Dragon and Angel

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Draco Apparated Drake and himself onto the back porch of the Burrow early Tuesday morning, without bothering to knock he followed his son into the house. Draco looked around cautiously for any sign of Ginny. Talking to the fiery witch over the Floo Network was one thing - confronting her face to face, after what he had done, was an entirely different Quidditch match.

"Grandma! I'm home," Drake shouted as he ran the length of the kitchen and into Molly Weasley's waiting arms.

"So you are and did you have fun with your dad?"

"Yes, I had a sleep over at the manor 'cause Mummy wasn't home."

"I know, we were very busy at the hospital yesterday. Guess what?"

"What?"

"You have two new cousins - Pippa and Scarlett."

Drake screwed his face up in displeasure. "More girls."

"Yes, more girls," Molly chortled as she bustled around the kitchen, continuing preparations for breakfast. "Draco, take a seat; breakfast is nearly ready."

"Thanks, Mrs. Weasley, but I have to get to work early - umm... tell Gin I'll talk to her later."

Molly turned to face him, the look on her face told him he was in trouble, big trouble. "I think Ginny wants a word with you before you go."

"Does she?" Draco replied, feigning innocence.

"Yes, but I'm sure you already know that."

Draco tried his best sheepish half grin on Molly - the one that usually saved him from his own mother's wrath whenever he found himself in disgrace with her.

"Draco, I have six sons, eight including Harry and you. Do you really think I've not seen that look before?" Molly had put her hands on her hips and was looking at him with amusement dancing in her eyes. "Besides it's not me that you're in trouble with."

"I--I'm not?"

"I'll leave it to Ginny to sort out - she handled Ron quite effectively. I will say one thing though - if I ever hear of you dueling in my house again, I promise you a meeting with the business end of my wand."

A sharp intake of breath was all that was heard from Drake when Molly mentioned her wand; the little boy quickly scampered around the table and took a seat quietly before she could find fault with him.

"Yes Ma'am... I'm sorry," Draco genuinely looked sheepish this time following the minor scolding he had received.

"Right well, sit down and I'll get you some breakfast."

Draco took a seat, not wanting to try his luck any further with the Weasley matriarch. He had no doubt that her temper was as volatile as her daughter's and probably twice as dangerous.

It wasn't long before a still sleepy Angel wandered slowly into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes. She hadn't noticed her father sitting at the table eating the bacon and eggs Molly had placed in front of him only moments before.

"Good morning, sweetheart. Would you like some scrambled eggs for breakfast?"

"Yes thank you, Grandma," Angel mumbled as she rounded the table.

Molly set about serving a plate for Angel and almost dropped it when the little girl squealed.

"Daddy."

"Morning, princess."

"Angel, how many times do I have to tell you not to squeal in the house?"

"Sorry, Grandma."

"Daddy, when did you get here?"

"Just a little while ago."

"Oh... has Mummy seen you yet?"

"No."

"You're in trouble." Angel's eyes were wide open and she nodded emphatically.

"Am I? How do you know I'm in trouble?"

"I overheard Mummy telling Uncle Ron off last night, and she said when she got her hands on you she was going to throttle you."

"Really? You do realize it's impolite to eavesdrop on private conversations?"

"Oh, I wasn't eavesdropping, Daddy - Mummy was yelling so loudly I couldn't help overhearing her."

"Oh, so I guess your mummy's really angry with me?"

"That doesn't even begin to cover it, Draco Malfoy," Ginny said as she entered the kitchen.

Draco rose from the table and started toward her. "But we talked... last night, remember - you weren't that angry with me because I told you myself - remember?"

"I was tired last night."

"And you're not now?"

"Right. Perhaps we should have a private word in the front room?"

Ginny turned on her heel and walked through to the front room without waiting to see if Draco would follow.

"Don't know why we're bothering... Everyone's going to hear anyway," he muttered under his breath as he followed her very slowly.

Draco closed the door leading to the kitchen behind him as he entered the front room of the Burrow, then he stood silently and braced himself for the onslaught.

"I just don't know where to start, Draco... I mean dueling, in front of Drake... how irresponsible can you get and he got hurt..."

Draco cut her off at this point, "That was your brother -- he pushed him across the room and that was why I lost control of my temper."

"I have already spoken to Ronald about his part in this childish feud the two of you seem desperate to keep going."

"I do not want to keep it going! I want it sorted as much as you," Draco's temper was rising as quickly as his voice to match Ginny's.

"Oh really? And your way of sorting it is killing my brother is it?"

"I told you last night - I lost control... I didn't mean for it to go that far."

