Who Followed Who?

"Are you sure this is really necessary?" Ginny asked, wincing as Pansy pulled tighter on her hair. Narcissa hid her smile and continued brushing her own hair.

"Yes, it is, and quit being such a baby!" Pansy said, laughing. "I'm not pulling it that hard. Besides, it looks better when it's done by hand instead of magic."

"She's right, dear," Narcissa said, nodding. "It's tighter and it lasts longer. When you use magic, the hair tends to fall after only an hour or so." Ginny sighed.

"All right," she breathed, wincing again. Pansy was trying to pull her hair up into a tight, sleek ponytail.

"So," Pansy said, reaching for a hair band. "Has Draco said anything else about the bracelet you got him?" Narcissa turned at this and gave the girls a quizzical look.

"What bracelet?"

"Ginny bought him a bracelet and had it engraved with his name," Pansy said. Ginny blushed as Narcissa beamed at her. "And she had something engraved inside, but she won't tell me what it was."

"It's private," Ginny said defensively.

"Come on," Pansy wheedled. "You know you can trust me and Narcissa. We won't tell him it's there." Ginny laughed.

"Fine," she sighed. "But only if you promise you'll be easier with my scalp," she said, wincing.

"I promise." Narcissa halted her brushing and sat down, giving Ginny an attentive look.

"I had the jeweler engrave something on the underside of the bracelet," she admitted. "But only because I didn't think he'd notice it."

"What did you have engraved?"

"It says 'Je t'adore.'" Narcissa sighed dreamily, and Pansy frowned.

"Huh?"

"It's French for 'I love you," Narcissa answered, her eyes misting over. Pansy sighed.

"That is so romantic," she breathed. Ginny laughed softly.

"Care to take bets on how long it'll be before he figures out there's something there?"

"That's awful," Narcissa laughed. "I'm putting my money on today." Pansy raised her eyebrows.

"You have too high of an opinion of Draco's observation skills," she said, clucking her tongue. "I'll put my bet on a week from now." Ginny laughed as Pansy and Narcissa both pulled out a galleon each, then handed them to her.

"I wasn't serious," she said, giggling. Then, "All right. I'll put my bet on two weeks from now." She got up and went to the dresser, pulling a galleon out of a small black velvet bag. "Where should we put these until we know?"

"Why don't we give the money to Ron?" Pansy suggested.

"Ron might want in on the bet, though," Ginny said thoughtfully.

"You're not afraid that if he knew, he'd tell Draco?" Narcissa asked. Ginny frowned.

"Oh, that's a good point. Narcissa, why don't you keep it?"

"All right," she said, nodding. "I'll keep it in my vanity drawer. I think you're both going to be surprised, though."

"Why?"

"I think Draco's more attentive to detail than you think."

Pansy laughed, and then turned to Ginny. "Where's your dress?"

"It's in the closet." She moved in front of the open closet doors, and then pulled out a plastic bag. She removed the plastic and pulled the dress out, and Pansy gasped.

"It's beautiful!" She stepped forward and gingerly fingered the satiny material. Narcissa had chosen the dress for her the day they'd gone shopping together in Paris, and she had to admit that she would have never chosen the dress herself, simply because of its price tag.

It was a flowing gown of the palest blue. Strapless and ornate with hundreds of tiny pearls embroidered on the skirt, it had looked to Ginny as though it were fit for a bride, and not just a guest at a wedding. Pansy looked longingly at Ginny's gown one last time before withdrawing her own dress from its protective plastic cover. Hers was a dusky rose color with simple spaghetti straps. She held up a single strand of pearls that she was going to wear with it, and smiled.

"Mum let me borrow her great-great-grandmother's pearls to wear."

"They're beautiful," Ginny said, realizing that she had a strapless dress, and nothing to wear in the way of jewelry. Narcissa seemed to read her mind.

"I've been meaning to give something to you, Ginevra," she said, rising from her seat. She pulled a long black box out of the bag she'd used to carry her beauty products from her room and handed it to Ginny. "I was in the vault yesterday, looking for some jewelry to wear myself, and I saw this. I just knew it would be perfect with your dress."

