Rating:
R
House:
Astronomy Tower
Ships:
Draco Malfoy/Ginny Weasley
Characters:
Draco Malfoy Ginny Weasley
Genres:
Romance
Era:
Harry and Classmates Post-Hogwarts
Spoilers:
Philosopher's Stone Chamber of Secrets Prizoner of Azkaban Goblet of Fire Order of the Phoenix
Stats:
Published: 03/29/2005
Updated: 02/10/2006
Words: 363,563
Chapters: 56
Hits: 168,333

Dragon and Angel

dragonsangel68

Story Summary:
Strolling through Diagon Alley Lucius Malfoy comes across a little boy who could have been Draco's twin. Has his family tree been expanded, without his knowledge? Has Draco been keeping secrets? Or is he oblivious to the fact that he may have an heir?

Chapter 30

Chapter Summary:
Before Angel comes home from hospital Draco needs to deal with his son's involvement in her accident. With Arthur and Harry for support it shouldn't be that hard to discuss Drake's misbehavior and other pressing issues, should it? Harry has a curious reaction to observing the twin's interact with his one time enemy.
Posted:
07/31/2005
Hits:
2,758
Author's Note:
Thank to all who reviewed previous chapters!


CHAPTER THIRTY

DEALING WITH DRAKE

After the second night the staff at St. Mungo's refused to let anyone stay with Angel, out of visiting hours. This was mostly put in place for Ginny's benefit, as she steadfastly refused to leave the ward and was desperately sleep deprived.

However, Angel did not spend her nights alone in the hospital. Every night, after the nurses had sent Ginny home, Lucius would return to the hospital. He would tell Angel a story as she fell asleep, then put his feet up and grab a few hours sleep himself. He could not abide the thought of his granddaughter being alone with only strangers to care for her and who would tell her a story each night. The nurses certainly did not have time for such things.

On the mornings Ginny arrived before he had a chance to leave it was easy enough to fool her into believing he had simply arrived shortly before she. Angel had promised to keep quiet about the little deception when Lucius explained that the nurses were worried about her mother and she needed to get some sleep, plus she would be upset if she found out.

It was Monday and Angel was due to be released from hospital that afternoon. However, before she came home there were a few things Draco felt he should deal with so his daughter would not have to bear witness to any of it. Much of what he was concerned with today involved only one other person -- Drake. He had yet to discuss with his son, how his sister had come to be riding his broomstick on that fateful morning. Ginny also suggested that, once he had dealt with the broom incident, it would be an excellent opportunity to have that special little chat with Drake concerning inappropriate comments whenever his parents got within two feet of each other.

Not that there had been a problem with that since Draco had been released from hospital. They had still not taken time for themselves to talk things through but Draco had a plan. He desperately wanted things between himself and Ginny to be the way they were before the accident. However, he did realize they needed to clear the air between them first and perhaps sort a few things out, so there would not be a repeat of the scene in the hospital.

Draco arrived at the Burrow, early in the morning, before Ginny and Molly left to go to the hospital. Arthur had agreed to stay home for the day, to give Draco any assistance he required in explaining certain matters to Drake. He Apparated onto the back porch and then walked inside. Molly had ordered him to stop knocking every time he arrived, after all he was family and family did not knock.

"Good morning, Mr. Weasley. Mrs. Weasley."

"Morning, Draco." Arthur dropped his paper down a little to look over the top.

"Draco, dear you're early today. Would you like some breakfast?" Molly placed a cup of tea on the table for him.

"No thank you, I ate at home. I promised Gin I'd be here before she left."

"Any idea where you're going to start with young Drake?" Arthur enquired as he folded the paper and put it aside.

"Not a clue," Draco admitted. It wasn't that he had been ignoring the issues with his son, more that he had been somewhat distracted, with Angel in hospital, to give it much thought.

"Would you mind some advice?" Arthur knew, with his own brood, he could fire off any advice he had and they would not take offence, but Draco Malfoy was an entirely different cauldron of potion to his offspring.

"I'd be grateful for anything you think may be helpful," Draco replied respectfully as he took a seat close to the older wizard.

"Right, first things first. Don't let him see your fear."

"I am not afraid of my own son," Draco responded slightly affronted.

"Now, don't take offence. I'm not saying you're afraid of Drake it's more like your fear revolves around being a good father."

"Oh-- I guess that could be somewhat accurate," Draco replied hesitantly. He didn't really want to admit it, but the older wizard had summed up exactly what had been bothering Draco the most.

