Unchained Desires

Chapter Two

*~*

New Surprises

It was tradition for everyone who was anyone in the wizarding world to put in an appearance at the Dragon's Lair on New Years. What had quickly become one of the most popular wizarding clubs on Diagon Alley had turned into an invitation only party for those with the right connections.

Clamoring witches and wizards would huddle on the streets of Diagon Alley, hoping to catch a glimpse of a favored idol or possibly even be admitted into the party. The chances were unlikely considering that the club only let a total of one hundred fans into the party. The lines for it had been known to start as soon as the morning of the day before New Years.

While Ginny nowhere neared that of an "elite" client, her minor fame of being a Weasley and dating Witch Weekly's Most Famous Wizard, Harry Potter, made an invitation practically a guarantee.

"Are you two ready, yet?" Ron called from downstairs for the third time in the past eight minutes.

Exasperated, Ginny poked her head around the bedroom door. "Can you give us a bloody minute, Ron?" she demanded. "It's not like we didn't try to get here sooner!"

Sighing, she disappeared back into the room and headed towards the bathroom. Hermione was already going over last minute touches on her gown, wand flicking expertly to fashion the folds. She smiled as Ginny passed to returned to the mirror.

"Ron getting impatient already?" she asked.

Ginny rolled her eyes. "If he hadn't taken so long signing all those damn photos, we would have gotten here sooner," she muttered.

What was suppose to have been a simple stop by Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes to inform Fred and George of the table reservations had turned into chaos as fans recognized the Chudley Cannons newest flying sensation.

Hermione chuckled. "He has always been a big supporter of the adoring fans."

"I'm sure," Ginny agreed with a frown, remembering her brother's inflated ego as he posed for fans inside the jammed joke shop.

Turning back to the mirror, her frown deepened as she debated over whether or not she wanted to wear her new earrings.

She really did need something else to go with her dress, a very simple and elegant piece. The black dress was floor length with a small train and classic halter top. She was leaving her hair down and charmed into a mass of curls that flamed around her face. The only jewelry she wore was the beautiful dragon jewel necklace that Harry had given her for Christmas. Sighing, she reached into her purse to fish out the earrings - it couldn't hurt anyone in using them for just one night.

Beside her, Hermione was examining her finished result with satisfaction. Her strapless burgundy dress set off her slight tan perfectly, its flared skirts artfully charmed. Her brown strands of hair had been wrestled into a beautiful weave around her head, and she practically glowed with happiness.

Over the years Hermione had acquired a presence that always expressed a sense of beauty and grace wherever she went. Unknown to her, the witch constantly stole the limelight from others to shine like a beacon. Men couldn't help but be attracted to her and women were obviously envious of that. Ginny had demanded to know her friend's secret years ago, but Hermione had laughed it off as rubbish. She had absolutely no idea of the effects she so effortlessly created.

"HERMIONE," Ron could be heard yelling, "The carriages are here!"

Putting on the last earring Ginny checked her reflection before grabbing her purse and following her sister-in-law. Ron waited impatiently for them at the bottom of the stairs, his face slackening in awe as he stared at his wife stupidly before moving forward to kiss her. They remained in each other's arms for many seconds and were probably in danger of suffocation until Ginny cleared her throat, shifting uncomfortably.

Grinning sheepishly, Ron said, "Harry's running late. He said he'd meet you at the club and sent a carriage for you."

"Nonsense," Hermione declared, digging through her hand bag for something. "She can ride with us."

"No, thanks," Ginny replied quickly, "after the announcement I wouldn't want to be caught a hundred feet between you two and a journalist."

Ever since news of Hermione's pregnancy had 'leaked,' reporters had been hovering around them for days, hoping to get an exclusive tidbit. Ron beamed at his sister, obviously looking forward to a private carriage ride with his wife, while Hermione frowned in irritation at mention of the reporters. But neither of them said anything else about it and Ginny followed them minutes later in her own carriage.

The pregnancy had been received differently from everyone throughout the family. Her mother had of course broken down into tears, although she had been expecting it for nearly a year. All of the men had whooped loudly in approval and congratulations, while Hermione blushed and Ron grinned smugly. The more tactful wives had surrounded Hermione in excitement, trading secrets and advice.

Everyone had been so distracted celebrating that Ginny had been the only one to notice a dark figure leave the room. She discreetly followed Harry out onto the porch minutes later. He was resting with his hands on the rail as he cast his gaze out across a blanketed landscape. Nearing him, she noticed that his eyes were the most conflicted she had ever seen them and it made her hesitant to approach him. It was bound to be another one of those awkward moments.

It was the largest factor that played into their relationship and one that had thwarted any possibilities at marriage - Hermione. It was difficult for a wizard to fall in love, when his heart belonged to someone else. Harry's well kept secret had been the key reason that led to their eventual involvement with others, while still clinging to the thread that "could have been" between them.

