Working for the Dragon
Chapter 7. Surprise
You know that you're in heaps of trouble when your sister-in-law had her labor induced by a broken-beyond repair pair of Marvin Choque's stilettos. Actually, heaps didn't cover it; mountainous, nah…
Immense, enormous, gigantic, jumbo-sized, tremendous, massive, big, stupendous, humongous; did I mention huge already?
Well, you get the point! I suppose, anyone in my place would be in trouble, I really didn't know what explanation would calm the raging storm in Bill's head as we sat here in St Mungo's General Obstetrics & Gynecology Ward. He was inside the room –whatever they called it- right at Fleur's side while she screamed and swore in French.
You'd think St Mungo's would be a little more sensitive to the people in the waiting area by casting a Silencing Charm on the door, but no, all that screeching like a banshee is making my dad turn a little green.
I didn't blame him, I felt faintly nauseated myself. Of course, we can't ignore what brought this on.
The last I remember before being escorted here by grim looking medical personnel is Fleur shrieking. Well, we all know the reason now; her water bag broke, or popped, whatever. It's no question why, though, isn't it obvious, she saw her broken beloved shoes, yeah, that induced labor and I'm getting the blame for it.
My family is eccentric.
So anyway, Fleur was shrieking, heaved over in pain. And some prat decides to announce to the entire world that she is having contractions, thus attracting the unwanted and clearly un-needed attention from the press.
Not to mention my brother, Bill, after all, Fleur was the only heavily pregnant witch there. I like how that sounds, it's as though she's got twins in there or something. Back to my story - it's hard to concentrate when you've been staring at blank, mint-colored walls for the entire evening.
The press is there snapping pictures in glee of both Fleur and I. I simply can't decide who is going to look more unglamorous in the Daily Prophet and Witch's Weekly, her or me. On the bright side, though, even though I was in much pain, my legs weren't sprawled out like before and I might actually not end up looking like those whores in Knockturn Alley. Sadly, though, my hair was nothing short of resembling Medusa's but we can't always get what we want right?
I'm thinking miserably to myself; honestly, could the day get any worse. And guess what, I get my answer; Bill appears looking pale and worried.
"Fleur, baby, are you alright?" He squeezes her hand tightly as she turns, trying to distract her pain.
"Mon Marvin Choques, Bill…. Ginny!" She groaned in pain, a sheen of sweat covered her pretty face.
Of all the things to say, woman! You see what I mean? She is having a child and all she cares about are her shoes. Merlin, what kind of people am I related to?
Finally, Bill noticed my presence, I was in no better shape though I could tell that my sprain in comparison to the contractions that she was having was a hundred times less painful and could be healed within minutes. We just needed to find someone professional enough.
His face tightened, "We are going to talk about this, Ginny. I am not done with you, yet."
I gulped upon hearing that, thankfully, help arrived before he could say anything else and so finally, here I am, dying of complete boredom in the hospital.
My parents arrived a while later and so did the rest of my family, though they were not together. Fred, George, Alicia and Angelina had arrived from Diagon Alley with tons of gifts in waiting. I guess they were tired of hearing Fleur complain about her backache and swollen feet.
Mikayla and Charlie arrived from the zoo and Percy and Penelope arrived from the Ministry. Mum, Dad, Ron, Hermione and Harry were the only ones who came from the Burrow. This information doesn't really matter, does it?
Thankfully, my outfit was decent with the leggings, I could see from Ron's face that he wanted to comment about it but Hermione shushed him due to the seriousness of the situation.
My ankle was fine now; it just took a healing charm and some herbal salve which I massaged right in. I just didn't have proper shoes to wear, of course, Mum was a dear and she brought me my beloved Converse High Cuts which I now wore, still in my ….. attire. I didn't quite know what to call it. I looked like a grunge fashion follower, which was kind of unintentionally hip.
Everyone was tensed, the Healers informed us that Fleur was not doing very well; she was apparently too tensed to push the baby and if it continued for a while longer, she might actually be in danger. According to the others, I could not see the complexity of the situation; I could not understand why everyone was worrying.
