Working for the Dragon

Chapter 26. Because

When you keep old things in faith that they will never betray you, sometimes, the exact opposite happens. That was how Draco found Gerald Mc Domer's file in my cabin.

Remember my leather watch, my trusted accessory? That night, in my haste to hide the file away from prying eyes, I had hidden it in the first drawer I saw without any further thoughts. However, my watch was no longer on my wrist but on the floor. It had fallen and I hadn't noticed.

He never explained his reason for entering my cabin in my absence however I had assumed that it was because he wanted to have a look at one of the proposals that I had been studying. So anyway, he entered my cabin and very nearly crushed my watch under the soles of his designer shoes.

He had wanted to place it in my 'dresser' and inform me later that he had done so. In the process of returning my watch to me, he noticed the file amongst the other things which I cringe, thinking about.

I had yet to understand his blind trust in me. To be honest, if I were Draco and I were to discover something like that, I would probably wipe my girlfriend's existence off the face of the earth. I suppose, it's a good thing that Draco was not blessed with my temper.

Still though, it didn't make sense. Why didn't he suspect me of being a traitor? The fact that I had the file made me guilty. Why didn't he?

Unless of course, he know – it occurred to me as his words rang in my mind –"What kind of boss will I be if I didn't know what is going on behind my back?"

I pondered about this thoughtfully as I sat at my desk. I had a bit of free time now since I had wrapped up studying all the proposals a while back. It had been a good few days since the incident with the file had occurred and we were as strong as ever.

To his credit, Draco never showed any hint of being upset or even observing me. I guess if he was, I wouldn't know a thing since he was a trained spy.

I sat up from my comfortable chair as a thought occurred to me. He knew! Did he know? Of course he did!

My thoughts were a mess right now. I was basically contemplating on whether Draco was aware of the villainous duo, Goyle and Audrina and their vile plans on blackmailing.

In any case, it was better to be safe than sorry. What I meant by this was that I had rather revealed that Audrina and Goyle were behind the blackmailing. I didn't want him to face this on his own. Also, if he found out that I was aware, or while it's unlikely, Audrina and Goyle could use me as bait to my own boyfriend. They could make it seem as though I was aiding them – I wouldn't put it past them.

I made my decision; I would go and reveal everything to him. I stood up determined, from my chair, my heels clicking as I exited my cabin and made my way down that all too familiar corridor that led me to Draco's cabin.

I did not bat an eyelash as I knocked softly on his door. However, my heart pounded furiously in my chest. Catching his quiet permission to enter, I pushed the heavy door open only to see my boyfriend sitting at his desk in all his powerful, corporate glory. He had apparently been looking through a proposal which I had read through yesterday.

"Ah, Ginny – To what do I owe this honour?" He asked lightly as he closed the plastic file shut. He looked exceedingly handsome today with muggle attire – a light blue shirt that brought out his grey eyes and light in his hair as well as black slacks and of course, designer Italian shoes.

His hair was slightly ruffled from all that unconscious touching he did while in the midst of concentration.

"D-Draco, we need to talk." I stuttered a little at first but soon firmed my resolve. It was now or well, later.

He eyed me calmly, his expression impassive as I began narrating from the very night I had encountered Goyle and Audrina. I had overheard them planning to seize the power of attorney of Malfoy Empire by using making Audrina seduce Draco. Of course, that obviously hadn't worked out hence the new plan of digging graves.

His eyes flashed as I recounted everything. I bit my lip, uncertain as I stared at him expecting a volatile reaction. He was angry, I could tell. Even though I didn't want it that way, my heart was now a thousand times lighter after I had told him everything.

I could tell that he was forcing himself to remain composed and truth be told, I was terrified. I knew he wouldn't hurt me but it scared me to think that I may be the cause behind this anger.

"What makes you think that I am unaware about this?" He asked me when he had finally forced the anger down.

"I-I don't know." I replied quietly suddenly finding the design of my shoes extremely interesting.

"Ginny- Ginny, look at me."He suddenly stood before me, tipping my head gently so that my gaze met his grey ones. He caressed my cheek lightly.

"I know-"And those two words were enough to tell me everything.

"Are you angry?" I asked quietly studying his features for any negative emotion.

