A/N: Revised and reposted Dec 10, 2005. Thanks to Amber at Checkmated for a great beta!!!
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Chapter 7: Wedding Day
Ginny had avoided nearly everyone, including Malfoy, since her confrontation with Ron two nights earlier. Now, getting dressed for the wedding with Hermione, Ginny finally broke the silence.
“I haven’t really gotten a chance to ask,” Ginny began as she spread a thin layer of make-up across Hermione’s face. “But, how are things with you and Ron?”
Hermione blushed. “Oh, um, it’s been great!”
“Well of course it has! I mean, finally!” Ginny laughed.
“Yeah, I know. We’ve been… making up for lost time I guess,” she giggled.
“Okay, I do not need all the sordid details!” Ginny pulled away from Hermione but had a smile on her face.
“Sorry,” Hermione was still blushing, making it hard for Ginny to smooth out the make-up. “So, what about you? Are you okay with the… with Harry?” Hermione asked cautiously.
“With Harry? Oh yeah! I mean, honestly, I think he just needed someone at that moment last spring and I was there. I think for me it was more of a rebound thing.”
“Oh?” questioned Hermione, looking directly to Ginny. “Because I was thinking that maybe that is what this thing with Malfoy is all about-- a rebound from Harry,” she stated firmly but quietly. Ginny’s eyes widened.
“Thing with Malfoy? What thing?”
“Well you like him, don’t you?”
“Oh… yeah but not like that, we’ve just been hanging out. He needs to have a friend right now and I kind of get him, you know? I… understand him,” Ginny reassured as she lined Hermione’s eyes with a soft, sparkly liner.
“That’s all, is it?” Hermione pushed.
“I’ve actually taken the time to get to know Malfoy. He’s really not so bad, especially after all that’s happened. He’s practically turned the tables and accepted all this like a champ. I know he has loads of problems but maybe friends are what he needs right now, yeah? You really shouldn’t listen to Ron when he gets on about nonsense like ‘me and Malfoy.’”
Hermione simply nodded as Ginny finished applying the make-up. Ginny twirled the chair around for Hermione to see herself in the mirror.
“Ginny! You always do such a good job! I just don’t get this make-up stuff!”
“The key is to look like you aren’t wearing any,” Ginny winked. Hermione stood to get her dress on but paused.
“Gin, don’t give Ron too hard a time,” she began and Ginny rolled her eyes. Hermione reached out and placed a gentle hand on her friend’s arm. “No, listen to me. I think there is more to it than what you think. Ron’s your older brother and he’s seen how, well, how boys have fawned over you at school and I would guess he’s afraid.”
“Well first of all, I’m a Weasley. A Malfoy would not ‘fawn,’ as you say, over a Weasley.” Ginny scrunched up her nose in disgust.
“Malfoy may have been daft about certain things but he’s not blind. You’re one of the most beautiful, popular girls in school. Look how many friends you have in other houses?”
“Yeah, but I am a Gryffindor. Slytherins and Gryffindors don’t mix. Not at school anyway. Besides, there are loads of girls in Slytherin. I’m sure he has a bunch of little girlfriends.”
“Actually he doesn’t.”
“Well one then--that one that’s always following him around, what’s her name?”
“Pansy Parkinson,” Hermione said, scrunching up her nose.
“Yeah, that’s her.”
“And she’s not his girlfriend either-- not that she wouldn’t give her right leg to be, but she’s not. They’ve known each other since they were in diapers. Their families are old friends. She--”
“How do you know all this?” Ginny stopped Hermione, shaking her head in disbelief.
“When you spend a lot of time in the library buried in books, people think you aren’t listening. I hear things,” Hermione nodded, looking pleased. “Anyway, as I was saying, Malfoy hasn’t had a girlfriend at Hogwarts. He’s very picky, from what I hear.”
“Yet another reason he isn’t interested in me! Come on, Hermione!” Ginny pleaded with her to stop.
“I’m just saying that you never know. And if you aren’t interested in him, and gods I hope you aren’t, you should make sure he knows that. You were the one saying he’s just been through all sorts of a mess, weren’t you? Maybe he’s--”
“Whatever, Hermione. This is dumb! See you downstairs!” Ginny hurried out into the hall closing the door behind her.
