Warning: Short chapter ahead, next one will be longer and yummier!

Solatium Et Decem

Harry had sat in the Gryffindor common room when Ginny had walked in.

Hey, she smiled.

Hey, he repeated feeling anxious but managing a smile-like grimace.

Sitting next to him she grinned broadly and made to take his hand. Panicking he yanked his hand away and pretended to arrange his tie while speaking.

The uhm feast was good, great! The treacle tart was better than usual don't you think?

Harry, she sighed. Is everything ok?

Looking back into her eyes, he saw the same determination that had attracted him to her in the first place. Only now that he looked at her, he felt nothing but a strong brotherly love, in lieu of the fluttery feelings he had thought were blooming only weeks ago. And well, she reminded him a lot of Ron. He wondered how he had not seen it before. He was just imagining her with Ron's hair and clothes when she began to look agitated.

Eh sorry, did you say something?

Looking away, she got a stern look in her face. His fingers went instinctively to his wand, knowing how strong her bat bogey hexes were.

Make up your mind, will you? She pleaded, tears verging on spilling over.

You know how I feel about you, stop playing with my emotions, she said a little too loudly.

Ginny, he sighed, listen, I think you're great. Godric, he was terrible at this. She perked up a bit, looking at him with an almost greedy expression that frankly scared him. Choosing his words carefully he still managed to somehow get it wrong.

But I don't want you… that way. He winced at his words but figured she would appreciate his honesty.

Ginny coughed. Or so he thought, until he realised she was sobbing. Her face was flushed and her shoulders shook from crying. God Ron is going to murder me, his mind screamed.

Please! I'm sorry! It's just you're Ron's sister and I'm… He struggled to find the words and instead put a comforting hand on her shoulder. She turned and glared at him. Is that it?, she cried. Ron?!

What? No. I … But Ginny continued, her shouts echoing through the common room.

Oh that's rich Harry! Blame him for you're cowardice. Who else? Huh? Her eyes were wild with anger. Hermione?

Harry just gapped at her, not knowing what to do or say to placate her.

Oh I bet she's been real helpful Harry, I've been waiting for you to make a move forever, and you're all – you're all talking about me behind my back!

Ginny, no one's talking about –

Oh don't think I don't know! She cried standing up. You two have always been too close, always hugging! Pretending to be my friend, that tart! Is it her? Has she told you I'm too young? She was more furious than hurt now. Harry was confused. He had never thought of Hermione that way. She was his friend.

If you want me, you will have to fight for me, Harry, she finished dramatically and ran to the girl's dorm.

He wanted to call out but refrained. He was so utterly boggled by what she had said. Like they were some bickering married couple. He shuddered as he got a mental picture. He collapsed onto the couch, feeling guilty. He hadn't meant to hurt her but it just wasn't working out, why couldn't she see that?

He would just have to talk to her later and explain the whole… Malfoy situation. Trying to steady his breath he focused on Malfoy. Imagining what he would do if Draco accepted Dumbledore's help. And then his traitorous brain imagined other stuff. Stuff that made him blush and breathe unevenly.

Taking out the Marauders Map he waited.

Remembering Draco's vulnerable expression, he pondered and made himself a mental promise.

I he accepts, I will more than make it up to him.

Harry felt a rush of something, coursing through him at the sight of the miniscule dot moving. He had waited impatiently for the past two hours and he was at the brink of pulling his hair out by the roots.

The pinprick labelled Draco Malfoy moved out of office with increasing pace.

Wait for me arsehole, he muttered as he scampered out of the dorm. Seamus gave him a look and shook his head in amusement.

Pushing past Ron by the portrait entrance he decided their conversation could wait until he had something worthwhile to tell him.

Ron on the other hand was eloquent as always.

Wah? Holding a hand to his chest like a startled damsel.

Harry didn't pause and just sent him a grin as he disappeared down the stairs. He was both dreading seeing Malfoy and excited at the prospect of long overdue snogging.

Should I ask?, Ron queried as he composed himself. Not fanning himself if someone were to ask.

Seamus's wink and flirty smirk was enough for Ron to cease his questioning.

The moon lit Draco's hair like a halo.

He sat elegantly on the desktop, gazing out of the window. The top buttons on his white shirt were undone and his tie lay loose on his chest. Harry took a moment just to look at him.

A floorboard creaked, drawing the blonde's attention. His silvery stare roamed the room wearily as his mouth formed a smirk.

Come to spy on me again?