Chapter 6
Saturday August 16th, 1997
Versailles, France
Château de Versailles
The Ground Floor – North–West side
Ginny's Rooms
12:31 p.m.
"Finally!" Gabrielle huffed as she flounced into the sitting room, closing the door nosily behind her.
"Gabrielle, you shouldn't be in here," chided Fleur in an angry whisper, trying to usher her sister back towards the door and away from the door leading to the bedroom, praying the other occupant of the room didn't hear what was going on.
"What, you think I care what she thinks?" snapped Gabrielle.
"You should," countered Fleur.
"Well I don't because I know the truth," commented Gabrielle smugly.
"Truth? What truth?" asked Fleur in confusion.
"That her impending marriage is a sham. A farce. He doesn't love her, he never has. He's only been pretending to love her in order to get her to agree to marry him so he could get his family's lands and titles back before his eighteenth birthday."
"I've seen the two of them together Gabrielle. He adores her and she him," Fleur argued.
"More the fool her then because it's all an act on his part, Papa told me so…"
"You can't believe everything Papa tells you Gabrielle…"
"Papa's spoken to the Queen and to Mrs. Malfoy, they both say the same thing. It is a marriage of convenience only so that Draco can reclaim that which was taken from his family and the marriage will end once I turn sixteen," Gabrielle shrugged non-chalantly.
"As I said Gabrielle, you can't believe everything Papa tells you. The Queen would never…"
"I have it from Draco himself Fleur. He gave me his word and a token of his undying love and devotion. Something not even his bride-to-be ever received from him and it's something that even you can't deny the meaning of," gloated Gabrielle as she pulled a locket out from under the corset of her dress and opened it to reveal a lock of pale blond hair tied with a thin green ribbon. "He gave it to me a few weeks ago when he told me that he was only marrying her so he could get his family's lands and titles back and that he planned to divorce her when I turned sixteen so he could marry me, his true love. Now if you'll excuse me, Papa's waiting for me," she continued before she turned and left the room the same way she had come in a few minutes earlier, leaving Fleur alone in the sitting room.
After watching the door close behind her sister, Fleur slowly turned and made her way over to the door that led to the bedroom but before she could knock the door opened, revealing the person in the other room. "My Lady," Fleur greeted as she sunk into a curtsey.
"Don't call me that and don't do that either," Ginny said as she walked out of the bedroom, fighting to keep her tears at bay and praying her voice didn't betray just how close to the surface her emotions really were.
"My Lady?" said Fleur in confusion as she rose and turned to follow Ginny.
"I said, don't call me that," snapped Ginny in irritation.
"But it is who you are. You are the Duchess d'Orléans…"
"No, I am not. I may be marrying the Duc d'Orléans but I will never be his Duchess," Ginny said quietly.
"You heard…"
"Every word," admitted Ginny. "How could I not? Deep down inside there was always a part of me that knew this was too good to be true; that it was nothing more than a fanciful dream. That a man like Draco could want a nobody like me…" she trailed off, swallowing back the tears that were threatening to fall as she looked into the empty fireplace.
"You're going to walk away then?" asked Fleur curiously.
"No," Ginny said, lifting her gaze to meet Fleur's, who was surprised to see no emotions playing across the younger girl's face, save for determination. "I'm going to do what's expected of me, like I always do."
Before Ginny could say more a knock sounded at the door, which Fleur was obliged to answer, revealing Bill and rest of Ginny's musketeer detail ready to escort her to the palace chapel where the wedding ceremony was to take place.
Fleur sighed before quietly leaving so she could go and take her place in the chapel with the other guests and witnesses, leaving Bill to tend to Ginny. Once she reached the chapel, she waited until she saw the detail coming, then made her way into the chapel and up to stand to the side of where Cardinal Berwick waited with Draco and Blaise, taking her place as Ginny's attendant, all the while she silently debated if she should find a way to tell of what happened now or wait, when the decision was taken out of her hands as the doors of the Chapel opened to reveal Bill and Ginny.
As everyone rose and turned to face the doors, they took in the appearance of the two standing there. Bill obviously wore his formal uniform, but it was to Ginny that all eyes were drawn. Her hair was pulled up into a pile of fiery red curls on the top of her head, a one and a quarter inch high diamond Princess Anne Tiara nestled in front of the curls and a chapel length lace veil tucked into the back.
Around her neck she wore a two strand diamond choker, with the Regent diamond nestled in the centre and two strands of diamonds hanging down two inches below the Regent, a gift from Draco for her birthday five days before. In her ears she wore matching dangle earrings, also a gift from Draco for her birthday.
Her dress was a satin a-line gown with a fitted bodice consisting of an intricate embroidered design and simple lace straps that rested along the point of her shoulders. The front of the skirt was split and allowed a lace underskirt to show over the satin while the back of the skirt trailed out into a chapel train.
After a moment, the two began to make their way down the aisle towards where Cardinal Berwick waited with Draco.
When they had reached the end of the aisle, Bill kissed Ginny's cheek before taking his place with the rest of the musketeers, not far from where Fleur was standing as Ginny stepped up next to where Draco was standing.
