Dragon and Angel

CHAPTER FORTY

TRIP TO GRINGOTTS

Draco held her for what seemed an eternity, and while in his arms she began to believe that everything would be all right--just as he promised. He hadn't run screaming from her and had categorically stated that he was going to be there; feeling safe in this knowledge, Ginny began to relax.

Draco reached his hand up to her face, wiping away the tears that had spilled down her cheeks.

"You're really happy?" Ginny asked softly as she searched his silver eyes for any hint of apprehension.

"Yes, Gin, I couldn't be happier. Why would you think I wouldn't be?"

"It's not like we planned this. Merlin we've only been back together for a few months and..."

"Does it matter to you that we've been together for a short time?"

"No, it's not that."

"Well, it doesn't matter to me either," Draco said earnestly. "Gin, I haven't been able to settle down for years and when you came back into my life I finally realized why--I've been in love with you all these years and no other witch can compare; they all failed in one way or another, even if they seemed perfect, they weren't you and you are who I wanted... want--I want you for life."

"You do?" Ginny spluttered as tears began to cascade down her face once more.

"Hey... don't cry, Gin; I didn't want to make you cry," Draco said as he took her in his arms again, running his hands up and down her back soothingly -- seeing her like this was ripping his heart out.

"I'm crying because I'm happy," she mumbled into his shoulder.

Draco moved back, holding her by the shoulders. "You're happy?"

Ginny nodded, smiling at him through her tears.

Shaking his head in disbelief, Draco muttered, "Bloody women--I'll never understand them."

"You're not meant to understand us."

"Do you want some breakfast?"

"No thanks, my stomach can't handle much before lunch, but you go and have yours. I think I'll have a shower and get dressed."

"If you're sure."

"I'm positive; if you don't eat soon, your stomach is going to start growling at you," she responded cheekily.

"My stomach does not growl at me."

"Oh really?" Ginny arched an eyebrow at him. Having felt his stomach bubbling when he was holding her close she knew he was hungry and it was only a matter of time before hungry growls would be heard.

"Yes really." Draco stood and had not taken two steps before his stomach turned traitor, growling loudly.

Stifling her giggles, Ginny swung her feet onto the floor. "Mmm... seems as though your stomach doesn't growl in the same way as you don't snore."

"I don't..." Draco turned to face her and stopped his retort abruptly when he saw her face.

She had baited him and he had bitten hard. Smirking, he advanced on her, gently pushing her backwards so she was lying on the bed with her legs dangling to the floor. Draco straddled her as she was still trying to smoother her giggles.

Bringing his face close to hers he whispered, "Now, Miss Weasley, I shall explain this once for your benefit: Malfoy's do not snore nor do their stomachs growl. If for any reason you think that you may have heard something akin to either of the aforementioned noises coming from a Malfoy, I assure you that it is your mistake."

"Really? Because I could have sworn that it was definitely your stomach making all that noise just before."

"Definitely not," he stated as he leaned in to kiss her.

Ginny pulled him even closer. Draco relaxed his body to lie on top of hers. When Ginny's tongue flicked against his lips, then slid inside his mouth and began to dance with his tongue, he lost conscious thought. He cradled her face, needing to touch her. Tracing her figure over the bathrobe, his hand made its way between them to the sash holding the garment in place; Draco released the knot and pushed the material aside, exposing her naked body. Gliding his hand up her abdomen, he continued until he reached one of her breasts. He kneaded the soft flesh with his long fingers, then seized her nipple and gently pinched. Ginny moaned into his mouth. He smiled to himself as he trailed his tongue down her jaw to her neck, pausing to nip lightly on her pulse point, eliciting yet another lusty moan from her.

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

"Draco... oh dear." Narcissa's voice floated in from the doorway.

"Shit... the door..." he grunted as control flew out the window and he spilled his seed deep into Ginny who was writhing in ecstasy below him.

Collapsing on top of her, Draco immediately swung his head to the side, looking at the door. Relief washed over him as he stared at the vacant space; he hoped the voice he had heard had simply been a figment of his imagination, but seriously doubted it especially when Ginny finally spoke.

