Working for the Dragon

Chapter 20. Sealed With a Kiss

Have I ever mentioned that I have a tendency to get overly dramatic when things were not going as planned? Take now for instance.

"My life is officially over! I am destined to be a spinster with twenty black cats. The children in my neighbourhood will refer to me as 'The Crazy Black Cat Lady' and will make up stories about my diet preferences." I wailed, dramatically burying my head in one of Channy's colourful, beaded pillows.

"Stop being so dramatic, Gin. Your life is most definitely not over." Channy flung another one of her rainbow, beaded, bean-bag type pillows at me succeeding in hitting my head.

We were lounging around at her place after a lazy day spent at work. Her place, an incredibly small and grungy flat that she temporarily called home – it was a meagre room with a bed that occupied three quarter of the space she had.

It was small, yet cosy even though the walls had been stripped off paint. Channy had personalised it with scented candles, home-made potpourri. Not to mention that the place was littered with pillows. Bean – bag types, fluffy… All she needed was a silver tea set to complete the look.

It was the kind of place where I would imagine a psychic living.

Despite the fact that I was currently in the middle of wallowing in self-pity, it did not stop me from imagining Channy's signature eye-roll and look of disgust and exasperation.

"How many?" I asked, my voice muffled by her lavender scented pillows.

"Lost count after the fifth one." Channy replied grudgingly referring to the number of times she had rolled her eyes at my impossible and simply terrible flair for the dramatics.

A week after Draco had invited me to be his date to the Annual Spring Ball, everything that I had managed to sustain up till now, fell apart. Before that, life almost seemed perfect with me having lusty dreams of my boss looking dangerously sexy in a leather jacket, black tee and dark jeans ravishing me on top of a motorbike.

What can I say; I have always liked the bad boys.

Draco, leather jacket, me, bike… Back to my formerly perfect life. Everything was sailing smoothly with the flirtatious glances between me and Draco, the more personal talks, having girls nights sipping martinis with my best friend and spending time with my family.

Exactly how I imagined my life to be when I became independent.

It was one of those nights where work had ended early because Draco had to go pacify his mother over an anger management issue – he broke one of her favourite, priceless vases that belonged to royalty in Merlin- knows-which-period.

It was also one of those nights at my house where the entire family would get together; enjoy a deliciously heavy dinner with talks of what was happening with us and play with Teddy and little Victoire.

So over dinner, with a plate of mind blowing beef stroganoff, mashed potatoes, onion rings… we were discussing our plans for the week when a common plan came up.

The Annual Spring Ball.

In the midst of my joy of accepting Draco's invitation, it had completely slipped my mind that being significant contributors to ensure the welfare of the Ministry of Magic and society, my family was invited too!

"The ball? I had spluttered, choking on my glass of iced pumpkin juice. Why the hell was I even drinking that thing?

"Yes Genie, ve arre going to ze ball…" Her Royal Highness, Phlegm – sister-in-law and mother of my favourite niece in the world had replied snootily. She had made sound as though I will never ever have the hope of attending a ball.

Well woman, I will have you know that I was personally asked by Draco….

Frankly, I thought that I would appreciate her more after she became a mother and I did. It just was not long lasting – she was back to being a monster! Annoying, meddling…

With the sudden thought that I might die a virgin over dinner if my brother, Bill were to have mind reading abilities, I suppressed my desire to give Fleur a tongue-lashing and moved on with the rest of the conversation.

The men were as usual discussing Quidditch statistics and the Chudley Cannons chances of winning the Cup this upcoming season. The women were discussing their dresses and colour preferences, it sickened me greatly. Hermione and Tonks were the only two women caught in the middle of both discussions.

I kept quiet mostly, keeping my thoughts to myself. Up till little Teddy decided to spend some time with me.

"Ginny, why haven't you been coming over to play with me?" Teddy piped up curiously as he climbed onto my lap for a cuddle over dessert.

I hugged him close to my chest for comfort and he snuggled in comfortably.

"Ginny has been working so that she can buy more toys for you." I replied to him gently in third person as I kissed his soft cheeks.

"Really?" His innocent chocolate brown eyes grew wide. –"But mummy says that I have too many toys, so don't buy me anymore." Bless his little heart.

"Okay I won't buy you any toys. How about candy?" I offered as I ruffled his hair.

"Okay!" He accepted my offer enthusiastically. -"But you must come over and play with me. I want you to meet my new friend."

"Sure." I promised my buddy a play date soon. –"When do you want me to come over?"