*******
Draco watched from the window as the small crowd gathered in the Weasley’s garden. He spotted Ginny instantly. She was a vision in strapless dress robes that flowed to the ground and a matching cloak that was clipped around her neck. The dress and cloak were a beautiful, delicate gold that made Ginny’s hair and freckle-dusted skin glow.
He scowled. ‘What is wrong with me?’ He shook it off and turned back to stare at the wall. He had been debating ever since the night in the attic about taking Ginny up on the offer to attend the wedding. Mrs. Weasley had even suggested he come enjoy the reception party afterwards if he was feeling up to it.
But, he was almost afraid to go. He knew people would stare at him and whisper. It would not be unsafe for him. No one would let it leak out that he was there, Mr. Weasley assured him of that. All of the guests were members of the Order who knew what was going on, or relatives of Fleur’s who were clueless.
Draco shrugged and looked back out the window where the ceremony was about to start.
* * *
Ginny looked up partway during the ceremony and saw the familiar face staring down from the window. She smiled and made the smallest possible wave she could. She figured she would escape during the reception and go check on Malfoy. Make sure he had everything he needed, just like a good little nurse ought to. Yes, she would do just that.
Shortly after the ceremony though, Ginny found herself flooded by friends and family all commenting on how pretty she looked and how it had been a wonderful wedding.
“Yes, yes,” she replied, trying desperately to make it to the door into the house.
The food was out and the band was beginning to play just as she was finishing up talking about something or another with one of Fleur’s relatives when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned expecting to get sucked into yet another introduction or conversation--but it was Malfoy.
He’d fixed his hair, his wounds were nearly all healed, he had put on what looked to be very expensive, lavish black dress robes, and he was smiling. He looked healthier than she had seen him since her fourth year, not that she had paid him that much attention before now.
“Hi.”
“Hi, yourself. I thought I’d come down and see what all the fuss was about.”
Ginny came to her senses enough to smile then looked around awkwardly. She saw Ron and Harry glaring in her direction so she turned back to Malfoy. “You sure clean up well,” she commented, looking him up and down a bit more obviously than she had meant to.
“I should say the same thing to you. That dress… it’s exquisite.”
“Thanks. Bet you never thought you’d see a Weasley all done up like this, did you?” she laughed.
“No, I have to admit I didn’t,” Malfoy laughed. He gestured towards the stone floor that had been laid out for dancing. “How about we go make your brother and Potter mad?”
“Why, Mr. Malfoy! I’d love nothing more!” she laughed and took the arm he offered.
As they began to move slowly and awkwardly around the dance floor, Ginny felt her cheeks flush. She could see the looks and whispers. Oh, she could only imagine what was being said. Mrs. Weasley smiled and waved.
Hermione was trying to get Ron to focus on her, bless her heart, but he looked rather angry and kept shooting Ginny and Malfoy nasty glares. Hermione ran off, finally getting Ron’s attention and he ran after her. Harry just sat at a table talking to some of the other guests and occasionally glancing towards Ginny and Malfoy.
“You really do look beautiful,” Malfoy whispered in her ear. She felt her face flush even deeper. His breath on her ear gave her goose bumps. She had never felt chills like this before.
They finished the song and Ginny excused herself to run inside. Her heart was pounding way too fast and she just needed some space.
* * *
Harry approached Draco as soon as Ginny left. “What do you think you’re doing, mate?”
“First of all, Potter,” Draco snarled. “I am not your mate. Second, I seem to be enjoying the same wedding party as you. Isn’t it obvious?”
“No. What’s obvious is that you’re up to something with Ginny and I don’t like it.”
“What are you on about?” Draco frowned and grabbed a butterbeer from a passing waiter’s tray.
Harry lowered his voice and clenched his teeth. “You know Ginny and I went out. I can tell you are trying to use her to make me mad!”
“Please, Potter. I’m not ‘using her’ for any purpose. She and her mum are the only ones who’ve even been remotely pleasant to me since I’ve been here. But yes, as for you, you are mad! Look, if you want to hook back up with her, go ahead! I’m certainly not trying to take your sloppy seconds.” Malfoy hissed and headed towards the house. Harry just stared after him.
