Okay, so no one is allowed to kill me! I am so sorry it's been so long since I updated this story (I Am needs to be updated to, yes, I know this) But there's been a lot happening for me lately. Basically that includes me moving to a new state, getting a job, getting in a HUGE wreck that totaled my car and put me with a fractured knee cap, getting a brand new car, getting a car payment, oh and…MY ADAPTER FOR MY LAPTOP FINALLY FUCKED ME OVER! Hence the reason why I haven't updated anything in so long; I finally got my new adapter today and thought it was time to update this story. This mainly because I already had chapter six written so it gets posted first. However, I'm hoping to have I Am updated very soon too! Anywho, please enjoy the latest installment of My Fair Weasley!
^_^ You guys rock!
Ja'ne- Ami
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My Fair Weasley
Chapter 6: Surprise Surprise
((-))
"So, care to share why you were all dressed up the other night?"
Ginny looked up from the file on her desk to find Andrew leaning against her office door. The look on his face suggested he'd been stewing over this question since said night. She raised an eyebrow in his direction. "And I have to explain myself why?"
Her intern came in her office and started picking up pictures. It was a habit of his when he was nervous or aggravated; he always needed something to keep his hands busy. Ginny studied him as he busied himself with looking at all the pictures she had scattered around her office.
It was a well known fact that he had a crush on her, despite her admittedly lacking in style. She wished she could make herself like him as anything other than a very dear friend. It wasn't that he wasn't cute. At a little over six feet tall and skinny as a rail he was the type of guy she normally went for. He had a perpetual five o'clock shadow and his black hair looked like he'd rolled out of bed without taking much time for it. His blue eyes were constantly making nurses and patients alike give him a good long second glance. It definitely wasn't that he wasn't cute.
Something was simply missing.
"Andy," she chuckled, "would you quick picking at my pictures?"
Startled he turned to her and gave her a sheepish grin. "Sorry. I'm just curious."
"You always are." She leaned back in her chair and sighed. "I'm going through a bit of a style reformation."
His brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean by style reformation?"
"What I mean is just that. The people that were there that night are helping me with it. I've decided it's time to change the way I look at myself and the way others see me." There was no way in hell she was going to tell him that her job was at stake because of it. He'd freak out and try to figure out some way to bring it before the Council of Hospital Relations. She didn't fear for Draco and Blaise, but herself. If they found out that she'd accepted their terms under duress they might find some way to bring up her integrity as a healer. And if they did that they might just find a way to get her out of the hospital. So, no, she was most definitely not going to tell Andrew the circumstances under which she'd accepted.
"There's nothing wrong with the way you look!" Andrew exclaimed. "Why should you have to change?"
"Andy, I want to change." She stood, grabbing the file on her desk. "I'll tell you the same thing I told them, I've been hiding behind little Ginny Weasley for the past twenty five years. It's time to bring Master Healer Ginevra Weasley out of the closet and throw her on for the entire world to see." She gave him a cheeky grin, "And who knows maybe I'll actually get laid for the first time in three years."
"Gin, you know I'd be happy to accommodate," Andy stated with a waggle of his eyebrows.
She headed out of her office laughing. "Oh Andy, you man whore."
((-))
Once, for a blessed relief, Ginny actually managed to get off shift on time. It was a rarity in her world; either having to stay on because of a patient or taking over for another healer. Needless to say as she grabbed her bag from her office and headed toward the main hospital entrance there was a spring in her step.
A voice caught her attention as she left the hospital and headed down the street. "Ginevra!"
Stopping she turned and found none other than Draco Malfoy striding up behind her. "What're you doing here Draco?"
"Are you free?" He asked as he caught up to her.
A shocked look passed over her face. "You mean you're actually asking before yanking me off somewhere?"
He smirked. "Believe it or not Ginevra, yes I am. I wasn't too clear on your schedule."
"My schedule," Ginny replied with a smirk of her own, "is complicated at best and rarely understood by anyone outside of the medical profession. However, I am actually free for the rest of the day and don't have to be back until tomorrow afternoon. So, whatever it is you want you've got less than twenty four hours to accomplish it."
Draco flashed her a half smile. "Good, what I've got planned shouldn't take that long. Have you eaten?"