Ginny shot her a curious look as she opened the lid, and she gasped. Inside was a diamond choker. She looked up at Narcissa in surprise. "Are you sure you want me to wear this? I wouldn't want to damage it or anything."

"It's not an heirloom, so it can easily be replaced," Narcissa said, shaking her head. "I bought it to wear at my wedding."

"Then it is an heirloom, for your grandchildren," Ginny objected. Narcissa gave her a smile that she wondered at, and then patted her arm gently.

"I want you to wear it. Please. For me."

Ginny's face softened. "All right. Thank you." She took her dress into the bathroom to change, and Pansy moved closer to Narcissa.

"When is he going to propose?" she whispered. Narcissa shrugged.

"He didn't say," she whispered back. "But he did take the ring, so I'm thinking he'll do it sooner than later."

"Can someone help me zip this up?" Ginny called. Pansy went into the bathroom to help her. When they emerged, Narcissa smiled. Ginny looked radiant in her dress; her creamy skin was almost glowing in the afternoon sunlight, and her copper hair shone. Ginny gave her a nervous smile.

"How do I look?"

"Beautiful," Narcissa said, tears springing to her eyes. Ginny went to her and wrapped her arms around her.

"Why are you crying?"

"I'm just so happy," she said, sniffling. Pansy handed her a tissue and grinned. "You've made my family so happy. Draco is happier than I've ever seen him, and his being happy makes Lucius happy." Ginny laughed softly.

"I'm glad I'm doing something to repay all of your kindnesses."

"All right, ladies. Enough blubbering," Pansy said, her voice authoritative. "Who's going to help me into my dress?"

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Ron smoothed out the front of his suit, and then looked in the mirror. "I feel like a penguin," he grumbled.

"That's good, because you look like one," Draco drawled. Ron laughed and threw his tie at him.

"Now, now, boys," Lucius laughed. Draco smiled.

"Sorry, Father." Draco adjusted his tie, and then reached for his ID bracelet, which was sitting on top of the bureau. His father saw it and arched an eyebrow.

"What is that?"

"It's something Ginny gave me yesterday," Draco said, grinning. Lucius stepped closer and examined it as Draco held it out.

"What does it say?"

"It's got my name engraved on it," he said. Lucius shook his head.

"No, what does it say on the back side?" Draco frowned.

"It doesn't say anything on the-" his voice died on his lips as he turned it over and saw the tiny script engraved on the underside. Lucius read the script, then clapped his son on the shoulder.

"Have you asked her already, then?" Draco didn't answer. Ron waved his hand in front of Draco's face, trying to get him to blink.

"Does this say what I think it says?" he breathed. Ron arched his neck, trying to look over Draco's shoulder.

"What does it say? I can't read Spanish."

"It's French," Lucius said, smiling. "What do you think it says, Draco?" Draco met his father's eyes.

"She loves me?" Ron rolled his eyes.

"You already knew that."

"I've heard other people say it. I haven't heard her say it."

"You wore that thing for a whole day and didn't notice that there was writing on it?" Ron asked, amused. Draco slipped the bracelet on and fumbled with the clasp with shaking hands. After he'd fastened it, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring. Ron's eyes got wide as Draco turned and held it up to him. "As much as we've gotten along lately, I don't think I'm ready for marriage just yet," Ron said, batting his eyelashes. Lucius roared with laughter, and Draco's face turned pink.

"It's not for you, you twit. It's for your sister." Ron looked at the ring again, then looked back up at Draco.

"I hope you know what you're getting into," he said, shaking his head. "As soon as you get married, my mother will be hounding you nonstop for grandchildren." Draco grinned and shot a glance at his father.

"She'll have to beat my Mother to it, then." He paused in thought, and then looked up at Ron. "Do you think she'll say yes?"

"When have you ever been uncertain about women?" Ron teased. He looked up and saw the serious look on Draco's face and sighed. "If what Pansy tells me is true, she'll be putty in your hands." Draco took a deep breath and nodded as he placed the ring back in his pocket.

"How about you?" Draco asked, reaching for his dress cloak. Ron gave him a blank look.

"How about me what?"

"Are you and Pansy dating, or what?" Ron smiled sheepishly and shrugged.

"I suppose so."

