Winning over the Weasleys by Emeralds in the Dark Chapter 12
Overly confident Draco had sent 3 owls, 1 to Weasley, 1 to
Zabini and one to not. He was about to be defenceless,
unshielded, vulnerable in front of his friends and Ginny's, but
if he wanted to pull off the grandest, most ridiculously
romantic proposal he could think of, he needed them all to play
their part. Was he thrilled about the
prospect of Potter, Weasley and Granger watching him orchestrate
something so openly sentimental? Absolutely not.
He liked that they saw him as aloof and cold, but this wasn't
about his pride. This was for Ginny, for his
love, and if all went well, his future wife.
He arranged for everyone to meet at Grim Old Place, using the few
hours Ginny was at practice to gather them all.
The ring had taken time to find. He had gone into the 5th vault,
where Malfoy men had always retrieved the heirloom they
would propose with after sifting through relic after relic of a
bygone era. He had almost given up thinking
about breaking tradition to have something custom made until he
found it. A diamond the size of a grape,
encrusted with opals and pearls once belonging to Melody Pruitt.
It felt fitting He had Bill check it for curses, swearing
him to secrecy until Draco could formally ask his parents for
their blessing. Then he had polished it until it
gleamed like new. That was his plan.
He needed Ron to tell a small lie.
He needed Pansy to help with the details.
He needed Potter to wrangle George and Charlie, Grainger to
handle Percy and Blaze and Theo solely for support.
Draco flewed into Grimoard Place, and a wave of curious
eyes turned toward him. Weasley and Hermione were still
exchanging greetings, while Pansy and Blaise lounged far too
comfortably on the couch. Grainger, settled by Pansy and
Ron, stood with his arms crossed over his chest, wearing an
expression that suggested scepticism about whatever Draco
was going to say. Theo, as always, broke the
tension first. Are we starting a club or a
gang? Is that what they call it?
Granger? A gang?
He smirked. We could go around roughing
people up, shaking them down. Wheezely and Granger both shot
him identical looks of his aspiration.
I'm an Aura, so is Harry. Ron said flatly.
And why would you even want to rough people up?
Theo shrugged. Life's been dull ever since the
war. Harry, unimpressed, said thanks.
Why are we here, Draco? I had to cancel a facial for
this fancy hoofed. I rebooked it, baby.
Just me and you. Blaise nipped at her ear, and
Draco was fairly certain the collective reaction from the
room was disgust. Ignoring them, he took a breath
and ripped off the bandage. I'm proposing to Jinny.
The responses came in varying degrees of shock.
Proposing. Potter spluttered, while Granger
looked as if she'd been hit by a strong gust of wind.
Oh, I'm so happy for you. Pansy shrieked, practically
launching herself at Draco. Blaze clapped him on the
shoulder. Congratulations, mate.
I'm the best man, right? It's me, not Zabini.
Theo was suddenly at Draco's side, grinning.
The tension in Draco's shoulders finally eased.
Ron gaped. Have you asked my parents?
Do your parents know that's why you're all here?
Draco exhaled. I'm going to get their blessing
today, Malfoy. You are both rather young.
Hermione said cautiously. Draco couldn't formulate a
response before Ron turned on her instead.
You wouldn't want to get married young.
Oh, don't tell me you 2. Are you shagging?
Pansy spun around, wiggling her finger between Ron, who stood
frozen, and Hermione, who was turning Crimson.
Well, we're dating, yes. Hermione said, glancing at Ron
as if for confirmation. Yeah, we're dating.
He echoed, smiling at her fondly.
It was all very sweet until Pansy promptly crashed into
Hermione's lap, derailing the moment entirely.
You naughty little minx, Granger.
You didn't tell me that. What does she sound like?
Pansy purred. I bet I could find out.
Pans, rein it in, perhaps until after I'm done.
Draco snapped. What?
Ron splittered. And just picture it.
Blaze closed his eyes in exaggerated delight.
