Can't Fight This Feeling

hA/N: All things Harry Potter belong to JKR. I make no money from this.

Many thanks to my awesome beta, Southern_Witch_69! Sun, you're the greatest!

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Chapter Nine

Can't Fight This Feeling

Ginny was happy the night of the party had finally arrived. She was ready to get it over with and go back home. She had no idea what Draco had said to his father the night before, but Lucius had stayed clear of her. She was grateful.

She watched him dressing and suddenly felt lonely. Ginny had an urge to go to him and put her arms around him, but she fought it. Her feelings were mixed more than ever. She'd wanted him to leave her be, and he had. Why didn't that make her happy?

Sometimes she wanted him to just come into their bedroom and get into the bed, not asking her if it was okay. But she knew that he wouldn't. He knew he'd wronged her, and so he allowed her to call the shots there.

Ginny had been surprised that her husband had stood up to his father on her account. He told me that he loves me. Should I believe him? He's not said it since our argument, not that I expect him to. Why would he...I've given him no encouragement of any kind.

Ginny leaned back on her elbows and looked up at the ceiling. She missed him, plain and simple. He'd made a horrendous mistake to be sure, but was it an unforgivable one? Everyone jumped to wrong conclusions at one time or another during their life. Her brothers had called her horrid names before and for less. Not that he'd been right, but he had thought Harry was about to kiss her. She was so confused. Well, tonight is not the night to decide.

Draco turned to her, and Ginny's breath caught in her throat. He looked devastatingly handsome in his dark gray robes. "Are you ready to go?" he asked, not wanting to say too much lest he babble on about how incredibly beautiful she looked in her midnight blue robes.

"Yes," she told him, "as ready as I'll ever be."

Because they were making a public appearance and her family would be there, Ginny took Draco's proffered arm and allowed him to escort her into the room. It's going to be a long night, she decided as she scanned the room for familiar faces.

*** *** ***

Hermione began to fuss nervously with her hair and dress robes. She wished that she had brought her compact so she could check her makeup one more time.

"Stop fussing," her husband commanded. "You look beautiful. Those robes are very becoming."

Severus thought of the night before when he'd slipped out to deal with Nott. He was glad he'd done it. He'd do anything to protect Hermione. He was glad that he'd had the presence of mind to bring healing potions and study up on healing spells. Not that he and Draco needed them much.

Hermione looked down at her pale gold, shimmering robes and smiled. She did love the look of them. "Thank you. It's sweet of you to say so." She had wanted to make a good impression. This was the first public function that they would attend as husband and wife. Her grip on his arm tightened as they walked into the room and were announced by a house-elf.

Suddenly, every eye in the room was on them. Hermione wondered how in the world people did these kinds of things on a regular basis. Then she found Ginny in the crowd and smiled.

After they'd walked in and Severus had introduced her to a few of his... associates, Hermione told him that she wanted to go speak with Ginny and a few of her friends. She instinctively knew he didn't care to socialize with them himself, so she nudged him towards Lucius Malfoy.

She walked to Ginny and took her hands into her own. "Hello, Gin. How're you doing?"

"Actually, believe it or not, I'm doing okay. It never truly goes away, but it gets easier."

"Yes," Hermione agreed. "It surely does. Let's go find us a seat."

They found a few seats and sat, ready to catch up. Before they could begin, Hermione noticed that Ron, Harry, and Luna Lovegood all walked in together. "That's odd. I wonder which man she's with. Do you know?"

Turning towards the direction of Hermione's gaze, Ginny's eyes widened. "No, I don't know. It seems odd that she would be with either of them though."

"I agree." Loud laughter from her husband caused Hermione to turn her gaze from the odd trio that had just walked in. She'd never heard him laugh out loud in that way.

She couldn't take her eyes off of Severus standing with Lucius Malfoy and some woman she'd never seen before but automatically knew was Annabelle Avery. Her husband was laughing and relaxed in a way she'd never seen.

