What Is Love?

How It Began


Ginny woke up distressed and unsure of the cause. Was it that damn dream again? she thought to herself. She rolled over onto her right side, trying to get comfortable again. Just as sleep was taking hold of her, two strong arms rolled her back onto her left side. He spooned up behind her and held her tight.

“Damn it, Ginny. You know lying on your right side so late in pregnancy causes your blood pressure to get dangerously high. It’s not good for you or the baby.”

How the hell did he always know when she rolled over? Damn the bloody prat, he was going to hold her on her left side now. Ginny sighed as he lightly rubbed her right arm with his. She couldn’t contain her moans of pleasure as he started to massage her lower back. Merlin’s beard, he gives a great massage. She moaned again. Buggers! How can I be mad at him now? He kissed her neck.

“Relax and go back to sleep, love. You need to rest.” Ginny closed her eyes as sleep overtook her once again, her dream starting over. She had the same dream every night in the last month of her pregnancy, the dream that explained why she was here with him.

~~~~~~~Ginny’s Dream~~~~~~~~

The Daily Prophet dated May 15th, 1999 lay in the middle of the table. Ginny, her mum and dad along with her brother, Ron, and friend, Hermione, sat at the Burrow’s kitchen table.

“How could they, Arthur? That law is over five hundred years old. To reinstate it now is going backwards!” Molly explained great concern.

“They had to, Molly. It’s a peace treaty and thank Merlin they didn’t reinstatement Aristocratic Rights Laws,” Arthur tried to say calmly.

“They’re both ghastly laws, but I understand why they reinstated the Pureblood Marriage Law instead,” Hermione stated in her matter-of-fact tone.

Ginny slammed both hands on the table and leaned forward with a furious look on her face. “You would say that! You’re not a pureblooded witch, so the marriage law doesn’t apply to you!”

Hermione stood, her anger equal to Ginny’s. “You’d rather see a law that allowed aristocratic pureblooded wizards to rape any witch they want?”

“I’d rather see no law!” Ginny raged.

“So would all of us, Ginnykins, but we had to compromise for peace. If Harry were still around, we’d be in charge. Since both he and the Dark Lord were killed in the final battle, we have had to make concessions,” Arthur put forward sadly.

“I don’t know what you’re worried about, Ginny. The Slytherin purebloods have already petitioned for wives and you weren’t on the list,” Ron snapped.

“I’m not worried just about myself like some people,” Ginny eyed Hermione. “I’m thinking of all the witches who have to marry men they don’t love.”

~~~~~~~********~~~~~~

Ginny sat outside of Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor eating her lunch when a tall figure moved in front of her blocking the sunlight. She looked and saw the outline of a very tall, muscular young man, who at first glance was gorgeous. She smiled at him and he smiled back, but when her eyes adjusted to the light, she realized he was none other then Draco Malfoy. Suddenly, he didn’t seem so handsome.

“You’re blocking my light, Malfoy, move!” she shouted, but he wouldn’t budge. “Move, Malfoy, before I hex you!”

He smirked at her. “Be nice, Ginevra. I come bearing gifts.” He took a box out of his pocket and got down on one knee. “Ginevra Molly Weasley, will you marry me?” He handed her a beautiful ring. Ginny acted as if a stunning charm had been placed on her. “I’ll remind you, Weasley, by law, you can’t say no.”

“Why me?” she whispered, still stunned.

“You’re the most gifted pureblooded witch in England. Actually Ginevra, we’re very much alike.” He explained with a satisfied smirk.

“I’m nothing like you!” She spat back at him.

“I only see two differences. I am rich. You are poor. You also tolerate Muggles and Mudbloods better than I,” he continued.

“I more than just tolerate Muggles, Malfoy!”

Draco arched an eyebrow questioningly at her. “Really? How many Muggles do you have for friends? How many times have you been to Granger’s home? How many times have you visited your Squib uncle?” He paused, “None, right? You merely tolerate them. I haven’t seen you do anything that marks you as a blood traitor. Your family appears to be a different story, but in the end, look at your brothers' wives. All of them are pureblooded witches. They may have dated mixed bloods but… ”

“Fleur is not a pureblood,” Ginny interrupted.

