"If we had no winter,

the spring would not be so pleasant"

- Anne Bradstreet

SPRING

The best thing about spring, according to Ginny, was weather nice enough for her to read outside. Yes, on a breezy day at the end of March, she had to bundle up a bit to sit on her porch, but she enjoyed it none the less. Between wool socks, a fleece blanket and a cup of tea, she managed to make herself comfortable. Late one Saturday afternoon, after reading on her porch for hours, she glanced at her watch and sighed. Time to meet Draco.

It seemed to have become their weekly routine. It started as an accident, but it soon became expected and now, every Saturday, promptly at four thirty, she would meet him in their café. Ginny sighed as she pulled herself out of her chair. When had it become their cafe in stead of her cafe? She could pinpoint the exact moment. It had been the fourth or fifth Sunday of their accidental meetings. It was growing late and rather dark so Ginny had expected them to part ways, but to her surprise Draco had asked her if she wanted to do something. Instead of actually doing something together, they argued about what to do until finally Draco had kissed her again. She would never admit it to anyone, but she had been hoping he would. He had only kissed her one other time since then and, just like before, it had been a gently kiss; almost a hesitant kiss.

Ginny pulled some boots on and a jacket before grabbing her book and making her way to the cafe. Draco was already there when she arrived and, to her surprise, a cup of hot mint tea was already waiting for her along with a blueberry muffin. He was draped elegantly on the couch, long legs outstretched in front of him. He was clad in his usual black suit; a scarf draped lazily around his neck. He was biting his lower lip and tapping his foot; two signs he was deeply involved in his book. She chuckled to herself when she saw what he was reading.

"The Great Gatsby," she said as she sat down beside him on the couch.

Draco jumped slightly, "You surprised me."

"Sorry," she smiled apologetically, "Are you enjoying it?"

He glanced at the cover and shrugged, "I guess. How was work this week?"

Ginny shrugged, relaxing back against the couch. Her leg gently bumped his and her heart raced. "It was work. Two of my kids got in a fight on Tuesday, but we quickly settled it over some animal crackers."

Draco chuckled, "I still don't know how you have the patience to teach kids who are so young."

"I grew up with six brothers," Ginny said dryly, "Six year olds aren't much different." She picked up her tea and said, "Thank you for this." She took a sip of it. He smiled and nodded. They both picked up their books and fell into a comfortable silence. Most Saturdays they could sit there for hours. Today was different. After only a few minutes she could feel his eyes on her and she looked up. He smiled cautiously and she smiled back before they both turned back to their books. A few minutes later the same thing happened again and, after the third time Ginny finally set her book down and said, "What?"

"Hm?" Draco asked innocently, "What?"

"Why do you keep looking at me so strangely? Whats wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong," he said slowly.

"Really?" she asked.

"Really," he assured her. Taking his word, she started reading again. Only a moment later he said, "I was just going to ask if you wanted to go for dinner tomorrow night."

Ginny nearly dropped her book, "Dinner?"

"Would that be so bad?" Draco asked, looking slightly offended.

"No, not at all," Ginny said quickly, "I just – I just wasn't expecting you to ask, thats all."

"Oh," Draco paused awkwardly, "Well, do you want to?" Ginny nodded, smiling softly. Relief washed over Draco's face. Had he been nervous, "Great. I'll pick you up at your place at six?" She agreed and once again, they fell into a comfortable silence. This time the silence was lasting and nearly an hour later Ginny finished her book. Setting it down, she glanced up at him. Like before, he was biting his lower lip pensively and tapping his right foot. A strand of his hair had fallen in his face, but he ignored it, too wrapped up in his reading to bother pushing it away. He had opened up since she had first seen him here. His abrasive front had slowly melted and he seemed more comfortable around her. As if sensing her stare he looked up at her, "Everything ok?"

"Yeah," she assured, "I just finished my book, so I think I'm going to head home."

"I'll walk you," he stood up and pulled his jacket on, slipping his book into his pocket. She also pulled her jacket on and they left in silence.

When they got to her door she turned to him, "Tomorrow night. Six."

"Right," he smiled softly. "I'll see you then." Draco turned to walk away, but she caught his elbow. Turning back to her, confused, he started to ask her what was wrong, but she quickly quieted him by kissing him. He froze momentarily, obviously shocked by her actions. He had always been the one instigating the kiss. The soft tugging at his jacket snapped him back to reality and he cupped her face in his large hands and kissed her back, pinning her against the door. When they finally broke apart for air he rested his forehead against hers and whispered, "Gods, you're good at that."