She wasn't jealous. Not in the way that he'd been. No, what she felt went beyond mere jealousy. She was hurt that he felt he could be so open and free with his emotions with these people, yet not with her. She wanted that with him so badly.

Yes, he'd opened up to her. But he'd only told her one thing from his past. Granted, it was something significant, but still, she realized as she sat here, she wanted more. She jolted only slightly when his eyes met hers, and they suddenly went from amusement to concern.

Severus started to walk to her, but stopped short when he saw Weasley walk to her and hold out his hand, asking her for a dance. She accepted without hesitation. Saying nothing, Severus walked back to where Lucius was standing.

"I've a couple surprises planned for later tonight," Lucius told Severus, proud of himself.

"Oh? Anything I should be concerned about?" he asked as his gaze kept drifting to his wife. He wondered what had put that wounded look in her eyes when she'd been watching him earlier. All he'd wanted to do at that moment was gather her into his arms.

"Not concerned, but I guarantee you'll be entertained. Perhaps your wife will adjourn to bed early."

Severus turned abruptly and gave Lucius his full attention then. "What have you done, Lucius? If you think that I will join you and Annabelle..."

"No, of course not Annabelle, although she's still very lovely." Lucius sighed, remembering. "She's with Tilden Toots now, didn't you know? No, Sophia should be here any moment, and she's bringing her friend, Giselle. Those two are quite a pair in the art of sex, my friend. I'd be willing to share either or both with you."

"I thank you, but no. Hermione is quite enough for me." He looked back to the dance floor to see her smiling up at Weasley and felt a tug of guilt. He'd never danced with her, he thought. Never even thought to ask once they'd entered. Severus was not used to dancing at functions.

"Well, perhaps you'll change your mind once you see them. They are hard to resist, old man."

"Don't count on it," Severus told him. "I'm getting a drink."

"All right. Find me later, and I'll tell you of the other surprise," Lucius told his friend with an odd look in his eyes.