"Friends and loved ones join with me in the celebration of the union between Ginevra and Draconis as their lives' paths now merge to become a singular road paved with love," Cardinal Berwick began once Ginny was standing next to Draco. "Let us pray. Father, when you created humankind you willed that man and wife should be one. Bind Draconis and Ginevra in the loving union of marriage and make their love fruitful so that they may be living witnesses to your divine love in the world. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever," Cardinal Berwick prayed.
"Amen."
Cardinal Berwick turned and indicated the Unity Candle on a side table. "Candles, representing the lives of both Draconis and Ginevra and the union of the two families will be lit by Draconis' mother, Narcissa and Ginevra's brother, Percival," he explained as the organist began to play a song, rather haunting in melody. Only a select few knew the song's words actually spoke of a candle and lighting your world. As the music played Narcissa and Percy rose and made their way to the alter, after using candelabras to gain their flames, they moved over to each light one of the two taper candles on either side of the Unity Candle.
"Now, a Reading from the Song of Songs 2:10-14, 16," he continued once they had returned to their seats, before Charlie rose and walked to the front of the Church.
"My beloved speaks and says to me: "Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away. O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the covert of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely…" My beloved is mine and I am his; he pastures his flock among the lilies."
A few minutes later, it was Blaise's turn as he began to read, "A Reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 12:31- 13:8. "But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends; as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away."
The last reading was Fleur's, Mark 10:6-9. "Jesus said to the Pharisees, "But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder."
Time past, and it was time for the Rite of Marriage, everyone stood, including Ginny and Draco, who Cardinal Berwick smiled at before speaking. "Dear children of God, you have come to this church so that the Lord may seal your love in the presence of the priest and this community. Christ blesses this love. He has already consecrated you in baptism; now, by a special sacrament, he strengthens you to fulfil the duties of your married life.
"Draconis and Ginevra you are about to celebrate this sacrament. Have you come here of your own free will and choice and without compulsion to marry each other?"
"We have."
"Will you love and honour each other in marriage all the days of your life?"
"We will."
"Are you willing to accept with love the children God may send you and bring them up in accordance with the law of Christ and his Church?"
"We are."
"I invite you then to declare before God and his Church your consent to become husband and wife," Draco smiled at Ginny as he reached forward and took her hands in his.
"What is your name?"
"Draconis Lucius Malfoy."
"Ginevra Molly Weasley."
"And what is your desire?" asked Cardinal Berwick.
"To join with she whom I love," Draco answered.
"To join with he whom I love," Ginny answered, her voice quiet.
"Draconis, will you have this woman to be your partner, to live together in marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honour and keep her in sickness and in health, until death do you part?" questioned Cardinal Berwick
"I will," replied Draco with a smile.
"Ginevra, will you have this man to be your partner, to live together in marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honour and keep him in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"
"I will," Ginny replied, not quite meeting Draco's gaze.
"Draconis and Ginevra, you stand before me, the almighty Father, and this company, having desired the bond of marriage. Do you do this of your own free will, coming here today without coercion or pressure from other persons?" asked Cardinal Berwick.
"I do," replied Draco.
"I do," replied Ginny.
"Draconis, will you seek to do Ginevra harm?"
"I will not."
"And if harm is done, will you seek to repair it?"
"I will."
"Will you seek to be honest with Ginevra in all things?"
"I will."
"Will you support Ginevra in times of distress?"
"I will."
"Will you temper your words and actions with love?"
"I will."
"These things you have promised to your partner, before this company and the almighty Father. May you ever be mindful and strive to keep the vows you have spoken," Cardinal Berwick said before turning his attention to Ginny. "Will you seek to do Draconis harm?"
"I will not."
"And if harm is done, will you seek to repair it?"
"I will."
"Will you seek to be honest with Draconis in all things?"
"I will," Ginny said, hoping no one noticed her slight hesitation as she bit back the sob that tried to break through.
"Will you support Draconis in times of distress?"
"I will."
"Will you temper your words and actions with love?"
"I will."
"These things you have promised to your partner, before this company and the almighty Father. May you ever be mindful and strive to keep the vows you have spoken," Cardinal Berwick said before turning his attention to the two standing before him. The Latin phrase "Vitam impendere vero" means to consecrate one's life to truth, and so should truth be the meat of all your dealings within your marriage. Honesty, trust, communication, effort, understanding... all these are the building blocks of a firm marriage, and your solemn responsibility to one another. At this moment you stand at the gateway between your old life and your new. If you, for whatever reason, feel unable to step through that portal at this time, speak now."
When neither Ginny nor Draco said anything, Cardinal Berwick turned his attention to those gathered. "Will all of you, present here and witnessing these vows, assist and support these two people in their union?"
"I will," came the collective response.
"As these two people are joined, so are your families united through them. It has been their decision to bind themselves by marriage, and their lives will be blessed and enriched by the support you give. Will you encourage and bless Draconis and Ginevra in their union? Will you celebrate their marriage, standing beside them in rough times, yet not standing between them?" he asked.
"I will," came the collective response once more.
"Amen.
"You are friends and relatives of this couple, and thus you are an important part of their lives. Their interactions with you are coloured by your actions and words. You have a responsibility to one another and to this couple to be supportive, understanding, and honest, and on this day of their marriage do I charge you to temper all of your dealings with love. Amen," blessed Cardinal Berwick. "What God joins together man must not separate. May the Lord confirm the consent that you have given and enrich you with his blessings."
"Amen," the church answered.
