TCOTP

Chapter Twelve

Mrs. Malfoy Goes To Hogwarts

The next morning when Ginny woke she was in unfamiliar surroundings. As the fogginess of her brain cleared she remembered the events of last night. She had allowed Lucius to sleep with her again, but as a result she wouldn't have to return to the Manor before the weekend. Once more he surprised her at how the night went. She was ashamed to admit it, but he had skillfully brought her to a point where she was so filled with desire that she would have done anything he requested just so her pleasure could continue.

She couldn't understand why her body betrayed her in such a way. How was it that a man who almost killed her as a child could leave her whimpering with a simple touch? She could feel her cheeks burn with embarrassment at the memories of the things she had done. Last night had seemed to be a trade off of 'If you do this, I will do that.' She concluded that if she had to be married to him and if sex was going to continue like this, then maybe great sex would be her reward. However, she was more upset with herself for remaining here and sleeping in his bed. As she took a moment to reflect, she was glad to be alone in the room.

She felt worse about sleeping in his bed than about having enjoyed sex with him. The fact that she had allowed herself to be that relaxed was not good, never mind that at this point she believed that to sleep with someone was more personal that having sex with them. Ginny's thoughts were disturbed by Winny popping into the room.

"Mistress, Master says if yous not wanting to be late, yous need to get up now." Ginny only nodded in reply. "Should Winny bring Mistress a change of clothing here?"

"No! I will go back to my room."

The house elf smiled at the young woman in front of her. "Breakfast will be ready when yous get downstairs."

"Thank you, Winny," Ginny said as she sat up in the bed. Once the elf popped out of the room Ginny quickly redressed and left as fast as she could. She prayed she wouldn't run into Draco. She could just imagine the comment he might make. Luck was on Ginny's side this morning, though, and once she slipped into her room she headed for the shower.

Once showered and changed she headed down to the dining room, where she found Lucius sitting at the head of the table reading the paper. She had hoped he would have left for the office already, like yesterday. When she stepped into the room, he looked up, rose, and once more pulled out her chair for her. As she glanced down at her place setting, she was surprised to see a ring box sitting on the plate.

"Good morning, Ginevra." The second he said her name she could feel her cheeks burn again.

"Lucius," she acknowledged.

He looked at her for a long moment. "You have nothing to be embarrassed about; besides, your reaction is quite normal."

"Could we not talk about it?" she spat.

Lucius chuckled. "Yes, if it makes you uncomfortable." He pointed to the ring box in front of her. "Open it."

She reached out and picked up the box, then opened it. Inside was the same ring design as he had given her the night before, only with emeralds instead. It amazed her how much more she liked the ring with the dark green stones instead of pale green ones. "It's beautiful," she commented, then pulled it out of the box.

"Let me place it on you." He took the ring from her and slid it onto her finger. "Ginevra, there are a few things you need to be aware of before you leave today. As you know, because of my actions at the end of the war, you, as my wife, will need to be very careful around people you don't know. Some people will believe that the betrothal was a smoke screen and rumors are likely to fly about Narcissa's death and our quick marriage afterwards. Some will most likely believe that there was something going on before she died. The point is: people who are not happy with me could decide to take that revenge on me out on you."

"I never thought about that."

"No, because your mind was on your family. Watch who your friends are, and be careful. Also, your name was already added to my personal accounts, so if you need anything at school simply charge it to the accounts."

"I know my name was added. My brother Bill works at the bank."

"That's right; it must have slipped my mind."

"He knew before anyone else, and his boss passed on his congratulations."

"Goblins! Sneaky little bastards! Never trust them and always keep all your receipts. My accountant checks them against the bank's records."

"Bill has always said that you just need to understand their way of thinking. Then you can at least understand them."

"Understanding them doesn't make them trustworthy," Lucius growled.

"They most likely feel the same about us."

"Do you want me to take you to King's Crossing?" he asked, changing the subject.

"No, I'll be fine on my own, but thank you for offering." They then fell quiet. Ginny did appreciate the fact that he was trying, more than she would have ever guessed.