Draco laughed, “Right, she’s part Veela. Wizards do have a weakness for them.”

“I thought you and Parkinson…” Ginny started, just as his eyes flashed with anger.

“What makes you think I would ever want her? She doesn’t have a brain in her head. I do not want stupid children,” Draco spat. Ginny’s eyes widened. “Yes, Ginevra, I want children with you. You are the best breeding stock around. I want four sons. That should be easy for you.”

“When will the wedding be?” she asked coldly.

“My mother will be floo yours this evening.” He placed a couple scrolls on the table. “Take these to the clothing shops. They will set up accounts for you. We'll be dining together nightly starting tomorrow. Make sure you have the proper attire.” He kissed her on the cheek. “Until tomorrow, Ginevra.”

~~~~~~~End of Dream~~~~~~

Ginny woke with Draco still holding her. The magical calendar had changed to Wednesday, March 1st , 2006. Her fourth son was due in four weeks. In July, she would have her seven-year wedding anniversary. Her son kicked very hard. She ran her hand over her belly.

“You must be the one waking me up. Well, it’s time to sleep young man,” she said playfully. Draco’s hand came down and felt the baby kicking. He moved and kissed her belly.

“You heard your mother, son. It’s time to sleep.”

She giggled then gasped in pain, “Oh god.” It seemed that this fourth son was impatient and did not feel the need to wait four more weeks.

“Breathe, Gin… Try to relax. That seemed like a strong one to me, how many have you had?”

“First one, I think. I woke… Oh god… My water...” Ginny was barely able to string words together to form a sentence. Draco jumped out of the bed and ran into his dressing room.

“I’ll get dressed and retrieve your midwitch. Relax, breathe and use your focal point to keep your mind off the pain.”

She moaned again. “Wanker, he was a bloody idiot when it came to labor, even after attending the births of his three, soon to be four, sons. Keep her mind off of the bloody pain! Men should have to go through childbirth. Maybe she should create a curse.” She smiled at the thought. The picture on Draco’s nightstand caught her eye, she never understood why he liked it. He had a copy of it here, in his study, in his Diagon Alley office and in his wallet. In the photo, she was sitting in the rose garden, rubbing her seven-month pregnant belly, which would become Thuban, their first son. She remembered that day well.

-------- Flashback ----------

Ginny sat in the rose garden, she had always loved it there. The roses were charmed to bloom year round and the temperature was always pleasant. She couldn’t help but smile when she looked at the parchment in her hand. He had told her to pick three names of stars or constellations for the child and he would choose one of them. Today, the midwitch confirmed the child was male and Ginny had started looking for names. This baby's name needed to be special; she wanted to ensure that his father and grandparents loved him. It didn’t take her long to find it; THUBAN, the Alpha star of the DRACO constellation. It was the North Star from 2700 BC to 1900 BC. Many of the ancient Egyptian pyramids pointed to Thuban; it was also called the “snake” star. To be certain that Draco would select Thuban, she added two names that she knew he would never choose.

Draco entered the garden still in his business robes. “Mother said you have news for me?”

She looked up and handed him the parchment. “Your son will be arriving in late May, my early birthday gift to you.”

His smile changed to a smirk when he read her list of names. “You are a brilliant witch, Ginevra. What middle name do you wish?”

“Charles, might as well stay with the dragon theme,” she giggled.

He kissed her and then her belly. “I can’t wait to meet you, Thuban Charles Malfoy.” He looked Ginny in the eye. “You will never again place the name of a Black Family traitor on your list. If you do, you will no longer be involved in naming our children.” His eyes had hardened as he spoke.

-------- End of flashback ----------

A long and painful contraction brought Ginny out of her daydream. She screamed loudly, “Draco! Get your bloody arse to the midwitch, so I can get some pain relief!”

“On my way!” he blurted as he ran from the room. She couldn’t help but focus on his voice. His panic was obvious as he ordered the house-elves around. “No, damn it! Get everything ready, now. Her water has broken. She’s always delivered within an hour of that. Go now! Get my mother. You, stay outside the door until she arrives. I have to get her midwitch.”

She heard him Disapparate then felt a very strong contraction as it went through her she screamed. Why couldn’t the childbirth pain relief charm be easier to perform without danger to the baby? Because most charms were developed by wizards, the wankers… She focused on the picture on her nightstand. The Draco in the photo was looking down at his jumper with great disdain. He kept pulling at the orange Chudley Cannons jumper as if it were burning his skin. When the photo noticed Ginny looking at him, he winked and smirked.