Ginny had discovered it rather early on in their relationship, some two years ago. At that time Harry had become a master of masking his thoughts and emotions, but Ginny was no fool. She could tell when you had a man's full attention, or just his interest. The larger surprise had been the fact that Harry was in love with his best friend's wife.

The revelation had led to a huge falling out and eventual make up, but things were never the same. Ginny loved Harry with every nerve in her body, but it wasn't requited. Therefore, nothing serious would truly evolve between them.

It had been difficult for her to get over; there isn't anything quite like a girl's first love. The companionship that they now shared was merely a shadow to what she wanted in a romance, but the friendship was nothing she would ever forsake.

"Have you ever told her, Harry?" Ginny asked quietly.

He didn't answer, not that she expected him to. She stood there awkwardly, placing her hand over his own and hoping to get a response, but none was forthcoming. Just as she was about to turn away she felt him relax and reach out to pull her to him.

Harry buried his face in her hair, taking in a deep breath. "No," he finally answered, voice raw with pent up emotions.

Surprisingly sympathetic, Ginny had comforted him until he was prepared to go back inside. When they did re-enter she watched with amazement as he broke into a huge grin, no trace of his conflicting emotions visible.

He exchanged a friendly embrace with Ron, clapping each other on the backs before turning towards Hermione. Ginny felt her heart contract with envy as he leaned over to kiss his friend on the cheek.

How could Hermione not see the way he looked at her, the lingering touches or the softness in his eyes? Ginny would give anything to have him look at her that way. But she had given up hope for that years ago. Harry did not love her, at least not as a husband should love a wife, and Ginny refused to be a substitute for anyone. She pitied the witch who would one day fool herself into thinking she had snagged the famous Harry Potter's heart, for it had already been stolen years ago...

"Miss?"

Blinking, Ginny broke out of her thoughts to see that the carriage had arrived at the club. A young wizard was holding the door open for her, hand extended. Smiling an apology at him, she allowed herself to be lead out of the carriage into the dazzling lights of the Dragon's Lair.

The crowd of gathered fans had been screaming excitedly at the appearance of Ron and Hermione. They stood a way down the red carpet, side by side as they smiled into the flash of cameras. Ginny hadn't been noticed yet, which was fine by her as she examined others nearby.

The two most popular Gladrags Wizardwear models stood a distance off, signing autographs and posing for pictures. Lisa Turpin clung happily to Chris Valentine's arm, long legs flashing in her scandalously short red dress.

Ahead of them, the newest lead singer for the band, Excaliber, entered the club with his five month steady. Other members of the band took group shots before making their way into the club too. Even from where Ginny was she could hear the music blaring away from inside.

Nearby fans suddenly screamed loudly, pointing and waving to someone behind Ginny. Before she could look, familiar hands fell to her hips from behind. Turning her head slightly, she smiled as Harry dropped a quick kiss upon one of her freckled shoulders.

"You look amazing!" he whispered, before the click of cameras made them both look up with automatic smiles.

"Harry! Ginny!" a dozen voices called as they proceeded to make their way down the red carpet.

"So when can we expect an engagement? Fans are waiting for an announcement."

"Any surprises out there for the new year?"

Harry took her hand and she smiled at him. "We are perfectly happy right now, that should be enough," he announced.

Ginny noticed him looking at her necklace and she gave him a squeeze through their interlocked fingers.

"No big plans?" a curvy, yet shrewd looking blonde hinted, causing Harry to frown.

Well accustomed to Harry's defensive anger around the press, Ginny placed her hand lightly on his chest to draw his attention. Meeting his guarded eyes she smiled reassuringly, sensing his tension.

Harry had never felt comfortable with his fame before the war, and even less so afterwards. He saw his fame as undeserved and his accomplishments as memories he would rather avoid. Reporters were always an annoyance to him and he had been known on more than one occasion to become extremely angry with prying journalists who distorted facts.

Ginny's smile widened as she felt Harry relax a little, returning her grin with gratitude. Ignoring the disgruntled witch, he answered other questions and even signed some autographs for pleading fans.

Ginny watched with amusement as he leaned down to catch a little girl's name, before scrawling a brief note on the back of her empty candy wrapper. The child couldn't have been more than five and hid behind the robes of her beaming mother, occasionally peeking out to reveal flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes before ducking back again.

"Any comments on Ron and Hermione's newest announcement?" another reporter asked, drawing her attention.

"We are both so excited for them, as is the entire family," she answered.

"I bet," someone joked, "another Weasley is soon to be released into an unsuspecting world."

