Grateful for having some time off, Ginny was able to report the next day for her first practice with the Falcons. As she approached the Quidditch pitch, she couldn't help but feel nervous. This was potentially the biggest thing she'd ever done, aside from leaving her brothers' shop to go work at Tinkerton's. If this worked out, it could literally change her life.
She looked up at the stadium in awe, hardly able to comprehend the fact that she was really there and that she was really going to start her first day as a professional Quidditch player. After a few minutes of reveling in the thought, she took a deep breath and walked into the stadium.
Well-aware that she was the lone female player, as well as being in disguise, she felt slightly self-conscious when she entered the pitch and got a look at her teammates. She'd seen them before when she'd flown against many of them in the tryouts, but this was just a bit different. She was grateful to find Oliver there, waiting for her with a welcoming smile. It was so much easier seeing a friendly face and she was grateful for his support in this insane endeavor. She breathed a quick sigh of relief.
Her fears began to diminish when Oliver cheerfully introduced her to the rest of the team and she greeted each one with a little bit of awe. She still couldn't fully comprehend that she had been hired to be one of their ranks, as opposed to merely being an adoring fan and she hardly needed to be introduced to most, since she knew most of their names from the Quidditch magazines that the twins always seemed to leave lying around the house. What surprised her, however, was to find that they were all relatively nice blokes who welcomed her with friendly handshakes and snarky comments.
Fortunately, she was able to avoid most conversation by simply nodding and smiling as much as possible. It was obvious that a few of the players seemed a bit wary of her abilities, due to her small stature.
After a brief session with the coach, where they received their instructions for the day's first practice, Ginny was able to overcome her nervousness as she mounted her broom and concentrated on her flying. Oliver grinned at her the first time that she whizzed past one Beater, distracting him enough to allow her Chaser to score. At the end of the practice match, the regular Seeker, James, had beaten her to the Snitch, but she'd definitely given him a run for it.
Roger, the team captain, was the first to walk up to her after the session to give her his compliments.
"You are amazing for such a little thing," he chided her.
She found herself almost embarrassed by the compliment and looked toward the ground, not sure of what to say. Fortunately, Oliver seemed to be hovering nearby and quickly responded, "She almost took you out there, mate. I had my hopes up for a second or two."
Roger turned to Oliver with a smile. "You would!" He pointed to Oliver while speaking to Ginny. "He's wanted my spot as Captain for the last three years, so he keeps hoping I'll get injured. I keep healthy just to spite him," he said with a friendly grin at Oliver. Ginny grinned back. Her team captain had an easy way about him, as a captain should. "Now, what do we call you again?"
She ducked shyly, realizing that, of course he must know her name, but he was making conversation. Caught up in the moment, she almost responded with her real name, or worse, without her accent. She would have to train herself to avoid slipping up in the future, she thought as she forced the unnatural response. "Francine, Francine Miller," she said, in her horrible American accent. Fortunately, Roger didn't notice the slight strain in her voice as she spoke.
The captain seemed to considered her response, and Ginny felt a moment of panic that perhaps he didn't believe her. But a moment later his reasoning came clear, as he said, "Francine seems like such a delicate name for a little firecracker like you. You need to be one of the blokes, how about we call you Frank for short."
"Nah, she needs to be just a bit girly," another teammate joined in. "Let's call her Frankie!" She heard a chorus of agreement, as her new teammates agreed with the nickname. The nickname was their way of accepting her and her talents onto the team, and she felt simultaneously happy and guilty. Happy because she made it, on her own merits, and was being accepted as a member of a real, professional team. Guilty because the name was a lie and she had just slipped deeper into her ruse.
Later, after she'd showered and changed back to being Ginny again, she went out to dinner with Oliver and talked about the disguise.
"I don't know, Oliver. I feel so dishonest telling everyone that I'm somebody else. Do you think we did the right thing?"
"I don't know, Gin, I don't know. I still think that we needed to do it to get you onto the practice squad, but I'm not so sure that telling them the truth right now is a very good idea. The coach could just take the deception as being a problem and replace you on the team without a second thought. I think for right now, you need to prove yourself. Once they see how good you are, then you can tell them. They won't be so eager to sack you on a little white lie if they know you really are too talented to let go."
"It's just so uncomfortable when I have to pretend I'm not me. I don't know how long I can keep it going."
"Just a few more weeks, after you've established yourself a bit. We'll make the announcement then, and I'll back you up. It was my idea after all."
She wasn't entirely happy with Oliver's suggestion, but it was hard to come up with a good justification to change. She couldn't simply show up for the next practice as Ginny Weasley right now. If she did, she'd likely be escorted from the stadium under arrest and sent to St. Mungo's for a mental evaluation. With that thought, she decided it might be in her best interest to follow Oliver's suggestion and wait to shed her disguise.
- ~ -
Her first week on the team passed quickly. Ginny was exhausted and deliriously happy, even if it was only playing practice matches for a fraction of the pay of a starting player. The drills that the coach demanded were mentally and physically challenging, although she knew she would adjust to the physical demands over time.
On Friday, the team finished practice early and Ginny was grateful for the rest. She wondered how she was going to manage next week when she would also have to find a way to coordinate the practice along with maintaining her regular job.
For that particular Friday afternoon, however, she had other priorities. Once again, she was headed to Malfoy Manor. This time for tea with Narcissa, for the purpose of returning the expensive emerald and diamond earrings and hair clip.
She arrived at the manor promptly at four o'clock, as Narcissa had requested in her note. Ginny fully realized that getting into the older woman's good graces was a rare honor, and she didn't want to risk jeopardizing her new found status with the woman by not being punctual. The warm June sun inspired her to wear a light peach dress and matching robe of a light material. Her hair was tied back into a neat French braid, with a matching bow. She hoped that it would meet with Narcissa's approval.
Walking up to the impressive building, Ginny couldn't help but feel slightly uncomfortable. She'd visited the manor frequently during the course of planning for the ball, but this was the first time that she was arriving as a guest instead of as a hired caterer.
The house-elf at the door led her to Narcissa's brightly lit parlor on the south side of the mansion. This room was more ornately furnished than Narcissa's study, which they had used when planning for the ball. The parlor, by contrast, was a room clearly intended for entertaining. When she seated herself on one of the elegantly upholstered chairs, Ginny glanced out the window and noticed that the room overlooked the rose garden. As she took in the sight of the perfectly manicured flowers, she couldn't help but think back to the previous Saturday evening when she'd walked along those stone paths with Draco and felt her face warm with a blush.
