Dragon and Angel

CHAPTER FIFTY

DINNER FOR TWO

Ginny awoke Monday morning to the sound of a house elf placing a cup of tea beside her bed. She'd not slept well and was feeling quite lethargic as she sat up to drink her tea. This morning was the first time she'd awoken alone in a week and she missed Draco's presence.

While she sipped her tea, her mind began to go through what had been planned for the day. Excitement began to bubble in her stomach. Today she would chose her wedding dress and by this evening they would have a firm date for the ceremony. The wedding would truly begin to take shape then. They'd spent hours the day before finalizing the guest list so as soon as the invitations were ready they could be checked and Owled. Narcissa was making contact with the caterer this morning to make a tentative booking and arrange a meal for them one night this week to sample the food.

With time ticking on, Ginny rose and dressed for the day after a quick shower. Molly was busy cooking breakfast as she walked into the kitchen.

"Morning, Mum."

"Good morning, dear. Did you get your tea?" Molly asked tightly.

"Yes, Mum," Ginny responded with a smile. Draco had told Molly the night before that a servant would be delivering Ginny's tea, whether she liked it or not. It had been quite amusing to watch the two of them. Draco was determined to look after Ginny even though she was not staying at the manor and to Molly's credit she didn't outright refuse admittance to the servant, even though to thought of a house elf popping in every morning bothered her immensely.

"Mummy, are we really going to Aunty Mione's today?" Angel bounced excitedly in her seat.

"Yes, sweetheart. Aunty Mione is dying to see you."

When Molly had mentioned to Hermione that they were shopping for Ginny's dress, she had offered to have the twins for the day so they could shop in peace. Ginny was so grateful to her. She hadn't been looking forward to dragging Drake into such shops and Angel would have been overwhelmingly excited. Now, rather than being disappointed she couldn't come, Angel was happy to be spending the entire day with her godmother. Drake seemed to be simply thankful that he didn't have to suffer the indignities of looking at frilly girlie things while trying to behave himself.

"You'd better eat something, Ginny dear. We've a lot to get through today," Molly clucked as she served the twins.

"Yes, Mum."

"You need your energy," Molly told her as she placed a full plate in front of her.

As soon as the appropriate charms had been cast to scour the pans, Molly bustled upstairs to dress for their outing. When the twins had finished eating, Ginny sent them up to dress and gather anything they wanted to take with them to the Potters. Ginny cleaned their dishes and finished tidying the kitchen while she waited for everyone to reappear downstairs.

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

Ginny and Molly left the twins with Hermione and went straight to Diagon Alley. The address Narcissa had given Ginny for her couturier was in Muggle London. They had decided to walk from the Leaky Cauldron, because they were unfamiliar with the area so they weren't sure if they could Apparate safely without the knowledge of the Muggles.

When they arrived at the address on the parchment, they entered and were greeted by a middle-aged man. "Don't tell me! You're Miss Ginevra."

Ginny was a little perturbed when the excited man knew her name. "Err... yes."

"And this must be your lovely mother. Come in, come in. Mrs. Malfoy's owl arrived just moments ago."

Molly frowned and continued cautiously. "Owl?"

"Yes, she wanted to make sure I looked after you personally. I'm Galor!"

"You're a wizard?" Ginny hoped he was a wizard. The last thing she had time for was trouble from the Ministry.

"Yes! You didn't think I was a Muggle, did you?"

Ginny's relieved smile brightened her face. "The way you dress and this is Muggle London."

"The Muggles look at me funny when I wear robes down the street and, to be honest, I'm here because Muggles are willing to pay a load of money for my designs."

"Oh, I didn't--"

"It's all right. Now, Mrs. Malfoy told me you're marrying her handsome son."

"Yes."

"Well, aren't you the lucky one!"

Ginny's eyes widened, suppressing a fit of giggles she felt threatening to burst forth when her mother nudged her. There was no doubt in either of the witch's minds about the preferences of the wizard in front of them.

"I have a large number of gowns you may be interested in, but it would help if you could give me an idea of what you had in mind."

"Something traditional."

"Lovely! There's nothing more stunning than a bride in a huge white gown," he sighed. "Now, when is the big day?"

"We'll have a certain date by this evening, but it'll be in about six weeks."

"Six weeks! Oh my, that doesn't give us much time." Galor fanned himself with one of his hands. "Not to worry, we can do it!"

"I don't want anything overly fancy."

"Well, that will certainly help with the time constraints, but don't feel you can't have anything you want, darling. We can work day and night so you look beautiful on you special day."

Ginny smiled at the man. She had the feeling that he wouldn't work day and night for just anyone.

"Well ladies, why don't we all take a seat and we can begin selecting that special frock?" With a discreet wave of his wand the door of the shop locked and the windows were instantly covered with a light fog so the Muggles couldn't see inside. "Can't have them knowing our secrets."

Once Ginny and Molly had settled on a small sofa, Galor began to parade dresses out for their perusal. The gowns floated past as if worn by invisible models and Galor extolled the virtues of each of his creations.

"Just let me know if any take your fancy and we'll put them aside for you to try on later."

"They're all so lovely," Ginny sighed. This was going to be a hard decision, much harder than she anticipated. "I thought I knew what I wanted."

"Your try on pile can be as large as you like, darling. That's the only way you're going to know if the gown is really you."

The pile of dresses to be tried on grew steadily as more and more designs were paraded past the women. Over two hours, Galor had shown them anything that vaguely resembled Ginny's description of traditional, but not too fancy.

"Are you ready to start trying some of these on now, darling?"

"Yes, I guess I should start." Ginny eyed the rack of dresses she had chosen with trepidation. They'd already been here for hours and by the looks of it, would be lucky to make it out by closing time.

Galor set her up in a large dressing room and she began to put the gowns on, one by one. Only when Galor was happy with how the gown was sitting on her, was she allowed to parade it for her mother. After what seemed like the hundredth dress, Galor stood back regarding her pensively.

"You have the most exquisite shoulders."

Ginny blushed. It was an odd compliment and she wasn't exactly sure what he meant by it. "Thank you."

"You know, I think I have the perfect frock for you. It's a bit fancier than you probably wanted, but it would look smashing on you."

"I guess I could take a look at it," Ginny muttered vaguely. One more dress wouldn't make much difference, even if it wasn't what she had envisioned. Then again, by this time she was no longer sure what she had envisaged.

"Oh no! You must try this one on to fully appreciate its beauty."

"Okay, I'll try it on," she agreed somewhat tiredly.

"Wonderful! You're going to love it!" He bustled out of the dressing room and into a private area of the store.

Within minutes, Galor returned and in his arms he carried the dress he thought was perfect for her. After helping her into the creation, Galor didn't allow Ginny to look in the mirrors before she paraded the dress for her mother. He didn't want her to get a pre-conceived idea of what she looked like before she had received the compliments he knew her mother would bestow upon her.

She stepped hesitantly out of the dressing room and walked slowly toward Molly.

"Oh my!" Molly gasped. "Ginny, you look beautiful!"

Galor clapped his hands together. "I knew it! This is your dress!"

"Can I at least look in the mirror and see what you two are so excited about?"

Galor giggled. "I didn't let her see how lovely she looked." With a wave of his wand she found herself surrounded by full-length mirrors.

Speechless was the most apt way to describe her reaction. Ginny couldn't seem to look into enough of the mirrors at once. With every turn of her head another perfect view of the dress came into sight.

"Ginny, what do you think?" Molly had walked over to join her daughter.

"I love it!"

"I just finished it last week. At the moment it's the only one in existence."

"We'll take it," Molly said firmly.

"Mum!"

"Ginny, dear you deserve the most beautiful dress."

"But the money--"

"Draco told me not to even ask how much."

"Draco told you that?"

"Yes, dear. Last night. He wants you to have the very best."

"I must admit, I've been instructed not to discuss price with you," Galor confessed seriously.

"Why?"

"You tell me, darling."

Ginny rolled her eyes at the man. "All right we won't talk about price. I'll take the dress."

"Lovely. Now do you want me to keep it as an exclusive one of?"

"Does it make a difference?"

"Do you want every bride getting married in the next twelve months to be wearing your dress?"

"I didn't really think--"

"Well, you needn't make the decision right now. It's not like I'm going to start another one right away. Merlin knows, that one took enough out of me."

Another hour of deciding on shoes, gloves and lingerie had Ginny feeling more than a little exhausted. The two witches left the shop with a promise from Galor that he would create a unique veil and select a tiara to go perfectly with the dress. They made their way back to Diagon Alley, so they could eat a late lunch in familiar surrounds at the Leaky Cauldron.

When Molly was satisfied that Ginny had rested enough and had eaten a healthy lunch, the two witches went to the printers. Invitations had yet to be chosen and it was proving to be a difficult decision for Ginny. There were so many different designs, she didn't know if she preferred one over another or what Draco would favor. After much indecision the printer suggested that she take a few samples home with her to show her fiancé. Perhaps they could come to a decision together.

Rather than both women going to the Potters to pick the twins up, Molly went home to make a start on dinner. Ginny Disapparated to Hermione's to retrieve the twins and hopefully sit down for a lovely cup of tea.

"Hello... Is anyone here?"

"Mummy!" Angel ran to the front door and into her mother's arms. "Did you get your dress? What's it like? Can I see it?"