Severus decided that he really didn't want to know.

~~~~

Ginny sat in her seat and watched Hermione dancing with her brother, thinking it was the best she'd ever seen the two getting along. Likely because they weren't here as a couple, she thought with a chuckle.

"I wasn't aware that you are Ron were even dating, Luna," Ginny commented as she turned to speak with her former school chum.

"Well," Luna told her, "we've really only been out a couple of times, but I've always loved him, Ginny. You know that."

"Yes," Ginny admitted, "I did. How are things going for the two of you?"

"Like I said, we've only been out a couple of times, but he's so sweet to me. Don't worry about me, Ginny," Luna said as her friend locked solemn brown eyes to her silvery gray ones. "I know I feel more for him than he does me. No matter what everyone says, I'm not truly an idiot."

"No, I didn't mean to imply that. It's just that I truly like you, Luna. I would hate for you to be hurt."

"Well, we're all hurt at sometime or another, aren't we? It's life, I suppose. No, I will enjoy Ronald for as long as he lets me."

Ginny smiled at Luna's outlook and wished she could be so optimistic. She thanked Harry when he placed a glass of punch in front of her and turned her attention back to the dance floor.

She noticed her husband dancing with Pansy Parkinson. She felt a jolt. Of course, her husband assumed she didn't want him touching her, so why would he ask her to dance? Ginny's eyes narrowed when Pansy shot her a smug look over Draco's shoulder.

Feeling petty, she only smiled back and patted her stomach, making sure her big, blue diamond glittered in the process. She felt satisfaction when Pansy averted her eyes.

Ginny turned, dismissing Pansy, and was about to start a conversation with Harry when she heard someone yelling across the room.

"DRACO! Why, you naughty, naughty boy!"

All eyes turned to the stunning woman strutting across the room towards a very happy, yet very surprised looking, Draco. The woman had long, black, wavy hair and violet eyes. Ginny didn't think she could have dreamed up a more perfect body. Her accent sounded French.

"I could 'ardly believe it when your fazer told me zat you had married! And after promizing to wait for me? My heart es broken!" She dramatically placed a hand on her ample chest, drawing attention there, and batted her eyes up at him. "Whatever shall you do to make up for zis blunder?"

Draco discarded Pansy as if she hadn't just been dancing with him, all but forgotten. "Josephine!" Draco swept the woman up in a firm hug. "How are you, love? It's been too long!"

Lucius watched from across the room with glee as his daughter-in-law's eyes narrowed at his son and Josephine. When Ginevra turned her eyes towards him, he lifted his glass in a mock toast, letting her know he was the one who was responsible for the French beauty being there.

Mess with me, you bloody twit, and I mess back. You and your father would both do well to remember that.

Ginny turned her eyes from Lucius and stood slowly as she watched her husband speaking with this... woman. The fact that Ginny wanted to rip her hair out by the roots was not lost on her.

Harry touched her arm. "Ginny, he's obviously surprised that she's here." Harry could care less about Malfoy, even though he'd come to the realization that Malfoy cared more for Ginny than he'd originally thought; he just didn't want to see Ginny hurt or upset anymore.

"Yes, I can see that, Harry," she replied harshly. "Sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you. I think I'll go introduce myself." Filled with determination, Ginny started walking over to her husband and his friend.

... 'Ave mized you like crazy! You should've come to zhe château wiz your fazer a few weeks ago. We could 'ave... caught up." She gave him a very meaningful look as she rubbed his arm from top to bottom and back up with her index finger.

Draco smiled, used to her blatant sexual suggestions. "I was getting married while my father was in France, Josie. Tell me..." He stopped short when his wife walked up, smile leaving his face immediately.

Both Draco and Josephine turned to face Ginny. Josephine slipped her arm through Draco's in a possessive way, irked at the interruption. He was so used to her doing so whenever they were together that he thought nothing of it. His wife, however, didn't miss the gesture. She also didn't miss the fact that the happy look had left his face as soon as she'd walked up, and her heart sank.

Deliberately looking at Josephine's arm through Draco's and then back up into their faces, Ginny simply said, "Hello. I'm Ginevra."

She felt the need to use her full name while dealing with someone who was quite obviously Draco's sophisticated ex-lover. That cow had better not forget the ex part!

Josephine looked her up and down, not hiding her distaste. "Charmed, I am sure," she said and then turned her back to her and placed both of her hands on Draco's face. She leaned in to give him a kiss hello, but Draco, who was finally catching on, stopped her by gently pushing her back.

Moving from Josephine to stand beside his wife, Draco told her, "Josie, Ginevra is my wife. Gin, this is my friend, Josephine. Her family lives in the château neighboring ours in France."

This time Ginny looked Josephine up and down. "Nice to meet you. I'm sure Draco is thrilled to have you at our wedding party."

Josephine didn't miss the subtle barb, nor did she miss the fact that they didn't touch one another when he moved to stand by her side and introduce her. "Of course 'e is! Surely you wouldn't mind if we 'ad a dance or two? Et 'as been so long since we've seen one anozer!"

Ginny stiffened, unsure how to answer. Hell no she didn't want her husband dancing with some over-sexed broom-stick model, but she also didn't want to come off as insecure to her either. Ginny would love to ram a broomstick right up her arse! She simply said, "Draco doesn't need my permission to dance, as he's well aware. Excuse me."

She started to walk away, but Draco put his hand around her waist to keep her there. Ginny couldn't help noticing his smug expression and wondered if he was mocking her. "I think this dance belongs to my wife," Draco said, looking directly at Josephine. "Perhaps we'll dance later. There are several men here, however, that I'm sure would love to take a turn with you on the dance floor. Excuse us."

Without asking her, Draco walked his wife to the dance floor and took her into his arms. She tensed at first and then relaxed. When she looked into his eyes, she noticed the smug look was still there. "What is it? Why are you smiling at me like that?" Is he that happy to see his ex?

"You're jealous."

"Humph! I most certainly am not." Ginny looked away, not wanting him to see the truth in her eyes.

"You're jealous," he confirmed, pulling her a bit closer to him. "I find that I like it."

Her body relaxed, and Ginny deeply inhaled the familiar and missed scent of her husband. She moved even closer without realizing it. "She wants you and dismisses me. It's as if she thinks that all she has to do is snap, and you'll throw me over and come running. I don't care for women like her who have such utter disregard for married men."

Draco's heart leapt, and he was happy to note that the ache that had been living inside of his chest this past week was starting to lessen. "Well, wanting never hurt anybody, but you don't need to worry, love. I'm all yours."

She looked into his eyes then. "She's a very beautiful woman."

"There's no denying that, but so are you. More importantly, it's you who I married. Ginevra, I want no one except you."

Ginny took the last step and leaned into her husband as closely as she could, laying her head on his chest. "I think I'm ready to talk things through now, Draco. We can't resolve our problems any other way." Until she'd felt his arms around her, she had no idea how much she really needed him. As if he was the last piece of the puzzle she needed to feel safe.

"I agree. Gin, I know this is not the time or place to discuss things, but just let me say this. I'm so sorry for not listening to you, and for the terrible name I called you and your mother. I didn't mean it, and I definitely don't think of you that way. I was just hurt, so I lashed out. If I could..."

Ginny hugged him tighter. She didn't know how much she'd needed to hear him say he didn't think of her that way until he'd actually said it out loud. "Ssh. Not here. There are too many people around. Let's just dance, Draco, so that I can enjoy being in your arms again."

