Working for the Dragon
Chapter 13. Heart on Your Sleeve
Yuck! I thought disgustedly as I attempted to sip tea delicately. It was awful.
Bad tea, horrendous company. I groaned miserably to myself. I'd rather die then to sit here with the snobs of the society. Or go exploring, basically do something worthwhile.
Since I had nothing exceptional to do except listen to snobbish aristocratic women gossip about their offspring, I thought about how my week had been.
It's amazing how much time flies before you even realized, it had been roughly two and a half months since I started working for Draco.
Seemed just like yesterday where he couldn't stand me and the feeling was mutual, I mused. And now it was a different story altogether.
"So, Narcissa…." Mrs Greengrass, my least favorite person in the little gathering that we were having, enquired.
"-What has Draco been up to these days?" Grrr… I growled inwardly, that's not the worst part, today her daughters were with her. Daphne and Astoria, respectively in order of age, I didn't know them and neither did I actually make an effort to which was something that Narcissa had frowned upon.
They were the only two other girls who were around my age group in this gathering. I was forced to sit here since Draco was in a meeting. Narcissa was not feeling good so he beckoned me to stay with her. Here I was doing my job, well, so called job.
She wanted me to chat with them, but in this case, I was my own boss. No freaking way am I going to swallow my pride and talk to those two! I huffed.
Both of them perked up interestedly, I noticed upon hearing Draco's name. It was so obvious that the three of us were bored to death, however the women were oblivious.
They were busy flaunting their pink diamond necklace and authentic ….. Whatever the fuck it was. My head throbbed thinking about the amount of galleons they blew on ugly jewellery.
Honestly, I wouldn't have paid a sickle for any of that nonsense. Not that I wasn't an accessories person, I loved those things, I adored unique ones though.
For example, I was most likely to be found strutting down the street wearing a metal snake bracelet, or a lion one to sound more like a Gryffindor for that matter.
I stared at the designs of my tea cup, I wasn't aristocratically educated enough to tell what material it was made of but this was definitely some fine china.
There were pink rose patterns and gold trimmings on the cup. It was pretty. This was my way of tuning them out. I had enough.
Today, Narcissa was hosting the party at the Malfoy Manor and I couldn't even explore. I had never been here before, and if I had, I probably didn't recall it at all.
One thing was for sure, the manor was huge. My entire family could live in it and we'd all get lost. I didn't understand how could two people live in a place the freaking size of a castle?
I bet they even had their own Chamber of Secrets in there. I flinched at that thought.
Letting my thoughts run away was definitely a bad idea for I was reminded of how caged I was as a person.
I decided to pay attention, it was less depressing. At least, that was what I thought.
"I'm afraid you'll have to ask Ginny here." Narcissa laughed daintily answering Mrs. Greengrass enquiry.
She on the other hand looked like she would rather swallow a basket of lemons than to ask me directly. I kind of liked that idea actually; it'd be nice to watch that.
I sadistically added a list of things I'd love to watch her eat. That'll teach her for looking down on me.
Things I want Greengrass to eat
My shoe
Wasabi
Lemons
Limes
Garlic
Chilli
Jalapeno
Olives
I couldn't think of anymore food items that would cause her tongue to shrivel. Hmm, maybe I should make her eat that candy that burnt a hole in Ron's tongue once.
Or stop at my brothers joke shop and see if they had anything I could send her.
So much of hatred for one woman?
"Actually, Draco is currently busy with meetings and conferences right now. He's been really busy with work, as usual. You know how he is a workaholic?" I added airily as Narcissa nodded her head. I smiled sweetly at Mrs. Greengrass feeling victorious.
"Yes, I do wish he'd take some time off and maybe socialize a little." Narcissa sighed, "-It wouldn't kill him to get married. I do wish he'd find a wife soon enough. He is not getting any younger."
The women started discussing marriages and latest debutantes. I took that as my cue to tune out and ponder over things that Narcissa had just said.
Seriously woman, no offence, but he is twenty three!
She sounded just like my mother who thought that I should be dating someone. In fact, remember that night when I had been unconscious in Blaise's house, Mum popped in by the floo.