Searching for the speaker Ginny winked at her old school mate and Daily Prophet photographer, Colin Creevey. She would have talked with him briefly, but another wave of excitement was quickly passing among the assembled masses of people and a scream went up around them, instantly drawing the reporters away. Ginny looked to see who the latest arrival was and frowned with displeasure.

Draco Malfoy was stepping elegantly out of an enchanted carriage, his grey eyes sweeping over the fans with a permanent smirk upon his face. He was dressed to kill in expensive black attire and matching cloak, his hair slicked back.

Turning, he held out a hand to someone sitting in the carriage and withdrew his fiancée, Pansy Parkinson. They had been one of the most talked about couples all year and every major wizarding magazine had been covering their engagement religiously. There was not a scrap of information that was not processed and run for underlying meanings and further tidbits for a demanding public.

It was not everyday that the wizarding world's most eligible multi-galleonaire bachelor married. Rumors said that the wedding was to be an event like no other and was costing Draco thousands. Ginny would hardly expect less with those two; once a Slytherin always a Slytherin.

And yet despite many rumors about shady dealings over the years, the Malfoy Empire had hit the roof after repercussions of the war. Everyone was soon to forget Draco's past link with the Death Eaters in view of his numerous contributions to charities and research foundations.

Ginny drew away from her thoughts as the couple made their way down the runner, waving and smiling to those they recognized. Malfoy had a casual arm linked around Pansy, who was dressed expensively in a dazzling, slinky blue dress that brought out her eyes and emphasized pale skin with dark raven hair.

Harry tensed from his position next to Ginny as the couple neared and the two men locked gazes. For a second it seemed as if time flew back and they were all at Hogwarts again. Malfoy standing there with a distasteful sneer, insult undoubtedly on tongue while Harry defiantly stared him down. Time had added maturity, however, and the moment passed with tense nods from the two men.

Turning away from the meeting of two old rivals, Ginny noticed Pansy studying her intensely. The witch seemed surprised, yet amused, as she finished her study of the red head to smirk arrogantly at her. She obviously didn't consider Ginny competition and was already turning away from her to move towards the reporters eagerly.

Ginny scowled darkly at her back before noticing that her anger was attracting Malfoy's attention. He just looked at her briefly, his eyes flicking impassively to meet her own, before turning away. It could have been considered unusual that he didn't have some cutting remark about her, but then she supposed she had just been expecting one out of habit. In his favor, he hadn't said anything rude or insulting to Harry; although you'd have to be mental to insult a famous war hero in public.

"Come on," Harry said gruffly, hardly sparing his old rival a glance as he led her into the club.

Behind them Ginny could hear the reporters closing in around the couple. "Any news about the wedding? Are rumors true, will it be held at a citadel in Paris rather than Malfoy Manor?"

*~*

The Dragon's Lair actually had several magical floors to it, all of them filled with tables for people to eat and mingle with each other. The main floor was reserved primarily for dancing and was currently filled with numerous bodies moving to the latest hit of Excaliber, which blared from a charmed DJ's stand. Across the dance floor an enchanted mist snarled itself around the masses of people as spark-safety fireworks crackled overhead.

"Let's find our table!" Ginny yelled into Harry's ear to be heard over the music. He nodded and began to lead the way to the nearest stair well.

They finally found their reserved table on the third floor, which was VIP only. Ron and Hermione were already seated, smiling and talking to the rest of the table patrons, who happened to be two of the team members from the Chudely Canons, Olivia Wystin and Bradley Harris, with their two dates.

Fred and George were seated to their right laughing with their wives.

"I think that we should have Ron over more often," Fred was saying. "He promotes business like mad!"

Turning to Olivia, George said, "How about it? Do you think the Chudley Cannons can spare a couple players for a purely charitable publicity cause? I'll throw in a couple of free Yorksters."

Ron gave them an irritated scowl before noticing his best friend.

"Harry, you made it!" he said, motioning to the empty seats that were left.

Once seated, Ginny asked her brother, "Yorksters?"

He opened his mouth to explain but Fred quickly clapped his hand over it. "They're still under experimentation," he stated, with a significant look at his twin.

Dinner passed by rather quickly as everyone chatted about the latest gossip among mutual friends. Eventually, as the plates were cleared away and wine dispersed, Ginny made to leave.

Harry, who was not a dancer, much preferred to spend parties immersed in a mug of beer and talking to the Quidditch stars. Therefore, Ginny gave him a brief parting peck on the lips before heading for the dance floor. She loved to dance and never passed up the opportunity to do so.

For most of the evening she could be found in the middle of the dance floor with a number of different wizards. After having returned for the third time that night she started to notice that the heat from dancing was bothering her. A nearby witch was also wearing an extravagant amount of perfume, causing Ginny to become slightly lightheaded in its sweetness. She had just started to head back towards her table when she caught sight of Harry weaving through the mass of tightly packed bodies in search of her.

