Disclaimer: All that you recognise belongs to JKR.

Warning: None.

A/N: It’s been a while hasn’t it? I’m being really bad at the moment and writing fanfiction instead of doing my assignment, but at least I’m being somewhat productive with my procrastination, lol.

I have so many other fics in progress, but this one popped into my head, so here we go with another chapter. I hope you enjoy it, and of course reviews are most welcome :)

The next morning had flown by so fast that Ginny was not sure whether it had even started at all. All too soon she was being handed the portkey that would take her to her godmother, (Celia herself being unable to make it because of some unexpected business) and watched her family now waiting and waving on the porch, their parting ceremony already fulfilled just previously.  

It had been a tearful and very boisterous goodbye. Mrs Weasley had hugged her and gave her a very watery kiss, telling her how much she would miss her darling daughter, and that she was sure Ginny would have so much fun with her dear Celia. Mr Weasley had given her his own hug and assured her that she would be well looked after and to just enjoy herself. Ron had risen to the occasion by presenting her with a pretty pearl necklace that he had bought for an old girlfriend and had thought it would be more useful if Ginny had it (but Ginny was not to know that), to which Ginny had exclaimed great appreciation over and had hugged him tightly against her.

Now she just beamed happily at them, her eyes glowing with unrestrained excitement as she waited for the portkey to activate. She felt the magic hum in her fingers, sending warm jolts of energy through her, and as she took one last look at her smiling family, the magic activated to send her spiralling through time and space to her godmother’s home.

She landed rather ungracefully on a large expanse of lush, green grass, her hands still clutching the portkey against her chest. Her eyes gazed about the lawn curiously, only to widen dramatically when they fell on the very grand home at the other end.

“Wow,” was all Ginny could muster, her mouth falling open in excited astonishment. Whatever she had been expecting was not this. The house, or rather mansion, was made of rusty brick and seemed to glow in fiery autumn shades with the evening sun. Pretty flowers bloomed around the veranda, and she spotted a gravel path leading up to the beautiful, old home just to the right of her. She thought the home seemed to smile at her; the windows and balconies shaping into an old man’s face that seemed as good-natured as it was wise with history. Ginny beamed happily to herself, not able to believe her luck. This was perfect!

She had no bags, her belongings being sent to the house later, and so simply had to walk up to the beautiful home and knock on the large wooden door. She only had to wait a few seconds before the door handle was opening, and a neat little house elf was smiling toothily up at her.

“You must be Miss Weasley! Please come into the parlour and have some refreshments. Mistress Celia will not be long in her business.”

“Thank you,” Ginny said warmly, and followed the little house elf into the house. Her eyes gazed admiringly around her, noting the tasteful elegance with which Celia Adderson had decorated her home. Nothing was too ostentatious or over-bearing, allowing Ginny to feel at least some comfort. She was well out of her element in this home, but there was a welcoming feeling of warmth and happiness lingering in the very walls that put her at ease.

“In here, Miss.”

Ginny entered the room the house elf was holding open for her and smiled in pleasure. Everything was as it should be, with squishy chairs that looked very inviting, flowers of bright happy colours dotted around on tables, and portraits of beautiful scenery adorning the pastel, yellow walls.

“Please take a seat, and I will owl the Mistress that you have come.”

Ginny once more thanked the house elf and took a seat on one of the cream coloured chairs, letting out a deep sigh of contentment as she did so. Her eyes fell on the elegant table where the refreshments were set, and lit up with a pleasure only someone who has never had such rich food so readily at their fingertips could understand.

Popping one of the assortments of chocolate delicacies into her mouth, Ginny munched happily on the truffle, savouring the taste in ecstasy with her eyes closed and a deeply satisfied smile on her face. She did not hear the door open, so enraptured was she by the delicious chocolate, nor did she see the expression of deep puzzlement on the man’s face now watching her.

“And who are you?”

Ginny jumped in fright and opened her eyes in surprise, meeting the equally surprised blue eyes gazing right back at her. Even under all her fright and shock, she was still able to notice how very handsome the man before her was. He had jet-black hair that fell softly around his face, and eyes of the deepest blue she had ever seen. His skin was quite tan from the sun, as far as she could tell, and there was a certain good humour lurking around his mouth that made her instantly attracted to him. It also helped that he was tall.

