Chapter 9

Ginny was exhausted. Monday morning classes had been okay, and she had trudged her way through lunch, but she was definitely running out of steam. She hadn't realized that a concussion left you weak and woozy for a few days. Her head ached and her knees felt ready to buckle as she dragged herself up the stairs to her last class of the day. Madam Pomfrey had forbidden her to participate in Quidditch practice until Wednesday, and to see her before she did so. Ginny had been indignant at the time, but now she was thankful. She was afraid the healer was just being spiteful after the sleeping potion incident, but she obviously knew what she'd been talking about.

Ginny paused and leaned against the wall, allowing other students to pass her as she rested. She thought about yesterday. She'd slept until dinner, then, afterward, had slept again until this morning. Hermione had awakened her early so she could see Madam Pomfrey before classes. The witch had told her and Hermione the sleeping was normal, and not to worry just as long as she woke up when roused. Ginny had seen Malfoy at both dinner and breakfast, but he'd seemed distant again. She had worn the new robe and a skirt. Several boys who had ignored her before had come up to talk to her. A few had even asked her if she wanted to go into Hogsmeade (a Hogwarts euphemism for going out). But Malfoy only scowled at her. After Saturday night she thought he really did like her, but it had probably been wishful thinking. She'd know for sure in a minute, though. This was the only time their paths crossed for classes and Ginny expected to see him coming down the hallway any time. She shook her head and hitched up her book bag, heading for her classroom.

Ginny didn't notice a couple of Slytherins creeping up behind her whispering.

"Go on, Greg," a sultry female voice purred. "You promised you would do anything for me."

Pansy Parkinson and a few of her friends were glaring at Ginny and trying to move Goyle toward her. Goyle looked extremely uncertain.

"Go on, do it!" Pansy hissed, motioning toward Ginny. "Don't you want to take me to Hogsmeade this weekend?"

That decided Goyle. He lumbered toward Ginny. At that moment Draco came around the corner heading for his last class of the day. He saw Ginny walking toward him, head down, seemingly lost in thought. He considered greeting her when he noticed Gregory Goyle staring intently at her as he rushed up behind her. Pansy Parkinson and some of her friends were watching, gleeful expressions on their faces. Then Pansy saw Draco and her eyes widened. The threat she had been about to hiss at the Weasley girl, "Stay away from Draco or else," died on her lips. Draco realized what was about to happen and called out, rushing for Ginny, but too late. Goyle stepped behind Ginny and gave her a powerful shove into the wall. Ginny didn't have a chance to brace herself. Books flew as she smacked, head first into the stone wall, then started to collapse.

Draco dropped his own books and caught her before she fell, easing her to the floor onto his lap. He cradled her shoulders with one arm and pulled out his wand with his free hand. He glared at Goyle, who backed away, frightened at the look on Draco's face.

Pansy stepped forward and put a hurt, innocent look on her face.

"Draco," she said hesitantly, biting her full lower lip. "Let me explain."

Draco glared at her.

"Shut up and back off, Pansy," he growled at her. "Come one step closer and I'll turn the lot of you into flobberworms."

Pansy was about to try again when she looked up and froze. Goyle went pale and the rest of the Slytherins faded back toward their class.

Draco glanced over his shoulder and saw Professor McGonagall approaching, eyes flashing behind her glasses. She took in Ginny's limp form, the scattered books, and Goyle and Pansy's guilty looks. She noticed Draco's defensive position and his wand pointed at the other two Slytherins.

"What is going on here," she demanded shrilly.

Pansy and Goyle seemed struck mute, so Draco spat out, "Pansy seemed to think it would be amusing to have Goyle bash Weasley's head into the wall." The sneer in his voice was unmistakable.

The professor's eyes widened, but she said calmly, "Please explain, Mr Malfoy."

He briefly told her what he'd seen. Her expression grew sterner as she listened. She looked at them silently.

Pansy and Goyle cringed as she finally pronounced, "One hundred points from Slytherin for this attack on another student. You two," she indicated Pansy and Goyle. "To Professor Snape's office, now. I will meet you there with the headmaster." She pointed and they slunk back down the corridor. Then she turned to Draco.

He wasn't looking at her. He was brushing the hair away from Ginny's face and trying to rouse her. Professor McGonagall's expression softened as she watched him stroke her cheek gently and call her name. Ginny started to come round, trying to sit up.

