A/N: I don't like clogging up my chapters with replies to reviews – which is why I usually send messages. That said I will address the ones by Covered in Brusies. This is a Draco/Ginny story. And Arthur is Minister. Relationships have changed, its been a number of years. I did not promise to follow cannon, and in fact pointed out it would only follow to the epilogue. That said, if you don't enjoy the way I've written the Weasleys you are welcome to stop reading. It likely won't change.
I appreciate reviews, but if unless its pointing out an inconsistency within the story itself, this is my little spinoff of the world and if you don't like it don't read. Fanfiction is about stretching the fabric of the world, I particularly enjoy writing about relationships that wouldn't normally happen.
I love reading all the reviews and watching the traffic stats (it is maybe my favorite feature). And I love writing this story. I will hopefully have another update up tonight.
Draco was straightening his tie when Tracie walked in. She was wearing a crimson gown with a lace shawl that tied elegantly in the back – it also served to hide her marked arm. She wore the jewelry he had given her for Christmas. He smiled gently at her.
"You are one of the only people I would wear red for," he stated bluntly. She came up behind him admiring his charcoal suit and black shirt. His tie matched her gown perfectly, though it was streaked through with silver. He had bought a similar one to wear to Scorpius' games.
"Scorpius isn't dressed yet," she offered as she handed him his jacket.
"He's going to go and stay at Hermione's for the night. She's feeling a little out of it with the pregnancy and staying in with the kids."
"I think her and Ron had another row," Tracie offered. Draco shrugged on his jacket with a frown.
"He should just retire to make her happy. He's getting a bit old for that team anyway. One more year isn't going to gain him anything. In fact, with the way he's been playing it'll likely hurt him."
"You should convince him to join the running for Falcon's coaching staff," Tracie said. She was gathering her cloak from his closet when she turned to see his scowl. "Don't scowl at me. We've spent practically every night this week at Ginerva's for dinner. I've gotten to know Hermione pretty well. She'd be happy if he were coaching. You could start him in as an assistant – then he wouldn't have to travel for the games, by the time he's ready to progress the kids will be old enough she won't mind travelling so much."
"How did you even know I'm overhauling the coaching staff," Draco asked still scowling. They were making their way toward the foyer now. Tracie gave him a knowing smile.
"I hear things," Tracie replied.
"Are you ready to go yet," Harry called, knocking on Ginny's door. She frowned into the mirror as she changed her hair one more time with her wand. She prodded the curls forcefully one last time and sighed heavily, sinking into her seat. She was wearing a one shoulder black gown. The bodice hugged her body tightly and then flared out in layers of thinner fabric. She had travelled to Barcelona for the gown and had added the slit that ran almost to her thigh herself. She slipped on the bangles that Narcissa had given her for Christmas and a pair of hoop earrings to complete it. Satisfied she slipped her feet into the silver stilettos she'd picked out and stood.
"I'm ready," she said finally as she emerged. Harry was wearing a plain black suit with a white dress shirt and silver tie. He didn't look pleased with her choice of gown but refrained from commenting.
"We're going to be late," Harry replied with a frown as he glanced at his watch. It was the one she had gotten him years ago, for his birthday.
"We'll be fine."
"I hate being late Ginny," he replied with a scowl. Ginny walked ahead of him to the kitchen and picked up the glass of wine she'd left there earlier. She finished it in a single gulp as he frowned at her.
"We're not going to be late," she replied glancing at the clock. "Hell we're still early."
"I like to be early," he stated evenly, his eyes clouding with anger.
"Well I don't. I hate these Balls. I'd rather stay home – I'm sick of spending a fortune on dresses."
"Well you didn't have to go all the way to Spain for this one," Harry replied, practically seething.
"The dressmakers here didn't have one I liked," Ginny replied. She poured herself another glass of wine and took a thoughtful sip. "Plus, it was cheaper there anyway."
"We're not seriously going to have this fight again are we?" Harry demanded. He took the glass of wine from her, dumping it and the rest of the bottle down the drain. "I think you need to take a break from the drinking Gin."
"You're not really at liberty to make that decision for me," Ginny replied angrily. However she gathered her cloak and disapparated, without him. Harry threw the wine glass in the sink, shattering it and took several deep breaths before he followed suit.
