A/N: Because I am apparently insane, I am doing the "50 Shades Of..." Challenge from HPFFC. Each chapter (50 in all) will be a standalone, slice of life-type piece, all revolving around the Draco/Ginny pairing. I will probably continue to experiment with different types of writing and some chapters may fulfill various prompts. Reviews are very welcome, especially in regards to point of view issues and descriptions, which I often feel are awkward or lacking. (Hey, if you're interested in beta-ing, let me know.) Thanks!

The Beginning

Draco blamed the alcohol for his sudden desire to thank Potter. Well, that, and the way Potter's girlfriend was looking tonight. If I were Potter, I wouldn't have let her go out to bars such as this looking like that...

"Oi, Weaselette."

The youngest Weasley turned quickly, flaming red hair moving through the air with a soft swish. Her eyes narrowed.

"What do you want, Malfoy?"

"To give you a message," he replied smoothly, taking in the way her top clung to her figure and exposed her collarbone. He resisted the sudden urge to lick his lips.

Weaselette arched an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Yes. Give your boyfriend my thanks." Draco made to turn and leave, but her laugh stopped him. "Is something amusing to you, Weaselette?"

She looked up at him and grinned. "Yeah. You are, Malfoy."

He put on his haughtiest look, grey eyes flashing. "Excuse me? Malfoys are not-"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," she interrupted, rolling her eyes. "I assume you want me to pass this, ah...message on to Harry?"

"I said 'your boyfriend,' did I not?" It was Draco's turn to roll his eyes. He thought he had made himself perfectly clear.

"You are woefully out of the loop, then, Malfoy. Harry and I broke up ages ago."

Well, this was a new development. He tried to look apologetic, but it wasn't something he was used to doing, and he was sure he failed miserably. "I see. Given that your brother is his best friend, however, I imagine you must still speak to him."

"What's this about?" Weaselette asked suddenly. She peered up at him with great suspicion, and Draco realized this was probably the longest conversation he had ever had with her. No wonder she suspected him of...whatever she was thinking.

"Potter didn't tell you?" And here Draco had assumed the Boy Wonder would be shouting it from the rooftops. It did make for a good story, after all, saving a former Death Eater from certain death in the Room of Requirement. On a broomstick, no less - Potter's preferred method of transportation, it seemed.

"Obviously not."

He roused himself from thoughts of the bespectacled man to focus on the red-headed vision in front of him. "Well, in that case...never mind." He brushed an invisible piece of dust off his suit and again began to make his exit.

"Draco Malfoy!"

Draco turned back to her and sighed. "Put the wand down, Weaselette, you're only going to embarrass yourself."

Weaselette looked for all the world like she might explode. Draco would have laughed, but she was still pointing her wand at him, and he didn't fancy being hexed into oblivion just then. "I will only ask you once, Malfoy," she hissed. "What are you thanking Harry for, and why? If you're trying to-to manipulate him in some way-"

"It's nice to see that you still care for him," Draco sneered.

"Of course I still care for him, we went through a lot together. I don't suppose you'd know anything about that, though, would you?" Her fiery temper had apparently cooled, Draco noted with some disappointment, if that was the best insult she could come up with. No matter, though. He had made up his mind to fill her in on his uncomfortable obligation to her former boyfriend.

"Potter saved my life." He savored the shocked look on her face. "During the Battle of Hogwarts. He didn't have to, but he did. I'd tell him myself, only he's such an insufferable prat and I'd hate to give him the satisfaction. You are... infinitesimally more pleasant to speak to."

Weaselette glared. "What a shame this near-death experience did nothing for your insufferable personality."

"Feisty," Draco drawled, looking at her approvingly.

She raised her hand as if to slap him, but seemed to think better of it. Perhaps she realized it would only illustrate his point further. She slowly lowered her hand and clenched it into a fist at her side.

"Well, this has been... enlightening," she said, and she turned on her heel and walked away. Draco watched her go with a smirk on his face. I wonder how feisty she would be if I told her those jeans make her arse look good?

Fulfills Insane House Challenge prompt #691 (restriction): no scene breaks