"Draconis and Ginevra have decided to exchange their own vows as well," Cardinal Berwick began before nodding to Draco.
"I, Draconis Lucius take you, Ginevra Molly to be my wife, knowing in my heart that you will always be my best friend, my partner in life and my one true love. On this special day, I give to you in the presence of God my promise to stay by your side as your husband, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as well as through the good times and the bad. I promise to love you without reservation, to honour and respect you, to provide for your needs the best that I can, to protect you from harm, to comfort you in times of distress, to grow with you in mind and spirit, to always be open and honest with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live."
Ginny swallowed back the tears that were threatening to fall as her gaze remained on her hands that were still held within Draco's, "I, Ginevra Molly, take you Draconis Lucius, to be my husband, knowing in my heart that you will continue to be my best friend, my partner in life and my one true love. On this special day I give to you in the presence of God my promise to stay by your side as your wife, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as well as through the good times and the bad. I promise to love you without reservation, to honour and respect you, to provide for your needs the best that I can, to comfort and support you each and every day, to laugh with you and cry with you, to grow with you in mind and spirit, to always be open and honest with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live."
"Almighty God, bless these rings, symbols of faithfulness and unbroken love. May Draconis and Ginevra always be true to each other, may they be one in heart and mind, and may they be united in love forever, Through Christ, our Lord." Cardinal Berwick prayed a few moments later.
"Amen," Draco and Ginny answered.
"Ginevra, wear this ring as a sign of our faithful love. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," Draco spoke, sliding the ring first on the tip of her pointer finger when he said 'Father', then on her middle finger with "Son" and finally slid it into place as he said "Holy Spirit".
"Draconis, wear this ring as a sign of our faithful love. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," Ginny repeated as she followed Draco's movements, slipping the ring on each of the two other fingers before sliding it into place.
"We thank you, Lord, and we praise you for bringing us to this happy day. You have given us to each other. Now, together, we give ourselves to you. We ask you, Lord: make us one in our love; keep us one in your peace. Protect our marriage. Bless our home. Make us gentle. Keep us faithful. And when life is over unite us again where parting is no more in the kingdom of your love. There we will praise you in the happiness and peace of our eternal home. Amen," Ginny and Draco prayed before the service continued on.
After the Prayer of the Faithful and Liturgy of the Eucharist, they began the Communion Rite, and very quickly it seemed to the newlyweds, it was time for the Lord's Prayer.
"Let us pray with confidence to the Father in the words our Saviour gave us:" The Cardinal began before continuing with everyone present. "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
After the last word was spoken, Cardinal Berwick turned back to Ginny and Draco. "Let us pray to the Lord for Draconis and Ginevra who as they begin their married life come to God's alter to deepen their love... "Father, you created man and woman in your own image and united them in body and heart so that they might fulfil your plan for the world."
"To reveal your loving design, you made the union of man and wife a sign of the covenant between you and your people; through the sacrament of marriage you perfect this union and make it now a sign of Christ's love for his bride the Church. Lord, bless this husband and wife and protect them. Grant that as they live this sacrament they may learn to share with each other the gifts of your love. "
"May they become one in heart and mind as witnesses to your presence in their marriage. Bless them with children who will be formed by the gospel and have a place in your family in heaven."
"May Ginevra be a good wife and mother, caring for her home, faithful to her husband, generous and kind. May Draconis be a good husband and a devoted father, gentle and strong, faithful to his wife, and a careful provider for his household."
"Father, grant that, as they now come as man and wife to your altar, they may one day share your feast in heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord."
"Amen," those gathered echoed.
"Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles: I leave you peace, my peace I give you. Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom where you live forever and ever."
"Amen."
"The peace of the Lord be with you always."
"And also with you," The church echoed.
"Let us offer each other a sign of peace," Cardinal Berwick spoke before everyone turned and exchanged hugs or handshakes with their neighbours.
A few minutes later Cardinal Berwick began once more. "This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper," as he continued those gathered joined him once more. "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed."
As Communion commenced, Anastasia rose and recited the Communion Antiphon. And before long Cardinal Berwick was moving on to pray once more. "Let us pray," he began before pausing for a moment of silence. "Lord, in your love you have given us this Eucharist to unite us with one another and with you. As you have made Draconis and Ginevra one in this sacrament of marriage and in the sharing of the one bread and the one cup, so now make them one in love for each other. We ask this through Christ our Lord."
"Amen."
"In a moment Draconis and Ginevra will light their wedding candle from the two already burning. Doing so symbolizes the merging of their lives into one," the Cardinal began and the organist began to play the same song from earlier. Draco led Ginny over to the table before they lit the unity candle, then he stepped away from her momentarily to pick up a single stem red rose. Turning they made their way back to the aisle before walking over to Narcissa. Draco helped his mother to her feet before kissing her cheek. Ginny then reached forward to kiss Narcissa's other cheek then handed her the rose, a way of saying thank you for allowing her to marry Draco. With a polite nod Narcissa accepted the rose and retook her seat.
Draco led Ginny back to the altar before they followed Cardinal Berwick to where the register was for the signing, Fleur and Blaise following behind them. After the register was signed, and the five had returned to the altar, Cardinal Berwick smiled. "The Lord be with you."
"And also with you," everyone echoed once more.
Turning to Draco and Ginny once more, Cardinal Berwick began, "May God, the almighty Father, grant you his joy: may he bless you in your children."
