Yes, I Forgive You

Chapter 9

            Jilli, Narcissa, and Draco went shopping the next day. Jilli had thought it would be just her and Narcissa, but Draco decided to tag along. They traveled to Diagon Alley, going through the Leaky Cauldron, Jilli hoping no one she knew would see her on this trip. Narcissa took them to the clothing shops first, this was her favorite and she had Jilli try on what had to be hundreds of outfits, Draco trying to hand pick Jillianne's or making gagging sounds on some of the more ugly, outrageous outfits. Jilli had to admit, Draco did have good taste

            He insisted she try on an evening gown for Christmas eve, saying they would be having a party with visitors and family all dressed up to get her to do it. The gown was a sexy cream colored strapless confection ith swirls of shiny fabric on the bodice. It fit her waist snuggly and then flowed out in sheer pools of fabric. It fit her and suited her perfectly. Narcissa picked out a lovely necklace and earings.

            “Okay,” Draco said outside the dressing room she was in, “let's see it.”

            “Do I have to,” she shouted out of the dressing room.

            “Yes,” he laughed.

            Jilli came out, wearing a pair of stilettos with it. She was beautiful was all Draco could think, his eyes widening. The dress made her look innocent, yet really sexy. Maybe he didn't want everyone else seeing what was his.

            “I don't know,” he said, as if he didn't like it, “that may not be a good choice.”

            Jilli twirled before the mirror, laughing. The silk of the material moved like water and felt lovely. The color made her violet purple eyes shine. “I think I like it,” Jilli sighed.

            “I do too,” Narcissa chimed in, sitting nearby, “it really brings out the amethyst color in your eyes Jillianne.”

            Draco was having a hard time looking at Jilli. The dress, or what there was of the dress, fit her like a second skin and it made him want her something terrible.

            “That does it,” Narcissa insisted, “We have to get that dress.”

            Jillianne went to change. Draco looked at his mother.

            “I think that dress is a little grown-up mum,” he said smartly.

            “Draco, Jillianne is not a child, she's a young lady. The dress is fine.”

            Jilli came out and handed the dress, a few other outfits Draco had liked on her, and the shoes to Narcissa. Draco did not look to happy. Narcissa paid for everything and sent Draco on an errand while she and Jillianne went to a nearby boutique to shop for costume jewelry.

            Draco was in a better mood when he met them at the boutique. Narcissa had a few things to do on her own so she sent Draco and Jilli for ice cream.

            They both sat down in a booth across from each other in the back corner of the shop. Jilli ordered chocolate with fudge swirls and Draco the strawberry.

            “It was very kind of your mum to do all this for me,” Jilli said across from him.

            “She likes you. She must have really thought a lot of your mum.”

            “Draco,” she said in a low voice, looking down, kind of embarrassed, “do you think your mum could tell me more about my parents?”

            Draco was surprised by this, “Surely your grandfather has told you things about them, hasn't he?”

            This embarrassed her, “No,” she said blushing, “whenever I asked my grandfather about my mum and dad he would always brush me off, like he always does. I don't even have a photo of my parents, not even at my grandfather's home.”

            Draco couldn't believe this. What kind of grandfather would deny their grandchild any information about their dead parents, not even a photo. Why wouldn't he tell her anything or show her a photo? He felt sick for Jilli. At least growing-up he'd had both his parents, a loving mother, and a father, who although he could be very harsh, was there for him. Jillianne really had nobody.

            “I'm sure mum will be glad to tell you anything she knows and she might have some photos or something, I'll ask her about it,” he smiled, trying to cheer her up.

            “Draco, that would be great,” she smiled back.

…...

            They got back to Malfoy manor in time for dinner. Again, Jilli retired before the rest of the family. She was tired, but she sat up trying to read, but really waiting on Draco for one of his nightly visits to her room. Deep down she was hoping he would show up. She tried to read but soon her eyes got heavy.

            Draco had to speak to his mum in private about Jillianne's parents, he didn't want to discuss it in front of Lucius. He waited, and finally his father went to his study and his mother was headed to her room. He confronted her on the stairway.

            He couldn't believe what his mum told him. They both decided for Jilli's sake not to tell her the bad parts about her parents’ life, but Narcissa agreed that she would tell her some of the good things and try to find a photo for Jilli. Now he knew why Jilli's grandfather refused to speak about her parents.

            Draco knew it was late but he wanted to check on Jilli. He saw a single candle lit under the door and wondered if she were waiting on him. He decided not to knock and quietly opened the door. She was asleep, almost sitting up in the bed with pillows propped behind her and a book sprawled out in her lap. Draco went over and gently moved the book from her lap. He tried to gently move a pillow or two from behind her and move her down in the bed, but she woke-up.

            “Hey,” he said.

            “Hey,” she said sleepily, “I tried to wait up for you; I thought you might stop by.”

            “I talked to mother, she's going to try to find some photo's for you and tell you some things about your parents.”

            Jilli could feel herself tearing-up. She couldn't believe he was being so nice and doing all these things for her. He was a totally different Draco from the one at Hogwarts.

            “Thanks,” she said wiping at her eyes, he was sitting on the side of the bed near her, “this means a lot to me,” and she couldn't stop herself from hugging him tightly. She could fell his arms going around her snuggly.

            “Draco,” she was still being held by him, “why are you being so nice to me, is it because of the marriage arrangement?”

            Draco stiffened in her arms and pulled away.

            “Jillianne, I know I have not been the best person to you in the past. I deeply regret the incident with you outside potions class and I am sorry. I hope one day you can forgive me, but I had gotten a little drunk, well, more than a little. To be honest I was jealous of Potter. I guess I took it out on you, the one person who I wanted more than anything. When I hit you that night I wished so bad that I could take it back, but I will never hurt you again, I promise you that. I've wanted you for quite a while, Jillianne, marriage agreement or not. It only gives me a good excuse to spend my time with you.”

            “I know that the betrothal is not your fault, Draco,” she said quietly, “I don't blame you. And yes, I forgive you for slapping me outside potions. To be honest, I've really enjoyed getting to know you better, outside Hogwarts. I wonder what your friends would say if they knew the great Slytherin prince helped pick out ladies clothing today?”

            “Let's hope they never find out,” he laughed.

            Draco stayed and talked with Jilli for a-while, both getting to know each other even more. Jilli fell asleep with Draco beside her on top of the covers, him holding her hand. And sometime in the night, Draco woke to Jilli's head against his chest while her arm was around his waist. He knew he had to go to his own room, as much as he'd rather stay. He kissed her softly on the lips, and slowly slide off her bed. He would just have to wait to see what tomorrow, Christmas eve, would bring.