Ginny stood in front of Daphne with her suitcase at her side. Her head was bent slightly down with her trademark red hair partially shielding her face from Daphne's glare. She had just confessed she was leaving her post as Daphne's ladies' maid and was nervously awaiting her response. Her fingers fiddling with the hat she held were the only things giving this away.
Daphne stood tall. Her hands rested on her slender hips and her lips were pursed. She was trying and failing to keep a composed face so as not to show her anger.
"You chose a most inopportune time to resign, dear Ginevra." Daphne's voice was even colder than usual. "I confessed to you last night I was about to be married and plans will begin to be made soon." Ginny flinched at the reminder. "I don't need the hassle of finding a new maid. You can expect no recommendation from me."
"Yes, Madame, I understand." She curtsied and Daphne turned on her heel to leave. Ginny was left standing in the entrance hall alone. She stood up straight, and looked around remembering all the time she'd wasted as Daphne's maid.
She sighed, you can't change the past. But she could change her future, she thought determinedly. She placed the sunhat she had been holding on her head, tied the sash under her chin and grabbed her suitcase. She left the house for the last time with her head held high.
Ginny made her way to the side of the mansion where Mark was working on the carriages. When she saw him her confidence disappeared.
Mark looked up and smiled but his brow knit when he noticed her bag. Ginny couldn't bear to tell him her news, so she looked away. Merlin, why do I have to do this? she thought. I'll only break his heart. Tears were pricking her soft, brown eyes. "I'm leaving." Her voice wavered and she knew he hadn't heard her.
She swallowed hard. "I'm leaving." Ginny finally said again, this time stronger.
She turned back to him and met his eyes. The shock and heartbreak she saw there made her feel ashamed. Mark had dropped the rag in his hand. He had had to rest his hand on the carriage next to him to keep his balance. "What? Where are you going?" He choked out. He sounded as though in pain.
Ginny bit her lip to hold in her tears, but quickly looked back up. "I-I don't know." She wanted so badly to be able to confidently state a location, but Mark was one of the few people she couldn't lie to. "I just know I can't bear to be Daphne's maid one more minute." Not with the turn recent events had taken. She knew she wouldn't be able to bear helping Daphne prepare to wed the love of her life.
Mark nodded his head and walked closer to her, wiping his hands on his pants. "Then let me come with you Ginny." He placed his hands on her upper arms. "I don't think I can bear this place either without you." His usual playful smile had returned.
She met his sparkling eyes, then looked down with a sigh. It was so tempting. Her journey would be much easier if she had someone to help her along, but she knew it would be cruel to bring him along when she didn't return his love, especially when her only plan so far was to leave this place and reclaim another man's love, Draco's love. She grabbed for the locket under her dress.
Looking back up into his hopeful eyes, knowing she was about to be the source of that hopes leaving, she said, "I'm sorry, Mark I need to do this alone."
Mark's grip on her shoulders tightened slightly. "But I love you Ginny Weasley." He looked into her eyes, searching for her answer to his declaration.
She saw the love pouring out of him and turned away. She looked up trying to quell the flow of tears threatening to fall. Why? Why did he have to complicate her leaving so? She clenched the locket for strength. "Mark…" but she couldn't finish the hurtful statement.
His hands dropped from her arms and he nodded understanding as he looked down. "It's okay Gin. I know you don't love me back, but I had to say it… before you left." He looked down as he mumbled that last part.
Ginny gave him a consoling hug. "I'm sorry Mark," she whispered. But before she pulled away she kissed his lips as a last goodbye. Ginny grabbed her bag and was on her way.
DGDGDGDGDGDG
After a few days of wandering, Ginny ended up in London, searching for employment. She had applied to be a seamstress, but her sewing skills were not like her mother's. She had thought the bustling city would be full of open positions she could take as she decided on a firm course of action to accomplish her mission, but she didn't have the aptitude for many jobs and she refused to go back to being a ladies' maid, but also those jobs were hard to come by without a recommendation.
She wandered into a pub to wallow in her disappointment. It was poorly lit and smelled of sweat, but it wasn't a popular place, which was exactly what she wanted—a quiet drink. She took a seat at the bar. "I'll have a firewhiskey," she told the bartender as she took her seat. Going through her wallet she found she had only just enough for this drink. I guess that means no dinner, she thought wryly. She put her head in her hands and closed her eyes.
"Tough day?" the bartender asked.
"Like you wouldn't believe." She dropped her hands and turned to look at him. He had deep brown eyes and brown hair, but was very handsome. His pale skin was similar to hers.
"What happened?" He sounded like he cared and Ginny was looking for someone to vent to.
"I've been looking for a job all day, but there are no openings for someone with my skill set," she whined.
He smirked. She's rather cute, he thought.
"And what might those skills be?"
Turning her face away, she blushed. "Well, none really," she said barely audibly. "But I do know that being a seamstress or a ladies' maid just isn't going to cut it." She took a swig of her firewhiskey and turned to look out the window.