"Slow down, sweetheart," Ginny laughed. "Yes, I got my dress, but you can't see it yet because it's still at the shop."

"Oh, Aunty Mione and me wanted to see it." Angel pouted at her mother as if doing so would make the dress appear.

"Later in the week we can go and have a look."

"Really?"

"Really. We still have to get your dress so we have to go back to the shop."

"Ginny, you had some success today by the sounds of it," Hermione said happily as she wandered into the room.

"Yes, I'm relieved that my dress is at least taken care of. Now I just have to worry about what everyone else is wearing."

"It'll all come together. I've just made a pot of tea."

"You're an angel. I'd kill for a cup of tea right now." Ginny followed Hermione into the kitchen, sitting at the table while her friend poured two cups of tea.

"Drake, are you under all that mess somewhere?"

Drake's chocolate covered face broke into a bright grin. "I'm here, Mummy."

"I was beginning to wonder. Maybe you should put your cake down and go wash your face."

"Do I have..." the little boy's voice trailed off as Ginny nodded at him. Drake knew the alternative was to have his mother assist him with washing his face and that was too humiliating to contemplate.

Ginny and Hermione sat drinking their tea while Ginny described her wedding dress to her and a very rapt Angel. She discussed the selection of the invitations with her as well. Like Ginny, Hermione had found it immensely confusing when she'd had to select her own, her only advice was to discuss it with Draco and see if he had any preferences. After two cups of tea, Ginny decided it was time to head back to the Burrow. Her mother would need help with dinner and she want to be there when Draco arrived directly from work.

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

"Daddy!" Angel burst out of the house, running across the yard into Draco's arms. "I missed you today!"

"I missed you, sweetheart." He held her tight. "Did you have fun at Aunt Hermione's today?"

"Yep! We made a cake, and then we played a game with words, it was sort of boring, and then we made soup and sandwiches for lunch, and then we went for a walk, and then we ate our cake, and then Mummy came to pick us up."

"Wow! You got a load done today. Where's Drake?"

As if on cue Drake wandered out of the house. "Angel, Grandma said don't squeal."

"Hey, mate, did you have a good day?"

"Yeah, it was all right. Aunt Hermione always wants to play silly games with us and Uncle Harry wasn't here."

"Uncle Harry was at work. I spoke to him this morning and he said to tell you hello." Draco ruffled his son's hair. "Remember, we're going to set up a regular day for you to see your Uncle Harry."

"When?"

"We're having lunch later in the week to talk about it. Would you like to come?"

"Can I really?"

"Of course. We're going to talk about a day to get you two together, so I can't see why not."

"Can I come too, Daddy?"

Draco watched a dark expression cross Drake's face. He'd come to realize that time with the men was very important to the little boy and it was possibly something he'd not had a lot of in the past, given his age. "Won't you be busy with all the girlie wedding stuff?"

"But I can have lunch."

"You could, but I know a lot of wedding stuff gets discussed over lunch. I don't know what it is with witches and food that makes them want to plan weddings. Still, if you don't mind missing out on some of the wedding planning--"

"Maybe I should stay with Mummy in case she needs me."

Draco winked slyly at Drake. "That sounds like a better idea. You wouldn't want to be off with us when Mummy needed your advice on the wedding."

"What's this you're planning?" Ginny stood just a short distance away. Her arms were crossed over her chest and one eyebrow was quirked at him.

"Hello, love. I was just telling Angel how she'd be better off staying with you instead of coming to a boys' lunch."

"Really? Sounded more like you were bribing her to stay with me."

"Love, I wouldn't do that. She'd be bored sitting around listening to wizards talk. The wedding plans are far more exciting for a little girl."

She gave him a dubious look. "You two need to go wash up for dinner."

"Okay, Mummy."

"Daddy, can you carry me to the bathroom?"

"I think you can walk, princess. Besides, I want to talk to Mummy."

Angel sighed affectedly as Draco put her on her feet. When the door had closed behind the twins, Ginny turned her attention back to Draco.

"Mind telling me what that was all about?"

"You know we're setting up a day for Harry to see the kids."

"Yes."

"We're having lunch later in the week and I thought Drake might like to join us."

"Why not Angel?"

"I get the feeling he needs to spend some time with the men."

"What gives you that impression? He's always been surrounded by men. I have six brothers in case you forgot."

"Well, maybe it's me he needs to spend some more time with." His arms wove around her waist and he drew her against his body. "I missed you this today," he whispered.

Ginny had no opportunity to reply as his head dipped and his mouth captured hers firmly. As she melted into him, heat ran through her body, right to the tips of her toes.

Draco raised his head so his mouth hovered just above hers. "I have good news."

"Do you?"

"Are you free on May twenty-eighth?"

She grinned cheekily at him. "The twenty-eighth... I think so."

"Marry me?"

"Yes!" Ginny's arms went around his neck as her feet left the ground.

"It can't come fast enough, love," he muttered into her neck.

"Oi, Malfoy! Do you mind not mauling my sister where I can see? Does nothing for my appetite," Ron requested gruffly as soon as he Apparated into the yard.

"Ron, we have a date!" Ginny all but squealed.

"That's nice, you can take the mauling elsewhere then."

"A date for the wedding you silly git."

"Oh, so when do I have to get my dress robes out?"

"May twenty-eighth," Draco supplied.

"Great, looking forward to it," Ron responded in a less than enthusiastic tone before stalking inside.

"Don't worry about him, he probably had a bad day at work," Ginny said.

"So, how was your day?"

"Good. I found my dress."

"At Galor's?"

"Yes, and why did you tell Mum not to even ask about the price?"

"Because I don't want you to worry about things like that. We're only doing this once so I want you to have everything you've ever dreamed of."

Ginny placed her hand on his cheek. "I already have everything I ever dreamed of--you."

"I love you, Gin."

"I love you."

"Please! It's bad enough you maul each other. My ears don't need to hear that rubbish," Ron growled from the doorstep.

"Ron, what do you want?"

"Mum said dinner's ready."

"Okay, we're coming."

Ron stayed on the doorstep, waiting for the couple to join him.

"Ronald, we'll be in soon!"

"Yeah, whatever." Ron wandered back into the house shaking his head.

"Now, where were we?"

"I think we were here--" Draco's hands cupped her face and he claimed her lips gently.

His kiss was soft and lingering, sending tingles through her body again. Heat began to creep up her thighs and she thought her knees might give way as his hand slid into her hair.

His mouth trailed over to her ear. "I guess we should go in before your brother comes out again."

"Mmm... We should." Ginny felt the loss of contact instantly as Draco pulled away. When they entered the kitchen, the family was already seated at the old wooden table.

"We were about to send out a search party for you two," Arthur boomed good-naturedly.

"Let's just eat before the warming charms wear off," Molly fussed as she began serving the children.

Ginny flushed crimson, muttering an apology as she took her seat.

"Did you get someone to officiate at the wedding, Draco?"

"Yes, we've set a date," Draco responded happily. "May twenty eighth."

"Wonderful, now we can plan everything without hesitation."

"I Flooed Mother as soon as I had confirmation so she could book the caterer."

"Ginny, you can take the guest list to the printers tomorrow and have them get underway. The invitations should go out as soon as possible."

"I'll do that when I go to Diagon Alley tomorrow."

"Did you get to the printers today?"

"Yes, I've got some samples to show you after dinner."

"Love, whatever you choose will be fine."

"I want your opinion."

A muffled snigger from Ron was cut off by a sharp slap to his shoulder from his mother.

"What else do you have to do tomorrow?"

"Flowers, attendants' dresses, attendants gifts, printers... oh, I have to see what night your mother was able to book dinner with the caterers and Floo Colin to see if he's available to photograph the wedding."

"I'll Floo Mother after dinner, if you like."

"Thanks. I suppose I should make a list of everything I have to do this week. Otherwise, I know I'm going to forget something. I need to double check some of the other things your mum was doing too."

"I could get Mother to take care of the printers, if you like. It's just dropping off the guest list and placing the order, isn't it?"

"Yes, but I'll be in Diagon Alley anyway so I may as well take care of it while I'm there."

"What about the twins? Where are they going to be while you're running around doing everything?"

"Mum's going to watch them and I'm going on my own."

"I'm sure Mother wouldn't mind joining you."

"No, it's all right. Your mother has enough to do herself. It'll be quicker if I go alone."

"I don't want you over doing it."

"Draco, it's fine. Honestly, I'll get everything done a lot quicker, and with less stress if I go alone."

"All right, but if you--"

"I'll be fine."

Molly sensed that Ginny's temper was beginning to fray over Draco's seemingly over-protectiveness of her condition. "Draco, who did you get to preside over the wedding?"

"Actually, I think you'll be please with who I secured."

"Oh?"

"Professor Dumbledore."

"I didn't think he performed wedding ceremonies anymore," Arthur mused aloud.

"Not usually, but everyone was busy and Father reminded me that he was the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. He's more than qualified and he agreed to perform the ceremony."

"You're very lucky to have such a respected wizard agree to marry you," Arthur informed him.

"It's a relief that we can get on with the other plans now," Molly stated.

"Mother was quite relieved to have a definite date too."

"Does Dumbledore want to meet with you before the ceremony?" Arthur asked.