"Did I hear your mother's voice?" she panted lightly, still trying to regain her breath.

Closing his eyes in resignation Draco exhaled heavily. "Yeah I think so, she's gone now."

"Oh god."

Grinning wickedly at her. "Yeah I think she heard you say that once or twice."

Ginny slapped his shoulder. "It's not funny Draco--it's embarrassing; she's your mother, she shouldn't have to witness... this!"

"Don't worry about it Gin. She'll just look at you funny. I'm the one who's going to get my ear chewed off about treating you properly."

"What?"

"Yeah she'll either attack me herself or she'll get in Father's ear and he'll be compelled to have one of those talks with me just to shut her up."

Ginny began to giggle. "Really?"

"Really and it's not funny. I swear she still thinks I'm fourteen sometimes."

"Oh poor, Draco."

"You..." Draco growled as he captured her mouth with his in a sensuous kiss.

Draco rolled off to the side and gathered her in his arms. They stayed wrapped in each other's embrace until Ginny began to shiver.

"Come on you... into a hot shower," Draco ordered as he rose from the bed bringing Ginny with him.

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

Narcissa hurried to the stables trying in vain, as she walked, to erase the most recent image of her son--it had seemingly been scorched into her mind and she was unable to shake the vision of Draco and Ginevra in his bed.

The sound of childish laughter floated over Narcissa and she looked toward the stable yard. Lucius was on his mount talking to Drake, who was perched on the wooden fence as he watched Angelique ride her horse around the edge of the enclosure. It was almost as if time had drifted twenty years into the past; Narcissa could just about believe it was Draco perched on the fence talking animatedly to his father and what she had just witnessed had been a bad dream.

Angelique's excited squeals pulled Narcissa from her thoughts as she drew closer to the stable.

"Grandmother, I can ride on my own," Angel called delightedly.

"You are so clever, darling," Narcissa responded encouragingly, smiling at her small granddaughter--she was to become a grandmother again, it had been confirmed.

"Narcissa?" Lucius' expression one of askance; he was curious to know what the Medi Wizard had diagnosed.

Narcissa nodded, almost indiscernibly, toward the children, conveying in one look she would inform him when they had the opportunity to talk alone.

Reading her message clearly, Lucius inclined his head in acknowledgement and continued, "Dearest, would you care to ride with us?"

"Thank you, but I am perfectly happy to watch."

"Then a chair," Lucius said as he drew his wand and conjured a comfortable chair for her.

"Thank you, darling."

Turning his attention back to his granddaughter, Lucius began to issue instructions regarding her riding style. "Angelique, keep your heels down and your knees tight."

"Yes, Grandfather."

"Drake, why are you not riding?" Narcissa asked.

"I want to go flying."

Lucius swung his attention to his insolent grandson and growled in a low voice, "We have already discussed this matter, Drake, and as before, if you have a problem with how the plans have changed, you can discuss your grievances with your father when he is available. Now apologise to your grandmother for your rude tone immediately."

"Sorry, Grandmother."

"Come here, darling," Narcissa said in a soft tone, indicating that Drake should join her.

Climbing down from the fence, Drake ambled over to where Narcissa was sitting and clambered up to sit on her knee.

"I'm sure your father will take you flying just as soon as he can, darling."

"We were meant to go this morning--he promised!"

"Yes he did, but that was before he knew your mother was ill."

"She's always sick in the mornings, she would have been better by the time we got back from flying."

"More than likely she would have been, but your father wanted to be there when the Medi Wizard arrived."

"Did he come yet?"

"Yes, he has."

"So is Mummy sick?"

"I don't think so," Narcissa answered carefully. She did not know if Draco and Ginny wanted the children to learn of their new sibling yet, and she felt it was not her place to inform them.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I haven't spoken to your parents yet, so I do not know what the Medi Wizard told them."

"Oh..." he replied as he leant back and rested his head on her shoulder.