-------- Flash back ----------

Ginny cheered loudly when the wizard on the wireless announced another Cannons goal. Greg, Crabbe, Blaise and Draco stared at her.

“Sorry boys, but your precious Falcons are going to lose today,” she giggled.

“Malfoy, does she have to be here?” Crabbe hissed.

“Can’t you keep her quiet?” Goyle groaned.

“I want her to stay,” Blaise added, “She brightens up the room.” He smiled and winked at her.

“Stop flirting with my wife, Zabini!” Draco growled as the announcer told of another Cannons' goal. Ginny cheered again. Draco sneered at her, “If you weren’t due any day now, I’d send you upstairs.”

Getting to his feet, Blaise walked over to Ginny. “I’ll help you to your private chambers if you like, Ginny. We don’t need to be around these poor losers. They’re a bad influence on your little one here.” Blaise touched Ginny’s very pregnant belly.

“Get away from my wife, Blaise.” Draco got out of his chair and sat on the couch next to Ginny. He placed his arm around her shoulder and she leaned into him. Before long, she was laying on the couch with her head in his lap. When the Falcons scored he sneered, “The Falcons are leading now, Love.”

“Bet ya the Cannons win,”she replied with much confidence.

He smirked, “I’ll take that bet. Let’s see, what can we wager?”

“If the Cannons win, you’ll wear a Cannons' jumper to Blaise’s Pro Cup party,” she giggled, “I’ll wear a Falcons' jumper.”

“If I’m going to risk wearing a Cannons' jumper, I want more.” A sinful smile crossed his face and he whispered into her ear, “If the Falcons win,” he slightly thrust his hips, “you’ll do what I’ve be asking for months.” She looked at him in shock. “Just once, and if the Cannons win, I’ll wear the jumper, plus I’ll never ask for that again.” She still had a blank look on her face. “Many women enjoy it. I don’t understand why you are so against something you’ve never tried. You enjoy it when I do it to you.” She stared at him, he changed tactics. “I understand you’re scared. Your Cannons cannot be trusted.”

“You’re on Malfoy.”

-------- End of flashback ----------

Another contraction hit and she screamed again. Noise from the doorway got her attention. It seemed that Draco had forgotten to perform a silencing charm on their room and now two very frightened little boys stood in her doorway. The oldest was five and a half year old Thuban. He had been ten days over due, born on June fifth. Narcissa had joked that Thuban was sent to teach Draco to share. Thuban’s white blonde hair was cut short, he had Ginny’s nose and mouth but the rest of him was all Draco. The other boy was four and a half year old Cam and he also had Ginny’s nose and mouth. His hair color was in-between Draco’s and Narcissa’s, his eyes were his grandmother's beautiful blue color, but he had the twins’ mischievous smile. He was quite a handful. Leave a wand unattended and he would have it in moments, performing all types of unknown magic.

Ginny tried to collect herself. “Sweethearts, it’s very late. You need to go back to bed.” She looked away as another contraction hit her.

“You’re hurt,” Thuban said as he walked into her room and touched her cheek. Cam sat on the right side of the bed and held Ginny’s hand. Thuban also sat on the bed and wiped the sweat from Ginny’s forehead with his pajama top sleeve. “You’ll be okay, Mummy,” he said, trying to sound brave. “I’ll take care of you.” He sang to her as she did for them.

“Lavender's blue, Diddle diddle, Lavender's green,
When I am king, Diddle diddle, You shall be queen.

Call up your men, Diddle diddle, Set them to work,
Some to the plow, Diddle diddle, Some to the cart.
Some to make hay, Diddle diddle, Some to cut corn,
While you and I, Diddle diddle, keep ourselves warm.

Lavender's green, Diddle diddle, Lavender's blue,
If you love me, Diddle diddle, I will love you.”

“Thuban, Cam, come here boys,” Draco called, as he, his mother and the midwitch entered the room. Narcissa rolled her eyes and Ginny smiled at Draco.

“The child’s name is Cygnus,” Narcissa stated firmly.

“Yes, Mother, I know. I named him. Cygnus Abraxas Malfoy, after my grandfathers, but Cam is easier for his brothers to say.” He smiled and winked at Ginny while motioning for the boys to come to him. Cam ran to his side clinging to his leg, while Thuban remained next to his mother. “Come along, Thuban,” he said gently to his son.

“But Daddy, I need to make Mummy feel better. She’s hurt.”

Narcissa went to the little boy. “She’s not hurt darling. Your new brother is coming. The midwitch is here to help her.” She walked the boy to Draco.

Ginny tried to smile, but another contraction came. “Hurry back. I feel like pushing.”

After Draco closed the door, Narcissa cast a silencing charm.

