Normality

"SURPRISE!"

Ginny stared; gob smacked at the illuminated faces, before the lights switched on and the room was bathed in light. Streamers hung from almost every available space, as well as moving banners with magically drawn pictures of Ginny, and the words, 'Happy Birthday.'

People were spilling from every available corner, and more guests were now coming through the fireplace and into the already crowded room.

By the fireplace was a gigantic pile of presents, ranging from a miniscule box wrapped in changing color paper, to a massive package that Ginny assumed must be almost as tall as she was. On the opposite side of the room was a long table filled with all sorts of party foods, including pumpkin pasties, chocolate frogs, cake, fairy bread (made with real fairy dust, donated from the friendly fairies living in the yard) and other fattening things.

The furniture had been moved from the room, creating the illusion that the room had somehow magically grown (Ginny suspected it just might have actually been enchanted to become larger). The people crowding in it dwarfed it again though, with at least 100 people just in that room.

People started rushing up to Ginny, kissing the still bewildered girl on her cheek before moving off into different rooms of the house.

"Happy Birthday, dear." cried Mrs. Weasley, battling her way through the crowd. "You always said when you were younger, that you longed for a surprise birthday party...and only this year I realized we've never given you one! Besides, you've been so busy with your job lately. I wanted to give you some fun!"

"Too right!" said George, slinging an arm around Ginny's shoulder. "Me and Fred have barely seen you this year! You haven't even come in Weasley's Wizard Wheezes to help us test out some new products."

"Very irresponsible of her, don't you agree, George?" said Fred seriously.

"Indeed, indeed," George agreed in a posh voice, before giving Ginny another kiss on the cheek and returning to his wife Wendy and small daughter Peg.

Ginny smiled after him and turned her attention to Fred.

"How is the business going? I spoke to Katie the other day when I ran into her at the Apothecary. She said that you've made up a new product?"

Fred smiled at the mention of his long time girlfriend. Although he had dated Angelina Johnson for years, including their seventh year at Hogwarts, they had had a rather rocky relationship. Finally, neither could take it anymore, and ignoring the implications of marriage they painfully broke up. Fred had sunk into a sort of depression that Ginny didn't know all the details about. All she was really sure of was that he had run into Katie Bell, one of their old Hogwarts friends, at one of Harry's Quidditch games. To cut a long story short, they were still together.

Ginny chatted to Fred for a while longer, before he excused himself to fetch more punch.

"Ginny!"

Ginny spun around and grinned as she saw Hermione and Ron, holding hands as they walked over. Harry tagged along behind, shooting Ginny an amused look at the pair, which she returned.

"How are you...is your job going ok? Clarissa? Is she still a barrister? We have to catch up...it feels like an age since I last spoke to you!" Hermione babbled away happily, until Ron clapped a hand over her mouth impatiently.

"Shut up, Herm. So, Ginny! Twenty-six at last, hey? Seems like our little girl is growing up so fast- OUCH!" Hermione, sick of struggling behind his hand had given up and bitten him.

Ginny sniggered behind her hand, while Hermione and Ron started to bicker again, before finally turning sharply and walking outside. Ginny wasn't too sure, but she thought she saw them start to snog furiously before they had quite made it. Turning to Harry, she smiled warmly and inquired after his Quidditch profession.

"Well it's getting very hectic, what with the finals coming up and all. It's amusing watching Oliver really. You can tell he's desperate to start ordering us all around, but as he's not the coach, there's nothing he can really do about it." Harry paused for a moment, an amused look in his eye. "So enough about me. How are you? How was that party thing at Roger's...he invited me to go, but I found I had some last minute training. Was it fun?"

Ginny rolled her eyes and commented wryly, "If you like that sort of thing, truthfully I was bored sick."

"Really?" asked Harry sympathetically.

"Yeah...Oh well, I guess that's the downside of associating with the more refined personable of our society."

"True, true. So how's work?"

Ginny fidgeted for a second, and then decided to be honest. "Not that great actually."

"Serious? What's been going on?"

"Franklin's finally sold the company, it's just I have issues with my new Boss." Ginny broke off, hoping that Harry would not ask her to specify. Unfortunately he did.

"Anyone I know?"

Ginny looked around hoping to avoid the question. Harry gently took her shoulder and raised an eyebrow. "Who is it Ginny?"

Knowing she was beaten, Ginny said very quietly, "Draco Malfoy."

Harry started to laugh, Ginny looked up surprised, wondering what was so funny.