Surprised by his thoughtfulness she shrugged. "No as a matter of fact I haven't. I was just about to go get lunch."
"Do you mind if I join you? Business has been booming lately and I neglected to eat lunch."
In answer she started walking in the direction of her favorite café. "Keep up Draco, according to you we don't have all day."
((-))
Lunch was at a small Italian café called Isabelle. And, Draco found to his surprise, Ginny was chummy with the owner who happened to be a suave, charming, pervert straight out of one of his mother's harlequin romance novels.
After the owner himself came and took their orders Draco stared intently at the woman sitting across from him. "I thought you said you weren't dating."
"Of course I'm not," Ginny replied. "Wait, are you implying that you think Lorenzo and I are…" Ginny burst out laughing. "Oh honestly Draco, I had to do an emergency c-section on his wife. In their gratitude they told me I'm welcome to come by anytime and eat anything free of charge."
Feeling just the tiniest, most infinitesimal bit relieved, Draco took a bite out of the amazing garlic bread that had been placed on the table.
"So," Ginny started as she looked at him intently, "Just what exactly did you have in mind for today anyways?"
With a smirk he replied, "Now that, Ginevra, is a surprise."
"A surprise?" Ginny's eyebrows shot to her hairline. "Draco Malfoy is planning a surprise for me? I don't know whether to be extremely terrified or unexpectedly grateful."
"The latter would probably be your best bet."
About that time a young woman with a baby sling over her front approached the table with their plates in hand. "Here you go Ginny," she said setting the plates down in front of them.
"And how are you and baby Dante doing?" Ginny asked peering into the sling. The baby inside was wide awake and staring.
The proud mother flashed Ginny a beautiful smile. "We're both doing fine. I wanted to personally invite you to Angelico's birthday party. You know how much he loves you."
Ginny laughed. "I'd be more than happy to come, Isabelle. That is, of course, if I'm not working."
"I'll send an invitation to you. Now, both of you enjoy."
"So, I take it the baby in the sling is the one you delivered?" Draco asked as Isabelle walked away to check on the other customers.
"Actually, no, Angelico would be the one I delivered. He's turning three next week." She smirked at him and said, "Although, I did deliver Dante as well."
"Gods woman, is there any child in the last five years you haven't delivered?" Draco asked as he speared a piece of his lasagna.
Ginny laughed, "As a matter of fact, Draco, there are lots of babies I haven't delivered. There are thousands of babies delivered every day, and if you want me to deliver you have to set it up with me personally. Unfortunately I can't be everywhere at once."
"You're a smart ass, but of course you knew that." Draco muttered.
"No, I constantly need to be reminded of it. I'm just forgetful like that."
It was scary just how well she had learned to copy his trademark smirk. He had a feeling the one plastered on her face right now was one he'd be seeing again and again.
As the lunch went on Ginny actually found herself enjoying Draco's company. And surprisingly enough he made for witty conversation and didn't mind the fact that her natural affinity for sarcasm shone through. An even bigger surprise was that he actually managed to make her laugh on several occasions; that in and of itself was a nice surprise.
Once they'd finished lunch Ginny gave Draco a curious look when he placed a handful of galleons on the table.
"What?" He asked when he noticed her look.
"That's more than enough to pay for yours and mine combined, and I get free food," Ginny reminded him.
"Yes, well, this was some of the best Italian food I've had out side of going to Italy. So," He stood and put on his jacket, "Consider it me making an investment. Now come with me." He held out his hand. When she hesitated to take it he explained, "We have to Apparate there, and since you don't know where we're going we'll have to do it side-along."
Nodding her understanding, Ginny placed her hand in his and stood allowing him to pull her along through the restaurant. When Isabelle gave her a curious look Ginny just smiled and shrugged. Once they were outside Draco wrapped an arm around her and pulled her against him. "Hold on tight," he whispered.
Cautiously Ginny wrapped her arms around his waist. Instinctively she breathed in the scent of his cologne and felt her knees waver beneath her. That was most definitely not a good thing. Without warning everything went black and Ginny stumbled when they landed on a cobblestone street.
It took a moment for her eyes to adjust but when they did she got a huge surprise. "Draco, we're in Paris."
