Chapter 8

Foreign Affairs

There was never a dull moment for Ginny being friends with Pansy. On the trip to Hogsmeade they visited all the stores Ginny never even thought of entering. Pansy and Astoria were starting to build up a summer wardrobe. Something Ginny didn't know much about. She was lucky if she got a new bathing suit each year let alone a closet full of new clothes.

Ginny was convincing when she told them that she didn't need anything new. She hated feeling like a charity case. She still had fun however, trying on clothes.

Finally after 3 hours of non stop shopping they made their way to the pub to meet Draco, Blaise and a few other Slytherins.

" Merlin Pansy what could you have possibly needed to buy now?" Blaise asked as she stuffed all the bags under the table.

" They aren't all mine, besides a whole new season is approaching, I needed to update my wardrobe."

"Oh please, What did you get Ginny?"

" Just a pair of earrings."

" So... red, The dark lord seemed pretty pissed at you the other night. I'm surprised your able to function after being on the business end of his displeasure" Blaise said with a sneer. Draco kicked him hard under the table and shot him a stern look.

" Oh come on I was joking, but he was very mad."

Ginny shrugged and took a sip of her butter beer.

" He will get over it. He yelled, I threw up and then fell asleep."

" You threw up on him?"

" Maybe, I was drunk OK I don't really remember. He's probably still mad, pouting like a child. I doubt he will come back. I won't let him scare me or control me, I take it that is not something he is used to."

The rest of the table just looked at her puzzled. They knew the dark lord had a bit of a soft spot for her, but they didn't think he would take this kind of behavior from her.

" Just watch yourself Ginny, You never know when you may go to far." Draco warned,

" Thanks for the warning, but I can handle it. Can we talk about something else please?" Ginny began to regret her plea to change the subject when Pansy started to pull her new stuff out one by one to show everyone.

When Ginny returned to her room it was filled with boxes. Everything she picked up, looked at, tried on during the Hogsmeade trip had made its way to her room with no explanation. Ginny was pretty sure it had something to do with Tom, Had she known how to get a hold of him, she would have yelled about not needing this stuff, how he can't buy her and that she can provide for herself if she really needed something. However she didn't so she allowed herself to enjoy her new clothes.

After about an hour of trying stuff on and reorganizing her closet she made it to that last set of boxes embossed with the name of a store that she was not familiar with. She opened the box to find the most gorgeous lingerie she had ever seen. It was, of course in emerald green but she had to admit the color looked amazing with her hair. It was a satin halter baby doll with black lace accents. Ginny had never owned anything so rich looking. The second piece however looked like it came from a trashy adult boutique. Ginny knew of course that it didn't but the material or lack there off created one of the trashiest garments she had ever seen. Ginny never really considered herself conceded, but she knew the black and purple lace up corset would make her breasts look amazing. She only wished she knew when she would see Tom next so she could be prepared.

Weeks went by with no word from Tom, Ginny found her thoughts absolutely consumed by him. She could hardly concentrate on her exams. Although she missed Tom she was becoming so excited for her summer at Pansy's. Ginny had spun such a convincing lie for her parents that it almost scared her how naturally it came.

Ginny spent her time studying and packing up her room, it amazed her how quickly she accumulated so much stuff. Before she knew it, Hagrid was loading her stuff onto the train. Ginny felt bad that she had to fight off his warnings.

" I don't know what yer think yer doin Gin but harry, ron and hermione would not approve of the new company yer keepin."

" Thats half the appeal Hagrid. They left me"

" But yer shouldn't put yourself in danger just ter get back at 'em. Jus promise me yer be careful huh ?"

" Thank you for your concern Hagrid, You know I can look after myself. Take care of yourself will ya." The importance of this moment was not lost on Ginny. She knew this could be the last time she was seeing Hagrid for awhile. While she really was not sure where her heart was, she knew she did not want any harm to come to him.

"I'll be seeing you Gin. Have fun and be careful, Up you go, its almost time" Ginny gave him a weak smile. It was times like these that really made her question the choices she had been making over the last couple of months. She did her best to squash them before finding Pansy and the others on the train.

Ginny was having the best summer of her life at Pansy's. She couldn't imagine living a life of pure luxury, but she was now. Pansy's parents gave her no limits, they came and went as they pleased. The girls spent the first week of summer sitting by the pool every day, being served drinks and anything they wanted to eat.

Tom stayed away. Ginny wasn't really sure how she felt about that. On one hand she loved just having girl time with Pansy. Ginny was never one to let her world revolve around a man anyway, although she knew thats what Tom wanted. But she missed him, Ginny liked a challenge and Tom was definitely that. Mysterious, Dangerous but surprisingly gentle when he wanted to be.