It was almost midday when Lucius and Angel dismounted. After ensuring the horses were comfortable in their stalls, they made their way back to the main house for lunch. With Drake and Angel running ahead, it gave Narcissa an opportunity to inform Lucius of the morning's events.

Lucius draped his arm over Narcissa's shoulders as they walked. "Well?"

"Oh, Lucius, we are to be grandparents again."

"Really, how far along is she?" he responded skeptically.

"Healer Wilson said around six weeks."

"Excellent--wonderful news," Lucius responded vaguely.

"Yes, it is," Narcissa replied hesitantly.

"Is there something else dear?"

"It's Draco."

"He is not pleased?"

"No... no quite the opposite I think."

"The problem?"

"When Healer Wilson told them, Ginevra appeared to be upsetting herself again, so I showed Healer Wilson out and gave them some time alone, it was when I went to check a little later that..."

"Go on dear."

"The door was open to Draco's bedchamber and they were... were engaged in... a private moment."

"I see."

Narcissa stopped walking and turned to face her husband. "Lucius, you must speak with him."

"And why would I need to speak with Draco? If I am not mistaken you just informed me that they were in his chambers."

"He was extremely... rough with Ginevra and given her delicate condition..."

"I see and you wish me to speak with him accordingly."

"Thank you, dearest."

"Should Draco put in an appearance at lunch, do tell him I want a private word immediately following."

"You're not eating with us?"

"If you recall, I had intended to spend the morning attending to some urgent business, I will take lunch in the study and attempt to make a start on the more pressing matters."

"Very well, if you think it truly necessary."

"It is necessary, Cissa. With the children here, do you think I would do it if it were not?"

"Of course, dear, I will pass on your message for Draco," Narcissa responded despondently.

"Now, now, Cissa, I do not intend to work all afternoon, I will endeavor to be finished in an hour or so."

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

Narcissa had just settled the children into their chairs when Draco and Ginny entered the dining room.

"Mummy, do you feel better now?" Angel enquired brightly.

"Yes, thank you, sweetheart."

"See, Daddy, I told you Mummy always feels better by lunch," Drake sneered, still upset from missing out on flying that morning.

"Yes, you did, and I know you're upset about flying, but if you don't watch your attitude, you will find yourself banned again."

"Yes, Daddy," Drake muttered unhappily.

"Let's eat, I'm starving," Draco declared loudly as he pulled Ginny's chair out for her.

"Thank you," Ginny mumbled taking her seat.

"Mother, is Father joining us?"

"No, he has some pressing business matters to attend to, but he did ask to see you directly following lunch in the study," Narcissa replied pointedly.

"I wonder what he could possibly need to see me about," Draco replied sarcastically, grinning cheekily across the table at his mother. "I suspect he has some questions concerning the meeting I was detained in last night."

Narcissa wanted nothing more than to tell her son off for his earlier behavior, but could not broach such a subject up at the table with the children present. Swallowing her retort, she shot him a disdainful glare and turned her attention to the children.

"Grandmother, what are we going to do after lunch?" Angel asked.

"What would you like to do?"

"I want to go flying," Drake said strongly.

"Well, you will have to ask your father when he intends to make good on his promise, darling," Narcissa responded sweetly, but at the same time, shooting a malevolent look across the table to her son.

Narcissa's sweet sounding reply was dripping with poisoned honey, and Draco did not miss the intended barb, or the nasty look she sent him; clearly she was not pleased with him.

Looking directly at his son, Draco offered brightly, "Drake, as soon as I'm finished meeting with your Grandfather we'll go flying, all right?"

"You mean it this time?"

"Yes, I mean it. When you've finished lunch you can go put your Quidditich gear on."

"Yes!" Drake exclaimed as his face broke into a wide grin.

Draco ate his lunch quickly and excused himself from the table leaving Angel telling Ginny all about her horse riding ability. Aware of what Lucius wanted to see him about, Draco was positive it would not take long for them to stumble through the forced discussion and reach the mutual understanding that neither of them wanted to visit the humiliating subject again.