She smiled as he neared and threaded her hands around his neck, imploring him to dance with her. He humored her for a bit, before the DJ cut off the music, announcing that they would be in the New Year in precisely eight seconds.

"- FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE! HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

Fireworks exploded towards the high ceiling as people cheered and hugged. Ginny looked to Harry expectantly and he leaned down with a smile to capture her lips with his own. While there had never truly been sparks for them in their relationship, the kiss was electric enough as he firmly implored her to deepen it. Ginny melded against him, shivering in delight, when he finally ended it.

"Happy New Year, Gin," he said, shouting over the cheers from the people around them.

"You too," she replied.

People continued to press in around them and Ginny noticed with irritation that the witch from earlier was nearby and her perfume was annoying her senses again. She coughed with disgust as bile rose in her throat at the hated scent and the room spun widely.

"Ginny!" Harry yelled as her knees gave out and she fell away from him.

He caught her easily, his arms wrapping around her.

"Are you alright?" he asked, brow creasing with worry.

Ginny nodded, yet she felt weak and limp within his arms. She noticed with shock that she was beginning to tremble violently. The nearness of people around her immediately seemed to make the air denser and the music was starting up again, causing them all to dance widely.

It was getting very hot and a roaring in Ginny's ears started to drone out the music. There were too many people, she had to get out of here.

"Harry?" she called weakly, before completely passing out.

*~*

It was with a somber air that the Weasley family waited on the second floor of St. Mungo's at two o'clock in the morning. Molly Weasley sobbed hysterically into her husband's shoulder, wearing only a hastily donned robe and curlers in her hair. Arthur rubbed her back absently; worry plaguing every careworn feature of his face.

All of the Weasley sons, excluding Charlie, stood around anxiously, uncomfortable with their mother's sorrow and worried about their youngest sister. The twins' wives, Patricia and Alicia, had escorted a disgruntled Hermione home. The brunette had been furious with Ron when he demanded that she wait for him at home. But Ron had been adamant and with the combined efforts of the other witches, she had been conducted safely, if furiously, home.

Ron now stood by Harry in silence, both of them lost in their own thoughts. Everyone looked up expectantly when a healer emerged from the treatment area and peered around before spotting them. Arthur Weasley and his wife stood to greet him, eager for any word of their daughter. The healer, who had introduced himself as Dr. Flyn, smiled at them reassuringly.

"Not to worry, she should be waking up shortly. I fear that the combination of drinking and overexertion mixed to exhaust her body. It is what originally caused her to faint."

Molly Weasley let out a relieved breath, grabbing Arthur's hand happily as the doctor continued, "However, I am concerned about her condition and fragility. Especially since she is so soon along with the baby-"

Silence met his statement as everyone stared at the healer in disbelief. Harry felt as if the ground had suddenly dropped from beneath him. He couldn't have heard right.

"Baby?" Arthur repeated weakly.

The healer's grin faltered. "You did not know?"

He shook his head, as Molly dissolved into sobs again. "A baby!" she exclaimed. "Why didn't she say anything? How could I have not known?"

An uncomfortable silence settled as Harry found himself the center of a number of stares. Turning towards Ginny's father, he blushed. "Mister Weasley... I swear I didn't know anything about this!"

Just the thought of it made him so nervous he thought he was going to be sick. Ginny... pregnant?

Arthur stared at him for a while before nodding slowly, expression pained. His wife sniffled pathetically, raising red rimmed eyes to a suddenly nervous Harry.

"Are you sure she never hinted anything Harry?" she pleaded. "Not a clue, a word... anything?"

"No," he answered truthfully, "she never said anything to me."

"Yes, well," Dr. Flyn said, looking extremely uncomfortable, "I was able to discover that she is about four weeks along. Being more sensitive than usual also could have had effects with her fainting. The baby.... was uninjured and I am sure that you all will want to see her. I will send someone for you as soon as she is stable."

He left rather quickly and just in time, he was gone barely more that a second before the explosion came.

"A BABY!" Molly shouted, worry forgotten. "How could she have not said anything?"

She whirled around to glare at her sons. "I swear by Merlin if any of you knew of this-"

They were all quick to protest, most of them so bewildered they couldn't help stuttering. It seemed as if no one had known about it. At their adamant replies, Mrs. Weasley broke into sobs again. "How can our baby be pregnant? Oh, Arthur..."

Her husband gathered her in his arms, as the oldest two sons present, Bill and Percy, went and got something for their mother to drink and calm down.

Meanwhile, Ron and the twins had effectively cornered Harry out of earshot of their shocked parents.

"Harry..." Ron looked very white and gulped audibly before continuing, "Are you...?"

Feeling unsteady, Harry lowered himself into a nearby chair, hands running through his hair nervously. He pointedly did not answer the question because he really didn't know. It was possible that the baby wasn't his, but unlikely.