"When Mummy and Daddy go to the ball!"

"How about another day, sweetie?"

"Why?"

"Well because. I have to go to the ball too!" I whispered quietly in his ears.

"Really? With a prince?" Teddy whispered back, sensing that it was not something that I wanted everyone to know. That boy was sharp for his age.

"No...Why?" I replied slowly, wondering why on earth he would think that I was going to the ball with a prince.

"Because no one knows when Princess goes to a ball with a Prince. No one knows that you are going too." He pointed out. Apparently my life was now associated with a fairytale in little Teddy's eyes.

Wondering how I would explain my situation to a six year old, I chose to let him believe in the magic of fairytales while he could.

"You caught me. I am indeed going to the ball with a prince."

"Will you get together and live happily ever after? Don't run away from him!" He admonished me, taking this seriously.

I laughed at his imagination and kissed his forehead lightly.

"I won't." I promised. How will I get through the ball without running away? Cinderella had it all so easy.

Thus, to summarise dinner, my secret job was soon to be revealed to my family and I had a play date for the day after the ball with Teddy. If I wasn't locked in a tower guarded by dragons before that.

"I have an idea!" Channy sat up, nearly knocking me off from the bed that both of us were currently lying on.

"What?" I perked up instantly.

"Polyjuice potion." She replied enthusiastically.

It would be a brilliant plan if the ball was in a month's time and not in a week. Secondly, Draco doesn't know that my family is unaware of the fact that I work for him. Lastly, who the hell would I pose as if I took the potion! She also didn't consider the fact that the both of us never actually paid attention in Potions!

"That… is… the… WORST IDEA I HAVE EVER HEARD FROM YOUR MOUTH EVER!" I yelled at her, choosing to retreat back to attempt to suffocate myself with a pillow.

Obviously Channy ignored me as she came up with ideas that sounded more ridiculous by the minute.

"You could… change your hair colour, wear spectacles, and make a fashion statement by wearing a mask – even though the ball has no theme…" She trailed off when she saw the look that I gave her.

-"Or you could just call in sick and not wear that dress we found. But then I would kill you." She shrugged.

Merlin, why couldn't my problem be finding a dress whose colour did not clash with my hair? Everyone always said that redheads had the most difficulty when it came to finding dresses. That was so not true!

I had found my dress the very moment I stepped into one of Marvin Choque's boutiques. Remembering a promise I made to myself ages ago that I would buy myself a dress robe from Marvin Choque's collection, I decided that now would be the best time to uphold it. I had gotten a very generous discount by Marvin himself and I could not have been happier with my choice.

Call in sick? Call in sick? "Call in sick? That's perfect!" I hugged Channy tightly.

Truth be told, it was currently the best option that I had as much as it was disappointing. I wasn't ready for both my lives to clash. I had dreamt of this day since Draco had invited me.

We would waltz slowly, making a circuit around the ballroom. I would rest my head on his shoulder. His hands would be on my waist. His breath would tickle my neck every time he said something. I would close my eyes and live with the blissful feeling that his lips were merely inches away from me. Maybe, just maybe we would kiss.

If I were to be taken ill on the day of the ball, Draco could find a replacement in a blink of an eye.

Pansy, Krystella… Maybe even Audrina. And that bitch had plans to seduce him!

The ball was the perfect place to seduce a handsome rake. According to historical romance novels…

Perfect for Audrina to… "I can't." I gasped when I imagined all the trouble Draco could get into.

Audrina seducing Draco.

Draco getting Audrina pregnant

Audrina blackmailing Draco for wealth.

Draco has no choice but to rescue his heir from that witch.

Handing over his wealth in return for his child.

Malfoy Empire being renamed to Audrina Empire.

Me getting fired. Draco hating me forever.

The perfect plot for the historical romance novel. And my doom.

I guess there was only one thing to do. Go to the ball and hide in plain sight.

…

The day of the Ball had finally arrived, as per what I had planned, I gave my family the impression that I was heading off to work. The actual truth was that I was going to crash at Channy's place for the next couple of hours to catch up on my beauty sleep.

I had everything that I could possibly need, reduced in size and packed into my satchel. It was ironic how I had spent the last couple of days biting my nails in anxiety over the fact that everyone I knew was attending the ball. This morning, I was feeling on top of the world!

After half the day spent, relaxing at Channy's place with Japanese takeout – my treat of course, mani-pedis, homemade facials and a definite failed attempt at predicting our fortune with tarot cards, we finally decided that it was time for us to get ready.

