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Ginny could not believe the nerve. She was an independent woman. She could take care of herself. She had definitely proven that through the years at home spent with her six older brothers. Why Draco insisted on fighting her battles, she had no idea.

But she wouldn't let him. She could handle Zabini on her own. And she would prove it. But she would wait it out in the library, and let Zabini come to her. She knew he would somehow find her. He always did.

It took a while, but after Ginny had gotten through the first three chapters of Hogwarts, A History – Hermione had been bugging her to read it – Zabini finally found her. She didn't even have to look up to know it was him; she could tell by the chill that swept up her spine.

"Finally decided to join me, I see," she said dryly, not bothering to glance up from the page she was on.

"Yes. It took a while, what with your boyfriend trying to hex me and all, but Professor Snape took quite good care of him," Blaise replied, as he took the seat across from her.

Ginny snapped her head up to see the malicious smirk that was plastered across the Italian's face. If Snape had given Draco detention, then that would mean there would be no one to save her from the dark-skinned Slytherin's advances. "Oh, really?" she attempted nonchalance, although she knew Zabini could see right through her.

"Yes. Sadly, there will be no prince in shining armor to save you from the evil captor tonight," he said with a wink.

Ginny couldn't help but stare in disgust. Did he actually expect her to fall for him? He was one line away from a cheesy romance novel.

"Yes, well, you'll soon find out I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

"Yes, I'm sure you are."

She glared at him. "Ready to start? It's not as if I have to sleep in a few hours or anything."

"Oh, my little Lioness. You won't be doing much sleeping tonight."

"So you'd like to think."

"Oh, love. I know."

"Can we just start with your tutoring already? That is why I'm here."

Zabini sighed sadly, but started rummaging through his bag for god-knows-what. Eventually he pulled out a battered copy of the seventh year Potions textbook, and Ginny raised an eyebrow skeptically. "I'm surprised you actually brought a book."

"Yes, well, I'm full of surprises," Zabini grinned, a predatory gleam evident in his eyes. "Would you like me to show you?"

"No," Ginny replied bluntly. "Now what do you actually need help in?"

Two hours later, Ginny found herself squeezed into a chair with Zabini in the library, as they discussed a potion that the Slytherin had been brewing incorrectly for the past week and a half. It turned out he actually was terrible at Potions, even though he was in the house that was known for their potion brewing talent, and he really did need help. Ginny was actually enjoying herself as she explained proper methods to crush a newt's tail or boil powdered unicorn horns.

She didn't even mind the close proximity she shared with him. She continued to be wary of his actions, but he hadn't attempted anything other than an occasional brush of his hand against her thigh, or the occasional attempt at holding her hand. She was quite impressed with his self-control, although she had grown suspicious as the night wore on.

What was he playing at?

Every encounter she had had with him in the past couple of days had been nothing but lusty advances to get in her pants. He had gotten in her pants the first time. But once they had started studying, there was nothing. He hadn't even attempted to kiss her.

She was almost worried he was bewitched. She wouldn't have put it past Draco.

The strange thing, though, was that Zabini was actually pleasant. He had a good sense of humor, once you got past all of the innuendos and flirtatious comments. Not to mention he treated Ginny like an actual person. She was really surprised. But Zabini was still Zabini. He had made it clear he was going to get into her pants, and Ginny was not going to forget it.

Although she really wanted to, as the night sky outside grew darker and darker.

Eventually, the librarian came back to where they sat and told them they had to leave, and Ginny and Zabini slowly packed up to head back to their respective common rooms.

It wasn't until they were in the corridor outside the library that the dark-skinned wizard made his proposition, and Ginny remembered Zabini was someone she was meant to hate.

"What?" Ginny spluttered, hoping she had misheard what he had said.

He only grinned, and repeated, "Do you want to come back to my room?"

A/N: Yeah. This took FOREVER to write. My writing is a lot different from a year ago when I last updated (Have I apologized for that, yet?), so it's really hard for me to get back into this story. I don't like the plot, either, but I will work on finishing it, since you all seem so eager for me to. Please have patience, though. Thanks, and please review to let me know how you like it (or don't.)