* * *
Ginny took another sip of water and stood from the sofa. She heard the door click behind her.
“Hey! I was just coming back out--”
“Don’t bother. Go dance with Potter. He’s having a fit,” Malfoy sneered and headed upstairs. Ginny followed.
“What’s he doing now?” she asked, frustrated.
“Oh, it’s silly really. He accused me of being out there dancing with you just to piss on him. Like I wouldn’t go to a party and dance with a lovely girl because I want to--why’s everything got to be about him?” he scowled.
“I’ve asked myself that about a hundred times,” Ginny softly.
“Well…” they stood awkwardly for a moment. “Care for a game or something?”
“Sure,” she shrugged. “I’ll go change...”
“Don’t bother. Let’s just go.”
Ginny and Malfoy spent the next hour or so playing various card games while the party roared outside. The band announced that they had one last set left. Malfoy stopped Ginny, who was in the middle of studying her hand of cards.
“Should we go back down? For one more?”
“Um, ok,” she said, looking surprised. “That would be lovely. I suppose I should make one more appearance, being the groom’s sister and a bridesmaid and all.”
Ginny followed Malfoy back outside just as the band announced the next song was a special song for the bride and groom and they invited any couples to dance along with them.
The song was a slow, mellow song that Malfoy had never heard. ‘Muggle music no doubt,’ he thought with a roll of his eyes. He took Ginny’s hand and led her to the stone dance floor as the words began.
*
Ginny closed her eyes and leaned in, resting her head on Malfoy’s shoulder. He smelled so good! She completely forgot where they were and more importantly, who they were. He pulled her closer to him, wrapping his arms entirely around her.
*
Draco felt like there was no one else around. His eyes had closed and he was lost in the wonderful scent of Ginny’s hair and skin. It smelled like fresh fruit, flowers, and being outside on a beautiful summer day-- things he’d never taken notice of in the past. He took in a deep breath and pulled his head away to look at her as they slowly circled the stone floor.
*
Before Ginny knew what had happened, Malfoy’s lips had brushed across hers softly. When he pulled away, both of them stopped dancing, stunned. Ginny gulped and turned quickly, running out of the garden and paying no mind to anyone around her.
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Chapter 7: Wedding Day
Ginny had avoided nearly everyone, including Malfoy, since her confrontation with Ron two nights earlier. Now, getting dressed for the wedding with Hermione, Ginny finally broke the silence.
“I haven’t really gotten a chance to ask,” Ginny began as she spread a thin layer of make-up across Hermione’s face. “But, how are things with you and Ron?”
Hermione blushed. “Oh, um, it’s been great!”
“Well of course it has! I mean, finally!” Ginny laughed.
“Yeah, I know. We’ve been… making up for lost time I guess,” she giggled.
“Okay, I do not need all the sordid details!” Ginny pulled away from Hermione but had a smile on her face.
“Sorry,” Hermione was still blushing, making it hard for Ginny to smooth out the make-up. “So, what about you? Are you okay with the… with Harry?” Hermione asked cautiously.
“With Harry? Oh yeah! I mean, honestly, I think he just needed someone at that moment last spring and I was there. I think for me it was more of a rebound thing.”
“Oh?” questioned Hermione, looking directly to Ginny. “Because I was thinking that maybe that is what this thing with Malfoy is all about-- a rebound from Harry,” she stated firmly but quietly. Ginny’s eyes widened.
“Thing with Malfoy? What thing?”
“Well you like him, don’t you?”
“Oh… yeah but not like that, we’ve just been hanging out. He needs to have a friend right now and I kind of get him, you know? I… understand him,” Ginny reassured as she lined Hermione’s eyes with a soft, sparkly liner.
“That’s all, is it?” Hermione pushed.
“I’ve actually taken the time to get to know Malfoy. He’s really not so bad, especially after all that’s happened. He’s practically turned the tables and accepted all this like a champ. I know he has loads of problems but maybe friends are what he needs right now, yeah? You really shouldn’t listen to Ron when he gets on about nonsense like ‘me and Malfoy.’”
Hermione simply nodded as Ginny finished applying the make-up. Ginny twirled the chair around for Hermione to see herself in the mirror.
“Ginny! You always do such a good job! I just don’t get this make-up stuff!”
