Ginny could hear her own steps as they pounded up the narrow staircase. She felt a bit like Hermione this night, as she cursed Professor Trelawney under her breath. Ginny was never an ace at any sort of magic, but she usually did well enough. Divination, however, was something else entirely. It was not based on definate fact or magical theory. It was just too hard for Ginny to comprehend something so transient. That was why she was forced to do extra credit on a regular basis. She finally reached the observatory and pulled down the rickety wooden door. Climbing up, she stopped suddenly when she saw a figure already occupying her intended space. It was a tall, statuesque figure covered partially by moonlight and darkness. Ginny climbed the rest of the way slowly, trying to figure out who this was. Her question was answered shortly when he turned sharpely around, glaring.
"Malfoy!" Exclaimed Ginny, slightly aghast. Draco simply glared at her and started to stalk toward her postion.
"Move, Weasle." He snarled nastily. Ginny jumped out of the exit.
"Why are you always so nasty to people?" She asked as she walked by him to approach the night sky.
"You wouldn't understand." He said back, not quite as nasty this time. Ginny sensed a challenge, and, abandoning her extra credit assignment, dashed in front of Draco.
"Try me." She said. It was a simple statement. Draco felt inclined to push that smirk off her face. He grabbed her shoulders and threw against the edge of the tower. Ginny was instantly filled with fear as glanced down to the ground below. Draco leaned in close to her ear, sending shivers down her spine.
"Tell me, Weasle...have you ever been raped? Have you ever seen a woman under cruciatus curse writhe in pain before you? Has you father ever beaten you to the brink of death?" Ginny just stared at the sky above.
"Did all this happen to you?" She whispered softly, half out of fear and the other half pity. Draco, still holding her shoulders, stood back to survey her for a moment. He looked her square into the eyes for a moment.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" He asked, not yet ready to open up to her. "Wouldn't it just make your day better to know that it did? If I suffered previously, everyone in this whole damn school would rejoice." He said, in a rather wry manner. He let go of Ginny to look at the stars before turning back around to exit the tower. He heard a small voice behind him.
"I wouldn't be happy." He reeled around to see the short girl standing before him, with a bit of sorrow in her eyes. Her emotions were so evident on her face, he had noticed. He envied her for this. She continued, "you know what I think? I think you're actually a very nice person, but refuse to show it to anyone." Draco stared at her for a moment. He was shocked, this was true, but he wasn't showing it. He walked up to the tiny girl, grabbed her waist, and planted a kiss on her plump lips. Ginny stared in wide eyed shock. Draco released her and continued his trek to exit.
"Thanks, Ginevra." He said, and then he was gone. For the rest of the night, Ginny was still trying to figure out if it was a dream.
The next day, Ginny and Draco's eyes caught, and Ginny almost saw a smile. She smiled back, and they continued their ways. Maybe this schoolyear wouldn't be so bad afterall...