I'm not picturing it, Hermione. Get away from them.
Go sit by Harry. Ron was stress sweating now,
eyes darting toward his girlfriend.
Don't tell me what to do, Ronald.
Hermione scoffed. Yeah, Ronald, don't tell her
what to do. Tell us what to do.
Pansy smirked. That's enough, pet.
They don't want to play. Blaise pulled Pansy back onto
his lap before she could continue pouring at Hermione.
Though Granger looked mildly uncomfortable, Draco suspected
she was standing her ground more for Ron's sake than her own.
You 2 are really sweet. Theo said dreamily, admiring
Blaise and Pansy. Draco clapped his hands loudly.
Can we please get back to me? Harry still blinking like he was
catching up. So you did say propose, right?
I've heard a lot in the last five minutes and I just need to
be sure I caught that correctly. Yes, propose, Potter.
Draco sighed. And yes, Grainger, I know what?
We're young, but this is normal for purebloods.
If she wants a longer engagement, I'm not forcing
anything. But unfortunately, I do need all
of your help, which is why I'm here.
Ginny only has two hours at practice and I still need to
speak to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. You want me to come with you,
don't you? Ron exasperated.
No, I don't want you to come with me, Weasley, I can speak to
your family on my own. Draco resigned.
Doesn't seem like it. Ron muttered.
Wait, when did you 2 become mates?
Potter interjected. We aren't.
Draco and Ron said in unison. Harry gestured between them.
You obviously are. You were over the other morning
having coffee. Hermione added.
You two were having coffee. Harry repeated.
Ron, you don't ever invite me over for coffee.
That's misleading. Ron argued, pointing at Hermione
before turning back to Harry. I didn't invite him, he just
showed up. You'll want to talk about just
showing up. Draco scoffed.
Remember, after Parkinson's birthday, you were practically
terrified of Granger's. He promptly cut himself off when
Ron shot him a warning look. Terrified of Granger's what,
Ron? Hermione asked, eyes narrowing
as she glanced between them. Terrified of what?
Oh, look, they've even got inside jokes now.
Theo observed, delighted. And you'll be brothers in law
soon. Adorable.
Draco threw his hands in the air.
Oh my gods, can we please get back on topic?
Yes, please. So, Blazon, I can go home and I
can have him Polly Juice as Grainger.
Pansy waved dismissively. Did you steal a strand of my
hair? Hermione turned on Pansy,
reaching for her. I think that's illegal.
Isn't that illegal? Ron asked, glancing at Harry.
I don't know, why don't you ask your new best mate?
Harry sulked. All right, you know what, fuck
it, I'm just going to do this on my own.
Draco turned toward the flu. No, no, Malfoy, wait, we want to
help. Hermione called after him.
What can we do? Suddenly he had everyone's
attention. Draco squared his shoulders and
started issuing orders. Parkinson, I need you to handle
the florals, set them up by the fountain and the pond behind the
Manor blaze. Theo, you 2 just need to be
there. Looking supportive would be
brilliant. Potter, I need you to get
Charlie and George to bills, he'll take it from there.
Grainger, same with Percy, everyone needs to be at the
Manor by exactly half five. Then he turned to Ron and
Weasley. I need you to tell your sister a
little white lie. Ron frowned.
Uh, lie? Draco apparated to the borough.
His palms were damp, his throat parched, and his mind wouldn't
stop spinning. Should he have asked for their
permission before telling his friends about his plan?
That would have been the logical choice.
Instead, he was here, standing in the middle of the Weasley's
land, about to ask the most important question of his life.
Was it mad to go through all of this?
To drag people across the country, to make endless plans,
only for Molly and Arthur to say no, to deny their blessing?
The thought was enough to make his stomach lurch.
It would break something inside him crack open of fragile hope.
He had been holding close. And yet, would it stop him?
Would he do it anyway? Yes, because he loved her
desperately, wildly enough to make his knees weak when she
smiled at him, enough to dream of a future where she was beside
him every morning, every night, for all the days they had left.