“I’m sorry. I’m Ginny Weasley.” She stood up and smiled brightly at him. “Mrs Adderson’s goddaughter.”

Understanding seemed to fill the man’s face, and his lips made an easy smile. “Ah, you must be the girl coming to stay with my mother.”

“Y-your mother?” Ginny blinked. She had no idea that her godmother had a son- let alone such a handsome one.

“Yes.” He smiled cheekily, his blue eyes dancing with light-hearted amusement. “I obviously picked a good time to visit my mother, now that I know such a beautiful girl as yourself is staying here.”

She felt her cheeks heat and knew she must be blushing. No one had ever complimented her like that, and Ginny found she was not so against it. Giving him a shy smile, she peeped up at him through her lashes. “You’re staying here too then?”

He grinned at that. “Well I admit I was not going to, but after seeing you how could I possibly leave?”

Blushing again, Ginny fidgeted with her hands. “Now you’re just being silly.”

“Not at all,” he said smoothly, taking a few step forwards and taking her hand lightly in his. He placed a graceful kiss on the back of her hand, and raised his dancing eyes to hers. Ginny felt her stomach fill with butterflies, and tried hard not to blush again.

“My name is Julian by the way.”  He smiled softly and released her hand. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Ginny.”

Before Ginny could answer, a rather large woman entered the room and let out a loud shriek of joy, stopping all further conversation between herself and Julian Adderson.

“My dear, look how much you’ve grown!”

Ginny only managed to give a nervous smile before she was enfolded in a very flowery embrace that nearly crushed her ribs. Gasping for breath, she was relieved when the very smiley woman finally released her and held her at arms length to survey her critically.

“Aren’t you just the sweetest thing!” she cooed happily. “That red hair is simply lovely and will be sure to make you stand out amongst those other insipid girls that all seem to want blonde hair.  It is a shame you have so many freckles, but one can’t have everything after all.” Her eyes roamed Ginny’s figure appreciatively. “You may not have the perfect figure but it’s good enough, and I’m sure I can find dresses to set it off to advantage.”

Ginny could only blink again as Celia rambled on. This woman, who was clearly her godmother, was not at all what she had expected. She always remembered Celia Adderson as a very sweet woman, but then perhaps that was just because the last she had seen her was when Ginny herself was only seven years old. Her mother had written letters to Celia over the years, but Ginny had not. Now faced with this modish, large, and rather over-bearing woman, she found herself feeling just a little overwhelmed- especially after Celia’s odd appraisal of her. She was still unsure whether to be offended or grateful.

“Mother, let her breathe,” Julian interrupted with a laugh. “You’ll scare her off before she’s even settled in.”

“Nonsense,” Celia retorted with a laugh of her own. “Ginny is perfectly fine.” She clasped Ginny’s hands in hers and beamed kindly at her, giving Ginny at least some comfort that the woman wasn’t completely insane. “We’re going to have so much fun you and I. There’s so much we have to do; what with getting new dresses for you; your hair will have to be done stylishly as well; oh, and we’ll also have to hold a ball for you here and invite all the eligible bachelors- and the girls too I suppose…”

“Thank you Mrs Adderson. I’m very much in your debt.”

“Please call me Celia. I always feel so old when people call me Mrs Adderson, and don’t thank me dear. I’m going to have the time of my life looking after you!”

“Seems like you too are going to be keeping yourself thoroughly entertained.” Julian commented with one of his easy smiles. “I hope you’re going to save some time for me as well, Ginny. I do wish to further my acquaintance with you.”

Ginny blushed faintly and nodded her head, giving him another of her shy smiles. “Of course.”

Julian seemed satisfied by her answer and said he had to be going quickly to finish up with some business. He gave his mother a quick kiss on the cheek and then bowed gracefully to both women before leaving the room, his smiling eyes lingering on Ginny’s face for just a moment as he shut the door.

“Oh my word he seems quite taken with you. What did you ever do to get him so interested? I declare he could barely keep his eyes of you.”

Pink once more flooded Ginny’s cheeks, but she felt just a little defensive at the judgement. She hadn’t done anything to get Julian’s attention. All she had been doing was eating chocolate truffles.

“I didn’t do anything. I don’t even understand why he would look at me. I’m sure there are plenty of prettier girls than me.”