“She’s crowning,” the midwitch said. She placed a number of clean sheets and towels by Ginny’s bottom then placed a hand on her abdomen. “Go ahead and push, Ginevra,” she instructed.

Narcissa helped Ginny up into a semi-sitting position and encouraged her to push. After a minute or two, Ginny took a deep breath and started to push again. Narcissa and the midwitch encouraged and praised her for her effort the entire time. It seemed like hours before Draco re-entered the room, but it had been only twenty minutes.

“Just in time, Mr. Malfoy,” the midwitch confirmed with a smile. He crossed the room in two steps as his new son entered the world with a beautifully loud cry. After a cleaning charm was performed, he was wrapped and placed on his mother’s chest.

“Hello, Son,” Draco whispered lovingly after placing a kiss on the baby’s forehead. “Marvelous job as always, Princess,” he finished, kissing her first on the cheek and then placing a soft kiss on her lips.

“Draco, how are Thuban and Cammy?” she asked with concern in her voice.

He chuckled at her. “They’re fine, Gin. Cam was sleeping before I closed his door. Father is reading Thuban a story.” He sat on the bed next to Ginny and touched his son’s face. He kissed Ginny softly on the mouth, “Are you doing well?” She nodded. “Thank you, Gin. He’s beautiful.”

------******------

Ginny woke to see Thuban staring at her from a chair.

“Are you alright, Mummy?”

“Yes, Sweetheart. Come here and give me a squeeze.”

He ran to Ginny and lightly hugged her. “Love you, Mummy.”

“I love you too, Thuban. Are your brothers awake?”

“Cam and Serpens are.” He giggled and pointed to the cradle in the room. “But not him.”

“Thuban!” Draco’s tone was scolding but just above a whisper as he entered the room. “I told you to let your mother rest!”

The little boy looked down at his feet. “Sorry.”

“I am growing weary of your repeated disobedience. Maybe you need a physical reminder to do as you’re told?” The little boy covered his bottom with both hands and moved towards the door keeping as far away from Draco as possible.

“No, Daddy, please. I’ll be good. I’m going to my chambers.” Draco nodded and the boy bolted.

Ginny's eyes had grown dark with anger. “I’m sorry he woke you, Gin.”

“HE ISN’T THE PROBLEM! He was merely keeping a watchful eye over me as you have done.” Tears started rolling down her cheeks. “He was worried about me and wanted to make sure I was alright. And you... you... threaten to spank him for caring and loving me!” He walked over and held her.

“He hasn’t been doing as told lately, Gin. My actions had nothing to do with discouraging his feelings for you. The boy should do as he is told.”

“Within reason, Draco. Would you let anything or anyone interfere with your looking after Narcissa, if you believed she was hurt?”

“Good point, Gin,” he said with a nod of agreement as he sat next to her on the bed. “I’ll talk with Thuban later about this but for now, are you ready to see all of your sons?”

“After you answer a couple of questions. What’s that second potion?” she inquired pointing to a pear shaped bottle with pink liquid.

“It’s a birth control potion, Love. You take a spoon full each day.” Shocked and puzzled she stared at him. He raised a questioning eyebrow to her. “You didn’t think I would no longer seek comfort from you? I’ve always enjoyed our encounters, as I thought you did. Malfoys do not take mistresses,” he stated matter-of-factly.

“No mistresses and no affairs?” she questioned and he confirmed with a nod of his head. She smiled, “You surprise me, Draco Malfoy. You don’t make this marriage half bad, but we do have a problem.” He pulled his upper body away from her and questioningly looked into her eyes. “I want a little girl,” she declared as a smile graced her face.

“I don’t know if that’s possible. It’s been ages since a Malfoy had a daughter.”

“I was the first female Weasley in generations. I’m willing to give it five more tries and you can afford it,” she stated with firmness.

“Nine children! You’re mad, witch!” He shook his head at her. “Do you want to be the talk of every garden party?”

“I don’t care. I just want a little girl. Wouldn’t you like a daughter?”

Smirking, he kissed her cheek. “I’d love a little princess to spoil.”

“So five tries for our daughter?”

“Two. I’ll never have time for nine children.”

“Four more, you will make the time for them.”

“Three tries for a little girl, Gin.”

“Deal. Second question. What name did you place on his birth record?”

“Leo Gideon,” he sneered at her. “I was tired of seeing it on the list. He’ll likely be a Gryffindor,” Draco snorted.

“Not with Malfoy as a last name,” she answered him with a kiss. “Thank you.”

“Least I could do, Princess. You’re an excellent mother and an outstanding wife.”

Crying from the cradle startled Draco into motion. He retrieved the baby and handed him to Ginny. “I’ll get our other boys,” he told her as he left the room.