Nobody seemed to notice his reluctance to answer as Fred, who could forever find the humor in the least humorous situations, clapped Harry on the back.

"Well, look at it this way," his eyes glinted, "if you are the father, I will definitely send flowers to the funeral. It's the least I can do for my little niece or nephew's father."

"Fred," Ron snapped, "that is not funny! This is really serious! I mean..." he paused in bewilderment, hands gesturing wildly, "Ginny's pregnant!"

"Thanks for that apt assessment, Ron," George drawled, rolling his eyes, "as if we weren't there for the declaration."

"Mister Weasley?"

They all turned to look at a very petite nursing witch. "Ginny is up now and should be able to receive visitors shortly."

*~*

Ginny couldn't believe it. This was impossible!

She had been so careful, never doing anything without first a spell or potion. She was adamant about it and never forgot, no matter the circumstances. It just wasn't correct, there was no possible way.

Dr. Flyn looked at her kindly. "It has been known to happen before," he said, "it only takes the one time-"

"You don't understand," Ginny snapped at him, "there has never been just one time. Harry and I..."

She trailed off abruptly, eyes widening in terrified comprehension. Her mind frantically searched for the date... four weeks. Harry had been on special assignment in Bulgaria until two weeks ago. That only left-

NO!

There was no logical way it could be his either. Ginny was cautious, she knew the results of having a child with no husband and she had never wanted to be caught in this predicament. Therefore she had always had something with her.

Unless...

There had been that one night Ginny had fought heatedly with him and kicked him out. It was possible that he could have returned anyway, he was never the sort to take 'no' for an answer. He could have just obliviated it all before he left... but Ginny would know. She was a Dark Arts master, he could not have possibly performed an obliviation without her being aware of the effects. Could he?

Aware that Dr. Flyn was starting to look at her worriedly she instantly snapped her gaping mouth shut. She was going to murder him, just wait until she got her hands on him!

"You should see a specialist as soon as possible," Dr. Flyn informed her. "I know that this is coming on as a shock for you, but have you considered any other options?"

For a brief moment Ginny thought that all of her problems could be solved. Then reality set in once more, Molly Weasley had not raised her daughter that way. All of her children had been taught to never run away from a problem. Aside from that, Ginny did not think she could ever live with herself if she killed something so precious as a life. Hadn't there been enough of that during the war?

"No," she said firmly, although her hands were shaking horribly. Fiddling with the edge of the blanket to keep them busy, she continued, "I can't get rid of it."

Frowning, Dr. Flyn said, "Fainting spells are known to happen to over sensitive women who are pregnant. I take it that you haven't had any past problems with fainting?"

Ginny shook her head.

"Good. You will need to watch over exhausting yourself from here on. Your family is very anxious to see you now."

The red head looked at him frantically. "My family's here?" she asked.

He smiled, obviously thinking the news should reassure her. "Yes, a whole slew of them. Shall I bring them in?"

Taking her stunned silence for yes he exited the room. Ginny was going to be violently sick, she just knew it. Her stomach did somersaults at just the thought of confronting her family with this news so soon after she had learned of it herself. How in the name of Godric Gryffindor was she ever going to explain this?

Burying her face in her hands, Ginny moaned softly to herself. She remained like that for a long time, wishing she could simply vanish. Eventually, she heard the dreaded sound of the door knob twisting and she stiffened warily. Suddenly, she was enveloped in comforting arms as her mother flung herself across the room and onto the bed, sobbing.

"Oh, Ginny! How could you have not told me?" she demanded.

Feeling guiltier than she ever had in her life, and more than terrified, Ginny fell into her mother's arms. There was lots of crying and hugging until the two witches had finally gotten control of themselves.

When Ginny straightened she noticed that her brothers lined the room, casting her worried glances. She smiled weakly at them and was grateful when they returned the smiles, even if their eyes seemed somewhat strained with apprehension.

It was her father's face, however, that caused Ginny's heart to break. His care worn grooves were etched with pain, his hurt at her current state causing her to dissolve into tears once again.

He moved forward to sit beside his wife and hold his only daughter comfortingly. "It's okay, honey," he said softly, voice shaking. "We all love you very much. Nothing will ever change that."

Ginny clung to him gratefully. Her father's arms had always been a comfort to her. They had held her as a child; hurt and grubby from falling in the garden. Ecircled her during nightmares; after having chased away all the monsters from under her bed. Her father's embrace had never failed to diminish her fears in her life, but their comfort did little to stop her current fear.

Because no matter the comfort, love, or support, nothing would ever change the fact that Ginny was pregnant. She, Ginevra Weasley, was going to have a baby! She cringed with terror at the thought and it was a long time before she had calmed enough to notice that her mother was pacing the room furiously.