"Amen."
"May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit."
"Amen."
"Go in peace to love and serve the Lord."
"Thanks be to God," the church answered once more before Ginny and Draco turned and made their way down the aisle, Fleur and Blaise following.
A few hours had passed, which were spent at a simple celebratory ball in the Galerie des Glaces, only those who had been in attendance at the wedding were invited, no doubt a disappointment to many of the nobles who hadn't been invited but, such was life as they said. Fleur still hadn't had a chance to speak with anyone about what had happened, and in truth she hopped nothing would come of it, Ginny appeared to be happy, but there was just… something that Fleur couldn't put her finger on. The same thing was being noticed by the five Weasley men at the wedding, as well as Louise and the other Ladies, but no one wanted to just walk up to Ginny at her own wedding celebration and ask what was wrong, nor did they actually talk among themselves, figuring it was something that could be figured out later, let everyone enjoy the happiness of the day for now.
So it was with a bit of surprise on the part of all, when Gabrielle Delacour made her way over to where Draco was speaking with Blaise, as Ginny stood with Rosabella and Marie-Thérèse, listening to the two younger girls discuss the various fashion choices of some of the other nobles present. Louise had frowned as she started to make her way around the hall to try and get the younger Delacour away from Draco, not quite trusting the girl who had been so sure that today it would have been her standing there with Draco in front of Cardinal Berwick, but before she actually reached them, surprisingly, Draco and Gabrielle were making their way towards where the other guests danced.
"What in heaven's name," Louise spoke as she looked at André who appeared next to her.
"Strange things are happening," he agreed quietly as everyone watched the odd spectacle of Draco dancing with the girl who had been expected to be his Duchesse before he chose Ginny.
"Would you two excuse me for a moment?" Ginny said quietly, after she caught a glimpse of Draco dancing with Gabrielle.
"Of course," Rosabella replied as she shared a concerned look with Marie-Thérèse. "Would you like company?" she asked quickly.
"I'm just going to powder my nose Bella, I'll be fine," Ginny said.
"You sure you don't want company? Isn't that an unspoken rule about girls not travelling to the powder room in singles, or is that just something that is said in the non-wizarding worlds?" Marie-Thérèse mused.
"I'll be fine, really," Ginny said.
"Okay," they chorused, "We'll tell you about our next score when you get back," Rosabella continued with a smile.
Ginny, careful not to draw attention to herself, made her way across the room and slipped out into the hall. Closing the door behind her, she quickly made her way to her rooms and into her bedroom where she ripped her closet door open and pulled out the first cloak she could find and threw it around her shoulders. Quickly fastening it around her neck she pulled the hood up over her head and started to make her way back out into the sitting room only to stop short when she nearly ran into someone.
"What's going on Gin?" Bill asked softly as he took in her appearance.
"Go back to the party Bill," Ginny said as she tried to get around him.
"Not happening, Ginger," he countered quickly. "You're my baby sister and you're obviously planning to leave, I'm not letting you go off on your own. Even if that weren't the case, I was assigned to guard you by my Queen, you're stuck with me Ginny..."
"You're newly married Bill…"
"So are you."
"You are newly married to a woman who loves you, not because you are convenient. I am not about to separate you by taking you with me back to England. Goodbye Bill," Ginny said stalking off into the sitting room, lighting the fire in the fireplace as she neared and grabbing the emergency Floo powder of the mantle.
"Ginny," Bill reached out and grabbed her arm before she could actually go into the fire, turning her to face him. "You foolish girl, do you really think I'm going to let you go off, the God's only know where? You're my sister, you can't just go off somewhere without telling any of us. Our brothers would kill me before I had any chance to get in trouble for dereliction of duty," he shook his head as he visibly calmed down some, "Ginger, you're my baby sister, what if something happened and I wasn't there to help you? And as for Fleur, she'd be the first one standing here insisting that you weren't going without me, and you know that. Just... talk to me, or for heaven's sake tell me where we're going so we can go and then you can tell me what is going on when you're ready."
"I'm going home Bill," Ginny said quietly.
"Why?" he asked just as quietly.
"Because everything he ever told me was a lie," Ginny said stepping away from Bill and wrapping her arms around herself protectively.
"What?" he asked confused, "Ginger, what are you talking about?"
"Draco Malfoy is a lying bastard. My marriage is a sham, Bill. He doesn't love me," Ginny said spinning to face Bill as she wiped away the tears she finally allowed to fall. "He only married me to get his family lands and titles back. My marriage will be over by the time I turn eighteen because he plans to set me aside for that…that no good slut of a sister-in-law of yours."
"Wh... what?" he stuttered as he stared at her in shock, before a light bulb almost literally went off over his head, "What did Gabrielle do?" he asked, voice low as he thought of all the possible ways he could get away with hurting the girl and not getting himself killed or caught.
"She came into my rooms just before the wedding and told Fleur that Draco was only pretending to love me so that I would marry him so he could get his family's lands and titles back. That their father had told her so and that he had spoken to the Queen and to Narcissa and they both agreed that it was merely a marriage of convenience on Draco's part and that it would end when she turned sixteen."
"Ginny, none of that is true," he began gently. "Gabrielle is angry that she's not getting what she wants and is trying to hurt you or make you leave, no doubt thinking with you gone Draco will have to pick her even though he already picked you to begin with..."