~~~~~~~~~*******~~~~~~~~~

The new family of six sat on the large four-poster with Ginny in the middle holding newborn, Leo. Thuban and Cam were kneeling on the left side and Draco sat to Ginny's right holding two and an half year old Serpens. Serpens was outgrowing the pudgy toddler stage and becoming a thinner preschooler. His white blond hair was still baby fine as it rested just above his shoulders and the ends curled. His gray eyes had a sparkle to them and his cheeks dimpled when he smiled or laughed.

“His hair is your color, Mummy,” Cam smiled at Ginny, “He’s cute.”

“He’s so small Mummy, was I that little?” Thuban inquired.

“You were even smaller, Sweetie,” Ginny answered and a disbelieving Thuban looked at Draco, who nodded.

“Play dragon,” Serpens said trying to give a toy dragon to the baby.

Thuban lightly slapped Serpens’ hand and pushed the toy away. “No, Serpens. He’s too little. Babies only eat, sleep, and shit.” The toddler turned his head into Draco’s chest and cried.

“Thuban,” Draco scolded. “You didn’t need to slap your brother and watch your language.”

“But Uncle Blaise said it.”

“We’ve talked about this before, son. Adults don’t always speak properly, so you shouldn’t blindly repeat what you hear.”

“Sorry, Daddy.” Thuban kissed Ginny’s cheek, “I’m sorry for saying a bad word, Mummy.”

“What do you say to Serpens?” Ginny prodded her oldest son.

“I didn’t slap him hard. He’s a crybaby,” Thuban avowed, folding his arms refusing to apologize.

“You will apologize to your brother now or spend the rest of the day in your chambers,” Draco growled. Noticing the look of defiance still firmly on his oldest son’s face he quickly added, “After I warm your bottom with my belt.”