Narcissa's greeting was calm and cool, as Ginny had come to expect, but then she realized that, like Madam Malkin, she was starting to interpret the Malfoy matriarch's underlying emotion. Today, Ginny gaged that Narcissa was in a pleasant mood.
When the elf arrived with the tea service and biscuits, she and Narcissa conversed about mostly inconsequential things, such as the weather, the various outfits that guests wore at the ball, and such. They talked about the write up in the paper, and how flattering the reviews had been. She could see Mrs. Malfoy's face brighten ever so slightly at the memory of the evening.
"Before I forget, Mrs. Malfoy, I did want to return the jewelry you let me wear Saturday evening," Ginny said as she brought out the package of carefully wrapped emeralds.
Narcissa smiled graciously. "Of course, my dear. I had quite forgotten about them. They did suit you nicely."
"Yes, ma'am. I appreciate you trusting me with them. I also have the dress here as well," she continued, as she started to pull out the shrunken package containing the evening gown.
"No, no, my dear. You keep that. I have no use for it."
"Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy, but my mother has reminded me that it wouldn't be proper for me to keep such a gift."
"It's not a gift, simply a business expense," Narcissa replied with a careless wave of her hand, her tone leaving no room for argument, and Ginny hesitantly put the package back into her purse. At least she could inform her parents that she'd tried.
"Now," Narcissa continued after they'd settled back into their respective chairs, "You are probably wondering why I've invited you to tea today."
"Yes, ma'am. The thought did cross my mind."
"I wanted to personally thank you for your efforts on the planning and coordination of the ball. There are not many who are conscientious enough to maintain my standards." Narcissa leveled her gaze at Ginny.
Not quite sure how to respond, she just agreed. "Yes, ma'am. I do my best, that's what you hired me for."
"Of course. I understand Draco requested you specifically for the effort?"
"Yes, he did, although I had my reservations. I'd only recently been promoted to a lead position, and had never handled anything on such a large scale."
"My son has an eye for talent. He's becoming quite successful in business, as you may know,” Narcissa said, her voice showing pride in her son.
"Yes, ma'am. It seems a week can't go by without there being something about him in the papers," Ginny agreed somewhat timidly, unsure of where Narcissa was going with the conversation, and not wanting to unintentionally insult her hostess.
"Such notoriety is both a blessing and a curse," Narcissa commented. "I do hope that you are not under too much scrutiny after last weekend."
"It's not too bad. I did receive a number of owls from some friends who were surprised by the photograph, but they seemed to accept that I was there in a formal role only."
"Of course," Narcissa said, and Ginny detected a slight amount of disapproval in the remark.
"Now, onto more fun matters." Narcissa smiled. "Did you enjoy yourself at the ball?"
Ginny felt herself brighten at the memory. Of course, Narcissa would love to talk more about the evening. She tried to not seem too enthusiastic with her response. "Yes, Mrs. Malfoy, I did. I was honored to be a part of it. I hope that I represented you and Mr. Malfoy in the manner you expected." Ginny smiled, and saw Narcissa's polite nod.
"And I do hope my son was a satisfactory escort?"
Ginny blushed and looked down, but not before she saw the look of satisfaction on the older woman's face.
"Don't worry, Ginevra, I would be surprised if you weren't affected by him. I may be biased as his mother, but I do feel he is quite charming when he chooses to be."
"Yes, ma'am," she replied, deliberately avoiding the older woman's gaze as she felt herself blushing furiously. Images of the lingering kiss in the garden flooded her mind, and there seemed to be nothing she could do to stop it.
Narcissa took pity on her discomfort and smoothly moved onto another topic. "As I said earlier, your work prior to the event was exceptional. Tell me, how do you like working for Ms. Tinkerton?"
"I quite like it," Ginny responded, not sure where Narcissa was leading, but the topic seemed safe enough. "She's quite a good businesswoman and manages her employees well. I find that I've learned a great deal about running a business, keeping accounts and such. I'm hoping, after I build my reputation and gain proper knowledge, that I might be able to strike out on my own someday, or perhaps persuade Ms. Tinkerton to make me a partner."
"Quite ambitious of you. I like that."
"Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy."
Before they could continue, she heard the sound of someone clearing their throat, drawing the attention of both women to the door of the room. Ginny found her blush returning again when she realized that it was Draco.
"I'm sorry, Mother, I do hope I'm not interrupting. I didn't realize you had a guest."
Narcissa smiled graciously at her son. It seemed that few things melted the woman's facade as much as the presence of her family. It was a shame, Ginny thought, because she really was quite beautiful when she allowed her features to soften.
"Draco, my darling, what a surprise that you are home early today."
"Actually, Mother, as I recall, you requested that I not work late this evening,” he replied, his tone gently chiding.
“Oh, so I did,” Narcissa said somewhat dismissively.
Ginny watched the interaction between the two with interest. Her feelings about seeing him again were somewhat conflicted. When she'd seen him earlier in the week at the office, he'd been cool toward her, yet, the memory of the kiss they'd shared continued to haunt her. His attention was currently directed toward his mother, so Ginny took the opportunity to study him discretely.
It was more easily said than done, as Ginny once again felt her face flush as she attempted to keep herself from staring at him.
He was difficult to ignore. He was dressed in grey business attire, making his eyes seem more intense. His hair fell carelessly over his forehead. He was casually leaning against the doorframe, yet he easily managed to command the room with almost no apparent effort. It was no wonder that he was so successful in business and was building the family reputation back so quickly. She compared his charisma to that of his father, and how, in a few years, he could easily become just as intimidating. She only hoped that he would not follow his father's radical idealism.
"I'll leave you to your, guest," he said and turned to Ginny, his smile showing a small amount of mischief. She felt her heart skip a beat.
- ~ -
An hour later, she Apparated home and ran into the house.
She had a date. She couldn't believe it, but this truly did feel very much like an actual date. She found herself both hating the fact that she'd accepted in the first place, while simultaneously looking forward to it.
What a mess.
Her mother stared in shock as she ran through the living room and tore her way up the stairs.
"Ginevra Molly Weasley, what in the world is going on with you?"
"Sorry Mum," she responded, stopping midway up the stairs, slightly out of breath, though whether it was from the short run, or anticipation of what the hell she had just gotten herself into, she wasn't sure.
"Is everything all right, dear?"
"It's nothing, Mum. I just kind of, well, it's hard to explain ..."
"Take a deep breath and try."
"Well, it's ummm ... I sort of have to find a dress. I'm going out to dinner."
"Really?"