"Well keep your head up. Maybe you just haven't found the perfect thing yet," the bartender encouraged as he wiped down the bar.
"Or maybe I have," Ginny whispered as a head of white blond hair passed by the window of the pub with a beautiful woman on his arm that Ginny could immediately tell was not Daphne. Quickly finishing her drink, she rushed out the door to follow them. Wherever Draco is headed is the place I need to be, she thought.
They ended up in front of a large mansion that awed Ginny. She was amazed at its beauty. Its exterior was white with tall, elegant columns with light blue shutters accenting every window. Draco and his stunning friend walked inside. Draco whispered something in the woman's ear that made her emit the most appealing laugh and he moved his arm to encircle her waist.
Ginny followed them inside at a safe enough distance that they didn't notice. She watched as the beautiful woman led him upstairs and into a room where Ginny lost sight of them when the woman closed the door with a pleased little smile.
A thin, old woman appeared to Ginny's left, Ginny guessed from her office as she caught a glimpse of a desk inside.
"May I help you?" the woman asked.
What should she say? That she'd like to know what she had to do to become that woman with Draco upstairs? She settled with a tamer, but almost as blunt statement. "Yes, I'd like to apply for a job here."
The woman's right brow rose and she gestured for Ginny to enter her office.
The woman took a seat behind her desk and motioned for Ginny to sit as well. The woman was fairly old with graying hair and wrinkles beginning to form around her eyes and lips. It was still obvious though that not too long ago she was once a striking figure. Glancing around the room, Ginny noted the deep burgundy color of the walls, the plethora of paintings covering them, and especially the reality of the older woman's former beauty.
"Before we begin what is your name dear?"
"Oh, excuse me for not saying before," Ginny said flustered turning back to the woman before her. "It's Ginevra Weasley." She held out her hand for the woman to shake.
"What a beautiful name." The woman smiled. "Mine's Greta Catchlove. You may call me Ms. Catchlove. So Ginevera, do you know what we do here at this establishment?"
Ginny bit her lip feeling like she'd been caught. "Well, no, not exactly," she began rather timidly, "but whatever it is I'm sure I'd be great at it," she finished with more confidence.
"Well, then I must inform you of what you are getting into." Ms. Catchlove's hands were locked together on top of her desk and her eyes had become sterner. "We are courtesans."
Expecting shock or an argument from Ginny, Ms. Catchlove waited before continuing but Ginny sat there in silence. "It is not as awful as the pious make it out to be. You will be praised for your beauty everywhere you go. You will be treated like a princess. All of the finest things will be yours without even asking."
Ginny bit her lip, thinking of what her mother would think of her. If Molly Weasley could see her now, considering taking a position as a whore of the court. But it would inevitably bring her closer to Draco, a man who was part of that court, and maybe he would visit her, Ginny smiled. Or maybe he would scorn her and think her a slut, she frowned. But he had just been visiting one of these courtesans, so obviously he didn't think too lowly of them she consoled herself.
Ms. Catchlove held up a finger. "But jewels and fine dresses are just a few of the perks." She rose from her desk and went towards the door beckoning Ginny to follow. She was led down a long, peach-colored hall covered in portraits of beautiful women. Ms. Catchlove stopped in front of a large, intricately carved wooden door.
It opened to reveal one of the grandest libraries Ginny had ever witnessed, though it couldn't compete with Hogwarts'. It had been years since Ginny had read a book, they were forbidden to servants and the lower-class to reduce the threat of rebellion.
"Courtesans are the most educated women in the world. Kings often consult their mistresses over important matters of state. As a courtesan, you will have the chance to influence some of the Dark Lord's chief followers, although we are still forbidden the privilege of wands."
Ginny contemplated this new factor as she continued to admire the library. She turned to Ms. Catchlove, who was holding the door open, and bit her lip. At that moment she glimpsed a head of platinum hair walking by, leaving the mansion. Ginny instinctively reached for her locket.
Ginny nodded her head with newfound determination. This seemed the best way to recapture Draco's love. "Alright, I'll do it."
Ms. Catchlove smiled and motioned for Ginny to follow her out of the room. "Luckily for you, a room just opened up. I've been looking for a new girl to take it."
Ginny walked out slowly not anticipating an encounter with Draco considering the present state of her appearance, but fortunately he was no longer there. Ginny let out a breath she hadn't noticed she was holding and was led up a flight of grand, marble stairs. When they reached her room, Ginny was surprised at its beauty.
There was a majestic mahogany four-poster bed in the center with a light blue duvet cover. She noticed a vanity already filled with makeup and as she walked farther in she gasped at the large marble bathroom. The tub seemed big enough for five people.
She turned to Ms. Catchlove and could hardly express her gratitude, she was speechless. Ms. Catchlove waved her hands, "No need to thank me, this is a standard room for all of our courtesans. Most don't live here though, and once you establish yourself you are sure to gain a luxurious house of your own."
