Unaffected

It was another week before Ginny saw Draco again. He had been taking care of all the wedding plans while she went about her life as normally as she possibly could. Draco loved her, and he was going to marry her, and his declaration of feeling was making her feel as though she was in a waking dream.

He had sent her several owls at work to let her know what he was doing, and had asked her in each one if she'd purchased her gown yet. She hadn't, and she had told him as much in a return owl on Friday morning. That afternoon as she was about to leave work, he showed up.

"All right," he said, folding his arms across his chest. "We're going shopping."

"Right now?" she laughed, putting her notes away.

"Yes, right now."

"My Mum is expecting me home in a few minutes."

"No, she isn't. I've been to see her and Lily, and they know that I have plans to abduct you for the evening." She wrinkled her nose at him.

"Abduct me? For the entire evening?"

"For as long as it takes you to choose a gown, yes."

"I find it hard to believe that you're so interested in helping me find a dress," she said, shaking her head. She removed her green cap and shoved it into her desk drawer.

"We have one day before we're to be married, and you don't have a dress. Everything else has been taken care of."

"Everything?" she asked, surprised. He nodded.

"Did you read the Daily Prophet this morning? The announcement is in there." She blinked.

"No, I haven't seen it. I haven't read that rag since Harry died."

"Well, trust me, it's in there."

"I'm not going out looking like this," she said, gesturing towards her lime-green uniform. His eyes traveled over her slowly, appraising her. She felt her cheeks growing warm under his gaze.

"We can go back to your house so you can change, but you're not getting out of this."

"Fine," she sighed. She followed him down the hallway. When they were back at her home, she went upstairs and changed into a pair of faded jeans and a t-shirt. She slipped on a pair of sandals and bounded down the stairs, where she found him leaning against the back of the sofa, waiting.

"I'm ready," she said, nodding. He stood and closed the distance between them, wrapping his arms around her waist, then lowered his mouth to cover hers in a hungry kiss. When he pulled away, she stared breathlessly at him.

"I haven't seen you in a week," he murmured, brushing a strand of copper hair away from her face gently. "And you didn't even say hello to me."

"You didn't give me much of a chance," she teased, smiling. "I almost felt like a house elf back there, taking orders from you."

"Would I do this to a house elf?" he asked, leaning in to steal another kiss. She giggled.

"I certainly hope not," she said. "Although I always did wonder about your father and Dobby..."

"I thought you'd learned your lesson about taunting me."

"Maybe I need a refresher course," she laughed. His eyes turned dark.

"Maybe you do," he said throatily. "And it will be a thorough lesson this time."

He cut off her response with a searing kiss. The touch of his hands on the small of her back was light, but it sent lightning coursing through every vein. While she was being thoroughly kissed, she threaded her fingers through his hair and gave a gentle tug. He groaned and crushed her against him. Without breaking the kiss, she grabbed two fistfuls of his shirt and began walking backwards, towards the stairs.

Several moments later they had managed to stumble through the door of her bedroom. She let go of his shirt and made as though she was going to pull away, but he stopped her by plunging his hands into her hair, tilting it back so he could savage her mouth. She whimpered as her knees began to buckle, and clutched onto his shoulders to support herself.

He caught her bottom lip between his teeth and nibbled gently as he guided her towards the bed. When his hands slid down to cup her bottom, she moaned. Encouraged, he trailed kisses down her throat, grazing his teeth against her collarbone. She gasped and tugged upwards on the hem of his shirt. He moved away long enough to let her pull it over his head, then bent and began sucking gently on her neck.

Her fingertips trailed across his broad shoulders, eliciting a shiver from him, then moved down to touch his back. He sucked in a deep breath, trying to maintain some semblance of control. This had gone by too quickly the last time, and he was determined to draw it out and enjoy it more this time - he wasn't going to last very long if she kept touching him like that, though.

[Edited out for content by author. To see full version of this chapter, please visit my website at http://cliodnawrites.150m.com]

They lay there in silence for a few minutes, with her arms wrapped around him. Her fingertips traveled lightly over the moist skin of his back, and he shivered. He nestled his head closer to her breast and closed his eyes, listening to her heart beat, and smiled to himself. I've finally gotten everything I want, he thought, satisfied. I've fallen in love, I have a stepdaughter, and a child on the way. I'm going to be married. I have a family.

His happy thoughts were interrupted when she began moving beneath him, trying to push him away. "Get off of me, you cow!" she laughed. He let her push him away and watched as she got up and went into the bathroom. When she came back in, he was still lying on his back on the bed, with his arms beneath his head. She put her hands on her hips.

"Are you just going to lie there all evening?" He arched an eyebrow.

