Ginny rolled her eyes and got up from the couch. She strode into the kitchen and began washing the dishes. Her face was red with anger and the scowl on her face was a warning for anyone and everyone to stay away. But some people just didn't understand that.

"Three...two...one." Ginny turned just in time for Hermione to close in on her.

"Ginny, you can't just stay locked up in your house all the time. You have to get out and be sociable. This isn't good for you."

Ginny started to block out Hermione's voice, her normal routine when Hermione decided to come over and tell her what was good for her. When was she going to get it? She wasn't ready. And from the looks of things, she wasn't going to be for a very long time.

It had been two years since the accident but, Ginny remembered it like it was yesterday. The chill that ran down her spine when the phone rang and her mother was on the other end. She knew something was wrong when her mother asked her to come over right away. She hadn't even bothered changing from her night clothes. She was at her mothers before she could say blast-ended Skrewt.

"What's going on?" She ran to her mother right away. "Have you heard from Harry?"

The look on her mother's face told her something was very wrong.

"Ginny sit down please." Her mother had said.

Ginny shook her head. "I will not sit down, now tell me what the hell is going on!"

Mrs. Weasley sighed. "They've been in an accident."

The tears were spilling from her eyes before her mother could give her any details. Harry, Ron, James, Albus and Lily had all been in a car accident. They were on their way back from the Quidditch World Cup when it happened. Ginny and Hermione's lives came crashing down around them. But Ginny had taken it much worse.

It was two years later and Hermione had finally moved on. She was now engaged to Viktor Krum and they were to be married in two months. Ginny, however, stayed locked in her house. She did her work from home on a computer and didn't associate with anyone but her family and Hermione. Losing Harry and their children was soon going to be the death of her. And Hermione was determined to change that.

"Hermione, we've had this arguement three times in the last twenty-four hours. I'm happy just the way things are. Can't you understand that?"

Hermione shook her head. "No, Ginny, you're not happy. I haven't seen you smile in almost two years. I miss it. And so does your family. We just want you to get back to your life."

"I lost my life, Hermione."

Hermione scowled. "As did I. And I did my mourning. But I've moved on and now i'm finally happy again."

"I could never replace Harry. And I'm not going to stand back and watch you replace Ron!" She was off again, back to the living room where she curled up on the couch and tried to hide the tears from Hermione.

And then she was there again. "No one could ever replace Ron. Ron was my life. But I'm not gonna waste away the rest of my life when I could be out living and learning." She sat down next to Ginny. "I don't want to see you cry anymore." She wiped a tear from Ginny's cheek.

This made more tears escape and she sobbed. "Hermione, I don't think I can. I don't think I could associate with people normally. I'm just not ready."

"And you will never be ready if you don't try." Hermione pointed out. "You can start simple. Just a night out with me, no guys. Please. Come and have fun."

Ginny didn't say anything. She wanted so bad for Hermione to leave. But she had the feeling there was only one way she was going to accomplish that.

"How am I going to do this social thing without people?"

Hermione smiled at the change of attitude. "Alright then. I'll invite some friends. You promise you will go?"

Ginny nodded. "I promise, Hermione. If you promise to stop bugging me."

"I promise." She smirked. "Let's go get ready."

Ginny's eyes widened in horror. "Not right now. Can't it wait til tomorrow?"

"No, this is important. Your life is at stake."

"Leave it to you to be over-dramatic." She rolled her eyes. "I suppose I will start with a shower." She got up and headed towards the bathroom.

Two hours later, after Ginny had showered, dried her hair, put on make-up and got dressed, they were leaving Ginny's house. Hermione refused to tell them where they were going and who they were meeting. She somehow dipped out of the room long enough to make a couple phone calls while Ginny was applying her mascara and eye-liner.

"Where's Viktor and the kids?" Ginny decided it was better to spark up a conversation or Hermione would think she wasn't trying.

"Well, the kids are at your moms for the weekend." She smiled. "And Viktor is waiting for us with a friend."

Ginny glared. "Why did you bring that Oaf? He is so thick it's unreal."

Hermione scowled. "Ginny! Thats my fiance you're talking about."

"I'm sorry, Hermione, but I never liked him. It's going to take some getting used to. But I promise I'll try and be nice."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "You better do more that try. You have to have a good time. Don't bring yourself down. You have to forget about what happened two years ago." She paused for a reaction, but nothing came. "Just for this moment in time. It's the only way you will be able to carry on. I know, I've been there too."