"So you say. Draco, you would have killed him if Pansy hadn't been here!"

"I don't think so."

"She had to move your wand away - you'd already started the incantation."

"Well, if you actually think that I would have followed through with it then you don't know me very well," Draco snarled, his temper barely in check.

"No, I guess I don't," Ginny retorted hotly.

The statement hung in the air between them, both breathing hard and staring at the other in disbelief.

"Show him no mercy, Gin," Ron growled as he came down the stairs.

"Out, Ronald," Ginny shouted as she pointed to the kitchen door.

"Hey, I was only saying..." Ron started.

Draco took a step toward the redheaded wizard, "Don't say anything, Weasley, we don't need your opinion."

"Draco, that's enough," Ginny stepped in between the two men.

"Why? - Why the bloody hell should I leave it?" Draco demanded.

"Because I said to leave it," Ginny replied, her voice low and even.

"It's his fault we're having this argument now, if he'd just minded his own business none of this would have ever happened," Draco yelled into her face.

Ron reached over the top of Ginny and shoved Draco backwards, "Don't you yell at my sister."

"Ron... oh god... enough - both of you."

Draco stepped closer and began poking Ron in the chest, "Your sister and I would not be yelling at each other if you kept your nose out of our business."

"Yeah well someone's got to protect her and the kids," Ron countered shoving Draco in the shoulder again.

"That's my job not yours," Draco growled viciously.

"Fine job you're doing too, Malfoy, what about Drake - he got hurt last night."

"You're the one that hurt him," Draco screamed at him, reaching over Ginny and grabbing two handfuls of Auror uniform. "Ginny, move now."

Ron's arms came over and each of his hands latched onto the front of Draco's designer robes.

"No... God I've had enough... of both of you," she shrieked at them before ducking under their arms and running up the stairs.

Through the silence that ensued all that could be heard was a slamming door and the heavy breathing of the two wizards who were still holding onto to one another's robes.

Giving Ron another shake, Draco growled, "Look at what you've done now."

"Me... I didn't... That's all your fault, you stupid git."

"My fault... if you'd just shut it and let me take my son without making a scene last night, none of this would have happened," Draco screamed at him incredulously.

"Let go of each other now," Molly said in a commanding tone as she walked into the room closing the door behind her.

Ron and Draco instantly let their hands fall to their sides but firmly held their icy gazes on one another.

"Where is Ginny?"

"Upstairs, Mum."

"Right, you realize that the entire wizarding world heard the two of you going at it."

"Sorry, Mum."

"Umm... yeah sorry," Draco added.

"It's not me you need to apologize to. There are two very frightened children in the kitchen and one very upset woman upstairs - now who's going where first?"

"I've got the kids," Ron said quickly.

"They're my ki..."

Molly cut Draco off and gave him his orders, "Right, Draco, upstairs and talk to Ginny - that is if she'll talk to you."

Ron had taken this as his cue to head off to the kitchen and make his peace with the children.

"Go on, up you go," Molly said firmly to Draco.

"Yes, Ma'am."

Draco walked over to the bottom of the staircase, placing one hand on the banister he took a deep breath and willed his feet to begin the ascent to what would probably be his death - Ginny was going to kill him for his behavior and really, he couldn't blame her.

Reaching her door, he paused to listen - he could hear her crying; it felt as though someone was ripping his heart out through his chest.

Raising his hand he knocked softly, "Gin... it's me. Can I come in?"

There was no answer - he waited, but there was no noise apart from the sound of her sobbing. "Come on, Gin, please let me in - we can talk."

Nothing. He knew she was not going to grant him admittance to her personal space, not for a long while.

Sighing heavily, he leaned his head on the door. "I'm not leaving, Ginny - not until we talk."

It was in that position that Molly found him in a half an hour later, having not heard any yelling so far, she was curious as to whether Ginny had let him into her room.

"She won't let me in," Draco explained unnecessarily.

"Ron's gone to work - you go down and talk to your children. I'll talk to Ginny," Molly said gently.

"Can you tell her something for me?"

"Yes."

Clearing his throat so his voice wouldn't break, he uttered, "Tell her I love her."

Molly smiled softly at the young man standing in front of her. "I will, although I'm sure she knows."

"Thank you," Draco whispered, his voice not capable of more as he felt a myriad of emotions bubbling up through his body, threatening to explode any second.

"Go - see your children, they're waiting for you in the kitchen."

Draco wandered slowly downstairs, pausing in the front room to gather himself together as best he could before continuing to the kitchen.

"Daddy?" Angel said quietly.

"Hey, princess."

"Is Mummy all right?" Drake asked.

