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Ginny Weasley looked around at the crowded pub, at everyone dressed to impress in their cheery outfits. Any other time she would be revelling in her award for Ugly Jumper. But in truth, she might break if she had to endure one more person asking if she wanted them to kiss her under the mistletoe.
She was not ashamed to be seen in the green and red monstrosity— quite the opposite. She and several of her nieces and nephews had worked diligently to add all the festiveness. Garland, ornaments, reindeer and random Santas sprang up willy-nilly. But it was Georges' last-minute addition of a magicked sprig of mistletoe onto the middle, close to her navel, that stole the show.
Not sure which was more annoying, the fact that George had gotten the last laugh or that she had missed spotting it in her haste to get out of the door to show off the top at the party. It wasn't until her co-captain catcalled her that she noticed it.
Any other time she would have just magicked the damn thing off and worn her jumper with pride. But magic was a no-no at this event as several of her Holyhead Harpies teammates had shown up with Muggle dates. So instead, she just sighed into her whiskey.
"Weasle-She, I have seen you in some unfashionable jumpers, but this- this is just..." The voice of Draco Malfoy was unmistakable even over the karaoke Christmas carols permeating the pub as he sidled up next to her at the bar. "...Is that a snitch ornament?"
Ginny shot back the last of her drink with an irritated sigh as she signalled to the barkeep that another one would be needed.
"Why are you even here, Malfoy? Did you miss the fact this is a team Christmas party— emphasis on the team?"
Draco took a delicate sip from his ever-cliche Manhattan. Then with a straightening to his tie, he rebutted. "I'm 49% shareholder of the team; I think that entitles me to at least one Christmas party, don't you? And really, you have outdone yourself with this— thing. I have to say, though, I love the addition of the…."
"Don't, Malfoy.”
"What?" Draco looked affronted, "I was trying to point out that I admire the addition of all the little mini-Weasles to the Nice List on the back."
Ginny swivelled in her seat to gape at her former bully, who had pointed out her favourite element as well.
"And then there's the mistletoe showcasing exactly where you want to be kissed."
"Dammit, Malfoy. I thought you had grown up?" She had to admit, though, she needed the laugh that his gentle ribbing gave her.
He stood back and directed his arms up and down in front of him questioningly. "Does this not look grown up to you?"
Ginny had to admit, he certainly did look grown up ( and quite attractive) in his perfectly pressed grey suit and tie. Now that she looked closer had tiny little mistletoe sprigs dotting it.
"So, where is your ugly Christmas spirit anyways?"
"Did you not catch the 49% owner thing?"
A smug charm oozed out of his pores; of course, he knew that. But now that adultness had caught up to him, the contemptible haughtiness was placed on the back burner, and his natural good looks took the forefront.
"Right, right. The owner doesn't have to play by the rules. I get it." She laughed, enjoying how his laughing with her and not at her made gooseflesh pepper her skin.
"Not owner, just half." He reminded her with mock smugness while eyeing her up and down. "Your ex-boyfriend- he is still an ex , right- won't relinquish his shares. I'm so glad you lost him; he looked worse on you than this jumper."
"Malfoy, that was over a decade ago that Harry and I broke up."
"Well, I can see why if you dressed like that," He motioned towards her outfit. Ginny almost spat out her whisky. "I mean, you could just take it off."
How had this smug, arrogant little boy grown into a smooth, elegant, funny man? What would have previously been mistaken as pretentious bullying, she now saw it for what it was- he was interested in her.
And she realised the feeling was mutual.
Finishing the last of her whisky for courage, she grabbed him by his tie and pulled him closer. His nearness was as intoxicating as the hitch in his throat. "But Draco, if I take it off, how will you know where to kiss later?"
He leaned in closer, closing the distance between their lips, “How about I start here.”