"Yes, in a week or two."

"I thought he might."

"I told him we'd go to him," Draco announced with conviction. He knew Ginny would more than likely object with everything else she had to do, but he saw it as an opportunity to force her to take a few days break.

Ginny's eyes popped wide open. "To Scotland?"

"We can visit Uncle Sev while we're there. He'd love to see the twins."

Ron began to choke as laughter tried to burst forth through his full mouth.

"When can we go, Daddy?" Drake asked eagerly.

"Next week if Mummy has the time."

"Mummy, can we please go next week? I want to show Uncle Sev my potions stuff Grandfather gave me for my birthday."

"We'll see. I've got a lot to do before we think about visiting Hogwarts."

"You could visit Charlie and Anya while you're there," Molly suggested. "It would be a nice break for you, dear."

"It would be good for you to take a few days break from the wedding plans," Draco reiterated while silently thanking Molly for her support, even though she hadn't known of his plan.

Ginny placed her cutlery on her plate forcefully. "I've only just started the wedding planning."

"And by next week you'll be overdue for a break. Healer Wilson said you still have to rest."

Ginny gave Draco a hard look. "I'll rest when everything is done."

"Love, we have to go and meet with Professor Dumbledore, so you'll be taking at least two days off next week if I can make it happen." He kept his tone even, but unassailable.

"Two days? It's not going to take two days."

"No, but we have to get to Hogwarts with the kids, meet with Dumbledore, see Uncle Sev and your brother. The kids are going to want to play with their cousins. We'll spend the night in Hogsmeade, and that way we don't have to rush everything."

"I'm sure Charlie and Anya would be happy to have you stay with them," Molly interrupted.

"There's a thought," Ron agreed heartily. There would be no way Charlie would let them share a room at his house. It wasn't that he didn't realize what they got up to behind closed doors, Ginny was pregnant, it was that he'd rather not think about such activities and his sister in the one thought.

"We wouldn't want to inconvenience anyone. It's easier if we stay in Hogsmeade," Draco countered politely.

"Nonsense, I'll Floo Anya tomorrow and let her know you're coming," Molly insisted.

"Really, it's not necessary, Molly."

"It's all right, Mum. I'll Floo Anya when we know we're going," Ginny added.

"Okay, dear."

"Mummy, when are we going to get my dress?" Angel was tired of all this talk about the wedding and Hogsmeade that didn't concern her.

"Later in the week. We'll get yours at the same time as the bridesmaids."

Draco had been giving his own groomsmen some thought and had to match his friends to Ginny's so everyone would be happy with their partner for the day. "How many attendants are you having, Gin?"

"Umm... I don't know yet."

"As soon as you figure it out let me know. I have to make sure there's enough groomsmen, so they all have partners."

"I know, I know. I just don't know who else to ask."

"Who do you have so far?"

"I haven't actually asked yet, but I want Hermione and Pansy. After them, I don't know." Ginny's frustration was clearly depicted in her tone.

"Why don't we go through everyone after dinner? As you choose a bridesmaid, I can choose a groomsman."

"Okay, we'll do that after dinner too." Ginny ran her hand through her hair. She was tired and wanted nothing more than to curl up with Draco and not think about the wedding as she drifted off to sleep.

"We can do it tomorrow night if you're not up to it tonight," Draco offered sincerely.

"No, let's just get it done," Ginny responded tiredly.

"Daddy, when are we going shopping?" Drake asked seriously.

"How about we go the same day Mummy goes with her bridesmaids?"

"But it was meant to be just you and me!"

"It will be, mate. I don't think we'll find play clothes for you in a bridal shop."

"We won't be with them?" Drake tossed his head toward the girls.

Draco smirked. "No, mate. We'll be miles away."

"Good!"

"While you're shopping you could look into some robes for Drake, for the wedding," Ginny suggested offhandedly.

The little boys face screwed up immediately and his mouth opened to protest loudly. Draco's hand came up to silence him and he gave him a furtive wink. "We can't do that until you choose bridesmaids dresses. Unless you want the groomsmen in black and white with no accent color."

"All right, it'll have to wait."

"I'll take Drake when I go to arrange my robes, but I'll need a swatch of fabric from you."

"I'll get one once we've chosen the color."

With everyone just finishing off their dessert, Molly stood and began to clear the table. "Ron, you can help me clean up tonight. Draco and Ginny, off you go into the front room, you've got a lot to get through."

"I have to get the twins ready for bed first."

"I'll help. Come on you two, upstairs and into the bath." Draco scooped up Drake and slung the giggling little boy over his shoulder.

"Pick me up too, Daddy," Angel squealed delightedly.

Draco knelt on one knee and Angel ran into his outstretched arm. Once she was securely draped over his other shoulder, he carried both giggling children up to the bathroom. Ginny followed them up and was quickly dismissed by a confident Draco. He assured her he was more than capable of bathing the children and getting them into their pajamas on his own.

After helping her mother clean the kitchen, she made a pot of tea for them, and settled in the front room with a roll of parchment and a quill. Her list of things to do that week was growing longer with each movement of the quill. How she was going to get everything done was beyond her, she was so tired now that the task seemed monumental. Just as she was rereading her list again to check that nothing had been forgotten, Drake and Angel came running down the stairs, wrapped in large towels and squealing with delight as they burst into the room.

"Mummy... Mummy... Daddy's going to get us!" Angel shrieked as she and Drake climbed on Ginny's lap.

"What is--" The sight of Draco walking through the doorway, water dripping down his face from his soaked hair, halted her question.

Drake grinned cheekily at his mother. "We got Daddy!"

"They just started splashing and then they bolted," Draco spluttered indignantly.

Raucous laughter erupted from behind Draco as the two Weasley men came to see what the commotion was about.

"Mind Molly doesn't catch you dripping all over her floor," Arthur warned him with an amused grin.

"Bloody brilliant," Ron snorted with laughter.

"What is going on in here?" Molly stood in the doorway with her hands planted firmly on her hips. At the first sound of her voice everyone fell silent, save for Angel who was quietly giggling into Ginny's shoulder and Drake who was trying his hardest to contain his delight. "For goodness sake, Draco, get up stairs and dry off before you leave a puddle on the floor. What are you two smiling at? Just look at this mess! Your dad's all wet and you two haven't got your pajamas on! Upstairs, now with the both of you and don't come down until you're dressed for bed!"

Draco moved straight away and was closely followed by the still giggling twins. Their progress up the staircase could be heard from the front room. The twins were still needling Draco about getting him wet and he was responding like a petulant child, which only encouraged them to continue.

Ginny began to laugh. "I think I'd better get up there before someone gets hurt."

"Give them a chance, Gin. They'll only need a few more minutes to take Malfoy down for good." Ron chuckled.

She shot a withering glance at her brother as she left the room. There would be tears if she didn't break up the rumpus soon and she didn't think either of the twins would be the ones weeping. Ginny stood on the first floor landing watching her children jump all over their father who was flat on his back on the floor. Loud breathless giggling filled the hallway as Draco tickled the children each time they landed on him.

"Right, break it up, you three!" Ginny yelled over the top of the noise. "Drake and Angel, get your pajamas on before you catch your death. Draco get up, you're leaving a wet mark on the floor."

The children froze at the sound of their mother's voice. Both stared wide-eyed at their father.

"I think Mummy's mad," Angel whispered.

"I think you may be right, princess," Draco whispered back. "You two go get your pajamas on and I'll handle Mummy."

"Snog her, Daddy. That'll make her happy again," Drake advised in a low voice.

Draco looked at his son with surprise. "Go get your pajamas on, now."

When the twins had scampered off to their rooms, Draco lifted himself off the floor and gave Ginny a lopsided grin. It was the one that never failed to get him out of trouble with his mother and he was hopeful that it would work the same for Ginny.

"Gin, love--"

"Look at the floor! It's wet!"

"Sorry, love." He reasserted his lopsided grin and added a pair of pleading gray eyes.

"Don't look at me like that Draco Malfoy! It doesn't work for Drake and it won't work for you either."

Draco sobered his expression straight away. "I'll clean it up."

"Don't bother. I'll do it! You just dry yourself off before you make any more mess."

"Umm... the bathroom's a bit of a mess--"

"I'll do it, just go." Ginny waved him away impatiently as she drew her wand.

"Gin, don't be angry. We were just having some fun." His arms wove around her waist. It was a dangerous move considering she had her wand in her hand, but he wanted to soothe her before she had time to dwell on her anger. "It was just a bit of fun and there's no harm done."

She sighed wearily. "I know, just go and dry off... you're getting me all wet."

"Not yet," he murmured as his lips brushed hers tenderly.

A little giggle could be heard from the doorway of Angel's room. Draco looked around to his daughter. "Get your pajamas on before you get me into more trouble."

Angel's head disappeared into her room amid a fit of uncontrollable giggles. Draco turned his attention back to Ginny.

"Now, where was I?"

"You were going to dry off before you catch your death."

"I can't do that." He began to lightly kiss her temple. "I'm under orders to snog you until you're happy again."

"Oh?"

"Drake's idea." Draco moved down to reclaim her lips, but Ginny ducked away and stepped out of his arms.

"Go dry off while I clean this mess, then I'll think about snogging you."