"Hurt her and I'll kill you."

"Why, Draco, I never knew you cared," Ron said. Lucius laughed again, and Draco grinned at him.

"I'm protective of my best friend the same way you are about your sister."

"Well, I guess it's my turn to tell you the same. Hurt Ginny and I'll kill you."

"That sounds fair enough."

"Are we ready for a wedding, boys?" Lucius asked. "Then let's not keep the ladies waiting."

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Draco, Ron, and Lucius stood in the foyer, waiting for the women. Ron had just said something that made Lucius laugh, when they heard Pansy clear her throat. Ron looked up and swallowed hard. Pansy was attractive in her rose-colored dress, with her hair curling down around her shoulders. She smiled brilliantly at him and did a quick spin.

"How do I look?"

"Like a curly pink rose," Draco teased. She slapped him lightly on the arm, and then stood on her tiptoes to press a light kiss to Ron's cheek.

"You look fabulous," Ron said softly. She blushed.

"You, too."

"Where are Mother and Ginny?" Draco asked.

"They were right behind me," she said, turning and looking down the corridor. "Oh, there they are!" Draco watched, his heart pounding painfully against his ribcage, as the figures of the women drew nearer. When Ginny stepped into the foyer smiling at his mother, he fought to catch his breath. She turned to look at him, giving him a shy smile as she approached. Narcissa went into the open arms of her husband and watched as Ginny stopped in front of Draco.

"You look terrific," she whispered, her neck and cheeks flushed from her jangled nerves.

"Draco, you'd better close your mouth, or you're going to swallow a bug," Pansy laughed, stepping through the front door. Draco smiled at her, and then turned back to Ginny.

"You look..." he shook his head, at a loss. "There aren't words for how good you look." She bit her bottom lip as she smiled.

"Thank you."

"You realize, of course," he said, finally collecting himself and holding out his arm for her to take. "That you outshine even the bride." She laughed.

"How would you know that? We're not even there yet."

"True, but I know what Lavinia Jugson looks like, and there won't be a man at the wedding who will be able to look at her after laying eyes on you." She felt the heat rising in her face as he helped her inside the carriage, and then sat down beside her. They had decided to take three carriages; one for each couple.

"Quit that, you're making me blush," she laughed. He lifted the back of her hand to his lips, and an uncontrollable excitement began thrumming through her veins.

"I'm not going to be able to let you out of my sight tonight," he said, his voice husky. "I'd be insanely jealous if another man tried to dance with you."

"No one will want to dance with me," she said, trying to calm her racing heart. His eyes looked very much like liquid mercury in the golden light that filtered in through the cracks in the curtains of the carriage, and it was doing funny things to her.

"I want to dance with you."

"You have to say that. I tricked you into this, remember?"

"It doesn't feel like fulfilling a bet anymore," he said softly. "Do you still think of it that way?" She shook her head slowly.

"No," she breathed.

"Good. Then I'll thank you to stop denying that you're beautiful." She nodded silently, and he leaned closer to press his lips close to her ear. Her eyes fluttered closed. "Je t'adore, Ginny Weasley." Her eyes flew open, and she pulled away to stare at him.

"You found it," she said, the hint of a smile tugging at her lips. He nodded, his eyes glittering. "I didn't think you would find it so soon."

"I saw it this afternoon, as I was getting dressed." He held out his arm and pulled the sleeve back, revealing the shiny gold bracelet. She met his eyes again. "Did you mean it?"

She nodded. "I did." She held her breath, waiting for his reaction.

"Truly?" he asked quietly, his eyes locked on hers. She nodded.

"Yes. I meant it, Draco." He wrapped his arms around her, crushing her to him.

"I never thought to have you love me," he whispered against her cheek. "I never hoped for it."

"You're not upset, then?" He pulled away to stare at her.

"Why would I be upset?"

"I thought maybe it might be too soon, seeing as how we've only really known each other for three weeks."

"It's not too soon, if you're certain that that's what you're feeling."

"I'm so glad to hear you say that," she said, relief flooding through her. The carriage slowed to a halt, and Draco smiled brightly.

"We're here. Ready to be the belle of the ball?" She laughed and took his hand as he helped her out.