Hermione was extremely pissed off at my nonchalant attitude. Call me insensitive, but I knew Fleur was going to live, she couldn't die after seeing the state of her shoes. Honestly, if she studied in Hogwarts, she would have been in Slytherin; she'd ensure that she make me repent for the rest of my life. I've lived with her enough to know that.
Once, mum brewed cappuccino for Fleur and she had forgotten that Her Royal Highness could not stand cinnamon, Fleur had thrown a real fit upon taking a sip, she claimed that no one loved her and everyone in the house was conspiring against her.
My friends, Parvati and Padma Patil often complained about mother and daughter-in-law feuds on drama serials in India and how annoying it was, if only they could see our house. They'd be shell-shocked.
I endured a long lecture from Hermione about involving some really bombastic biological terms that were too complex for my meager mind to comprehend, until I gave up.
I explained to my parents that I had to go back to work and explain my sudden absence, I was pretty sure that I owed Narcissa alone, quite a pile of explanations.
Finally arriving there from the floo gate of Malfoy Empire, I coughed from the smoke and the ash, recognizing the symptoms of a network breakdown. Someone needed to inform the maintenance people before we could all not floo home.
I had a brief feeling of déjà vu as I sprinted across this very corridor, the same as I had done this morning. I knocked tentatively on Narcissa's cabin door praying inwardly that Merlin would be kind enough to bomb me with more déjà vu's and make her absent for at least a couple of minutes, until I got a proper story.
In my rush, I had totally forgotten to think up of perfectly reasonable excuses. Damn! Not to mention, practice! I was such a terrible liar and probably, actress, I needed to rehearse the scene and get my lines straight before the actual performance.
Sadly, however, I had no such luck. Her soprano voice tinkled and accepted my presence the very second I had finished knocking her door. I suspected, though that she already had an inkling of who would be standing right outside her door. Malfoy Empire had a fantastic security system, couldn't say the same thing about the guards though.
I thought briefly about Gregory Goyle and his pudgy appearance cleared all nervousness that I had in my head dousing it with fire and confidence. A tiny part of me, though, a very tiny part of me couldn't help but wonder vaguely if I was going to get fired after the stunt I pulled today, technically it wasn't actually my fault.
Maybe I could say that I had the worst eyesight and was as blind as a bat in the dark hence I lost track of them; it did kind of make sense. Unless if she made me do a medical examination, how hard would it be to fake night blindness?
"Aaah, Ginevra, I was expecting you." Narcissa said in a very neutral tone, making me jump.
I wasn't aware that I had already entered her room. Darn it, Ginny!
"How is your ankle, now?" She gestured for me to sit and I obeyed.
"Much better….." I paused, thinking of how I should address her. I usually felt the need to address her respectfully as 'Mam' when I was uncertain of the conditions of the environment around me. Of course it was another story when all was well.
"Wonderful." I stared at her wondering if she was being sarcastic or she meant it. There was no hint of emotion on her face.
She looked like a true, commanding Malfoy. I could never be as powerful as her.
I kept quiet, not knowing how to respond. It was pin drop silence for a couple of minutes before she finally sighed breaking the tensed atmosphere.
"I do believe that you owe me an explanation, Ginevra. After that stunt you pulled today, we're probably in for negative publicity." She frowned, probably imagining the malign awaiting her in the Daily Prophet and Witch's Weekly.
It was important that a wizard's reputation remained unblemished in these important media sources as once tarnished, it was never forgotten. That's why it was hard for people to forget that the remaining Malfoy's were once supporter's of the Dark Lord who never saw the light, all pun intended.
I took a deep breath before saying anything.
"With all due respect, mam, I highly doubt that Malfoy Empire's reputation is going to be associated with an ungraceful witch's fall. If you may have remembered, I had my face hidden in all the pictures thanks to my hood." I finished cautiously aware of the fact that I was treading on thin lines.
It seemed for a few seconds that she had accepted what I had to say before she continued.
"I've been meaning to talk to you about that also." She raised her perfect, blonde eyebrows at me.
Oh damn it, what the hell was I going to tell her?