He looked down at her and shot her a questioning glance. "How do you know we're in Paris?"
Realizing she was still attached to his hip she unwound her arms from around his waist and stepped away before his cologne could have any more affect on her. "Well, I have been to Paris before. My sister-in-law is from France and her family lives here."
Draco ran a hand through his hair. "Right, I forgot that Delacour married your brother. Well, surprise."
Ginny could have sworn he was almost pouting and laughed. "This is indeed a wonderful surprise. Normally when I'm here it's to check in on Fleur's grandmother. I've never had the opportunity to go shopping in the Atelier's district. I presume that's what we're here for, shopping that is."
Running a hand through his hair Draco nodded. "Yes, I have it on good authority that there's a new shop here. And I have it on even better authority that it caters to young professionals. I thought we'd try there and see if you find anything interesting." Pansy had been the one to suggest the shop, having stated that it seemed perfect for Ginevra's needs. She had assured Draco that the clothing there would be acceptable for a young professional woman who needed to amp up her style or find her own style as the case were.
Ginny gave him a smile and motioned before her. "Well lead on oh fearless one. I am most unwillingly at your disposal."
"If you were unwilling, Ginevra, then why did you come along in the first place?" Draco asked as he brushed past her.
Ginny rolled her eyes and stepped in line beside him. "It's called a joke, Malfoy. You should know by now that sarcasm is my best trait."
"Sarcasm? So that's what it's called. I simply thought you were reiterating your inability to have a normal conversation."
"Did you just crack a joke, Draco?" Ginny asked putting a hand on his arm to halt his progress.
"I believe that's what they call it these days." He flashed her a smile and walked ahead.
Ginny snapped herself out of her dumbfounded state and caught up to him partially unable to believe that he was actually joking with her. It was something she'd never thought possible. Sure he had made her laugh at lunch and they shared witty banter, but he had actually cracked a joke that she'd found funny. The world as she knew it was about to implode.
They didn't have to talk much farther before Draco turned into the Atelier's district, and they only went down a few shops before he opened a door and motioned her inside.
With no little amount of apprehension she stepped inside.
"Welcome to Atelier Favrielle, how may I be of service?"
Startled Ginny looked to where the voice had come from. "Gabrielle?"
The stunningly beautiful blonde behind the counter whipped her head up to stare incredulously at the two people who had entered her shop. "Ginny?"
Laughing Gabrielle swung around the counter and Ginny ran to fold the girl into a hug. "What are you doing here?" Gabrielle asked as she held Ginny out for inspection. "Please tell me you're here to shop."
Ginny rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out at the younger girl. "Yes, believe it or not I am. I'd like you to meet Draco Malfoy, the purveyor of my little fashion overhaul."
Gabrielle arched a prefect blonde eyebrow and said in perfect French, "We've met before. I didn't realize you held any association with the Weasley family."
"Nothing more than a passing association," Draco replied fluently. "Although it would seem it's becoming something more."
All he got for his reply was the same raised eyebrow.
Ginny looked from one to the other, her rather rusty French unable to catch more than a few words. She'd have to speak to either Gabrielle or Fleur about changing that. "Alright, so moving on out of the awkward not-everyone-speaks-the-language stage, where exactly do we start?"
With a sardonic little smile, Gabrielle grabbed Ginny's arm dragging her deeper into the bowels of the shop. "First, I think we start with outing wear. Honestly, these scrubs do absolutely nothing for that wonderful figure you're hiding."
And with that Gabrielle whisked Ginny away leaving Draco behind in stunned silence.
((-))
Exasperated Gabrielle flung her arms up and called, "Ginevra, get out here this instant."
"No!" The voice behind the curtain replied agitatedly.
"Weasley, if you're not out here by the time I count to three I'm coming in there after you," Draco drawled as he rubbed his hands over his face. They hadn't been at it twenty minutes and already the little Weasley was refusing to come out. The only purpose it was serving was to drive him completely bonkers.
With a growl Ginny threw the curtain back and stood there, hands on her hips. "Just whose bright idea was it to give me a pink shirt?"