"She had a lock of his hair, Bill! Even I know what that signifies," countered Ginny. "I am not the one that he wants, no matter how many pretty words of love he may spout at me; it is not me that he truly loves."
"Are you sure it's his hair? Or that he even gave it willingly?" Bill pointed out softly. "Gin, whatever you decide I'll support you, but I can't help but think all of this is some elaborate charade on Gabrielle's part. If it isn't, then Draco fooled all of us, and I never thought him to be that good of an actor..."
"How else would she have gotten it if not willingly Bill? You know as well as I that Draco is not one to give that sort of thing lightly. Did you not see them dancing just now? I'll do everything that is expected of me as the Duchesse d'Orléans, Bill. I will be at every function I am required to attend, do whatever is asked of me, including step aside for my replacement, just don't ask me to stay here and watch it happen…"
"Alright," he agreed with a nod, "I still think something isn't right about all this, but I said I'd support you and I will. But you're not leaving by yourself, Gin, I'm coming with you now, and when you return to Hogwarts I'll have had time to arrange for a small detail like there was last year alright?"
"Fine, but can we go before someone else comes looking for me?"
"Sure," he agreed as he grabbed his own pinch of dust, "But we're going to Grimmauld, it's the safest place besides Hogwarts."
"I don't want to go to Grimmauld Place Bill, I want to go home…" argued Ginny as Bill pulled her towards the fireplace.
"Mum and Dad will most likely be there Gin, do you really want to see them first thing after everything?" he countered quietly. "Unless there's a meeting going on, they likely won't be at Headquarters... And it is safer."
"Fine…whatever you think is better just get me out of here before Draco comes looking for me," Ginny sighed.
"Come on," Bill said, holding out his hand for Ginny to take before leading her into the fireplace and calling out their destination.
When they stepped out of the fireplace in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place, Bill was grateful to note that it was empty of any of the people that resided here on a permanent basis nor any of the other order members that tended to come and go as they pleased. Placing his hand on the small of her back, he quickly led Ginny out of the kitchen and into one of the sitting rooms on the ground floor, closing the door behind him.
"This is no place for a woman such as you, your Grace," he said as he watched Ginny walk towards the window.
"Don't call me that," Ginny said looking back over her shoulder before returning her attention back out the window.
"It's who you are Ginny," Bill snapped as he grabbed his sister by the arm and spun her to face him. "Whether you accept it or not, whether you admit it to yourself or not, you married him. Therefore you are the Duchesse d'Orléans. Just because you chose to walk away from him doesn't change that. You will still be shown the same respect as his wife," he said, his anger deflating as he took in the sadness in his sister's eyes. "Stay here while I see who's here and get word sent to Albus that he needs to come immediately so we can figure out how to deal with the next year okay?" When Ginny nodded he turned and made his way towards the door, only to stop and turn back towards Ginny before actually opening the door. "Ginger?"
"Yes Bill," Ginny said, her voice painfully quiet as she turned to look at her brother, silent tears falling down her cheeks.
"If you knew…"
"I love him more than I ever thought possible. It's why I went through with today even knowing the price I would pay would be more than I could bear." Wiping away a few tears Ginny turned and moved so she was looking out the window once more, indicating to Bill that the topic was closed, so he made his way out of the room in search of one of the residents of Grimmauld Place.
"Bill?" Remus' voice drew his attention when he was moving past the stairs. "What are you doing here?"
"Remus, we need to get word to Albus. He needs to come as quickly as possible, it would probably be best if Minerva came as well," Bill said.
"Of course," the older man agreed as he came down the stairs, "What's going on? And out of curiosity, when did you join the Musketeers?" he continued as he moved towards a side table that held paper and a quill for easy access.
"Now is not the best time Remus," Bill countered.
"True, true," Remus nodded. "Later I'll pester you, I spent some time in France years ago now," he smiled gently in memory before shaking his head as he set the quill aside and quickly sent the message on its way with a spell. "Would you like something to drink while we wait?"
"Can you get two glasses of water and bring them to the sitting room on the west side of the house?"
"Two?" Remus looked up at him surprised, "Fleur?" he asked even as he started towards the kitchen.
Bill shook his head. "Remus please…" he trailed off as he stopped outside the door to the sitting room.
Shrugging, Remus made his way to get the water before returning, Bill still standing just inside the room, but it wasn't Bill to whom Remus' eyes were drawn, it was the other occupant of the room. "Bill," he began quietly, not taking his eyes from the woman, "would you be able to explain why there is a noble lady here?"
"It's not just a noble lady, Remus," Bill sighed as he took one of the glasses from Remus. "It's my sister," he said quietly, before turning and walking over to where Ginny still stood staring blindly out the window. Touching her gently on the shoulder to get her attention, he held the glass out to her, "Your Grace, you should drink this."
Looking down at what Bill was holding out in front of her, Ginny reached out and took the glass from her brother before taking a sip. "Thank you," she replied quietly.
Remus stared after the two in confusion for a moment before sort of shaking himself as he made his way into the room. "Why don't we all sit down while we wait for Albus and Minerva," he suggested softly, "Is there anything else I can get you, your Grace?" he asked gently.
"I'm fine Professor," replied Ginny quietly as she allowed Bill to lead her over to one of the chairs near the fire, which he had lit earlier, taking up position behind Ginny.