When she realized that I was not at home, she owled me. I kept the letter in my personal folder of unimportant junk that I used to pass time when I was agitated or bored.
Flipping it open,
Dearest Ginny,
How is my girl doing? I called earlier but you were not home. At that hour? That is very late for you young lady. It is not an excuse. Unless, I hope that you were out with a fine, charming young man whom you have found to be suitable to your tastes. (This is the part where my eyes widened)
I do hope that you were only at dinner though, and nothing ELSE. Your brothers were rather worried, Ron wanted to come back immediately but I stopped him. Maybe you were with Harry, he should probably be aware of your whereabouts, no?
Anyway dear, I do hope that you have found someone. No funny business. Love you dearest, and please eat the fudge and share it with Harry.
Love,
Mum
P.S: Everyone else sends their love.
I've got a couple of things to say about the letter I just read. Mum is barking mad, I miss her, truly I do but she is absolutely obsessed with getting me married and probably pregnant by the time I am twenty three. It's like her next mission in life or something.
Secondly, Harry? What is she talking about? Is she still obsessed with him becoming her son-in-law because seriously, Harry and I are not fated?
That is just crazy. The thought is repulsive.
No doubt back in the day, I used to have my schoolgirl crush on him and we actually dated before I got exiled but after that I realized that I was infatuated.
It's like having a crush on a movie star, I looked at Harry more as a conquest as odd as that sounds. No doubt, we shared sweet kisses.
Come to think of it, it's been a while since I've been snogged thoroughly.
"Oh, Narcissa, dear…."Mrs. Greengrass tittered happily about having invitations to a new hip club opening tickets and wanted Draco to attend it with Narcissa.
I rolled my eyes to myself. Thanks to her, I could not even enjoy the moment of pretending to be posh.
Well, not that I could anyway, reason being, I was at work. Secondly, I was inappropriately attired for such a function in my jeans, velvet boots and cobalt blue sweater. Lastly, this was the last place I actually wanted to be.
The venue was great; it was like a glass house made to look like a garden with a small pond and delicate flowers like roses, daisies, tulips. You could see the snow falling and the gloomy sky.
I bit a scone thoughtlessly, a slight nudge made me realize that Narcissa wanted me to inform Mrs. Greengrass if Draco was available on the day of the opening or not.
I ran through his schedule in my head, I had it memorized as though it was study notes or something. Speaking of notes, I should probably start looking for a secretary for Narcissa.
"As of now, Draco is available on that date, until further notice. However, personal appointments are to be made directly with him. I do not control his personal schedule." I replied coolly eyeing the girls.
Astoria looked like I had just given her the best news of her life.
"Leave it to me then…" She clapped her hands excitedly and stopped realizing that it was undignified for a woman of that social status to behave in that manner.
-"I shall see to inviting him personally." She a dreamy look on her face as Narcissa smiled at her faintly.
Once again, I rolled my eyes.
"If I may interrupt, ladies…." I heard a familiar sexy drawl that made my heart beat increase. I turned to look and there I saw my current infatuation standing like a dream before me.
He was wearing a black polo cashmere sweater and dark jeans with Italian shoes. Delicious. He just needed a jacket to complete his look. His platinum blonde hair was gelled to perfection, he looked like a cold model. The kind you would never imagine could actually smile in reality.
"-On the contrary, my secretary here…." He gestured towards me before carrying on…"- as of now, has all rights to my personal schedule."
Everyone gasped, myself included. Although mine was more of a surprised one, I never had to handle his personal appointments before.
I tried once and received a death glare. Remember Pansy Parkinson?
The women on the other hand, Narcissa included gasped as though he had just committed blasphemy or confessed to murder.
He narrowed his grey eyes upon receiving such negative reactions. "Is there a problem?" He demanded, cool as a cucumber.
"Of course dear…." Narcissa started lovingly, "Your personal time is yours, why do you need someone else to manage it for you. Besides darling, it's not like you actually have any time for yourself or me." She sniffed dramatically at that part.
"I think Ginny here…." They gasped again, Astoria's and her mother's were especially the loudest when they realized that Draco and I were on a first name basis. This was actually kind of amusing, I bit back a smile.
He continued as though nothing had happened, "-is more than competent enough to handle my personal affairs. I plan to make time for myself this year, Mother. And for you as well."