He would be her fiercest protector, her unwavering
provider, her confidante, her partner.
They had to say yes. Molly was in the garden when he
arrived, looking up at the crack of his apparition.
She squinted toward him as if making sure her eyes weren't
deceiving her, before offering a wave.
Draco took her steadying breath and stepped forward.
Good afternoon, missus Weasley, He said, his octave only
warbling A tat. Apologies for the interruption.
I was hoping you and Arthur were home, Draco.
Molly said, brushing dirt off her hands.
Yes, Arthur's in the shed. Is everything all right?
Her brow knitted with concern and Draco forced himself to
smile. A mistake.
Molly's eyes narrowed further. A forced smile from Draco had
never done him any favours. He probably looked like he was
about to commit a crime. Everything's all right, He
blurted, nodding far too many times.
I just, I have a few things to ask.
Molly pulled out to wand from her apron, sending a silver
protonus, a horse galloping toward the shed to fetch Arthur.
Draco blinked, momentarily distracted.
He hadn't realised Jinny had the same protonus as her mother.
Ease spread through his chest at the thought.
Somehow, it had comforted him. Come inside then, dear.
Molly said, turning toward the house.
Draco followed, trying and failing to come up with
something intelligent to say. Lovely day.
He tried, then immediately cursed himself.
Lovely day. Molly played along.
It is, though. The gnomes have been terrorized
in my garden again. Draco hummed distractedly as he
stepped into the sitting room. His fingers twitched to the
sides and he wiped them on his trousers before dusting off his
shoes. Molly hung up her apron and
wiped her own feet as Arthur appeared from the back door,
pulling off his gloves. Draco, a surprise visit?
Arthur greeted. Everything all right?
Everything's brilliant, Sir. He tried to sound composed,
stealing himself. He thought of Jinny, how she
looked at him like he was worth something, how her laugh always
made the world feel brighter, how he couldn't picture a single
future that didn't have her in it.
Arthur sat expectantly beside his wife on the sofa.
Drika curled his fingers into his fists.
I'd like to ask something of you.
Arthur rolled his hand in a quiet gesture.
Go on then, son. I'd like your blessing to ask
Ginny to marry me. He forced himself to bury every
bit of emotion behind it. He ran a hand through his hair
before meeting their eyes again. Arthur and Molly both stared at
him, eyes wide. Oh, well, that is.
Arthur started, clearly caught off guard.
You're both still very young. Molly slowed.
Draco nodded, already anticipating this argument.
I understand that sentiment. Jinny has her career, and I
would never want anything to stand in the way of that.
He leaned forward, hands clasped together.
I want to be there for her in every way possible, to build a
life with her. He pushed on.
And she's the most strong willed, fiercely independent
person I've ever met. If she doesn't want this, she
won't say yes. I know that.
He swallowed hard, nerves ironing around his rib cage.
Which of course, would shatter me, he admitted.
But I am willing to put everything on the line for her.
Molly's lips twitched in the smallest smile.
She turned to Arthur and nudged him, but Arthur was still
wringing his hands. Draco cleared his throat and
reached into his pocket, fumbling before pulling out a
velvet box. This is the ring.
He said, flipping it open. It actually.
It once belonged to Melody Pruitt.
He finished, glancing up at Molly.
Missus Weasley gasped audibly, her eyes nearly popping out of
her skull. Arthur let out a low whistle,
his brows lifting as he took in the stone.
That is. Molly started, pressing a hand
to her chest. That is gorgeous.
Arthur, still staring at the ring, let out a long sigh.
We just. He hesitated, exchanging a
glance with his wife. We want to make sure it's the
best choice for both of you. You know what marriage means.
Molly said gently. It's not just love and
excitement. It's a lot of give and take, a
partnership that requires work, sometimes more hardship than a
relationship is ready for. Arthur nodded in agreement.
It does you in ways you don't expect.