"You can call me Remus, your Grace, here and now I'm not your Professor," Remus countered as he sat down across from them.
Ginny swallowed nervously and tried to call on everything that she had been taught over the past few months to help her get through the next little while. "Thank you Remus," she replied. "I'm sorry for just barging in on you like this. We don't mean to take advantage of yours or Sirius' hospitality but Bill thought this was the best place for us to come…"
"It's perfectly alright," he countered. "You're welcome here any time."
Before anything else could be said, there was the sound of a throat clearing from the doorway, and the three looked over to find Albus, Minerva, and Sirius all standing there. "Remus," Albus spoke as they moved into the room, "You wrote requesting Minerva and I?"
"What's going on?" Sirius spoke up.
"Bill found me a few minutes ago and asked that I write you two," Remus explained as he stood and made his way towards them, "Siri, help me get everyone something to drink..."
"But..." Sirius began before Remus kicked him in his shin as he moved past and Sirius muttered a curse before following the other man.
As soon as Remus had Sirius out of the room, Ginny rose from her spot, and although she never heard him move, she could feel Bill move to stand slightly behind and beside her.
"Good evening Bill, your Grace," Albus greeted as he inclined his head towards Ginny, "Forgive an old man for not bowing."
"Albus?" Minerva asked in confusion.
"Of course, Professor Dumbledore. A man of your age can be forgiven many things," Ginny said as she stepped forward and gave him a kiss on each cheek, her hood falling off her head in the process as she had to lean up to kiss him given their height differences.
"Ginny?" Minerva asked surprised, quickly looking between the three in the room. "I think I have missed something rather important, and it wouldn't just be the fact Bill joined the French Musketeers at some point..."
"Why don't we all sit down and talk," Albus suggested as Remus and Sirius returned.
"Ginny?" Sirius asked surprised when he saw her. "You have a tiara..."
"I have more than just a tiara Sirius, and yes, it's me Professor," Ginny said, as she looked between Sirius, her two professors and her brother.
"I am a Musketeer and I am here as her Grace's personal guard," Bill said. "Come morning I plan to arrange to have the rest of her detail brought over once more Albus so they are in place once school begins."
"Of course," Albus nodded. "Speaking of school beginning, we will need to take care of the matter of your name change..."
"My name change?" asked Ginny in confusion.
"When I received the letter from Remus explaining Bill had requested Minevra and I, I took a guess and checked the school register while I was waiting for Minerva to arrive. As of this afternoon, you are no longer listed as Ginevra Weasley," Albus explained softly.
"She's not?" Minerva asked surprised.
"Then what is she listed as?" Sirius spoke up before getting kicked by Remus, the dark haired marauder glaring at his friend as he reached down to rub his leg.
"The register," Ginny sighed as she forgot herself for a moment and fell back into the chair she had vacated when the others had come into the room, her head falling into her hands when she remembered the ceremony earlier. "It glowed softly after I signed it."
"Yes," Albus nodded. "So, arrangements can be made with the Professors and other staff to continue calling you Miss. Weasley, I am sure. We'll have to do everything we can to keep news of your marriage getting out..."
"Marriage?" Minerva choked on her water.
"Marriage!" Sirius managed to actually squeak, much to Remus' amusement. "But I thought..." he focused on Remus, "But Molly... oh Merlin does Molly know? Can we go to Antarctica?" he looked pleadingly at Remus.
"It would be best if word of my sister's marriage and position were kept quiet Albus, especially after…well everything Malfoy's put her through. Her protection will remain in place unless I see a reason to increase it but as long as she remains known as simply Ginny Weasley then I see no reason to change things," Bill said, putting a comforting hand on Ginny's shoulder.
"Malfoy!" Sirius roared before another kick in the shin silenced him rather quickly.
"If you'll excuse us," Remus spoke softly before grabbing Sirius' arm and apparating the both of them from the room, only to reappear a moment later. "Sirius is a bit occupied at the moment."
"A bit tied up?" Albus asked with a twinkle in his eyes.
"Exactly," Remus smiled. "I'm sorry about his reactions, your Grace..." he continued to Ginny.
"It's alright Remus," Ginny replied. "I kind of expected it really and quite frankly I rather expect worse when my mother learns the truth of what I've done."
"There really isn't much that she can do, you are the new Duchesse d'Orléans, I am assuming," Minerva spoke up. "I went to school with Abraxas Malfoy, he made it no secret he was the son of the Duc d'Orléans," she continued with a slight shrug. "But I had never imagined Draco would try to claim the title, I assumed he would be following Lucius... Obviously that is not the case since wasn't there a decree made that as long as a Malfoy followed Voldemort..." she looked at Albus.
"King Louis d'Artagnan V made that decree yes," Albus agreed. "And no, Lucius never had any plans to my knowledge to sell Draco into Voldemort's service as Abraxas did to Lucius..."
"Wait, Lucius was sold to Voldemort?" Remus asked surprised.
"Lucius only serves Voldemort because he is forced to, not because it is his choice," Ginny said quietly. "I was visiting the twins in Diagon Alley over Easter last year when the Death Eaters attacked. Lucius actually made sure I was safely out of London so no harm could come to me. Does that sound like the actions of a man who serves the Dark Lord willingly?"
"No, it does not," Remus agreed softly.