“Stuff!” Celia exclaimed bluntly, promptly dismissing all those other pretty damsels. “Not one of them have hair as red as yours, or eyes so strangely chestnut. My dear, you could be quite beautiful if you tried more. Though those freckles do make you look a tad too village maiden, but never mind that. I shall make you a goddess. I must warn you though dear,” Celia confided, giving her hand a gentle pat. “Do not attach yourself to my son. I don’t mean to slight your family, for Merlin knows how much I love dear Molly, but I have other plans for Julian. Now I know you’re a sensible girl and won’t take a pet at my words, and mark my words there will be plenty of other handsome men to turn your head.”

Ginny felt just a little offended that Celia did not think she was good enough for her son, but she was far too excited at the prospect of being a goddess to complain, so she simply nodded her head and allowed the woman to babble on about society and all the things Ginny would be able to do. By the end of their discussion, (which was several hours later) Ginny was feeling much more charitable towards Celia, and was quite excited at the prospect of going shopping the next day to get some dresses.

“And will they be just like the ones I see in the magazines?”

“Of course dear!” Celia said airily, while leading her up to the room that had been prepared for her. “I’m not saving any expenses on you, but mind you I don’t want you to look like one of those tacky misses that wear the most showy clothes imaginable. You’re going to be elegant my dear, for it is simple elegance that shows true beauty.”

Drinking in this wise wisdom, Ginny nodded her head and smiled gratefully at her godmother. “I don’t know how I would ever go about without you here to help me, and thank you so much for doing all of this for me!”

“There now, you’re a good girl, and I promised your mother that I would give you an enjoyable time here, and that’s what I mean to do.” She gave Ginny another one of her kind smiles and opened the door. “You just get some sleep, and tomorrow Tippy will wake you up for breakfast, and after that we will go shopping.”

“I can’t wait,” Ginny confessed artlessly, her eyes sparkling at the prospect.

“No, nor can I. It’s been quite some time since I’ve been able to shop like this, and I know I will enjoy it thoroughly.” She patted Ginny’s hand and smiled again. “Goodnight dear, and make sure you get plenty of sleep.”

“I will, and goodnight!”

Celia nodded and then left for her own room, leaving Ginny standing alone in the corridor. She entered the room and shut the door behind her, her eyes immediately falling on the very large bed. Letting out a small whoop of joy, she ran over and jumped on the bed, basking in absolute bliss at all the comfort she now had.

“This is amazing!” she exclaimed to herself, fingering the soft blankets underneath her and gazing around at all the beautiful splendour.

Unable to stop the broad grin forming on her lips, Ginny just lay there on the bed thinking about all that had happened that day, and all that was yet to happen. A much more softer and smaller smile slipped onto her face as she thought about Julian. It was too much to say that she thought herself in love with him, or he with her, but she did know that she was deeply attracted to him. He fitted all the criteria of her perfect man, and she would not be against seeing him again. Though Celia may not want Ginny to be with Julian, Ginny was just the kind of girl to find forbidden romances all the more alluring and took no heed of the advice at all, happily occupying herself in imagining just what he was like until she fell fast asleep.

The next morning Ginny was rather disappointed to find that Julian had already left before breakfast to do some business on his vineyard in Italy, which is where she discovered he lived, but that he would be back later tonight. This of course only added to the attraction she had for him, and it was a while before she could stop her fantasies about living in Italy with the handsome dark-haired man.

“My dear you really must stop this day-dreaming of yours. There is nothing so off-putting as a girl who is always staring into space.”

“Sorry,” Ginny mumbled in embarrassment.

“That’s quite alright, just try not to do it again.”

Ginny nodded her head obediently and followed Celia down the crowded streets of Diagon Alley where they were shopping for new outfits. She already had a collection of dresses and jewellery to set her up for a lifetime, but Celia insisted that she needed a dress for every occasion, no matter how trivial it may seem. Ginny was not going to complain, and so both women chattered happily about colours, materials and other such things that had always occupied a special place in Ginny’s heart as they entered yet another shop.

Celia immediately went to the owner and told the dressmaker about Ginny’s situation. Madam Duboir was very happy to create anything for the pretty damsel, and Ginny soon found herself standing on a dais while Madam Duboir pinned cloths around her to determine which coloured dresses to make, and which style.

