did as she asked, and I was delighted to see we'd been placed at a table with Theo, Indira, Demelza and Thaddeus, as well as another couple I wasn't acquainted with.

"I pulled some strings," Draco whispered in my ear as he held my chair out for me. When I gave him a questioning look, he smirked and tilted his head to the unfamiliar members of our party.

"Ginevra, this is Horatio Selwyn, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, and his wife Drucilla," my eyes widened as Draco introduced the frail, elderly couple across the table.

"It's an honour to meet you," I lied to the man who was in charge of robbing me of my civil rights.

The man's eyes brightened as he recognised Draco. "What a pleasure to see you again, Draco. How is your father these days?"

"Father is well," Draco said to the man, just as the entree appeared on our plates. "He speaks very highly of you."

"Yes, well, the two of you must join me for a match at the World Cup at the end of the year. I'll be organising my own box."

"It's funny you mention that, sir; Ginevra happens to be a chaser for the Holyhead Harpies."

"Is that so?" Horatio Selwyn peered at me through a pair of narrow spectacles. "Have you ever been selected for the English team?"

The question unsettled me, though I tried to answer as politely as I could. "No, though the selections for this year's team should be announced any day now."

"Ah, well," Selwyn said as he nodded his head pitifully. "Perhaps it's best to leave sports to the men."

"And perhaps you haven't met Indira Choudry yet, Mr Selwyn," I said, my tone cold as I gestured to the witch across the table who was deep in conversation with Demelza and Thaddeus. "Indira helped secure a win for England in the last cup."

"Did she?" Selwyn asked, his tone bored. "I don't recall."

I could feel my cheeks redden at the man's blatant rudeness, only restraining my tongue as Draco placed a firm hand on my knee beneath the table.

Then followed a very tense series of courses, in which Horatio Selwyn monopolised the conversation, and his waif of a wife sat silently pushing her food around her plate. As the Chief Warlock spent the evening obviously only engaging Draco, Theo and Thaddeus in conversation, I developed a very clear idea of how the Wizengamot had reached its current dire straits.

Draco and Theo - Merlin, bless them - did their best to direct Selwyn's attention back to me to allow the table to openly discuss the laws, but Selwyn wasn't having a bar of it. Either the man was pointedly avoiding political discussions or he was just mad for Quidditch.

Selwyn was in the midst of giving an incredibly lengthy lecture, where he attributed England's losing streak over the past century to a stronger presence of women in the British Quidditch league. When Demelza and Indira began to squirm uncomfortably in their seats over dessert, I slammed down my fork angrily. "Has it ever occurred to you, Mr Selwyn," I cut him off mid-sentence, my tone dripping with acid. "That other teams don't seem to have the same issue that you attribute to England's poor performance?"

"Why, of course they do," Selwyn told me as he wolfed down his trifle. "It's why the majority of female players are left to play for the national tournament, like you."

My cheeks reddened at the slight. I couldn't hold onto my anger any longer, despite Draco's fingers now tightly gipping my knee as a warning. "Frankly, sir, I'm disgusted that a man of your stature has the audacity to regress wizarding society back to the Dark Ages."

Selwyn's papery skin turned a deep shade of puce, and I knew I'd spoken too recklessly - though I couldn't bring myself to feel bad about it. "Weasley, is it? I've heard of you, of course, of your abhorrent and childish behaviour, not to mention the contemptible things you've said against your Ministry." Selwyn threw his napkin onto the table and stood, only pausing a moment to level a cutting look at me - and Draco - while his wife scrambled to join him. "Perhaps Miss Weasley would be better suited to refining her talents to the home, as she's so unsuccessful in her other endeavours."

I scowled at him, preparing to tell him exactly what he could do with his stupid laws, when Draco stood in order to stare down the shorter wizard. "It's Ms Weasley," Draco told Selwyn, his tone cutting. "And perhaps we should take a moment to consider the circumstances under which the Weasley family last spoke against the Ministry before dismissing them."

Selwyn's mouth gaped like a fish at Draco's words - and even I tried not to be shocked by his audacity, it was so uncharacteristic - before storming away with his wife in tow.

Luckily, most tables had finished their meals and had already taken to the dance floor, so our table's spat went mostly unnoticed. Only Theo and my fellow Quidditch players sat, open mouthed, at the display they'd just witnessed. "My apologies," Draco said to them, his expression grave. "If you'll please excuse me." He stormed off, and I vaguely excused myself to the rest of our party to rush after him.

When I finally caught up with him, he'd already made his way onto a balcony and had a lit cigarette in hand. I cautiously came to stand next to him, unsure how my presence would be received.

I didn't know what to say to him - wasn't able to decipher his cold expression as he leisurely blew smoke into the crisp evening air - so instead I said nothing and allowed him to mull over his own thoughts while I silently stood beside him. When he finished his cigarette, he tamped it out on the balustrade in front of us and flicked the butt over the edge with a shaky hand. I placed mine over his to steady him.

"I couldn't stand to hear him say those things to you," Draco told me as he placed his other hand over mine.

I playfully nudged him with my shoulder, attempting to lighten his mood. "I didn't know you cared."

His lips twitched as he turned his head to look at me, his expression hidden in shadow, though much lighter than it had been moments ago. He breathed a calming breath and lifted my hand in his. "Would you do me the honour of joining me for a dance?"

I hesitated, thoughts of the last time we'd danced together - had it only been a week ago? - flitting through my mind, but nodded and allowed him to lead me back through to the main room.

We assumed position, and I tried not to look at my feet as he guided me around the room.