Reaching the study, Draco knocked briefly and opened the door. "Father? Mother informed me that you wished to speak with me."

Lucius looked up from the parchment he was writing on and laid his quill on the desk. "Yes, come in, Draco."

He walked into the study and took a seat across the desk from Lucius.

"Mother told you our news?"

"Yes, she is rather pleased at the prospect of another grandchild," Lucius intoned flatly.

"And you are not?"

"Reservedly so."

"May I enquire as to why?"

"I have concerns."

"Care to share?"

"You and Ginevra have not been back together all that long."

"It is not an issue for us. Anything else?"

"When did she conceive?"

"It would have been the last weekend she stayed at the Manor."

"I see. Did it not occur to you to use protection charms?"

"Apparently not," Draco replied flippantly.

"You are certain the child is yours?"

Draco rose from his chair, his expression dark, and snarled across the desk, "If that is all, I'll be getting back to my family now."

"Sit," Lucius commanded, "I am not yet finished."

"Father, I am warning you, I will not tolerate any..."

Lucius cut his son off authoritatively, "You are obviously certain, therefore that is good enough for me. Sit; your mother wanted me to have a word with about this morning."

Draco sat back down and regarded Lucius cautiously. "Father, I know what this is about, so there's really no need to..."

Lucius leant back in his chair, a knowing smile gracing his features. "I thought you might; however, your mother is concerned."

"Concerned? About?"

"Women in Ginevra's condition are delicate, and she wishes me to ensure that you are fully aware of the precautions you should be taking."

"Precautions? Father, given Gin's condition, I think it is a little late for such measures."

"I am not speaking of precautions that prevent pregnancy; rather, things you should be aware of once it occurs."

"I don't follow..."

Leaning forward Lucius placed his forearms on his desk and clasped his hands together, his expression serious. "Your mother is concerned that you may, inadvertently of course, injure Ginevra or the child."

"Father, I would never..."

"Yes, I know, but your mother did say that your... actions were somewhat vigorous."

"My actions?"

"Yes... I feel it would be prudent to remember that Ginevra is carrying your child and perhaps you could be a little... shall we say gentle with her?"

"What? Are you saying that I could hurt the baby by... by..."

"Exactly."

Shock and disbelief clearly showing in his features, Draco muttered, "I didn't realize..."

"Hence, the reason your mother insisted that we have this chat."

"I don't want to hurt either of them."

"I did not think that, just bare it in mind."

"I will ... I have to get back to Drake, I promised I'd take him flying this afternoon."

"Mmm... I must find some time to take a walk this afternoon and see for myself how well the boy flies."

"You should, he definitely has natural ability," Draco replied, pride clearly evident in his tone.

Draco rose and walked to the door, as his hand grasped the door handle, Lucius offered one more piece of advice. "Draco?"

"Yes, Father?"

"I strongly suggest that you ensure the door to your chambers is closed before you engage in such activities in the future, it doesn't do your mother any good to witness behavior of that nature from her only son."

"Of course, Father."

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

"Daddy, can't we go up now?" Drake was hopping from foot to foot impatiently beside his father.

"I'll just get your mother comfortable, and we'll be in the air before you know it, mate."

Drake stood with his new broomstick in hand watching his father conjure a comfortable chair for his mother, and then a blanket to keep her warm. Sighing loudly as his father tucked the blanket around her legs, it occurred to him that he was doing exactly what Grandma would do if she were sick. Approaching his parents slowly, so as not to be detected, Drake tried to hear the whispered conversation they were having, but was unsuccessful. He crept a little closer, forgetting he was holding his broomstick until a yelp from his father broke his concentration.

"Hey, watch what you're doing with that thing, Drake." Draco laughed as he rubbed his backside.

"Sorry, Daddy."

Draco ruffled his son's hair and bent down to make eye contact. "It's all right, mate, you've just got to be careful when you're walking around with your broom."

"Daddy?"

"Yes, mate?"

"Is Mummy sick?" Drake asked in barely a whisper.