"So-orry..." gasped Harry, still laughing. "For a second there I actually thought you said Draco Malfoy. How crazy is that?"

"I did say that. Malfoy is my new boss."

Harry sobered up immediately...

"WHAT!"

His yell attracted attention from the gathering guests, and Bill started to walk over. Harry regained his composure and whispered to Ginny furiously, "You mean that bigoted, asshole, and coward of a man is to be ordering you around from now on?"

Ginny nodded her head miserably, and Harry looked outraged. "I can't believe it. Why didn't you tell us before?"

"I-I guess I didn't want to believe it myself."

"Has he changed since Hogwarts? Is he still a dickhead?"

"No," said Ginny quietly.

"What!?"

"He's more than a dickhead now...he's King Dickhead."

A loud voice could suddenly be heard above the chatter. Bill was mounting a large, stable coffee table that seemed to have become like an impromptu stage. Ginny grabbed Harry's arms and nodded in the direction of Bill. Harry broke of from the rant he was about to embark on, and waited impatiently to hear what Bill had to say.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," began Bill, "we are gathered here today to celebrate the twenty-sixth birthday of my littlest sibling, Ginny." Applause broke out and Bill waited patiently for it to die down. "Now, I know that some of you are dying to edge your way over to the snack table (laughter) so I'll make this quick. There's going to be some dancing outside in about five minutes, the band is setting up now, and I hope nobody will blame me when I ask my sister Ginny, to dance the first few dances. Have a great time everyone."

He hopped down from the coffee table to loud applause and headed towards Ginny and Harry.

"Gins!" he exclaimed, throwing his arms around her. Being her oldest brother, he had always felt the occasion to be extra protective. "Having a good time?"

"Great thanks," answered Ginny politely, sending Harry a drastic look that clearly said; don't tell anyone.

"That's nice. Now, Harry, you can't hog Ginny all evening- I'm going to be the dreaded big brother now and insist she comes and meets her guests!"

"Bye, Harry," said Ginny miserably as Bill dragged her off into the crowds.

* * * * * *

Clarissa stumbled through the Weasley fireplace and was delighted to see that the party was in full swing. After seeing Ginny moping around for days on end about Draco and another birthday (this was only added on when Ginny returned from Roger's party certain she looked thirty), Clarissa had decided enough was enough.

She had gotten in touch with Mrs. Weasley, whom she had met at several barbeques, christenings, you know, the works, and suggested a party might help Ginny get over some stuff. Molly (as she had instructed Clarissa to call her) had immediately decided on a surprise party and the preparations had gone under way at once.

Clarissa was fairly sure Ginny had no idea whatsoever about the party and wished she could have been there to see Ginny's face when the crowd yelled surprise. Instead however, she was stuck in a boring, executives meeting which she had only just managed to get out early.

She started to move through the crowded room, only stopping to grab some champagne and chat up a rich-looking, wizard hottie. After deciding he wasn't her type, she continued her search for Ginny, which was becoming near impossible, as the crowd seemed to swell.

Well Molly sure went overboard with the guest list. Clarissa though grumpily/happily as yet another person pushed past, almost causing her to drop her drink. Where does this remind me of...oh! Yeah! The Weird Sisters concert, when I was in the mosh-pit!

Suddenly a flash of red wearing Ginny's blue dress, caught Clarissa's attention.

"Ginny!" she called loudly, and smiled at her friend as she turned sharply around. It seemed that Bill (who Clarissa had always found most attractive) was making Ginny do the rounds of greeting.

Ginny broke free from Bill's grasp and practically skipped over to Clarissa.

"Riss! Glad you could come! How come you're so late?"

"Meeting," said Clarissa wryly, making a face. "Got any good presents?"

"Haven't opened them yet! But look how many of them there are!" said Ginny, wide-eyed. She never worried about petty politeness with Clarissa. When they talked, they were plain and blunt.

"Doesn't Bill look good!" whispered Clarissa as he went to get them some punch.

"Clarissa!" exclaimed Ginny, punching her lightly on the arm. "You're going to make me sick."

"Sorry- but I speak as I see, and what I see is one fine piece of m- Bill! Back so soon?"

Bill laughed and handed her a drink.

"You know me, I live to serve. Gin's, the dancing is starting! Remember your promise?"

"Right, right..." Laughing she turned to Clarissa, "I promised Bill I'd dance the first few dances with him," she turned back to Bill and uttered in a mean voice, "slave driver."

"I'll come with you," offered Clarissa. "You never know...some hot Weasley 'fella might ask me to dance."