“The key is to look like you aren’t wearing any,” Ginny winked. Hermione stood to get her dress on but paused.
“Gin, don’t give Ron too hard a time,” she began and Ginny rolled her eyes. Hermione reached out and placed a gentle hand on her friend’s arm. “No, listen to me. I think there is more to it than what you think. Ron’s your older brother and he’s seen how, well, how boys have fawned over you at school and I would guess he’s afraid.”
“Well first of all, I’m a Weasley. A Malfoy would not ‘fawn,’ as you say, over a Weasley.” Ginny scrunched up her nose in disgust.
“Malfoy may have been daft about certain things but he’s not blind. You’re one of the most beautiful, popular girls in school. Look how many friends you have in other houses?”
“Yeah, but I am a Gryffindor. Slytherins and Gryffindors don’t mix. Not at school anyway. Besides, there are loads of girls in Slytherin. I’m sure he has a bunch of little girlfriends.”
“Actually he doesn’t.”
“Well one then--that one that’s always following him around, what’s her name?”
“Pansy Parkinson,” Hermione said, scrunching up her nose.
“Yeah, that’s her.”
“And she’s not his girlfriend either-- not that she wouldn’t give her right leg to be, but she’s not. They’ve known each other since they were in diapers. Their families are old friends. She--”
“How do you know all this?” Ginny stopped Hermione, shaking her head in disbelief.
“When you spend a lot of time in the library buried in books, people think you aren’t listening. I hear things,” Hermione nodded, looking pleased. “Anyway, as I was saying, Malfoy hasn’t had a girlfriend at Hogwarts. He’s very picky, from what I hear.”
“Yet another reason he isn’t interested in me! Come on, Hermione!” Ginny pleaded with her to stop.
“I’m just saying that you never know. And if you aren’t interested in him, and gods I hope you aren’t, you should make sure he knows that. You were the one saying he’s just been through all sorts of a mess, weren’t you? Maybe he’s--”
“Whatever, Hermione. This is dumb! See you downstairs!” Ginny hurried out into the hall closing the door behind her.
*******
Draco watched from the window as the small crowd gathered in the Weasley’s garden. He spotted Ginny instantly. She was a vision in strapless dress robes that flowed to the ground and a matching cloak that was clipped around her neck. The dress and cloak were a beautiful, delicate gold that made Ginny’s hair and freckle-dusted skin glow.
He scowled. ‘What is wrong with me?’ He shook it off and turned back to stare at the wall. He had been debating ever since the night in the attic about taking Ginny up on the offer to attend the wedding. Mrs. Weasley had even suggested he come enjoy the reception party afterwards if he was feeling up to it.
But, he was almost afraid to go. He knew people would stare at him and whisper. It would not be unsafe for him. No one would let it leak out that he was there, Mr. Weasley assured him of that. All of the guests were members of the Order who knew what was going on, or relatives of Fleur’s who were clueless.
Draco shrugged and looked back out the window where the ceremony was about to start.
* * *
Ginny looked up partway during the ceremony and saw the familiar face staring down from the window. She smiled and made the smallest possible wave she could. She figured she would escape during the reception and go check on Malfoy. Make sure he had everything he needed, just like a good little nurse ought to. Yes, she would do just that.
Shortly after the ceremony though, Ginny found herself flooded by friends and family all commenting on how pretty she looked and how it had been a wonderful wedding.
“Yes, yes,” she replied, trying desperately to make it to the door into the house.
The food was out and the band was beginning to play just as she was finishing up talking about something or another with one of Fleur’s relatives when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned expecting to get sucked into yet another introduction or conversation--but it was Malfoy.
He’d fixed his hair, his wounds were nearly all healed, he had put on what looked to be very expensive, lavish black dress robes, and he was smiling. He looked healthier than she had seen him since her fourth year, not that she had paid him that much attention before now.
“Hi.”
“Hi, yourself. I thought I’d come down and see what all the fuss was about.”
Ginny came to her senses enough to smile then looked around awkwardly. She saw Ron and Harry glaring in her direction so she turned back to Malfoy. “You sure clean up well,” she commented, looking him up and down a bit more obviously than she had meant to.
“I should say the same thing to you. That dress… it’s exquisite.”