"But, Gin, I don't want to let my son down."

"I'm sure he'll survive. Now get out of the way before you get hit with a cleaning charm."

Not foolish enough to push his luck any further, Draco disappeared into Drake's room. Ginny took no time to clean the mess left behind in the hallway and the bathroom, which resembled a swamp before a few waves of her wand.

She resumed her position in the front room, with a hot cup of tea and her to-do list. Before long Draco and the twins appeared in front of her. Each looked most solemn and almost remorseful.

"We're sorry, Mummy. We didn't mean to make a mess," Drake intoned quietly.

Ginny regarded the three of them suspiciously. There had obviously been some colluding upstairs and Drake had been elected as the spokesperson. She was torn between telling them off again and laughing aloud at their expressions of woe.

"All right, apology accepted. Why don't you two get a game to play while Daddy and I talk?"

Angel gasped. "You're not going to tell Daddy off again, are you?"

"No, we've got wedding plans to go through."

"I want to help." Angel sat on the arm of Ginny's chair most attentively.

"Sweetheart, it would be more help if you'd go and play so Daddy and I can get on with it. This stuff is really boring."

"Mummy's right, princess. This is the boring bit. You'd be better off playing for a little while before bedtime. Why don't you get the Wizards Chess out, Drake?"

Drake rolled his eyes. "Angel can't play."

"Well, you can teach her," Draco suggested firmly.

"Come on, Drake, get the board out and I'll help Angel," Ron offered.

Arthur lowered his paper. "Not seeing Pansy tonight?"

"No, she had some family dinner thing with her grandmother. I opted out."

Draco chuckled. "Smart move. That's one scary witch."

"Yeah, I've met her once... gave me nightmares for a month." Ron shuddered at the memory.

"Draco, we need to get on with this."

"All right, love. What's first?" Draco took a seat next to Ginny and looked expectantly at her.

She passed him a handful of samples. "Invitations. Which one do you like best?"

"I'm not fussed, love. Which ever one you want is fine with me."

"Draco, I want your opinion."

"It's your day, you choose whatever you want."

"It's your wedding, too!"

As Draco looked around the room, Arthur's paper suddenly snapped back up in front of his face and Ron became overly interested in setting the Wizards Chess board, even though he appeared to be choking. He cautiously turned his attention back to Ginny and the invitations. "Okay, which one do you prefer?"

"I don't know. That's why I'm asking you."

Draco carefully laid the samples out in front of them. "Will they be printed or engraved?"

"Engraved. Your mother said they look better."

"They do look better," Draco agreed. He reached forward and removed some of the samples. "Well, if we're engraving, that eliminates these three. They're only good for printing."

"So which one?"

"This one's nice." Draco picked up a simple white invitation with a gilt edge. "We could have the engraving done in gold and it'd look good."

"You don't like this one with the flowers?"

"Umm... yeah it's okay."

"Just okay?"

"What color would you use for the engraving?"

"Pink."

"Pink? On a wedding invitation?"

"We could use silver."

"Silver would work. I just think the simple one is more elegant."

"I like the flowers."

Draco took a deep breath. "Gin, you asked for my opinion and I gave it to you. If you want the flowers, then get the flowers."

"No, it's all right we'll have the plain one."

"But--" The sound of Arthur clearing his throat loudly diverted Draco's attention. A meaningful look and slight shake of his future father-in-law's head told him he'd be better off just shutting his mouth. "What's next?"

"You need to Floo your mother. I have to know all of this." Ginny passed him a list of things Narcissa was looking into.

"Okay, I'll use the kitchen."

Arthur lowered his paper to his lap. "Molly, is there any treacle tart left?"

"Yes, dear. Would you like another slice?"

"Sit still, I'll get it myself." Arthur followed Draco into the kitchen. He wasn't truly in need of more dessert, but felt that Draco might need a little advice before he made a terrible mistake. "Draco, would you like some more treacle tart?"

"No thanks, Arthur."

"Son, do you realize how close you came to becoming an endangered species in there?"

"She asked for my opinion."

"It's a trick question, son. When a woman asks for your opinion they don't necessarily want your opinion."

"Then what do they want?"

"They want you to agree with them."

"How am I meant to do that when she didn't tell me which one she liked in the first place?"

"The secret is to watch where they're looking then you'll know which one to choose."

Draco stared at the Weasley patriarch incredulously. He's clearly nutters. I'll just humor him and he'll go away. Ginny wouldn't ask my opinion if she didn't want it, she'd just make the decision herself.

"Trust me, son. I have a wife, a daughter, five daughters in-laws and seven granddaughters -- I know what I'm talking about."

"I--I'll keep it in mind, sir."

"The key is to keep them happy and if you agree with them, they're happy. Just remember what you told Drake on Saturday -- if the witches are happy then they're not causing us any grief."

"Yeah... I'd better make this Floo call or Gin will be wondering what happened to me."

"Yes, Molly will be in here soon to see if I've destroyed her kitchen if I don't get back."

Draco waited until the older man left the kitchen before making his way slowly to the hearth. Arthur did have a point, but he really didn't think Ginny would ask for his opinion if she didn't want it. Still the man did know his daughter and he had a lot of experience dealing with different witches. It wasn't that Draco didn't have experience dealing with loads of different witches; he'd just never had to worry about keeping them happy before, outside the bedchamber at any rate.

He threw Floo powder into the flames and checked Ginny's list quickly as the flames turned emerald green before intoning clearly, 'Malfoy Manor'.

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

Ginny looked up from the parchment she was furiously scribbling on as Draco walked back into the room. "You were ages."

"Sorry, love. You know how Mother likes to talk."

"Did she make any progress today?"

"Yes, we have dinner reservations for Wednesday night at the manor with the caterer. She's trying to find orchids for you, but everyone she's approached has told her they could be difficult to get; something about a bad season, even in the hothouses and demand being high. The orchestra has been booked. She asked about your attendants and I told her we're sorting that tonight. She also asked if you'd contacted the photographer yet."

"You told her I was Flooing Colin tomorrow?"

"Yes, and that you're going to the printers tomorrow."

"Good."

"Mother was also pleased to hear that you'd chosen your dress. She asked if I thought you'd mind if she went and had a look at it... so she can take care of the flower arrangements for you."

Ginny put her quill down deliberately. "What did you say?"

"I said I'd check with you and let her know when I get home."

Ginny smiled at him. She'd heard the trepidation in his voice and was sure Narcissa had warned him that she may not want the dress to be seen by anyone else until the day of the wedding. "Tell her, I wouldn't mind at all."

"I'll do that." Draco breathed a sigh of relief. The one person he absolutely hated saying no to was his mother. "What are we up to then?"

"Attendants!"

"Mmm... I presume Hermione will be your Maid of Honor?"

"Yeah, I'm sure she'll agree."

"So we need a partner for Pansy... Blaise Zabini."

Ron's head came up from the game he was playing with the children. "No!"

"Excuse me?"

"Zabini is not partnering Pansy! He's--he's--"

"He's a married man," Draco finished calmly.

"What?"

"He got married just after Christmas. Believe me Parkinson is no danger from Zabini. His wife is gorgeous."

"Draco!" Ginny slapped his shoulder.

"If you like that type," he added hurriedly with a sly wink at Ron.

"What type?" Ron asked curiously.

Draco grinned cheekily and quirked his eyebrows suggestively at Ron. "You'll see."

"Can we get back to this?" Ginny huffed impatiently.

"Sorry, love. Who else can you ask?"

"I don't know. Fleur's got Henri to worry about. Katie can't leave her twins for too long. This pregnancy is wearing Angelina out. I'm not that close to Penelope. I could ask Anya, but then I'd feel guilty for not asking the rest."

"Are you happy with two bridesmaids?"

"Yes! I had planned to have two, not six or whatever."

"It's settled then! We'll have two."

"But--"

"No buts. I'll tell Mother that we're happy with just our closest friends standing with us on the day and we don't want any others. Besides, you've got Angel and I've got Drake, as well."

"Okay, but you're telling your mother."

Draco laughed at the expression on her face. "I'll tell her tonight."

"So you'll arrange the boys' robes?"

"Just leave that all to me. When I contact the boys, we'll set a day and we'll all go at once, Drake included."

A disgruntled moan from the other side of the room made Draco smirk. He knew it was going to be difficult to get Drake measured for his robes, but he'd rather handle him than have Ginny stressed over the whole process.

"Does Goyle know how to perform the ring ceremony?"

"I don't know, but it doesn't matter because I had an idea last night."

"Oh?"

"Drake can do the ring ceremony for us."

"Draco, he's five years old. He's not allowed to use a wand."

"I know, but we can get special permission. I think that would help him to accept all the changes and feel a part of what's going on," Draco whispered.

"I don't know."

"Ron, how hard would it be to get permission for Drake to use a wand for the ceremony?"

"Shouldn't be a problem. I can prepare the application tomorrow, if you want."

"What's involved?"

"There's a form that needs to be signed by you and a Ministry official. Harry would probably be best to get for the Ministry signature."

"Why not you?"

"Harry is Drake's godfather, besides no one will dispute the request if Harry okay's it."

"Thanks, I'll ask Harry tomorrow. Can you make a start on the paperwork for me?"

"No problem, I'll have it ready tomorrow night."