"I thought it might be. Right then, second be firm, and be sure of what you want to say before you voice it. When you're reprimanding a child you can't say one thing, then in five minutes change your mind. You must keep on the same track the whole way."

"Right no changing my mind."

"Right. Thirdly, relax. You're so uptight, he's going to smell the fear radiating off of you, even if your voice belies it. The first time Harry had to really take Drake to task over something, he was so tense that Drake virtually chewed him up and spat him out. I think Harry may have even punished himself." Arthur chuckled at the memory.

"Great, I asked Potter to be here while I spoke to Drake, seeing as he's dealt with him in the past." Draco ran a hand through his hair in exasperation.

"Really?" Arthur smiled knowingly.

Draco had invited Harry to please Ginny rather than for his experience with Drake. More or less to show he could, indeed, play nicely with other wizards.

"Morning all," Harry called as he walked into the house.

"Harry, lovely to see you dear. Sit and I'll get you some breakfast," Molly said as she turned back to the fire.

"Harry, how are you this morning?" Arthur greeted him warmly.

"Good thanks, Mr. Weasley," Harry replied heartily.

Draco stood and offered his hand to Harry. "Potter, thanks for coming."

Taking Draco's hand in his firm grip Harry smiled at the blonde wizard, "No problem, Malfoy. Are you ready for this?"

"Honestly? No," Draco admitted. "I have no idea where to start."

"Well I'd think quick if I were you, sounds like Drake's on his way down the stairs," Harry chortled.

"I plan on taking care of the flying my broom without supervision bit first," Draco quickly informed Harry in hushed tones.

"Yeah, I thought that was what I was here for. What else did you have planned?" Harry said skeptically.

"Umm-- Gin wants me to have a chat about-- witches and wizards," Draco whispered across the table as Drake entered the kitchen.

As Draco's words reached his ears, the color in Harry's face drained. "Didn't we do this already?"

"Apparently not," Draco replied flatly.

"Merlin," Harry grunted. He was none to pleased to be having another one of those chats with his godson.

"Daddy," Drake greeted his father fervently.

"Hello, mate." Draco ruffled the little boys hair.

As Harry watched the scene between father and son he felt a twinge of jealousy spark in his stomach. Drake had not even acknowledged his presence. Not too long ago it was Harry who was subjected to such enthusiastic greetings from the little boy.

"Morning, Drake." Harry tried to squash his rising feelings.

"Hello, Uncle Harry. Why are you here?"

"To see you, of course." Harry smiled, striving to carry on as he would ordinarily.

"I need to have a chat with you Drake and your Uncle Harry is here to give me a hand," Draco told him seriously.

"What are we going to chat about, Daddy?" Drake asked quietly even though he had a fair idea what this was regarding.

"A few things that your mother-- and I feel we need to straighten out with you."

"Oh." Drake needed no further explanation. He knew what this was about -- no one had taken him to task over Angel's accident yet and it was he who got his father's broomstick from the shed.

"Drake, eat your breakfast up before it goes cold," Molly fussed over the little boy.

He sighed, not happy with the plans his father had made for the day. "Yes, Grandma."

"Morning everyone," Ginny chimed as she walked into the room.

"Good morning, dear. I've got your breakfast all ready," Molly greeted her daughter.

"Thanks, Mum," she responded absently as she walked over to Draco.

"Morning, love. You seem happy today." Draco placed a chaste kiss on her forehead.

"We get to bring Angel home today."

"Hey, Gin. Looking forward to picking Angel up?" Harry smiled at her.

"It'll be nice to have her home again."

"As soon as you've finished eating we should be right to leave," Molly told Ginny as she left the kitchen to retrieve her cloak from upstairs.

"Great, I want to get there as soon as possible," Ginny said, before tucking into her hot porridge.

"What time did they say Angel would be released?" Arthur asked.

"Sometime this afternoon, but I'm hoping they might release her this morning. She's desperate to come home."

"Give us a bit of warning if she does get released early, love." Draco didn't want to be half way through talking to Drake when Angel came home.

"I will. Are you ready?"

Draco grinned broadly with false confidence. "As I'll ever be."

"Good. Well, I'll leave you to it then." Ginny rose from her chair and cleaned her plate. She placed a kiss on Drake's head, admonishing him to behave and picked up her cloak.

Draco walked over to Ginny and took her cloak. He threw it around her shoulders and fastened it at her throat.

"I'll see you when you get home then," Draco said quietly maintaining eye contact with her.

"Yes, I guess you will."

"Say hello to Angel for me."

