This story was written for Quib's prompt in The DG Forum Fic Exchange – Fall 2011.

A/N: You will notice that this fic is slightly rushed...due to the short time limit and procrastination on my part. I hope this is still enjoyable though.

Thanks to my beta, Boogum, for editing this so quickly! You were highly needed!

Introduction

My first thoughts when waking up are of the clean, crisp sheets beneath me. Most mornings I run my fingers over them and sigh at the wonderful coolness. I have such a considerate husband. He knows how hot I get during my sleep. He charmed them to stay cool for me.

Touching the sheets below me every morning reminds me of how fortunate I am to have married Harry Potter. He really is such a thoughtful man. I have loved him since I was a young girl and knew I wanted to marry him for as long as I can remember. My marriage to him has been almost perfect. We rarely fight, we always compromise when we disagree, and we have three beautiful children.

Most would say I am the luckiest woman in the world. Women wish they were me, and, most days, I agree with them. I couldn't have asked for a better husband or father to our children. But I'm not happy.

I haven't been happy since I was sixteen and I really couldn't tell you why.

I remember the day I changed my mind about him as clearly as I can feel these sheets between my fingertips. Eight days before the final battle against Voldemort at Hogwarts, I received what would be my final detention.

I grumpily trudged down the halls toward the deep belly of the school. I had gotten caught laughing at the silly ideas of the Death Eaters. I entered Snape's classroom with as much hatred in me as I have ever felt. And I was so pissed off that Draco Malfoy was the proctor for my sorrow.

I honestly figured I was doomed. The Malfoys are well known for hating Weasleys. Since I am the youngest of seven and a female, I resigned myself to thinking I was the most hated of them all.

I thought Draco Malfoy would hex and curse me until my bones dissolved, but he surprised me. He talked to me. At first I was perplexed as to why he would be speaking to me at all, but I quickly realized he didn't want to participate in Death Eater activities anymore. He told me of his hatred for the Death Eaters and that he was exhausted from playing the role he needed to play to survive. I never said a word. I just listened.

When the detention was over, we parted ways. I never spoke of this to anyone.

My mind completely changed the way it thought about Draco Malfoy when he did not participate in the final battle. He vanished from sight and didn't reappear until a year later. Ever since then, I haven't been able to get him from my mind.

I guess I fell in love with him that day. Truly, madly, deeply in love. To me he was this torn prince. A prince trying to understand the world around him. And watching him tell me his problems, without regard to my status as a future member of the Order of the Phoenix, I instantly thought he was the most beautiful man in the universe.

I want to tell you my story. I need someone to understand why I have done the things I have done for the last eighteen years. I have struggled with this internal battle of right and wrong for far too long and I can't keep it to myself any longer.

Quib's Prompt #2
Basic premise: This one will be written in between the lines of canon. 19 years later, Ginny and Harry are married and all is well. Except Ginny's been harboring a secret for 18 of them. (Basically, I want an affair story.) Ginny and Draco, 18 year (so far) affair, maybe delve into what keeps them coming back and why they never brought it to light.
Must haves: Equal parts Harry/Ginny, Draco/Ginny, and Draco/Astoria to show the separate sides and what they enjoy in each relationship. (Not all three, just depending on which perspective you choose.)
No-no's: Abusive!Harry or even Bad!Harry
Rating range: M preferred
Bonus points: A business trip turned rendezvous scene :D