As soon as she stepped out of the carriage, she could feel eyes on her, and she wasn't sure it was a positive thing. She stuck by Draco's side, and made sure that they were always near Ron and Pansy, too. The service was short and to the point, with very little frill involved. Draco told her that the reason was because Lavinia and Rabastan had spent all of their money on the reception, since more people were likely to show up there.

When they entered the reception hall, music was already playing, and several couples on the floor were dancing. Draco led Ginny to the table where his parents, Pansy's parents, Pansy, and Ron were already seated. He pulled the chair out for her and pushed it in as she sat down, and then took the seat next to her.

"Mr. and Mrs. Parkinson, this is my girlfriend, Ginny Weasley." Pansy's parents nodded politely at her and gave her friendly smiles.

"It's so nice to see the both of you here," Ornella said, smiling. Ginny smiled back, and Ron nodded, giving her a polite, if not detached, smile.

"It's lovely to be here," Ginny answered. Ornella exchanged a secret glance with Narcissa, who smiled brightly at her. A slow song started up, and Ron held out his hand to Pansy.

"Would you like to dance?" She nodded and smiled at him, letting him lead her onto the dance floor. Draco turned to Ginny and held out his hand wordlessly. She slid her hand into his and followed him onto the dance floor. Narcissa and Lucius watched as Draco wrapped one arm around Ginny's waist, and captured her hand with his free hand.

Ornella leaned towards Narcissa. "How in the world did our children ever become besotted with Weasleys?" She asked, wrinkling her nose in distaste. Narcissa tried unsuccessfully to hide her shocked look.

"You sound as if you don't approve," she said carefully. Ornella shrugged.

"There are plenty of eligible bachelors I would have Pansy date, but she'll have nothing to do with them. Instead she chooses to go slumming with this boy." She looked pointedly at Ron. Narcissa stiffened, and she felt Lucius tense up beside her.

"Come now, Ornella. That's no way to talk about the boy your daughter has chosen, and it's certainly not talk for such a happy occasion." Ornella's husband remained silent, chewing on an appetizer.

"She won't be with him long," Ornella said carelessly. "She never is."

"What if you're wrong?"

"Then we'll take an extended vacation somewhere far away." Lucius frowned.

"You know the Dark Lord won't permit that."

"I never agreed with that business anyway," Ornella said, waving her hand dismissively. Narcissa's eyes widened. Lucius was a fair and understanding man, but he did not tolerate any sort of treason or disobedience whatsoever where the Dark Lord was concerned. Lucius' expression turned hard.

"Come, Narcissa. Let us wish Lavinia and Rabastan a long and happy life together, and then we'll be off." Narcissa didn't bother to utter her apologies; she knew that after this, it would be highly unlikely that Lucius would approve of her spending time around Ornella. She would have to prove her loyalty before Lucius would allow it.

Lucius approached Pansy and Ron and whispered something into Pansy's ear that made her face turn red. Draco watched with a sinking feeling in his chest as Lucius approached him and bent to say something.

"Your mother and I are leaving. Ornella said some insulting things about your date and Pansy's, and she was talking treason." Draco's eyes flew to Ornella's table, where she was pointing in their direction and laughing with another wedding guest. He sighed as his father walked away.

"People are talking about you and Pansy because Ron and I are here, aren't they?" Ginny asked quietly. Draco met her eyes.

"I could care less what anyone says," he drawled. She remained silent and squeezed his hand gently. Draco saw someone approaching Ron out of the corner of his eye, and felt Ginny stiffen when she noticed.

"You're Ron Weasley, aren't you?" the man asked. Ron nodded, but didn't stop dancing. "What are you doing here?"

"I invited him," Pansy said angrily. "Really, Blaise, do you have nothing else to do with your time than harass my date?"

"Was this meant to be a strike at me?" he laughed. "Did you honestly think that bringing a Weasley to the wedding was going to make me jealous?"

"Your ego amazes me," Pansy said, her eyes narrowing. "I asked him to be my date because I happen to like him."