Two hours, we clearly got ready in record time. Honestly though, there wasn't much for us to do. After our respective showers, we simply used the help of make-up and hair-styling charms.

Channy was a tad bit nervous though because she was attending the ball to win back the hearts of the Giovanni's by making them believe that she was engaged and deeply in love with the affluent, gorgeous Italian, Blaise Zabini.

That girl clearly could not live without her trust fund.

I didn't blame her though, if I had to give up a lavish lifestyle to live in the dumps, I would be completely out of my element and miserable.

"Crap! I completely forgot to inform Draco not to head over to The Burrow to pick me up!" I gasped horrified at my forgetfulness. We were in the middle of finishing up the final touches.

"Oh don't worry about that. I sent a note on your behalf this morning. I've got it covered." Channy reassured me as she adjusted a strand.

"Thank goodness. I was scared for a moment that…" I didn't get to complete my sentence before a brief but commanding knock sounded at the door.

Channy and I looked at each other in alarm. "Quick! How do I look?" She scanned herself quickly in the mirror to see if she had made any blunders in her outfit.

"Perfect! Me?" I looked down at my dress suddenly unsure if it would match up to Draco's standards.

The door knob twisted open before we could reach for it. Both the men stood at the entrance looking extremely out of place in this ramshackle building but extremely divine.

Draco looked powerful in his plain black dress robes; he had a polished aura of command shimmering off him. They had a slight metallic tinge to it, clearly made to demand attention. It was simple but definitely his style. I bet it was expensive as hell. He looked devastatingly attractive.

Blaise looked dashing though his dress robes had a more…vampire-ish edge towards it. The cape look? He had on an old vanilla white shirt with a lavender vest… Staring at him, I realised that if he removed his black cape and vest, he would look remarkably like a pirate.

"Hello ladies….Whoa!" Blaise as usual tried to make a grand entrance but failed this time around. He faltered when he had taken in Channy's look. It was comforting to finally see that imp of a Slytherin not in his centre of gravity. Those people were too perfect for their own good.

Channy had worn a long, strapless black dress; the torso of the dress was blood red and striking. The rest of the gown comprised on an explosion of black lace and chiffon. Her black hair was left She looked like a seductress.

I giggled lightly as I watched the both of them, they were smitten – it would be obvious to a blind man. My focus was mainly on them so much so that I hadn't noticed that my personal Greek god had appeared before me.

A brief touch of his fingers on my bare arm made me jump. I looked at him startled only to see him looking at me with the strangest expression on his face. His grey eyes were darker than usual with a slight glint in them. My breath was caught in my throat as his eyes raked up and down my body.

I bit my lip in apprehension hoping that the dress was suited to his tastes. I had gotten it at a good deal but Malfoys were always about appearance, class and all the other snobbish things imaginable.

He leaned forward whispering, his cool breath tickling my ear –"You look absolutely stunning."

My jaw so badly wanted to drop open in surprise but I stopped myself, mentally explaining that it was improper for a lady to be caught engaging in an unflattering act. Oh Merlin, it sounds so wrong.

Tonight I was going to act like a lady and allow Draco to hold his head high that he had someone worthy of compliments on his arm.

"Thank you, Draco. You look very dashing yourself."I smiled shyly at him feeling moderately self-conscious.

I was wearing a floor-length white dress which was off shoulder. Kind of like a toga I guess. It was completely plain but it shimmered under the light. My red hair hung loosely around my shoulders, curled with two tendrils pulled back to make sure my hair stayed in place. I wore really small diamond stud – a gift from Harry a couple of birthdays ago and really painful gold stilettos.

It was all going to be worth it.

"I got you a gift.-"Draco informed me, handing me a blue velvet box. –"It was the least that I could do since you agreed to be my date to this godforsaken dance."

"I agreed because I wanted to, Draco. Not because I was doing you a favor." I told him, meaning it.

"Well then I want you to have this." He clasped my hand over the box. –"Go on, open it." He urged me.

A strong combination of curiosity and Draco's encouragement, like a cup of freshly brewed tea was enough to make me open it. Carefully, I lifted the lid afraid that I would break it with my negligence. I could tell Draco was trying not to roll his eyes.

"Would you like a velvet pillow to hold that?" He asked me sarcastically.

Ignoring his sarcasm, I looked and the most beautiful piece of jewelry I had ever laid my eyes upon.

Okay, I'm being biased. So it's not the best, obviously. It's not like the Prince of Muggle England would dump Kate Middleton and give me his late mother's ring.

This piece would be the next best after that, I supposed.

