The Party of a Lifetime

'Don't forget.' Lucius warned Draco for the fourth time that evening.

'I won't I promise' insisted Draco again.

'It is your duty' Lucius continued 'to marry a woman who can fulfil the role of most 'respected' hostess, once your mother had relinquished the title. She has succeeded in all the challenges set. I know she isn't your first choice of person for a wife but being married doesn't mean you are obliged to remain loyal in all aspects. Do you understand?'

'I understand' Draco answered. It wasn't ideal by a long way yet he could see what his duty was. Since the Middle Ages, every eldest Malfoy male had married a woman who later went on to become the most 'respected' hostess. It was a coveted role and whoever held it was allowed a great many privileges, including hosting all events the Minister for Magic required, from cocktail parties to festivals. By marrying Ginny, he would be fulfilling his parent's wishes. And as his father said, he needn't be too loyal to their marriage. And really, when he considered, he could be marrying someone a lot worse. She was quite good looking, in the right light. She was quite mischievous as well, yet sensible when the time was right. The biggest hurdle he had to overcome was Ginny herself. He couldn't imagine for a moment that she would willingly become his wife for real in the present situation. Tonight he had to make the role look more appealing. Yet there would have to be some sacrifices on her part. His mother would accept Ginny if she ended all associations with her family. She would also need to transfer to Slytherin House. When looked at like that, the task appeared almost impossible. But Draco had a plan.

'Miss Ginny Weasley' announced Yearns. Draco forced back a cry of shock as she appeared. She was more beautiful than ever before. Her waist was minuet and he hair so long and perfect. He exchange one last look with his father and went over to greet the arriving guests, a stunning Ginny by his side.

Several hours later, Draco glanced over at Ginny. She was standing in the centre of a small circle, animatedly telling people of the time she had 'accidentally' jinxed Professor Binns so that he couldn't travel through anything solid. He hadn't known that it had been her who had done that. It had caused great mirth for his History of Magic class as well. Spying that Ginny's drinking glass was nearly empty and her tale coming to an end, Draco eased his way over to the group. As they started to disperse, talking amongst themselves, Draco whispered into Ginny's ear.

'Fancy going to take a breather for a moment.' Ginny nodded in ascent and followed Draco onto the balcony, which was mercifully empty. Out of nowhere he made a glass of wine appear. He gestured towards it 'for you.' As she prepared to take a sip, Draco quickly glanced at his watch. The potion should become active in around five minutes. He had to keep her occupied till then; he dared not ask his questions before it had begun to work. He turned around as Ginny began to talk to him- her glass was empty.

'Look Malfoy I've wanted to say this all holiday but I've not found the right time. I'll be honest, I really despised you for forcing me to spend Christmas here, away from my family and friends but, well, lets just say that I've had a better time that I ever expected and I want to thank you for making it so.'

'It's quite alright' Draco replied.

'I also hope, that when we return to school again we won't need those council sessions anymore because we will be able to communicate better on issues- even if we don't always agree' she added slyly a twinkle in her eye.

'I hope so to' answered Draco. Was it time yet? She seemed very amicable. Maybe she's had quite a bit of wine this evening already? He decided against asking yet- just in case. They passed a few minutes in cheerful conversation. Eventually, Draco decided that to leave it any longer would be foolish. Gesturing for Ginny to sit down, he approached.

'Ginny, I've got a proposition to make to you. I've felt that this holiday we have overcome a few of the barriers that were preventing us from working well together. I also feel that in the time to come, we will become even closer. There is even, I think, I special bond between us, one that I've never experienced with another girl. It is because of this Ginny, that I am of the opinion that we would, in time, become a well suited couple. My proposition is this- will you become my wife. In doing so you would become a true Malfoy. You would be able to reside here permanently and never have to work. Every luxury you could wish for in life would be at your disposal, servants, clothes, jewellery, food, and money, whatever your heart desires.' Draco manoeuvred himself so that his was sitting next to Ginny. He reached out for her hand.

'Is there anymore' she whispered, eyes fixed on the floor. Draco interpreted this as a look of humbleness and hastily continued.

'There will be some issues on which you will need to change your current position. It is my mother's wish that you should sever any contact with your family. It is my father's, and incidentally my desire that you join the house of Slytherin. Any heirs of ours would preferably have parents who both reside in the house of Salazar.

'I just want you to know Ginny that I think we could make a fantastic team together. People of our type don't come along very often, and when they do a union of some sort should always be struck. What do you say?'

The air was silent. If anyone was listening all that could be heard was the loud, excited breathing of the boy and the quite, shallow breathing of the girl, her head still looking into her lap.

'Well, say something Ginny. Do you think it could work?'

'Work?' Ginny raised her head and one glance told Draco that his plan was not going quite how he intended. Her face was contorted in anger and sheer loathing. She stood up.

'Work! WORK' she screamed. What in the devils name possessed you to ask such stupid and idiotic questions? Did you really think I would say yes? Well, of course you did, you thought that I would freely drink anything you offered to me that appeared from no where. I'm not stupid; whatever else you may think I am. Remember how I was possessed in my second year, or had you forgotten. Did you really think that after that I would ever completely trust anything a member of the Malfoy clan gave me? I've screened everything I've been offered here. And in-case you had forgotten, I never drink alcohol, unless it's with a meal.' Ginny started towards the house, stopped, turned, and spat on the floor. 'That's what I think of you Malfoy. You're lower than the lowest scum. And to think that I would agree! It's pure insanity. I hate you Draco, with every once of my body. I will never forgive you for this insult as long as I live.'

Hey I know it's short but it was one of those chapters that you just write straight off and don't fiddle with. Thank-you for the reviews I've got, you're a very lovely bunch!