"I will."

Draco lent in and captured her mouth in a soft kiss. He wanted to deepen it, but was afraid of what her reaction might be.

Drake sighed with disgust. "Snogging again!"

"Drake," Harry warned sternly.

Ginny moved to pull back at the sound of her son's voice, but Draco held tight and did not give up his gentle assault on her lips.

"Right, are we ready then?" Molly boomed as she returned to the kitchen.

Draco and Ginny immediately broke apart, both flushing slightly with embarrassment at the interruption from the Weasley matriarch.

"Better be going then," Ginny muttered.

"See you later." Draco winked cheekily at her.

The two witches made their way to be back porch and Disapparated. Draco watched until Ginny had disappeared, then he turned back to face the table and a sniggering Harry Potter.

"Find something amusing, Potter?" he drawled.

"The way you two jumped apart like something bit you." Harry was highly amused with their reaction to Molly's appearance in the room.

"Do you like snogging, Daddy?"

"Have you finished your breakfast yet, Drake?" Arthur stepped in to save Draco answering the question.

"Yes, Grandpa." Drake tipped his now empty bowl up for inspection by the elder Weasley.

"Wonderful! Well, why don't we have that chat now?" Arthur said looking to Draco.

"Yeah, might as well get it over and done with," Draco muttered under his breath as he sat down again.

Arthur, Harry, Drake and Draco sat at the table looking at each other for some time before Arthur cleared his throat and looked pointedly at Draco.

Draco took a deep breath. I can do this. I handle business deals all the time-- For Merlin's sake, he's only four years old, he thought as he tried to steady himself.

"Ok-- umm-- Drake, we need to talk about how Angel came to be on my broom." Draco inwardly flinched when he realized how weak his voice sounded.

"Yes, Daddy."

"How did my broom come to be out of the shed?" Draco began his interrogation sounding much stronger.

"I wanted a ride again," Drake whispered his reply.

"So you took my broom out of the shed?"

"Yes."

"And are you allowed to take brooms without permission?" Draco almost growled at him

"No," Drake replied sullenly.

"Why did you take it, when you knew you were not allowed?"

"I wanted to fly."

"But you knew it was wrong."

"Yes."

"Why was Angel on the broom?"

"She wanted to fly too."

"Angel wanted to, or you wanted her to?" Draco asked skeptically.

"No, she wanted to."

"Drake, you do realize that if you had not touched my broom Angel would never had ended up in hospital?"

"But I didn't want her to get hurt." His little voice cracked as he spoke.

"I know that, mate, but because you misbehaved she did get hurt, seriously hurt. And now I have to come up with a suitable punishment," Draco said gravely.

"I won't do it again, Daddy. I promise," Drake proclaimed in an effort to stave off any forthcoming punishment.

"I know you won't do it again, because if you do I won't be so lenient next time." Draco took a deep breath. This part of parenting really sucked as far as he was concerned. "You will not be doing any flying, whatsoever, for a month -- starting today."

"No flying-- but, Daddy-- please--" Drake began to sob as he rested his head onto his arms on the tabletop.

"No flying, Drake," Draco reiterated softly. He felt gutted, as he sat there watching his small son cry into his arms. Draco wanted nothing more than to gather him up and take him flying right now -- anything to put an end to this feeling creeping through his body.

As Drake sat there crying, Arthur leaned over towards Draco and clapped him on the shoulder. "Well done, son."

"Doesn't feel that way," Draco muttered.

Arthur patted his shoulder understandingly. "It never does."

"Drake, go and wash your face. We're not finished yet," Harry told the little wizard, after giving him a reasonable time to bemoan his fate.

"Yes, Uncle Harry," he sniffed.

Drake slipped out of his chair and slowly wandered upstairs to the bathroom. No flying for a whole month was going to kill him, he was sure of it.

"You handled that well, Malfoy," Harry complimented.

"You think? Then why do I feel like-- like crap?" Draco spat at him.

"You did what you had to. Drake obviously still feels guilty about what happened. That's where the tears are coming from, but you can't let that get to you."

"I must admit, you handled it a lot better than I expected you to. Of course, Drake's guilty feelings helped. He can't argue back when he feels like that," Arthur admitted.

"Yeah well-- doesn't make me feel any better, does it?" Draco growled. He wasn't interested in hearing how well he'd done punishing his son, it had made him feel terrible and he wanted that feeling to go away.

"It never does, but it is a necessary part of being a good father. If you let him get away with anything he wanted, what sort of a man do you think he'd grow into?" Arthur reasoned.