It was a necklace… or a semi-choker. Ugh, I am not good with descriptions. It had three thin, delicate gold strings starting from mid-neck. There were three stones with diamonds the size of a Knut in the centre of each. It was not at all ostentatious but would definitely take more than a month's worth of salary.

"It's gorgeous!" I gasped, incredibly touched that he would buy something like this for me. I mean, we were not even together.

He removed the neck from the box and nudged me to lift my hair so that he could help put it on. His warm fingers brushed sensitive areas of my neck, making me tingle. I let my hair go when he was done and he brought me to the mirror.

I did not revel in my reflection but I did so love the necklace so much. Every time the rays of light shined on the diamonds, let's just say that these babies could make stars jealous with their radiance.

"Beautiful." I said, for the lack of a better word.

"I disagree." Draco said, -"Beautiful is an understatement; I believe the term is exquisite."

We were clearly in our own, private little bubble. I had definitely forgotten that Channy and Blaise were also in the room until they decided to intrude.

"Planning on eloping tonight, Weaselette?" Blaise teased me, grinning cheekily in greeting.

I looked at him, confused. It finally clicked together in my head.

"I'm too young to be married, Blaisieboo…You on the other hand…." I trailed off knowing that the little nickname that I had created was good enough to push the former Slytherin's buttons.

Draco helped me put on my cloak which shimmered like stars under a midnight sky. I had doubts to whether this cloak would actually keep me warm. It just looked like a chiffon cloth with silver sequins. It had come with the dress. Nobody said looking good meant being comfortable.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that Blaise had done the exact same thing for Channy. We walked out of the flat definitely looking out of place in it. If not us, the boys definitely looked like an expensive jade vase on display on the mantelpiece of a clogged and filthy chimney.

We were walking as couples; Draco held my arm which I was thankful for because my shoes were starting to kill me. Blaise and Channy were in front but that soon changed when Channy slowed her pace to mine so that she could talk to me.

Noticing that she wanted a private word, Draco walked on ahead and soon caught up with Blaise.

When we were sure that the boys were out of hearing range, Channy turned to me. At the same time, the both of us squealed, ecstatic.

"Our someday is finally here!" She pulled me into a tight, enthusiastic embrace. She had been referring to our dreams of having the better life with the better someone. Not to mention the whole liking best friends thing.

I nodded my head, my smile too wide for me to say anything. I couldn't hide the anxiety I felt though.

"It will all work out in the end. The two of you are perfect for one another." She reassured me.

I had been hearing that a lot lately.

…

The grand ballroom was in the alfresco – that's a first. We were under a concrete marquee whose ceiling was designed to create the illusions of the peaceful night sky. The floor was… perfect for dancing the night away. White curtains were held tightly by blue chiffon ribbons with gold trimmings. Blue and white candles illuminated the place; the slight scent of lavender was relaxing. There was a red carpet entrance which was lit by the light from the moon as well as tribal wooden torches.

It was simply amazing, luxurious. I felt as though I had genuinely stepped into a fairytale.

"I know the designer's inspiration." Blaise snickered as we took in the sky.

"Wow…" I was in awe of the picturesque view that Draco had bestowed upon me.

Before anything else could happen, we found ourselves swarmed by an army of reporters, photographers. Draco immediately took a protective stance in front of me. Blaise on the other hand had his arm draped casually, almost intimately around Channy's waist.

Both of them smiled, relaxed for the cameras. Thankfully the focus went by couples and they were ahead so I had time to prepare myself.

"Damn! I had completely forgotten that this would happen." Draco looked upset.

"What?"

"The bloody reporters with their stupid mutt photographers." He cursed, irate. For someone who was out in the public's eye rather often, he sure as hell was not fond of these people.

"We can…." He started to say something but I cut in.

"Relax, Draco." I slipped my hand in his calmly. We molded together perfectly.

"We'll be fine." I reassured him. The warmth emitting from his fingers was comforting. His grip was firm but gentle at the same time, I felt protected.

Together, we walked ahead to join Blaise, Channy and their 'mini-interview' with the media.

"Mr. Zabini, are you and Miss Giovanni dating?" The million galleon question came from a reporter from The Daily Prophet.

"We're engaged." He smiled broadly lifting up her hand to show off the ring? I had no idea that they had already chosen a ring for the little act. It was a round sapphire rock which glimmered on Channy's skin like the sea at night.

They asked further questions about Channy's relations with the mysterious 'Howler'girl to which they explained had been set up by the both of them because they were dating at that point but not ready to commit to marriage.