"Who? Charlie?" Bill joked.

Laughing, all three of them headed outside.

As they walked out into the bright sunlight, Clarissa gasped. The garden looked absolutely amazing.

The lawn had candles, enchanted to last for as long as required, and charmed to not blow out, scattered around in every direction. Lanterns were also lit in preparation for the celebration that was expected to go through the afternoon and into the night.

Brubles Helium balloons were tied to every single surface available and food tables seemed to be resting under every single tree in the garden. On the large grassy bank beside the river, where the boys had been known many a time to play Quidditch, was a large Marquee tent.

Clarissa pushed back on of the white flaps and strolled inside, Ginny and Bill following.

The inside was just as amazing as the garden, if not more so from the air of sophistication that surrounded it. Tables were set out in small clusters in a semi circle that stayed close to the walls of the tent. They were lavishly decorated with roses, gerberas and several other bright colored flowers. Trellises hung magically from the walls and ceilings, with rose colored flowers that Clarissa didn't recognize adorning every-possible surface.

In the front center of the room was a makeshift stage and a band filled with brass, woodwind, string and percussion instruments had just started to play an upbeat song. Their music was nothing like Clarissa had ever experienced. Although they seemed to be an old fashioned band, amazing new music with a twist was blasting out.

Couples started heading towards the dance floor, and although Ginny had already been promised to Bill, Neville, an old friend from Hogwarts came and asked her if she would like to dance. Carefully trying to be the responsible hostess, but also scared of crushing his hopes, Ginny left smiling apologetically over her shoulder.

"Well I guess I've been jilted," Bill joked, pretending to look downcast.

"Bill, Bill, Bill," chided Clarissa. "Seems you're set to be a Miss Havisham wanna-be forever."

"A who?" asked Bill curiously.

"Never mind," sighed Clarissa, shaking her head at the general illiteracy of most wizards.

"Say!" Bill suddenly exclaimed. "Wanna dance?"

"Thought you'd never ask."

He took her hand, and smiling broadly, they set off in a mad tango through the crowds of dancers.

* * * * * *

Ginny found herself being swept from partner to partner; everyone seemed to have his or her hearts set on dancing with the birthday girl. It could have also been the fact that she looked absolutely gorgeous.

Thinking that it was to be a big family dinner, she'd chosen her outfit carefully. She was dressed in a midnight blue dress that seemed almost to shimmer in the candlelit atmosphere. It had a moderately low neckline - i.e. not so low so it was slutty, but low enough to display her sloping collarbones and a slight swell of creamy cleavage, and a swirling skirt that came to mid-calf. Clarissa had presented her with a pair of shoes yesterday as "an early birthday surprise" and Ginny had been amazed at how different, yet how pretty they were. They were strappy and had long leather laces that twisted up her legs as a pair of ballet shoes might.

Her hair she believed wasn't working well that night. However to everyone else's eyes it looked ravishing, forming slightly wild, ginger curls that twisted and writhed all the way down her back.

Yes, Ginny looked stunning.

It was a pity really that Roger was not there to enjoy it, but as he hadn't turned up yet, and her Mother had given her no indication that he had answered her invitation, Ginny felt his absence was really quite bearable.

Her partner of the moment, twisted her into a spin and as she turned she felt herself be snatched from his grasp. Turning around to meet her attackers, she was delighted to see Parvati and Lavender.

Although Ginny disliked the sense of adventure and wildness both girls held in high regard, she adored them both dearly. Parvati had been her hairdresser for the past few years, and Lavender had dated Harry once or twice after leaving school. This had put her in close contact with both of the girls and although they often invited her to go out clubbing with them, she had only agreed once...and that night had been a disaster.

"Vati! Lav! How are you both?" she asked, kissing both their cheeks.

"Wonderful thanks!" exclaimed Parvati fingering the ends of Ginny's hair. "You really need a trim, Huns...come down and see me next week, ok?"

"Ginny!" Lavender butted in. "You look amazing...where did you get that dress? Those shoes! So cute."

Ginny laughed softly, and told them about the small designer shop she had come across in a quiet corner of Hogsmeade. They accepted this information, happily scribbling down the address in small pocketbooks.

"Now Ginny, me and Lav got you a present which we decided was best to give to you personally."

"Uh-huh, lets go outside and open it!" added Lavender, grabbing Ginny's hand and pulling her out of the tent. The air crisp now, and the sun had gone down leaving beautiful winter patterns in the clouds. The tent had obviously had a warming charm placed on it, so Ginny quickly cast a similar charm over all three of them.