"Through his marriage to me, Draco has today reclaimed his family lands and titles. Once more a Malfoy holds the title Duc d'Orléans," Ginny said quietly.
"You can see why this information needs to be kept quiet Minerva," Bill said. "If You-know-Who were to learn that not only had Draco Malfoy reclaimed his family's lands and titles but my sister was his wife...after the incident with the chamber, his primary target would most likely become my sister."
"Very true," Minerva agreed. "Especially since of late it seems that Voldemort isn't even all that concerned with Harry to be honest. Something else seems to have drawn his attention, but so far he hasn't told anyone exactly what, even Severus is clueless as to what exactly is going on in the man's mind."
"Well I would appreciate being kept in the loop about anything the order learns about what is going on with the Death Eaters. We have a number of rather high ranking nobles attending Hogwarts, the Duc and Duchesse d'Orléans among them, all of whom have musketeer details that report back to our Captain and any information we can give him in regards to You-Know-Who's activities will help him keep our Queen safe," Bill said. "We need to discuss Ginny's sleeping arrangements while at Hogwarts…"
"I'll be sleeping in the sixth year girl's dorms along with every other sixth year Gryffindor girl," Ginny interrupted.
"On the contrary your Grace," Bill said. "Things are different now, your position has changed. You are no longer merely Draco's fiancée; you are the Duchess d'Orléans therefore your level of security needs to change to accommodate it. Besides, I need to be able to come and go from your rooms Ginny and I can't do that with you in the sixth year girls dormitory."
"We can make any arrangements necessary, but I think that Ginny should have a say in what is done," Albus agreed. "Although I do have to point out, the point of everything is for Ginny to not have anyone suspecting something, her having separate rooms would certainly raise suspicions."
"Why don't we all relax for now, things can be figured out tomorrow," Minerva suggested.
"I actually wouldn't mind getting some sleep if that's alright," Ginny said quietly.
"Why don't I hop back to Versailles and I'll get some things for you," Bill suggested. "You'll be safe here with Albus, Minerva, and Remus..."
"Please don't be long Bill," Ginny pleaded.
"I'll be as quick as I can, at most I might stop to let André know that we're in London and let Fleur know as well," he promised.
"Alright. I'll wait here until you get back. I promise," Ginny said as she rose from the chair, undoing her cloak in the process before turning and making her way back over towards the window, laying her cloak across the couch as she passed.
"We'll stay with her," Albus smiled, "Which reminds me, would you rather we call you Ginny?" he asked as Bill quietly left the room.
"Yes please," Ginny said, turning back around so she was facing her professors once more as she leant back against the window frame. "Bill is the one that insists on the whole 'your Grace' bit. In a few years it will all be moot point anyway," she sighed as she turned her gaze to the fireplace.
"Do you want to talk about what happened Ginny? You don't have to of course," Minerva spoke gently.
"Draco is a consummate Slytherin, Professor McGonagall. I let myself believe he'd changed. I believed him when he said he loved me. More the fool me, I suppose. I guess I deserve to get my heart broken like this. Turns out he was only using me to get his family lands and titles back. He needed to be married before he turned eighteen to reclaim the Duchy his grandfather lost, Gabrielle's too young to marry, but I'm not."
"Oh Ginny," Albus sighed as he rose and walked over to her, his hand falling to her shoulder, "I'm sorry that you are experiencing this hurt, dear child."
"It's my own fault Professor," Ginny sniffled. "I let myself believe he'd changed. I honestly didn't want to believe it when I heard Gabrielle at first, a part of me didn't but another part of me couldn't deny what she said when I heard she had a lock of his hair because I know Draco well enough to know that is not something he would give to just anyone. He never even gave me a lock of his hair and I was his fiancée. And when she showed up at our reception this evening and instead of throwing her out, he danced with her, I just knew…"
"I wish I could take this pain from you," he sighed sadly.
"All I can do is try to make the best of it and try to avoid seeing him as much as possible this year. At least I only have one year in which I have to deal with him. I could have stayed at the palace with a tutor but then I would have had to deal with Gabrielle and quite honestly I'd rather deal with the pain of seeing Draco everyday than seeing her smug face."
"This girl lives at the palace?" Minerva asked. "Wouldn't only the Queen and other royalty be living at the palace?"
"Gabrielle is Fleur's younger sister, Professor," replied Ginny. "And Fleur is one of the Queen's Ladies in Waiting, as am I."
"But Gabrielle is not?" Minerva asked as she thought back to the girl from the Tri-Wizard Tournament.
"No, she is not, much to her annoyance. She is not one of the Queen's chosen few."
"Then would you really be seeing her on a daily basis?" she began, "I'm not trying to say you should stay there Ginny, merely wondering if Gabrielle is not one of the Queen's chosen then would it be easier to be there at the palace while Draco is here..."
"She managed to make her way into an invitation only party Professor; she'll find a way to be at the palace. Plus her father is intent on having his daughter married to Draco and Narcissa while not openly against her son's marriage to me would rather see him married to someone like Gabrielle than a Weasley. And given everything that's happened I think I would like the normalcy that Hogwarts can give me. There is also the fact that I'm only a sixth year while Draco is a seventh year, so it's not like we share any classes together and the Slytherin dorms are in the dungeons while the Gryffindors live in a tower high on top of the castle. Plus given the way my brother was acting last year, I'm sure I don't have to worry about Draco being able to get me alone since we were never able to accomplish it last year," Ginny said.