-"Your behavior, Ginevra. Now, I do not understand what is going on between you and your family, but I do not appreciate seeing both mixed together. That is purely unprofessional etiquette."
You are not alone, woman. You are not alone. And while you're at it, can someone hand me a dictionary?
I wasn't sure if Narcissa was highly accomplished in Leglimens or not but all I knew was that if she was, my game was completely over. She'd fire me for just being a smartass mentally, I couldn't help it. It was a part of my attitude and will always be.
"I'm sorry, mam." I replied, meekly, rolling my mental eyes.
-"It's just that, Bill doesn't really understand why I'm working….." I nearly added, for you, but stopped when I remembered that I could get fired.
I kept my face cool and composed. Think Malfoy, Ginny. There, you're doing it, you go, girl!
Continuing, "I didn't want him to know that I was there on work purposes… He wouldn't have been very happy with me, and….."
Could you get any lame, Ginny?
"I don't like seeing my brothers, unhappy." I declared, smacking myself inwardly.
Really, that little speech of mine was so lame, if I had a gun, I'd shoot myself right now.
Of course, avada-ing myself would be a little to the extremes, and besides, using a gun sounds climatic and dramatic. Exactly what I am going for, Ginny, your brain has officially melted, you ain't got no clue what the hell you are prattling about!
"I completely understand, Ginevra, however, bear in mind that you lead two different lives…."
If only she had any idea how true those words were.
-"It would be completely irresponsible if both lives were to clash. I hope you understand my implications." Just hand me a damn dictionary already! She said firmly, sounding like Professor McGonagall on the occasion when I was so bored, I released dung bombs in the dungeons.
I nodded my head vigorously like Hermione did when she was paying rapt attention.
"Now, I understand that you have more pressing issues to attend to at St Mungo's. You are excused; do wish Fleur well on my behalf."
"Yes, mam. Thank you." I nodded my head, ready as hell to race out of here.
Ginny, you're safe! My mind was literally doing the conga dance. I walked towards the door, trying not to look as though I was in a hurry to leave.
"One more thing, Ginevra." Narcissa stopped me just as I was about to twist the knob and exit.
"You might like to get your story clear the next time round." She smiled wryly and then dismissed me by grabbing an eagle quill and parchment.
I was absolutely stunned to my ground. She might as well have used a Stunning spell on me.
One word, fuck!
Never ever audition for roles, Ginevra Mollyanne Weasley, you will end up feeling mortified.
I didn't know how I was going to look at her in the eye after this incident.
Draco bloody Malfoy, get your hot ass back here already!
I'd say 'Could this day get any worse?' and be rewarded with that prickly déjà vu feeling again but with my luck; I'd probably end up jinxing my day even more.
Back at the hospital, things were not all that fantastic but it was definitely better than before. I came back, silent, not wanting to say anything. Hermione was still glaring at me for leaving her in the middle of one of her perfectly researched and sensible lectures. I ignored her, knowing the consequences I'd be dishing out later, Mom.
Ages later, Bill came out of the room looking extremely exhausted yet elated. His tux was in a downright mess and he looked unkempt, like a hobo if I had ever seen one.
He held a pink bundle in his hand.
Victoire Amanda Weasley was born. Awesome!
Everyone moved forward to coo and cuddle the littlest Weasley. Looks like someone else had taken my throne of being the baby of the house. Of course, everyone except me, I was way wary of Bill and I knew that my going near might even cause him to get a restraining order on me.
I'm kind of overly dramatic and immature, I make it sound as though my family tortured me and stuff like that but it wasn't true, everyone loved me with all their heart and I returned the exact same feelings only a dozen times more. The only difference was that they didn't have my best interests at heart and that was saddening.
I know I owed Bill an explanation, but how was I supposed to explain something he probably wouldn't even understand or better, refuse to understand?
"She is adorable, oh my, her cheeks are so soft." Hermione said in an awed voice as she held Baby Victoire. Ron stood right behind her wearing a strange look on his face as he watched her holding the newest member to our clan. Harry was trying hard not to smile.
He caught my eye and mouthed something that looked like, "I think Ron is ready for parenting."
I smiled back in response, trying to imagine Ron as a father but failing miserably.