They went over to one of the fiery lanterns illuminating a pretty stone bench. Sitting Ginny down in the middle, Parvati and Lavender plopped down on either side of her.

"Now..." started Lavender. "We decided that you are just far too innocent, Ginny Weasley!"

"That's for sure!" added Parvati. "I saw you blushing at that hottie who was putting the eye on you!"

"So, we decided to share our more...well, advanced knowledge and...Well, open the gift Huns!"

Ginny was now looking at the offered parcel with apprehension. So what if she was...well, as they put it innocent? She didn't feel too safe with any of the guys she'd met since leaving Hogwarts. Besides, having six older brothers could rather turn a guy off in fear of being pummelled to the ground. Deciding to take her chances, Ginny opened the parcel and held up the gift with a worried look on her face.

They had given her lingerie. Well...not just any underwear, this was serious Honeymoon stuff. It was black, lacy and see through...and what had happened to where the bra cups were meant to go? Nothing was there but black mesh?

"It's uh...nice?" she said unsurely to the girls. "But when and how am I supposed to wear this thing?"

"Ginny! You know how to put it on...don't tell me you've never worn sexy knickers to bed." Parvati was looking into Ginny's eyes as she said this and after a second came into a brief realization. "Oh good lord, she hasn't."

"You are going to need a lot more help than just this present my dear," Lavender said, nodding seriously. "Meet us at Cafe Rossini for lunch tomorrow."

"And we're not taking no for an answer!" said Parvati as she grabbed Lavender and strolled off, calling goodbye back over their shoulders.

Ginny, at this stage, stared at the present in her lap and called weakly after them, "Uh, no...Means, uh, no?"

Oh Brother.

And with that, Ginny's head sunk into her hands.

* * * * * *

Harry wandered around the party, enjoying the benefits of free alcohol and nibbles.

He was determined to have fun, but what Ginny had told him earlier was running constantly through his head like a record stuck on a never-ending track;

..."Malfoy is my Boss" "My Boss is Malfoy" "Is Malfoy my Boss"...

He tried rearranging the letters in his head, changing them so they might have suited him better. Every time though the word Malfoy stood boldly out. He was frustrated that he was Ginny's boss...what good would ever come of it? And there seemed to be a lurking feeling there...almost hidden.

Was it jealousy? Denial?

Harry shook his head and headed towards the large marquee. He pushed open the flap and wandered in. Almost immediately, the sounds of music came blasting forwards. It seemed the tent had some sort of silencing charm around it. A slow, simple song was playing and couples were moving steadily to the beat in a way that suggested they only cared for the one person moving in the same way with them. Glancing around the room, Harry's attention was drawn to Ginny, sitting at a table full of friends and laughing out loud, with her head thrown back.

In that very same moment, the charm on a few of the candles failed, sending the room into a state of semi darkness. The candle near Ginny, however, was still blazing, catching the redness of her hair and making her whole body glow.

The candles were quickly restored, but Harry was standing stock-still.

He didn't know what had come over him in that brief second, or fully understand what it had done to his senses, mind or body. All he knew was from that moment on he had one goal.

Ginny Weasley.

He walked quickly over to the table she was sitting at and smiled down at everyone seated there.

"Hello ladies," he said in a hopefully charming voice. "Mind if I sit down?"

"Not at all," a pretty Blonde answered, smiling coyly up at him, "not at all..."

Harry returned her smile and asked Ginny if she was having a good time.

"Great thanks!" she answered, eyes sparkling, with a wide grin spread across her face.

"Glad to hear it," Harry answered. "Now how about a dance?"

"Certainly."

To Harry's dismay however, after he had taken Ginny's hand and lead her towards the dance floor, a wild song started leaving his thwarted plans of a slow dance in the dust. Ginny, however didn't seem to mind as she danced wildly, a smile ever present?

It seemed they hadn't been dancing for much time at all, when suddenly the music was stopped, corresponding with loud groans of protest. Bill, who seemed to be acting as an unofficial announcer for the evening, ignored such outcry and climbed up onto the stage. Once he had made it up there, he pointed to his throat with his wand and mumbled a charm similar to Ludo Bagman's announcer getup.