This was one of those moments where you just felt like going, 'Awww…'
He bent down and kissed his mother's cheek.
While that moment was touching, I was immersed in my mini triumph. Finally I shut the Greengrass's mouths. I felt like doing a happy dance but that might make him retract back his offer.
"Now, if you all will excuse me, I'd like to steal my secretary back." He acknowledged my presence with a mischievous wink. My jaw dropped open as he smirked.
I looked at Narcissa respectfully asking her for permission, she nodded her head brusquely. The entire room was in pin drop silence.
Draco leaned down and whispered something in her ear which her expression considerably lit up to. "That's wonderful, I'll order to kitchens to prepare his favorites immediately."
I followed him, relieved to be rid from that excruciatingly long prattle by gossiping woman.
"You know, for someone of the female gender, you look awfully relieved to be out of that place. I'd have thought otherwise." Draco commented as we walked along a corridor of the Malfoy Manor.
"Are you joking?" I demanded. "Please, they gossip about every little thing. It's horrible." I shuddered.
-"Can we please find a new secretary for your mother?" I pretty much begged him.
He looked at me, surprised showing in his eyes.
"I thought you were joking. You mean you don't enjoy such gatherings?" He emphasized a little on the gathering part.
I shrugged, "I do, but with my friends. We don't gossip like old women and neither do we snack on that stuff."
He paused, thinking as we walked, I seized the opportunity to take a look at my surroundings. There were paintings of picturesque views, fruit bowls, and beautiful people with platinum blonde hair. His ancestors, probably, I thought to myself.
"Hey…Has anyone ever told you that your house looks like a museum?" I asked conversationally in awe of the antiques as we walked.
He chuckled lightly, "Has anyone ever told you that you are rare?"
"I'm one of a kind, Draco. I think you'll find that I am not like other girls." I raised my eyebrows as though daring him to comment on it.
"I'm starting to realize that." He pointed his wand at a heavy wooden door and walked inside.
I wondered if I should follow him inside but then decided to take my chances.
The room strangely reminded me of Ollivander's with its bookshelves loaded with thick books and a wooden ladder.
"Wow…" I breathed in amazement, -"This place would be like heaven for Hermione."
I thought of her fondly. She was after all one of my closest friends and a dear sister even though we never spent much time together.
"Granger?" He absentmindedly said as he looked at something on the desk.
"I presume this is your office at home?"
"Kind of…" I looked around trying to understand some of the books which looked like they had ancient texts.
"Make yourself comfortable." He told me as he read through something.
Not wanting to impose much, I took a look at the books and my eyes widened in shock.
There was an entire bookshelf dedicated to the Dark Arts. Merlin!
"Those were my father's. Most of these are from his collection. "He explained, clearly done with whatever he had wanted to do.
"Explains a lot." I nodded my head briefly moving on to the other shelves.
However, my curiosity got the best of me. "Have you read them?"
"Sure, a couple of times." He answered me truthfully.
I didn't judge him for that, it made sense didn't it? When you were the son of a death eater, wouldn't you be expected to read such books?
"Wow, are these on medicinal herbs?" I pointed towards another shelf.
He nodded his head, "My father was a lover of books that equipped him with powerful knowledge. That shelf over there…." He pointed to his left.
"That one is on Potions. The other one…." He faltered, "-Never mind… it's not that important is it?"
"What is it?" I demanded, wanting to know. If I had my way, I'd march over to the bookshelf and picked up a book myself but then again, this was not my house.
"Curiosity killed the cat."
"A cat has nine lives."
"How many lives has this cat used up?"
"Draco, will you just shut up and tell me already?"
"Fine, but you asked for it!"
"Fine…!"
"Fine…!"
"Good…!"
"Good…!"
He handed me a thick volume of something that practically ancient. I was half-afraid that the book would crumble into pieces in my hands. Carefully, I opened a random page and stared down at a picture, trying to decipher it.
My eyes widened, "DRACO MALFOY! WHAT THE HELL IS THIS!" I screeched in shock, slamming the book shut not caring whether it would crumble to its particles of matter.
It was as though my cheeks were on fire. I bet my face was as red as my hair! He started laughing at my expression.