No longer overwhelmed with shock, Molly Weasley was back into her commanding self, her red rimmed eyes the only sign of the tears she had cried. The boys were all watching her warily, obviously expecting another explosion of anger.

"Well," she stated matter-of-factly, turning to smile encouragingly at her daughter, "there is no changing the past now. We need to start preparations as soon as possible."

The sons all let out audible breaths of relief. Extracting herself from her father, smiling at him thankfully, Ginny replied, "Yes... I suppose so. Dr. Flyn said that I would need to see a specialist."

Her mother nodded affirmatively. "Naturally. Now we need to decide when the wedding should be."

Ginny didn't think she would ever be able to breath again. She felt as if someone had just dumped all the gold in Gringotts on her chest. "Wedding?" she repeated dumbly.

Looking around the room hurriedly, she found the one person she had missed, hidden away in the shadows of a corner. Harry met her eyes steadily, his expression the most unreadable she had ever seen it.

"Of course!" Molly said, drawing her daughter's gaze away from Harry. "You must get married right away. I mean, everyone knows that it will be Harry's anyway, so the sooner the wedding the better. It wouldn't help to have those atrocious reporters getting wind of this."

"Don't you mean everyone expects that it would be Harry's?" Ginny snapped, before shockingly clapping a hand over her mouth.

Her family gaped at her in astonishment and she reddened slightly. "I'm sorry, Mum," she continued hurriedly, "it's just that... that..."

"Yes, Ginny?"

She jumped guiltily at Harry's voice, which resounded accusingly in the silence that had followed her outburst. Meeting his eyes sadly, she replied, "The baby isn't yours, Harry."

Chaos exploded throughout the room at the announcement.

"WHAT?" Molly Weasley yelled, doing a terrifyingly accurate imitation of an enraged hippogriff.

All of Ginny's brothers leaped from their posts along the walls, instantly demanding answers. Harry simple sunk down the wall and into the nearest seat he could find, his eyes more than expressing his relief. Ginny felt as if she should have been hurt at his obvious relief, but at the moment she was far too preoccupied attempting to fend off her angry family.

"Quiet!" Arthur finally commanded. It was very seldom that Arthur Weasley got angry, but when he did his temper could rival even his wife's.

Moving towards a distraught Molly, he turned towards his daughter. "Ginny," he said in a voice that brooked no argument, "I think you had better explain this."

Extremely uncomfortable, Ginny fixed her gaze on her blankets.

"There has been someone else for the past four months," she mumbled. "Harry was gone up until two weeks ago. There can be no other possibility except for... for this other person."

Silence fell over the room, becoming a sharp counterpoint to the noise of hospital activity outside the door. Risking a peek at her family, Ginny winced at the shock and dismay sketched on her parents' faces and the surprise on her brothers'.

"Who is it, Ginny?" her mother asked quietly. "Tell me, who is it?"

Ginny faltered. "I.. I... I can't tell you. Not yet."

"This is no time to start hiding things from us again," Arthur pointed out fiercely.

"I didn't even know about this," Ginny protested. "Don't you think I would have told SOMEONE if I did?"

"There's no need to shout," Molly insisted. "I think that we deserve an honest answer."

Crossing her arms, Ginny countered, "Then I will give you an honest answer as soon as I have one."

No one said anything for a bit as glares were exchanged and Molly turned into her husbands embrace once more. Jaw clenching in frustration, Ginny looked away. "I have to talk with him first," she explained slowly.

"Do you not think he will make an honorable woman out of you?" Percy wondered.

Ginny turned to her brother in surprise. Him... honorable?

If you could call cheating on your fiancée honorable at all. For that matter, having affairs with engaged men couldn't be very high on the list either.

Rather than make her family even more upset, she shrugged hopelessly. "I won't know anything until I speak with him."

It seemed as if all that had needed to be said was said, for they stayed in silence for a while longer. All of the boys were starting to shift uncomfortably, and Molly was sniffling unhappily in her husband's arms.

The nurse that entered at that moment came at the perfect time, glancing from the family to Ginny in a calculating look she said, "You are free to go now, Miss Weasley. Dr. Flyn has discharged you."

Eager to leave the tense hospital room, Ginny moved from her bed quickly. The family watched as she collected her belongings and wand.

"You shouldn't go home alone," Bill pointed out finally.

Looking at her parents, who were currently ignoring her, Ginny shrugged. "It's no problem."

"I can take you home," Harry offered, obviously anxious to leave as well.

Smiling slightly at him, she nodded. "Thanks."

After signing discharge papers and receiving further instructions from the nurse, Ginny stood before her still shocked family uncomfortably. Sniffling again, this time in disapproval, her mother said, "After you speak with.... him, come home. We still have a lot to discuss."