~~~~

Lucius stood back from everyone, watching his son and his wife. He had been so certain that once Josephine was here, Draco wouldn't be able to resist her. She was a goddess after all.

Not that Draco's wife wasn't beautiful; she was just so... common. He couldn't understand how his son had gotten mixed up with the likes of her. Even Pansy Parkinson would have been a better choice.

He watched as Ginevra slowly drifted closer and closer to Draco. It was as if she actually melted into his arms. Lucius had never understood that term before this moment.

My God! That boy does love her. But why? She seems to actually care for him as well. Lucius had not been so sure of that until now. He'd observed them, noticing that they hardly ever spoke and never touched. Not the normal for newlyweds.

Or it had not been so for Narcissa and him. Merlin, he hadn't been able to keep his hands off of her when they'd first gotten married. Hell, he still hadn't been able to keep his hands off of her the week before she'd died. She'd been everything to him, and despite what the common opinion was, he'd never betrayed her whilst she was alive. He turned his head, allowing the smooth firewhisky to flow down his throat. He ruthlessly pushed his wife from his mind.

His musings were interrupted when Sophia and Giselle were announced. Ah, finally! Now I can start enjoying this little soirée!

He looked over to Severus to make sure he'd noticed their entrance. When he caught his eye, Lucius grinned and inclined his head towards the women. Severus simply raised his glass and smiled back, shaking his head. You know what they say, old man, Lucius thought, all work and no play... Lucius conveniently forgot that Severus had a wife. Because he considered her beneath his friend, he never gave her, or Severus' feelings, a second thought.