"Ginerva," Draco said as she appeared right after them. Tracie was still holding his arm and she smiled by way of greeting.
"Draco, Tracie," Ginny replied. She didn't smile; the wine hadn't quite worked its way into her system yet.
"No Harry?"
"I'm sure he'll be – Here he is now," Ginny replied as she heard the pop behind her. Harry slipped his arm around her waist and Ginny barely stopped her scowl at the movement. Tracie was steering Draco toward the Ballroom at this point.
"It's not becoming to arrive before your date," Harry hissed in her ear. Ginny smiled becomingly as they entered the ballroom and immediately disengaged herself to go and hug her father. Harry frowned after her.
"Ginerva you look beautiful," Narcissa said when she joined the Weasleys for dinner. Ginny smiled at her.
"I took your advice and went to see the seamstress in Barcelona, she was wonderful."
"Ah, I'm so glad you found something you liked. Would you mind coming by this week? We need to discuss the last round of Scorpius' studies and I'd really love for you to be present for the conversation."
"Of course, just owl me the day. I'm taking a bit of a break from the lab so I have plenty of time."
"Oh thank goodness Ginny, you were really working yourself too hard before the holidays," Molly interrupted with a smile. Ginny returned it reluctantly. She didn't want to be lectured for her work. She took a bite of the dessert that was thankfully served then.
Ginny locked up the lab for what she assumed would be the final time with a sigh. She could feel the dark circles forming under her eyes from the week of eighteen hour days she had pulled. She had buried herself in her work after the miscarriage an the falling out she had had with Draco. But she found she didn't like the lab without Scorpius' presence. She felt as though her life was falling apart.
She'd received an owl that morning from Professor McGonagall at Hogwarts, asking if she would be interested in taking over the post as Professor for the upcoming semester. McGonagall had stated that they could evaluate if she would like to become a full-time Professor after that. Ginny thought perhaps this was the best decision for her. She had already begun the process of closing up her house, although no one had been the wiser.
"Mum, promise me you won't desert me now that Dad's back," Scorpius was saying. His head lay in Ginny's lap as they watched the television in her living room. Everyone had left after they'd opened presents that afternoon. The tree was still twinkling with fairy lights in the corner of the living room. Ginny smiled down at him.
"Of course not darling, I could never leave you."
"I know you're not my real mum," Scorpius said after some time. Ginny tried to hide her surprise but couldn't. Her face fell into a crestfallen look and she found she was holding back tears. Scorpius sat up suddenly. "Don't cry. You'll always be my mum. I just know that you're not my real mum. But she's gone, Grandmother said she died a long time ago. That's when I came to live with you."
"That's right," Ginny replied sadly. Scorpius threw his arms around his neck.
"I'm glad I came to live with you. I don't remember much from when I was little, but I remember Dad rowing with her a lot. There was always a lot of screaming. And I don't think she liked my birthday much."
"Oh sweetie, I'm not sure how she could not love you. I'm sure she just didn't know what to do."
"She wasn't a very good mother. I'm glad you're my mum now," Scorpius replied honestly – in the way that only a child could. Ginny smiled at him and stroked his hair in a familiar gesture.
"Would you like to make some cookies," she asked finally – thought it was nearly midnight.
"You're not going to send me to bed?" Scorpius asked.
"I think we can make an exception tonight. You haven't stayed here in a while."
"You've been busy…" Scorpius replied, almost accusingly, but he hopped off the couch and pulled her up. "Can we make sugar cookies?"
"Dance the first dance with me," Harry asked, brushing his hand against Ginny's exposed thigh. She was drawn instantly from her thoughts and nodded, letting him pull her onto the dance floor.
Ginny laid her head on Harry's shoulder in a rare show of familiarity, allowing him to take the lead and move her easily around the dance floor.
"Where did we go wrong Harry," she asked softly. He almost didn't hear her over the strains of music surrounding them.
"I think that would be where you threw the ring at me," Harry replied icily. Ginny sighed, taking a deep breath to stem the tears and then drew back from him. They finished the dance in silence and she claimed she needed to visit the loo.
When she entered she saw Sylvia leaning over the sink. Next to her Viola was holding out a vial of white powder. Sylvia was digging around in her purse to pull out a mirror. She stopped when she noticed Ginny, looking like a deer caught in headlights.