"Right," Blaise laughed. A small crowd was gathering around them, and Draco was waiting for the worst to happen. His heart plummeted when he saw people turn their heads toward him and Ginny, but nothing was said. Surprisingly, the crowd dissipated quickly, and Blaise went towards the opposite side of the room. Pansy and Ron both sighed with relief and continued dancing, their steps lighter.

After five songs of continuous dancing, Ginny needed a drink. She pulled away from Draco gently. "I'm just going to the refreshment table for a drink," she said, smiling. "I'll be fine walking the twenty feet or so from here to there." He watched as she headed towards the table, then frowned when he saw Blaise approaching her.

She had just taken a sip of the punch when she felt a hand on her bare shoulder. She whipped around quickly and found herself face to face with Blaise. He was smiling a predatory smile that made Ginny feel like she was in very real danger.

"Well, well," he said slowly. "Little Ginny Weasley. What are you doing here?"

"I'm here with Draco," she said, sticking her chin up defiantly. "And if you'll excuse me, I've got to be getting back, so-" she attempted to step around him, but he blocked her. When Draco saw his hand shoot out and grip Ginny's arm, he headed towards them.

"No, I don't think so. I think you need to stay and talk to me." As he spoke, he ran a finger lightly from her shoulder to the diamond choker she wore. "Have you become Draco's whore to gain such fine things?" Her mouth dropped open and she stared at him in utter surprise.

"Excuse me?" she asked, astonished. Before he could answer, Draco had tapped him on the shoulder. Blaise turned and smirked at him.

"Let go of her, Zabini."

"What's the matter, Malfoy? You can't get dates on your own, so now you're buying them? Really, I would have thought that your money could have bought you something better than a Weasley."

Ginny watched with fascinated horror as Draco's fist connected with Blaise's jaw. As Blaise crumpled to the ground clutching the side of his face, Draco grabbed Ginny's hand and tugged on it, pulling her along behind him. He didn't stop until they had gotten outside. Pansy and Ron were right behind them, howling with laughter.

"That was the best thing I've ever seen in my life!" Pansy exclaimed, climbing into the carriage before Ron. Draco helped Ginny into their carriage, then climbed in behind her.

"I'm sorry," she said, tears wetting her eyelashes. "I didn't mean to cause problems for you or your family." He gave her a surprised look.

"What? No! Hey, this wasn't your fault." He reached out and swiped a tear away with his thumb. "Please, stop crying. For me?" She sniffed and nodded.

"Are your parents going to be terribly upset?"

"Not at all. You saw how my father reacted to Pansy's parents, and they've been friends since before Pansy and I were born. Zabini got what was coming to him. That guy's an egotistical jerk, anyway."

"Thank you for stopping him," she said softly. Draco glanced down at her arm and his jaw dropped slightly.

"He left a bruise on you! I can see where his fingers were on your arm!" His expression turned cold. "I'll kill him if I ever see him again."

"Don't say that," she murmured. "It's not really that bad." He reached out and caressed her cheek gently.

"Let me make it up to you," he said. "I was planning a surprise anyway, but now it seems even more fitting."

"A surprise?" she asked, smiling. "What kind of surprise?"

"Well, it would ruin the whole element of surprise if I told you, now, wouldn't it?" She giggled.

"All right. Can I change first?"

"Of course you can, sweet. I don't expect you to stay in that dress all night." She sighed happily as she leaned over and rested her head on his shoulder.

Chapter 33

Ginny was hanging her gown in the closet when someone knocked on her door. "Come in," she called.

"Hey, Gin." She turned and smiled at her brother.

"Hey!" her smile faded when he sat down on her bed and put his head in his hands. "What's wrong?"

"I just feel bad about Pansy getting so much attention at the wedding," he said, shaking his head. His hands dropped, and she saw that his eyes were red-rimmed. She sat down beside him and put her arms around him, hugging him tight.

"Ron, she was prepared for it," she said soothingly. "She was prepared for the eventuality that someone might say something about it. Nothing bad happened to either of you, did it? It was just a bunch of old biddies with their tongues wagging."

"But they think we're dirty," he said quietly. She sighed.

"We're not dirty, Ron. Our blood is just as pure as theirs, if not more so." Ron nodded.

"I know you're right. I just feel bad about the whole thing."