Draco and Gabrielle looked at each other neither one willing to inflict the Weasley wrath on the other. Finally Draco sighed and decided it was better to own up, "I did. And I regret that decision." He stood from the chair he'd plopped down in and walked around the dais Ginny's dressing room was attached to. The pink really wasn't good for her. He though it had had enough red in it to not wash her out too badly, however he was willing to admit he was mistaken.
Ginny narrowed her eyes into the death glare her mother liked to use. "And you thought this would be a good idea because...?"
Refusing to be cowed by the look, though inwardly he cringed, Draco straightened his spine. "I see no reason to justify my actions, Weasley. I thought the top looked nice so I put it in with the items for you to try on.
Crossing her arms over her chest she narrowed her gaze even more and met his eyes directly. Satisfaction coursed through her when he visibly winced. "Well, Malfoy, you were obviously wrong. No pink, at all. And not just because it looks atrocious on me; it's far too girly and childish."
"Well, well, well, she's beginning to learn something," Draco replied. When something under her shirt caught his eye he leapt up on the dais. "Weasley, what sort of bra are you wearing?"
Ginny rolled her eyes. "What does it matter? A bra is a bra. So long as it holds my girls in there's not much more to it."
Gabrielle let out a frustrated whine and Draco cursed under his breath, "Gods Ginevra, go get some underwear that actually looks decent."
"But my underwear is fine." She tugged at the shirt. "Besides, who's going to see it?"
"That's not the point," Draco growled.
"Well then enlighten me as to what exactly the point is, Malfoy." Ginny growled back.
Gabrielle inserted herself between the two, "Ginny, Draco is correct. You need new lingerie especially with your new wardrobe. There are so many different bras for different occasions. You're doing a fashion overhaul and that includes your undergarments."
Draco hopped down off the dais and went over to where all the lingerie was hanging and proceeded to poke around. Looking through everything from "Nighttime negligee" to "Playtime Panties" he finally decided on four different sets and tossed them up on the dais. "Try those on."
With a huff Ginny grabbed the small stack off the floor and stomped back into her dressing room.
"Ginny, do you need any help?" Gabrielle asked from her leaning position on the huge wall mirror.
"Why would I need help? It's a bra and some underwear. I wear this shit every day."
Gabrielle looked at Draco and they simultaneously rolled their eyes.
"Well," Ginny asked as she stomped back out onto the dais, "What do you think? Is it grown up enough?"
Draco was sure he must have looked like a moron with his mouth hanging open. He would later claim it was from the shock of Ginevra waltzing out of her dressing room with nothing on but the underwear he picked out. When in reality it was due to the body she kept hidden beneath her bulky and baggy clothes.
He'd seen her dressed in her finest, he'd seen her dressed in her worst. But never in his wildest dreams had she had a body like this. Her height of five feet seven inches was already impressive, but the curves she had to go with it were amazing. Apparently she took just as much pride in taking care of herself as she did in taking care of others; at least it looked that way according to the faint muscular outlines on her stomach, legs, and arms. The lacy black and red bra lifted her ample breasts and the matching underwear accentuated the curve of her hips. She wasn't skinny by muggle standards, but her curves were lightly muscled and Draco found her more gorgeous than even Pansy, and he and Pansy had been sleeping together on and off for years.
His assessment only took a second before he was on his feet and yanking his jacket off to throw it around her. "Just what the hell do you think you're doing Ginevra?" He wrapped his jacket around her and shoved her back into the dressing room.
"What are you…? Ow, Draco that hurts. Would you let go of me?" Ginny all but shrieked as she stumbled back into the dressing room.
"Again I ask you what the hell do you think you're doing. Do you realize that the entire front of the store is glass?"
Ginny huffed, "Do you realize that Gabrielle's shut down her store for us? Do you realize that the glass storefront has been clouded just for the purpose of no one peaking in? Gods Malfoy you're a downright idiot sometimes."
"Whatever," he let her go with a little shove, "Just keep your lingerie trying on contained to your dressing room." With that he stepped out of the dressing room flinging the curtain shut behind him. Giggling caught his attention and he turned to see Gabrielle with her hand over her mouth. "What?"
Regaining her composure Gabrielle just smiled at him before slipping behind the curtain.
With a huff Draco plopped himself back down in the chair he had commandeered. This day was turning out to be not nearly as easy as he'd planned.