Mum was in tears, as she held the little apple of her eye and Dad just stood there looking like the proudest father alive.
Charlie and Mikayla were rather concerned about Fleur's health but settled down when Bill, gladly assured them that she was in the pink of health.
Percy and Penelope were rather awestruck by the tiny bundle, call me mean but I guess, people holding books were not used to tiny little things like babies, the light of our lives, miracles. Harry, on the other hand was too afraid to hold her.
Fred and George were so amazed; Alicia and Angelina had to keep them from making much noise.
"Gosh, dear brother, you did…."
"A fantastic job…."
"Truly, little Victoire is simply amazing."
"Can we keep her?" He made her sound like a newborn puppy or something.
"Fred, George, she is only a little baby." Alicia scolded them lightly, knowing that they were trying to push Bill's buttons as usual.
Bill noticed my absence in the family gathering, he requested for Alicia, who was currently holding little Victoire to hand her back to him. Holding the little bundle close to his heart, he walked over to where I stood like an outcast in the corner.
"Aren't you going to meet your niece, Ginny?" He asked me quietly. His gaze met mine, I felt downheartedly bad as I peered at the mere baby in his arms. He insisted that I hold her but I refused afraid of my own capabilities. I didn't want to drop her.
"I understand how Harry feels, but Ginny, being a mother is natural in females. You won't hurt her, I trust you." And he gazed at me solemnly, it didn't help that I was about to lie my guts out to him in a couple of minutes.
He handed the soft bundle to me and … I was stunned when I saw the sleeping baby girl inside. She was simple adorable with tiny hands and feet and a cute button nose, I really didn't know how to describe her, and she was so tiny! Excuse my poor vocabulary skills.
The feeling of holding her was absolutely surreal, phenomenal almost. I didn't understand how life worked, but whatever it was, it worked like magic.
"Hey, baby…." I whispered softly as I gave her soft, pink cheeks a little peck. –"She is so beautiful." I looked up at Bill with tear filled eyes.
I handed her back to him as the rest came towards us, I was pretty sure that this was it, my personal moment of truth.
Bill looked at me questioningly as he handed little Victoire to Mum who was busy cooing once again.
"Can I talk to you?" He asked me, once again. I could sense the seriousness in his tone. Big time, Ginny, big time!
I nodded my head and followed him to another corner of the same corridor.
"What is going on, Ginny?" He sighed almost heavily. I knew he was exhausted and that just added to my guilt.
I shook my head, pretending to be puzzled trying to buy myself more time. It didn't work for Narcissa, Bill was just as sharp. I was going to have to lay my cards well this time before declaring checkmate.
"You've been acting really differently for days now, you're tired, and you've lost weight. You don't even hang out with your friends anymore. Suddenly, I see you at the fashion show and it seems as though you're completely avoiding me and Fleur. I mean, is there a problem? You know you can trust me with anything right?"
I suppose, probably he was right. I no longer had a proper social life but it wasn't actually my fault since most of my friends were overseas. I just took advantage of the situation to curl up with good books during the weekend and also spent time trying to recover some lost sleep thanks to the whole 'crack of dawn' policy.
As for the eating part, he couldn't actually blame me, I wasn't all that hungry. It's alright; I needed to lose a couple of pounds anyway.
"I'm alright, Bill." I assured him. Try not to tell lies, this was technically the truth. –"Just been really busy, yeah I'm sort of stressed but it's not too much, it is part and parcel of life. And I wasn't running away from you and Fleur. Just please, believe me." I pleaded.
Technically, I wasn't running away, I was hiding so it's not really considered a lie right?
I didn't know whether he took my word for it, my siblings tended to doubt my abilities very strongly and I wasn't very keen on proving myself to them either.
"Alright…." He sighed, once again and stifled a yawn.
"How is Fleur?" I asked him, wanting to divert the conversation on to another path.
He sat up immediately, looking more awake the moment I mentioned her name.
"I've been meaning to talk to you about Fleur." He said sternly as he pulled at the bow tie of his tux-robe.
My heart sank in grim anticipation; somehow I knew what he was going to say.