Ginny cleared her throat to interrupt the boys little chat before they got carried away. "And what is Drake going to use for a wand?"

"This is the good bit. I've still got my first wand, so he can use that."

"You've got this whole thing planned, haven't you?"

"Pretty much." He grinned at her. He'd been thinking about the ceremony today and it had dawned upon him that Drake was probably more than capable of performing the simple charm for the ring ceremony.

"He doesn't know how to perform the ceremony."

"I'll teach him. We've got five weeks and it's not like he doesn't have any ability."

Ginny regarded Draco for a moment. He seemed quite intent on having Drake perform this small part of the ceremony, but she just didn't feel right about handing her son a wand. "All right, you can get permission and start teaching him, but if he doesn't get the charm by the wedding, you'll get someone else who can do it and not stuff it up."

"Of course, love. If he can't do it before the wedding, I wouldn't put him under that sort of pressure on the day. I'll have Goyle on standby just in case."

She eyed him dubiously. "Okay."

Draco looked over to the twins. Drake was only half paying attention to the game in front of him. He'd been listening intently to their conversation about the wand ceremony. "I think it's time for bed, you two."

Howls of protest rose from both children. Each beseeched their mother to reverse the decision, but even though Ginny had been somewhat surprised by Draco mentioning their bedtime, she backed him up and insisted he was right. It was time for bed.

"You two keep going, I'll tuck the twins in if you like," Molly offered.

"Thanks, Molly, but I'd like to tuck them in," Draco responded quickly.

"I need a break for a few minutes. A wander upstairs will do me good," Ginny said as she stood up.

"Well, I'll make a fresh pot of tea, shall I?"

"Thanks, Mum. I could do with another cup to pick me up a bit."

"Come on, you two, say goodnight to everyone." Draco picked Angel up from the floor and stood her on her feet.

After the twins said their goodnights to Arthur, Molly and Ron, they were taken upstairs under protest by their parents. Both claimed to be wide awake and neither wanted to miss out on anything that was going on downstairs. Their pleas fell on deaf ears as Draco took his lead from Ginny and didn't give any hint of giving in to their requests to stay up just a little later.

Once bedtime stories had been told and blankets adjusted for the umpteenth time, Draco made his way out into the hall where Ginny was waiting for him with a soft smile on her face.

"You've got bedtime almost perfected."

"I had a week to practice."

"You tucked the kids in every night?"

"Yep, every night much to Mother's disgust."

"Oh?"

"She doubted my ability to tuck them in and get them to stay there."

"Did she? And were any of her doubts proven?"

Draco stiffened suddenly. "Shh, come down here."

As they huddled in the stairwell, Ginny looked at Draco quizzically. "What--"

"Shh... wait."

Before long the unmistakable sound of two pairs of small feet could be heard coming closer to the staircase. Draco pressed his index finger to his lips and winked at Ginny before stepping forward into the hallway.

"Where do you think you two are off to?"

Ginny stepped up behind Draco. Drake and Angel were standing before him, hand in hand. Angel looked decidedly guilty, but Drake's expression was one of annoyance. She watched as her son lifted his chin and stared almost defiantly at his father.

Draco raised an eyebrow at them.

"Bed," Drake grumbled.

Draco grinned smugly. "Good."

When the twins didn't move to return to their bedrooms, Draco couldn't help but give them some useful advice. "Your bedrooms are that way."

"We'd better go tuck them back in," Ginny whispered.

"Just give them a minute to get back in there."

Once the twins had gone back into their own rooms, Draco strode purposely toward Angel's door. Ginny followed until he turned to face her.

"Do you mind if I deal with them? I did it all last week."

"Go ahead."

From her position in the hallway, Ginny could hear Draco admonish Angel to remain in her bed until morning. The sound of her blankets being readjusted and a soft goodnight floated out to her just before Draco crossed the hall to Drake's room. He spoke to his son just a touch harsher than Angel, but Ginny knew it was usually Drake who suggested such adventures and she gathered that Draco had found this out last week. Satisfied with how he was handling the situation, Ginny went downstairs to wait for him.

"Are they all settled now?" she asked as Draco emerged from the staircase.

"Yeah, I don't think they'll be wandering again."

"Did they do that last week?"

"They tried a couple of times. Now where were we?"

"I'm just going through what I have to do tomorrow."

"Printers?"

"Yes, and florists, attendants gifts... do you want me to get something for the groomsmen as well?"

"I'll take care of the boys and leave the florists to mother. She would have already tried everyone local, her search will stretch a little further tomorrow and she has more contacts than you."

"Correction, she has contacts."

"Just leave the flowers to her. If there are orchids, available she'll track them down."

"Maybe I should just pick something else--"

"No, if you want orchids then you'll get orchids."

"But if they're proving so difficult to get it just... well, they'll be more expensive."

"So? The money doesn't matter, Gin. What matters is your happiness."

"They're only flowers."

"Not to you. Mother told me you'd always wanted orchids on your wedding day and orchids you'll have! Now what else do you have on that list?"

"Floo Colin. See Hermione and Pansy. I need to set up a day to get them fitted for dresses."

"Is that it?"

"Yes, I think so."

"That lot shouldn't take you too long."

"No. I'll Floo Colin first thing then I'll go to the printers. I can try to catch Hermione and Pansy for lunch."

"That's what you need, a girls lunch."

"Yeah," Ginny muttered absently.

"Something wrong?"

"I just have absolutely no idea what I'm going to get them for gifts. I don't just want to wander aimlessly. I don't have time to do that."

"Why don't you leave the gifts 'till another day? Maybe once you've chosen their dresses you'll have a better idea."

"Maybe, I just wanted to get as much done as I could... If I could just get an idea."

"I have an idea. Leave it till you get their dresses then we'll buy the jewelry they'll wear on the day and they can keep it."

"That could cost a fortune!"

"You want them to look the same, don't you?"

"Yes, but--"

"Well then, we'll pay for everything for them."

"Draco--"

"No arguments, Gin. It's settled! That way you're not wandering around trying to figure out what to get them. Actually, when you pick their dresses show me, and I'll do the jewelry. I have excellent taste, if I do say so myself."

"Their gifts are meant to be a personal thank you from me."

"Okay, you can come with me to the jewelers."

"I--"

"Enough, it's settled and I do believe we're finished discussing wedding arrangements for the night."

"We should--"

"No. Now we're going to relax for a bit. I've had a hard day at work and all I want to do is sit back with you in my arms for an hour or so before I head home."

Ginny settled back into his arms with her head resting on his shoulder. Draco was right, it was nice just to sit and not talk about the wedding or anything else that was going on in their lives at the moment. She needed to relax and gather her thoughts so she would be fresh in the morning. There was still so much to do and only weeks to get it all accomplished.

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

There was never any doubt in Ginny's mind that Colin wouldn't make himself available for her wedding and he didn't disappoint her. He was ecstatic to be given the opportunity. The myriad of questions that followed his acceptance was mind-boggling. She answered as best she could, but there were a few Ginny had to admit that she would need to confer with Draco about. Rather than simply agreeing to get back to him, she set up a meeting for Thursday evening at the Burrow so they could go over the details with Draco present.

Floo calls made to Hermione and Pansy to set up lunch for today were done with squeals of delight from all three women. They arranged to meet on the steps of Gringotts Bank at midday. It had been a long time since they'd gotten together for a simple girls' lunch and Ginny was looking forward to the meeting. She hoped that lunch with her friends would help shake the horrid lonely feeling she had once again awoken with this morning. The empty feeling just wouldn't leave her alone today, and she had an almost desperate urge to see Draco.

She hadn't wanted him to leave the evening before, making excuses for him to stay just a few minutes longer every time he mentioned his need to get home. She knew it was selfish. He had to work today, but she hadn't wanted to say goodbye. When he finally left, she lay on her bed and cried herself to sleep. When she awoke in the morning she felt a little foolish for her behavior, but rather than examine the real reasons behind her feelings, it was far easier to put it down to her raging hormones.

Her first stop that morning would be the printers. With luck it wouldn't take long to sort the order out and then she thought she might wander through a few of the jewelers, to get an idea of what was available for the bridesmaids' gifts. If nothing else it might provide a distraction from the gnawing feeling in the pit of her stomach. Yes, a bit of therapeutic window-shopping would set her mind at ease.

The printer was almost beside himself with panic when he saw the date of the wedding on the copy Ginny handed him. He had begun to splutter that the order couldn't be done on time and Ginny thought she might have to Floo Narcissa to sort it out, but then his attitude changed suddenly. The man went from being almost rude to gushing over her in seconds.

"And you would be Miss Weasley?"

"Yes, that's right."

"What a lucky witch you are to snare young Mr. Malfoy!"

"Excuse me?"

"Don't worry, I'll have your order ready to proof this afternoon. Shall I send the sample to Malfoy Manor?"

Realization hit Ginny like a Bludger. She knew exactly why this man had changed his tune; he'd noticed the Malfoy name on the copy. "No. Send it to my home. I'll be approving the sample."

"Very well, Miss."

She scribbled down her address hastily and mustered as much haughtiness as she could. "I trust the sample will be perfect. As you can clearly see by the date, Mr. Malfoy and I do not have time to deal with incompetent workmanship."