“I don’t need a spanking,” Thuban mumbled before kissing Serpens’ hand. “I’m sorry, Serpens. You’re not a crybaby. I shouldn’t have hit you.”

“Name?” Serpens asked while wiping away his tears with the back of his hand.

“He’s name is Leo, Sweetheart,” Ginny replied with a beaming smile.

Serpens started roaring like a lion and Cam joined in moments later. Thuban hugged Ginny and whispered into her ear, “Mummy, I love you. You look tired, want me to get everyone out of here so you can sleep?”

Ginny whispered back. “Nice of you to think of me, but how are we going to get your daddy to leave?”

“You can tell him to take me flying, Tipsy is waiting downstairs with our brooms.”

Ginny held in a giggle. Her oldest was a born Slytherin.

Noises came down the hallway distracting the family. The boys stopped roaring and they all turned their heads to listen. One of the voices was a very angry Lucius Malfoy; another was the concerned voice of Narcissa Malfoy. The voices seemed to get quieter the closer they drew. There was a quick knock on the bedchamber door, but it was opened before anyone could answer. A tall, bald, black wizard wearing a gold hoop earring walked into the room with a parchment in his hand. Narcissa pushed in front of him. “Surely, this can wait. She gave birth early this morning.”

There was a gasp and a red haired plump witch pushed her way to the front staring at Ginny, the baby, and the three little boys. “A redhead. Your boys are beautiful, Ginny,” she whispered.

Not hearing Molly, Arthur Weasley entered the room in a rage. “Delay, so you can sneak them into hiding. Malfoys can’t be...” he stopped when he saw the boys.

Narcissa and Lucius walked over to the bed. Narcissa picked up Cam while Lucius stood protectively by Thuban.

Cam glared at his older brother. “Who are they?”

Thuban pointed at Molly. “She’s Mummy’s mummy.” He then pointed at Arthur. “He’s Mummy’s daddy.” He pointed at the black wizard. “I’ve never seen a picture of him.”

Molly and Arthur exchanged shocked looks. They hadn’t seen Thuban in almost three years. How the child remembered them was puzzling. Ginny saw her parents’ expressions and she remembered the day Draco forbade them access to their grandchildren.

-------- Flashback ----------

Ginny stood crying in front of the fireplace. Draco had one-year old Cam on his hip. He was also crying, so Draco handed the boy a Sugar Quill and he quieted. Seeing his brother with candy upset two-year-old Thuban. He tried to get Draco’s attention for a couple of moments but when he failed he screamed, “FERRET!” at his father.

Draco’s eyes turned black and he motioned to his oldest son to be quiet. He summoned a house-elf to remove the boys. Only after the boys were gone did he speak.

“You can cry all you like, Ginevra, and my answer will still be, 'No.'” His voice was calm but his eyes were cold. “My sons are no longer allowed to visit your family.”

“Draco, please. I would never deny your parents access to our children.”

“My parents don’t speak ill of you or your family in front of the children.”

“Ron slipped, Draco. That’s all it was.”

“Don’t lie to me or I will bind you to the Manor. I’ve been very generous to you. I’ve given you freedom like no other husband of an arranged marriage, but I will not allow my children to be around people who badmouth me or my father.”

“One more chance. I’ll talk with them. If they speak ill of you or Lucius again I will leave with the boys.”

“No. I will not make the same mistake twice.”

Thuban peeked his head around the corner of the door. When Draco smiled at him, he ran into the room and wrapped his little arms around his father’s legs.

“Me sowwy. Me sowwy.”

Draco picked up the little boy and took him to a desk where he handed the child a Sugar Quill. When the house-elf came to reclaim the boy, Ginny addressed it. “Take my things to the guestroom on the third floor.”

The elf looked at Draco. “Take only a week's worth of her clothing.” He turned to Ginny. “You will be back in our bed next Saturday or I will come to the guestroom.”

-------- End of flashback ----------

Molly walked up to Ginny, who whispered, “Mum, what’s going on?”

“The Pureblood Marriage Law has been repealed, Ginny. We’ve come to take you and your boys home!”