"I know, Fleur is a little hard for you to get along with, but, at the end of the day, Ginny, she is family. She cares about you, and I want you to feel the same."
Sorry bro, 'a little hard' was an understatement.
"I will." I promised, not really wanting to defend myself on the issue.
We were interrupted by little Victoire's wails. Bill hurried to attend to her.
Saved by the little victory bell, all pun intended.
Boy, was that close.
The next few days passed really quickly, much to my surprise, before I knew it, it was already the eve of Christmas and everyone was leaving for Bulgaria. Yes, everyone except me.
I felt a combination of envy and sadness as I watched everyone scurry all over the Burrow to retrieve their necessities. It was strange how we did not live together yet in the end; we all came back to one place.
The Healers back in St Mungo's had given Fleur an all clear except for, you know, the sex part. Gross, why am I even thinking about that? So she was able to travel too.
The time came for them to leave, I stood at the door feeling miserable but clearly trying to hide it. It was my first Christmas without my family members.
"I don't feel too good about leaving you here, Ginny dear." My mum told me as she moved in for a tight hug.
"I'll be fine, Mum." I reassured her for the thousandth – Oh screw that, millionth time.
I needed to gain control of my sailor mouth, I frowned to myself. I needed to stop swearing for the millionth – Oh …. Never mind. I bit my tongue, not wanting to pollute my mind with potty words anymore and winced as I bit it too hard. Tears welled in my eyes, but they were tears of pain, not sadness.
I was old enough to know how to control my fluctuating taps, apparently they didn't think so.
"Oh Ginny…." Hermione threw her arms around me, making me jump from the completely unexpected gesture.
-"Don't cry, we'll bring you tons of souvenirs."
"Which won't be books." I made her promise. Not everyone wanted books on the Top 10 hot spots in Bulgaria. At least she'd given up on spell books and stuff.
"You'll get…" Fred began.
"The fanciest stuff…" George continued.
"In the whole of Bulgaria." Fred completed.
"Of course, there is a disclaimer on fancy." They both said at the same time, causing their wives to chastise them.
"We are after all…." George started, grinning madly.
"Looking for potential hazards for the wizarding community." Fred finished mischievously.
At twenty-six and married, anyone would think that these brothers of mine would have grown up and grown out of the whole anything-to-play-a-nasty-yet-fantastic-joke obsession that they had. However, they had grown up with it, and apparently it had gotten stuck along the way.
Honestly, I could never forget the time when I was ten; they promised that they would send me a Hogwarts toilet seat when I wanted to go with them to school.
Both of them were grinning so widely in excitement and anticipation, it rubbed off on me. I smiled at them.
"Oh come here, you two. Give me a hug before you leave." I gestured.
"You know where to reach us, right baby girl?" Dad asked me, concern surrounding in his brown eyes.
"Yes, dad."
As much as I loved having a large family, they sure couldn't take a hint. I didn't blame Dad though, I knew from watching Muggle movies that in his eyes, I'd always be his little girl, or his little princess and nothing could change that.
"We'll take tons of pictures. I'll even get you a signed one with Viktor Krum on it." Harry joked, his green eyes sparkling as Ron moved to punch him on his arm. Viktor was kind of a sensitive topic for Ron because he believed that apparently he hadn't gotten over Hermione and was overbearingly protective and jealous whenever he was around.
Of course, Hermione enjoyed every minute of the attention being the sensible witch that she was.
"Who wants Viktor? I want, Sid." I winked at him thinking of the cute seeker in Krev United.
"Sid it is." Harry laughed once again.
"At least she is showing interest in someone now." Mum joined in the conversation, making me groan.
"Oh c'mon Mum, don't get started on this, I love you and I will miss you all. Now, bye." I urged her to the door where the portkey they were taking was waiting.
Just then, three of my older brothers and their wives entered the room evidently interested in the little commotion that Mum had started.
"She is right, Gin, you do need to date and stuff." Penelope told me smiling, serenely. My brothers all looked like they had a lot to say on this matter but thankfully, it was time to leave.
"No funny business, Ginny. I'm warning you." Bill told me seriously as he was about to leave.