Not like they were now, anyway. Channy and her plans, I hope whatever she was doing worked out for her. It seemed too dipped in the drama sauce to work out in reality.

Draco's presence demanded the attention from the reporters and very soon the four of us were posing together. I earned a couple of encouraging glances from Channy and Blaise. Channy had also whispered Posing 101 under her breath and being utterly clueless, I followed her instructions.

"Are you and Miss Weasley together, Mr. Malfoy?" The same reporter asked Draco. Seriously, what was with her and knowing our relationship status.

I could just imagine the way he would answer her dryly.

Miss Weasley and I are in a completely platonic relationship. She is just my arm candy for the night.

That would earn him a moment of stunned silence from the reporters before the pictures start flurrying and cameras start flashing.

Except, things didn't go as imagined, the moment of stunned silence came from me when he opened his mouth to reply.

"Yes. Ginny and I are together." Much to the satisfaction of the reporters, I had even noticed the one from Witch's Weekly sighing in disappointment. Guess she was hoping that she could warm his bed tonight.

Ignoring the further questions thrown at us, Draco led me into the ballroom. I was too stupefied to say anything.

When I finally regained my voice, "What was that all about, Draco?"

"Well, I just shortened the process of having to ask you out."

"You can't be serious!"

"Oh I am. Face it, I like you and you obviously like me, so I just shortened the process. As of now, you are…."

"I wouldn't complete the sentence if I were you…" I warned him, incredibly pissed off. I haven't felt this mad in forever. Blaise and Channy were taking a stroll around the ballroom, socializing with the rich and famous.

I folded my arms hugging myself, feeling vulnerable all of a sudden. Truth be told, I was on top of the world when he said that I was his girl. Reality made that balloon pop when I realized that he had just announced it to the media that the both of us were together.

Which means that it would be all over the newspapers and magazine articles tomorrow… I was so screwed.

I did come here, risking everything that I had worked toward for a chance to be with Draco. I knew what I was getting myself into. I shouldn't regret it at all. By being mad at Draco, I was ruining the evening.

Watching him from the corner I stood, I saw him taking small sips of scotch from a glass as he spoke respectfully to someone. His eyes chose this moment to catch my gaze. We watched each other from afar. I was immersed till I hadn't realized when he excused himself and came to me.

The man who ruled my fantasies.

"Are you still mad at me?" He asked, sounding a teeny bit remorseful for having hurt my feelings.

I nodded my head. I hadn't been mad at him; I was more upset with myself. He needed a lesson though, stupid pompous git.

"Care to tell me why" He asked calmly. Wasn't he ever unfazed? What happened to my ability to push his buttons?

"What if my answer was no?" I looked at him, determined to make a point.

"Your answer is no?" He raised his eyebrows, unfazed – as expected. Draco brought confidence to a whole new level.

"That is not the point!" I stomped my foot, flustered. I bet my cheeks could rival my hair now.

"Did you just stomp your foot?" Draco looked thoroughly amused.

"Draco!" I practically shrieked at him, while glaring all at the same time.

He raised his hands up in surrender, trying hardest not to laugh.

I sighed, how was I going to explain what I was trying to say to the man with the ego and self-confidence the height of the Eiffel Tower in Paris?

"You know how…" I trailed off, biting my lip while thinking of an analogy. I got one and its good if I do say so myself.

-"Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour has so many different flavours..." He nodded his head, bemused.

"Well… My personal favourite is the Cherry Tornado but I have other favourites as well. Like the chocolate…" I could tell he didn't know where this conversation was leading to. –"So anyway, the point is… if you were to bring me to the ice cream parlour usually, I would order the Cherry Tornado. Sometimes though, I may desire a different flavor. Do you get me?" I asked him.

He shook his head gesturing for me to continue, "Apply this into the current situation. You are Cherry Tornado, Draco. I'll always say 'yes' to you. If I wasn't in the mood for Cherry, though? I would have said, 'no'."

Only when I had finished that I realized that this analogy had sounded brilliant in my head. It was another story the moment the words left my mouth. I could feel my cheeks burning once again.

Draco caressed my cheek lightly, "I understand, Ginny. I am not supposed to assume that you always want Cherry Tornado."

I gazed at him bashfully, nodding my head. He could be such a sweetheart.

"Good." His mouth curved into a pleased smile. –"Now…Would you care to join me on the dance floor?"

I glared at him. His gaze never wavering away, he was definitely serious about this.

Sweet Mother of Merlin!