Draco forced a smile and said in a teasing voice, "Well, Weasley, we seem to be running into each other a lot lately."

Ginny looked around, confused. She saw the scattered books, Draco's drawn wand and the professor. Her confused gaze came back to Draco's face.

"D-Draco? What happened? Why am I on the floor?" Ginny struggled to stand, ignoring Draco's and Professor McGonagall's extended hands. She finally got to her feet and swayed unsteadily. Then her eyes shot open and squeezed shut immediately. Draco grabbed her shoulders before she could fall.

"Oh, God, I feel sick!" she muttered.

The professor rushed forward, but Draco was already helping her sit again.

"Lean forward and put your head down. Slow breaths, it'll pass," he murmured softly, gently holding her shoulders. "That's it, slow breaths."

Professor McGonagall conjured a basin and placed it in Ginny's lap, her brow wrinkled in concern. Ginny followed Draco's instruction and felt the wave of nausea slowly pass. She straightened up and passed a shaky hand over her brow. Looking embarrassed, she glanced at Draco.

"Good thing I didn't eat much for lunch," she laughed shakily. "Otherwise you'd probably be wearing it."

Draco shrugged. "I wouldn't have been surprised if you did. Bashing your head into the wall after a concussion is very bad for you. I don't recommend it at all."

He sounded so serious Ginny laughed. Then she yelped and held her head.

"Oh, that hurts," she gritted out.

Professor McGonagall looked from Draco to Ginny, confused. They were the last two students she would have expected to be having this seemingly friendly chat, when Weasley had obviously been attacked by two students from Slytherin. And Malfoy threatening one of his cronies with a wand? Very interesting. Especially the tender concern he was showing the girl. It would be nice to see that ancient feud laid to rest. She wondered if the headmaster knew about this. Probably did. The man seemed to know everything. She cleared her throat and announced that she had to report this incident to the headmaster.

"Mr Malfoy, I trust you will see Miss Weasley safely to the hospital wing?"

Draco nodded immediately, squeezing Ginny's shoulder as she moved to protest. Professor McGonagall pulled a slip of parchment from her pocket and handed it to Draco.

"This is a hall pass in case Mr Filch," she grimaced sourly at the name, "decides to stop you. Now off with you."

The professor hurried back up the corridor, muttering under her breath. Ginny watched Draco's face as he watched the transfiguration teacher hurry away. She wanted to smooth the line between his eyebrows, but looked quickly away when he looked back at her.

"Feel like you can stand now?" he asked.

She nodded. She felt sick and weak, but she'd been enough trouble already. Her knees felt wobbly as she stood, and she knew she would topple over right now if he weren't holding her up. Swallowing, she reached out and steadied herself against the wall. Draco left her there for a moment as he gathered the books into one bag.

"Good thing you don't carry all your books about all day, like Granger," he teased.

She barely smiled. She felt sick again, but gritted her teeth against the nausea. "Let's go."

The trip down to the hospital took some time. Ginny made it on her own two feet, but with Draco threatening several times to pick her up and carry her.

"Come on, Weasley, it's not like you weigh anything, and besides, I'm getting kind of used to it."

Ginny loved the teasing note in his voice, but was afraid she'd throw up if he tried to carry her. So she trudged along, gritting her teeth and wishing she didn't feel so damned sick.

Madam Pomfrey was horrified when Draco related what had happened.

"The headmaster will hear about this!" she'd said darkly. After moving Ginny to a bed near her office, she stomped away for supplies.

Ginny sat on the hospital bed, pillows propped behind her head, in her skirt, blouse and stockings, on top of the sheets. Her robe, tie and shoes were safely tucked away in the cabinet. She was feeling a bit better, but still queasy. She absently plucked at a tissue Madam Pomfrey had given her and glanced quickly at Draco. He was leaning against the edge of her mattress, arms crossed and an unreadable expression on his face.

"Malfoy," Ginny said quietly.

His eyes met hers, then darted away again.

She sighed. "You don't have to stay here, I'm okay now." Ginny had to admit she was elated that he had stayed, but he didn't look very happy about it.

"I, uh, mean, you must be bored to death babysitting me by now. I seem to be unable to stop running into you or falling on you lately," she said lamely.

Why wouldn't he look at her? She hadn't even known what had happened until he explained it to Madam Pomfrey. Did he think it was her fault? Probably. She seemed to draw trouble to herself lately.

