The Ride Home

Ginny and Draco stepped into the Malfoy family horseless carriage. It was their preferred way of traveling after a party (alcohol and Apparating could result in splinching). It was a peaceful way for them to unwind after the excitement of a party and enjoy each other's company.

Ginny sat, staring out at the clear sky and twinkling stars. In the quiet she could reflect on the events of the day. How she and Draco had fought horribly, the first in their short marriage. How that disagreement had caused the two of them to nearly begin the New Year without each other.

*~* Earlier that day*~*

Ginny sat in the bedroom she shared with Draco at Malfoy Manor in front of an ornate vanity, staring at her own reflection. She took in the sight of her brilliant red hair, which nearly fell to her waist, the dark brown eyes framed by long lashes, and her small nose covered in a light dusting of freckles. She absent-mindedly brushed her hair and felt the silky strands run through her fingers.

A small movement in the mirror caught her attention. Looking up, she noticed her husband moving around their master bedroom. Silently, she admired his form, now clad in only a towel. Ginny liked him best like this. He looked innocent and his normally unbreakable exterior seemed possible to breach. His hair and body were damp from his recent shower and tiny, blond tendrils of hair curled at his forehead. Small beads of water traveled down his lean stomach only to be quickly absorbed by the lush, white towel around his slim hips.

As he stirred about, Ginny thought of how years ago he had been her enemy. Enemy of the Order, of everyone she loved. Now, he was the one she loved most dearly.

"Draco, dear, who did you say was holding the party tonight?" Ginny asked.

"The Parkinson's," Draco replied without looking up.

Ginny's face contorted into an ugly grimace. "Oh." She paused for a moment, thoughtful. "We are still going to my parent's tomorrow, aren't we? They're throwing a party for Harry and Hermione. She's pregnant, you know." Ginny continued to ready herself for the upcoming festivity.

Draco stopped, a look of malice marring his elegant features. "Why would I want to celebrate Potter successfully copulating with the mudblood Granger?"

Ginny whipped around in her chair, her eyes blazing. "I can't believe you just said that! Where did that come from? You've gotten along fine with Harry and Hermione since we got married." Her words came out in a rush, but her tone was dangerous.

Draco sneered. "You honestly expected me to like and befriend them? Just because I'm not a Death Eater anymore doesn't mean that I've joined the Harry Potter fan club. I may be civil in social situations, I'm a Malfoy and therefore have good manners, but I will not lower myself so much as to attend a familial gathering in their honor."

Ginny's temper flared and she rose from the vanity. "Like you lowered yourself to marry my? A poor Weasley whose father loves muggles. Merlin, Draco, I don't see how you even considered looking at me, much less allowing me to bear your last name!" Tears gleamed in her eyes. "You won't lower yourself to visit my family, but you fully expect to parade me in front of your friends in whatever finery you want!"

As she spoke, Draco watched her calmly. When she had finished her tirade, he came toward her with determined steps. "Virginia, love, I did not lower myself to marry you. You were a rare exception; a diamond among Weasleys as it were."

Ginny withdrew from his approach. With an icy glare (which she had acquired from him, he noted), she remarked, "Only you could praise me and insult my family in one breath."

"It's a rare talent," said Draco with a trademark smirk.

Ginny laughed, but it was filled with anger. "Just to let you know, I have no intention of attending your 'function' tonight. You will have to go without me." Ginny started to remove her earrings when a hand on her wrist stopped her.

Draco looked down at her, and they silently stared at one another. Ginny noticed the small wisps of hair at his temple had dried and now lay in gentle curls at his hairline. Draco's eyes held a malicious gleam, and a half-smile crept on his face. "Yes, you will come with me tonight, or I will go to Potter and Granger's party tomorrow. Only my Malfoy manners will most decidedly stay at home."

Ginny considered her options. Not going tonight could mean disaster tomorrow. And she would have to explain, again, why she had married Draco in the first place (though at the moment, she was having a hard time coming up with a good reason). Resigned, she said, "Fine. I'll go. But don't expect me to be all together cordial."

Draco allowed a mocking smile to cover his entire face now. "That's a dear, Virginia. Now finish getting ready. We wouldn't want to be late."

*~*Present time*~*

Slowly, Ginny turned her head in the direction of her husband, amazed to find tears in his eyes. He was looking out of the carriage into the night sky. Feeling her gaze upon him, he shifted his gaze to her.

Taking in a deep, shaky breath, he spoke, "Ginny." She smiled at his use of her nickname. "Ginny, I'm so sor-"

She shushed him by placing her fingers over his lips. "Shhh...let's not talk. We have issues, and we'll deal with them, but for now, let's just enjoy the ride home. It's such a beautiful night. She finished wistfully and settled herself in the crook of his arm and laid her head on his shoulder.

Closing her eyes, and nearly drifting off into slumber, she heard him whisper, "I love you, Ginny." Then felt the pleasant pressure of a kiss in her hair.

Perhaps it would be good New Year after all.