"I... I don't know mate - she's pretty upset with Ron and me right now."

"What's going to happen, Daddy?" Angel's tone sounded as scared as Draco felt.

"I don't know baby - I need to speak to your mum."

"You still love us, don't you?" Angel enquired hesitantly.

"Of course, what ever gave you the idea that I didn't love you anymore?"

"You had a big fight with Mummy and Uncle Ron - I thought maybe you wouldn't want to see us anymore," Angel confessed.

"Hey come here - you too, Drake," Draco gathered his children on his knees. "No matter what happens between your mum and me, I'll always be your dad and I'm no going anywhere, all right?"

Angel rested her head on her father's shoulder and murmured, "I love you, Daddy."

"I love you, princess and I love you too, Drake."

"Draco," Molly said very quietly from the doorway. "Could I have a word, privately?"

"Yeah sure," he agreed. Helping the children off of his lap, Draco stood and walked into the front room again.

Molly sighed, "She doesn't want to see anyone at the moment."

"But we have to talk, we can't sort it out if we don't talk."

"Yes I know, but she needs some time to calm down and sort herself out."

"How long?"

"To calm down - a few hours at the very least; to sort herself out - I can't answer that I'm afraid, she's been out of sorts for a week or so off and on. I'm not really sure what the problem is - she's been so emotional."

"What do I do?"

"Now you go to work, but make certain to Floo her this evening, do it early, that way if she won't talk to you at least you can speak with the children."

Draco ran a hand through his hair, "All right, I... I'm really sorry for this whole mess."

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

Over the course of the next two days Draco sent flowers, chocolates, balloons and anything else he could think of that might please Ginny. He Flooed the Burrow several times a day, but Molly always came back with the same answer from Ginny - she was not ready to talk to him yet. He was miserable; he missed her and the children desperately, but nothing he had done so far had made an ounce of difference.

It was Wednesday afternoon; the twins' birthday was the following day and if she thought he was going to stay away from them tomorrow, she had another thing coming. While he would much rather be on speaking terms with Ginny for such an occasion, he would not be missing another birthday celebration for his children.

Picking up a handful of Floo Powder, he threw the silvery dust into the fireplace and clearly intoned, "Pansy Parkinson."

As the familiar swirling began, he affirmed in his own mind that he was doing the right thing.

"Pansy?"

"Draco, how are you?"

"I'm not doing too well at the moment - Ginny's not talking to me."

"Yeah Ron told me - she's still not talking to him either."

"I need your help."

"Oh, Draco, I wish I could, but Ron..."

"Just listen, Parkinson. I just need you to make sure Ron is away from the Burrow tonight."

"Why?"

"I'm going over there - unannounced and I don't need any further scenes with Weas ... Ron to upset Ginny. Pansy, I have to talk to her."

"All right, that I can do - we're having dinner together anyway."

"Thanks, Pansy, do you think you can keep him really late?"

"No problem, I'm sure I can think of something to keep him distracted."

Draco screwed his face up, "I don't want to know - thanks, Pansy. I'll see you Sunday."

"Yeah, good luck with Ginny."

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

Draco waited until he was sure the children had been put to bed before knocking on the door. Although he wanted to see his twins more than anything, he knew that he wouldn't be able to speak to Ginny alone if they knew he was there.

"Mr. Weasley," Draco greeted the older wizard with a respectful incline of his head. "Is Ginevra available?"

Arthur smiled at the man standing on the front doorstep, "Draco come in - Ginny's in the kitchen."

Draco stepped into the house, "Mrs. Weasley, how are you?"

"Draco lovely to see you again. Is Ginny expecting you?"

"Umm... no," Draco replied, grinning cheekily.

"I see - she's in the kitchen, go on through."

"Thank you."

Draco paused in the doorway of the kitchen, watching his Ginny working at the sink - her back was to him and he found himself admiring the way she'd gathered her flaming red hair into a messy bun exposing the line of her neck. What he wouldn't give to run his fingers up that column of milky flesh and into her silken hair, unfastening it, allowing it to cascade down her back.

He was torn from his thoughts as she turned around to face him - her expression one of shock, but there was something else flickering in her eyes, maybe happiness - he could hope. Now that he was here and she was right in front of him, he couldn't remember what it was that he had wanted to say to her.

"Draco, what are you doing here?"

"Umm... I..." he cleared his throat and found his voice. "Ginevra Weasley, I love you and I'm not giving you up for anything."

"I... Draco, you can't just come in here with declarations of love after... everything."

"I just did."

"It's not that easy."

"It could be."

"I don't see how."