Draco looked at Ginny again. She was horribly pale. She had dark circles under her eyes and her hands were shaky as they shredded the paper tissue she'd used to dab at her eyes. She'd called him Draco earlier. And Saturday night. Now it was Malfoy again. She probably thought it was his fault. Maybe it was. If he had just left her alone, none of this would have happened. The Bludger, the hospital stay, Pansy's spitefulness, all because he just couldn't let her be. Now she was trying to get rid of him. He should just go. Hadn't he told himself just yesterday that she was trouble and he'd be better off ignoring her? But he couldn't go without saying something. Not when she looked so sad.

"Ginny, I'm-" he began, but she spoke at the same time.

"Draco, I just-" They both stopped. Draco sighed and tried again.

"I didn't know Pansy was going to do something like that," he said flatly.

Ginny wrinkled her brow. "Well, of course you didn't. How on Earth could you know?" Did he think she blamed him? She hurried on. "I just wanted to apologize for being so much bother. I always seem to be causing you trouble."

Oh, gods, he thought, she's going to cry. She thinks I'm mad at her. Draco reached up to cup her cheek in his hand. She leaned into the caress, holding his hand there. Draco fought the urge to gather her in his arms and comfort her as he had when she'd been hurt.

He started to speak again, but Madam Pomfrey returned with a tray of bottles, glasses and vials. Draco moved to the opposite side of the bed, not wanting to be tossed out again.

"Hmmm, still here, Mr Malfoy? Well, make yourself useful since I seem to have you underfoot so much lately." She indicated a supply cabinet along the corridor. "Go get some blankets, another pillow and a hospital gown. Miss Weasley, you will be staying here again tonight."

Draco did as he was told. At least she hadn't told him to leave yet. It struck him that five minutes ago he had been prepared to leave. Then he'd touched Ginny's cheek and that was that. He grabbed a few blankets, and the pillow, and pulled out one of the gowns. The yellow hospital gown was long and baggy-looking and would cover her from neck to ankles. He thought what a shame it would be that she wouldn't be wearing her normal sleeping attire. Whoa, he told himself. He wasn't coming anywhere near the hospital wing tonight. No way. Much too tempting.

He took the items back to her bed and tossed them onto the chair. Madam Pomfrey was just completing her examination and had started mixing some potions together. Ginny looked exhausted and in pain. Her eyes were closed and she held herself stiffly, as though any movement would cause her to shatter. His fists clenched as he thought of Pansy and Goyle. If the headmaster and Snape didn't deal with them, he certainly would.

"Mr Malfoy, I'm going to give Miss Weasley something for the pain, and something to put her to sleep. Perhaps you had better go now."

Ginny's eyes snapped open and she looked at him, seeming to ask him to stay with her eyes.

"Can I stay until she falls asleep?" he asked the healer. She looked from one to the other.

"Oh, very well, but you'll have to move out for a moment while she changes. Close those curtains behind you."

Draco pulled the curtains around Ginny's bed and moved down the hallway. He heard rustling from behind the curtain, then finally Madam Pomfrey pulled the curtains open again. She motioned for him.

"Just a few minutes, Mr Malfoy. She's already had her potion and needs to sleep," she said quietly. Then she retreated back to her office.

Draco returned to Ginny's side and touched her arm. She opened her eyes and smiled.

"That pain potion works fast," she said with relief. "I wanted to thank you again. You seem to be doing a brisk business in damsels in distress this week."

Ginny was very tired, but very aware of his hand still on her arm. She was going to be asleep in a moment anyway, so she did something she normally wouldn't have the courage for. He'd be long gone by the time she woke up, so she wouldn't have a chance to feel embarrassed. She took his hand and pulled it to her cheek. She held it there, relishing the warmth. Then she twined her fingers with his and curled up on her side, closing her eyes.

"G'night, Draco," she breathed and was asleep.

Ginny awoke in the darkness again, but this time the candle beside her bed cast a feeble, flickering glow for a few feet around the bedside table. Ginny sat up cautiously and looked around. The hospital wing seemed deserted. She felt slightly disappointed that she was alone, but scolded herself. Malfoy probably didn't want a repeat of the other night. Her bad temper and spiteful comments were unlikely to make him want another dose. That, plus the way she had grabbed his hand earlier had probably sent him running for the hills. Her cheeks burned as she remembered how his fingers had tightened around hers just before she'd fallen asleep. Just a reflex, she thought. He had been so cool toward her since Sunday morning, it was a wonder he'd stayed with her as long as he had.