Keeping her stare on the floor, Ginny nodded before giving her mother's frosty cheek a kiss. She gratefully walked away with Harry towards the Floo networked fireplaces and soon they had both arrived at her apartment.

It should have been a relief to finally get away from her family and into the seclusion of her quiet apartment. Instead, all her arrival did for her was to remind her of the current situation.

The apartment was too small for a baby and horribly lonely. How could she possibly raise this child on her own, and without anyone to help her do it? She turned away as she heard Harry arrive in the fireplace, not wanting him to see the grief that she felt.

"Thank you for helping me home," she said softly.

A rustle of cloth informed her that he had taken a step closer, his hand coming up to rest on her shoulder.

"Ginny," he began, the sympathy in his voice melting the last of her resolve.

"Damn it, Harry!" she snapped through an escaping sob of misery. "I-I-I c-c-can't..."

She leaned into him gratefully as he pulled her to him, his robes soaking up her tears as well as muffling her protests.

"Shh," he comforted, rubbing her back. "You don't have to do this alone. Your family is going to be there for you after they get over their shock. And I am always here for you," he pointed out.

"I don't need your corrupted sense of chivalry," she insisted, pushing away with a sniffle.

He smiled at her slightly, relieved to see that she was getting herself under control once more. Ginny had always been independent, not relying on anything in their relationship aside from friendship. She had often joked in the past of his concern as being overly chivalrous.

Sighing, she added, "Besides, it's not even yours. I don't want to burden you with my mistake."

Unable to resist he asked casually, "Whose is it then?"

Darting a suspicious glance at him she replied, "I already said I wouldn't tell. I have to talk to him first, preferably without every member of my family attempting to kill him at any moment."

Harry laughed. "He can't be that bad!"

He had expected her mood to lighten at the taunt, but her eyes darkened miserably. Deciding that it was past time to leave, Harry kissed her on the cheek.

"I'm serious, Gin," he repeated, taking her chin in his hand to force her to meet his stare. "I am always here, and if anything happens with this guy-"

"I know Harry," she interrupted with a cryptic smile, "you'll come charging in on the white steed to save me from his corrupted soul and bear me off to live happily ever after."

"If only it were that simple," he commented, stepping away to apparate.

"Isn't it?" she wondered absently, her eyes roaming somewhere into the distance. "It doesn't seem that long ago that you did just that. Except it was with the wrong girl..."

Harry winced painfully at the statement and the action drew her out of her thoughts. Studying him, head slightly tilted, she met his eyes. There was no apology there and he truly didn't expect one. While they had buried much of it in the past, Ginny always brought it to the surface. It was like a wound that she refused to let heal.

"Good night," he said.

The last thing he saw before he apparated was her small form turning away from him sadly. "Good night, Harry," she replied softly, and then he was gone.

*~*

Sally Owens studied the woman before her with curiosity.

She had the nagging sense that she should know the witch, but the name evaded her. As a secretary for a highly established business she made it her job to become familiar with all of the important clients and members of the board. While she had never seen the witch in any of the offices before, the woman practically screamed importance.

She was dressed efficiently in business robes that were left open to reveal a short black skirt and white blouse. Her red hair was combed to perfection and her face only lightly dusted with makeup to add small attributes; mascara to emphasis the dark eyes, lipstick to add a tint of rosy lips, and a hint of blush over a cascade of freckles. For a businesswoman, she appeared confident and unworried as she affirmed that she did not have an appointment.

Surprised, Sally pointed out, "He requires that all of his clients pre-schedule an appointment."

Chuckling deeply, the woman replied, "I bet he does. He'll want to see me though."

Folding her hands, Sally said, "He's not in right now."

"That's fine," the woman called over her shoulder, already walking away towards Sally's employer's office. "I will wait for him inside. Don't bother to owl him... I don't mind a wait."

Before Sally could blink or even protest, the woman was snapping the door closed behind her. Despite the fact that there were important documents and valuables in the room, Sally was not worried about their confiscation. There were few who had the nerve to anger her employer and the witch had seemed familiar enough with him. It was then that she remembered, to her frustration, that she hadn't caught the woman's name.

*~*

Ginny looked around her with interest. She had never been to his office before and it was exactly as she had thought it would be. The room was extremely large and intimidating; the walls on either side of her were lined with gleaming wooden bookshelves, filled with tomes of varying degrees of importance.

Light shown in from windows that broke up the bookcases and a fire crackled in the hearth behind a massive desk, in which comfortable chairs and couches were placed before. Moving forward, Ginny sat hesitantly in one of them, before jumping up to pace anxiously.

He was going to be furious to find her here. For that matter, she wasn't too happy with him either. If he had listened to her in the first place none of this would have happened at all!