"Scout's honor, Bill" I promised him, smiling sweetly using a Muggle term I had picked up back in my Oxford days.
"You're not a girl scout, Ginny." Hermione gave me a weird look as they all walked towards the door.
"Bill doesn't know that." I winked at her.
I waved a last goodbye as they disappeared with the Portkey. I knew that they were going to have a good time alright. Maybe it was time that I took advantage of the solitude but I didn't understand how.
I didn't even realize how fast the next couple of days went by but of course, when I did, it reminded me of my serious lack of a social life. It was Christmas Eve and I was still at work!
Merlin knows how I managed to look into Narcissa's eyes and work with her at the same time. Of course, she was rather cool about the incident, preferring not to mention it. I made sure to keep the gossiping media sources out of her way so far. I didn't know how long I could carry that on before she realized that she had not received her completely subscribed latest edition of Witch's Weekly, BeWitched and all the other magazines whose names I had never even heard of, the posh ones.
I saw the photo's myself; pictures of me sprawled on the floor were extremely unflattering. I could only imagine the Howler I would receive as a Christmas present for looking like a scarlet woman. The stash of fashion and gossip magazine remained in a rather messy drawer in my cabin. Of course, Malfoy would have my head if he found out that his mother had laid a finger on one of those magazines. Or worse, after he found out what happened.
Actually, to be honest, it wasn't as bad as everyone made it out to be, I still remember my best friend, Channy's words. Any publicity is good publicity.
Well, to her at least. I was fully compensated for the fall; Marvin Choque gave me a new pair of stilettos because he figured that I was upset over my shoes. They were gorgeous really, cobalt blue silk ribbons along with sapphires! And they were six inches, but they were oh so pretty!
I gave them to Fleur as a make-up gift for ruining her favorite pair. I was sure that this would definitely make up for the lost ones as they were nowhere near as striking. At least that was solved and so were the remaining gifts for my family members, except for my best friend. I owed her something that I had to compose tonight.
Narcissa pretended it never happened but I could tell that she was dying to get her hands on one of those magazines. Any day now, she might succumb to temptation and walk into a shop just to get her hands on them. It was rather unbecoming and unnerving to see a lady of such high class and standards walk right into a convenience store for such a trivial purchase.
Of course, now it really didn't even matter, she already read the Daily and Evening Prophet and knew what to expect.
"Weasley, are you headed to Mrs Malfoy's office?" Mr Jacobs, Malfoy Empire's efficient Human Resource manager stopped me.
"Yes, Sir." I replied as politely as I could. Mr Jacobs was a senior and he was well-respected around the office. Not to mention, he knew my father.
"Would you please hand the latest staff report to her for me?" He looked rather tensed.
Briefly I wondered why knowing that it wouldn't be soon before long when I knew my answer.
"I have got some other pressing issues to attend to, there are about a dozen people out there awaiting an interview session."
"Sure, Mr Jacobs." I smiled at him as he looked at me gratefully. It was no big deal; I was heading there after all.
I was lost in my thoughts thinking about what I would have done if I had my free time back. A trip to the wizard zoo was definitely in order; I hadn't been there in quite a while. Some alone time with a couple of Hermione's romance novels, spending some time over at the Lupin' especially with Teddy, baking and so many other self-reflect type of things that I was sure Mum would appreciate me doing.
I wasn't really focusing on my surroundings as I walked down the familiar corridors to the Malfoy cabins. That was until I saw Narcissa speaking with two others along the corridor. I stood within a distance, despite that, able to hear their conversation. My heart nearly stopped when I heard an extremely familiar voice.
"Mother, couldn't the conference wait? The Costas told me that they were willing to wait till you recovered. Two weeks of design….! Unbearable." His deep voice was filled with disgust.
Malfoy?
Malfoy.
Holy mother of…. It was Malfoy!
I couldn't explain the surge of happiness that rushed through me when Narcissa's tall frame shifted, exposing him more towards the onlookers which was only me. It wasn't one of those I-want-to-throw-my-arms -around -you type of feeling. It was one of those good-to-see-you-again types of feelings.