Once on the train Ginny and Luna sat together. After ten minutes of waiting for Ginny to explain that Floo call to her, Luna finally exploded. "So? Are you going to explain that Floo call to my place?"

Ginny bit her lip, then asked, "Promise not to be mad at me?"

"Of course, Ginny! You're my closest friend."

Ginny held out her hand that she had been hiding under a sweater she had brought with her, revealing her wedding ring. "I married him."

Luna took in the ring before replying, "Without telling your family?"

"If I had told them they would have done anything to stop me. They might not like this, but it's best for them in the long run."

"Is it done?" Luna referred to the consummation of the marriage vows.

"Yes."

"How bad was it?" Luna asked, looking concerned.

Ginny knew her whole face was red with a blush. "No."

"What?" Luna probed.

"Well, let's just say that if I have to spend my life in a loveless marriage, at least it looks like the sex will he great."

"At least that's something." There was a knock on the compartment door and the girls looked up to see Hermione.

After stepping in, Hermione spoke, "Do you mind if I join you two? I don't really know anyone else that well." She seemed quite nervous.

"Of course not." Luna patted the seat next to herself.

Hermione sat down and eyed Ginny. "Ginny, you really didn't have to marry him."

"Hermione, what choice did I have? To get married and see my brothers' lives changed for the better, or not marry him and pretend to be happy when I know the boys could have been happier if I had. I believe I did the right thing."

"Everyone was really shocked after you left. Your mum asked me to give you this." Hermione pulled out a letter and handed it to Ginny.

As she took it, Ginny's hand shook. Luna turned to Hermione and started talking about the upcoming school year. "I'm guessing that Neville won't be marking anyone above a third year this year."

Ginny opened the sealed envelope and unfolded the neatly handwritten parchment. It read:

Ginny,

I don't know what to say! I never expected you to marry that man, but I'm guessing you were thinking about everyone else but yourself. That's very admirable and it makes me very proud of you, but when I think of you having to spend the rest of your life with him, it does make my blood run cold!

I remember when you were born! I was so pleased to finally have a girl! In the second you were handed to me, I saw your whole life flash before me. I looked forward to all the mother/daughter moments we would have. Now it bothers me that we will never have the chat about what to expect on your wedding night when you're looking forward to being with a man you love. Or that I couldn't help you plan your wedding. But this isn't about me; it's about my little girl. I don't know if that man has a soul, but I hope you weren't hurt. I want you to know that no matter what, you will always be welcome in my home. Please Ginny, don't let this come between us!

Your father and brothers were devastated that you felt you had to do this. I want you to know that if they seem different or even say unkind things to you, it's only because they don't know how to deal with their guilt over the fact that you believed you had to marry him. I'm really worried about Bill, though. As the evening went on, he went from being mad to maybe falling into depression! Perhaps you could write him. I too look forward to hearing from you.

Mum.

As Ginny folded the letter up, Luna and Hermione's attention returned to Ginny. Hermione spoke first. "Ginny, how is he treating you?"

Ginny was unsure how to respond. "We came to an agreement about treating each other fairly and with respect. He seems to be understanding of how I feel and has been a gentleman so far. Draco even acted like a human at dinner last night. He made civilized conversation!"

"I remember he was reluctant to admit that I was me when the snatcher brought us to the Manor. Maybe he's growing up." Hermione paused. "Have you talked to Harry?"

Ginny sadly nodded. "Yes, and he was very upset."

Hermione bit her lip. "He's going to be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts this year."

"I know. He told me before I told him about Malfoy."

"How are you going to handle him?" Luna asked.

"I don't know. He was pretty upset yesterday, but I guess I'll wait and see how he's dealing with it." She paused. "Wait, if you knew he was going to be teaching, how did you not know about me telling him?"

"I ran into him on my way out after talking to the Headmistress. She had said she was going to ask him," Hermione explained. She knew that since Harry's comment about her and him having a child together, anything that seemed like the two were close was a sore spot for Ginny.