"I'm trying, Hermione. But you promised you wouldn't bug me and so far you haven't lived up to that."

Hermione sighed. "I'm sorry. I know you're trying. I just feel like you need to hear these things."

"I do occasionally." She almost smiled. "But not all the time."

"Ok, once a week from now on then." She lauged and nudged her with her elbow.

This time Ginny smiled, but it was weak and forced.

They walked in silence to the end of the walkway where they apparated.

Ginny frowned at the sign in front of them. "Are you joking? The Leaky Cauldron?"

Hermione bounced with excitement. "Of course not, Ginny, I'm completely serious. You haven't been here in years. It's changed tremendously. Especially since Malfoy took over."

"Draco Malfoy?" Ginny frowned again. "When?"

"About a year ago." Hermione explained. "It's amazing, come on."

Hermione led the way into the Leaky Cauldron and Ginny's eyes almost popped out of her head.

"Wow." Was all she could say.

It was much brighter inside, several muggle-built lights were installed and there was music playing. The kind that made you want to get up and dance. The old bar had been replaced and now there was a circular bar in the middle of the pub. Ginny smiled for real now.

"This is great. How did he do it?"

"I don't know. But who cares, look at this place. And look how many people are here."

Ginny hadn't noticed before but there were more than thrity people in the small bar. She suddenly felt crowded. She looked towards the bar, hoping Hermione hadn't noticed her change in mood.

They approached the bar and sat to wait for Viktor and his friend. Ginny had a good feeling that Hermione invited one of Viktors guy friends or someone she knew from the ministry.

"How are you ladies tonight?"

Ginny was shocked to see the Slytherin king standing before her with a sexy smirk about his face. He was wearing a simple, white, muggle t-shirt and a pair of black slacks. He was completely different. And totally hot. His arms were strong and sexy. They looked as if he worked out on a regular basis. His hair was the same as always, platinum blond and hanging just below the eyes. Ginny almost fell out of her seat.

"Like what you see, Weasley?" He winked and looked at Hermione. Ginny was glad because her cheeks burned brightly.

"Glad to see you've come back again." He said like they were good friends. "Viktor on his way?"

Hermione nodded. "He should be here shortly. He's bringing a friend. You should know him."

Ginny was slightly confused. Not only was Draco Malfoy now the owner of the Leaky Cauldron, but Hermione was talking to him like he was their best friend at Hogwarts. She had missed entirely too much. It was time to do this thing.

"Can I get you anything while you wait?" The question was directed to both of them.

"You know what I want." Hermione said.

"Martini. Shaken, not stirred." He annouced. "Are you ever going to try something different?"

Hermione shrugged and Ginny chimed in. "I'll have the same."

Draco smiled at Ginny and shook his head. "Two martinis, coming up."

Ginny watched him go to work making their drinks. He definately knew what he was doing. But he was obviously showing off for Ginny's benefit. She shook her head in amusement and faced Hermione.

"Hermione, I think this is going to work."

Hermione grinned. "Perfect. They're here."

Ginny turned to see who followed Viktor in the pub. Her eyes widened at the sight of her ex-boyfriend from Hogwarts, Dean Thomas.

"Now that's a low blow." Draco said and placed their drinks in front of them.

Hermione looked worried. "Was this a bad idea?"

Ginny shrugged. "It's definately not happening again. But I'll make the best of it."

"I'm sorry." Hermione plead. "We can get rid of him."

"How?"

"I have an idea! Go to the bathroom before he sees you!" Hermione jumped up and down in her seat."

"I have a better idea." Draco smirked. "Oi! Thomas, over here."

He walked to the other end of the bar as he got Dean's attention. He leaned over the bar and said something only they could hear. Dean scowled and fled the scene. Draco was back two minutes later.

"Problem solved."

Hermione pursed her lips. "What did you say to him?"

"I told him he wasn't allowed in here. That several people complained about him and he wasn't to come back."

"That's horrible." Hermione complied and then Viktor showed up.

"Vhat happened?" His english was difficult to understand but better than Ginny remembered. "Vhere did Dean go?"

"Bad idea, sweetie." Hermione stood to kiss Viktor with excitement.