"It's not funny!" I huffed, "You shouldn't have shown that to me. I am a girl."
"You asked for it." He laughed harder. While it was pleasant to see him laugh, I'd rather it didn't happen at my expense.
I felt a sense of déjà vu building up as I looked at him. I pouted, folding my arms across my chess and stared straight ahead in embarrassment.
"You could have refrained from showing that to me."
"You think I didn't try?" His reply was sarcastic.
"Ugh…." I groaned, covering my face with my hands. This was so embarrassing.
"Okay, let's go from here. I am done." I grabbed his hand and basically used my pathetic strength to drag him out.
I failed though, he barely moved an inch. He was still collapsed in laughter at my misery.
"Sly, sadistic Slytherins." I muttered under my breath, glaring at him, my hands on my hips.
He stopped laughing, "Hey, you have to admit it that was kind of funny."
A smile twitched at my lips, I smiled a little "It was, but that's it. No more laughing. And it stays in this room. Promise…?"
I looked at him hopefully, holding my hand out. He took it, smiling slightly and looked me in the eye with complete solemnity burning like liquid mercury.
"I promise…."
My breath hitched in my throat as I gaped at him.
"Ginny, remember? Kama sutra: The Art of Lovemaking." He smirked and proceeded to walk out of the room.
I gasped in indignance, my face flushing, "You….! You jackass!" I ran after him as his laughter rang out through the manor.
We walked towards this grand, gigantic floo gate, kind of like the ones at Malfoy Empire but before not before meeting someone.
"Hey…. Brother from another mother! And Ginny!" Blaise grinned grandly, sitting lazily on one of the sofas there.
"Blaise. Mate, you're early." Draco greeted him. I waved shyly remembering our first and last encounter cringing mentally.
Why is it that I always topped my list of embarrassing moments with something every other week?
If I reflected back on such moments in my life, let me tell you, a book wouldn't cover it. I'd probably have to write a sequel or something.
I shot a warning look towards Draco making sure he did not leave any clues about our encounter in his private office.
That sounds awfully wrong doesn't it? It sounds as though Draco and I shagged in his office or something. I pretty much have my mind in the gutter half the time when it involves my boss nowadays, what's new about that.
My brain on the other hand is not used to handling such thoughts of lust and was currently being spammed with images of Draco and I in the middle of a passionate embrace. Just imagine the cover of a cheesy historical romance novel.
Ah, it would seem that I have a fetish for those. Like Dumbledore likes sherbet lemons.
Talk about a weird analogy. Fingers snapping in front of my eyes blinked and apparated me back into reality. Draco and Blaise were staring at me wearing identical bemused expressions.
Sprawled out lazily yet comfortably on the sofa, Blaise chose to annoy me, "So Ginny, what were you thinking about?"
Without thinking or giving my answer a second thought, I answered him, "Shagging."
Draco coughed, trying to hide his laugh as soon as I realized that I had spoken without thinking.
"Really…? Had mind blowing sex recently?" Blaise taunted me.
What was with this people?
Thankfully, at that moment, a house elf appeared, I recognized her to be Gilly, the one who served me only just like a week ago.
"Master Zabini has been summoned." She announced with a shrilly voice and disapparated making me flinch.
"You know, it sounds like you are going for a trial or something." Draco said drily. Blaise laughed at his comment….
"I probably am, mate. At any rate, Mama Malfoy is going to want to know if her step-son has been up to his womanizing ways in Italy." Draco smirked at this while I stared at Blaise, open-mouthed.
Did he just say step-son?
"See you later, bro." Blaise clapped Draco on his back and sauntered off.
Draco turned to me; understanding dawned upon his face at my questioning look.
"We'll talk about that later." He merely said.
"But…" I protested.
"Later." He pulled me by my elbow towards the fireplace and before I realized it, we were already out at a restaurant.
From what I could see of the inside from the counter at the entrance, this place was hip and definitely expensive. It was stunning though.
It was more of a restaurant/bar. There was a pool in the middle and there were sofas all over the place with tiny, adorable coffee tables.
The view was fabulous even though it was close to twilight. The city lights twinkled from the distance. The restaurant was located on a tower. There were paper lanterns and fairy lights twinkling. The ambience was surprisingly romantic with jazz as the music genre.