Draco walked over to her, "It's easy, Gin - I say I'm sorry then you say don't do it again and I say I won't, then..." he trailed off as he leaned in to capture her mouth tentatively.

When she didn't immediately push him away, Draco took it as a positive sign and moved his arms around to her back, slowly letting one drift down to the small of her back and the other up the nape of her neck. As she started to kiss him back, he tried to deepen the kiss running his tongue along the seam of her lips. While she did not allow him access to her mouth right away, Draco was persistent and it paid off as she finally opened her mouth, allowing him to explore further, her scent and taste enveloping him.

Eventually breaking for air, Draco rested his forehead on hers. "I am really sorry about everything that happened - my behavior was inexcusable. Please say you forgive me... I don't know what I'll do if you don't."

Still quite breathless from the kiss, Ginny took a few gulps of air before responding, "I forgive you - I think I over-reacted a little and I'm sorry - I don't know what's wrong with me lately."

Draco lifted his head off and brought a hand under her chin, tilting her head gently to confirm that tears were, indeed, gliding down her face. Gently he kissed each tear off of her cheeks, murmuring in between each small kiss that everything was going to be all right. Once satisfied that he had removed as many tears as he could, Draco pulled her into a tight embrace and held her for the longest time -- almost afraid to let her go, for fear he may lose her.

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

Drake and Angel burst into the kitchen on the morning of the twenty-fifth of March to many shouts of "Happy birthday" from family members scattered about the room.

Ginny swept over to her babies and hugged both of them at the same time. "Happy birthday, darlings."

"Thank you, Mummy," Angel replied as she hugged her mother tightly.

"What's for breakfast, Mummy?" Drake asked, pulling away.

"Your favorite," Ginny answered tapping him on the nose with a finger at the same time.

"Yummy... blueberry pancakes."

"Why don't you two say good morning to everyone while I get your breakfast ready?" Ginny suggested.

Draco had stood back, allowing Ginny to greet the children first, but he was determined not to allow anyone else near them until he had wished them a happy birthday. He was excited, if not a little more than the children about their birthday - given that it was the first birthday he had ever shared with them.

Slowly making his way to stand behind Ginny, he smiled down at the twins.

"Daddy!" Angel squealed as she tore around Ginny and flung herself into Draco's waiting arms.

Picking up his daughter, Draco held her tightly against his chest. "Happy birthday, princess."

"I didn't think you'd be here," Angel whispered her confession in his ear.

"I wouldn't miss this for all the Galleons in the world," Draco whispered in return, his voice breaking slightly with overwhelming emotion. He buried his head in Angel's hair so none of the other occupants of the kitchen would see the tears that had gathered in his eyes.

Holding her for what seemed an eternity, Draco did not let her go until she began to wiggle. Meanwhile, Drake had wandered over to greet his grandparents and godparents. Placing his daughter on the floor, Draco made his way over to Drake who was currently sitting on his godmother's knee as Angel ran around the room getting hugs and kisses from everyone else.

"Mind if I wish my son happy birthday?"

"Not at all," Hermione Potter smiled warmly at him. She was amazed at the changes she had noticed in Draco. He was certainly not the same boy they had attended Hogwarts with - not to say that they would ever be close friends, but she no longer harbored any ill feeling toward him despite what Ron had told them.

Picking Drake up into his arms, Draco propped him on his hip.

"Happy birthday, little man."

"Thanks, Daddy, did you bring our presents?"

"Drake Arthur Weasley Malfoy - what have I told you about asking for gifts?" Ginny admonished from the fire where she was preparing pancakes for everyone.

"But, Mummy, it's our birthday," Drake whined his defense.

"We do not do gifts today - we will do them on Sunday at your party."

"Why can't we do gifts today, Gin?" Draco asked as eager as Drake to get to the presents he had selected for his children.

"Because we don't! Birthdays are about more than just gifts, Draco; they are about spending time with family and friends. Now, I do not want to hear another word about it," Ginny said with absolute finality.

"Sorry mate, looks like we're going to have to wait until Sunday," Draco looked apologetically at his disappointed son.

"Breakfast is ready, everyone sit down and eat up while it's hot," Ginny announced.

After a great deal of shuffling, everyone had finally taken a seat - Drake and Angel had insisted on sitting to either side of their father, but Angel had wanted to sit next to Harry as well, and Drake was adamant that his mother be close by.

"Daddy, what are we going to do after breakfast?" Angel asked excitedly.

"Umm... actually I have to go to work, sweetheart."

Angel's face dropped, "Oh."

"You couldn't skive off?" Ginny asked quietly.