Ginny knew there would be no avoiding giving more information. Of course, her mother would want to know more because seeing Ginny happily married seemed to be high on the older woman's priority list. Unfortunately, Ginny had regularly and vehemently declared that she never wanted to fall in love ever again. Her steadfast refusal of every possible suitor in recent months had only stirred her mother's well-intentioned disapproval. She would not likely be able to leave the house, dressed for dinner, without giving her mother some form of explanation.
"It's not a date, Mum."
"Of course not. Where are you going?"
Ginny responded sheepishly, "Angelica's." As soon as the words left her lips, Ginny regretted her response. Angelica's was only the most posh, expensive restaurant in Diagon Alley. This conversation was not going to go well, she thought.
"With a wizard?"
"Yes, Mum."
"And it's not a date."
"No! I mean that it's really just a business thing."
"Like the evening gown business thing?"
Well, Ginny thought, her mother wasn't fully aware how that evening had turned out. She realized, after a few moments, that her mouth was now hanging open with the thought of where this was going. It really was a date. Egads.
"Well...."
Molly sighed. "Dare I ask who the young man is?"
She thought about coming up with a lie, and promptly dismissed the idea. Lying wouldn't matter, because her mother had some sort of mind reading ability for things like this. Ginny was sure that her mother had already guessed. Nevertheless, Ginny mumbled, as incoherently as possible, "Dracomalfoy."
"Ummm Hmmmm."
Oh, the long, drawn out "um hmm" did not bode well at all. Ginny looked around the room for anything that might suddenly create some sort of distraction. Maybe, just maybe, if she concentrated hard enough, she hoped that she might be able to disappear into the floor.
"Mum, it's not what you think."
"Then, please, dear, tell me what I should be thinking." Her mother looked at her with such concern that Ginny felt like she was about eight years old all over again.
"His parents made other plans and told him to go out, and we were just going to celebrate pulling off the ball so successfully last weekend. That's all."
"Ummmm Hmmmm."
"It's nothing, Mum."
"Ginny, sweetheart, you know that I don't want to interfere with your life ..."
"Then, please don't," she looked at her mother, her hazel eyes pleading for understanding.
"Are you certain that you'll be all right with him?"
"I'm sure, Mum. I've worked with him for the last two months, and he's actually been quite ... tolerable."
Her mother finally relented and allowed her continue her quest to find something suitable for a nice evening out. As she tore through her closet, she realized that she had nothing that she wanted to wear. Yes, she had plenty of nice clothing for work, but they were, well, conservative. Even though this wasn't a date, she was going someplace nice and wanted to look appropriate.
In the end, she Flooed Hermione, who loaned her a lovely sleeveless black dress with a plunging neckline and flouncy skirt.
As she walked downstairs, Molly looked her over, and Ginny had to give her credit, she didn't try to start anything. "You look lovely, dear."
"Thanks, Mum."
"You best run along, before your father comes home and starts asking questions."
She hugged her mother, and grabbed her purse before running outside to Apparate back to the manor.
- ~ -
They arrived at the restaurant and were shown to private room where a table, perfectly set with a simple rose for a centerpiece, was waiting for them.
"A private room, Malfoy? Isn't that a bit much for a casual dinner date, as you called it?" she asked as he pulled out a chair for her to sit.
"I tend to get a lot of attention from the newspapers whenever I go out, and, after last weekend, do you really want them to start them speculating even further?"
"I suppose you're right."
"I am frequently, if not always, right."
She gave him a mischievous gin. "I would be curious about the occasions where you aren't right."
"My mother is usually involved with those."
"That doesn't surprise me in the least." She laughed. She was actually having a sane conversation with him, and enjoying herself. Would wonders never cease. She continued on the topic of his mother, since it was relatively safe territory.
"She certainly is a force to be reckoned with. I could only imagine trying to dispute her on anything."
"You have no idea," he responded. The tone in his voice echoing her own opinion of Narcissa's persuasiveness.
"Oh, I think I do. The last two months have been the longest of my life."
"Try living with her."
"You have a point."
The blond smiled. "You've done quite well with her, Ginevra. You've earned her respect. Not many have the fortitude to get past her outer shell anymore."
Their wine had arrived and Ginny paused to take a sip. He'd just given her a rather unusual compliment. There was no question that Narcissa was a difficult person, and Ginny wondered if that had always been so, or if it was only since the war. In any case, Ginny realized that Narcissa had softened greatly toward her over the last few weeks.
"It was necessity. I had a job to do, and my future career depended on success."
"It's amazing what one can accomplish out of necessity." He looked thoughtful, and seemed to withdraw just a bit.
"Like find a way to smuggle Death Eaters into Hogwarts?" Her tone was teasing as she spoke the accusation, and she found that she felt slightly guilty for bringing up the topic. Nevertheless, it was one of the things about him that weighed heavily on her.
He looked down in shame. "Something like that," he took a sip of wine.
She waited for him to speak further, wondering if her comment might spark some of the malicious temper that she'd known him to have in school. It was hardly a pleasant or comfortable topic, but she was no longer bound by her employment, and it was something that she needed to know.
He continued to sip his wine for a few moments, then looked up at her. There was sorrow in his gaze. It wasn't the reaction she'd expected.
"You realize that it was one of the few times that I ever went against my mothers wishes," he finally said.
"She didn't want you to do that?"
"No, she didn't. Voldemort would have killed her and my father if I didn't try, and he fully expected me to die in the attempt. My mother wanted me to escape and wait out the war abroad."
"You couldn't do that," Ginny stated, surprised at the realization.
"I couldn't abandon them. I wanted to help my father so badly and, up to that point, I really did believe all that crap about following Voldemort."
Ginny nodded, trying to think of what she would have done if the situation were reversed. It gave her a new insight into the man. Unsure of exactly how to respond to his admission, she took another sip of wine and looked back up at him.
"I'm glad you all found a way to survive."
"Thank you, I suppose. It hasn't been easy. Necessity has forced us to change a great deal, and my parents are a bit bitter."
"It will get better, with time."
"That's why I work every day to establish myself. I can't leave this kind of legacy for my own children."
"It seems to be working."
"It's slow. As I told you before, I still get shunned. Everything I do is under scrutiny by a lot of the old guard. Believe it or not, it's the Quidditch team that has been one of the best things for me right now."
"The Falcons?" She wasn't about to bring up the fact that she'd just spent the last week doing everything in her ability to join that team, under an alias to top it off. It would be a bit awkward.
"Yes. That's been my salvation, of sorts. Not just because I love Quidditch, mind you, but as the owner, I get a lot of good press. The team reflects me in a lot of ways, and it's helped me establish an identity apart from my father's."
"I heard some players will be leaving at the end of the season," she said casually, hoping that she didn't appear too enthusiastic when it came to talking about the team.