Rubbing his hands together in glee, he made his way to his entertainment for the evening.

~~~~

Severus sighed and wondered about Lucius. It seemed his opinions on marriage had changed since Narcissa had died. He looked over at his own wife. She was sitting at a table with Potter, Weasley, and Lovegood.

Why am I standing here at this bar drinking alone when I have a very lovely wife with me? Severus made his way to her table just as the song ended, so he reached it about the same time as Draco and his wife. Severus noted some of the tension seemed to be gone between them, and he was glad for Draco.

Hermione smiled up at her husband and patted the chair beside her. "Would you care to sit?"

"No. Actually, I was wondering if I could have this next dance."

Hermione was up in a flash. "Of course."

Once they were on the dance floor, Severus looked down at her. "Are you having a good time?"

"I'm enjoying spending time with my friends. It's been so long since we've gotten together. Are you?"

"Somewhat. I wanted to ask you, what was wrong before? Right before you danced with Weasley, you looked so hurt. What put that look in your eyes?"

The question embarrassed her. "Oh, nothing. I'm okay."

"Hermione, I thought we'd decided to talk things out to avoid incorrect assumptions. Talk to me."

She turned her head, looking at Annabelle Avery. "She's a close friend of yours, huh?"

Severus directed his gaze to where his wife was staring. Ah, so that's it. She's figured out who Annabelle is. "She was at one time; she's not so much any longer."

Hermione looked into his eyes then. "You seem very... comfortable around her. Open and carefree."

He chuckled. "I don't believe that I have ever been accused of being 'carefree' before."

Hermione shrugged, stung a bit and becoming more embarrassed. "You were laughing with her, talking freely."

"Yes, I was. You were also laughing and talking freely with Weasley. Open and carefree, if I recall."

"Severus! I've told you that Ronald and I are just friends now. I know that we dated before, but I don't think of him like that any longer. I will always care for him because he's been such a big part of my life, but it's you that I love."

"Exactly. I couldn't have said it better myself." He smiled when he saw that she realized the implication.

"But... I didn't think..."

"What? You didn't think that I have friends that I care for as you do Weasley and Potter?" he asked her incredulously.

"Well," she started defensively, "you hardly ever speak with or owl anyone other than Malfoy."

"Yes, you're right. Tell me, how many times have you gotten together with or exchanged owls in the past four months with either of your two mates?"

"I've been busy! With everything that's going on and..." She stopped. He was absolutely right. "Touché," she said, admitting he'd been right.

He pulled her closer. "While I admit to having a twisted sort of pleasure at the thoughts that my friendship with a past... lover could bother you, there is truly no need. I have need for only one woman...you."

"Then why haven't you..." She stopped. She didn't want to ask, making him feel obligated.

His eyes narrowed. He unconsciously tightened his grip on her. "Why haven't I what, Hermione?"

She laid her head on his chest so that she didn't have to look at him when she finished her sentence. "If you need me, then why haven't you done anything about it?"

Severus took her chin in his hand and gently turned her head so that he could look at her directly. "Are you ready for intimacy? Is it not too soon? Have you completely forgiven me?"

Tears came into her eyes, but they didn't fall. "You hurt me, there's no denying that. And it is hard to just dismiss it and let it go, but that's what I'm going to have to do in order to have the kind of marriage I want. I do forgive you."

One tear escaped, and he rubbed it away with his thumb.

"It's not too soon. I admit I've wanted you as well." Smiling then, she said, "It must be hormones, but I swear since I've become pregnant, I'm... hmmm..." Hermione couldn't think of the proper word she wanted to use.

Mischief in his eyes, her husband asked, "Yes? You've become..." He made circular motions with his hand.

She looked around them to make sure nobody was paying them any attention. Leaning in to her husband, Hermione whispered, "Needy." When he only stared at her as if he wanted her to elaborate, she said, "Randy, all right?"

When he laughed out loud, Hermione grinned. He was laughing with her...open and carefree...even if it was at her expense. "I assure you, my love, we can rectify that situation tonight if you wish to."

"I do."

"Well then." Severus leaned down and lightly brushed his lips to hers, a promise of things to come. "Perhaps we can retire to our room a little early."

"Indeed, we can. Most definitely."

~~~~

After chatting a bit with her brother, Harry, and Luna, Ginny turned to her husband. "Let's go and say hello to my parents. We should've done so before now."

"I agree," Draco said. Trying to be civil to all at the table for his wife, he nodded to the trio sitting there. "Good evening, all." He was still floating from discovering his wife could actually be jealous over him.

Harry and Ron nodded, and Luna said, "Good evening."