I know. He said, and he did.
His own parents had been the perfect example of how love
could become duty, of how a marriage could become something
cold and transactional. That wasn't what he wanted with
Jinny. I know it won't always be easy,
he continued. But I've never wanted any other
challenge more in my life. He met Arthur's gaze then,
unwavering, letting the weight of his conviction settle between
them. I am irrevocably in love with
her. He said simply.
And I'll spend the rest of my life proving it to her if she
lets me, Arthur. Molly glanced at her husband as
she pressed her hand over her heart, her eyes watery.
Arthur pursed his lips before looking at Draco.
As long as she's happy, we're happy.
He finished, standing to his full height.
Draco shot to his feet as well, nearly tripping over himself in
his eagerness. Arthur struck out his hand and
Draco grasped it immediately, shaking it with both hands,
unable to hide his relief. Thank you.
Draco rasped. Thank you both, and well, one
last thing. I was hoping you could both come
to the Manor at half five. Molly blinked.
Today, yes. Draco said quickly before
adding. I already have Ron working on a
distraction and Potter and Granger are rounding up your
other sons. I may have been overly confident
about your acceptance. He winced.
Molly let out a startled laugh and then gasped.
I need to get ready. She ruffled her hair, already
rushing toward the stairs, muttering to herself about
finding something suitable to wear.
Arthur remained in place, watching her go with a bemused
expression. He turned back to Draco, his
grin steadying into something more serious.
Does your father know? Draco hesitated.
I assume he still receives notification when something is
withdrawn from the vault. I'm unaware if he's asked my
mother. Arthur nodded.
He'll get out eventually. His sentence is 20 years.
Draco stiffened. I'll deal with that when the
time comes. Arthur studied him for a long
moment, and Draco shifted. Preparing to take his leave, the
grandfather clock in the corner chimed, signalling that it was
already 4:00. He still needed to shower, clean
up, and ensure that Parkinson hadn't gone overboard with the
preparations. As he moved toward the door,
Arthur's voice stopped him. It may not mean much coming from
me, Mr. Weasley began. But I remember the relationship
you had with my children in school.
He paused. And seeing who you are now, I
just want to say I'm quite proud of the man you've become.
It takes strength of character to change.
It's not easy. Arthur held out of hand once
more. Welcome to the family.
Draco took it, fighting the urge not to just fucking hug the man.
Thank you, Sir. Ron paced outside of the Harpies
locker room, his hands shoved into his pockets.
His stomach churned uncomfortably, not even with
nerves for Jinny, but for himself.
Why did he have to be the one to tell the lie?
He was bloody awful at lying, always had been.
It wasn't as though he didn't try, but he was too transparent,
too twitchy. Harry had always been the better
liar, not that it was something to be proud of, but even Ron
knew that sending Harry to distract Jinny wouldn't have
made much sense in the grand scheme of things.
His boots scuffed against the stone floor as he turned again
on his heel. Ron was surprised, genuinely
surprised, at how pleased he had been when Malfoy told them he
was proposing. He wasn't sure when things had
shifted or how exactly, but at some point they must have.
Maybe Harry was right. Maybe they were mates, Ron
Weasley, friends with Draco Malfoy.
Malfoy was likely standing in front of his parents asking for
their blessing, and Ron didn't feel the visceral disgust he
might have expected years ago. It didn't feel like a joke or
some kind of sick ploy. Malfoy had changed, and more
importantly, Jinny was happy. Ron had never seen her quite
like this before. Not with Michael Corner, not
with Dean Thomas, and not even with Harry.
It was like seeing the sister he remembered from when they were
kids, before the war, before everything could change them
all. What are you doing here?
Jinny banged open the locker room door, wearing her post
practice Sheen and her Harpies kit slung over her shoulder.
Ron gulped. Right, Showtime, I need to talk
to you, He said, schooling his face into something he hoped
looked consequential. Jinny dropped her bag onto the
floor and took a step closer. What's going on?