Ginny had to use the bathroom. Pulling open the table's drawer, she pulled out her wand and illuminated it. Then, shivering slightly, despite the long hospital gown and the stockings she still wore, she hurried to the bathroom.

Draco stretched his hand to the hospital wing door, then snatched it back again. He must be insane, he thought. Ignore her, don't ignore her, back and forth, round and round. Draco had awakened about an hour and a half ago and had been wandering back and forth from the stairs to the hospital wing, trying to decide what to do. Filch's stupid cat, Mrs Norris, had almost caught him twice, and Peeves had actually run right into him. Or, through him might be a better description. He shuddered; Peeves had been so cold! But, since Peeves was indefinitely banned from the castle, they had reached an amiable agreement to pretend they hadn't seen one another.

And now, here he was again. He told himself that she was probably asleep, that she wouldn't waken until morning, so it would be a waste of time to look in on her. Besides, what would he say? She had wanted him to leave earlier, and had probably been delirious when she had taken his hand. But she had used his first name again. Not Malfoy, as though it was a foul word, but Draco, softly, almost a caress. God, he was pathetic. The girl called him by his first name and he was wrapped round her finger. Draco sighed and rested his forehead against the door, resigned. He had no idea what a girl like Ginny Weasley would want with someone like him, especially given the years he'd spent trying to make her and her brother's lives miserable. But he really didn't have a choice. He wanted her, wanted to be with her and if she wanted him too, that would be great. If not, well, it would be poetic justice, right? He straightened and opened the door.

There was a candle burning on her bedside table, but Ginny wasn't in the bed. Draco looked around, but didn't see anyone. He sat in the shadows near the curtains bunched against the wall. She was bound to come back eventually, wherever she was.

Ginny looked at her reflection and grimaced. Her hair was, once again, sticking up every which way. She had lines down her face from the pillow and the yellow hospital gown made her pale skin look sallow. She wet her hands and tried to make her hair lie flat. Then she sighed. Why bother? Who would see her anyway? She washed her face and rinsed her mouth out. That sleeping draught made her mouth feel as though her tongue had grown fuzz on it. Patting her hair down once more, she walked to the door and turned off the lights. She exited and illuminated her wand again but jumped back gasping and dropping her wand as a figure in black loomed out of the darkness right in front of her.

"Draco! Good God, are you trying to give me a heart attack?" she hissed. It had only taken Ginny a second to recover and realize who it was standing in front of her.

"Well," he returned lazily. "You were in there so long, I wondered if you'd fallen in." He stooped and picked up her wand, handing it to her.

Her fingers, still cold from the water in the sink, brushed his warm ones. He took the hand in both of his and rubbed gently.

"Your hands are freezing. I'll bet your feet are, too." He started to pull her toward him, but she backed away and around him, moving toward her bed.

"Er, yes, they are. I'd better cover up again," she continued backing down the hall.

He let go of her hand and she turned and hurried back to the bed. There was his answer, he told himself. She was running away from him. She was being nice about it, but she was still running away. He followed her slowly to the bed.

Ginny scrambled back into bed. Oh, God, she looked horrible, her hair was a mess and she had dragon breath! The implication of the phrase made her mouth quirk slightly. She would certainly have 'dragon' breath if she had just wrapped her arms round his neck and made him kiss her, which was what she'd wanted to do. He was wearing a silk tee shirt again, and this time it was a 'V' necked shirt that showed more of his chest and neck. Stop it, she told herself. He just dropped by because he was bored. If he wanted to talk, that was fine. Maybe as he got to know her better, he might become more interested in her. But, she would think about that later. Right now he was approaching the bed. She nervously raked her fingers through her hair.

Draco reached the bed and moved to the table. He picked up the wand he'd left there and put it in the pocket of the jogging pants he was wearing.

"Well, you seem to be fine now, so I guess I'll be off," he said as casually as he could.

Ginny's mouth dropped open. "What!?" she asked loudly, then clapped her hand over her mouth and glanced at the office door. She heard nothing from the healer's office, so she looked at Draco again.

Continuing more quietly, she said, "Why did you bother coming if you were just going to turn around and leave? Do you have somewhere more important to be right now?"

She crossed her arms and glared at him. He looked surprised. "Do you want me to stay?" he asked, trying not to sound too anxious.

Ginny turned her head away and sniffed. "Certainly not, if you're in such a hurry to leave," she muttered.