There was a chubby man with sandy blonde hair and a thick handle bar moustache standing at the counter.
"I'm sorry sir; we do not permit entry with this attire." Draco's expression hardened as the attendant in charge disallowed us from entering.
"Is there something wrong with this attire?" He demanded coldly in a calm yet powerful tone.
"Not you, sir. Your date." He had the audacity to glance at me in disgust.
I rubbed my cheeks assuming that there were ash marks on my face from the floo. Draco had performed the cleaning spell though so unless he sucked at charms, that was highly unlikely that there was a spot of dirt of my face.
I felt bad, I definitely didn't belong in a place like this but really, and there was no need to insult me like that right?
No matter what, the rich and the poor were equals because they breathed the same air. That bastard needed to get that in his fucking skull. I felt a rush of anger and my fingers itched to whip out my wand and award him a nasty Bat Bogey Hex. I tried controlling myself.
I thought that I was bad. Quite the same though contradictory at the same time, Draco was absolutely livid.
"You…." He thundered.
Draco looked as though he wanted to avada that fellow's ass into oblivion or something.
Before he could do anything further, I decided to intervene.
"Draco…." I held his hand and made him focus on me, wearing a small smile. –"I'm not really interested in dining here. So just relax. We'll go somewhere else."
He gazed at me for a minute or hour, who knows and finally made his decision. Finally he turned his super gaze on the attendant who looked slightly fearful.
Clearly he realized that he was dealing with the Draco Malfoy.
It was as though his expression passed on a message, he turned and stalked off.
"Draco! Draco! Stop, will you?" We were now on the street and this man was walking in great strides. I practically ran, endangering myself in the process.
Suddenly, he stopped and turned making me smack directly into his muscular chest which was protected by his jacket.
"Ow…" I rubbed my head in indignance. That lightened up his mood considerably. He stroked my head gently, making sure I hadn't hurt myself.
"Are you angry?" I asked him uncertainly, his moodswings were as unpredictable as the weather.
He looked at me again, contemplating his mood. Maybe I should gift him a muggle mood ring.
He finally settled on the negative.
"No… I am not."
"Great! So where do you want to eat?"
"Do you have a suggestion since all the restaurants around here are basically the same? Unimpressive, demanding, judgmental." He said bitterly.
I thought for a few seconds.
"Let me introduce you to my world." I said brightly pulling him along.
"Wait! Wait!" We were reaching. I stood on my tip-toes and covered his eyes with my palms.
"What are you doing?" He demanded irritably. I giggled.
"Covering your eyes, it's a surprise, silly."
"I don't like surprises."
"Well, I don't like you. Deal with it."
"Of course, you love me."
"Self- centered, egotistical, male…."
"I love you too."
"You know Draco; you are awfully catty for someone of the male species. If I didn't know any better, I'd assume something else…" I smirked at this as I led him to the venue which was currently left in a surprise.
"Want me to prove that I am a man…." His soft looking lips twitched at that idea.
I had an almost irresistible urge to kiss him and stop the twitching.
"Who mentioned anything about manhood?" I asked innocently.
"Don't push it."
We stopped, we were finally there.
"TA-DA!" I released my hands and gestured up ahead.
Welcome to my world.
He opened his eyes slowly and looked around, examining his surroundings.
"You brought me to a park?" He asked in surprise, looking up ahead and noticing and icy playground where there were actually children.
"Nope…." I shook my head, -"I brought you to the world's best place."
"For ages 2-10 probably..." He said sarcastically.
I frowned. Stupid, spoilt twenty three years old.
"Shut up, Draco. Don't be difficult."
He raised his eyebrows, "Okay, seriously, what are we doing here?"
"We are going to snack on some of the world's best snacks ever made. And you are not going to be a prat about it, is that clear Mister?" I prodded my index finger on his chest.
"I'll try."
We walked on, the park was beautiful. It reminded me of a snowy heaven. Everything was white, literally. Like the restaurant, there were fairy lights on the bushes, probably Christmas decorations that hadn't been taken off yet.
It was spectacular. The park wasn't crowded yet there were an enough number of people to make you feel safe if you wanted to sit there alone.