"No, Drake, she's perfectly healthy."

"Then why are you wrapping a blanket around her?"

"It's a bit chilly, we wouldn't want her to get cold while we're flying, would we?"

"But Grandma only does that when you're sick."

"Does what?"

Drake rolled his eyes and told his father with thinly veiled impatience, "Wraps you in a blanket."

"Mummy is not sick, okay?"

Drake looked at his father doubtfully. "If you say so. Why isn't she flying with us then?"

"Umm... well, I guess she doesn't feel like it," Draco fumbled in reply.

"But Mummy loves flying."

"And so do I, are we ready to fly then?" Draco cleverly averted answering Drake's question.

"Yep, I'm ready!"

"Well, what are we waiting for?"

Draco and Drake both mounted their brooms and headed skywards, staying low for sometime before drifting higher. Angel ran around below them, trying her best to follow their path.

"Ginevra, you look comfortable," Lucius intoned as he approached her chair.

"Very comfortable, thank you, Lucius."

Lucius conjured a chair for Narcissa next to Ginny's. "Dearest," he said indicating to Narcissa that she should sit.

"Thank you, darling." Narcissa smiled sweetly as she sunk gracefully into the chair.

Lucius regarded Ginny closely for sometime before speaking up. "I believe congratulations are in order."

"Thank you."

Lucius smirked. "Draco certainly seems to be looking after you."

"Yes, he is fussing a bit at the moment, but I've no doubt that will stop as time goes on."

"Don't be too sure of that, if he's anything like his father, he will keep it up until you deliver," Narcissa assured her.

Snorting indignantly at the blemish his wife had just inflicted on his reputation, Lucius wandered over to stand where his son and grandson were flying in the sky above.

Turning to Ginny, Narcissa reached over and placed her hand on hers. "Lucius used to fuss over me terribly when I was carrying Draco, there is nothing more important to the Malfoy men than their children."

"Really? I wouldn't have imagined Lucius fussing over anyone."

"Oh, he doesn't like people to think he's capable of such behavior, but I assure you, he is quite loving, especially when it comes to his family."

"Draco has mentioned that before."

"You can believe him and you will see for yourself over time."

"I've already seen how good he is with the children."

"He would do anything for Drake and Angelique, if Lucius had the chance, he would spoil them rotten."

"I think he does already."

"Dearest, what he does for them now in only the tip of the wand, with the Malfoy vaults at his disposal, he is able to give them anything they could possibly want."

"Well, we'll have to keep a close watch on what Lucius gives the twins then, I don't want either of them to end up spoiled little brats."

"I fear the new baby will pose more of a problem."

"A problem?"

"Yes, he will know this new little one from birth, the bond will be stronger, thus making it more difficult to reign him in when shopping."

"I see..." Ginny began hesitantly. She could not imagine it would be Lucius who had to be reigned in when shopping; rather, it was more likely to be Narcissa.

"But that is not your problem, it is mine," Narcissa laughed lightly. "Now you must tell me how you are feeling."

"I feel fine."

"The morning sickness?"

"It usually disappears by mid morning."

"How long have you suffered with it?"

"Only a week or so."

"Oh, you poor dear."

"It could be worse."

"Yes, of course. How long have you known?"

Furrowing her brow slightly, Ginny replied, "Since this morning."

"But you must have suspected..."

"Umm... about two weeks ago I began to think I might be, but it wasn't until the morning sickness started that I truly believed I could be."

"Why did you not say anything to Draco?"

"I tried not to think about it, our relationship is still new and I didn't know how he would react," she admitted quietly.

"Oh dear, what a terrible dilemma for you."

"Of my own creation--I deserve no sympathy, Narcissa."

"Nonsense, of course you do," Narcissa said as she looked at Ginny compassionately. "I have been meaning to have a word to you about this morning."

Flushing bright red, Ginny barely choked out, "This morning?"

"Simply out of concern for you and the baby."

"Oh?"

"Draco is a man and men are not always aware of the damage they can inflict on women in your delicate condition."

"Draco would never hurt me."