Draco breathed a tormented sigh when I glanced downwards to check my feet were going where they were supposed to. He pulled me close, so my view of the floor was obscured by his chest. "You have such little faith in me, Ginevra."

I shook my head, even as my pulse fluttered at the sensation of Draco's hot breath against my neck. "But that's just the problem - I have too much."

He pulled away to look me in the eye. "You have the most profound effect on me, you know."

I tilted my head. "How do I?"

"What I said to Selwyn." He hesitated, as though trying to choose his words. "I've never spoken so recklessly. Not since I was a child, at least."

I laughed though my mind was reeling that he felt a need to explain his actions to me. "So - what? I make you immature?"

"No," Draco said with a small smirk as he pulled me closer to him, his head tilting low so he could brush a cheek against my own, and I lost my breath. "I fear you do much more than that."

I wanted to question him further, but he'd sufficiently distracted me by holding my body so close to his. It was only a matter of time, however, before my thoughts were dragged back to the events that had transpired this evening.

"I feel like such a failure," I said to Draco, trying not to be distracted by the way his thumb leisurely stroked across my waist. "This evening has been such a waste."

"Don't say that," Draco told me, his grip on my waist tightening ever so slightly. "You gave a fantastic interview earlier - whatever is published tomorrow could make strides for your campaign. We didn't make any headway with Selwyn, but I should have known he'd be a write-off from the beginning."

His tone was cold when he said the last, and I felt as though his temper was simmering just below the surface. I couldn't help but share his anger - at Selwyn's archaic attitude, but also at myself for not being able to keep my temper under control. "I don't feel like dancing anymore, Draco."

He nodded, leading us away from the dancefloor, then at my request went to fetch some water. I felt restless, so instead of remaining seated at our table I took a walk about the room in order to view the auction items. I shouldn't have been surprised by the number of items whose placards ready in elegant, curling script 'donated by the Malfoy family', but somehow I was. Narcissa hadn't been kidding earlier - seven of the fifteen items up for auction this evening were from the Malfoys, and I couldn't imagine the value of each heirloom or artwork. Narcissa Malfoy was trying very hard to impress her peers.

As I stood examining one of the many items, something in the corner of my eye drew my attention, and I started when I realised Selwyn and his wife were headed in my direction. Not eager for another confrontation this evening, I walked in the opposite direction, passing through an archway and finding myself on another balcony.

There was someone headed onto the balcony behind me, and I quickly cast a disillusionment spell on myself as I prayed that it wasn't Selwyn. I felt like a coward, hiding from him, but I didn't want to make the situation worse than it was already.

Two figures emerged on the balcony, both much taller than I'd anticipated, and I realised it was Draco and Narcissa.

He stood, facing me, and I studied the way the light played on his features as Narcissa held out a cigarette for him to light.

"Incendio." His skin became luminescent from the spark of fire that shot out from his wand. Draco shook his head firmly when Narcissa offered him a cigarette in turn from a silver case, and I tried not to smile at his refusal.

"I'm still not sure about this," Narcissa Malfoy hissed at her son, whilst smiling as an acquaintance strolled by the open doorway that I was currently attempting to blend into. "I'm concerned that you're gambling this family's status in society on that Weasley girl. Need I remind you that it was hard enough restoring our reputation after the war? We do not need another scandal on our hands."

Draco nodded to the doorway - at another acquaintance, I assumed. It seemed as though the Malfoys knew every bloody wizard and his owl - his expression unreadable. "You're quite right, Mother - and need I remind you that I was the one doing all of the work?"

Narcissa swatted him on the arm, her tone affectionate as she finished her cigarette. "No one likes a martyr, Draco."

"All will be well," he reassured her as he patted her hand and lead her back inside. "I'll see to it."

Wondering at the conversation I'd just been privy to, I held my breath and waited a few minutes before removing the disillusionment charm and entering the building behind them. My emotions were a jumble - I hadn't fully realised the pressure Draco was under from his own family to maintain a good public image - and I became overwhelmed with guilt at the thought of what I'd said to his mother earlier in the evening, not to mention what a burden my reputation must be on his.

"I've been looking for you."

I jumped, startled, to find Draco standing just behind me. I tried not to look guilty, caught red-handed emerging from the balcony that he'd been on only minutes earlier, but if Draco suspected anything he didn't let on. I couldn't ignore what I'd heard between him and his mother, though - my thoughts seemed to be stuck on just how involved Draco and I had become.

We took our seats at our table - the rest of our party had abandoned us, and we were as alone as we were going to be under the circumstances.

"Draco?" I asked, feeling uncharacteristically timid. "When Hermione and I first approached you about the laws… you were so adamant you couldn't get involved." Draco slid a look at me, his expression closed, so I continued. "I feel like I've pulled you knee-deep into shit ever since you agreed to help me."

His mouth twitched. "If this is another apology, you needn't bother yourself. You were clear enough after the kiss."

I was taken aback by his dismissal. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means I understand your intentions perfectly." He smirked. "Besides, despite my better judgement, it turns out that I actually enjoy wading 'through shit' with you."

I wasn't sure whether or not to take that as a compliment, so I crossed my arms and scowled instead.

AN: An Articuno is of course a Pokemon. Sick referencing, Luna.

Thanks to everyone who read/reviewed the last chapter! The feedback was invaluable, and I managed to smash this next chapter out so quickly because of it. I think this one might be my favourite so far, so I hope you enjoy it!

Also, when August rolls around it will have been three years since I started this fic, so I aim to have it fully completed by then. A four month deadline seems a bit excessive, but I feel like I might need it, lol.

Thanks again to idreamofdraco who I constantly bother for last-minute betaing. :)