He paused in his answer, looking uncomfortable. She wasn't quite sure why. "Yes, unfortunately. We had trials just last week, and it seems we might be taking on a witch for a Seeker.”
"Really?" After catching her breath, she found it took an enormous amount of effort to keep from looking too excited about the topic.
"Amazing little thing," he chatted on, now onto a far more comfortable topic. "Fast as a rabbit, but plain as brown paper wrapping. The blokes on the team have already taken to her."
She smiled at the praise, thinking of how good it felt to be part of the team.
They chatted amiably for the rest of the meal. The food was every bit as fabulous as the restaurant's reputation boasted. After a few glasses of wine, Ginny felt relaxed, and realized that she was genuinely enjoying his company. They wandered down the street to a local park and Draco pointed out that he'd have to take her on a tour of the manor gardens someday. She agreed, thinking that it was unlikely to occur, but polite for her to accept.
A clock in the distance rang the hour, and they both realized that It was getting late.
"I'll Apparate you home," he offered politely.
"Oh, you really don't have to ..." It was bad enough that her mother knew whom she'd spent the evening with. She didn't need to have her father see one of his least favorite people appear on his doorstep.
"I insist. It was impolite enough that I didn't pick you up at your house. I'll not let a lady attempt to go home alone, especially after imbibing all that wine."
"It wasn't that much."
He chuckled at her, and, grudgingly, she took his arm.
They appeared at the front porch of The Burrow with the usual loud pop that accompanies Apparition.
He looked up at the unseemly structure that was her home, and she waited for his cutting comment. It never came.
"Fascinating,” was all he said as he stared at the home curiously.
"That's all you have to say?"
"I've just never seen anything quite like it before. I mean, I've heard a few people describe it, but it truly does defy words."
"I love it here," she said, looking lovingly at the awkwardly shaped structure.
He looked down at her, his eyes shining with unbridled good humor, and she realized that she was still holding his arm. She released him, and started to step onto the porch.
"I enjoyed your company this evening, Ginevra."
"Thank you. I had fun."
He stepped up closer, so that she took a step back, her back now up against the post on the porch. He was quite effectively invading her personal space, and she found that the thought thrilled her, although she quickly deduced that it was likely because of the wine.
"I'd like to see you again, Ginevra."
She nodded, her eyes locked onto his, and swallowed, even though her mouth had gone quite dry.
"How about tomorrow? You could accompany me to the Falcon's practice and check out the new Seeker," he suggested eagerly.
"I... I have to work." It was a lie, but she couldn't tell him that she was supposed to be there as said Seeker. Somehow, she thought that stating such a thing would sound just a bit odd.
"How about Sunday, then? I could show you the gardens at the manor. They're quite extensive, most can't even be seen from the house."
There was the monthly family dinner. She felt a stab of disappointment that she already had other plans. "We have dinner here on Sunday, with the family, it's a monthly event ..."
He started looking disappointed as well, and for some reason, she wanted with all her heart to make that look disappear. "Maybe after dinner? Say four o'clock or so?"
He brightened, now leaning over her, his hand on the post that she was backed against.
"I'll call it a date then."
"Is that what it is?" She felt surprised to actually be calling it such. After all, the thought had plagued her all evening. She'd wondered, more than once, if he was thinking the same thing. Was that really what it was?
"Ginevra." He smiled. "What else would you call it?"
"Oh, I don't know, but a date ... I mean ... doesn't that usually imply ..."
She never finished the sentence because she was stopped by the feeling of his lips on hers. She found herself responding to the kiss immediately, as if that was what she'd been waiting for during the entire evening.
Apparently, the kiss after the ball had not been a fluke, because this one was just as good, and left her heart literally pounding in her chest. He was indeed a good kisser. She felt herself becoming weak in the knees and his arm moved around her waist to pull her closer.
When he pulled away, she felt more than slightly breathless, and looked up at him wide-eyed.
"A date?" he asked.
"A date," she confirmed shyly, feeling light headed. After being kissed like that, she felt she would have agreed to just about anything.
With a casual smirk, he walked off the steps, with that commanding presence that she'd found so attractive. Swagger. Yes, that was the word she wanted to use. He turning to smile at her one last time as he Apparated away.
She was smitten. Egads.
She turned to go into the house, feeling like she was floating.
- ~ -
Molly Weasley was still awake, despite the late hour. It was unusual for her not to be in bed at such a time of night, and she knew that she'd be tired in the morning, but it didn't matter to her. She had wanted to make sure that Ginny got home safely, although she didn't fully want to admit that being concerned was the true reason. After all, Ginny was going to be twenty-three in only a few weeks and she was certainly old enough and capable enough to take care of herself. So, Molly puttered around her kitchen trying to keep herself busy and telling herself that she wasn't being over-protective.
She had been rearranging the contents of her cupboards when she heard the familiar pop of someone Apparating home. Confirming with the clock that it was indeed Ginny's hand that had just moved to "home," she decided to give a quick look out the window.
She saw them talking and Molly judged from the initial observation that their conversation was nothing earth-shattering. Ginny certainly didn't seem to be stressed. In fact, her daughter seemed relaxed and rather happy. As the boy smiled and flirted with her, Molly realized that this was not the nasty, arrogant boy that Ron and Harry had endlessly complained about. All she saw was a pleasant young man who appeared to be enamored with her daughter. When he leaned forward to kiss her, Molly moved away from the window, feeling guilty for intruding on the private moment.
Ginny walked in the door a few minutes later, obviously surprised to see her mother awake and cleaning.
"Mum, did you wait up for me?" Ginny's tone was good natured, but slightly accusing and Molly gave her daughter a slightly sheepish look. She was indeed quite guilty despite her recent bout of self-denial. It was a mother's right, after all, to be just a bit curious, wasn't it?
"No, I just couldn't sleep and thought I'd finish this,” Molly replied.
Her daughter clearly didn't believe her, but didn't push the issue. Ginny stared at her with a look of accusing humor. Molly simply decided to change the subject.
"Did you have a nice evening, dear?"
“It was very nice, Mum.”
There was no mistaking the glow emanating from her daughter, and Molly didn't miss the fact that the question had caused the girl to blush. Molly thought about her husband's likely disapproval of the young man in question, and immediately thought of how her own father had once disapproved of her seeing Arthur. She decided that she wouldn't put her own daughter though similar circumstances.
Molly sighed. "I take it you'll be seeing him again."
"Yes, Mum. I suppose I will."
"I'll have to find a way to tell your father." The relief from her daughter was visible as Ginny smiled and hugged her.