“Does Mademoiselle like the dress of blue celestial, or would Mademoiselle prefer the yellow?”

Ginny was unsure, and since Celia thought both looked ravishing, they ended up buying both, as well as a ball gown of deep green, a white flowing dress that Ginny particularly liked, and a simple, strapless dress for casual occasions that came just above Ginny’s knee.

“Why don’t you put the casual one on now, Ginny?” Celia said with a smile, giving Ginny a gentle push to the changing room. “You never know who you might see in town, and I want everyone to know how beautiful you are.”

Ginny nodded excitedly, already having been wishing she could change into one of the dresses for a long time now. She rushed into the changing room and put on the cream coloured, strapless dress that had pale pink flowers lining the material at the curve of her breasts to give some colour to the otherwise simple dress. Her freckles did stand out against her skin and the soft fabric, but Ginny thought she had never seen herself look so pretty, and was happy to find that she actually felt pretty.

Her confidence now thoroughly boosted, Ginny once more met up with Celia, (who praised rapturously on how well Ginny looked in the dress) and both women left the shop very pleased with themselves and their purchases.

It was just as Ginny and Celia were about to enter a café to get some lunch when she first saw him. He looked just the same as he always had when he was at school, snobbish and too proud for his own good, but his shoulders were more defined, and he had clearly grown into his pointy features that she had used to mock so much. She had once likened him to a rat in their school days, but there was nothing rat-like about Draco Malfoy’s face anymore; in fact he would almost be called handsome, though he was nothing to Julian Adderson.

“Oh goodness me, there’s Draco Malfoy!” Celia exclaimed, having followed Ginny’s gaze. “He’s one that you want to get on your good side. Very powerful in society his family is.”

Ginny made a face at that, but lucky for her Celia did not see, being too busy waving energetically at Draco to get his attention. Realising what Celia was going to do, she grabbed at the older woman’s arm desperately. “Oh please don’t call him over,” Ginny begged, her cheeks going a light shade of pink. She didn’t doubt that Draco’s wit would be just as cutting now as it was in their younger days.

But it was too late. Draco had already noticed and was now making his way over in what Ginny saw as some reluctance. He stopped in front of Mrs Adderson and gave her a polite nod, though Ginny could tell by the forced smile on his face that he did not particularly cherish her godmother. Somehow she doubted he liked anyone; he always was such a disagreeable boy.

“Mrs Adderson, how nice to see you again- and in such health.”

Celia laughed loudly and rapped his arm with her hand. “Now Draco, don’t take that polite tone with me. I’ve known you since you were in nappies, as you well know.”

Ginny could almost see his mind mentally muttering ‘unfortunately’ and would have giggled had it not been for the fact that his silvery, grey eyes had now fallen on her. She saw his pupils widen with mild shock, and was unsure whether to feel glad he seemed surprised to see her or offended.

“This is my goddaughter, Ginevra Weasley. She’s staying with me throughout the season.”

“We’ve met before,” Draco said shortly, and turned his eyes back to Celia.

“Oh well then you too will no doubt wish to catch up, and since I have just spotted Maria Cunningham over there, I’ll leave you two young ones alone for a while. You two don’t mind do you?”

Since Ginny found herself unable to express her feelings right now when faced with that confident smile, and Draco was obviously too polite to snub her in front of her godmother, both said nothing and watched as Celia scuttled over to her friend.

An awkward silence fell around the two, and Ginny shifted uncomfortably as she stared at her hands, unsure what to do or say. She had barely talked to Draco Malfoy unless it was to exchange insults, and since it would be rather immature to do that now, she found herself quite at a loss.

“You’re staying in London then?” Draco asked finally, clearly deciding he would have to be the one to break the awkward silence.

“Yes.”

“Oh.”

More silence.

Ginny raised her eyes to his face and wondered what he was thinking. She was glad he had not said anything rude to her yet, but it was rather ridiculous to think that either of them could come up with a civil conversation that could last any longer than five seconds. She felt like she had to try though, and so bravely decided to ask him a question herself.

“Um, how do you know Celia?”

He sighed slightly and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “She’s friends with my mother. Old school friends, you know.”

Ginny nodded, and privately thought it odd that Celia should be both her mother’s friend and his mother’s friend. It was a rather ironic coincidence considering the circumstances their families were in.