He had been constantly on my mind ever since the whole Goyle and Audrina scene plus Narcissa's break down. He looked so much better than before. I mean, not that he looked terrible or he underwent a makeover, it's just that, he looked so much better. Refreshed. Rejuvenated. Alive.
He looked like the Draco Malfoy I used to see in Hogwarts before his sixth year. It was good to see him back and smirking again. I was smiling as I watched him banter with his mother and that person from the third party.
"It's good, Draco. You look well, my son." Narcissa commented as the unknown woman agreed wholeheartedly.
"Thank you, Mother. However, I'd appreciate it next time that you'd at least inform me before sending me on vacation." Malfoy replied sounding rather pompous.
I suppose, he wanted to portray himself like that. He was rather ticked off by Narcissa's ploy. I personally thought that the idea was genius.
She faked her illness, told him that her clients could not cancel the conference and sent him on her behalf. Genius. Couldn't someone in my family use Polyjuice potion and take my place for a week or two? I could really use a break.
He was dressed rather simply yet sophisticatedly in a dark grey Armani suit which he looked simply dashing in. His platinum blonde hair shone like the sun rays and his grey eyes sparkled with life whether it was from contempt, it wiped all memories of him being exhausted or just simply dead, away.
I was still smiling. I wasn't that inconspicuous so finally Narcissa noticed me, and so did Malfoy.
"Oh, good, Ginevra, would you please floo Mr Jacobs from the Human Resource department and find out why he has not handed the latest staff report to me?" She smiled as she gestured for me to join their little party.
"Oh, he gave it to me, Mam'. He had about a dozen people left to interview and office hours are nearly over." I handed everything right over to her.
Meanwhile, on the other hand, Malfoy narrowed his eyes at me. He checked me out from head to foot, his eyes lingering on the womanly curves on my body a little more than I would appreciate but not long enough to make me feel uncomfortable.
He finally looked up and met my gaze as Narcissa turned to chat with Ms Unknown.
"Weaslette?" He mouthed at me, not wanting to catch the gossiping women attention.
I nodded my head in a show of acknowledgement; I had already given up on him actually deciding to call me by my name.
He raised an eyebrow looking at my attire again. I was wearing a red blouse with slightly puffy sleeves and a black pencil skirt that my top was tucked neatly into. My hair was done up in a half pony tail and I wore really light make up, just press powder and chap stick or lip balm. My shoes were black, kitten heeled and unbranded, courtesy of Hermione. I looked fairly decent but I was going for the I-work-for-a-fashion-magazine look.
I knew what he said, 'raised eyebrows' translated to, "Muggle clothes, Weasley? Really?"
I shrugged helplessly; his mother was the one who had ordered me to wear this. How was I at fault?
I was half-expecting him to get all racist on me and insult my clothes and everything but at the same time, I felt like there was something different about him and that arrogant prick that used to exist back at school. From an observational point right now, he was different; both personalities were of completely polar opposites, although he was still a prat.
To my surprise, he did what I least expected him to do; actually it doesn't make it on the least. Not that there was actually one.
He checked me out swiftly from head to foot once again, smiled ever so lightly and gestured with his hands that I looked brilliant.
I was stunned. I looked at him in disbelief and he just smiled at me, the smile completely reaching his eyes and melting the ice I always saw there.
And then he turned and left the conversation, after muttering an apology and excusing himself.
Narcissa sighed as she looked after him and so did her friend, I presumed.
"Sometimes I wonder what kind of son I gave birth to?"
Someone with two personalities that is for sure. Born on 5 June, he was a Gemini and there were two sides to their personalities.
Watching him walk away, my heart felt a little lighter yet heavier at the same time.
He was better, yet he was still in danger.
Don't get me wrong, I was happy that he was back. Overjoyed apparently, it's that my gut feelings were on an overdrive.
I may not have been a psychic, fortune teller, possess foresight or even the Inner Eye as the old bat, Trelawney put it. However, I did know something, a change was coming. I could feel it in my bones.
Life was full of surprises.
This was just an appetizer. ;p The main course is on its way. Ravish my review button please. ;p you guys are great. I love all of your brilliant comments and have taken to replying. X