Ginny cringed and looked at Draco. "Thanks for that."

"Anytime." He leaned one elbow on the bar and smirked. "You haven't touched your drink, Red."

Ginny blushed when he used the nickname. "I was still thinking about it." She laughed stupidly.

"That's your problem. You think too much." He looked her in the eyes. "Have you ever made a decision without thinking. Without laying out the pros and cons?"

Ginny shook her head. "Never."

"You should try it." He suggested. He looked at her thoughtfully. "And try relaxing a bit. You look very uncomfortable."

Ginny was surprised she was even listening to him. Since when was Draco the advice-giver?

"I'll try that." She picked up her drink and sipped on it. It was surprisingly good. Nothing like the Fire Whiskey she remembered drinking back in school.

"Not bad." It was her turn to smirk. "But you should try shaking it a little bit more next time."

"And she has jokes! Who knew?" He chuckled as he walked away to make another drink.

Hemione was staring at her as she took another drink. "You're jumping right out of that shell, Ginny."

"Are you that surprised?" She questioned. "It was your idea, you know."

"I'm happy for you, that's all."

"Me, too." Ginny smiled gently. "Thanks, Hermione. I really needed this."

"Don't thank me yet, we've only just begun. Follow us."

Ginny spent the next three hours chatting with several people she didn't know and dancing with Hermione and Viktor to muggle music that she hadn't ever heard of before. Finally there was a slow song and Ginny went to the bar to get a drink.

Draco was in front of her before she sat down. "Try something different?" He asked.

Ginny nodded. "What do you recommend?"

He tapped his chin thoughtfully and scanned the shelf below the counter. He smirked and pulled out a very matured bottle of whine. "I've been saving this one. But tonight does call for celebration."

"And why are we celebrating?"

He chuckled as he poured her a glass. "My divorce."

"Are you serious?" Ginny's eyes were wide. "What about your son?"

"I have him." He said and Ginny could tell he was happy with that fact. He was probably a good father. "She was terrible."

"I'm sorry to hear that." Ginny replied.

"Not me." He said simply, sliding her drink toward her. "It was for the better. We are both happier."

"That's all that counts."

Ginny suddenly realized what Hermione had been talking about. Ginny needed to be happy again. And she knew what she needed for that to happen.

She watched Draco dry the tumblers in thought. Now all she had to do was find the right person. But she hadn't the clue where to begin looking.

"Earth to Red." Draco waved his hand in her face.

Looking up she blushed for what seemed like the millionth time that night. "Sorry." She shook her head to gather her words. "I think I had a revelation or something."

Draco laughed. "I've got to hear this one."

She shook her head in reply. "I don't think you would understand."

"I think I do." He eyed her thoughtfully. "Which is why I'm throwing in my towel." He literally tossed his towel across the counter.

Ginny turned just in time to see someone catch it and then jump over the bar.

She turned back to Draco and trying not to sound disappointed, she spoke. "You're leaving?"

"Not even close." Then he jumped over the bar and landed behind her.

"That's ridiculous, don't you think?"

"No, I don't think so. It's how I got these." He teased, lifting up one sleeve of his shirt to reveal his gorgeous muscular arm. He flexed for emphasis.

"You should put those away before you hurt someone." Ginny laughed easily now.

Draco smirked and grabbed Ginny's hand. "You're with me."

He pulled her from the bar and found a vacant spot on the dance floor. He stopped and pulled her to him dramatically, making her spin. Ginny giggled like a school girl. When she came to an abrupt stop, her face inches from his, she froze. Her Heart felt like it would jump out of her chest. Draco's eyes probed hers and he smiled softly.

"I thought I told you to relax?"

Ginny looked at the floor only for his hand to push her chin up again. "Relax." He mumured.

He looked into her eyes as he spoke. It seemed to help her relax slightly and she sighed. He placed his hands on her waist with caution. She tightened up again but he didn't stop. He pushed her a little bit at a time. He rubbed his hands up her sides and back down. Ginny closed her eyes and focused on the contact. It was the first time she's been touched by a man in two years. Her heart was racing. Next he moved the to the small of her back and then up, pulling her closer to his body.

Ginny swallowed and opened her eyes. He was still looking at her directly.

"You're not relaxing."

"I'm sorry."