"I've got a meeting this morning, but I could probably skive off this afternoon."

"I think the kids would like that -- if you could manage it."

Draco smiled brightly at Ginny. "Consider it managed."

"Thank you," she mouthed in return.

"Why don't you come by the office at about lunch time with the kids and I'll take you to lunch?" Draco suggested.

"Mmm... all right then, sounds nice."

"Good. I know Father will be pleased to see these two."

Ginny smiled at him knowingly, for anything that Lucius Malfoy may have been in the past, she could not fault how devoted he was to her children.

"Mummy, where is Uncle Ron?" Drake asked, frowning as he looked around the table.

"Umm..."

Ron had left the house in a mood as soon as Draco arrived and had refused to consider staying even for the twins' sake. Ginny suspected that there was something else bothering her older brother; he had seemed distracted all week, and she was sure that it had very little to do with what had transpired between the two wizards on Monday evening.

"Your Uncle had to go to work early this morning," Molly told him.

"But Uncle Harry is here," Angel pointed out logically. Harry and Ron were partners, so it stood to reason that when one was working, the other usually was as well.

"Uncle Ron had some paperwork to catch up on this morning," Harry said quickly.

Angel looked curious as she pressed on, "Oh... so why aren't you at work too?"

Harry chuckled, "Because, unlike your Uncle Ron, I finished my paperwork yesterday."

Just as soon as breakfast was devoured, everyone, apart from the children, Molly and Ginny, left for work with loud choruses of "happy birthday" and "have a fun day" directed at the twins.

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

Ginny and the children arrived in Diagon Alley just before noon. She made her way through the busy street with the children in tow to the Malfoy Holdings building. Upon entering, they went immediately to the top offices where Lucius and Draco were situated.

Ginny approached Draco's secretary somewhat hesitantly. "Excuse me, I wonder if you could let Draco Malfoy know that Ginevra Weasley is here? He is expecting me."

"Miss Weasley, yes Mr. Malfoy alerted me you would be coming, unfortunately he has been held up in an important meeting and has asked that you wait."

"Thank you, do you have any idea how long he will be?"

"I am sorry, no."

Ginny walked over to the plush chairs provided for visitors. Taking a seat, she hoped Draco would not be much longer; the twins had been excitable all day and were unlikely to sit still for any amount of time.

From her position in the waiting area, Ginny could hear raised voices coming from behind the closed double doors across the corridor. It didn't sound as if the meeting was going to end any time soon and, as she predicted, it wasn't long before Drake began to wriggle in his chair.

"Drake, for Merlin's sake sit still!"

"But, Mummy, I need to go to the bathroom."

Muttering an oath under her breath, Ginny stood and approached the secretary again, "I'm sorry, could you tell me where I might find a bathroom?"

"Mr. Malfoy has a private bathroom in his office," looking past Ginny she noted a very wiggly Drake. "I'm sure he wouldn't mind if Drake used his facilities."

"Thank you. Drake, come here darling. Angel, do you need to use the bathroom?"

"No, Mummy. I'll sit here and wait for Daddy,"

"Okay, but don't go anywhere, all right?"

"Yes, Mummy."

The elderly secretary stood and led the way into the office, waiting patiently by the door as Ginny took Drake into the bathroom.

Angel could hear the voices from across the hall getting louder and louder; suddenly, she was able to pick out one booming voice above all the others - Grandfather.

Getting off the chair she looked around to see if her mother was coming back, but she could not see her at all. Very slowly she drifted towards the double wooden doors. As if under its own power, her hand floated up to the door handle, turned the knob and pushed the door open a little. She could see a room full of wizards all sitting around a large table and at the end of the table was her grandfather. The excitement of seeing Lucius sitting right there made her promptly forget her promise to her mother to stay where she was.

She burst into the boardroom, squealing as she ran the length of the table. "Grandfather!"

The room fell silent except for Angel's squeals of delight as she flung herself at Lucius and proceeded to climb into his lap, throwing her arms around his neck and planting a sloppy kiss on his cheek.

"Grandfather, it's our birthday," she exclaimed as she bounced on his knee.

"Angelique, where is your mother?"

"She took Drake to the loo."

Blanching slightly Lucius corrected her, "Bathroom, Angelique."

"Yep, the loo."

From the right side of the table a suppressed snigger could be heard, both Angel and Lucius looked to the source of the errant sound.

Angel smiled brightly as she recognized the wizard trying desperately to smother his amusement. "Daddy!"

"Hello, princess."

Lucius quirked an eyebrow at his son, questioning his behavior without the need for words, to which he received a nonchalant shrug of the shoulders and a cheeky grin, the one usually reserved for his mother whenever he found himself in her bad books.