Draco smiled. Meaning she was angry that he was going. This sounded more promising. Maybe she really had been cold. He moved around the bed and pulled up the chair he had been sitting on before. He dropped into it and stretched out his legs. He locked his hands behind his head, much as he had the other night. Ginny had propped her pillows up on the headboard and now leaned back against them.

Ginny eyed Draco, noting the way the tee shirt rode up. Does he do that on purpose, she wondered.

"I say," she murmured, trying to imitate his drawl. "You might give a girl warning when you're going to present her such a view."

He looked confused, then followed her eyes to where several inches of bare abdomen, with its light dusting of faint, pale hair arrowing down to the waistband of his pants, was exposed. He quickly dropped his arms and tugged the tee shirt back in place, his pale cheeks washed by a light pink flush for a moment. Ginny grinned. She was delighted that she'd been able to discomfit him for once.

Draco just stared at her for a second. Was he crazy or was Ginny Weasley sitting there in her prim little hospital gown, leering at him? He looked at the grin on her face. She was enjoying this! He gave her a half-hearted glare and she started to giggle.

"Oh, wonderful. I come to visit you out of the kindness of my heart," he ignored the snort that greeted this statement. "And all you can do is leer at me and laugh at me."

Ginny tried to control her giggles, but once she got started, she just couldn't stop. The sight of Malfoy tugging his tee shirt down and trying to look as though his modesty had been outraged was too much. She started laughing louder.

Draco's look of false outrage turned to one of sincere alarm. He looked toward Madam Pomfrey's door and back to Ginny. She seemed to be helpless to stop laughing. Her eyes pleaded with him to do something, even as she grabbed a pillow and tried to muffle the laughter. He jumped up and drew out his wand. He put his mouth next to her ear and whispered loudly, "This is for your own good."

She nodded and he touched her throat with the tip of the wand.

"Inaudibus," he said, and suddenly there was silence.

Ginny's chest and shoulders still heaved with her uncontrollable laughter, but she made no sound. Draco stared, fascinated. If he had ever watched a television and had someone suddenly press the 'mute' button, the sight wouldn't have been unusual. But he only had a vague idea of what a television was, and no idea of remote controls and 'mute' buttons. So watching Ginny's silent laughter was a bit disconcerting.

It must have been disconcerting to Ginny as well, because she sobered almost immediately. After a minute or two she gave him a thumb's up. He eyed her uncertainly, but she gave another thumb's up and an emphatic nod of her head.

"I don't know, Weasley," he whispered. "At least now you can't yell at me or insult me or toss me out."

Ginny gave him a mock scowl and began to silently berate him. She looked quite adorable, he thought, lips moving silently, shaking her finger at him. He caught the finger in his left hand and drew it to his lips. She froze, eyes widening. Draco let go of the finger and touched his wand to her throat again, removing the spell.

Then he jumped back to his chair. "All right, now you can yell at me," he said as he sat again.

Ginny blinked once, then shrugged. "Oh, no, you did the right thing. Once I start, well, you saw. I thought Madam Pomfrey was going to come bursting out of her office any second."

They were silent for a moment, then Ginny asked quietly, "Couldn't sleep again?"

Draco shrugged. "I caught a few hours. I figured I'd come bother you if you were up. If you weren't, well, I probably would have just woke you up. You don't have anything better to do, right?"

She grinned, knowing he was teasing. "Oh, of course. A full, uninterrupted night's sleep is never on the top of my priority list."

"There, you see?" he grinned, a sexy, wicked grin that sent a tingle down Ginny's spine. "I knew you wouldn't mind."

Ginny vaguely wondered if he realized how sexy that smile was. Probably, she answered. Probably practices it in the mirror. So what, she told herself. The result was worth it.

She smiled at her thoughts, and noticed he smiled back. She hoped he didn't know what she was thinking.

"Well, since you mean to hang about for a while," she said casually. "What do you do when you can't sleep? Besides accosting the female students in their beds?"

She was intensely interested. She wondered what she would do for hours at night if she couldn't sleep. Go crazy, probably.

Draco's eyes glittered. Oh, he was going to tease her again, she thought.

"First of all, Weasley, you happen to be the only student, male or female, I've ever accosted. And second, I haven't accosted you in your bed, yet. But I can certainly give it a go, if you'd like."

He raised an eyebrow suggestively and Ginny had to laugh. That caused him to jump up and pull out his wand again.