"True, true," Minerva nodded. "Well, I'm sure we shall all be able to come up with some way that appeases Bill's need to watch over you, and allow you as normal a life as possible."
"Thank you Professor. I just want to be treated like every other student."
"Then we shall do everything in our power to make sure you are," Albus agreed.
Saturday August 16th, 1997
Versailles, France
Château de Versailles
The Ground Floor – North–West side
Ginny's Rooms
6:17 p.m.
Bill had quickly made his way from Grimmauld Place back to the Château, wanting this to go as quickly as possible. He'd gone immediately to Ginny's rooms, a bit uncomfortable as he looked through her things to find something for her to wear for the night as well as a simple outfit for the next day, figuring they could figure things out more definitely once everyone had a night to calm down; and while he was doing his searching, he had a self-writing quill penning a quick note explaining his and Ginny's whereabouts to André. Once he sent the missive off, he made his way towards the doors to make his way towards his own rooms so he could grab a change of clothes for himself, the last thing he expected was to nearly knock both him and his wife over when he found Fleur on the other side of Ginny's door.
"Bill?" Fleur asked when they both gained their footing. "I have been looking for you and Ginny..." she glanced towards the door behind him. "What is going on?"
"Fleur, I really don't have a lot of time right now, I have to get back to Ginny…"
"Then we talk as you go to your rooms, since I assume they are your next stop," she countered as she easily slipped her arm into the crook of his and pulled slightly to get him to start moving, "Where is she Bill? Is she all right? Are you? Do I have to smack you senseless when everything that apparently is happening, is done for not keeping me in the loop as you say?"
"I'm fine Fleur. I'm worried about Ginny," he admitted as they walked. "She's at Order Headquarters with Albus and Minerva."
"I thought she might do something like that," Fleur sighed as they walked. "Gabrielle forced her way into Ginny's rooms and went on and on about her belief that Draco was merely marrying Ginny for the title. Ginny then said she was going to still marry him when I asked what she would do after hearing Gabrielle, I thought perhaps she was going to listen to her heart and to my arguments that Gabrielle didn't know what she was talking about... I'm sorry my love, I wanted to say something before the wedding but I never had a chance..."
"She told me about Gabrielle coming into her rooms and about what was said. She also told me that your sister has a lock of Draco's hair and that is not something that she would be able to get from Draco if not given to her willingly as both you and I know," Bill said.
"I have a great deal of doubt as to that actually being Draco's hair, and even then, there are ways to have gained that over the years. Stealing it after Draco had his hair cut for example..." Fleur shrugged. "I'll have to let Dora know of everything, Gabrielle was even using her in her tales."
"Narcissa as well, I'm afraid," Bill sighed. "She's convinced herself that Draco has been lying to her for months. I honestly don't know what made her go through with it today but I know what it's cost her…"
"She loves him, that is no secret," Fleur answered sadly. "And she did what she has always done, no? She did what was expected of her, no matter how much she was hurting or would be hurt. Pesky quality shared by her, you, and your four brothers I know best. Though, honestly, I never quite noticed that same quality in Ron when I was around him during the Tri-Wizard Tournament... I think Ginny got his share as well."
"I'm afraid this betrayal, as she sees it, has broken something inside of her and I don't know if it can ever be fixed Fleur. When I look into her eyes, the girl that was there yesterday isn't there anymore and in her place is a girl that's had to grow up so much faster than she should have. It's like she's aged ten years in the span of a few hours. Will you pass a message onto the Queen for me?"
"Of course, my love," Fleur nodded.
"Tell her that Ginny is fine, that she is safe and that Ginny will do everything that is expected of her as the Duchesse d'Orléans. She will be at every function that she is required to attend, she will do whatever is asked of her, including step aside for her replacement," Bill said, trying to remember Ginny's exact words from earlier
Fleur sighed heavily, "I'll pass the message to her. I don't know if she'll try to contact Ginny right away or not, I'm not sure exactly what will happen when she learns of Gabrielle's betrayal... But I know she will write Ginny, knowing Dora she will not push Ginny to return or anything, merely try to establish a conversation so Ginny knows that she was never part of this... You know now, to watch over Ginny for when the letter does come... Care for Ginny, I'll watch over our Queen, and she shall watch over Draco. And perhaps with the blessing of God, Ginny and Draco will find their way back to each other and that which is broken in them both shall be healed..."
"In order for their relationship to be healed, Ginny will have to let Draco near her again and I'm afraid that may never happen. She is in so much pain Fleur…"
"I know love," she nodded slowly, "But we also do not know what tomorrow holds. If Draco is the man I think he is, he will never give up, and someday he may succeed in winning Ginny back... We will simply have to wait and pray for that day, no?"
"I should go," Bill said grabbing the things he had collected while they had been talking.
"I know," she nodded, "Write and let me know how things are going. I'll try to visit you before the school year begins, then perhaps I can come visit during the school year."
"I'll write and let you know when the best time to visit is," Bill said leaning in and giving her a kiss before stepping back.
"Be safe my love, and give Ginny a hug for me," Fleur smiled softly before watching him use the Floo point from the room to leave. Sighing sadly she turned and made her way back through the château to find Louise.