"Look, Grandfather, I'm wearing the bracelet you bought me, isn't it pretty?" Angel pulled her robe sleeve up so all could see the platinum trinket he had purchased on Monday for her.

"It looks splendid on your wrist," Lucius complimented her in the same fashion he would his wife.

Another intrusion drew everyone's attention to the door. "Oh gods, Lucius, I am so sorry - I told her to stay where she was while I took Drake to the bathroom."

As she walked further into the room to retrieve her daughter, Lucius stood as his aristocratic manners dictated, hoisting Angel to sit on his hip, and the rest of the men in the room followed suit.

"Ginevra, a pleasure to see you again," Lucius drawled.

"I am truly sorry for the interruption," Ginny tried again to apologise.

Lucius held his free hand up to quell any further apologies from her. "No need."

"We'll leave you to finish. Angelique," Ginny called her daughter sternly.

"I want to stay with Grandfather."

"Now, miss, I will not tell you again."

Flinging her arms even tighter around her grandfather's neck, she began to wail, "I want to stay here."

"Angel," Draco growled, which only served to increase the volume of her weeping.

Ginny walked down to where Lucius stood with her daughter and attempted to take her from him, but her grip was so tight that Ginny's attempts were totally ineffectual.

"Perhaps she can stay, we are almost finished," Lucius offered.

"If you are sure," Ginny said hesitantly.

"She will be fine; we will bring her out when we're through."

"Very well and thank you," Ginny murmured quietly.

Gathering a very wide-eyed Drake on the way out of the room, Ginny returned to the waiting area, wondering if perhaps Angel's behavior may have repercussions once Lucius was not under the scrutiny of his employees. She knew that he had punished Drake on Monday, but the little boy had refused to talk about it - all that he would say was that he had spoken to his daddy and he was all right. Draco too had declined to elaborate on the punishment that had been delivered by his father.

Within the boardroom, Lucius and the other members of management took their seats again, as soon as the door had closed firmly behind the flame-haired witch. Angel was positively beaming around at all the old men from her position on her grandfather's knee, pleased with herself - having gotten her own way with very little effort.

"Angelique, you must remain quiet while we finish our discussion; otherwise, you will have to go and wait with your mother," Lucius explained to her quietly.

Smiling sweetly, she turned in his lap, cooed, "Yes, Grandfather," and placed a kiss on his nose for good measure.

Several of the men seated at the table cleared their throats and were deliberately avoiding eye contact with either of the Malfoy wizards. They had never before witnessed such behavior from anyone toward Lucius Malfoy and were unsure of what an acceptable reaction would be.

"Very well, I suggest we continue," Lucius suggested authoritively.

One of the wizards stood. "Yes, well... Where were we..." shuffling the parchments in front of himself, he suddenly looked directly at Lucius. "As I was saying before the interruption, if we were to close that section of the company, it would mean loss of employment to over one hundred families - it would be impossible to re-deploy that many people. I urge you to consider the implications of such a move on our world."

"That is not my concern."

"How can it not be, these people rely on their employment, here, at Malfoy Holdings."

"The department has been losing thousands of Galleons a month - it is not possible to sustain it any longer. It closes."

"Mr. Malfoy, I urge you to reconsider. Perhaps we could..."

"I said it closes," Lucius growled in a dangerously low voice.

"Have you no conscience!" the wizard yelled angrily toward the head of the table.

Angel fixed her gaze firmly on the aging man, her grey eyes blazing. "Don't you yell at my grandfather. You are a very rude man!"

"Angelique -- enough," Lucius ordered her quietly.

"But, Grandfather, that man is rude, he yelled at you."

"Yes, he is very rude," Lucius agreed fixing his steely gaze on his impertinent employee.

"He needs Mummy's wand across his bottom," Angelique muttered disgustedly.

Laughter erupted from the right side of the table where Draco was seated and quickly spread around the room; even Lucius could not suppress an amused smirk.

"Meeting adjourned," Lucius announced.

The men filed out, still sniggering to themselves and passing comments to one another about the behavior of the little Malfoy witch.

"Are you all right, Grandfather?"

"Yes, why would I not be?"

"That man was mean, he could have hurt your feelings," Angel said as she stroked his cheek gently.

"I assure you, Angelique, my feelings are quite intact."

Draco cleared his throat in an effort to control his mirth. "Hey, birthday girl, how about we collect your mum and brother then see about a special birthday lunch?"

"Okay, Daddy. Grandfather, are you coming with us?"

"I would like to, but unfortunately I have another meeting to attend."

