AN: Sorry it has been a few days! My best friend just flew in from Washington State and we had a year and three time zones worth of stuff to catch up on. And then I got a cold. (Irony is that the high all week has been like 90-something outside!) Thanks for all the alerts and reviews. Keep 'em coming!

Draco gave Ginny a brown mug of tea and a look suggesting he would soon lose his patience if she didn't start talking. "So, how did it happen?"

"Well," she wasn't sure how to start her tale. "I guess first I have to give you some background or it won't make sense why it bothers me so much that it was her," the redhead began.

"Wait, if I am to understand that right, you are saying…You're saying that Potter cheated on you? What a slimy git. I would have thought Mr. Moral Fibre would know better, I mean, have some decency!" seethed Draco. Ginny was totally taken aback by this outburst. She had not expected something like that out of him. Draco, seeming to realize he was ranting, stopped himself before getting further on a roll with it and apologised, bidding her continue.

"Right. Yeah. He ch-cheated," the redhead said stifling a sob, "he cheated on me with Luna. Luna Lovegood." Malfoy made a face. "She is really nice! And smart! And-" He cut her off.

"And obviously a terrible friend."

"No, she, yeah. Yeah, you're right. She is. She slept with him. With Harry!" his name coming out as a screech. "For months! And he only ended it because he thought she was pregnant. She was my best friend! Closer than Hermione has ever been! It is like he picked the person closest to me on purpose!" By this time the scorned woman was speaking so emphatically that she nearly knocked the mug out of Draco's hand as he tried very hard not to break out in another rant about respect and chivalry. "And of course they said it 'wasn't planned,' that I was 'never meant to know,' but what else would they say? And then…then they…" this time she could not hold back the flood of tears at her words, "They were fucking shagging in my house at my birthday party!" Though usually not one for big displays of emotion, the distraught redhead could not help but throw herself into the shocked arms of Draco Malfoy.

The confused and inexplicably pissed (on her behalf, naturally) man didn't know what to do. He decided to settle for what his mother would do when he was upset as a child, not that he, Draco Malfoy, would ever admit to crying. Only babies and women cry, and he is neither, thank you very much.

The blond man began to softly rub Ginny's back as she cried. Smoothing down her hair with his other hand, he began to murmur vague words of comfort and consolation. Suddenly she jerked away from him, burying her face in her hands.

"Oh Merlin. I've made a mess of it all. I didn't come here for you to feel sorry for me! I don't…I don't even know why I agreed to come here at all. I'll just, I'll just be off then," she said attempting to stand, but Draco had a firm grip on her shoulder.

"Hey. I wouldn't have brought you here if I thought you wanted me to feel sorry for you. Quite the opposite actually. It seemed like you needed to talk but didn't want to be pitied by others." Ginny contemplated this for a moment before settling down into the couch and taking a sip of her now cool tea.

"Here," he said taking the mug from her, "Why don't I warm that up for you?"

"No, I'm fine, thanks. I wouldn't mind something stronger if you've got it though." she asked with a slightly bitter edge. Malfoy just chuckled.

"Sorry, no. All out." He made a face as if remembering a horrible smell. "Damn Pansy drank it all." An odd look came across Ginny's face. Realizing that she thought he actually liked that cow, Draco quickly said, "She isn't my girlfriend, you know." The look that remained on her face told him that, no, she didn't know. "It is really all my father's fault. He encourages her…ahem…behaviour. I have been trying to get rid of her since Hogwarts! She is really an obnoxious cow." By this point, Ginny's expression had turned to one of pure amusement at how flustered the blonde man in front of her was. That's really cute. She thought to herself. Wait a minute! I did not just describe Draco Bloody Malfoy as cute! That is not normal. What's in this tea?

Her inner monologue was cut short by the man in question asking her if she was feeling quite better.

"Cos, well, for a second there your eyes got a little foggy, then you looked a touch panicked. Should I call for a mediwizard? The bloke next door…"

"No, no! I'm fine!" I've just got to think a little less is all, she thought while assuring Draco that, No, she doesn't need to lie down, and, yes, she is quiet sure.

"Alright then." he said sceptically. "I could get you some more tea or something. Unless you want to head out. It is already," he checked his watch. "Oh, it is already quarter after midnight!" Nearly four hours had flown away, and while Ginny would not call soaking Draco's shirt with tears fun, she was more relaxed and at ease than she had been in a long time.

Ginny, grabbing her coat, made for the door. Draco stood at once. He would prove that some decent wizards still had manners, and walked her the few paces to the door.

"Um. Thanks for…ah, everything." mumbled Ginny, suddenly feeling embarrassed, a blush creeping across her face. It looked as if Draco wanted to say something, but instead he leaned forward a little, taking one small step closer to the woman in his sitting room. He paused for a moment before placing a small, uncertain kiss to her lips. She was shocked but did not pull away. She wasn't sure why, but she was glad he had kissed her. Just as she placed a hand on his shoulder to draw him nearer, he pulled away.

"I…uh…didn't mean of course…completely unintentional! You'll be off now, I guess." Draco was stammering as a slight pink tinted his usually pale face.

"Draco." he continued apologising. "Draco! Really!" she shouted, which seemed to snap him out of whatever sort of apologetic trance he was in.

"You don't need to be sorry." She said softly.

"Yes, rather, but…wait. What?"

"I said," her voice gaining confidence, "I said, you shouldn't be sorry. It was…unexpected," the frenzied look returned to his face, "but, BUT, very nice." With that she leaned up on her tip toes, as she had never needed to with Harry, and pressed a small but firm kiss to his lips.

"Uh, Ginny…" stuttered out a very shocked Draco.

"Yes?"

"Would you maybe, perhaps, if you're not busy of course…"

"How's Tuesday? You can pick me up at seven."

"Yeah. Yeah, that's-"

"Perfect." she finished for him with a smile. Ginny noticed with amusement the glazed over look Draco had and she mentally applauded herself for managing to reduce him to such a scattered mess without even trying, or in fact, noticing it was happening.

After sharing a quick farewell, Draco closed the door to his flat feeling very accomplished and proud of himself. When he had come across her crying in the ally he had not intended to breach her personal space in anything but a platonic way, if at all, but was very glad he had. Meanwhile, stepping into her own apartment, Ginny was realising what had just happened. Not only did she have a date with Draco Malfoy of all people, to which she was highly looking forward to, she had also kissed him of her own volition! Oh yeah. Ron was gonna kill her.

AN: Yeah, so Malfoy got a little wimpy there for a while. I promise to explain why he is reduced to a pile of mush, and also, I will get around to explaining his violent reaction to cheating. It is gonna get better. And their date won't be without some awkward situations and conversations! There is a possibility of smut in the future, a strong possibility actually, so sit tight and enjoy the ride. No pun intended. Hehehe!