“Thanks. Bet you never thought you’d see a Weasley all done up like this, did you?” she laughed.
“No, I have to admit I didn’t,” Malfoy laughed. He gestured towards the stone floor that had been laid out for dancing. “How about we go make your brother and Potter mad?”
“Why, Mr. Malfoy! I’d love nothing more!” she laughed and took the arm he offered.
As they began to move slowly and awkwardly around the dance floor, Ginny felt her cheeks flush. She could see the looks and whispers. Oh, she could only imagine what was being said. Mrs. Weasley smiled and waved.
Hermione was trying to get Ron to focus on her, bless her heart, but he looked rather angry and kept shooting Ginny and Malfoy nasty glares. Hermione ran off, finally getting Ron’s attention and he ran after her. Harry just sat at a table talking to some of the other guests and occasionally glancing towards Ginny and Malfoy.
“You really do look beautiful,” Malfoy whispered in her ear. She felt her face flush even deeper. His breath on her ear gave her goose bumps. She had never felt chills like this before.
They finished the song and Ginny excused herself to run inside. Her heart was pounding way too fast and she just needed some space.
* * *
Harry approached Draco as soon as Ginny left. “What do you think you’re doing, mate?”
“First of all, Potter,” Draco snarled. “I am not your mate. Second, I seem to be enjoying the same wedding party as you. Isn’t it obvious?”
“No. What’s obvious is that you’re up to something with Ginny and I don’t like it.”
“What are you on about?” Draco frowned and grabbed a butterbeer from a passing waiter’s tray.
Harry lowered his voice and clenched his teeth. “You know Ginny and I went out. I can tell you are trying to use her to make me mad!”
“Please, Potter. I’m not ‘using her’ for any purpose. She and her mum are the only ones who’ve even been remotely pleasant to me since I’ve been here. But yes, as for you, you are mad! Look, if you want to hook back up with her, go ahead! I’m certainly not trying to take your sloppy seconds.” Malfoy hissed and headed towards the house. Harry just stared after him.
* * *
Ginny took another sip of water and stood from the sofa. She heard the door click behind her.
“Hey! I was just coming back out--”
“Don’t bother. Go dance with Potter. He’s having a fit,” Malfoy sneered and headed upstairs. Ginny followed.
“What’s he doing now?” she asked, frustrated.
“Oh, it’s silly really. He accused me of being out there dancing with you just to piss on him. Like I wouldn’t go to a party and dance with a lovely girl because I want to--why’s everything got to be about him?” he scowled.
“I’ve asked myself that about a hundred times,” Ginny softly.
“Well…” they stood awkwardly for a moment. “Care for a game or something?”
“Sure,” she shrugged. “I’ll go change...”
“Don’t bother. Let’s just go.”
Ginny and Malfoy spent the next hour or so playing various card games while the party roared outside. The band announced that they had one last set left. Malfoy stopped Ginny, who was in the middle of studying her hand of cards.
“Should we go back down? For one more?”
“Um, ok,” she said, looking surprised. “That would be lovely. I suppose I should make one more appearance, being the groom’s sister and a bridesmaid and all.”
Ginny followed Malfoy back outside just as the band announced the next song was a special song for the bride and groom and they invited any couples to dance along with them.
The song was a slow, mellow song that Malfoy had never heard. ‘Muggle music no doubt,’ he thought with a roll of his eyes. He took Ginny’s hand and led her to the stone dance floor as the words began.
*
Ginny closed her eyes and leaned in, resting her head on Malfoy’s shoulder. He smelled so good! She completely forgot where they were and more importantly, who they were. He pulled her closer to him, wrapping his arms entirely around her.
*
Draco felt like there was no one else around. His eyes had closed and he was lost in the wonderful scent of Ginny’s hair and skin. It smelled like fresh fruit, flowers, and being outside on a beautiful summer day-- things he’d never taken notice of in the past. He took in a deep breath and pulled his head away to look at her as they slowly circled the stone floor.
*
Before Ginny knew what had happened, Malfoy’s lips had brushed across hers softly. When he pulled away, both of them stopped dancing, stunned. Ginny gulped and turned quickly, running out of the garden and paying no mind to anyone around her.
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