"Of course, Miss. I'll check the sample myself before sending it out." The printer didn't quite hide his surprise at being spoken to in that manner by her. "And when can we expect to hear back from you regarding the sample?"

"If everything is in order, you'll have the go ahead first thing tomorrow morning. Good day."

Ginny left the printer feeling somewhat proud of herself. She knew her mother would have been horrified with her attitude toward the man, but the change in his demeanor as soon as he noticed 'Malfoy' on the copy was insulting. She was from a long line of pureblood wizards too and even though they didn't have anywhere near the wealth of the Malfoys, they weren't second-class citizens and she refused to be treated as such.

She wandered through Diagon Alley without really paying any attention to where she was heading. Before long, Ginny found herself standing in front of the main doors of Malfoy Holdings. Draco was in there. She vaguely registered that she should simply turn around and continue shopping, but her hand reached out for the door handle. He was so close and she wanted to see him -- needed to see him.

As she entered Draco's outer office, her mind screamed that she shouldn't have come. He was probably busy and she shouldn't be this-- this needy. About to turn around and beat a hasty retreat her motion was halted by his secretary's voice.

"Miss Weasley, we weren't expecting you today."

"Umm... no. I was shopping and thought I'd drop by, but Draco's probably busy so I'll just keep going." The smile that she flashed at the older woman didn't feel at all natural.

"Mr. Malfoy is in his office and I'm sure he wouldn't mind you disturbing him. I'll just let him know you're here."

"Really, it's--" Her voice trailed off as the woman opened the door to his inner sanctum. A muffled conversation filtered out through the partially open door before his secretary came back out.

"Go right in."

"Err... thank you." She took a deep breath and walked past the smiling woman into her fiancé's office.

"Ginny, love what are you doing here?" Draco said as he rounded his desk and walked toward her.

"Is this a bad time?"

"No, not at all. Is everything all right?"

"Yes, everything is fine. I just--" She paused a took a breath. "I miss you."

"You miss me?"

"I miss waking up with you."

"I miss you too. You know I want you to move in and not wait until the wedding."

"You know I can't."

"No... I know you won't."

"Draco, it's not that I don't want to, you know that."

"I know."

"I'm just trying to do the right thing."

"For who, Gin? Your parents? Because, I don't think they'd mind."

"It's tradition."

"So is getting married before you have children."

"Draco!"

"What I meant was, we've broken just about every 'tradition' in the book, and then some. I don't think you moving in before the wedding is going to make much difference."

"Probably not, but--"

"Gin, just for one minute, don't think about anyone else but yourself. Not your parents or your brothers, not the twins, not even me. What do you want?"

She exhaled heavily and rested her head on his chest. "I want to be with you."

"What's stopping you?"

"Everyone... everything."

"How about you? You're the one making the decision without even talking it through with anyone."

"I--"

"I really don't think your parents would mind. In fact, I think they expected you to move in with me before the wedding."

"You do?"

"Yes. I think they're surprised it hasn't come up yet. Granted your brothers wouldn't be impressed, but they'll be like that even after we're married and I can handle them anyway."

"They'll be impossible."

"Gin, they'll all be like that whether we're married or not. Funnily enough I'm beginning to understand where they're coming from. You're their only sister and the baby of the family. They just want to protect you."

"Yeah, they have this bizarre idea that protecting me gives them the right to cause pain to whomever they think has looked at me sideways."

"Well, I did a little more than look at you sideways and I'm still breathing." He smirked down at her. "Don't you think it would be better for the twins to be living with both of their parents under the same roof all the time?"

"You know, I can't argue with that."

"Well, what's stopping you? It's what you want. It's what's best for the twins." He lifted her chin with one finger and whispered, "It's what I want."

"I'll think about it some more."

"Good. I'd like to start living like a real family." Draco knew better than to push the issue with her, but he was quietly hopeful that he'd have her and the twins under his roof well before the wedding.

"Mmm... It would be nice."

"So have you been to the printers yet?"

"Yes and the copy will be ready for proofing this afternoon."

"Great, I'll go over and take care of it if you want."

"I'm having them Owl it to the Burrow."

"Gin, I really don't mind going over there this afternoon and checking it. At least they'd be able to get the printing started straight away."

"One day isn't going to make any difference. I told them I'd let them know if it was acceptable first thing tomorrow."

"It probably won't make any difference, but it's one less thing for you to worry about if I take care of the proofing."

"I was going to show it to you before I gave them the approval."

"Love, it's not about showing it to me. I just thought I could help."

"Sorry, I didn't mean-- I already told them to send it home."

"No problem, I'll Floo them and let them know I'll be down this afternoon. If it's right, I'll give them the go ahead right away. If it's not I'll bring it home and we can go over it together."

"Okay, that would be good."

"What time are you having lunch with the girls?"

"This is a bad time, isn't it? You're busy."

"No, it's not a bad time. I'm not that busy and I was looking for an excuse to take a break. I just asked to see how much longer I have your lovely company before you run out for lunch."

"Midday. We're meeting on the steps of Gringotts."

"Excellent, we have almost an hour then."

"Yes, we do."

"Would you like a cup of tea?"

"Yes, please."

Draco ordered a tea tray from his secretary and then led Ginny over to the plush sofa in his office. When the tea arrived, Draco's secretary poured two cups and then left the office quietly.

"You did get hold of the photographer this morning?"

"Yes, Colin would love to do our wedding, but he asked a whole lot of questions I didn't know how to answer."

"Do you want me to speak to him?"

"I set up a meeting for Thursday night at the Burrow so we can talk to him."

"Good. What type of questions did he ask?"

"Things like exclusive rights and releases... I just didn't know what to say."

"No problem, they're easy. We'll sort it all out Thursday night."

"He also wanted to see the manor, the grounds and stuff, so he can plan or something."

"We'll set something up for the weekend when we meet with him. Do you feel up to hosting your first dinner party? I was thinking about asking Greg and Blaise to dinner Saturday night."

"Sure. Will it just be them?"

"Blaise will bring his wife, but I don't know if Greg is seeing anyone at the moment."

"Okay, so what do I have to do for it?"

"I'll take care of everything. All you have to do is turn up looking beautiful."

"The twins?"

"They can eat with my parents, I'm sure they won't mind."

"Who? Your parents or the twins?"

"My parents. The twins will do as they're told."

"Draco, we can't just push them out when we have guests."

"It's not something we'll do all the time, but you wanted to get to know Greg so it'll be easier if the kids aren't there to distract you."

"I guess."

"We can bring them in to say hello."

"Yeah, they'd like that."

"I'd like that. I want to show off my great kids. Greg saw Angel in Diagon Alley, but he hasn't met Drake yet and I haven't seen Blaise since his wedding, so I don't even know if he's heard about the twins."

"You haven't told your friends about us?"

"I haven't seen my friends to tell them about us."

"Oh."

Draco could tell she didn't believe him. Her expression was most definitely disappointed. "Gin, I've been spending all my time with you and the kids. When I'm not with you, I'm either sleeping or working."

"It's all right. You didn't tell your friends about us... it's not a big deal."

"It's a big deal to me, that's why I wanted to tell them to their faces."

"You did?"

"Yes. I want to introduce you to all my friends. You know, I think we might expand our dinner party Saturday night to include a few more of my friends. Think you could handle it?"

"Umm... yes, I'd like to meet your friends."

"Great! Leave all the arrangements to me and you just turn up looking stunning as usual."

"I think I can manage that."

"Did you say you were meeting at midday?"

"Yes."

"It's five to twelve."

"Oh no! I'm going to be late. I'll never make it back to Gringotts in five minutes."

"Calm down, I'll walk you to Gringotts, then I'll escort all three of you to lunch."

"It's a girls' lunch, Draco."

"I know, I'm not going to eat with you, I'll just escort you to the restaurant."

"We were just going to have lunch in a café."

"Nonsense, you'll have lunch in a restaurant." As they left his office, Draco gave his secretary instructions to contact the Maitre d' of a nearby restaurant and arrange a table for three under his name for lunch.

When they arrived at Gringotts, Pansy and Hermione were waiting on the steps as arranged. Draco stood back as the women greeted each other with hugs and kisses.

"Ladies." Draco inclined his head politely.

"Draco." Hermione frowned at Ginny. "I thought we were having a girls' lunch."

"We are." Ginny threaded her arm through her fiancé's. "Draco just walked me down and he offered to escort us to the restaurant."

Pansy rolled her eyes. "How chivalrous."

"No need to thank me, ladies." His smug smirk, along with the cheeky wink he gave them didn't seem to impress.

"Don't worry, we weren't going to exert ourselves," Hermione said with a giggle to take the sting out of her words.

"You do have reservations, shall we?" Draco motioned to the street with a sweep of his arm.

Pansy's eyes lit up at the mention of food. "Absolutely! I'm starving!"

Surprise at Pansy's statement was written all over Draco's face. He'd never heard her express a desire for food quite like that before. She'd been raised to be a lady and such blatant statements were decidedly unladylike. It took a conscious effort to ignore her bizarre behavior, for now and lead the women to restaurant.