Molly motioned to the nearest chair, giving her daughter a wink. "Now, tell me all about it ..."
She looked up at the stadium in awe, hardly able to comprehend the fact that she was really there and that she was really going to start her first day as a professional Quidditch player. After a few minutes of reveling in the thought, she took a deep breath and walked into the stadium.
Well-aware that she was the lone female player, as well as being in disguise, she felt slightly self-conscious when she entered the pitch and got a look at her teammates. She'd seen them before when she'd flown against many of them in the tryouts, but this was just a bit different. She was grateful to find Oliver there, waiting for her with a welcoming smile. It was so much easier seeing a friendly face and she was grateful for his support in this insane endeavor. She breathed a quick sigh of relief.
Her fears began to diminish when Oliver cheerfully introduced her to the rest of the team and she greeted each one with a little bit of awe. She still couldn't fully comprehend that she had been hired to be one of their ranks, as opposed to merely being an adoring fan and she hardly needed to be introduced to most, since she knew most of their names from the Quidditch magazines that the twins always seemed to leave lying around the house. What surprised her, however, was to find that they were all relatively nice blokes who welcomed her with friendly handshakes and snarky comments.
Fortunately, she was able to avoid most conversation by simply nodding and smiling as much as possible. It was obvious that a few of the players seemed a bit wary of her abilities, due to her small stature.
After a brief session with the coach, where they received their instructions for the day's first practice, Ginny was able to overcome her nervousness as she mounted her broom and concentrated on her flying. Oliver grinned at her the first time that she whizzed past one Beater, distracting him enough to allow her Chaser to score. At the end of the practice match, the regular Seeker, James, had beaten her to the Snitch, but she'd definitely given him a run for it.
Roger, the team captain, was the first to walk up to her after the session to give her his compliments.
"You are amazing for such a little thing," he chided her.
She found herself almost embarrassed by the compliment and looked toward the ground, not sure of what to say. Fortunately, Oliver seemed to be hovering nearby and quickly responded, "She almost took you out there, mate. I had my hopes up for a second or two."
Roger turned to Oliver with a smile. "You would!" He pointed to Oliver while speaking to Ginny. "He's wanted my spot as Captain for the last three years, so he keeps hoping I'll get injured. I keep healthy just to spite him," he said with a friendly grin at Oliver. Ginny grinned back. Her team captain had an easy way about him, as a captain should. "Now, what do we call you again?"
She ducked shyly, realizing that, of course he must know her name, but he was making conversation. Caught up in the moment, she almost responded with her real name, or worse, without her accent. She would have to train herself to avoid slipping up in the future, she thought as she forced the unnatural response. "Francine, Francine Miller," she said, in her horrible American accent. Fortunately, Roger didn't notice the slight strain in her voice as she spoke.
The captain seemed to considered her response, and Ginny felt a moment of panic that perhaps he didn't believe her. But a moment later his reasoning came clear, as he said, "Francine seems like such a delicate name for a little firecracker like you. You need to be one of the blokes, how about we call you Frank for short."
"Nah, she needs to be just a bit girly," another teammate joined in. "Let's call her Frankie!" She heard a chorus of agreement, as her new teammates agreed with the nickname. The nickname was their way of accepting her and her talents onto the team, and she felt simultaneously happy and guilty. Happy because she made it, on her own merits, and was being accepted as a member of a real, professional team. Guilty because the name was a lie and she had just slipped deeper into her ruse.
Later, after she'd showered and changed back to being Ginny again, she went out to dinner with Oliver and talked about the disguise.
"I don't know, Oliver. I feel so dishonest telling everyone that I'm somebody else. Do you think we did the right thing?"
"I don't know, Gin, I don't know. I still think that we needed to do it to get you onto the practice squad, but I'm not so sure that telling them the truth right now is a very good idea. The coach could just take the deception as being a problem and replace you on the team without a second thought. I think for right now, you need to prove yourself. Once they see how good you are, then you can tell them. They won't be so eager to sack you on a little white lie if they know you really are too talented to let go."
"It's just so uncomfortable when I have to pretend I'm not me. I don't know how long I can keep it going."
"Just a few more weeks, after you've established yourself a bit. We'll make the announcement then, and I'll back you up. It was my idea after all."
She wasn't entirely happy with Oliver's suggestion, but it was hard to come up with a good justification to change. She couldn't simply show up for the next practice as Ginny Weasley right now. If she did, she'd likely be escorted from the stadium under arrest and sent to St. Mungo's for a mental evaluation. With that thought, she decided it might be in her best interest to follow Oliver's suggestion and wait to shed her disguise.
- ~ -
Her first week on the team passed quickly. Ginny was exhausted and deliriously happy, even if it was only playing practice matches for a fraction of the pay of a starting player. The drills that the coach demanded were mentally and physically challenging, although she knew she would adjust to the physical demands over time.
On Friday, the team finished practice early and Ginny was grateful for the rest. She wondered how she was going to manage next week when she would also have to find a way to coordinate the practice along with maintaining her regular job.
For that particular Friday afternoon, however, she had other priorities. Once again, she was headed to Malfoy Manor. This time for tea with Narcissa, for the purpose of returning the expensive emerald and diamond earrings and hair clip.
She arrived at the manor promptly at four o'clock, as Narcissa had requested in her note. Ginny fully realized that getting into the older woman's good graces was a rare honor, and she didn't want to risk jeopardizing her new found status with the woman by not being punctual. The warm June sun inspired her to wear a light peach dress and matching robe of a light material. Her hair was tied back into a neat French braid, with a matching bow. She hoped that it would meet with Narcissa's approval.
Walking up to the impressive building, Ginny couldn't help but feel slightly uncomfortable. She'd visited the manor frequently during the course of planning for the ball, but this was the first time that she was arriving as a guest instead of as a hired caterer.
The house-elf at the door led her to Narcissa's brightly lit parlor on the south side of the mansion. This room was more ornately furnished than Narcissa's study, which they had used when planning for the ball. The parlor, by contrast, was a room clearly intended for entertaining. When she seated herself on one of the elegantly upholstered chairs, Ginny glanced out the window and noticed that the room overlooked the rose garden. As she took in the sight of the perfectly manicured flowers, she couldn't help but think back to the previous Saturday evening when she'd walked along those stone paths with Draco and felt her face warm with a blush.
Narcissa's greeting was calm and cool, as Ginny had come to expect, but then she realized that, like Madam Malkin, she was starting to interpret the Malfoy matriarch's underlying emotion. Today, Ginny gaged that Narcissa was in a pleasant mood.