"Not intentionally and there is the baby to consider. Such ... boisterous activities should perhaps be kept aside until after the birth."

"He's not..."

Narcissa cut her off to continue, "I'm not suggesting that you abstain totally, but from the ... display I witnessed this morning I'm concerned that he is overly rough and may cause some damage to you or the baby. Of course, I understand that you may like it that way, but there is a little one to consider."

"I... umm... errr..." Ginny stuttered; she was totally floored by Narcissa's lecture and had no idea how she was to reply coherently. Her mind was reeling--he couldn't hurt her and it would be almost impossible to hurt the baby, it was well protected within her, oh my god how am I to tell Narcissa that, surely she would know.

Ginny sighed in relief when she spotted Draco touching down near by. She was sure Narcissa would not continue the discussion while he was present.

"Mummy ... Mummy, did you see me flying?" Drake yelled as he ran up to the two witches.

"Yes, darling, you were wonderful," Ginny replied as enthusiastically as she could, trying to put the conversation with Narcissa aside.

"Gin, is everything all right?" Draco asked, concern etching his face.

"Yes, everything is fine," Ginny tried to assure him, but her voice did not sound strong even to her own ears.

"You look flushed, are you sure?"

"A little tired, that's all."

"Well, why don't we take you back to the house for a nap before dinner?"

"Dinner isn't for hours yet."

"You can have a long nap then."

Drake tugged on Draco's sleeve. "Daddy, aren't we going to fly some more?"

"Sorry mate, Mummy's tired and she needs to have a nap. How about we take our brooms to the Burrow tomorrow and show all those cousins of yours how to really fly?"

"Can we really?"

"Sure, now pick your broom up and we'll get Mummy up to the house."

"Okay, Daddy," Drake said agreeably as he wandered over to collect his broom.

"I'll just fetch Angel and we'll get you back to the house, all right love?" Draco said softly to Ginny.

"Umm... yeah."

Draco walked to where Angel was still running around in circles, chasing butterflies while Lucius watched on.

"Father, we're heading back to the house. Ginny's tired and needs to rest."

"Very well ... Drake is quite a flyer."

"Yes, I told you he was."

"He'll make the Slytherin team no doubt."

"I hope so, he certainly loves Quidditich."

"Trust me, Draco, you made the team and so will your son."

Draco smirked at his father's response before calling, "Angel, come on sweetheart, we're going back to the house."

"Coming, Daddy," Angel responded, giving up her chase of the butterfly hovering ten feet away.

Draco watched his small daughter run across the field to his waiting arms and could not help but hope the child Ginny was carrying would be another little Angel for him to cherish.

Scooping Angel up into his arms, Draco grinned happily at her. "Did you catch any butterflies?"

"Nope, they wouldn't slow down."

"That's a shame."

"I wish I had a wand!"

"So you can catch butterflies?"

"Yes, they move too fast."

"Angelique, you do know that if you touch a butterfly it dies," Lucius informed her as he fell into step with his son.

Angel looked at her grandfather with wide eyes. "They do?"

"Yes, if you touch their wings they die right on your hand."

Angel looked stunned as she muttered, "I don't want to catch them anymore, I don't want to make them die."

"It's still fun to chase them though, you can do that," Draco offered.

"Mmm... I guess I can still chase them, but I'll never, ever catch one," she told them, shaking her head in emphasis.

"You won't catch what, darling?" Narcissa enquired.

"Butterflies... they die if you touch them."

"Oh... who told you that?"

"Grandfather."

"Lucius, really you shouldn't be telling five year old little girls such stories," Narcissa scolded lightly.

"Dearest, the facts are not stories, I merely informed Angelique of what would happen if she ever managed to capture one of the creatures."

"Really," Narcissa sighed as she rose from her chair.

The family strolled slowly back to the manor; Angelique in Draco's arms, Drake with his broomstick, Lucius had taken Draco's broomstick and Narcissa had surprisingly linked arms with Ginny as they walked. Draco could not contain the smile that crept across his face; it was definite confirmation that Narcissa did indeed like the witch he intended to make his wife.