"I suppose." Draco could understand why it was necessary, but it didn't help him now.

Drake walked slowly back into the kitchen and took his seat again. He was staring at his hands, refusing to meet the gaze of the other wizards sitting at the table.

"Drake, we need to have a chat about 'special hugs' and the like." The trepidation in Draco's tone was obvious.

Upon hearing this, Drake's head popped up and he looked expectantly at his father. He had so many questions to which he needed answers, particularly after what he'd seen his Uncle Ron and Aunt Pansy doing in the broom shed.

Harry was not sure exactly how much young Drake knew, or understood for that matter, despite being present when he had confronted Ron. He decided that for this conversation to be successful, it would prove more productive if all of them were bought up to date on his knowledge.

"Drake, how about you start by telling us what you know about sha-- 'special hugs'?" Harry frowned, had almost used the word 'shagging', but had stopped himself just in time. While using the term 'special hugs' made him want to laugh uncontrollably, he did see that it was more appropriate for his godson.

"It's how you make babies."

"That's it?" Harry asked incredulously.

Draco smirked. "Drake, tell Uncle Harry everything you know about 'special hugs'."

"You don't have any clothes on and you're not meant to give 'special hugs' before you're married, 'cause that's naughty."

Harry sniggered. "Who told you it was naughty?"

"Grandfather," Drake answered proudly, as if every word his grandfather had ever said was gospel.

"Oh, I see." Harry was still sniggering quietly.

"Some people do though. Like Mummy and Daddy, and Uncle Ron and Aunt Pansy -- they're naughty." Drake nodded, as if to confirm his thoughts.

"Anything else, Drake?" Arthur enquired.

"Why was Uncle Ron's thing really big when he was shagging Aunt Pansy?" He had not received an answer to that particular question yet and he was still curious.

"'Special hug', Drake. Not shagging, all right?" Arthur interjected.

"That just happens, mate -- it's-- err-- meant to." Draco had been waiting for this particular question and had formulated a simple reply a couple of weeks ago after a discussion with Lucius.

Drake frowned. "Does it hurt?"

"No, actually if feels good most of the time." Draco smiled.

"Oh-- Why was Aunt Pansy making funny noises?"

"Umm--" Draco wasn't ready for this one.

"She's a bit of a screamer." Harry informed Draco softly.

Draco rolled his eyes. "She would be."

"Daddy?"

"Right-- well-- when something feels really good Aunt Pansy likes to say so." Draco hoped Drake would accept it, even if it didn't sound right.

Drake's brow furrowed in confusion. "But she wasn't saying anything, just moaning and groaning like Uncle Ron was hurting her."

"They were moans of pleasure mate. Your Uncle Ron wasn't hurting her," Draco answered quickly and without giving it any thought.

"Oh."

"We really need to speak about when it's appropriate to talk about such things," Draco said in an attempt to move the conversation on.

"When?"

"Well, we don't talk about special hugs in front of ladies. That includes your mother and sister."

"But--"

"No 'buts', Drake. It's not polite to speak of such matters in front of ladies -- it's disrespectful." Draco sounded eerily like Lucius at that moment.

"Yes, Daddy."

"And you don't need to comment every time I go anywhere near your mother. It's very rude."

"Are you giving Mummy 'special hugs'?"

"No," Draco fibbed.

"But you snog," Drake said confidently. He knew they snogged, because he'd seen them himself.

"Yes, we snog. Not that it's any of your business, do you understand?" Draco said perhaps a little more harshly than he had intended.

"I think so," Drake responded hesitantly.

"Drake, I'll cover it again. What adults do is none of your business. You do not need to comment on what others are doing. When you're older you will understand more, but for now you're too young and you already have more knowledge on the subject than a child of your age should."

"Yes, Daddy."

"And if you see anything you don't understand, you can come to me or Uncle Harry or either of your grandfathers and we'll do our best to explain, all right?"

"Yes, Daddy."

"Good." Draco smiled. Somehow he'd gotten through the talk, and now he just had to hope that Drake had been listening.

The four wizards used the rest of the morning to relax. They played wizards chess and talked among themselves. Draco would've liked to have gotten the brooms out, and would have but for the fact that he had just grounded Drake from flying. Just after lunch, Ginny and Molly arrived home with Angel, who had been discharged from the hospital with a clean bill of health.

"Daddy!" Angel squealed as she stepped out of the fireplace.

Draco walked over to her quickly and scooped her up into his arms.