"At least none of them tried to hit on you," she said, laughing softly. Ron snorted.

"I suppose you should feel flattered that he thought you were worthy of his attentions, huh?"

"The only thing I feel flattered by was the fact that Draco cared enough about me to job him good." Ron sniggered.

"He did, didn't he? I guess I don't have to worry about your honor after all - at least, not with him around."

"I love you, big brother."

"I love you, too, brat." She pushed him away and laughed. He lunged at her and began tickling her. She was howling with laughter when Draco and Pansy appeared at the door.

"Someone- please help," she gasped, tears flowing as she laughed. Draco folded his arms over his chest and smirked at them. Pansy rolled her eyes but smiled as she pulled Ron off of his sister. Ginny sat up and tried to catch her breath. "Gee, thanks, Draco. I'm glad you didn't mistakenly show me that you cared, or anything." He pretended to look affronted.

"Me?" he asked, pointing at himself. His gold bracelet glinted in the light of the room, and Ginny felt a wave of warmth roll over her. He was still wearing it, which was a good sign. She stood up and began smoothing the front of her clothes out.

"Thank you, Pansy, for stepping in and saving me before my arse of a brother made me wet myself."

"Wouldn't be the first time," Ron snarked. Pansy laughed, and Draco grinned. Ginny slapped his arm. "Ow!" He rubbed the spot where her blow had landed.

"Serves you right," she said, poking her finger into his chest. "Here we were, having a beautiful brother-sister moment, and then you go and pull this. You ought to be ashamed of yourself, Ronald!"

"Ought to," he shrugged. "But I'm not." His eyes sparkled with laughter, and she shook her head.

"Men. See what you're getting into, Parkinson?" Pansy laughed and reached for Ron's hand.

"I think I can handle him," she said. "Are you ready to go now? I'm starving." Ron nodded.

"Pansy and I are going to go and get something to eat."

"Where are you going?" Ginny asked. Ron turned red.

"Why do you need to know that?"

"Because if you're going somewhere I like, I might want you to bring me something back." She arched an eyebrow. "Why is it a secret?"

"He's taking me to the Burrow," Pansy said, clearing her throat. Ginny eyed Ron thoughtfully.

"I expect she'll get a better welcome there than I got from her parents," he explained. Ginny nodded.

"Most certainly. Did Mum say what she was making?"

"Lasagna."

"Oh! Can you bring some back for me and Draco?" She turned to smile at her boyfriend. "Mum's lasagna is divine."

"Sure," Ron said, nodding. "But we'd better get going now. Behave yourselves." He kissed his sister's cheek, and she pouted.

"But being good is no fun," she said. He laughed and followed Pansy out of the room. It was only then that Ginny realized that Draco was wearing the jeans she'd bought him. She shot him a wide smile. "You're wearing them."

"Isn't that what you bought them for?" he teased. "Or did you think I'd just hang them in my closet?"

"I didn't think you'd wear them," she admitted, laughing. "But they look good." He arched an amused eyebrow, and she felt the heat rising in her face. "Well, they do."

"You look pretty good in yours, too. But then again, I believe I already told you that." She rolled her eyes playfully and shook her head.

"Shameless flatterer."

"Are you ready for your surprise?" he asked. She nodded. "Come on, then." He turned and began down the hallway, and she followed him, wondering at his seemingly annoyed air. When they reached the door that led outside, she watched as he bent and retrieved something from the corner.

"Is that-?" she began, staring. He nodded.

"A flying carpet."

"But I thought they were outlawed," she said, confusion on her face.

"They were. My father saved this one, though. Ever been on one?"

"No. Won't I need my cloak? It's snowing outside."

"No, I've already put a warming charm on it. As long as we stay within the confines of the carpet, we should be perfectly fine." She nodded and followed him outside. She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to retain body heat, as he spread the carpet out on the snow, then sat down on it and beckoned to her to do the same. She sat in front of him where he'd indicated, still shivering. He murmured some archaic words, and the carpet teetered precariously into the air. Ginny went rigid from fear. She loved flying, but only on something she could control.

