Hey, guys! Sorry for not updating yesterday, but something was up with my computer or something. Anyways. Here's the super short chapter 42!

Disclaimer: I own nothing!

Chapter Forty-two

The Weasleys, Harry, Hermione and I got to Diagon Alley through the Leaky Cauldron, and we went straight to Gringotts. At first the goblins didn't believe that Lucius' money was now mine, but after shoving the paper Anthea gave me across the desk, they admitted me without question. I packed several hundred galleons into a bag without the others' knowledge, almost giddy with excitement.

We walked through Diagon Alley, going in and out of book and robe shops for Ginny, and I got more casual clothing so I could continue to work in the garden with the others and not have to borrow Potter's clothes.

When everyone decided to stop for lunch, Arthur insisted that he at least pay for the meals, and I didn't fight him.

When everyone was settling down into a booth, I caught Ginny's arm. "How often do you go into that Quidditch shop across the road?" I whispered.

"Just once or twice. Why?" she wondered, looking at me with suspicion.

I brought the pouch of galleons in between us and opened it slightly so that she could see the shining coins inside. "Ever wanted a Firebolt or official robes?"

Ginny's eyes widened at the sight of the money and looked up at me, nodding slowly.

I glanced at the others in the booth and already ordering. "Let's go, then. While they're distracted."

Ginny and I raced a subtly as we could through the cafe and onto the street.

"Why don't you want them to know?" Ginny wondered.

"Because. If your father found out I was paying for it, I think he might lose it," I reminded, earning a laugh from Ginny.

I opened the door to the Quidditch shop, and Ginny's eyes lit up like a child in a sweet shop. She raced through the aisles as she checked out each robe and broom she came across, her wide smile never leaving her face.

Eventually, she got caught choosing between a Nimbus 2001 and a Firebolt broom. "Which do you think?" she asked, holding both out for my inspection.

"I've flown the Nimbus, and I can tell you that it handles brilliantly, but I don't know much about the Firebolt. Just that it's faster then the Nimbus, and if you're a Chaser, speed is best," I recommended.

Ginny nodded and slowly replaced the black Nimbus where she found it and gripped the Firebolt. "Why're you doing this for me, Draco?" she asked, looking back at me seriously.

"You said you want to play professionally, and if you want scouts to look at you while you play, having a decent broom is a good part of it," I said, hoping that the explanation was satisfactory.

The truth was that I didn't know why I was buying her a broom. If I really wanted to help her family's financial situation, I should transfer a few hundred thousand galleons into their bank account, but instead, I was buying Ginny a new broom.

"No. Really," Ginny said, dismissing my explanation.

I hesitated, searching my mind for the real reason. "I don't know," I muttered, hoping she wouldn't hear. All I knew was that I was happier than I've been in the past three years. Why couldn't that be explanation enough?

Ginny nodded slowly. "Are you sure you want to get this for me? Can I pay you back or anything?"

I chuckled at her words. She sounded just like her father. "Absolutely not. I want to do this, so let me."

Ginny's mouth twitched up at the corner. "Let's check out, then."

We got through the line as fast as we could. The wait was long, but we arrived at the counter relatively quickly. I had to sign for the Firebolt because it cost over two hundred galleons, but it was worth it to see Ginny's smile.

We left the shop and were immediately overtaken by Mister Weasley. "There you two are!" He embraced his daughter as soon as he got to her. "We looked up, and you were gone." He took a step back and finally noticed Ginny's new broom. "What is that, and where did you get it?"

"Draco got it for me," Ginny answered, holding up the Firebolt. "I tried to talk him out of it, though."

"You didn't try very hard," I laughed under my breath.

"You didn't have to do that, Draco," Arthur said. "We have plenty of brooms at the Burrows."

"Yes, you do, Mister Weasley, but Ginny has said that she wants to play professional Quidditch, and a fast broom is the second best way to start. After having the talent for it," I dismissed, crinkling the signed paper of the broom's purchase behind my back.

"Can we-"

"I already offered, Dad," Ginny pointed out, cutting off her father. "He won't accept repayment."

Arthur sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Let's head on back to the cafe. The others are still enjoying lunch."

Mister Weasley held out a hand to guide Ginny in front of us both and back towards the cafe.

Arthur kept pace with me as we walked back. "Paying for Ginny's books, robes and getting her a new broom? If you wanted to pay us back for letting you stay with us, you've done more than enough."

"Can't I just get her a broom because I want to?" I wondered.

Mister Weasley stopped us outside the cafe's doors, embracing me like he did his daughter. It was still a bit unnatural, but it was becoming slightly more normal.

We re-joined the others in the cafe and finished eating lunch with them. The others gawked at Ginny's new broom. Well, all except for Harry who already owned a Firebolt broom.

When we were finished, we departed Diagon Alley and went back to the Burrows. Ginny spent the remainder of the afternoon, zooming around in the air on her new broom. It made me smile to see her enjoying it so much, and I hoped it would allow her talent to grow enough to get her into a professional Quidditch team.

Hope you guys enjoyed! See you soon for the next chapter!