"How are you feeling, princess?" Draco planted a kiss on the little girls cheek.

"I'm good!" Angel wrapped her arms around his neck.

"That's great."

"The healers said she's made a full recovery and we've nothing to be concerned about in the future," Ginny told him smiling broadly.

"That is good news," Draco replied as he leant down to kiss her cheek.

"Did you talk to Drake?"

"Yes we've covered everything we had to."

"And?"

"He can tell you about his punishment and I think I've sorted out the other matter once and for all."

"Drake?" Ginny was eager to know what punishment Draco had seen fit to pass, wondering if he was hard enough on him.

"Yes, Mummy."

"Daddy spoke to you about what you did?"

"Yes, Mummy."

"And?"

"I'm not allowed to go flying for a whole month," Drake answered flatly.

"A whole month." Ginny was impressed. She didn't honestly think that Draco would be that harsh with him but, as it turned out, he effectively removed the one thing that Drake would sorely miss.

"Yes."

"Well, I hope you've learnt a lesson from all of this?"

"Yes, Mummy."

"What have you learnt?"

"Don't touch Daddy's broom 'cause he won't let me fly for a month," Drake said despondently.

"Drake, is that all?" Ginny arched an eyebrow at him questioningly.

"And Angel gets hurt when I mis-- misb-- be naughty."

"Right!" She was finally happy with his answer.

Harry left after spending a short while with Angel. He felt more and more that he was intruding on the family, so he made his excuses and went home. He was still trying to squash the jealousy writhing through his system.

Soon after Harry left, Angel attached herself to Draco's lap and did not leave it for the remainder of the afternoon. She even took a short nap while snuggled on her father's knee. The family spent a quiet afternoon in each other's company, playing games with the children and telling them stories. Ginny was adamant that Angel be kept quiet and Draco was not foolish enough to argue with her. Molly insisted Draco stay for dinner. He and Ron even managed to be polite to each other at the table after Ginny threatened them with certain death if they were anything but.

Later in the evening Ginny and Draco went upstairs to tuck the children into bed. Draco went to Drake while Ginny went to Angel. After reminding Drake of their little chat today and what was expected of him, he walked across the hall to Angel's room passing Ginny on her way to Drake's room.

"Hey, princess. Feel good to be home?" Draco asked his daughter as he entered her small room.

"Yes, Daddy. Much better than hospital." Angel yawned widely; she was already sleepy.

"Good. Promise me you won't go flying again without an adult present, baby?" Draco's tone was slightly apprehensive, he didn't want to upset her on her first night out of hospital.

"I promise, Daddy."

Draco readjusted the blankets around her chin and lent down to kiss her forehead.

"Daddy, who's going to tell me a story tonight?"

"Oh-- umm-- I will if you like."

"Do you know the one about the flower fairies?"

"Ahh-- No, can't say I do. Do you think Mummy might know? I could ask her." Draco had no idea what story she was on about, but wanted to please her.

"No, I don't think so. Grandfather was telling me about them."

"When was Grandfather telling you about the flower fairies, sweetheart?" Ginny asked as she moved into the room. She had been listening from the doorway for quite some time.

"Last night, but he didn't finish the story 'cause I fell asleep."

"Oh, really?" Ginny looked askance at Draco.

His look of horror said all she needed to know, but she decided that perhaps Angel should confirm her suspicions in front of him.

"Did Grandfather visit you at the hospital last night, after I left?"

"Yep, he came every night and told me a story and he was there when I woke up." Angel told her everything she needed to know.

"Really?" Ginny quirked an eyebrow at a decidedly guilty looking Draco.

"Listen, sweetheart, do you think you can manage without the story tonight? Mummy and I have something we need to talk about." Draco didn't like the look on Ginny's face.

"Yes, Daddy."

"Good girl, go straight to sleep now," Draco said before leaning down and kissing her forehead. "Sleep tight, princess."

"Goodnight, Daddy. I love you."

"I love you too, princess." Draco's voice cracked as he uttered the words.

"Goodnight, darling." Ginny kissed Angel again.

"Goodnight, Mummy."

Ginny and Draco walked downstairs in silence. Once they reached the front room she turned calmly and smiled sweetly.

"Is there anything that you wish to tell me?"

"Umm-- look, Gin, I had nothing to do with it." Draco took the defensive immediately.

"Really? And what exactly did you not have anything to do with?" Ginny maintained her pleasant tone.

"Bloody hell! I knew this was going to bite my arse!" Draco cursed as he ran a hand over the back of his neck.