Ron resisted the urge to rub the back of his neck, his nervous
tell. Instead, he took a deep breath
and dove into the lie he'd been rehearsing all afternoon.
Ah, fuck. He faltered for effect, shifting
on his feet. I was at Mum and Dad's earlier,
stopped by to pick up some rolls Mum made and he hesitated,
letting the paws build tension. Malfoy showed up, Draco showed
up. What do you mean, why?
The pitch of her voice lifted. Ron pressed forward before she
could spiral. Eh, you asked Mum and Dad for
their permission to marry you. Jinny blinked, then stared.
Ron could see the exact moment his words registered, the slight
parting of her lips, the way our eyes crossed in shock.
What? Ron winced dramatically.
Jin, it was bad, what bad, what happened, what did they say?
Now she was in full blown panic, her voice rising, her palms
flexing at asides as if she was bracing herself for impact.
Said you were both too young. Ron muttered, forcing himself to
look pained as he continued his lie.
But they didn't think this would last.
But it was just a fling, and that there was no way the two
families could ever really forgive and forget.
Jinny's mouth twisted. They said what?
She shrieked, and Ron jolted backward from the force of her
fury. I'm going over there right now.
She declared, already stomping toward the apparition point.
How dare they, Ronald, How dare they.
Ron scrambled after her, grabbing her bag as she stormed
ahead. You should check on Mal for me
first. He blurted, rushing to keep up.
He was really beat up about it. I mean, listen, I'm not his
biggest fan, but even I felt bad for him.
That stopped her in her tracks. Oh God, striko.
She whined, her eyes widening as comprehension sank in.
Without another word, she sprinted.
Bloody hell. Jin Ron wheezed, huffing as he
chased after her, already regretting every life choice
that had led him to not hit the Ministry gym more frequently.
Oh come. He suggested, trying to mask how
winded he was. Jinny threw him an odd look as
they stopped at the barrier. You want to come?
Ron tried to play it off. Oh, might as well.
She huffed, but nodded. Right, forgot about your whole
thing with him. Ron frowned.
I don't have a thing with him. Jinny gave him a sceptical
glance but didn't argue, instead pivoting straight into action
mode. Once we get to the Manor, we'll
split up. If he's not there, you go to
Theo and Harry's, and I'll go to Blaze and Pansies.
Yeah. Ron nodded quickly.
Yeah. Not that it mattered, because
Ron knew exactly where Malfoy would be.
The two of them operated separately, yet landed
simultaneously in their bedroom at Malfoy Manor.
It looked different from when Ron had last seen it.
In the early hours of the morning.
Jinny's touch was plastered all over now.
Spongy creams, muted greens, and Daisy yellows had replaced the
impersonal aristocracy Ron had come to associate with the
Manor. Draco.
Jinny called, already rushing toward the sitting room adjacent
to their bedroom. All right, time to get her
outside. Want me to check anywhere in
particular? Ron probed, trying to sound
steady. Yeah, maybe the pitch?
Jinny suggested distractedly. Ron noticed the way her eyes
were beginning to well with tears, the way her face had
turned blotchy, the way her fingers pressed against her lips
as she stared at something on her bedside table, a vase filled
with water but missing flowers. Oh.
She whispered. Ron tensed.
What? The garden?
She breathed and took off again. Ron groaned again, but he had no
choice. He had to keep up with her.
He pounded down the steps, nearly tripping as he turned a
corner too fast, calling out her name, but she was incessant,
rounding corner after corner. By the time she threw open the
ornate doors leading to the manor's gardens, Ron was
panting, hands on his knees, sweat dampening the back of his
shirt. The purplish orange hue of the
setting sun hit his face as the golden hour spilled into the
doorway. Jinny was already sprinting down
the lawn as Ron got to the exit. Draco.
She hollered again. Ron squinted into the distance,
his breath still coming fast. Draco stood motionless at the
end of the grand fountain, framed by a tunnel of roses and
Ivy. Jinny's step slowed as she
neared him, and emotion settled on her shoulders.