Upon entering the restaurant Draco spoke to the Maitre d'. He arranged for the account to be sent directly to his office, so the women wouldn't have to worry themselves with settling the bill. Though the way Pansy was eyeing the people already eating in the establishment, he thought he might have grounds to send half the bill to Ron. She was acting as if she hadn't eaten for a month. It was quite out of character for her and he was beginning to worry. Perhaps a quiet word with Ron this afternoon would settle his mind.

Once they had been seated Draco bid them farewell and a fun afternoon. Rather than return to the office, Draco decided to pay a quick visit to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and see if Weasley was available for a quick chat. He hoped that Pansy's behavior stemmed from simply spending too much time with the uncouth Auror and wasn't connected with something more serious.

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

Draco Apparated into the Ministry and joined the never-ending flow of people making their way to the lifts through the golden gates. It didn't matter what time he arrived at the Ministry, it always seemed to be overflowing with people. Several lifts arrived at once with a lot of jangling and clattering. The crowd surged forward as the golden grilles slid back. Draco found himself crammed into the corner of an overcrowded lift as the chains rattled, signaling the beginning of their ascent. Several paper aeroplane memos flapped around his head and after a few near misses with his ear, Draco gave an irritated growl. He swatted at the memos and managed to maim one of them. A smirk of satisfaction crept across his face as the paper aeroplane limped away from him with one wing crumpled. Draco listened absently to the cool female voice announcing the floors and their departments as the lift stopped on every floor.

'Level Two, Department of Magical Law Enforcement, including the Improper Use of Magic Office, Auror Headquarters and Wizengamot Administration Services.'

With a sigh of relief Draco stepped out of the lift as soon as the gates crashed open. He'd never enjoyed being in enclosed spaces and often wondered why the Ministry of Magic didn't magically enlarge the lifts to be more comfortable. He walked down to the corridor, vaguely noticing that the magical windows mirrored the seasonal weather they were experiencing outside, and through a pair of heavy oak doors that lead to Auror Headquarters. Draco stood just inside the doors trying to catch a glimpse of Ron or Harry anywhere within the cubicles.

Before long a familiar flash of red hair was seen above one of the cubicles quite close to him and Draco called out, "Weasley."

Ron's head popped over the cubicle wall. "Malfoy, what are you doing here?"

Draco began to walk toward Ron's cubicle. "I just escorted the women to lunch--"

"I thought it was a witches only event, at least that's what Pansy told me."

"It was--is a witches only event. They're at the restaurant now. I just dropped them off and made arrangements for the account to be taken care of."

"So why are you here?"

"It's Pansy. She's acting a bit odd."

"How?"

"She announced, quite loudly, that she was starving."

"And you find something wrong with that?"

"Weasley, I know Parkinson. She was raised to be a lady and ladies don't announce to the world that they're starving in the middle of Diagon Alley, for all to hear. Then when we got to the restaurant she was eyeing the diners like she'd eat them if they didn't consent to share their food."

"She probably skipped breakfast."

"You haven't noticed anything?"

"Apart from her eating more? No."

"She's eating more?"

"Yeah, it's normal. She's pregnant."

"Ginny isn't eating more."

"And that's why Mum is forever in her ear about eating properly."

"She does eat properly."

"Not according to Mum. She should be eating more, for the baby."

"Really?"

"Yep, seen all my sisters in-law go through and they've all eaten more than usual, Pansy's eating more, Hermione's--"

"Eating us out of house and home," Harry cut in as he walked into the Aurors department. "Malfoy, how are you?"

"Good... thanks. You?"

"Good thanks." Harry smiled broadly. "Is there something wrong?"

"Weasley doesn't seem to think so."

Ron sent Harry an amused look. "He thinks there's something wrong with Pansy because she's eating."

"Not because she's eating. It's the way she's behaving about food. She's never been one to express herself like that or stare at anyone who's eating like she'd love to help them clean their plate."

Harry clapped him on the shoulder. "Don't worry about it, Draco, she's just pregnant."

"Fine, I won't worry about it, but when you end up with a mountain troll for a wife, don't whine in my ear."

Ron chuckled. "She'll be all right. She's eating for two right now. She'll stop eating so much once the baby's born."

"Just wait until Ginny gets over her morning sickness and you'll see what she can eat like," Harry assured him.

"I can hardly wait," Draco responded sardonically.

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

When the women ordered their lunch they settled into easy conversation about their pregnancies, the family, their respective partners and anything else that came to mind. By dessert, Ginny still hadn't asked them to be her attendants for the wedding and she was beginning to think she wouldn't get a suitable break in the conversation to do so the way things were going.

"Ron told me you've set a date for the wedding," Pansy interrupted her thoughts.

"Umm... Yes. May twenty-eighth."

Hermione sighed happily. "I love summer weddings."

"Actually, I wanted to ask you both something."

An excited look passed between the two witches. "Go right ahead."

"I would really like it if you'd both agree to be my attendants."

"We love too!" They replied in perfect unison, as though they'd been practicing.

"You knew I'd ask?"

"We suspected after going through everyone else who could be up for selection and came up with both of us as prime candidates," Hermione explained.

"Who else is going to be a bridesmaid?" Pansy asked excitedly.

"No one, I decided to only have the two of you."

Pansy looked at her incredulously. "And Narcissa Malfoy agreed?"

"It's not her decision, Pansy. It's mine! Besides Draco's telling her," Ginny giggled. "She wanted me to have six or eight. I don't have that many close friends and the family is all busy with babies or they're pregnant."

"It is your wedding, Gin. You don't have to have everything the way they want it," Hermione reminded her strongly.

"So when are we going shopping?" Pansy was almost bouncing in her seat with excitement.

"I'd like to go this week, but I don't want you to get into trouble at work, Pansy."

"No problem, I already have Thursday afternoon off for a Healers appointment. That won't take long and I can meet you wherever you want."

"Great. I'm using Narcissa's couturier, Galor. Do you know him?"

Pansy laughed loudly. "I know him! My mother uses him, too. Just a word of advice, don't let him anywhere near Draco. He's had the hots for him since before I can remember."

"Yeah, I got the feeling he was a bit jealous of me."

"Really?"

"Just a couple of odd comments here and there."

"So where is Galor's shop?" Hermione enquired. If they were going to meet somewhere then they needed to plan this expedition.

"Muggle London, but I'll come to your place and we can go together, if you like."

"Okay. What about the twins?"

"We'll have Angel with us and Draco's taking Drake shopping, so I'll have to drop him off at the office before we go through to Muggle London, I guess."

"Why not get Draco to come and pick him up before we leave?"

"He's working, Mione. He had last week off because of me and now he needs to catch up."

Hermione held her hands up in mock submission. "Okay, it was just a suggestion."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to--"

"It's all right, you've got so much to get done at the moment it's a wonder your head isn't spinning."

"Sometimes I'm sure it is."

"If there's anything we can help with just let us know, right Hermione?" Pansy offered earnestly.

"Absolutely! I know how hard it was planning my wedding and you're doing it in such a short time."

"Narcissa is helping with arranging the catering, flowers, entertainment and stuff like that. All I have to really do is my dress, your dresses and the invitations, which Draco is proofing this afternoon."

"Wow, it's all coming together so fast."

"Yeah, it's amazing what the Malfoy name can do for the average witch," Ginny said contemptuously.

Hermione frowned at her long time friend. "What?"

"I had a problem with the printer until he noticed 'Malfoy' on the invitation copy, then he couldn't have been more helpful." Ginny shook her head. "If it weren't for that, I wouldn't be getting the invitations right away."

"How rude!"

"It's just the way the world works, girls. The wealthy like the Malfoys get everything done for them with a minimum of fuss in the hope that they'll give return business. The average witch or wizard is made to wait until they've time to do the order."

Ginny thought a change of direction in the conversation was a good idea about now, before Hermione exploded with indignation on her behalf. "So how are your wedding plans going, Pansy?"

"Slowly at the moment. We've decided to wait until after the baby's born to actually get married, much to my mother's horror."

"If that's what you want, why should it matter? I mean it's not like you won't get married or anything." Ginny shrugged casually. She couldn't see the problem with waiting until the baby had arrived to get married.

"I don't think your mother is too impressed with our decision either."

"Mum will get over it, she doesn't really care as long as you do get married," Ginny assured her.

"It seems to be more than that, but Ron's not letting on what the problem is," Pansy said pensively. Molly's manner toward her had been a little off since they'd announced their engagement and it had been bothering her immensely.

"She's feeling a bit left out. Mum's always had a hand in the planning of every wedding in the family and with yours she just feels a bit pushed out." Ginny knew her mother would have a fit if she found out that she'd told Pansy this, but she couldn't see any reason why she should keep the secret. The whole business of Ron's wedding was making her mother miserable and if there was a chance Ginny could rectify the situation then she was going to take it.

"Oh god! I didn't realize. I thought it would be nice for her to just turn up without having to put any work into the whole thing."

"Pansy, Molly thrives on work," Hermione reminded her gently.

"Well, I'll make an effort to ask her opinion then."

Ginny lifted an eyebrow at her. "What about your mother?"

"She'll be fine." Pansy smirked. "I just won't let her know I'm seeking Molly's advice."

"What else do you have planned for this week?" Hermione asked Ginny.

"We're having dinner tomorrow night, the caterer is cooking for us. Your dresses on Thursday, a meeting with the photographer on Thursday evening and Saturday night we're having a dinner party so I can meet Goyle."