"Can you think of anything better to do?" She opened her mouth to speak, then decided against it, and crawled back into bed with him. She snuggled close to him, and he moved so he could wrap his arms around her.

"No, I can't."

"We will get out of bed shortly," he announced, dropping a light kiss on the top of her head. "Don't think that just because you've shagged me senseless that I've forgotten about our little shopping trip." She sighed.

"Would you forget about it if I shagged you senseless again?" He chuckled.

"I'd only remember it right afterwards." She planted a soft kiss on his chest, eliciting a growl from him.

"Then I suppose I'd just have to keep you busy all night, wouldn't I?" she asked, looking at him from beneath the fringe of her lashes.

"Gin, as much as I'd love to stay in bed with you all night - and believe me, I would- you know we can't. There are a few things left that we need to pick up for the wedding. We're getting married tomorrow, and you haven't even gotten a dress!" She sat up.

"I know," she sighed, rising from the bed. She gathered her clothes and began pulling them on slowly, and watched as he followed suit. "All right, I'm ready."

"You know," he murmured, crossing the room to take her in his arms. "Being married to me isn't really going to be all that bad. I'm going to take care of you and Lily." He kissed her forehead, and she nodded. She didn't know how to tell him that she didn't think marrying him would be bad at all; she was just concerned about his motives. She knew she loved him, but she still couldn't be sure whether or not he wanted her, and not just the baby.

They flooed to Hogsmeade in silence, and he reached for her hand as they wandered through the crowded street together. His fingers threaded through hers, and her stomach jolted pleasantly. He pulled her into Gladrags' Wizardwear, and she braced herself for the onslaught of sales people that always greeted customers entering the store. To her surprise, once they saw Draco, they averted their eyes and scurried off towards the back of the store. A lone saleswitch approached them, wearing a dazzling smile.

"Good evening, Mister Malfoy," she purred. Ginny bristled. She didn't like the way the woman was eyeing her fiance; like a piece of meat she couldn't wait to taste. "We've been execting you." He gave her a curt nod, then turned to give Ginny a strange look.

"What?" she asked.

"You're cutting off the circulation in my fingers," he said, a trace of amusement in his voice. She blushed and moved to untangle her hand from his, but he stopped her. "I didn't say I wanted you to stop." She blushed deeper and nodded.

"Well, does your fiance have any ideas for a dress?" the woman's voice was dripping with forced politeness. Draco started to say something, but Ginny cut him off with a sweet smile.

"Oh, honey," she cooed adoringly at Draco. He blinked, then shut his mouth, although a smile was tugging at his lips. A jealous Ginny was an interesting sight, indeed, and he was determined to fully enjoy it. She snuggled closer to him. "What would you like to see me in?" she purred up at him. He arched an eyebrow.

"If I had my way, nothing at all," he murmured softly. She blushed scarlet but the smile stayed in place.

"Something simple, but elegant," she said, her voice dripping with saccharine. "My fiance likes to see me looking pretty. You know how men are," she laughed. The saleswitch glared at her.

"Well, it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her dress before the wedding," she gritted out through clenched teeth. "Why don't I take you back and show you what we have, and Mister Malfoy can stay here and wait?"

"Oh, no," Ginny pouted, turning to Draco. "Darling, I want you to help me pick out my gown. I don't think it's bad luck, do you? Especially not since we're so mad for each other." Draco smirked at her.

"Gods forbid," he said, humoring he. He turned to the saleswitch. "I should like to see what I'm paying for, after all. No, I'll come with you."

"Right this way, then," the woman sighed. She led them to the back of the store and gestured towards several racks full of gowns, ranging from snowy white to beige. "May I suggest an ivory gown? To complement your hair, perhaps?" It was the lady's turn to smirk. Ginny was about to make a snide remark when she felt Draco bristle next to her.

"You will refrain from speaking to my affianced in this manner, Ornella," he said, his voice clipped. "Or I shall have you fired." The woman's pleased look faded, and she rolled her eyes.

"Draco, really. I mean, I saw the announcement in the Daily Prophet, and I recognized it for what it was. A publicity stunt. You, marrying Harry Potter's widow? Come on," she laughed. His eyes narrowed.

"It is not a publicity stunt, and you would do well to hold your tongue. I do not make idle threats, and you of all people should know that."

"Fine," she flipped her hair over her shoulder. "Why don't I get someone else to help you, then?" Without waiting for an answer, she turned and stomped away. Ginny blinked at Draco.

"What in the bloody hell was that all about?"

"Ex lover," he said calmly.

"You seem to have a lot of those floating around," she murmured, releasing him. She stepped forward and began to peruse the gowns. He moved forward and slipped his arms around her waist, dropping several light kisses on the side of her neck. She leaned backwards and tilted her head to give him better access.