"Can't you skive off?"

Trying to conceal his amusement at her innocently naughty suggestion, he simply stated, "No, Angelique, that would not be very responsible, would it?"

"But Daddy did."

"Yes, well I do not think that it is an appropriate time to discuss your father's continued irresponsibility."

"No, I guess not, but it would be fun."

"Come on, princess. I believe you may be the only one, apart from your grandmother, who could actually talk your grandfather into skiving off his meeting, so lets get you out of here before you succeed," Draco held his hand out to her.

"Okay, Daddy," she answered. "Bye, Grandfather." She wrapped her small arms around his neck and placed a wet kiss on his cheek before sliding off his knee and taking her father's hand.

"I'll see you tonight, Father."

"Yes, do have a good time this afternoon."

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

Draco led his family through the crowds in Diagon Alley to a small restaurant that he favored from time to time. As soon as he had arrived at the office that morning, he had his secretary make arrangements for a special luncheon at the establishment.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Malfoy," the receptionist greeted Draco as they entered the small restaurant.

"Good afternoon, I believe we have a reservation," Draco stated pretentiously.

"Yes sir, if you would like to come this way."

Draco led Ginny and the children further into the restaurant following the receptionist to an elegantly set table for four. He held Ginny's chair for her, then helped Angel into her chair and indicated to Drake that he should take the chair opposite his sister; Draco sat in the chair opposite Ginny.

"I will alert the chef that you have arrived."

"Thank you," Draco acknowledged curtly.

Ginny frowned quizzically across the table, "The chef?"

"I arranged a special lunch this morning," Draco replied smugly.

"Oh, I see and did your secretary mind arranging your personal life?"

"Of course not, she does it all the time..." his voice had trailed off as he realized that Ginny had just tricked him into admitting that it was not his doing after all.

She smiled knowingly, "I thought so."

"Well it was my idea," Draco insisted indignantly.

"And it is a lovely idea," she assured him.

It wasn't long before a team of waiters appeared, carrying large plates of what could be best described as party food for each of them.

"Draco?" Ginny arched an eyebrow at him.

"I thought the kids would enjoy it, and I kind of like party food," he confessed sheepishly.

Ginny looked around at the twins who were absolutely delighted with the selection of food that was presented on their plates.

"Can we start, Mummy?" Drake asked, eager to tuck into the mostly sweet treats.

Ginny sighed, "Yes go ahead, but if you end up being sick - you're your father's problem for the duration." She smiled sweetly at Draco to confirm her statement.

"They can get sick from eating this food?" Draco asked looking at his plate in confusion.

"Mmm... too much sugar and rubbishy types of food doesn't generally agree with anyone; well, with exception to Ron, but then he does eat anything and usually everything."

"So what happens?"

"Well, too much sugar makes them hyperactive, but it can also make them sick, their stomachs can only take so much before it revolts."

"Oh, kids just eat slowly and umm..."

"It's okay, Daddy, I promise I won't get sick," Angel smiled broadly before stuffing a piece a fairy bread into her mouth.

"Good - I think," Draco looked decidedly worried as he started to pick at his own plate.

Lunch passed quickly with lots of laughter once Draco had relaxed a bit, though he was watching both the children closely for any signs of oncoming illness. Dessert was an enormous cake with white frosting; the top had been divided into two sections - Angel's section was decorated with sugar roses and tiny fairies while Drake's half had candy snitches and broomsticks.

"Oh, Daddy, it's so pretty," Angel exclaimed, her delight evident in her sparkling eyes.

"Wow - it's got snitches, can we eat the snitches?" Drake asked enthusiastically.

"Yes the snitches are candy, Drake," Draco replied, pleased with the reaction the cake had evoked from the children.

Ginny leant over to examine the cake closely. "Draco, it's so perfect, and how did you arrange it so quickly?"

"I'm a Malfoy," he reminded her smugly.

Ginny laughed at his arrogant self-aggrandizing, "Merlin forbid I ever forget," she teased.

Draco waited until the cake had been served before broaching the subject of what he had planned, or not, for the remainder of the afternoon.

"Was there anything in particular that you wanted to do this afternoon?" he asked pensively.

"No, I thought you might have made plans," Ginny replied.

"I was just wondering if we could take the children to visit my mother, she'd love to see them today."

"I can't see why not - I'm sure they would enjoy it."

"Wonderful. It'll also stop Father from teasing her about seeing them earlier."

Before paying the bill, Draco arranged for the remaining portion of the birthday cake to be delivered to the Burrow so that the children could enjoy it over the next few days. Leading his family into Diagon Alley, they made their way back to Malfoy Holdings so that they could Floo to the Manor.