When the elf arrived with the tea service and biscuits, she and Narcissa conversed about mostly inconsequential things, such as the weather, the various outfits that guests wore at the ball, and such. They talked about the write up in the paper, and how flattering the reviews had been. She could see Mrs. Malfoy's face brighten ever so slightly at the memory of the evening.
"Before I forget, Mrs. Malfoy, I did want to return the jewelry you let me wear Saturday evening," Ginny said as she brought out the package of carefully wrapped emeralds.
Narcissa smiled graciously. "Of course, my dear. I had quite forgotten about them. They did suit you nicely."
"Yes, ma'am. I appreciate you trusting me with them. I also have the dress here as well," she continued, as she started to pull out the shrunken package containing the evening gown.
"No, no, my dear. You keep that. I have no use for it."
"Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy, but my mother has reminded me that it wouldn't be proper for me to keep such a gift."
"It's not a gift, simply a business expense," Narcissa replied with a careless wave of her hand, her tone leaving no room for argument, and Ginny hesitantly put the package back into her purse. At least she could inform her parents that she'd tried.
"Now," Narcissa continued after they'd settled back into their respective chairs, "You are probably wondering why I've invited you to tea today."
"Yes, ma'am. The thought did cross my mind."
"I wanted to personally thank you for your efforts on the planning and coordination of the ball. There are not many who are conscientious enough to maintain my standards." Narcissa leveled her gaze at Ginny.
Not quite sure how to respond, she just agreed. "Yes, ma'am. I do my best, that's what you hired me for."
"Of course. I understand Draco requested you specifically for the effort?"
"Yes, he did, although I had my reservations. I'd only recently been promoted to a lead position, and had never handled anything on such a large scale."
"My son has an eye for talent. He's becoming quite successful in business, as you may know,” Narcissa said, her voice showing pride in her son.
"Yes, ma'am. It seems a week can't go by without there being something about him in the papers," Ginny agreed somewhat timidly, unsure of where Narcissa was going with the conversation, and not wanting to unintentionally insult her hostess.
"Such notoriety is both a blessing and a curse," Narcissa commented. "I do hope that you are not under too much scrutiny after last weekend."
"It's not too bad. I did receive a number of owls from some friends who were surprised by the photograph, but they seemed to accept that I was there in a formal role only."
"Of course," Narcissa said, and Ginny detected a slight amount of disapproval in the remark.
"Now, onto more fun matters." Narcissa smiled. "Did you enjoy yourself at the ball?"
Ginny felt herself brighten at the memory. Of course, Narcissa would love to talk more about the evening. She tried to not seem too enthusiastic with her response. "Yes, Mrs. Malfoy, I did. I was honored to be a part of it. I hope that I represented you and Mr. Malfoy in the manner you expected." Ginny smiled, and saw Narcissa's polite nod.
"And I do hope my son was a satisfactory escort?"
Ginny blushed and looked down, but not before she saw the look of satisfaction on the older woman's face.
"Don't worry, Ginevra, I would be surprised if you weren't affected by him. I may be biased as his mother, but I do feel he is quite charming when he chooses to be."
"Yes, ma'am," she replied, deliberately avoiding the older woman's gaze as she felt herself blushing furiously. Images of the lingering kiss in the garden flooded her mind, and there seemed to be nothing she could do to stop it.
Narcissa took pity on her discomfort and smoothly moved onto another topic. "As I said earlier, your work prior to the event was exceptional. Tell me, how do you like working for Ms. Tinkerton?"
"I quite like it," Ginny responded, not sure where Narcissa was leading, but the topic seemed safe enough. "She's quite a good businesswoman and manages her employees well. I find that I've learned a great deal about running a business, keeping accounts and such. I'm hoping, after I build my reputation and gain proper knowledge, that I might be able to strike out on my own someday, or perhaps persuade Ms. Tinkerton to make me a partner."
"Quite ambitious of you. I like that."
"Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy."
Before they could continue, she heard the sound of someone clearing their throat, drawing the attention of both women to the door of the room. Ginny found her blush returning again when she realized that it was Draco.
"I'm sorry, Mother, I do hope I'm not interrupting. I didn't realize you had a guest."
Narcissa smiled graciously at her son. It seemed that few things melted the woman's facade as much as the presence of her family. It was a shame, Ginny thought, because she really was quite beautiful when she allowed her features to soften.
"Draco, my darling, what a surprise that you are home early today."
"Actually, Mother, as I recall, you requested that I not work late this evening,” he replied, his tone gently chiding.
“Oh, so I did,” Narcissa said somewhat dismissively.
Ginny watched the interaction between the two with interest. Her feelings about seeing him again were somewhat conflicted. When she'd seen him earlier in the week at the office, he'd been cool toward her, yet, the memory of the kiss they'd shared continued to haunt her. His attention was currently directed toward his mother, so Ginny took the opportunity to study him discretely.
It was more easily said than done, as Ginny once again felt her face flush as she attempted to keep herself from staring at him.
He was difficult to ignore. He was dressed in grey business attire, making his eyes seem more intense. His hair fell carelessly over his forehead. He was casually leaning against the doorframe, yet he easily managed to command the room with almost no apparent effort. It was no wonder that he was so successful in business and was building the family reputation back so quickly. She compared his charisma to that of his father, and how, in a few years, he could easily become just as intimidating. She only hoped that he would not follow his father's radical idealism.
"I'll leave you to your, guest," he said and turned to Ginny, his smile showing a small amount of mischief. She felt her heart skip a beat.
- ~ -
An hour later, she Apparated home and ran into the house.
She had a date. She couldn't believe it, but this truly did feel very much like an actual date. She found herself both hating the fact that she'd accepted in the first place, while simultaneously looking forward to it.
What a mess.
Her mother stared in shock as she ran through the living room and tore her way up the stairs.
"Ginevra Molly Weasley, what in the world is going on with you?"
"Sorry Mum," she responded, stopping midway up the stairs, slightly out of breath, though whether it was from the short run, or anticipation of what the hell she had just gotten herself into, she wasn't sure.
"Is everything all right, dear?"
"It's nothing, Mum. I just kind of, well, it's hard to explain ..."
"Take a deep breath and try."
"Well, it's ummm ... I sort of have to find a dress. I'm going out to dinner."
"Really?"
Ginny knew there would be no avoiding giving more information. Of course, her mother would want to know more because seeing Ginny happily married seemed to be high on the older woman's priority list. Unfortunately, Ginny had regularly and vehemently declared that she never wanted to fall in love ever again. Her steadfast refusal of every possible suitor in recent months had only stirred her mother's well-intentioned disapproval. She would not likely be able to leave the house, dressed for dinner, without giving her mother some form of explanation.