"Yes, well," he breathed, his tongue darting out to taste the skin of her neck. She gasped. "What matters is that they're all exes, and I've got what I need right in front of me." They jumped when someone cleared their throat behind them, and Ginny turned.

"Ornella told me that you needed some help," the girl said, her cheeks turning pink.

"Indeed," Draco agreed, still holding Ginny close to him. "My fiance;eeds a dress, as quickly as you can find one that suits her."

"Absolutely," the girl nodded, her blonde curls bobbing with the movement. She stepped forward and began holding dresses up, explaining why each one was so unique. The sixth dress she showed Ginny was the one that made her turn and give Draco an excited look.

"That's it; that's the one, Draco," she said, bouncing on the balls of her feet. He grinned.

"We'll take it, then," he said. "Now, what about one for Lily?"

"Something pink and frilly, I think," she said, frowning in thought. "Pink goes well with her dark hair."

"Pink?" he wrinkled his nose distastefully. She laughed.

"What do you suggest then?"

"Yellow. Not bright yellow, but a buttery kind of yellow." She stared at him. "What?"

"Have you actually given this thought?"

"Of course I have," he said, nodding. He turned to the girl who was helping them. "Find us something yellow for a little girl."

"Size three," Ginny murmured, still staring at Draco. The girl nodded and scurried away. "You really are full of surprises, do you know that?"

"That's my motto, always keep them guessing," he said, his eyes glittering. She raised her eyebrows at him.

"Yes, that's your motto - right after, 'Loot, pillage, burn!' and 'If you see something you want, just take it."" He laughed.

"Don't knock the Malfoy family mottos, sweet. In less than twenty four hours, you will be one."

"I'll be a motto?" she teased.

"You're incorrigible."

"Am I? How funny, I thought I was just being difficult."

"That too." He dropped a light kiss on the tip of her nose, and led her to another part of the store where the salesgirl was waiting for them.

The morning of the wedding, the sky was a brilliant cerulean, with not a cloud in sight. Molly and Narcissa were already downstairs having coffee when Ginny plodded in in her pyjamas. Lily was spooning eggs into her mouth, and smiled at her mother.

"Today I get a new Daddy," she announced proudly. Ginny's tired eyes flew wide open, and panic set in.

"Oh, Merlin," she whispered, slumping down in a chair. "What am I doing? Am I doing the right thing?" she asked, looking back and forth between the women. Narcissa sat her coffee cup down and looked at her.

"Do you love him?" Ginny was surprised at the blunt question, but nodded.

"I do," she said quietly. "Very much." Narcissa leaned back in her chair and smiled warmly at her.

"Then yes, you're doing the right thing." Molly waved her wand and a steaming mug of tea appeared on the table in front of Ginny. She stared down into it.

"Darling, she's right," Molly said softly. Ginny looked up. "You've just got a case of nerves, is all. I know he loves you and you love him, and everything will be fine."

"I don't understand why I'm so nervous," she said, wrapping her fingers around the mug. "I wasn't nervous when I married Harry; I was elated."

"I expect that's because Harry was ever the hero to everyone else," Narcissa said gently. "Draco isn't exactly a knight in shining armor."

"There's nothing wrong with Draco," Ginny said defensively. "I don't care what anyone else thinks of him." Narcissa fought to keep down her pleased smile. The girl was already defending her son, something that Natasha (nor any of his other romantic interests, for that matter) had never done. She was going to make Draco a fine wife, indeed.

"Maybe you're nervous because of the circumstances that have led to your nuptials today," she offered gently. Ginny's eyes widened, and she glanced at her mother, who was shaking her head.

"Mothers know these things, darling. I didn't have to tell her."

"I knew the day you showed up at the Manor looking for him," Narcissa smiled. "And I must tell you, I couldn't be happier for the both of you."

"Thank you," Ginny softened visibly.

"If that is truly what's worrying you, don't let it. I know my son, and I saw how miserable he was last month when you didn't come around. He loves you. He will be good to you."

"I've no doubt that he'll treat me well," she said quietly. "Or that he'll be good to Lily and this baby," she missed Lily's eyes widening and continued. "I just worry that I've trapped him, and rushed him into things."

"You're being a fool, then, child," Narcissa scolded gently. "I think you've known my son long enough to realize that he does not get forced into making commitments that he doesn't want to make." Ginny was about to say something about his situation with Natasha, but wisely decided to keep her mouth shut.

"Well, it's time to get ready," she said, butterflies dancing in her stomach. She stood and went to the bedroom, and everyone followed behind her.