((-))
Ginny happily sipped on the warm, sugary, caramel laden coffee confection in her hand. After the little underwear mishap (that she hadn't even realized was a mishap) things had gone utterly easy. She had liked almost every outfit Gabrielle and Draco had made her try on. And, she found that the lingerie wasn't nearly as uncomfortable as she was dreading. In the end she'd wound up buying all of it. She had never really allowed herself free reign over her own vault, preferring to horde and build on her small fortune. But, she decided that a little frivolity wouldn't hurt her in the long run and she had rather enjoyed her little shopping spree. She had even found that she'd enjoyed the company as well.
"So, Mr. Malfoy, where to now, or are we done with out little escapade to Paris?" She asked taking another sip of her coffee.
Draco shot her a half smile before taking a sip of his own coffee. "Actually, we have one more stop to make before we're done for the evening."
"Oh, and just where might that be?" Ginny asked coyly.
"It's a surprise; however, I feel that I should inform you that I'm going to have to ask you to do something you may be disinclined to do." Draco answered as he led them back through the streets of Wizarding Paris.
"Well, I'm sure it can't be too horrible." Ginny shot him a wary look. "You're not going to ask me to stand naked in a glass box are you?"
The comment startled a laugh out of Draco. "No, Ginevra, I have no intention of putting you on display in any such manner. This is yet another step along the road to your fashion recovery. Just remember that what I will ask I do not ask lightly. I understand what this certain object can mean to women."
Ginny raised an eyebrow. She had absolutely no clue as to what he was implying and his cryptic remarks were making her hesitant to find out. But she followed him anyway until he led her to the front of a brightly lit salon. Her hesitation turned into panic when he guided her inside.
"Ah, Monsieur Malfoy, I see that you did manage to keep your appointment. And you, chéri, must be Mademoiselle Ginevra Weasley." A man, most likely in his late twenties, with long luxurious hair and a killer smile took both of Ginny's hands in his. "Draco has informed me that we're to give you a new look."
Ginny threw a glare at Draco but smiled at the stylist. "Apparently, I've only just been informed of this as well."
The stylist shot Draco a curious look as he took Ginny by the arm to guide her back to his station. "My name, chéri, is Jean Luc and for today and however long you would like to continue our association I am your stylist, hairdresser, and confidant."
Draco smirked at the bewildered look on Ginevra's face as Jean Luc sat her down in his chair. "Now, Draco wasn't very specific in what he had in mind, but now that I have a good look at you I'm getting a vision. What do you say to taking some of your length off?"
Ginny gave a little squeak and reached up to grab a lock of her hair. She'd been coerced into taking it down in order to see how it would look with her outfits and had left it to tumble down her back. In her entire life she had never had more than a couple of inches taken off, just enough to take away the split ends. "I don't know, I don't think I would look very good with short hair."
Jean Luc laughed and fingered the ends of her hair. "Ginevra, I am a professional. You have the neck and facial structure to pull off exactly the style I have in mind. And it won't be too short. I'm thinking shoulder length in the front and lightly stacked in the back; no more than a three inch difference. I'd also like to give you a few highlights to accentuate the wonderful color of your hair."
"I, uh, I," Ginny couldn't really come up with words to say. In truth she was a little overwhelmed by the prospect of getting her hair whacked off. It was a daunting prospect and one she had never really considered. In fact it was safe to say she was scared of it. Hermione had been talked into getting her hair cut off a few years ago and the result had been disastrous. She had refused to talk to Fred and George's wives for weeks since they'd been the ones to convince her in the first place. Ginny really didn't want the same thing to happen to her.
"Ginevra," Draco stated as he settled himself in a chair opposite from her, "Just let Jean Luc have his way. He is one of the best in the business; in fact he's on Theo's payroll. I trust him with my own hair I believe you can trust him when he says he knows what to do."
Ginny told herself there was nothing to be afraid of. After one last look at her hair she tossed it back over her shoulder. Stealing her resolve she took a deep breath and looked at Jean Luc. "Do it. I trust you."
Jean Luc leaned over her shoulder and gave her a blinding smile. "You, chéri, will not regret this."
((Chapter 6 Fin))