"Ginny ! Ginny wake up !" Pansy was pounding on her bedroom door before she just barged in.

" What ? Pansy I'm sleeping." She said, her hair in a massive tangle of red messy curls, her eyes barely opened.

" I'm sorry but I have like, the best news !"

" What ?"

" I finally did it !"

" Did what ? Pansy its to early for mind games."

" Convinced my parents to let me, us spend the rest of the summer in Paris !"

" What ? Are you serious ? I have always wanted to go to Paris."

" I'm serious, We have an apartment there. I've been begging, they never let me go alone, I think because you are here they think we will be OK. Of course we have a full staff so its not like we will be totally alone. Besides Draco stays at his parents of a few weeks every summer, his parents trust him and we both know they shouldn't" Pansy explained.

" Oh that sounds so amazing." Ginny said longingly

" Whats wrong ?" Pansy asked. Ginny bit her lip.

" Well I ... just feel weird living off your parents. I was actually thinking it may be a good idea for me to get a part time job."

" What ? Ginny no ! I've told you over and over. Please say you will come, Please. You don't need a job. But if you insist, get one in Paris, You can't work in London anyway, Your parents think you are traveling."

" Pansy, I don't speak French well enough."

" Practically everyone speaks a little English there, with your little bit of french and their little bit of english you'll be fine. Besides I'm gonna show you so much fun you won't give this job nonsense a second thought." Ginny sat contemplating, of course she was going to go, but she still didn't feel right about it.

" When do we leave ?" Ginny finally asked with a smile. Pansy squealed and pulled her into a tight hug.

" As soon as we can get ready. My dad can get a portkey whenever he wants. Pack ! We can be there by lunch, oh merlin Ginny you are gonna love it. Good food, Awesome parties, amazing shopping, amazing guys !" Ginny snorted, leave it to Pansy.

" You will still take me to all the tourist attractions right ?"

" Deal, as long as you promise to let me drag you out of your shell."

" Deal."

" Good, Draco will be there in July, Astoria said she will come stay with us a bit when her family gets back from the states. Pack !" With that Pansy swept from the room leaving Ginny dumbfounded.

" Oh how the other half lives" Ginny said to herself before dragging herself out of bed and into the shower.

Pansy was not lying when she said Paris was amazing. They had been there 3 weeks already and Ginny was having the time of her life. They went shopping, they ate and drank. Pansy knew all the best clubs to go to. Ginny loved every minute. In Paris she could let loose and be totally herself. There were no prying eyes here. She knew her family was in hiding.

Ginny had decided to get a job though, much to Pansy's disapproval. Ginny was not used to sitting idle. Shopping everyday was nice for awhile but it became tiresome for her considering she didn't love fashion the way pansy did. Tonight was Ginny's first night at the cafe. She and pansy went there often, they befriended one of the baristas, Blair, and when she heard ginny wanted a job she set it up.

" Ginny, this job is pretty simple but it does get very busy around 5. Stick close by. You will follow me for a couple of days and then we will set you on your own." Blair explained.

" ok sounds good. Will we be waiting tables too ?"

" not for awhile, we really need the help just at the pastry counter but you can work towards waitressing if that's what you want."

For the next three hours Ginny, heated up scones, buttered muffins and boxed up donuts. This cafe was exactly what Ginny had always pictured a French cafe to be. It was a small place in the heart of the tourist section. It had about 10 mismatched little tables, a couch along one wall and a bookshelf along the other, opposite the pastry counter and drink bar. Three tables sat outside the big picture window that looked out onto the street. People came in with laptops to use the Internet. Ginny had learned all about computers from her father, who is obsessed with all things muggle.

Blair introduced her to the some of the other staff. It was a small place, only about four people needed to be on staff during non peak hours. One boy, Andre, who was the head barista took great interest in Ginny. He was tall with sandy blond hair that fell in curls about shoulder length. Ginny loved the way he tried to use English slang. More often the not he had it wrong.

" You know Ginny," he said in his thick accent " I wanted to lift you up the first time I saw you in here. But your friend, she is scary."

" Lift me up ? What are you talking about ?" she asked leaning against the counter, they were currently experiencing a nice lull in the the flow of customers.

" You know, flirt you."

" Oh ! You mean pick me up and flirt WITH me." She said laughing.

" Stop laughing, my English isn't perfect, like your French, miss do you want mustard for your muffin" Ginny threw him a playful punch in the arm.

" Are you seeing anyone?" Andre asked. Ginny bit her lip and thought for a moment. This was a complicated question. Was she with Tom? It's not like they see each other regularly. They never really defined their situation.