Children were skating on the icy pond, I felt light, watching them enjoy themselves with no worries. I was like them once too, a very long time ago.
We stopped in front of a small snack shop. "Pick your poison." I urged Draco.
He gave me a disbelieving look, as though to say, "Do you really think that I would do that?"
Ignoring him, I explained. "You are supposed to close your eyes and point randomly. It's a game."
"Really, Ginny?"
I glared at him fiercely and he gave in, closing his eyes, he sighed as he pointed randomly.
He had gotten Blackcurrant Iced Tea. I had gotten that before. It was nice.
I placed my order and he protested, "Why is it that I had to close my eyes and choose something and you didn't?"
I explained, "Because, we are in a place that's completely foreign to you, so we might as well go all the way out. Besides, I love all the drinks; I don't really have a preference."
"Why don't we get one of everything then?"
"Are you crazy? We still have more to order."
We walked on, sipping our drinks, savoring its tangy flavors.
"I have to admit, I am rather partial to this drink." Draco admitted, truthfully. I felt as though I had just won the lottery.
He looked so much more carefree, breathing in the icy fresh air and enjoying the peacefully lively scenery.
We finally ordered our food, once again with Draco closing his eyes and choosing at random. We got extremely greasy sandwiches.
He stared at his food apprehensively looking at the amount of oil his sandwich was oozing.
"Just how often do you come here?" He asked wryly.
"It's my happy place. I come here whenever I am sad but I haven't been here in a while." I shrugged.
"Are you sure I won't get a coronary after eating this?"
I rolled my eyes, "Hundred percent."
I took a bite from my own and sandwich and moaned in bliss to its delightful peppery flavors. Looking at me, he took a small bite out of his own sandwich.
After a while of chewing he concluded, "This is delicious."
I felt triumphant but watching the way he ate it was hilarious. It was so straight and his bites were dainty.
I laughed, "Draco, let me teach you how to enjoy these things." I basically shoved the sandwich in his mouth while he struggled to chew having bitten off such a large piece.
-"You're supposed to enjoy the flavors in big bites." He tried by himself and ended up with tomato sauce on his face. It was an amazing sight. Draco Malfoy with a huge bite of sandwich in his mouth caught red-handed with sauce on his face. The newspapers and press will pay me a fortune for that.
Before he could react, I whipped out my Iphone and snapped a picture. I giggled at it hysterically until tears were coming out of my eyes.
"What is it?" He growled after swallowing.
"Oh, nothing." His reflexes were too fast for me and he grabbed my phone.
Oh no, he didn't!
He merely looked at the photo and raised his eyebrows. "Keep it, not everybody gets to see the great Draco Malfoy covered in tomato sauce."
My mouth dropped open at that remark, I was flabbergasted. And apparently, now was his turn to have his revenge. He snapped a picture of me with my phone and showed it to me. I looked disgusting.
"Draco, give me my phone!"
"No."
"Give it to me!" I screeched.
"Do your worst." He challenged me as he stood up and held the phone high up in the air. Like a child, I jumped and tried to reach for it but failed.
I ran after him as he sprinted, chuckling. Finally, we gave up and settled back on the bench, panting.
I then remembered the forgotten topic from just now.
"Hey Draco, what was that about Blaise just now?" I asked casually yet carefully.
His grey eyes darkened considerably and he wore a very serious look on his face.
"You know, you don't really have to answer my question." I bit my lip in apprehension.
I did want him to answer my question but strangely enough, not at the price of sadness. He was so light and carefree earlier.
He shook his head as though stating that it didn't really matter. –"I trust you, Gin."
My heart swelled knowing that. I smiled at him, encouraging him to go on.
"The truth is that Blaise and I are half-brothers."
Help me get to a 100 reviews, pretty please. I've decided that I will not update until I have a 100 reviews. :) Thanks for all the reviews.
Secondly, wishing the tall ginger one a happy belated birthday. :D I do hope that you liked the chapter.
Now, all of you can make me happy by reviewing. :p I'll update faster! ;)
P.S: If anyone of you actually read this note, please read chapter 12's note as well, I'd totally appreciate it. And do leave a feedback.