"Don't let me stop you," Ginny said, throwing herself into the chair alongside the sink. Viola chuckled, grabbing the mirror from Sylvia and spreading the powder out onto it.
"Sure you don't want to put a stop to this behavior? Last chance, you are the Minister's daughter."
"I won't tell if you let me try," Ginny replied easily. Sylvia chuckled this time, gesturing for Ginny to join them
"Tracie," Pansy said with a smile as she approached the bar. Tracie was throwing back a shot of tequila with ease, watching Draco out of the corner of her eye as he danced with his mother. She gestured for another round and smiled at Pansy.
"Pans."
"Rough night?"
"That time of year," Tracie replied softly. Pansy nodded in agreement, snatching one of the glasses of tequila and holding it up. Tracie clinked hers and threw it back easily.
"Theo hates it when I drink at these," Pansy said as they ordered another round.
"Draco doesn't like it much either. He thinks it's unbecoming. But we're not anything, so I'm not sure why he thinks he can control me," Tracie spat.
"What is going on between you two," Pansy asked finally. She had wondered how Tracie's night had turned out after they had had to rescue Sylvia.
"Nothing. Well, we're reliving some old memories. But nothing really. You know Draco. No commitment is his thing. And I think they're going to release Adrian soon."
"He's been in for a long time," Pansy commented as she ordered a firewhiskey and turned to survey the room.
"I miss him," Tracie sighed. She joined Pansy, sipping a gin and tonic in the process. "I miss who we were. I just wish we could go back."
"Are you sure he's going to be the same person when he gets out?"
"Draco was."
"Draco is always the exception," Pansy replied with a small smile. Tracie nodded in agreement. Out of the corner of her eye she saw two auburn haired women entering the ballroom, arm in arm. Viola trailed just behind them, looking slightly lost. So she had crashed the ball. Blaise appeared out of nowhere, quickly escorting the woman in the almost too-short dress out of the ballroom.
"I didn't know they were friends," Tracie said softly.
"They aren't," Pansy replied coolly, eyeing Ginny and Sylvia.
"I'm going home," Tracie said suddenly. "I don't want to help clean this one up."
Pansy nodded in understanding and Tracie disappeared. Draco was too busy focusing on whatever conversation he was having with Theo to notice. Pansy sighed and made her way over to the two.
"I'm telling you they're not friends Draco," Theo was saying when Pansy slipped her arm through his.
"They're not," she affirmed. She then leaned in to whisper into Theo's ear. He nodded in agreement.
"We have to get home to the kids…Pansy's not feeling well," Theo said stiffly. Draco frowned.
"I can tell when you two are lying."
"We're not going to get enmeshed in this Draco. We can't have anything tarnishing what we've built. I'm sorry," Pansy said softly. "Tracie left as well. And Blaise was escorting Viola out."
"I saw." Draco said simply. He was frowning now, practically scowling. They would leave him to clean this situation up.
Ginny had allowed Sylvia to guide her to the bar and the two were in their third round of shots when Harry joined them. He took the next shot from Ginny, drank it himself, and started to pull her away from the bar. She frowned, digging in her heels.
"No, I don't think I'm ready to leave," Ginny said frostily, pulling her arm out of Harry's grasp. She gestured for another round to replace her stolen shot.
"Gin – I think you've had enough for tonight," Harry said slightly pained. Sylvia laughed, a soft sound like chiming sound.
"You're not her father or her husband," she pointed out helpfully. Ginny smiled at her and raised the shot in agreement before throwing it back.
"Ginny," Harry started again. Ginny shook her head.
"No, not tonight Harry. I'll owl you," she offered as they two turned to the bartender. Ginny was leaning on the bar flirting with the young man when Harry became fed up and returned to his table. Ron was sitting there scowling. The fact that Hermione had escaped the ball while he was still forced to attend, in a tux, had not escaped him.
Zabini materialized at Draco's elbow as he was contemplating the best way to remove Ginerva from the ball. He had watched Harry's failed attempt and was a little afraid to go up against her himself when they were on such bad terms.
"We need to remove them before they drink much more," Blaise stated.
"What did they do?"
"You don't want to know. But it could get ugly if it keeps going. She'll be headed to the bathroom after this round – I think Ginerva will follow," Blaise stated. On cue the girls left the ballroom for the loo.