" It's complicated" Ginny mumbled. Then to Ginny's relief, as if on cue two women walked in, interrupting their conversation.

That night after her shift Ginny sat on her bed in her bedroom counting her tips. The staff split all tips at the end of the night. She was pretty pleased with herself, this was her first job and while she knew she wouldn't get rich from the salary she was happy to be earning her money. She had opened an account at the beginning of the summer, or rather the Parkinson's did for her. They insisted on giving her the same exuberant allowance they gave pansy. Ginny protested of course but it fell on deaf ears. Never in a million years would she be able to spend all that money but she didn't mind saving it if they wouldn't take it back. A loud crack made her head snap up in surprise.

" Don't do that Tom ! " she snapped. She should be used to it by now, But she jumped even when she was expecting someone to paper apparate in.

" I can do anything I want Ginevra" he snapped back.

" Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed today" she said in a sing songy voice and rolling her eyes.

" Don't get smart with me I am not in the mood for your cheek." He scolded walking around the room, taking in his surroundings. This room was simply decorated compared to the rest of the Parkinson's Estate. Pale purple walls, light brown wood furniture. Sliding doors led out onto a small patio. The room had a beautiful vanity. Ginny loved doing her hair and makeup at it. She had a full sized closet to accommodate all her new clothes and her own bathroom no less.

Tom ran his finger over to the tall dresser as if checking for dust.

" Then why did you come if you are not going to be pleasant, I haven't seen you in months." She pouted.

" I've been busy, don't you think I wish I could just laze around Paris with you all day. I have more important things to do". More important then me, Ginny thought to herself, she decided to let that slide for now as he continued to talk.

" However I took time to come here and scold you my little paramore."

" What ? I didn't do anything!" she said crossing arms.

" You think moving to Paris without letting me know, getting a job at a muggle establishment, flirting with some coffee brewer and walking through the streets of Paris at night alone is nothing! " he seethed.

" So your obviously having me followed." she said calmly.

" Of course."

" Well then I was walking home alone was I ?" she said shooting him a cheeky smile.

" This not a game " he yelled over her giggling. " I care about you, I'm possessive, you know this so why can't you just listen to me. You will not go back to that job, you will not flirt with others and you will not walk around at night alone. Do you understand ?" Tom fixed her with a glare that momentarily made Ginny want to agree.

" I know your possessive and you know I don't let people dictate my life so if you think I'm going to bow down and comply you've got another thing coming." She stood up from the bed, her hands on her hips and fixed him with an equally withering glare.

Tom was about to open his mouth to argue when Pansy knocked on the door.

Ginny looked at Tom who gave her a don't even think about it look.

" shes waiting for me, we are going out."

" Oh I don't think so darling it's well after midnight." he said through gritted teeth. Pansy knocked again. " Ginny, we're going to be late."

" Come in Ms Parkinson" Tom said only slightly raising his voice but not taking his eyes off Ginny. Pansy must have recognized his voice because she hesitated.

" Now Ms. Parkinson " Tom added, Ginny could tell his temper was rising and his patience was being tested. Pansy came bursting in the door with a very nervous expression on her face.

Pansy was all dressed up. She and Ginny were heading to a club to meet some of Pansy's friends.

" Ms. Weasley isn't feeling well tonight."

" I'm not ?" Ginny asked.

" No, your not. Leave Ms Parkinson, she will see you tomorrow." Pansy shot Ginny a bewildered glare,Ginny shrugged and tilted her head to the door, indicating that she should leave. She quickly obeyed.

" Tom I wanted to go !"

" I don't care."

" You don't care about my happiness ?."

" No." Tom answered Ginny raised her eyebrow and opened her month to respond but was cut off.

" I care about your safety Ginevra."

" I'm fine Tom, Pansy's parents wouldn't have let us come if it was unsafe here."

" Parents, please. Kind of playing it fast and loose with the word parents there. They do not care about being parents they pay that girl to leave them alone."

" That's a horrible thing to say you don't know them."

" Ginevra I couldn't care less about the Parkinson's parental abilities, I came here to see you." Tom walked over to her slowly. Picked up a strand of her red hair and twirled it around his finger.

" I love your hair, color matches your personality." he mumbled. Ginny loved these rare quiet moments when the dark lord in him melted away and she could see remnants of the sixteen your old Tom Ginny knew was still somewhere deep inside him.

" Admit it, you like that I fight you on your ridiculous demands."

" My demands...are not ridiculous. You know that you are they only one I tolerate a certain extent of disobedience from."

" A certain extent?" she raised her eyebrow at him.