Upon entering the house, Lucius led the family to the parlor, and a house elf immediately popped into the room. Lucius passed Draco's broomstick to the small creature.

"Drake, Millie will take your broomstick," Lucius told the little boy.

"But she might hurt it," Drake protested, tightening his grip on the racing broom.

"Nonsense, if she does, she will face punishment. Now pass your broom to her so she can put it away."

Sensing his grandfather was getting impatient, Drake reluctantly handed over his broom to the servant, who popped out of the room as soon as she had full possession of both broomsticks.

"It's okay, Drake; Millie knows how to take care of brooms--she won't hurt it at all," Draco assured him with a wink.

"Okay," Drake mumbled.

"Perhaps some afternoon tea is in order," Narcissa announced as she moved further into the room toward her favorite chair.

"I think I'll pass, Narcissa. I'd rather just go straight up and lie down," Ginny declined gracefully.

"Of course, dear."

"Mother, if you could take care of the children for a few minutes so I can see Gin upstairs," Draco said.

Narcissa smiled brightly at her son. "Go ahead, darling. I'm sure the children are ravenous after their activities."

Sending his mother an appreciative smile, Draco put Angel on her feet and turned to Ginny. "Right, let's get you upstairs."

As the couple made their way out of the parlor and toward the grand staircase, they could overhear Angel quizzing Narcissa about her mother.

"Grandmother, is Mummy sick?"

"No, sweetheart, she's just tired and needs a nap."

"But Mummy never has naps."

"Well, she is very tired today, and she needs a nap."

Moving beyond the sound of their voices, Ginny stopped and faced Draco. "We're going to have to tell them soon."

"I was thinking maybe tonight we could sit them down and explain."

Her eyes widened. "So soon?"

"Tomorrow we have to tell your family, don't we?"

"Yeah, I guess so but..."

"Gin, the kids deserve to know before the rest of the family."

"Yes, you're right, of course they do. We'll do it tonight after dinner."

"Good, and tomorrow I'll make the announcement at lunch," his tone was unenthusiastic.

"It is tradition."

"Yeah, I know."

They walked in companionable silence; both lost in their own thoughts. Draco was focused on the afternoon ahead and what he had decided to do.

Ginny wondered how bad the reaction was going to be from her family once they were told. Perhaps it wasn't a good idea to tell them when they were all together or maybe she should be the one to tell them not Draco, she mused worriedly.

Reaching his chambers, Draco set about helping Ginny get ready to rest for the afternoon. It wasn't until after he had physically assisted her into the massive bed and was fussing with the covers for the umpteenth time that she spoke up.

"Umm... Draco?"

"Yes, love?"

"I'm not sick, you know."

"I know."

"I'm just pregnant."

Grinning at her broadly, he responded, "I know."

"Well, you're treating me like I have some fatal disease."

"I'm just trying to take care of you--look after you."

"And I appreciate the fact that you want to, but..." she hesitated as his face fell.

"But what?" he asked in a tone bordering on hurt and confusion.

I have to tell him or he's going to drive me insane, she told herself before continuing. "You're smothering me, I know you're not used to being around pregnant women ... The thing is, I just want to be treated as normal, like yesterday."

"Oh ... sorry," he responded softly, the hurt tainting his tone.

"It's all right, I really do appreciate you wanting to look after me, but I just need to be treated as normal."

"I'll try to remember that."

Smiling at him encouragingly, she replied brightly, "Good."

"Well, you have a good nap and I'll see you before dinner," he told her before kissing her forehead affectionately.

"You're not staying?"

"I was going to relieve mother of the children and, perhaps, do something special with them." Draco told himself that a little white lie now would enable him to hopefully make her extremely happy later.

"Oh, all right."

"Sleep tight, Gin."

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

Draco walked into the parlor where the rest of the family were partaking afternoon tea.

"Draco, would you care for some cake?"

"No, thank you, Mother. I wonder if you could watch the children for a short while? I've something important I have to attend to."