"You can take her to my manor," Draco offered as the men followed them at a safe distance. "Your old room."
"It's going to take a couple days."
"Fine. But you stay this time. I'm not doing it myself. I can't do it myself."
"I asked her to marry me," Blaise said by way of reply. Draco stopped to look at the tanned man.
"You what?"
"I told her that if she sobered up, for good, I wanted her to be my wife. I do love her Draco. I'm just not you."
"I didn't love Astoria," Draco replied with a scowl. They'd reached the loo. Zabini listened for a minute before he opened the door. Sylvia was just puling the mirror from her purse.
"I think that will be all for tonight," Blaise said firmly. His wand was already out and he had the vial in his hand in a moment. He dumped the contents in the nearest toilet. Draco blocked the door. Sylvia was already beginning to shriek at Blaise as he went through her purse and removed another vial, and a bottle of pills. "Let's start the new year off right love."
He handed the contraband to Draco, who pocketed it easily. It was a practiced art between the two at this point.
Blaise then disappeared with Sylvia, easily scooping her into his arms and carrying her (struggling but silenced) to the apparation point.
"I'd like to think that I don't have to spell you quiet," Draco said finally. Ginny was glaring at him, her arms crossed.
"I'd like to think you know better than to think you have any control over me," she replied. Draco sat in the chair to watch her. He knew the effects of the alcohol would hit soon. In the meantime he would wait it out.
"What were you thinking?" he asked softly, knowing she wouldn't remember come morning.
"That my life has fallen apart and that I'm not willing to pick up the pieces again," she replied honestly, tears welling in her eyes. Draco pushed off from the chair and made his way over to her, pulling her into his chest. She sobbed for several minutes before he heard her muffled request to leave.
Draco retrieved their cloaks quickly and draped hers around her as he exited the ballroom again. She pulled it close, already beginning to shiver.
"I'm taking you back to the manor," he stated. He didn't ask. He led her to the apparation point and brought her side along. They arrived in his personal chambers. He didn't want to risk running into Blaise and having responsibility for Sylvia dumped on him. He noticed, in his peripheral, that the jewelry he had given Tracie was on his dresser, resting on a sealed note.
Ginny leaned into him when they arrived, trying to control her rebelling stomach. Draco handed her a trash can silently and pointed toward the door that would lead to the loo. She moved surprising quickly, shedding her heels on the way, and he heard her heaving. Sighing he followed her shortly after, sweeping her curls away from her face. He waited for the heaving to end and then helped her stand. Going through the drawers quickly he pulled out a new toothbrush and some toothpaste and laid them on the counter.
"Unzip me," Ginny asked quietly. He did this before he left the bathroom, closing the door behind him. When she emerged she wore only the sheer black slip she had had on under the dress. Her hair fell in soft ringlets down her back. She offered him a weak smile.
"I'm sorry," she said. He gestured to his bed, moving the trashcan the to the side she climbed into. He sighed.
"I can't let you be around Scorpius if these are the choices you're going to make," he said finally.
"I know," Ginny replied. She was laying curled up, facing away from him, her knees almost to her chin. He knew how awful she felt, he'd been in that position once or twice. "I didn't want to go with Harry tonight. Someone is always controlling my life now-days."
"We all do things we don't want to for the people we love," Draco replied softly. He was unbuttoning his shirt as he spoke.
"They shouldn't have asked me," Ginny replied. He saw her shake with tears as he stepped out of his pants, climbing into the bed next to her. He wanted to turn over and ignore her, let the night pass and berate her for her behavior. But he couldn't. He reached out, running a hand down her back.
"No perhaps they shouldn't have. Or perhaps you should have said no."
Ginny turned towards him, leaning over and placed a kiss on his lips, wrapping a leg through his in the process. He couldn't help the groan that escaped his lips as her knee moved upwards.
"Gin, we shouldn't," he said firmly, pushing her leg away. Ginny moved her lips down to his neck with a sigh.
"No we shouldn't. But I'm tired of listening to people tell me what to do," she whispered. She bit gently on the skin above his collarbone and he shuddered. When her hand slid down her bare stomach to the waistband of his boxers, he knew he wouldn't be able to say no again. So he didn't try.