Draco managed to steady the carpet, and Ginny relaxed little by little. She was still freezing, though. Draco felt her shiver before he saw it, and he frowned. He'd cast a simple enough warming charm on the ruddy carpet before they'd climbed onto it, and couldn't figure why it wasn't working. He murmured the charm again, and nothing happened.

"Can you try the warming charm?" he asked.

"I don't have my wand with me," she said through chattering teeth. He swore softly, then moved to sit behind her and wrapped his arms around her. She leaned back into him, and his heart did a somersault. Maybe getting the warming charm wrong hadn't been such a bad thing, after all.

They glided silently towards the back of the Malfoy grounds, towards the rose garden his Mother loved so much. When they got there, he gave a growl of frustration. His Mother had apparently had the greenhouse closed and locked, and he hadn't thought to ask her for the anti-charm to get inside. There was another part of his elaborate plan foiled. He steered the carpet towards the lake, and Ginny huddled closer to him.

"Draco," she said urgently. Draco sighed.

"What is it?"

"Um, the carpet," she said, sitting up.

"What about it?"

"It's coming apart."

"It's what?" he asked incredulously, leaning forward. He gasped as he saw what she was talking about. The edge of the carpet was unraveling, and quickly. They were over the middle of the lake, and the carpet falling apart would be a very, very bad thing indeed.

"Great," he muttered, trying to turn the carpet around. As soon as he did, the carpet started to give way beneath them, and they fell into the lake, Ginny screaming all the way. He broke the surface of the icy lake and spluttered, then looked around for her. She came up seconds later, coughing. He swam over to her and wrapped his arms around her, then swam to the shore. When they stepped out, they were both wet and freezing cold.

He kept his arms around her as they walked back to the house, trying to cling to any sort of warmth that they could. As soon as they got back inside, his Mother came running. When she saw them, she gasped and covered her mouth with her hand.

"Oh, dear," she said. She pulled a silver cord that hung on the wall, and a house elf appeared. "Fetch some towels and start a fire in both Draco and Ginevra's rooms." The house elf disappeared with a pop, and Draco growled. A moment later, the house elf appeared with an armful of big, fluffy towels, and Draco snatched one to wrap around Ginny's shoulders. Her lips were blue, and her teeth were chattering loudly. Narcissa frowned. "I'm going to go and get you some pepper-up potion." She took off down the corridor, and Draco kicked the wall in frustration. Tiny beads of water flew everywhere.

"This was not supposed to happen," he said angrily. Ginny tried to force her teeth to be still, but it didn't work.

"W-what w-wasn't s-s-supposed t-to h-happen?" she stuttered. He turned and frowned at her.

"I had this elaborate scene planned," he began, flailing his arms to emphasize his point. "I was going to dance with you at the wedding, and it was going to be so romantic. Then I was going to bring you back here and fly you out on the magic carpet, over the rose garden, and over the lake, where I was going to propose to you. But then the garden was locked up, the warming charm didn't work, the carpet unraveled, and we fell in the ruddy lake!" She stared at him with wide eyes.

"What did you just say?" He looked up at her, confused.

"We fell in the ruddy lake," he repeated. "You know, you were there!" she closed her eyes and shook her head.

"No - what did you say about being over the lake?" He stopped and stared, realizing what he'd just said. He sighed.

"I was going to propose to you." She bit her lip.

"Was, as in past tense? Not anymore?" He hesitated, and then withdrew the ring from his pocket. He got down on one knee in front of her and held the ring up.

"Ginevra Weasley, will you be my wife?" Tears flooded her eyes and spilled over as she nodded.

"Yes, I will." A huge grin broke out on his face, and he slid the ring onto her icy finger, then stood and wrapped her in his arms.

"Oh!" They both turned to see his Mother clinging to his Father. Both of his parents were grinning stupidly, and Draco laughed. Narcissa finally broke away from her husband and handed Ginny a bottle of potion, then wrapped her in a tight hug, ignoring the fact that she was soaking wet. "I'm finally getting the daughter I've always wanted!"

"Congratulations," Lucius said, smiling at the two of them. "Now, I hear that my flying carpet is responsible for your swim in the lake?" Draco stepped in front of his mother and wrapped his arms around his still-shaking fiancée.

"It is," he said, nodding. "But I'm not quite so angry about it any more."