She paused in her pacing as one of the pictures on the desk drew her attention. It was of him and a witch, standing hand in hand as they smiled and waved into the camera. It was obviously taken years ago from the evident merriment of the faces and the Hogwarts robes they were wearing.

Moving around the desk Ginny picked it up to stare at it intently. The young girl in the picture was none other than his fiancée. So they had been friends even back then...

Sitting in his chair, she continued to study the picture. It looked as if he had been in his seventh year from the Head Boy badge flashing proudly from his robes. She scowled at the memory; she could well remember that whole ordeal.

The grin faded as the memory recalled a similar one, which had leaded her eventual meeting with him years later.

"Ginny."

She had been busy conversing with some other people who had attended the ball when her date called her. Moving towards Walter Ogden, current heir of the Ogden's Old Firewhisky fortune, she couldn't help but admire him. While he wasn't the most attractive man she had ever met, he was confident within himself and carried himself as one accustomed to power and wealth; which he was, of course.

Smiling at him, she allowed him to wrap an arm around her just as she turned towards his guest and her jaw dropped.

Mistaking her shock, Walter beamed happily. "This gentleman just got done talking about his final years as Hogwarts Head Boy, when I remembered that you had been Head Girl there as well, darling."

Glancing between the two of them as they continued to stare at each other, he asked, "You do know each other, don't you?"

"Unfortunately," Ginny remarked with uncommon acidity, just as he answered with a short, "Yes."

They eyed each other warily and Ginny couldn't help but notice that maturity had done well for him. His tall form had remained trim and tapered, his shoulder's gained breadth and his finely chiseled face had hardened into that of a man.

The tension of the moment was broken as he reached out to kiss her hand in greeting. Aware of the warmth of his lips on her skin, Ginny shifted uncomfortably as he smirked over her hand at her.

"My, my Weasley," his eyes raked over her, "you seem to be doing exceptionally well for yourself."

Claiming her hand back, Ginny glared at him. "Yes, well no surprise that you are still around. It seems like your family has a knack for thriving on other people's poverty."

She had stormed off angrily then, deaf to the shocked calls of Walter. It had been a surprise when he encountered her again, much later that evening.

Ginny was resting from the crowds in a corner, sipping champagne as she watched the dancers twirl across the floor. Feeling a warm presence beside her she had said without thinking, "I know that you are probably upset Walter. But believe me, the man is an insufferable git. You could do much better for a patron. I'd recommend Stephen Quirke, he and his sister have quite a fortune hid away-"

"I'll have to remember that," a deep, cultured voice interrupted.

Jumping with surprise, nearly dropping her glass, Ginny turned to glare at him. "Back again?"

He smirked at her. "I just thought I'd express my congratulations at grabbing one of the richest eligible men around. That's quite an accomplishment for a Weasley, your family must be very proud. However, I must admit that it is so unGryffindor of you."

Crossing her arms irritably, she snapped, "We aren't together. He just needed a date..."

"Ah," he commented irritatingly, "so it isn't that you were after the money."

"What about you?" she demanded. "Do you honestly think your fiancée' isn't after your fortune?"

Laughing, he replied, "I've no doubts. But I won't have a fortune for long if you're going to chase away all my clients."

"It's the least I can do," she said snidely.

Frowning at her, he replied, "Not many would dare to get on my bad side."

Ginny threw back her head to laugh, causing him to scowl angrily. "Still tossing around threats, heh? It is true that people don't change, even over the years. Well I'll tell you what. You may have intimidated me during our school years, but I am not afraid of you anymore Draco Malfoy."

He smiled down on her, suddenly much closer than she had realized. "I look forward to the challenge, Weasley," he had drawled, his breath playing over her face, before he moved away.

Ginny sighed as she broke out of the memory. It had become their first meeting among many as they continued to discover each other roaming in the same circles and friends. At first, the constant meetings had come as a surprise, then it became apparent that they would continue to meet each other at various engagements. It was inevitable with the wizards Ginny had managed on capturing for dates; all of the wealthy people seemed to live in their own little world together.

When he had first started hinting at an interest it began as barbed flirts that engaged in furious words and taunts. Then it eventually evolved into an affair. He had been so subtle about it that when Ginny first realized about what was occurring between them, it had seemed so natural that she hadn't even thought twice about it.

Besides, it was only supposed to have been a brief fling. Not this... never this.

Ginny jerked her head up as a voice sounded from outside the door. Hurriedly, putting the picture back, Ginny stood as the door knob turned and opened to reveal the man who was going to be responsible for changing her life forever.

He was looking down at the stack of papers he carried, shifting through them irritably. "Whoever you are, you better make this quick. I don't have time to waste on people who can't bother to make an appointment."

"Hello, Malfoy," Ginny said cooly. "Pleasure to see you again. Though I can't really say it is you vain-arrogant-bastard!"