“I take it she is the one bringing you out into society then?”

“Yes. My family couldn’t afford it, so Celia offered to pay for it all.”

She waited for the cutting remark about her family’s poverty but it never came. He simply nodded as if that were obvious, and glanced about the street to where Celia could be seen talking to a rosy cheeked woman.

“How long do you think she’s going to take?” he asked in some frustration.

“You don’t have to stay you know,” Ginny pointed out reasonably. “I know you must be finding this as awkward as me, and I won’t be offended if you want to leave. We never did get along at school after all, and to be honest I have no idea what to say to you anyway, short of something that would make me look very undignified and Celia would probably scold me about.”

Draco’s eyes flickered back to her face in some amusement, and Ginny was surprised to see a genuine smile on his mouth. She’d never thought she’d see the day Draco Malfoy would smile at her, and could have fainted then and there at the sheer miracle of it all.

“You’re certainly blunt aren’t you?”

Ginny shrugged. “I’m not going to pretend that I have perfect manners like all you lot seem to, and I’m just telling the truth. I really do have no idea what to say to you. I mean think about it Malfoy, the last time we probably spoke to each other involved petty insults and maybe a bat-bogey-hex on my part.”

Draco laughed slightly, “Most likely.”

“Right, so how in Merlin’s name are we supposed to have a decent conversation, when all I can think about is how horrible you were in school, and more than likely you’re thinking the same thing about me.”

“I don’t know, but we seem to be doing alright.”

Ginny shook her head sagely. “So you say now, but give us more time to get over the surprise of meeting each other again, and I promise you we will both be regretting half the things that come out of our mouths.”

He seemed amused, not quite a smile lurking on his mouth, but before he could say anything Celia was back and beaming happily at the both of them.

“There now, Ginny, I just invited Maria and her girls to the little party we’re going to be having for your coming out ball.” Her beady brown eyes flickered to Draco and she gave him a poke in the arm. “I hope you’re going to come. I plan to make Ginny quite the success, and goodness knows your attendance will make it all the more.”

“I don’t think she’ll need me to be a success,” Draco replied, much to Ginny’s surprise. “But I will come if it will please you, Celia. I’m sure mother will want to go anyway.”

“Then it’s settled,” Celia declared cheerfully.

Ginny was still staring at Draco as if seeing him for the first time, but he merely nodded to both of them, excused himself politely and carried on his way to wherever it was he had been going. Ginny just stood there feeling unsure what to make of the grown-up Draco, or what to make of his odd words, but her musings were quickly cut short.

“You two seemed to be getting along nicely. Where do you know each other from?”

“School,” Ginny answered absently, still watching Draco’s progress down the street in some confusion.

“Well, be sure to further the relationship. He could make or break you my dear, and you do not want to be seen as boring to Draco Malfoy.”

Ginny’s hackles raised at that. “Surely people could like me for just being me rather than whether Draco Malfoy finds me entertaining or not?”

“Ah, you’re still so naïve, but never mind dear.” She patted Ginny’s hand, something she seemed to do a lot. “You’ll soon learn.”

Ginny didn’t think she wanted to learn as it just seemed stupid, but nodded all the same and followed Celia into the café, all thoughts of Draco Malfoy slipping from her mind in the face of such delicious food. What was a man to chocolate éclairs after all? Or at least that was how Ginny was feeling after having her stomach protesting to her for the past half hour.

Once they had finished their lunch they finished up with their shopping in town, and Ginny finally got to get her hair done. The hairdresser had wanted to cut Ginny’s hair short, as was the fashion, but Celia had long since decided to use that red hair to Ginny’s full potential, and so she had insisted the length stayed the same, but perhaps some layers would help give it some oomph.

Ginny was quite content to let them decide everything, never being given the luxury of having professionals do anything with her hair, and once she saw the finished result she was well pleased with her decision not to interfere. There was not much difference, but Celia had been right in thinking that layers would shape Ginny’s face better.

“Ah, now that looks lovely.”

Ginny smiled and fingered at her hair. “It does look nice, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, and you are going to be simply beautiful once I get you ready for this ball. I can just tell you are going to be all the rage.”

For someone who had never been seen as anything but just another Weasley, Ginny could not help the smile that came to her face, or feel excited at the prospect of the upcoming ball. London was proving to be everything she had dreamed.