Draco took Ginny's small hand in his and led the way to her parents and twin brothers. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. I'm so happy you could make it," Draco greeted before Ginny could say anything.

Ginny just smiled and leaned down to give them both a hug. "It's so good to see you both."

Molly hugged her daughter tightly and then scolded, "I wondered if you were going to make it over here to speak with us."

"I'm sorry," she said contritely. "I didn't mean to ignore you."

"Think nothing of it, love," her father said. "You've guests to attend to; we understand that." Turning to Draco, Arthur narrowed his eyes. "Draco," and a nod was the only greeting he gave his son-in-law.

Ginny was surprised at the cold greeting her usually personable father gave her husband. She hoped that Ron had not been blabbering on about their problems. "Daddy? All right?"

Arthur sighed. He really shouldn't take the sins of the father out on the son. "Yes, sorry. Have a seat," he offered and gestured to the other seats surrounding the table.

Once they sat, Draco asked, "How are Fleur and her little one?"

"Oh," Molly beamed, loving to talk of her grandbaby, "they are just wonderful. Little Willie is just as handsome as his father!"

"Willie?" Ginny asked. "I thought she'd said she wanted him called William?"

"Humph," Molly said, and Draco smiled as he was instantly reminded of Ginny. "William is an awful big name for such a wee little thing."

"Mum," Ginny said warily. "You know how she is. Why would you purposely aggravate her?"

"Well, why on earth would something as insignificant as that aggravate her?"

"If it's so insignificant, then why can't you abide their wishes and call him William?" Ginny was no fool. Her own baby would be here in a few months, and she didn't live far enough away from her mum for Molly not to try bullying her on certain things.

"Is this why you came over here? To browbeat me?" Molly snapped, hating to be questioned.

Draco chuckled quietly. They obviously had no idea how much alike they were. "You look very lovely this evening, Mrs. Weasley," he said, bringing her attention to him.

Smiling, she said, "Thank you, Draco. Tell me, how have you enjoyed being married to this one?" She pointed towards her daughter.

Expertly covering his laugh, Draco answered diplomatically, "Well, I can honestly say there hasn't been a dull moment."

"Well said!" Fred agreed.

"Here, here," George followed. "You've got yourself a hellcat with our Ginny, never doubt it."

Rubbing his jaw in remembrance, Draco agreed, "Oh, indeed I do. She keeps me on my toes, she does."

Ginny narrowed her eyes. "Somebody has to." Turning to her twin brothers, she asked, "No dates tonight?"

"No, we wanted to keep our options open," George started.

"In case we found someone worthy here, "Fred continued. "Such as that French pastry..."

"That lapped you up when she walked in the door," George finished, looking at Draco.

Draco turned very red. It wasn't that he was embarrassed of having Josephine's attention laved on him; it was their mentioning it in front of his wife when it was a very sore spot with her.

"Umm... Well... I could introduce you..."

"Don't bother," Ginny said in an irritated voice. "Looks like Charlie beat you to it."

Twin heads turned at the same time comically to study the dance floor, looking for their brother. "Fuck me!" Fred said.

"Fred!" Molly admonished. "Language!"

"Yeah, he's a right git. He knew I wanted to ask her to dance!" George said as if his mother hadn't spoken.

"No, I was going to ask her!" Fred said. "I told you that I was if Gin didn't kill her before I got the chance!"

"No, me!"

"Me!"

"BOYS!" Arthur yelled. "It's a moot point now, wouldn't you say? She's dancing with Charlie."

Ginny laughed and stood. "We're going to mingle, Mum."

"All right, dear. I expect you to be at our Christmas Dinner at five o'clock sharp. And if I don't get a chance, remind Hermione for me, would you?"

"Yes." Ginny hugged her parents and her brothers goodbye.

Taking Draco's hand this time, she led the way back to their table. "I can only take so much of them now that I'm pregnant," she confided to her husband. "Mum can be a little overbearing."