"Don't tell me you're starting again?" he whispered.

She shook her head and covered her cheeks, which were bright red again. "No, I'm fine," she said. "I just had to laugh at how good you are at distracting me. But it won't work this time. Now sit down and tell me how you keep yourself from going crazy."

He sat, more than a little distracted himself. She was smiling again, and her eyes were dancing with mischief. But she seemed to like him being here. And she wanted to know what he did those long hours when the entire castle was sleeping. He thought.

"Well, different things. Mostly I read in the Common Room. Sometimes I do experiments in Potions, when Snape is in a good mood."

"That can't be often," Ginny mused.

"It isn't often," he agreed. "Sometimes, though, I sneak up to the Astronomy tower and just watch the stars."

"The Astronomy tower? Good heavens," Ginny shivered and pulled the blankets up. "If you like to hang around up there, no wonder a little thing like a freezing cold hospital wing doesn't bother you."

He smiled. "It's not really that bad up there. Sometimes I use a warming spell, but mostly my heavy cloak is fine. Besides, it's peaceful."

Ginny smiled suddenly. "You must have lots of time to study! No wonder you got a better score on your last Potions lab than Hermione! Her nose was really out of joint on that. Imagine, her name not on the top of the list for the first time in six years!"

Draco chuckled and shook his head. "Just a fluke," he said. "I don't really try very hard on tests. She must have been sick or something that day."

Ginny hid a smile as she remembered Hermione saying something similar. She was really enjoying talking to him. He was easy to talk to when he wasn't trying to be annoying. He didn't even seem to notice her nervousness. She asked him about what he read, what kind of projects he worked on in Potions, his favorite classes. He asked about her interests, favorite Quidditch teams and where she'd learned to play so well.

"That should be obvious," she replied. "Competing with six brothers does tend to make one a bit aggressive."

"No, not aggressive, really, just competitive. You're really very good. I wouldn't be surprised if the Harpies scouted you out in a year or so."

Ginny blushed at the genuine admiration in his voice. She was about to dissemble, but he interrupted her.

"By the way, what does the 'O' stand for?" he asked.

"The oh? What do you mean?"

"You know, Virginia O. Weasley? What does the 'O' stand for?"

"Oh, the 'O'. Oh, no, it's just too awful," Ginny grimaced. She really didn't know what her mother had been thinking when she'd been named.

"Aw, come on," he cajoled softly. He stood and moved to the bed, sitting next to her. "It really can't be any worse than 'Draco', now, can it?" He smiled.

Ginny wished he would move away again. Just having him in grabbing distance was distracting he. She wanted him to just stay here with her, smiling and talking all night.

"There's nothing wrong with Draco," she insisted. "It's a, um, nice name." She blushed again at how lame it sounded.

"Yeah, that's why it took you five years to actually say it, right?" He took her hand, playing with the slender fingers. "Would you tell me if I asked nicely?"

He didn't look at her, just continued playing with her fingers. Then he placed his hand palm to palm with hers, as though measuring how much larger his was.

Ginny felt heat wash through her body. God, he was only holding her hand and her heart was doing double-time. She looked through half-lidded eyes at his face. He still was looking at their hands, his eyes dark and glittery, his mouth curved in a small, lazy smile. She barely understood when he spoke again.

"Will you tell me your middle name? Please? I'm asking nicely," he asked, his voice teasing.

Ginny almost told, then stopped. She had a better idea. Not better, her cynical voice said. Just more dangerous.

"How about a trade?" she asked, watching his reaction.

He finally looked at her, tilting his head to one side.

"Not fair," he answered. "I don't have a middle name."

"Oh, I didn't mean-uh--that is, okay, you could trade something else."

He grinned the wicked grin and leaned in closer. She caught a whiff of his cologne. The tingles began again. She would never again smell that scent without associating it with Draco.

"What did you have in mind," he asked huskily.

Ginny pulled her hand away gently. She couldn't think when he was touching her. She probably wasn't thinking clearly now or she wouldn't be about to suggest this.

"Would you consider sneaking me into the Astronomy tower one night, just for an hour or so, and show me the constellations? I mean, I'm really horrible at Astronomy. And I know you're good, because it drives Hermione crazy that you two are almost tied in scores in Astronomy. I could even help with Magical Healing if you need it. I'm really good in that class." She realized she was starting to babble and stopped.

He was staring at her, mouth open.