Ms. Catchlove moved farther into the room. "Now we have much to do before your debut."
DGDGDGDGDGDGDGDG
Making his way to the apparation point outside of Greta's, Draco allowed a self-satisfied smile to touch his features. Gloria had been his favorite for some time now. She could always tell just by looking at him what he wanted and how he wanted it done. Not to mention he loved the way she looked; she was like a vision of an angel.
Oh, how he loved her shining blonde hair, the color of gold. Mmm… and her body. It was so soft and supple. Her breasts were like fresh peaches in his hands. Thinking of her made him want to turn around and go another round with her; she was exactly what he needed after last night, after seeing Ginny, after proposing to Daphne. And she was exactly what he needed before he went to face his father.
A scowl crept onto his face at the thought of Lucius. His father had become rather annoying lately with all the pressure to marry; thankfully Draco finally had some news that would appease Lucius.
Draco arrived in Lucius's study at Malfoy Manor with a pop and immediately went for the whiskey.
"So I hear you are to be congratulated," Lucius greeted. "Daphne will make a good wife and the match should improve your standing at court."
"Exactly what I was thinking father," Draco said after taking a large swig of the whiskey.
"Have you set a date?" Lucius asked quickly getting to the point.
Draco took another drink of his whiskey, taking time to glance around the study at the richly decorated room. The chairs were covered in highly buffed black leather, the walls painted a forest green; book shelves lined one wall, filled with only leather-bounds.
Finally Draco answered, "No, Father. I did only propose last night. But I will be having dinner with Daphne tonight and we can begin to discuss our plans for the wedding though I will leave most of it to her."
"I suggest next month. No point in waiting a year as seems to be the custom nowadays," Lucius responded.
"I will suggest it." Draco nodded.
"Good, now we need to discuss this unpleasant business of France," began Lucius, jumping in with his favorite political topic at the moment.
Draco listened idly interjecting when needed as Lucius droned on about France's continued resistance to agreements with the Dark Lord and how war would soon be inevitable.
DGDGDGDGDGDG
"Draco," Daphne smiled at him, as he took her hand to help her into his carriage. She was dressed in a beautiful gown of midnight blue that clung to her curves, diamonds hung from her ears, and a white fur wrap hung from her elbows. She looked every bit the glamorous socialite she was. "Where are we going tonight?"
Before answering Draco glanced toward where he had seen Ginny the other night, but only saw a rather morose looking servant of Daphne's leaning up against a wheel of a carriage. He turned away to answer Daphne's question. "That new restaurant that just opened up, I'm getting bored with everything else."
As the carriage began on its way to the restaurant, Draco finally gave Daphne a real look, staring deeply into her green eyes, seeing her desire. She really is beautiful, and she is to be my wife soon, Draco thought as he placed his hand on Daphne's cheek and pulled her toward him for a kiss. His other hand grasped her slender waist and slowly began its climb to caress her breast through her dress, while the other moved down her check, along her shoulder to her lower back, pushing Daphne closer to him.
Daphne, her eyes closed in pleasure, shivered with the movement of his hands, welcoming his caresses. His lips moved from her lips across her jaw, to her ear where he bit her lobe and then ceased his ministrations as the carriage had arrived at its destination.
As the carriage driver opened the door, and Draco stepped out, Daphne smoothed her hair and dress. Then, when Draco offered his hand stepped down to the greeting of erratic flashes of cameras. Immediately, Draco wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close, both smiling for the paparazzi before entering the restaurant.
The couple was taken to a table in a small alcove, affording them a bit of privacy. A small candle flickered on their table next to a small vase holding two red roses. The walls were painted a rich red adding to the romantic atmosphere. Red wine filled their glasses and Draco wondered for a moment if the restaurant's name was Rouge, he couldn't quite remember.
Draco reached across the table to take Daphne's hand, rubbing small circles on it with his thumb. "Have you thought any of what you'd like to do for the wedding? Father requested we set the date for next month, in case the problems with France should escalate."
Daphne took a sip of her wine and nodded. "That should be fine, though planning will become quite a challenge."
"Nothing you can't handle, I'm sure." Draco smiled, then dropped her hand to take a sip of his own wine. "With names like Malfoy and Greengrass I'm sure everyone shall jump to do your bidding." He smirked as did she.
Suddenly Draco's eyes were drawn from Daphne to a woman with curly, red hair walking by their table on the arm of a black-haired man. Draco's eyes wandered over her recognizing it wasn't Ginny, but thoughts of her capturing his mind anyway. Images of her soft lips on his, his hands running across her body danced through his mind. Draco groaned and rubbed his eyes. Why was Ginny continuing to plague his thoughts? he wondered. A trip to see Gloria would be in order, he decided, and took gulp of his wine turning his attention back to Daphne.