"Please stop apologizing." He whispered. "You've done nothing wrong, Red. It's hard, I know. Going from feeling nothing and then suddenly feeling so much at once. It's overwhelming. But I know you can do it."

For the second time that night, Ginny melted at Draco's disposal. She smiled before letting her cheek rest against his shoulder as they moved with the music. She sighed as he rubbed his hands up and down her back soothingly.

"See, it's not so bad." He said in her ear.

His breath was warm and it sent chills through her body and she shuddered. He laughed in her ear. "Sorry about that."

She shivered again and looked up at him. "That was on purpose."

Draco smirked. "You caught me."

"You're a sneaky little ferret." She laughed at the memory from school and was surprised when he did the same.

"What can I say?" He shrugged and pulled back slightly, placing his thumb and forefinger beneath her chin. "I'm a sucker when It comes to beautiful women."

The next thing she knew, he lifted her chin and captured her lips with his own. The flood of emotions that flowed through Ginny was obliterating. She found herself responding to the kiss with more enthusiasm than she knew she possessed. It was passionate, yet tender. She didn't want it to end.

She pulled away reluctantly and their breathing was rough. His eyes searched hers for several seconds and then he smiled a very satisfied smile. He brushed his lips over hers again as the music came to a halt.

"Please don't let go of me." She said quietly.

"I didn't plan on it." He pulled her closer. "I promise I won't let you fall, though."

Ginny laughed and shook her head. "Things definitely didn't go how I thought they would tonight."

"They never do when you assume." He stated. "That's why I never plan ahead. I go on inspiration."

"I would never be able to keep up with you." Ginny said honestly. "You're too spontaneous."

Draco pursed his lips. "I seem to remember the spunky little redhead from school who put a bat-bogey hex on me in my fifth year." He smiled playfully. "Well done, by the way."

Ginny shook her head and pulled away slowly so she didn't melt to the floor. "You deserved that one."

Draco followed her to the bar where they approached Hermione and Viktor.

"Having fun?" Viktor asked her, a smirk playing on his lips.

Ginny smiled at them both. "Loads. I owe you my life, Hermione."

Hermione shook her head. "I think you owe that to Draco."

She blushed yet again and looked at him briefly before addressing Hermione again. "Really. Thank you, Hermione."

"You are more than welcome." She answered and looked at her watch. "Are you ready to go home? Or are you staying?" She looked pointedly at Draco who was talking to the other bartender.

"If you're ready, we can go." She felt relief rush over her and sighed. "It's been a long night."

"Alright, we'll wait outside."

Before they left, Draco interjected. "I can see you home if you'd like."

Ginny's heart skipped a beat. "I really should be going."

"That's fine. I'll get my cloak."

Her throat tightened and her stomach did flips. She turned to Hermione, biting her lip. "I guess I will talk to you tomorrow?"

Hermione grinned. "Call me tonight."

They apparated to Ginny's front porch ten minutes later. There was no light on and Draco pulled her to him. She could feel her cheeks burn and she was grateful for forgetting to leave a light on.

"I hope i'm not being to forward." He said. "But I can't help myself."

She closed her eyes as she felt his breath on her temple. He placed his lips there briefly and then on her cheek and along her jawbone. When he reached her lips his hands snaked around her waist and pulled her hips against his. Ginny felt a groan forming in her throat and it escaped when his lips left hers and searched her throat. The sound only encouraged him and he pushed her gently against the front door of her house. He found her lips again and slithered his tongue around hers. He let out his own growl of satisfaction and pulled away abruptly.

"I apologize." He muttered. "I'm being rude."

She shook her head even though he couldn't see it. "No, you're not. I was actually enjoying myself."

She heard him sigh. "So was I. Entirely more that I deserve. I should go."

She tried to hide her disappointment. "Alright. Thankyou for the best night I've had in...years. I'm glad I went out tonight."

"As am I." He said and brushed his lips over Ginny's one last time. "Will you come see me again?"

"Definately." She sighed. "When do you work again?"

"I'm there until Midnight every day." He answered.

"Then I will see you very soon." She assured.

"I'll be looking for you."

He kissed her forhead. "Sweet dreams, Red."

And then he was gone.

Ginny unlocked the door and nearly skipped into her living room. She didn't bother turning on the lights, but went straight to her room and changed. When she was comfortable, she got in her bed and drifted to sleep with a huge smile on her face.