"Weasleys, family, friends and people sneaking in for free alcohol," Bill called, sounding eight times louder than usual. "Now, as we all know...well, aside from the before mentioned drunks (at this point people laughed heartily) now that the clock strikes twelve, we can acknowledge, that twenty-six years ago my gorgeous baby sister was born." Bill paused to let some 'awww...' sounds pass around the room, and then jumped back into it. "I remember the day clearly...November 28th. It was dark and windy...rain had been pummelling us for days. It seemed that even the weather was feeling the impending doom that a little sister could bring. Needless to say, all us boys were pretty damned scared...with a little girl on the scene, our Mummy might no longer have time for us!"

"Oye, Bill!" Fred jumped in, shaking his head and laughing. "It's understandable that me, George and Ron may have been slightly scared for loss of 'our Mummy' even Percy may have felt it? But weren't you uh...quite a lot older."

"Fred," said Bill, shaking his head, "Please shut-up...you're ruining the dramatic affect."

"Sorry."

"Quite alright. Anyway, all our fears were building, until Dad came out with the news that Ginny, had been born. From that moment on we knew our lives had changed...for the better. I'm sure every one of us Weasley boys has a recollection of teaching Ginny how to fly, or even in Percy's case, learning to spell. She's been a positive part in every smile we smile and every dream we chase. Ginny, for giving us the wonderful gift of a sister, all us boys have banded together to get you something really special. Charlie? Will you do the honors?"

Charlie stepped forward to Ginny with a massive grin stretching across his freckled face. He was holding out a box, flat, white with no unnecessary trimmings or ruffles.

Ginny had good feelings about this already.

Accepting the box with trembling hands, she gently lifted the lid, while the massive crowds of guests leaned in to see what Ginny had received. Upon seeing what it contained, she let out a loud gasp and gently lifted it out of the box.

In it was a beautiful, shimmering, gold ball gown.

Ginny stared at it, enchanted. Never in her life had she witnessed a more beautiful dress. It shined from every angle and felt as soft as a rose petal. It was stunning.

Percy stepped forward and handed her another small package. Feeling as if her heart could burst, Ginny opened it to discover a pearl necklace and matching earrings.

"The lady at the shop said they were antiques," Percy said gruffly. "And the dress is supposed to be made out of silk and woven with the same material they use for Invisibility Cloaks..."

Ginny rushed at her brothers and tried her best, while feeling as if her heart could burst, to gather them into a many armed, heartfelt, Weasley hug.

She had a feeling she wouldn't forget this night any time soon.

* * * * *

Draco took a deep puff of his cigar and stared at the beautiful blonde who was currently snuggled up to him, trying desperately to remember her name. His alcohol-troubled brain could only string together a few twisted letters and to be honest, her current nakedness wasn't at all helping the situation.

"Mmmm," she mumbled, rising up further out of the covers, "wasn't last night, like, so fun."

"I guess," Draco shrugged non-commitedly. All he could really remember about the previous night was going to a hell of a bar and drinking an awful lot of alcohol. Besides, he really didn't care who she was or what she was doing in his bed after she pulled herself up even further, offering Draco a spectacular view.

"Like what you see?" she said coyly, stretching like a cat. Apparently she had noticed his admiration of her more womanly features and was using this weakness to her full advantage.

Draco, never the one to lose the trousers in any relationship (could casual sex be considered a relationship? Draco decided that in his books it most certainly could) simply raised an eyebrow and raked his eyes over her apprehensively. After he had completed his inspection he shrugged and said boredly, "I suppose."

The girl crossed her arms in front of her chest and glared at him uncomfortably. This obviously wasn't the reaction she was expecting. Obviously trying a different tact, she leaned in closer to him and licked his ear suggestively before whispering softly into his ear, "So what do you suppose Mr. Malfoy...and what are we going to do about it..."

Draco smirked...yes, he was definitely liking the way this conversation was turning out. Who gave a fuck whether he knew the poor girl's name. It wasn't like she was complaining.

"I suppose," he said, adopting her coy tone, "that you could show me what exactly you liked so much about last night."

"Why, I suppose that I could."

"Yes..." Draco trailed off as she started to show him what exactly he had missed in his drunken state until...

"Shit!"

"What is it hunny?" the blonde wriggled up from beneath the covers.

"I'm late for work."

"You work on a Saturday?"

"Yes, unfortunately," Draco jumped out of bed and smirked as he spied the girl staring appreciatively at he naked form from lowered eyelashes. He was about to pull on a pair of trousers before he realized all of a sudden that he had another old friend to take care of.

"Shit," he said again, running into the bathroom and having a fast cold shower.

It only took him about another five minutes to get dressed as quickly as possible and usher the nameless blonde out of his apartment.

"Will I ever see you again?" She gasped as he locked the door behind them.