"Mmmm," was the only reply Draco felt safe enough to give. Now that they'd come to a truce, somewhat, he didn't want to say anything to make her angry.

~~~~

Pansy sat by herself, watching the crowd. She was so lonely. Draco had hurt her badly. Not only by marrying the Weasley chit, though she still couldn't believe he'd actually married her! When Josephine had walked in, it was like the years of friendship they'd shared were suddenly insignificant.

Oh, she knew very well who Josephine was. Draco had talked of her often enough. But what was it about herself that made her so easy to forget? She knew she was no beauty. When one is called 'Pug-faced Parkinson' all during school, she can take the hint.

But Draco, well, Draco had been her friend. Yes, they'd dated, and she'd truly loved him. She never thought he'd reciprocated her feelings, even when she'd given herself to him. But to just brush her aside, as if she didn't even exist...

I've got to go. I can't be here! She brushed the tears she had just realized were falling.

Before she could stand up, Pansy saw a hand appear in front of her face, as if asking her to dance. She looked up and into the green eyes of Harry Potter.

"Care to dance?" he asked, still holding his hand out to her.

Suspicious, she asked, "Why?"

"Because I'd like to dance with you."

Pansy laughed. She'd had enough for one night. "No, thanks. You've done the admirable thing and asked the wallflower to dance, Potter. You can go." Bloody Gryffindor!

"I'm not trying to be admirable, Pansy. I would truly like to dance with you. Now, if you're not interested, say so, and I'll go."

Relenting and curious, she said, "All right. I'd like to dance."

Harry led Pansy to the floor and wrapped his arms around her. There was just something about her sitting there all alone, looking sad and wounded. Draco had been an arse to her earlier, but then, she'd been one to Ginny as well. However, seeing her in such a manner made him feel a kinship to her. He knew well how it felt to be an outcast.

It honestly wasn't that he'd felt sorry for her. For some reason, he just felt drawn to her and those big, sad eyes. It was almost like a... tug, deep in his gut.

"What have you been up to, Pansy?" Harry asked, trying to make conversation.

She looked into his eyes as if trying to decide if he was sincere. She shrugged. "Not much."

"Are you having a good time?" he asked, hating small talk, but not knowing her well enough to speak of deeper topics.

"Not really. You?"

"I seem to be at the moment. I think I'd like to get to know you better, Pansy. Are you game?"

"There's not much to know really, but if you'd like, I'm willing."

Harry laughed. "Do you work or sit at home all day?" he asked,

Pansy blushed. Nobody had ever asked her what work she did, and she was sure he would make fun of her or think that she wasn't the proper person for the job. "I work," she said, almost defensively.

"Okay," he said after waiting a beat when she didn't elaborate. "What do you do?"

Here it comes, she thought. "I helped to set up and work at the new orphanage for the children whose parents died or were arrested in the war."

Harry stopped dancing and just stood with his arms around her still, looking down at her. "I think that's wonderful."

"You do?" she asked, not believing him, still waiting for him to mock her.

"Yes, I do. Not many people would even think of those children. I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't, especially after being orphaned myself."

"Well," she said, beginning to believe him, "we can always use volunteers on the weekends. To play games or sports with them, read to the younger ones, help with the more troubled ones. Anything."

He smiled at her and her breath caught. She thought his eyes looked like emeralds. "Okay. I'm off next Saturday. Will you be there?"

"Yes. We alternate the weekends, and next Saturday happens to be mine."

"Great. It's a date. Then afterwards, I'd like to take you to dinner." As if he suddenly realized that they'd not been dancing, Harry began to sway with her once more.

"Sure, if you'd like." Oh, my. What have I gotten myself in to? Pansy wondered, daring to hope.

---

Christy's Notes: Finally, things are getting back on track for our two couples! Up next, we're going to find out why Lucius acts the way that he does and perhaps redeem him a bit!

Can't Fight This Feeling by REO Speedwagon is from 1985.

SW_69's Notes: Aw, I really like the Pansy and Harry part. Thanks!