"It's not a date, Mum."
"Of course not. Where are you going?"
Ginny responded sheepishly, "Angelica's." As soon as the words left her lips, Ginny regretted her response. Angelica's was only the most posh, expensive restaurant in Diagon Alley. This conversation was not going to go well, she thought.
"With a wizard?"
"Yes, Mum."
"And it's not a date."
"No! I mean that it's really just a business thing."
"Like the evening gown business thing?"
Well, Ginny thought, her mother wasn't fully aware how that evening had turned out. She realized, after a few moments, that her mouth was now hanging open with the thought of where this was going. It really was a date. Egads.
"Well...."
Molly sighed. "Dare I ask who the young man is?"
She thought about coming up with a lie, and promptly dismissed the idea. Lying wouldn't matter, because her mother had some sort of mind reading ability for things like this. Ginny was sure that her mother had already guessed. Nevertheless, Ginny mumbled, as incoherently as possible, "Dracomalfoy."
"Ummm Hmmmm."
Oh, the long, drawn out "um hmm" did not bode well at all. Ginny looked around the room for anything that might suddenly create some sort of distraction. Maybe, just maybe, if she concentrated hard enough, she hoped that she might be able to disappear into the floor.
"Mum, it's not what you think."
"Then, please, dear, tell me what I should be thinking." Her mother looked at her with such concern that Ginny felt like she was about eight years old all over again.
"His parents made other plans and told him to go out, and we were just going to celebrate pulling off the ball so successfully last weekend. That's all."
"Ummmm Hmmmm."
"It's nothing, Mum."
"Ginny, sweetheart, you know that I don't want to interfere with your life ..."
"Then, please don't," she looked at her mother, her hazel eyes pleading for understanding.
"Are you certain that you'll be all right with him?"
"I'm sure, Mum. I've worked with him for the last two months, and he's actually been quite ... tolerable."
Her mother finally relented and allowed her continue her quest to find something suitable for a nice evening out. As she tore through her closet, she realized that she had nothing that she wanted to wear. Yes, she had plenty of nice clothing for work, but they were, well, conservative. Even though this wasn't a date, she was going someplace nice and wanted to look appropriate.
In the end, she Flooed Hermione, who loaned her a lovely sleeveless black dress with a plunging neckline and flouncy skirt.
As she walked downstairs, Molly looked her over, and Ginny had to give her credit, she didn't try to start anything. "You look lovely, dear."
"Thanks, Mum."
"You best run along, before your father comes home and starts asking questions."
She hugged her mother, and grabbed her purse before running outside to Apparate back to the manor.
- ~ -
They arrived at the restaurant and were shown to private room where a table, perfectly set with a simple rose for a centerpiece, was waiting for them.
"A private room, Malfoy? Isn't that a bit much for a casual dinner date, as you called it?" she asked as he pulled out a chair for her to sit.
"I tend to get a lot of attention from the newspapers whenever I go out, and, after last weekend, do you really want them to start them speculating even further?"
"I suppose you're right."
"I am frequently, if not always, right."
She gave him a mischievous gin. "I would be curious about the occasions where you aren't right."
"My mother is usually involved with those."
"That doesn't surprise me in the least." She laughed. She was actually having a sane conversation with him, and enjoying herself. Would wonders never cease. She continued on the topic of his mother, since it was relatively safe territory.
"She certainly is a force to be reckoned with. I could only imagine trying to dispute her on anything."
"You have no idea," he responded. The tone in his voice echoing her own opinion of Narcissa's persuasiveness.
"Oh, I think I do. The last two months have been the longest of my life."
"Try living with her."
"You have a point."
The blond smiled. "You've done quite well with her, Ginevra. You've earned her respect. Not many have the fortitude to get past her outer shell anymore."
Their wine had arrived and Ginny paused to take a sip. He'd just given her a rather unusual compliment. There was no question that Narcissa was a difficult person, and Ginny wondered if that had always been so, or if it was only since the war. In any case, Ginny realized that Narcissa had softened greatly toward her over the last few weeks.
"It was necessity. I had a job to do, and my future career depended on success."
"It's amazing what one can accomplish out of necessity." He looked thoughtful, and seemed to withdraw just a bit.
"Like find a way to smuggle Death Eaters into Hogwarts?" Her tone was teasing as she spoke the accusation, and she found that she felt slightly guilty for bringing up the topic. Nevertheless, it was one of the things about him that weighed heavily on her.
He looked down in shame. "Something like that," he took a sip of wine.
She waited for him to speak further, wondering if her comment might spark some of the malicious temper that she'd known him to have in school. It was hardly a pleasant or comfortable topic, but she was no longer bound by her employment, and it was something that she needed to know.
He continued to sip his wine for a few moments, then looked up at her. There was sorrow in his gaze. It wasn't the reaction she'd expected.
"You realize that it was one of the few times that I ever went against my mothers wishes," he finally said.
"She didn't want you to do that?"
"No, she didn't. Voldemort would have killed her and my father if I didn't try, and he fully expected me to die in the attempt. My mother wanted me to escape and wait out the war abroad."
"You couldn't do that," Ginny stated, surprised at the realization.
"I couldn't abandon them. I wanted to help my father so badly and, up to that point, I really did believe all that crap about following Voldemort."
Ginny nodded, trying to think of what she would have done if the situation were reversed. It gave her a new insight into the man. Unsure of exactly how to respond to his admission, she took another sip of wine and looked back up at him.
"I'm glad you all found a way to survive."
"Thank you, I suppose. It hasn't been easy. Necessity has forced us to change a great deal, and my parents are a bit bitter."
"It will get better, with time."
"That's why I work every day to establish myself. I can't leave this kind of legacy for my own children."
"It seems to be working."
"It's slow. As I told you before, I still get shunned. Everything I do is under scrutiny by a lot of the old guard. Believe it or not, it's the Quidditch team that has been one of the best things for me right now."
"The Falcons?" She wasn't about to bring up the fact that she'd just spent the last week doing everything in her ability to join that team, under an alias to top it off. It would be a bit awkward.
"Yes. That's been my salvation, of sorts. Not just because I love Quidditch, mind you, but as the owner, I get a lot of good press. The team reflects me in a lot of ways, and it's helped me establish an identity apart from my father's."
"I heard some players will be leaving at the end of the season," she said casually, hoping that she didn't appear too enthusiastic when it came to talking about the team.
He paused in his answer, looking uncomfortable. She wasn't quite sure why. "Yes, unfortunately. We had trials just last week, and it seems we might be taking on a witch for a Seeker.”