" That's not a threat Ginevra, more of a warning. I ...I don't ." he stopped speaking, sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

" What ? What's wrong ?" Ginny asked as Tom started pacing the room.

" Everyone knows you test my limits. Not everyone is happy about ...this thing I have with you. I never let them see just how much power you hold over me. If they knew, they could hurt you. So this back and forth banter we have going on, can never leave this room. If you do this in front of my followers, I'm afraid of what I'll do. Anyone else would be dead in a minute. I guess I'm just afraid I'll lose it with you. And I don't want to."

" Tom, I trust you. I don't think you would ever hurt me" she said taking his hand so he would stop pacing.

" physically." she added.

" And otherwise ?"

" Well Tom you have the power to hurt me emotionally more then anyone. But that is a risk you take when you start...dating someone?" She said, more of a question then statement.

" I knew you would eventually want to define this. It's complicated Ginny, you know that."

" Uncomplicate it for me then. If I'm not allowed to flirt or date, wouldn't that suggest that we are exclusive ?"

Tom didn't say anything.

" Ugh fine, I guess I was the only one who wanted more. Whatever Tom I am so sick of this. You want me to give all of myself to you and I get nothing from you in return. That's not fair and I think you know I'm not made for the life of an obedient, submissive wife. Barefoot, pregnant and in the kitchen. To be seen and not heard." Ginny said, her temper and voice raising with every word that fell out of her mouth. This man was so infuriating yet she can't seem to walk away. As what she said said started to sink in she turned to look at Tom.

" Wife ? Pregnant ? What the hell are we doing talking about kids !"

" Its an expression Tom I didn't mean that I wanted..." Tom cut her off.

" Oh I think you did Ginevra. I think for once you are being honest. You want something I can't give you."

" Can't or won't ?" she replied quietly.

"I'm not a family man if you haven't noticed. I won't let you try to turn me into a Weasley." he said in disgust. Ginny was fighting back tears as the harshness of what he had said sunk in. When it became clear he wasn't going to take it back, she tried to compose herself to speak.

" I never said I wanted any of that. " She said choking back tears.

" Then what's the problem ? I came here to fuck you not have a heart to heart."

" Are you trying to make up for not physically hurting me by emotionally hurting me ?" She asked,tears falling in earnest now.

" oh I'm sorry, am I not catering to your emotional needs ? I don't need this crap Ginny. I'm not capable of a relationship, I thought you understood that."

" The demands you are putting on me sure seem like a relationship. I'm not allowed to seek a relationship elsewhere but you just think of me as a fuck buddy. I'm not interested."

Tom walked dangerously close to her. The look in his eyes scared Ginny. She regretted pushing him so far. Ginny raised her hand to push him away but he grabbed her wrist tightly.

" Let go Tom, your hurting me." She said quietly.

" Oh am I ? Am I hurting you Ginevra ?" He asked through gritted teeth. He threw her arm back at her causing her to lose her balance. He pushed her down onto the bed and crawled on top of her.

" Your a fucking tease Ginny Weasley." he said grinding his hips into hers. He had both her wrists in an iron grip above her head. His other hand was gripping her hip so hard she would surely have a bruise. His hand slowly moved up her shirt skimming the bottom of her bra.

" Please don't Tom. Please." his face twisted in a evil smirk.

" What happened to I trust you Tom, you would never hurt me physically" he said his voice dripping with disdain.

His grip on her wrist tightened, signaling to her that he expected an answer.

" Your scaring me. I was trying to give you the benefit of the doubt. I see I was wrong." Tom kissed her hard on the mouth. Ginny was pinned, she could hardly fight him off.

" You want it Ginny, admit it. Your always so responsive to my touch." He leaned down and bit her neck, sucking hard, marking her skin.

" Ouch Tom please, your hurting me." Tom grabbed a fist full of her hair brining it to his face, he inhaled her scent.

" You drive me crazy Ginny. Don't you see that. I can't do this. You jeopardize everything I've been working for." To Ginny's surprised he pulled himself off of her without warning. Ginny was to afraid to move. Tom ran had through his hair.

" This thing we have going on, is over. If you want to join our cause, fine but you will be nothing put another faceless death eater in my ranks. And you will obey me as such." Ginny didn't get to respond before he disapperated, leaving Ginny stunned on the bed. She got up, walked over to her vanity and stared at herself in the mirror. Her hair was disheveled, her shirt hiked up, red marks on her neck and her lips swollen from his savage kisses. She stood there, stunned by what had just happened before dissolving into tears.

A/N: Thank you all for being so patient. I worked really hard on this I hope you like it. Please read and review so i know that I'm heading in a good direction and can stay motivated to write more ! Also, i apologize for my lame description of Paris. I've never been there.