"Greg Goyle?" Pansy asked.

"Yes, he's going to be Draco's best man."

"You'll love Greg, he's so funny."

"Who's the other groomsman?" Hermione enquired curiously.

"Blaise Zabini."

Hermione searched her mind for old images of the Slytherin's at Hogwarts. "He was the dark haired, handsome Slytherin, right?"

"Yes that's Blaise," Pansy confirmed with a smile.

"Draco told Ron he'd be your partner, Pansy," Ginny added.

"And Ron was all right with that?"

"He grumbled, but Blaise is married so he's got nothing to moan about."

"Are we ready to leave? If I don't walk some of this food off soon, I don't think I'll be able to move." Hermione ran her hands over her still flat abdomen.

"I second that!" Pansy said enthusiastically.

The women made their way into Diagon Alley, where they strolled up the busy street occasionally stopping to laugh or sigh over something in a shop window. It was late afternoon when they parted ways at the Apparation point. Ginny had promised Molly she would be home before dinner was started so she could take the twins off her hands. She'd had a wonderful afternoon and returned home in good spirits, looking forward to spending the evening with Draco.

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

"Ginny, dear Draco's in the kitchen fireplace," Molly called up the staircase.

"Thanks, Mum. Tell him I'm coming." As the words left her mouth the twins ran from the room and bounded downstairs to talk to their father.

By the time Ginny reached the kitchen Drake and Angel were chatting animatedly to Draco. "Okay, you two, off you go while I talk to Daddy."

Draco waited until the children were out of sight before giving his undivided attention to the lovely witch at the hearth. "Hello, love."

"Hello, are you still at work?"

"Yeah sorry, I'm going to have to skip dinner tonight. Something has come up with one of our major contracts and I have to stay until it's sorted."

"What are you going to do for dinner?"

"Father and I will order out."

"That's not healthy."

"I'm sure we'll survive. It's only one night."

"Ginny, is Draco going to be much longer?" Molly called from the other end of the kitchen.

"Hold on a second, Mum's asking me something." Ginny turned to face her mother. "He's working late, so he can't make dinner."

"Oh dear, he has to eat."

"He and Lucius are going to order out," Ginny informed her knowing full well she wouldn't accept that idea at all.

"Nonsense. We've more than enough here. I'll make up two plates and you take them in after you've eaten your own dinner."

"Mum--"

Molly held her hand up to halt any protest Ginny might make. "No, they need to eat healthy food if they're working late. I'm making up two plates and if you don't take them in, then I will."

"It's all right, Mum, I'll take them." Ginny turned her attention back to Draco's floating head in the fireplace.

"What's going on?"

"Mum is insisting on making up two plates of food and I have to bring them to both of you so don't order out."

"Dare I say there's no need?"

"No."

"Okay, say thank you for me and I'll see you when you get here."

"I'll come as soon as I've eaten."

"Looking forward to seeing you, love."

"I won't be staying, you've got work to do."

"Yeah, but I'll be stopping to eat."

"Fine, I'll stay while you eat."

"Good, I'll see you then."

"See you then." Ginny straightened up as Draco's head disappeared from the fireplace. "Is dinner going to be long, Mum?"

"It's ready now. You can call the twins and Ron to the table while I make up the plates for you to take."

By the time Ginny had called everyone to the table, Molly had put together an impressive basket of food for the Malfoy men. She ate her meal quickly and left the twins in Ron's capable hands for their bath. Molly had ushered her out the door with the overfull basket, claiming that Draco would be hungry by now and she should deliver his dinner quickly.

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

"Hello," Ginny called from Draco's outer office. She'd forgotten to ask him whether he was working in his own office or not.

"Gin, come in love." Draco's voice floated out of his office.

As Ginny walked into Draco's office, he was halfway across the room, coming to greet her. He took the basket Molly had packed for them from her arms before kissing her mouth lightly.

"What on earth have you packed in here?"

"Mum did the packing so I've no idea, but I think it's safe to assume she thinks you eat like Ron."

"I don't think there's anyone on this earth who can eat like your brother."

"I'll leave you two alone for a while," Lucius said as he stood with a pile of files in his arms.

Ginny looked at Lucius sternly. "Where do you think you're going?"

"I'll wander down to Diagon Alley and get myself some dinner then we can get back to this contract."

"No you don't. Mum packed a plate for you too, so you'll sit down and eat it."

"It's really not--"

"If you want to tell her you're going out to buy food instead of eating what she packed for you the Floo's right there." Ginny crossed her arms across her chest and stared sternly at her future father in-law.

"You could--"

"No."

"I rather thought you two would appreciate some time alone," Lucius intoned lightly.

"I'm here to make sure he eats and I can do that with you in the room. Now sit down and I'll serve."

He'd not experienced this forceful side of Ginevra before and he didn't quite know how far she would push the issue. Given she was carrying his next grandchild, he conceded and took a seat without further argument. Even though he didn't like to think about what Molly Weasley may have sent them to eat, he would do his best to make it through the meal without offending his future daughter in-law.

The basket Molly had packed for the two men seemed bottomless as Ginny pulled out container after container of food. She truly had enough to feed a small army of men. Everything was still hot thanks to Molly's warming charm and it filled Draco's office with homey smells Ginny related to growing up at the Burrow. After making herself a cup of tea, Ginny sat with the men and watched them eat heartily.

Lucius was most surprised that he was enjoying the food she had brought. It certainly wasn't the style of meal he was accustomed to, but it was good wholesome food and it had flavor. The next time he saw Molly Weasley he would have to compliment her on her culinary skill at the very least.

"Did you get to the printer's this afternoon, Draco?"

Draco swallowed the mouthful of chicken casserole he had before answering. "Yes, I did and the invitations were perfect so they're beginning printing tonight."

"Tonight?"

"Yep, they'll work through the night and the invitations should be ready Thursday."

"That's really quick."

"I would expect nothing less of that printer. We've given them a lot of business over the years," Lucius added.

"At least we'll be able to get them checked Thursday night and then owl them on Friday."

"How are we going to manage to get them all owled at once?"

"Post office, love. We'll just hand them over and they'll deal with the owls."

"They do that?"

"Yes, Gin. They do that. All we have to do is check everyone off and hand them over."

"Okay."

Lucius stood up to stretch his legs. "Well, I think it's high time we get back to work."

"You haven't had dessert," Ginny stated.

"Gin, I couldn't possibly eat another bite right now. How about you leave dessert with us and we'll have it a bit later. We're probably going to need another break before we're finished here," Draco suggested. He truly couldn't have eaten another bite right now without bursting. Molly did seem to think that he ate like her sons.

"All right, but you've got to eat it."

"I promise, we'll eat it and enjoy it. What is for dessert?"

"Apple pie."

"We'll definitely eat it and enjoyed it in that case." Draco winked at her.

"You'd better. I made the pie."

"I'm sure it will be delicious," Lucius added warmly.

"Thank you. I'd better clean all this up and get home."

"I'll help you."

"Do thank your mother for dinner, Ginevra. It was wonderful."

"I will. I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"Very much."

Once everything was packed back into the basket, save for the apple pie, Ginny bid goodnight to Lucius and Draco walked her to his outer office with the basket in his hands.

Draco placed the basket on his secretary's desk and drew Ginny into his arms. "I'm really sorry about tonight."

"It's all right. You have to work."

"Thanks for bringing dinner for us; it was much better than take out."

"You're most welcome. Now do I get something for my trouble?"

"Mmm... I know how I'd like to repay your generosity."

"I think your father might come looking for you and your secretary's desk doesn't look all that comfortable."

"She'd whine in the morning if her desk was a mess, too."

"Does she let you know when she's not happy?"

"Oh yeah, she gives it to me all right, but then she's known me since I was a kid."

"Someone has to keep you in line while I'm not around."

Draco smirked at her. "You think so?"

"I know so."

"Enough talk," Draco murmured as his head lowered to Ginny's. Their lips brushed together tenderly.

"I should go... you need to get back to work."

"Yeah, I do, but I don't want to let you go just yet," he whispered before kissing her again with a little more force. "Stay a little while longer."

"Draco, you need to get back to it, so I'm not eating alone tomorrow night."

Draco sighed heavily. "You're right. So I'll see you tomorrow night, then."

"Yes at the manor." Ginny stepped away from him, but he didn't let go of her hands.

"Kiss the twins goodnight for me."

"I will."

He brought her flush against his body again. "One more kiss," he murmured as his lips claimed hers fervently. His whole being felt as though it were on fire as she met his passion and caressed his lips with wanton abandon. How he was going to let her leave after this was beyond his immediate comprehension. All that mattered was that he was holding the one witch he loved beyond reason in his arms.

Both flushed and breathing heavily they parted, desperate for air and space before things got totally out of control.

"I'm going before--"

"Yeah, yeah I think you should."

"Talk to you tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay," he whispered into the air where she had been standing only moments ago. Molly's basket stood forgotten on his secretary's desk.

Draco took a few minutes to compose himself before going back into his office and getting on with the work that had kept him here in the first place. He had to beat down the compulsion to say bugger with work and follow Ginny to the Burrow to finish what they had started. A cold shower when he finally got home would have to suffice for this evening while he thought about the things he would do to her the following evening.

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