"What is going to bite your arse, Draco?" Her congenial tone was beginning to slip.

Draco led her to the couch and sat her down. He took the position next to her and kept hold of her hands while he explained. That way she could not make a grab for her wand and hex him six ways to next Sunday, like he suspected she might want to do when he finished.

"Father could not abide the thought of Angel being at the hospital on her own, with no one to look after her. So each night, just after you left, he would sneak back in and stay with her until morning."

"That explains why he was there most mornings before me."

"Gin, he did it because he cares about her and he didn't want her to be frightened if she woke up in the middle of the night alone and in a strange room." Draco was pleading with her silently to accept what he was telling her and not make a fuss.

"Sounds to me like someone's gone a bit soft," Ron scoffed from the corner chair.

"My Father has not gone soft. He happens to care about his family a great deal and if you see something wrong with that, then there's definitely something wrong with you," Draco snarled back at him.

"Ron, Lucius cares a great deal for the children and talking about him like that will not be tolerated," Molly admonished her youngest son. Having been at the hospital every day she could not help but admire the way Lucius and Narcissa handled both of the children. It certainly showed they cared deeply for the twin's.

"Yes, Mum," Ron muttered sullenly.

"Let me get this straight. Every night when I left the hospital, Lucius would sneak back into Angel's room and spend the night with her."

"Yes."

Ginny frowned in annoyance. "But the nurses wouldn't let me spend the night anymore and I'm her mother."

"They tried to kick father out too, but it didn't work. I think he intimidated them and after the first night they left him alone." A little fib here won't hurt, Draco thought.

"Oh." Ginny was not sure what to think. On one hand, she was glad Angel had not spent all those nights alone, but on the other she was annoyed that she was not the one to spend that time with her.

"Hey, you all right?"

"Yeah, I just-- well-- I'm a little annoyed that I couldn't stay."

"At least she wasn't alone."

"Yeah." She offered him a small smile.

As the evening wore on Ron and the senior Weasleys made their way upstairs, leaving Ginny and Draco quite alone. They snuggled together on the couch just enjoying each other's company.

"Gin, I'd love to take you away for the weekend," Draco whispered into her hair.

"Sounds nice," Ginny responded drowsily.

"How about this weekend?"

"What? This weekend? Draco, we can't. Angel has just gotten out of hospital." Ginny couldn't believe he would even suggest it. What if Angel needed a Healer?

"Shh, I'm not saying take the kids. I thought it would be nice if it were just you and me."

"We can't. I don't want to leave her yet. What if something goes wrong and she needs to go back to the hospital."

"The Healers said she was fine and my parents have offered to have the twin's for us, so there's nothing to worry about. They'll take really good care of them."

"I just don't want to leave her, yet." Ginny desperately wanted him to understand.

"All right, I guess there's no hurry. I just thought it would be nice to spend some time relaxing together after the last few days."

"It would have been."

"It's okay, we'll plan it for another time." Draco placed a kiss on her forehead.

They settled back on the couch just enjoying each other's company in comfortable silence. Draco desperately wanted to spend some real time with Ginny -- alone -- but he was at a loss as to how to convince her that she could leave the twin's. Then an idea began to form in his mind, but he had to be careful in how he conveyed it to her otherwise she may reject it without thought.

"Gin, I have an idea."

"Oh? And what might that be?" Ginny answered playfully, missing his cautious tone altogether.

"I feel we really need to spend some time together. We need to be able to talk without interruption and basically get to know each other again, on an adult level."

"Yes." Ginny was now frowning, not sure what he was up to.

"Well-- instead of actually going away somewhere, how about you and the kids come to the manor for the weekend?"

"The manor, with the kids? Doesn't that defeat the purpose of wanting to be alone?"

"Not necessarily. My parents can look after the twin's and we can hole up in another part of the house, but still be there in case we're needed. We needn't see anyone else, unless we want to."

"That might work you know--"

"Of course, it would work," he replied smugly.

"Only if the kids are comfortable with it."

"They will be. They love my parents. Just think, we could hide ourselves away in my chambers for the entire weekend and not see another soul."

"Draco, I'd have to have my own room. I couldn't stay in your room."

"And why not?" Draco asked sulkily.

"The children. We need to set a good example. Drake is already too well informed on the subject of sex. I don't want to be feeding him any more information."

"All right, you can have your own chambers. So you'll come?" Draco conceded smirking.

"Yes, I'd love to."

"Wonderful. We're going to have a great time, I promise," Draco whispered as he leant down to claim her lips.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*