Sensing the moment, Ron lagged, tucking himself behind an
overgrown hedge, his pulse still hammering from the Sprint.
Draco. Jeannie's voice cracked,
hesitant, as if afraid the name alone might break him.
At the sound of it, Draco turned.
The unreadable mask he always wore was there.
What happened? She pleaded.
Tell me what happened. For a long, aching moment, the
fountain's hush and the Ivis Russell filled the silence.
Red. Draco said.
You know I've been trying. Ginny stepped closer.
I know you have. And if they don't?
Draco stopped her with a look, shaking his head.
You know I've been trying to win over your family.
He endured. Trying to make them see me as a
man worthy of you. Because all I want, Ginny, is to
make you happy, to make you proud.
Jinny's lip trembled, her arms crossed tightly over her chest,
like she was holding herself together.
Draco exhaled, then gave her a small, lopsided smile.
And yet he continued. There's still one last Weasley I
need to win over. Draco dropped to 1 knee and
flicked his wrist behind him, and the disillusionment charms
lifted. Jinny turned, gasping at the
sight around the fountain. Hermione, Narcissa, George,
Charlie, Percy, Bill, Fleur, Victoire, Pansy, Blaze, Harry,
Theo, and Arthur and Molly all watching with adoration.
Jinny spun back to Draco, hands covering her mouth.
What's? She whispered, barely able to
get the words out between her quiet sobs.
What's going? Draco opened a velvet box and
the light caught the ring, sending a blinding sparkle
across the shimmer of the rainfall.
Fountainhead. Genevra Weasley.
Draco croaked. Will you do me the honour of
marrying me? Jinny let out an eager, tearful
laugh as she wiped her cheeks. Ron, finally stepping out from
behind the hedges, caught sight of Hermione across the way, her
own eyes glassy with tears, her face alight with a smile.
Jinny's hands reached for Drako's face, her fingers
skimming along his jaw. Yes.
She whispered, then louder with an incredulous shake of her
head. Yes, God's yes, you absolute
prat, yes, thank Merlin. Draco relieved as he wrapped an
arm around Jeannie's thighs and lifted her as he stood.
Before anyone could say a word, they were snogging.
Ron grimaced, he could do without that part.
Their friends and family erupted into cheers, whooping and
clapping as the couple lost themselves in their own world.
The champagne and dinner will be served in the greenhouse.
Pansy announced with a gleeful clap.
Ron, more than happy to return his attention elsewhere, reached
for Hermione's hand, entwining their fingers as their families
swarmed the newly engaged couple.
You did a very nice thing. Hermione murmured as their thumb
created circles around his wrist.
She was giving him that look, the look that made his stomach
do an entirely different kind of flip, the one that had him
wishing they weren't about to have dinner with 20 other
people. I can be romantic.
Ron said with a casual shrug. Hermione arched a brow, biting
her lip like she knew exactly where his mind had gone.
This isn't about as. She teased, nudging him with her
hip. It can be later.
He muttered, dipping his head to press a kiss to her cheek.
You. Ron turned just in time to see
Jinny storming toward him. Iris is bright.
Her face still stained with happy tears.
He held up his hands. I was just following orders.
Jinny rolled her eyes, but threw her arms around him in a deathly
hug. For a second, it was just the
two of them, like it had been for so much of their childhood.
Ron felt a quiet pinch of guilt for all the times he had brushed
her off, for all the years he had been too caught up in his
own life to see hers. Jinny leaned in close.
Thank you. Ron gulped, shifting slightly,
not quite sure what to do with the sentimentality at all.
He settled in for squeezing her back before pulling away with a
grin. As long as the wedding's an open
bar. Jinny smacked him on the arm
before turning back to Drako, who was already waiting for her,
looking like the happiest man alive.
Ron glanced at Hermione beside him.
Yeah, this was a good moment.