Entering the grand building, Draco walked straight to the hearths located on the ground floor. There were six hearths along one of the walls in the foyer; three of the fireplaces had lines of witches and wizards waiting to depart - the other three were obviously for arrivals as every so often someone would step out of one. It reminded her of the Ministry of Magic's foyer, only on a slightly smaller scale. Draco had pushed his way to the front of a queue and was already reaching for the Floo Powder when Ginny caught up with him.

"Draco, you should have waited your turn," she scolded quietly.

"Nonsense, they don't mind waiting for us to leave."

"Draco, it's not polite."

Draco looked at the people he had just pushed past, "Does anyone take exception to me getting my family home as soon as possible?"

Ginny looked around as she heard several replies of "No, Mr. Malfoy" and "Of course not, Mr. Malfoy". Still uncomfortable with the idea of jumping the line, she just wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible.

Draco grinned at her, "After you my love."

Ginny took Angel's hand and stepped into the large hearth, calling out "Malfoy Manor."

Stumbling out of the fireplace in the parlor of the Manor, Ginny quickly withdrew her wand and cast scourgify charms on both of them before Draco arrived with Drake, then repeated the charm on the wizards, before they went off in search of Narcissa.

"Millie," Draco called.

"Master Draco, you called Millie - how can Millie serve Master Draco?" Millie squeaked as she bowed low enough to scrape her nose on the floor.

"Where might I find my mother?"

"Mistress is in the rose garden..."

"Very well, dismissed."

Draco and Ginny walked out with the children to the rose garden to find Narcissa taking a leisurely stroll amongst her prize blooms.

"Grandmother... Grandmother," Angel squealed as she ran down the garden path.

"Grandmother, it's our birthday," Drake reminded her as he too ran to greet her.

"My goodness, darlings, I was not expecting to see you today," Narcissa beamed. "Happy birthday!" She gave each of her grandchildren a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"Mother, we thought we would surprise you."

"My darling son, so thoughtful - you know how I love surprises." Narcissa stroked Draco's cheek lovingly.

"Narcissa, lovely to see you again," Ginny smiled warmly as she approached the older woman and embraced her briefly.

"Ginevra, a pleasure as always," Narcissa returned.

"Grandmother, Daddy took us to lunch and they had a big cake for us and it had snitches and fairies," Angel told her quickly.

"Really? That sounds wonderful, darling. I shall have to see about some afternoon tea - we can't have you fading to nothing on us now."

"Mother, I really think the children have had quite enough for today; lunch was little more than poorly disguised sugar," Draco said seriously.

Narcissa looked at her son quizzically before noticing that Ginny had taken a step back, out of Draco's line of sight, and was furiously trying to get her attention without making a scene - from what the young witch was trying to indicate, Narcissa presumed that she was to play along with what Draco was saying. Continuing she added, "Perhaps some tea and pumpkin juice in that case?"

Ginny answered before Draco had the opportunity, "That would be lovely, Narcissa."

Narcissa arranged for the tea and juice to be served in the parlor as soon as they had returned to the house. When they reached the parlor, Narcissa sat on the love seat by the window with Drake one side and Angel the other. The three of them were talking animatedly about the day. Narcissa had already heard all about their luncheon at the restaurant, and Angel was now telling her about the horrible man who had yelled at her grandfather.

"He was a horrible man, Grandmother. He hurt Grandfather's feelings, but don't worry, because I told him that he needs Mummy's wand across his bottom."

Narcissa arched a perfectly shaped eyebrow at her son across the room, "Really?"

Draco's nod was almost imperceptible, as confirmation of the tale Angel had been telling her brought an amused smile to Narcissa's beautiful face.

Draco and Ginny sat on the other side of the room, enjoying the semi-privacy that came with having the twins occupied for the time being.

"You know, I've got their presents upstairs - would it really hurt if I gave them out now instead of Sunday?"

"Yes, it would."

"But... come on, Gin."

Ginny sighed slightly in frustration, "Draco we went through this first thing this morning. I want the kids to learn that birthdays are more than just receiving presents. They're for spending time with family and friends, it's why I give them a birthday party on another day, so that we can do the presents in a really festive setting."

"Yeah, I understand all that, I really do, but I just wanted to give them my presents - it is the first birthday I've ever gotten to spend with them."

"All the more reason for you to do things the way they are accustomed to doing them, it's less confusing for them."

"All right I'll wait till Sunday - but I want it known that I am not happy," Draco sulked.

Ginny laughed at his pouty face, "Duly noted."

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