"Oh?" Narcissa looked questioningly at her son.

"And what would that be?" Lucius drawled eloquently.

"Just some urgent personal business," Draco replied, looking intently at his father.

"Are you positive that this is the time to be venturing forth into such endeavors?"

"Absolutely, this morning's revelations simply confirmed my feelings on the matter," Draco responded with conviction.

"I see. Is there nothing I can say to change your mind?"

"You are not pleased?"

"I'm not sure you will get the response you hope for, given this morning's events," Lucius voiced his concern with slight hesitation.

"I hope to get over that and convince her otherwise."

"If you are certain you will be able to do that, then there is nothing more to say."

"I am certain, Father."

"When will you be back, dear?" Narcissa enquired lightly, having followed the entire conversation.

"I'll be back before dinner, Mother, with luck, sooner."

"You are going to seek permission?" Lucius enquired somberly.

"Yes, Father, of course."

"Good luck, I fear you will need it given the circumstances."

Draco smirked. "They don't know yet and hopefully it won't come up."

"If it does?"

"I'll tell him, but only if he brings the subject up."

"Very wise." The personal tutelage he had given his son since the day he could understand had paid off--Draco had been a good student.

"I know, and if I'm to be back before dinner, I'd better get going. Drake, Angel, be good, I'll be back soon."

"Where are you going, Daddy?" Angel asked curiously.

"I've got some really boring business to attend, but it won't take long."

Drake looked at his father thoughtfully. There was something going on with his mother--he was sure of it, and now his father was leaving them at the manor while he went out to take care of business, but he never worked on the weekend when he was with them.

Draco turned to walk out of the room calling over his shoulder, "I'll see you at dinner if not before."

Narcissa rose from her chair. "Draco?" she called, walking toward him.

"Mother."

Placing her hand on his cheek, Narcissa sighed softly. With unshed tears glistening in her eyes, she said quietly, "I am very proud of you."

"Thank you, Mother," Draco responded in a barely audible whisper before placing a kiss upon her cheek and giving her the smile he reserved just for her, in moments like this.

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

Apparating into Diagon Alley, Draco made his way through the crowds to Gringotts. Entering the ancient bank, an involuntary shudder ran through his body; he hated goblins, and no matter how many times he saw them, they always made him feel creepy.

Draco cleared his throat before speaking to the goblin that was peering at him over a massive ledger. "I would like to make a withdrawal from vault number six hundred and fifty-four."

"And does sir have his key?"

"Right here," Draco told the goblin as he passed the key over.

"Very well, I will have someone take sir down to the vault. Griphook!"

Another goblin, who Draco assumed was Griphook, appeared at his side, and Draco followed the creature into the bowels of the banking institution taking care to keep a reasonable distance between them. The goblin whistled, and a cart came speeding toward them, only to stop right at the creature's feet. Stepping into the cart after the goblin, Draco clutched the bar tightly and tried to prepare himself for the journey to his personal vault, but the cart took off with amazing speed before he could take in a breath.

Feeling the cart beginning to slow, Draco opened his eyes and glanced around uneasily.

"Vault number six hundred and fifty-four," Griphook announced as the cart stopped in front of the door.

Releasing his white-knuckle grip on the cart, Draco scrambled on to the platform. He watched as Griphook used his key to open the vault and stood back as green smoke billowed from the now open doorway. Once it had cleared, Draco stepped across the threshold. Walking into the vault, he quickly located the little black velvet box he had placed there a few weeks ago. Opening the box, he smiled to himself as he examined the jewel within.

Draco put it into his cloak pocket and moved out of the vault.

"That will be all."

"Very well," Griphook replied before closing the door of the vault and leading the way back to the cart.

Once they had reached the ground floor of the bank again, Draco hurried from the building, glad to be in the fresh air once more and away from the goblins. He strolled casually to the nearest Apparition point. He had only one more stop to make on the way home.

Withdrawing his wand and preparing to Apparate, he could only hope that Arthur Weasley would grant him an audience right away.

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