"No," he said simply, looking through his pocket from his wand.

"What!" she gasped, baby blue eyes opened wide. "You can't just walk away from me, you...you...Prat! Do you even know who I am?!"

Draco found his wand and patted her shoulder with it fake sympathetically. "Well, considering I don't even know your name, I'm guessing not. Oh, and sweetie I don't plan on walking away."

Fury evident on her pretty, little face, she grabbed one of her kitten-healed black, shoes and advanced towards him with it held menacingly in front of her.

Waving sarcastically, Draco whipped out his wand and Apparated, leaving the blonde staring blankly at an empty space.

A few minutes later, he re-emerged in the corridor of Spellbound, whistling as he walked towards his office. He was halfway down the hallway when a fireball represented by Ginny screeched to a halt in front of him.

"Malfoy!" she screeched, red faced and flustered, "Do you have any idea what the time is? I've been bloody waiting for you all morning. Franklin had to leave for Hawaii to check out some hotel we're advertising and left me with a whole pile of paper work...that was meant for YOU!"

"Settle petal," grinned Draco. "One may think you're suffering from a cardiac arrest."

"A cardio-what. What the hell are you on about? All I know is we're behind with the budget plans, I have an appointment with a future benefactor in 10 minutes and you just waltz in here looking happy as Larry...And you expect me to settle!"

"Why, yes, that was the original plan. And I am as happy as Larry, thank you very much."

"Why?" said Ginny, glancing at him suspiciously.

"Well, let's just say I got laid by a gorgeous blonde...not that I can expect you to understand my elation. As far as looks go you've probably never even scored a kiss from Longbottom."

For the 2875th time that week, Draco wondered if Ginny had taken up a class on the way to send people the most evil glares she could muster.

"Why...why, I 'outta-" Cutting herself short, Ginny kicked him. Hard. Right in the shin.

"You little..." Grabbing her roughly, Draco shoved her in a nearby storage cupboard, and shook her roughly. Once he had secured the door, he turned to face her, taking satisfaction in the scared look obvious in the semi-darkness.

"Listen here you little minx. As much as I want to grab that sweet little neck of yours...what? Don't look at me like that. I know if you had half a chance you would be coming at me will a well-placed Crucio. But listen here, Virginia, I don't like you as much as you don't like me."

"But-" Ginny tried to cut in and Malfoy glared at her viciously.

"But we're stuck in this together. I need this job and I bloody well know that you need it just as much."

"How do you know that?" Ginny demanded.

"Let's just say the company leaves some important files just sitting around. So as I said before, We. Are. Stuck. So shut that pretty little mouth if you know what's good for you."

Ginny stared at him, obviously mortified, then turned back to him and said in a trembling voice, "You are the most evil, vile, disgusting little maggot that I have ever had the misfortune of working with. You can't tell me when to keep my mouth shut or when to...to..." she broke off faltering, eyes blazing.

Draco gave her a strained smile and answered, "But I can...I am your boss, and don't you forget it."

Ginny's brown eyes opened wide as she opened her mouth, gasping for air. Draco found himself leaning closer to her, that same repressed feeling threatening to break its way through him and do something that he would regret. He wasn't exactly sure where this mysterious urge was coming from, but he wanted to kiss her, more than anything else in the world...he wanted that.

Pulling him away, he stared at the green bucket on the floor for several minutes before turning back to her and saying in a raw, charged voice, "Don't you forget it."

Draco didn't know how he made it to his office. His ears were ringing, and he was hot...so very hot.

Slamming the door behind himself, he sat down heavily into his chair. She had done it again. Infected his thoughts and infuriated his mind. She had to go.

But how? That ridiculous contract bound him from doing anything rash and the worst of it was that she knew that as well as he did. Franklin's words chased themselves around in his head, over and over...

That I shall not fire or suspend any staff of this company, Spellbound, without a professional or fair reason.... professional or fair...fair reason...reason...

"That's it!" Draco shouted triumphantly. "Without a professional or fair reason..."

Wheels started turning in his head, as pieces of the puzzle slowly came together. He would have to create a professional or fair reason...and he knew just the way to do it.

A crazy daydream worked its way into his head of Ginny sitting at a restaurant while he took down her order.

"Yes ma'am" He versioned himself saying. "One order of Blackmail coming right up."

The word blackmail seemed so harsh, so demanding...so heartless. But then again, Draco had no heart.

Blackmail...he thought again. You would be proud of me Kitty...so proud.

It wasn't until later that he realized he had promised himself never to say her name again.