"Really?" After catching her breath, she found it took an enormous amount of effort to keep from looking too excited about the topic.
"Amazing little thing," he chatted on, now onto a far more comfortable topic. "Fast as a rabbit, but plain as brown paper wrapping. The blokes on the team have already taken to her."
She smiled at the praise, thinking of how good it felt to be part of the team.
They chatted amiably for the rest of the meal. The food was every bit as fabulous as the restaurant's reputation boasted. After a few glasses of wine, Ginny felt relaxed, and realized that she was genuinely enjoying his company. They wandered down the street to a local park and Draco pointed out that he'd have to take her on a tour of the manor gardens someday. She agreed, thinking that it was unlikely to occur, but polite for her to accept.
A clock in the distance rang the hour, and they both realized that It was getting late.
"I'll Apparate you home," he offered politely.
"Oh, you really don't have to ..." It was bad enough that her mother knew whom she'd spent the evening with. She didn't need to have her father see one of his least favorite people appear on his doorstep.
"I insist. It was impolite enough that I didn't pick you up at your house. I'll not let a lady attempt to go home alone, especially after imbibing all that wine."
"It wasn't that much."
He chuckled at her, and, grudgingly, she took his arm.
They appeared at the front porch of The Burrow with the usual loud pop that accompanies Apparition.
He looked up at the unseemly structure that was her home, and she waited for his cutting comment. It never came.
"Fascinating,” was all he said as he stared at the home curiously.
"That's all you have to say?"
"I've just never seen anything quite like it before. I mean, I've heard a few people describe it, but it truly does defy words."
"I love it here," she said, looking lovingly at the awkwardly shaped structure.
He looked down at her, his eyes shining with unbridled good humor, and she realized that she was still holding his arm. She released him, and started to step onto the porch.
"I enjoyed your company this evening, Ginevra."
"Thank you. I had fun."
He stepped up closer, so that she took a step back, her back now up against the post on the porch. He was quite effectively invading her personal space, and she found that the thought thrilled her, although she quickly deduced that it was likely because of the wine.
"I'd like to see you again, Ginevra."
She nodded, her eyes locked onto his, and swallowed, even though her mouth had gone quite dry.
"How about tomorrow? You could accompany me to the Falcon's practice and check out the new Seeker," he suggested eagerly.
"I... I have to work." It was a lie, but she couldn't tell him that she was supposed to be there as said Seeker. Somehow, she thought that stating such a thing would sound just a bit odd.
"How about Sunday, then? I could show you the gardens at the manor. They're quite extensive, most can't even be seen from the house."
There was the monthly family dinner. She felt a stab of disappointment that she already had other plans. "We have dinner here on Sunday, with the family, it's a monthly event ..."
He started looking disappointed as well, and for some reason, she wanted with all her heart to make that look disappear. "Maybe after dinner? Say four o'clock or so?"
He brightened, now leaning over her, his hand on the post that she was backed against.
"I'll call it a date then."
"Is that what it is?" She felt surprised to actually be calling it such. After all, the thought had plagued her all evening. She'd wondered, more than once, if he was thinking the same thing. Was that really what it was?
"Ginevra." He smiled. "What else would you call it?"
"Oh, I don't know, but a date ... I mean ... doesn't that usually imply ..."
She never finished the sentence because she was stopped by the feeling of his lips on hers. She found herself responding to the kiss immediately, as if that was what she'd been waiting for during the entire evening.
Apparently, the kiss after the ball had not been a fluke, because this one was just as good, and left her heart literally pounding in her chest. He was indeed a good kisser. She felt herself becoming weak in the knees and his arm moved around her waist to pull her closer.
When he pulled away, she felt more than slightly breathless, and looked up at him wide-eyed.
"A date?" he asked.
"A date," she confirmed shyly, feeling light headed. After being kissed like that, she felt she would have agreed to just about anything.
With a casual smirk, he walked off the steps, with that commanding presence that she'd found so attractive. Swagger. Yes, that was the word she wanted to use. He turning to smile at her one last time as he Apparated away.
She was smitten. Egads.
She turned to go into the house, feeling like she was floating.
- ~ -
Molly Weasley was still awake, despite the late hour. It was unusual for her not to be in bed at such a time of night, and she knew that she'd be tired in the morning, but it didn't matter to her. She had wanted to make sure that Ginny got home safely, although she didn't fully want to admit that being concerned was the true reason. After all, Ginny was going to be twenty-three in only a few weeks and she was certainly old enough and capable enough to take care of herself. So, Molly puttered around her kitchen trying to keep herself busy and telling herself that she wasn't being over-protective.
She had been rearranging the contents of her cupboards when she heard the familiar pop of someone Apparating home. Confirming with the clock that it was indeed Ginny's hand that had just moved to "home," she decided to give a quick look out the window.
She saw them talking and Molly judged from the initial observation that their conversation was nothing earth-shattering. Ginny certainly didn't seem to be stressed. In fact, her daughter seemed relaxed and rather happy. As the boy smiled and flirted with her, Molly realized that this was not the nasty, arrogant boy that Ron and Harry had endlessly complained about. All she saw was a pleasant young man who appeared to be enamored with her daughter. When he leaned forward to kiss her, Molly moved away from the window, feeling guilty for intruding on the private moment.
Ginny walked in the door a few minutes later, obviously surprised to see her mother awake and cleaning.
"Mum, did you wait up for me?" Ginny's tone was good natured, but slightly accusing and Molly gave her daughter a slightly sheepish look. She was indeed quite guilty despite her recent bout of self-denial. It was a mother's right, after all, to be just a bit curious, wasn't it?
"No, I just couldn't sleep and thought I'd finish this,” Molly replied.
Her daughter clearly didn't believe her, but didn't push the issue. Ginny stared at her with a look of accusing humor. Molly simply decided to change the subject.
"Did you have a nice evening, dear?"
“It was very nice, Mum.”
There was no mistaking the glow emanating from her daughter, and Molly didn't miss the fact that the question had caused the girl to blush. Molly thought about her husband's likely disapproval of the young man in question, and immediately thought of how her own father had once disapproved of her seeing Arthur. She decided that she wouldn't put her own daughter though similar circumstances.
Molly sighed. "I take it you'll be seeing him again."
"Yes, Mum. I suppose I will."
"I'll have to find a way to tell your father." The relief from her daughter was visible as Ginny smiled and hugged her.
Molly motioned to the nearest chair, giving her daughter a wink. "Now, tell me all about it ..."
Author notes: Thank you to all for the lovely reviews!!!
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