Matters of Blood and Connection

Chapter 25: Paint The Seconds

The weekend trip to Hogsmeade was fast approaching. Ginny noticed it first when she and Draco were lying on his bed, his arms around her as he read the Daily Prophet. Slowly she scanned the newspaper and her eyes widened.

"It's almost here," said Ginny quietly.

Draco was playing with a lock of her hair absentmindedly as he nodded. It wasn't until he looked at her did he blink and mutter, "What's that?"

"The trip to Hogsmeade!" said Ginny enthusiastically. "I mentioned it last week. Didn't you listen?"

"Yes, I did, but I forgot." He put the paper down and tilted her head back, so he could trace the curve of her neck with his finger. "Besides, I thought we weren't going to go." His lips brushed her ear gently..

"We don't have to," she muttered, her eyes falling shut as his fingers touched her. "But I thought it might be nice to visit the village for a little while. We don't have to stay long if you don't want."

"I don't," he growled as he turned her face toward him and captured her lips in a searing kiss. "I want to come back here and shag the hell out of you." His hands twisted in her long, fiery hair and he tugged. "Is that all right?"

She kissed him, her eyes sliding shut as her lips met his, her arms going around his back. She loved the fact that they seemed to melt into each other perfectly whenever they hugged or laid against each other.

Currently, Ginny had her legs wrapped around his torso. She was squeezing lightly, and her hands were running up and down his back, gently lifting his shirt. Her fingers swept his bare skin and he groaned.

"Merlin," he breathed slowly. "You're going to be the death of me one day."

Ginny smiled contentedly at him and shifted slightly, her hips brushing his gently as she said, "That's very morbid, don't you think?" She wrapped her arms around his bare back as she managed to get his shirt off, her eyes clouding.

"Yes," he said as he dipped his head to kiss her slowly, his tongue plunging into her mouth, and his hand in her hair. His other hand held her hip, stroking the skin there. "You know what I think?"

"What?" she muttered, her hands still exploring his body like it was something new. She pressed her lips to his shoulder and he shivered.

"You're wearing far too much," he said softly, a small smile crossing his face. Quickly, he scooped her up and sat back against the pillows, holding her against him, her head tucked under his chin.

"You don't want to shag anymore?" she murmured. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No, no," he said quietly, petting her head. "I just thought we could talk for a little while." He sucked in a breath when her lips touched his chest. "About the wedding. We have to tell our parents soon."

"That is going to have an interesting outcome on both sides. Well, I can go to mine and explain everything and you go-"

"What are you talking about?" Draco said, raising an eyebrow. "I'm going with you when you tell your parents. We're in this together."

"Oh," said Ginny, blushing. "I thought maybe you'd-"

"I am not facing my father alone," Draco said stubbornly. "I won't let your parents yell at you either for this."

"You have more to worry about than my-"

"I know, I know." He sighed. "If I make it past your front door without being hit with plates that will be the miracle of the day, don't you think so?"

"Plates?" Ginny said. "I'll talk to Fred and George about that. They like throwing things at my new boyfriends. I think I can keep Ron distracted for a little bit, and all you really need to do is talk to my father, then we can leave."

"Your father will be angry," replied Draco. "Neither of your parents know we're seeing each other."

"I'm surprised Ron hasn't gone to them. I would have received a Howler if he had. Oh, I can just imagine what my mother would say."

"So can I. Her voice isn't easy to tune out," Draco said with a shudder. "I remember the Howler your brother got in his second year."

Ginny shot him a look. "Your mother would probably send you sweets and tell you not to do it again, because she's too worried about her hair or makeup and she has to go fix it, so she wouldn't send a full Howler."

Draco's eyes narrowed slightly and he grabbed hold of her wrist, startling her. "Is that so?" His lip curled slightly. Suddenly, his facial expression changed. "Yeah, she probably would do something like that."

"Bastard," she hissed, drawing away from him. "I really thought you were pissed."

He chuckled softly and leaned forward to kiss her on the nose. When she didn't respond, he frowned.

"You are the most arrogant-"

"Flattery like that is unnecessary," Draco said as he laced his fingers with hers and pulled her closer. "You've already got me, remember, Red?" His lips brushed her ear, and he smirked at the strangled moan that escaped her lips. "Forever."

"I love you," she mumbled, kissing his cheek. "So, when do you want to go see my parents?"

"As soon as possible."

Ginny swallowed the sudden lump in her throat.

***

Molly and Arthur Weasley sat in the kitchen of the Burrow, across from each other at the table, both of their faces with identical expressions. They had received an owl from Ginny no more than an hour ago, informing them she would be coming home soon with a surprise and some news. She neglected to mention whether the news was good or bad, which increased her parents' worry.

"What do you think it is?" Molly wondered.

"Ginny's a bright girl so I'm sure she hasn't gotten into a spot of trouble," Arthur said reassuringly. "She can't be any worse off than we were at her age. Do you remember when your father caught me coming out of your room at nearly one in the morning?"

"Maybe she has a boyfriend," Molly said, nodding. "That wouldn't be so bad. Ginny has been so lonely since her split with Harry that it makes sense."

"Maybe," said Arthur. "Anyone would be better than that Dean Thomas boy. Remember him?"

Molly's face twitched as she scowled. "I do. He set my kitchen curtains on fire, because he was trying to show Bill a spell."

"Anyone would be better than him," Arthur said again.

"Well, almost anyone," said Molly wearily.

Arthur didn't get a chance to ask what his wife meant because suddenly they heard a crash from the living room, a curse, and a hushed voice. Carefully, they rose and started toward the room, very surprised at what they saw.

Their daughter was on her back in the centre of the room, laughing quietly, and on top of her was a boy with pale skin and white-blond hair. He muttered something about soot and brushed his thumb across her cheek, effectively making the mark worse. That only caused Ginny to laugh harder, louder.

Someone cleared their throat.

"Daddy!" Ginny shouted, smiling broadly as she untangled herself from her boyfriend. Then she noticed his expression. "H-How long have you been there?"

"Oh, long enough," her father said grimly. He did not extend his hand to the boy. "Hello, Draco."