"What?" Draco asked, noticing my stare.

"Haven't you ever noticed that I am as graceful as a giraffe on roller-skates? I cannot dance to save my life!" I exclaimed, horrified.

Draco held both my hands –"You have officially made my night. I have never wanted to laugh so much."

"Yeah, well. Paint my face and call me Giggly Weasley." I grumbled.

Remember how Neville Longbottom took me to the Yule ball in fourth year? Everyone had said that Neville kept stepping on my toes. Bless his soul, the truth was that he had taken the fall for me – he had danced marvelously. I kept stepping on his toes. They were bruised by the end of the night but he did not say a word.

I looked down on the floor embarrassedly as I confessed one of my deepest darkest secrets to Draco. He pulled me closer to him, his hands wrapped comfortingly around my waist. My hands were on his neck, fingers trailing the contours of the cloth taking in the expensive material and Draco's muscles.

"It is all in the leading, Ginny." He held me in his arms, whispering softly. I pulled back, looking up at him. Why couldn't he just listen to me for once?

"Look around…" He nudged me lightly. We were on the dance floor, in the middle of it in fact! Had we been waltzing all this while? How could I not have realized?

I glanced at Draco taking note of his encouraging smile. I could do this… I guess. I thought, resigned.

"Your toes, your funeral." I warned him before he pulled me into his arms playfully.

We made a circuit around the ballroom; he twirled me around a few times as I laughed. It was euphoric, light, and carefree. He even tried to dip me once resulting in an undignified shriek from me.

Never once did he wince when people observed us or me rather. He was always so reassuring, smiling at me encouraging.

I was having the time of my life. My fear of being seen here with him was long forgotten.

We stopped; a while later when I complained that he hadn't been the perfect gentlemen and brought me a drink. He complied, I decided to stand in a corner and people watch.

It was a private corner. A few pillars blocking the way with curtains blown by the wind, not to mention the candles that were thankfully charmed not to scorch. It seemed as though nobody had noticed the beauty and the serenity of this place, but I did.

"There you are… Your drink." A pale hand shot out from behind me holding a goblet. –"I brought you cranberry cocktail since you don't like pumpkin juice."

I took the goblet from him and sipped the cold drink – "How did you know that I don't like pumpkin juice?"

"I have my spies." He joked. –"Actually, I've seen you wincing every time you had to drink pumpkin juice at work."

"Ah, you have been spying on me, I see." I replied coyly.

"Not spying, merely observing someone who is worthy of my attention." His silver eyes had a glint in them.

"Not affections…?" I provoked him playfully. Must be the drink he gave me, I was never this bold or straightforward.

He leaned in closer as I backed up my bare shoulders feeling the cool concrete of the pillars. The curtains flew beside us, creating our little cocoon. The candles glowed, illuminating shadows under the moonlight, the stars twinkled mysteriously as though they had a little secret.

Tonight was the night, my heart told me.

"Affections would be an understatement of the century." He corrected me, his fingers leaving a burning trail as they explored my face. Not once did he overstep his boundaries.

-"Desire. Would be a better word." He paused. When I looked into his eyes again, they were darker, dangerous. Before I could react, his lips met mine. It was fiery, passionate, and hungry yet filled with so much of care. His lips were blanket soft as they kissed mine with vigor, his mouth warm. He tasted like scotch only much sweeter.

My desires for Draco increased by the second, my hands were tangled in his blonde abode. We kissed, long and hard. Finally, he pulled away, panting lightly. His hair mussed up – thanks to me. His eyes were filled with desire.

"We've got to stop." He said in a strangled voice. – "Now is not the right time… or place."

I nodded, breathing hard trying to find my own voice. Before I could say anything a deep, familiar voice spoke up.

"I couldn't agree more."

My eyes widened at the familiarity. I hadn't realized when someone had intruded upon the little world that we had built for ourselves in the last few minutes.

I had spoken too soon.

Phew! Long chapter & author's note. I'm going to have to stop doing that. The long AN I mean.

I am back to school officially. I'm pulling a Hermione Granger this semester, biting off more than I can chew. Only, I am not blessed with a Time Turner. Wish me luck; I need all that I can get. I'm exhausted by the time Friday comes.

Updates are not going to be as frequent, sorry! I'll try my best to. & you can do your part by reviewing!

More than 220 reviews for an update! XOXO

P.S: This chapter is dedicated to everyone who reviewed Chapter 19. I'm sorry I couldn't reply but I have read and appreciate each and every one of your reviews. XOXO