Disclaimer: I do not own any characters or references to the Harry Potter novels or movies.

Preface

Ginny stood in the hot shower. Her feet were wet and red but she could hardly get any heat from the water. She hugged her arms around her breasts and bowed her head. Outside the bathroom, Draco paced anxiously. If only he could read her swift mind. He finally gave in and waved his wand silently. The lock clicked. Draco gently pushed the door open.

"Ginny?" he called out in the direction of the large shower.

Ginny blinked. She raised her head and looked longingly towards the sound of her boyfriends' voice.

"Ginevra, are you okay?" he walked closer to the lavender curtain hanging over a sleek silver bath. He heard an indistinguishable whisper beneath the sound of pattering water. "Love?"

"I'm…. I'm not…." She said softly again. Her voice barely projected past the sound of the bath water but Draco caught what she'd said.

"Darling," he took a few steps onto a fluffy blue carpet and extended his palm onto the curtain, as though he could reach right through it to brush her hair. The water stopped running and he stared eagerly at the edge of the curtain, waiting for her to appear there. Finally, small pale fingers were seen wrapped around the curtain to pull it back. Ginny pulled it back slowly and stood naked and cold in front of Draco, who was holding a thick towel ready in his outstretched arms, waiting for her to come to him. She took two steps and fell into his arms. Draco swiftly wrapped himself around her shaking body. He kissed her forehead and squeezed her tight. Ginny still was shivering violently and contracted into Draco's body.

"Come, dear." Draco lifted her with strong arms and kissed her face again. She felt much more secure in his arms than alone in the shower and forced herself even closer to him, closing her eyes so she could absorb him. Draco carried her through the spare bedroom, down the hall, up a small flight of stairs, and down another corridor. With his toe he tapped open the door to the bedroom they both shared, a place he knew she'd be very comfortable. The room was warm. A dark green bedspread and sheets with gold trim were laid out neatly on the bed. The room was the same color gold and emanated the warmth they shared together. Draco carried her to the bed and gently placed her down. When their bodies lost contact, the chilled feeling rushed back to Ginny and she moaned for him back. He covered her swiftly in blankets that lay at the foot of the bed and placed his hand on her cheek.

"It will be alright, Ginevra," he whispered softly. His warm breathe fell upon her face. "I'm here now."