Castles on the Ground
Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe and its characters belong to J.K. Rowling, et al.
Content Notes: Non-graphic allusions to sex.
Draco has never spent the night with Ginevra in his bed. He's longed to; he's imagined her hair spread out across his pillow like wine on white linen, like a stain he'll never want to wash out. It's true, in most respects, but the colours aren't quite as vivid in the dark and her hair lies like blood spatter beside him, a crime he can confess to, if not with words, then with steadily accumulating evidence. Like the faint smudge of her cosmetics on cotton and the smell of her trapped in the sheets. Soap and sweat and sleep - a private smell, so unlike the one she wears for the world at large.
When there'd been no strings attached and for a long time after they began to form, she'd come to him with the scent of a metropolis on her body and the look, too. Polished so smooth that the sheets barely clung to her skin as she slid out of bed, more perfect than she'd been when she came to him with a promise on her slick, red lips. She's promising nothing now, can't find the words to and neither can he. It's easy to promise good times and hot sex, but Draco doesn't even know how to promise more. He's never had to: if his money weren't enough, then his looks or his power were.
Ginny has more of both these days, but Draco realized sometime ago that it hurts him more than it helps. His first instinct then was to run. He tried and failed and now, he surrenders: he invites her into his bed, asks her to stay, and she says yes like she thinks the bad press will drive him away after all. Like she'd understand if it did because she feels the same. He thought she'd be braver - as brave as he wants to be, almost stupid - but he's glad now that she isn't. Gryffindors only want to be cowards when they know the stakes, and they only choose to be brave if they think the risk is worth it.
Draco likes it better than the bold-faced lie that was their liaison. He likes the perfect truth when she takes a moment to relax in his arms. It gives him a chance that all the castles his parents had built in the sky never could: a chance at love he can believe in.
Author's Notes: Thanks for reading. I wrote this on my cell phone one night in November 2012 because my friend wanted D/G fic and I felt inspired. It's not nearly as polished as I'd like, but I hope you enjoyed it nonetheless. I appreciate any comments, questions, and constructive criticism.