"Angry? Yes! Furious, livid, murderous and any other word you can find in the dictionary that is synonymous to anger." He laughed harshly. –"However, none of this anger is directed at you, okay?" He explained to me gently as he pulled me into his arms for a sweet embrace.

I nodded my head, understanding as I took in his comforting scent. He held me tightly and we stood in peaceful silence. I focused myself to think about the dire circumstances. What were we going to do about Audrina and Goyle?

"Draco?"

"Hmmm?"

"What are we going to do about the villainous duo?"

"You mean, what am I going to do about the villainous duo?"

"No, I meant, we –"

Immediately, he pulled back from the embrace –"Ginny, you can't be serious?" He looked at me as though I had stated something completely stupid.

"I am-"I informed him, seriously. –"We are in this together, Draco."

"No." He glared at me even though he knew that it was absolutely pointless keeping me out of this. I wasn't sister of one of the members of the Golden Trio for nothing.

I gave him my best 'try and stop me' expression.

"Ginny, I'll be damned if I get you involved in any of this. Keep out!" His grey eyes flashed dangerously as he lowered his tone.

"I can't, Draco." I told him sincerely. And it was the truth. I simply couldn't.

"Why not?" He demanded, apparently infuriated by my stubbornness.

"Because –"I opened my mouth to explain but I stopped short when I realised what I was just about to do.

"Because?" He raised a sarcastic eyebrow as though waiting for me to continue.

"Because –"I replied simply.

Good lord, Ginny! Were you just about to confess that your love to Draco? You silly girl, you need to keep your mouth shut.

I kept my mouth snapped shut determined to not let Draco know anything. He would have to use Leglimens now, if he wanted to know anything. All I knew was I was going to stand by him until the end.

He muttered something along the lines of 'stubborn, silly girl' to himself.

I chose to remain silent knowing that opening my mouth would eventually get me into trouble.

The rest of the day was pretty much spent uneventfully. I could tell Draco needed some space from me considering the fact that after that incident he did not once buzz me to his office. I chose to refrain from entering myself since the tasks that I had on hand were not much of his concern.

Finishing my work diligently – as I usually did – I packed my things and readied myself for another quiet night at home. The cold war was still ongoing. At home, it was as though I had thrown an Invisibility Cloak over myself at the dinner table. Since the dance, I could count the number of times I had dinner at home on one hand and that was seriously saying something.

If it wasn't for the fact that I was their daughter, I would be considered a paying guest. Everyone went about their own business as usual. Bill and Fleur were living at Shell Cottage and they occasionally joined us. Charlie and Mikayla had returned to Romania. Fred and George and their respective wives continued with the business down in Diagon Alley.

I never went to visit them anymore. As for Percy and Penelope, if Fred and George were not down for a visit at all by me, Percy was another story altogether. All that was left was my dearest brother ickle Ronniekins and his wife Hermione and best friend, Harry Potter. The Quidditch season was beginning and even though they had retreated to practice, they had yet to leave the Burrow.

To her credit, Hermione tried to make conversation with me whenever she saw me, which was rare. However, the other two were being insufferable prats even when they didn't open their mouths.

I could ask Channy to keep me company for dinner however; my best friend was one heck of an observant person. A look at me would be enough for her to deduce that something was not right. Hence, I made the decision to act like I had Harry's Invisibility Cloak strewn over my head.

I had long given up on the idea of Malfoy Empire's Floo gate actually being in operation hence I walked towards the entrance thinking that I will floo from the Leaky Cauldron. Despite Draco's countless support, I still could not get over my fear of apparating.

"Ginny – Wait!" Draco's familiar voice called out to me as I walked towards the glass doors. Apparently he had been standing at the reception – how had I missed that?

Wordlessly dismissing the receptionist whom I thanked heavens was not Audrina, he walked in my direction.
"Let's go together, love." He stated brusquely as he held me by my elbow. I glanced at him in surprise. This was not what I had expected at all.

In fact, to be honest, I wasn't quite sure what I had expected of him but it definitely was not this.

We walked out of Malfoy Empire together, a warm breeze and the twilight sky greeting us. It had not been long since I had used the Knockturn Alley route, I mused as I recalled the other day when I had seen Audrina and Goyle.

"Don't even think about it-"Draco snapped as he caught me staring at the Knockturn Alley route.