Ginny smiled and blushed, "You're not to shabby yourself." Draco grinned down at her before pulling her in to kiss her again.

–

"Tea?" Hermione asked as Ginny sat down on the couch.

"Please," Ginny said.

Hermione poured them both a cup and handed one to Ginny before sitting down next to her on the couch. "So hows Malfoy?" Hermione asked innocently.

Ginny smiled, "He's fine."

"Any more kissing?"

"Lots."

"I wish I could be as daring as you," Hermione sighed. Ginny gave her a puzzled look and Hermione went on, "I mean, I would never have the courage to date someone my family hated so much."

"Wow," Ginny said, setting her tea down, "First, Draco and I aren't dating and second, my family doesn't hate him." Hermione raised her eyebrows, surprised and Ginny sighed, "Ok, they don't like him, but hate is a strong word. They're just –," Ginny paused, "They aren't comfortable with him."

"Because?" Hermione prodded.

Ginny sighed, "Because he was a prat in school and treated them all rather horribly."

"Rather?"

"I get your point!" Ginny groaned, "Herms, it's been over ten years since Hogwarts! Lord knows Harry and Ron have changed. Why can't they see that Draco has changed too?"

Hermione sighed, "Gin, you just need to let your family meet him and let them figure it out themselves. Do they even know?"

"That Draco and I are –," Ginny paused and said slowly, "Involved?" Hermione nodded. "No, but I think Mum suspects something. She was there when I got an owl from him on Christmas and I wouldn't tell her who it was from."

"Somehow I think your mum will be the only one who is accepting of it at first," Hermione said, "You know how she likes to take in strays. She'll make him a Weasley sweater for every Christmas he's missed so far and then bring him a lasagna every week for a year until he gains fifty pounds."

Ginny laughed, "Somehow I can't imagine Draco in a Weasley sweater. I haven't even seen him in anything other than a suit." Hermione chuckled too and they fell into relaxed conversation.

–

For the seventh time Ginny scampered into the bathroom and ran a comb through her hair and wished there was something more she could do with it. Her hair didn't like to do much other than lay straight down her back. She had tried curling it a bit, but it quickly became a disaster. She dabbed a bit of lipstick on her lips and inspected her outfit: a simple knee length skirt with a lacy blouse and cardigan. Sighing, she hoped she wasn't dressed too much like her mother. Last came her high heels and then she sat and waited patiently on the couch. Promptly at six her doorbell rang and she took a deep breath before pulling the door open.

"Hey," she said, smiling nervously.

"Hi," Draco smiled back at her, "These are for you."

Puzzled, she took the obscure package from him and glanced inside. Tea. He had brought her a bouquet of tea. Grinning she said, "Thank you." She set it on the small table next to her door and stepped outside, locking the door behind her. "Where are we going?" she asked as they walked down the street.

"There's a small restaurant a few blocks away, Casa Mia," Draco said, walking gracefully with his hands in his pockets, "I thought we could try it."

"Sounds good." Ginny was surprised with how easily their conversation flowed throughout dinner. They talked about everything from work and family. Hogwarts and books to holidays and sports. By time they actually finished eating it was nearing 9:30 and they still didn't leave for at least another hour.

As they excited the restaurant, Draco gently took her hand in his and smiled down at her. She smiled back and said, "I had a really good time tonight."

"Me too," he said. He took a deep breath, "To be completely honest, I've been wanting to ask you to dinner for weeks, but I was kind of worried you'd say no."

"Draco Malfoy?" Ginny teased, "Scared of rejection?"

"Not scared," Draco protested, "Just a little worried. It's not my fault you'd rather spend time with your books than with me."

"True."

"Thanks," Draco said sarcastically.

Ginny laughed as they arrived at her front door. She turned to him, nervously playing with the front of his jacket, "But maybe that's starting to change."

"You like me better than your books?"

"I said maybe," Ginny said pointedly.

"I'm ok with maybe," Draco said quietly. He took her hands in his and slid them around his shoulders before wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her in to kiss her deeply. She kissed him back, pressing her body tightly against his.

When they broke apart she took a deep breath and asked softly, "Do you want to come in?"

–

A/N: Read and respond as you see fit.