"Uh, I guess it, uh, wasn't such a good idea," she mumbled hastily. "Just forget I mentioned it."

Ginny felt extremely foolish. She would be imposing; encroaching on one of the places he felt he could go on those sleepless nights. She looked miserably at her now folded hands lying in her lap.

Draco took one of the hands again and twined his fingers with hers, much as she had done that afternoon. He lifted her chin with the other, forcing her to look at him. He was smiling!

"Do you really want to?" he asked in a strange voice. "Are you sure you trust me, all alone up there in a deserted tower?"

Ginny grinned again because he was teasing again. "Well, I did until you asked. I suppose I could bring Ron's club with me to make sure you behave?"

Laughing quietly, Draco agreed. "I suppose a bash in the head with that thing would do the trick." Then the smile left his face.

"Speaking of your brother and head-bashing," he began.

"Were we?" Ginny interrupted. She thought she knew what was coming.

"Well, we should be. Did Ron tell you what I said that made him so angry?" He was staring at their hands, his color rising a bit.

"Yes, he did," Ginny answered, softly.

"And?" Gruffly.

Ginny smiled, even though he couldn't see it. "And I went into a fit of hysterical laughter. Just like earlier."

Draco looked up, disbelieving. "You laughed?"

She nodded. "I couldn't help it. He sounded so shocked, when you really hadn't said anything at all."

She looked at him, her head tilted slightly. "Unless I misunderstood? I told Ron that maybe I had to be there to understand what made him so mad. Maybe you should tell me?"

Draco shook his head. She was unbelievable. "Maybe I'd better not. You might actually bash me with the candle if you heard the way I said it."

Ginny placed her other hand on top of his, and looked down. "You said you hadn't done nearly what you planned with me. Was this part of your plans?"

Draco looked a bit uncomfortable. "What, having your brother try to bash your head in, then have my ex-girlfriend have another go at you for good measure? Certainly not."

Ginny clicked her tongue. "What about holding my hand? And talking to me and laughing with me? And sneaking me up into the tower?"

"Those were certainly high on the list," he admitted, smiling again.

"What else?" Her voice was so soft, breathy, as though she were having trouble breathing normally. He looked into her eyes and leaned forward.

"Something like this," he murmured, brushing her lips lightly with his. A sudden cough from the office caused them to spring apart, both of their heads swiveling toward the door. They heard another cough, then nothing. Ginny let out the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Draco slipped off the mattress and backed away to his chair. He slipped into it and ran unsteady hands through his hair. Ginny sighed and lay back against the pillows. So close, she thought.

Draco looked up at her and saw the disappointment in her face. So she had wanted it too, he hadn't imagined it. He'd said he hadn't accosted her in her bed yet, but he was awfully damned close. The gods knew he wanted to. But he also wanted to be able to look her in the eye tomorrow. She still had pain and sleeping potions in her system, not to mention the concussion. She might feel differently after a full night's sleep and time to think. She probably didn't fully understand what she was inviting. And he bet that she was too damned inexperienced to stop him if he tried to go too far. He knew he wouldn't be able to stop himself. His heart was pounding so hard it almost hurt. Trouble didn't come close to describing her. Dangerous was much more apt. Dangerous and stunning and desirable, and she didn't even know it.

"I'd better go." His voice was unsteady. "You need to get some rest. Do you still want to go up to the tower?" Again he tried not to sound too hopeful.

She nodded, her eyes brightening again.

"When is your next Astronomy class?"

Ginny thought. "Tomorrow night, well, I guess that's really tonight actually. Just the Gryffindors."

Ginny felt a little queasy with a sudden mix of apprehension and anticipation. It could be wonderful, but it could also turn into a disaster.

"All right, then, I'll meet you by the library right after your class. If no one's about, we'll go right up, but if there are people hanging about, we can go into the library until it closes. Sound good?"

"Mmmm," she murmured, wishing he would come and hold her again.

Draco gathered his wits, then stood. He took her hand, steeling himself against the soft welcome in her eyes. He turned the hand over and brought the palm to his lips. He pressed his lips against the skin, then ever so quickly flicked the palm with his tongue, smiling as she gasped. Then he released her.

"Until tomorrow?" he asked, his voice husky and soft.

"Tomorrow," she sighed. "It seems so far away."

Far away, but necessary he thought. He relented slightly and brushed her cheek with his lips. "Just a few hours," he whispered, then disappeared.