"Don't what?" I looked at him, puzzled.

"Don't think about using that route. If you get to do things your way, than so do I." He informed me pointedly.

From his words, I had inferred that he had come to terms with me head butting into his affairs. Despite that inference, I chose not to pursue the topic further as the wound was still fresh. We continued in silence that was oddly enough comfortable despite the uncomfortable topic that had been wedged between us.

I sighed slightly to myself as I thought about my dinner plans –"I don't suppose I could tempt you out to dinner tonight?" I asked him conversationally.

He shook his head –"I have a pile of work waiting to be sorted. I will however escort you home." He looked at me pointedly.

Maybe this was his idea of revenge but we didn't go to The Leaky Cauldron as I had originally planned. He walked with me to the Apparition point and despite the inner protest, I kept silent. My unhappiness at this preferred mode of travel was reflected on my face though.

We had finally reached. I took a deep breath muttering chants of encouragement to myself, mentally.

Draco took my hand while eyeing me all the same –"It's about time you get over this ludicrous phobia of yours." He told me firmly.

Ludicrous! A synonym to absurd, ridiculous, crazy, odd, nonsensical – I fumed thanks to the help of my mental thesaurus.

How was having a phobia of apparating odd, exactly? One could lose limbs if they screwed up!

I opened my mouth to give Draco a piece of my mind and before I knew it, we were standing right outside the path that led to the Burrow.

What in the world?

I looked at Draco, half amazed and the other half with indignance. He smirked at me in response as he continued to lead me to my house.

"For the record, phobia of apparating is not ludicrous." I informed him crossly.

"You are welcome." He responded still smirking as his focus remained on the environment around us.

As usual, the air was fresh with the smell of grass lingering, the fields glittered as the sun set across the horizon. The sky was coloured with hues of red and orange.

"It's really peaceful around here." He commented. If I am not wrong, it was his second time coming around here.

I was used to it hence I shrugged –"It's home."

"When am I going to see that ghoul, Weasley?" He teased slyly, reminding me of that time when we had lunch together in the office and I had revealed that a ghoul resided in my attic.

"When you can cross the borders to the Burrow without my family members having a coronary-"I quipped in response. In all honesty, it was true. Besides, Draco would have the presence equivalent to that of a demi god's if he stood in our shabby kitchen.

I fought back a smile at the image presented in my head. Ron would definitely keel over and die if Draco were to appear. However, now would not be the best idea. I should think that if I were to invite Draco in, the consequences would be far more damaging than ole Voldy's uprising.

We had reached the gate to my cottage and without further ado; Draco immediately wrapped his arms around my waist pulling me closer so that we were merely inches apart.

I glanced at the Burrow before turning to Draco again –"I really can't tempt you to dinner?" I asked hopefully.

He shook his head, smiling lightly at me –"You know I have a pile of work to attend to."

"How can you work all day and still have a pile of work left? What have you actually been doing, huh?" I eyed him in mock suspicion.

"You tell me, it seems you know my schedule better than I do." He replied as he adjusted a loose strand from my braid.

"Touche-"I replied. One of the advantages of being a secretary to your boyfriend, you know what he did when and where.

"I'll make a move now, alright. You head inside –"He said as he released me from his hold.

I nodded my head, obediently. Immediately as though his arms around me earlier had been a mental block, my brain was swarmed with questions.

Draco had barely started down the part when I made the decision to stop him.

"Draco –"I called out before I could even stop myself.

He stopped midway, turning while eyeing me questioningly.

What about Goyle and Audrina? The question was at the tip of my tongue but I couldn't bring myself to say it and I didn't know why.

"I forgot something –"I informed him tersely as he continued eyeing me questioningly.

"What? You decided that risking a mass Weasley coronary was worth me seeing the ghoul in your attic?"

"Shut up, Draco. I forgot this-"I tiptoed and pulled him in for a kiss. I could tell that he was taken aback by my sudden action due to his lack of response but he responded soon enough. He kissed me sweetly, his arms around me, pulling me closer. I basked in his scent and the pleasure of having his lips against mine. He was all I needed.

"GINEVRA MOLLYANNE WEASLEY!" My brother, Ron thundered. We pulled apart and turned in the direction of the Burrow where the Dream Team had filled the porch one by one.

Ron's face had turned an ugly shade of prune as though he was being asphyxiated. He was breathing heavily and as always, the remaining two members of the Dream Team stood beside him wearing tensed expressions.

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING WITH THAT SCUMBAG? COME HERE THIS VERY INSTANT!" Ron yelled looking absolutely livid now.

While both of us were blessed with Weasley traits such as the red hair, freckles and the notorious Weasley temper, I was one of the Weasleys who was blessed with an extra fiery temper. If my brother Ron was chilli sauce, I was like hot sauce or wasabi in comparison.

My blood boiled as I glared equally viciously at my brother. It had been a while; it was time to reintroduce him to my mean Bat Bogey Hex.

Draco's hold slipped and tightened around my arm as though he was afraid I would kill my brother with the Killing Curse if he let go. He now held my hand in his and he squeezed my hand lightly.

"LISTEN YOU PRICK-"I started out, fuming mad. –"THIS MAN WHOM YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT HAPPENS TO BE MY BOYFRIEND."

"YEAH – WELL DID YOU KNOW THAT YOUR BOYFRIEND IS A MURDERER?" Ron taunted across the lawn. –"WHY DON'T YOU ASK HIM WHOM GERALD MCDOMER WAS?"

Continuing, he turned his livid stare on Draco and said –"Stay away from my sister, Malfoy. Don't force me to enforce that."

Before he could say anything else, l launched forward practically struggling to be released from Draco's arms. He had caught me before I could go any further to break Ron's nose.

"I KNOW WHO GERALD MCDOMER WAS, YOU BLITHERING IDIOT. STOP TRYING TO DICTATE MY LIFE!" I practically shrieked at him all while still struggling.

"Ginny-"Draco pulled me back.

"Let me at him, Draco!" I struggled as my vision was blinded with tears of anger. In the process of making my point known to Ron, I had hurt my throat but that didn't stop me. I was filled with mad rage.

"WHAT IS GOING ON OUT HERE?" My father, the usually mild and quiet Arthur Weasley stepped out of the Burrow. His raised voice was enough for the both of us to fall silent. Even Draco had loosened his monkey grip on me. He now eyed my father with caution.

"She's –"Ron began explaining the root of the current tiff with Dad but fell silent as soon as Dad gave him a warning glance.

"Barbarians, the whole lot of you –" He shook his head in disgust.

"B-" I began explaining but was hushed by my father.

"Don't let me get your mother involved in this." He warned.

After much persuasion, Ron was finally coaxed into retreating. In the meantime, I stood outside with Draco. With much difficulty, I forced myself to calm down.

"I'm sorry you had to see that." I said while looking at anywhere but him. Of course I was embarrassed. I mean what the hell had I been thinking? I was almost twenty four yet I had the attitude of a six year old – wanting to punch the daylights out of my brother like that.

"It's good to know some things haven't changed." He smirked lightly at this probably recalling all the times back in Hogwarts where I wanted to bleed my brother dry. Ron was really too much at times. He could drive me up the wall.

I felt blood pooling at my cheeks further in embarrassment and I continued averting my gaze.

"Well…I'll be going now." I muttered before making move to leave. However, Draco's grip stopped me.

"Your cheeks are as red as your hair." He teased much to my chagrin.

"Shut up, Draco." There, he had one more thing against me.

"On a more serious note, Ginny …"- He began as he pulled me into his arms –"The fact that your entire family is aware of this issue shows that this case is quite serious. Despite that –"

I knew where this was leading to and before he could finish his sentence, I hushed him by placing my palm over his lips.

"I know what I am doing, Draco. We're in this together." I assured him.

"I guess there is no arguing against you, is there?" He sighed, giving in to defeat.

"I'm glad that you've gotten to know me so well in such a short period of time." I smiled at my boyfriend sweetly as he looked me over in disapproval.

"Because?-"He asked wryly as he kissed my forehead lightly.

"Because-"I promised as I rested in his arms while basking in his heavenly scent.

Because.

I thought it wouldn't be fair to leave Ginny's family out of this especially with their connections in the ministry – however, they will only be maintaining a disapproving stance and no more. We're another chapter closer to the end! Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Looking forward to reading your reviews - xoxo