Malfoy did indeed owl Ginny more of the details of the charity event the following day. She remembered glancing at it after his owl had pecked her hand multiple times for treats. She had to rummage for old, stale ones that were once Hedwig's and even then Malfoy's owl was still unhappy, flying away with an indignant hoot. She supposed Malfoy had told the owl to behave in this manner, simply because of the way things had left off between them.

The event was a gala to support displaced families of the war. Ginny wondered if Malfoy had come up with it himself. While it seemed his heart was in the right place, she had her trepidations. Firstly, the event was first and foremost a dance. A fancy dance. Where nice clothing and elegant decorations would be involved. Secondly, the displaced families weren't invited. Rather, the donations gathered via silent auction would then go towards the orphanages in question. In true Malfoy fashion it was an elite party that made him look better while also providing the benefit of quote unquote helping people, while said people weren't anywhere to be found. Ginny had to roll her eyes as she had looked over the invitation. How Malfoy had sold this to the League and the other girls on the team was beside her. Wouldn't a soup kitchen had been more appropriate? Something less glitzy and just more helpful? It only proved Ginny correct in her findings that Malfoy and she would never see eye to eye.

However, it did seem Malfoy was keeping his promise. Over the week, he had not been to one of the Harpies practices, and Ginny had to admit she was in a better mood because of it. Though her mind did wander every so often as she completed her drills, she was once again finding her focus back on the game and less on Malfoy. She so hated that he had chosen her team to sponsor, but at least she was able to clear her head while in the air and dodging Bludgers. Idly, she wondered what seeing him at the gala would be like after their row.

On Saturday, the day of the charity gala, Katie approached after practice.

"You know, I'm quite excited for tonight, if I'm honest," she said rather breathlessly.

"You are?" Ginny raised her eyebrows. "It's just a dance."

"Yes, but we haven't had a proper one since the Yule Ball, you know. Is Harry your date?"

Ginny's stomach dropped. Date? She hadn't even mentioned it to him. She was prepared to serve her sentence as part of the team from the sidelines and then go home.

"Er," was all she said, blushing.

"Didn't you read the invitation? The Harpies are delivering the first dance with their guests, so we're all meant to bring someone."

"Leave it to Malfoy to come up with something so formal," said Ginny, rolling her eyes. But she was suddenly nervous. "I guess I missed that part. Harry is working, he picked up a double shift today."

"Maybe one of your brothers then?" reassured Katie. "Anyway, I know it's so girly of me and it's only noon, but I need to get ready! Especially after this practice! I'll see you tonight, Gin!"

Ginny thought hard to herself. Ron would most likely be attending with Hermione, which meant she really couldn't ask him. Perhaps she could just borrow him for the dance, but he was really an awful dancer, and she particularly did not want to be stepped on. She thought of George, briefly, but George didn't handle anything that dealt with the war well. He became quiet and sad and Ginny didn't want to put him through that for her benefit. Percy, she knew, would be working, even on a Saturday. Bill had a two-year-old and Charlie was in Romania.

"Alright, Weasley?" Gwenog Jones appeared at her side. Ginny, so lost in thought, had stopped short of the locker room and was simply standing around, staring at the sky. Gwen's concern was rather apt. "Don't forget, we're meeting at the gala at 6:30 tonight, and the opening dance is to start at 7:15. Good flying today," she added before departing.

Ginny smiled at the compliment, but her nerves were really starting to get the best of her. If only Malfoy's owl hadn't distracted her when she'd received his invitation. Perhaps then, she would have taken the whole thing in.

It couldn't be helped. Ginny was strong, and if she had to borrow Ron from Hermione for one silly dance, then she supposed being stepped on for the duration of one song was worth it. She determinedly Apparated home, knowing she would do whatever it took to get through the evening. A week away from Malfoy had done her good, and she wasn't going to let his charity event bring her down, despite their reunion.

Over the afternoon, Ginny had quite the time getting ready. In the invitation, Malfoy had requested formal wear, so she had stopped at Madam Malkin's after practice, where she found a beautiful green dress. It was the same green as the Harpies uniform, which made it all the easier for Ginny to rationalize the sudden need for it. As she examined herself in the mirror, she delighted in the fact that it hugged her curves perfectly. The low back made her milky skin pop. She chose to accent in gold earrings, but due to the plunging neckline decided to forgo the matching necklace. With painstaking precision, she had curled her hair with her wand, and wore it gathered at the top of her head in an elegant plait, only loose tendrils framing her face. The potion she applied to it while in the shower, made it shine the fiercest red.

Ron, she knew, would have a fit once he saw her.

At six o'clock she was finally ready. As she stood facing her reflection once again, she checked over her appearance. Harry would be sad he missed this, she thought, though he wouldn't have given up his double shift for it either. She felt like a million Galleons that not even showing up alone would ruin. She wondered if, somehow, Malfoy would find a way to ruin her evening.

The strangest blush crept up Ginny's chest as she thought of Malfoy, settling there. She wondered if he'd be impressed by her or even rendered speechless. Merlin knew she was. Ginny knew herself to be confident and popular though not without faults, but even she had a hard time finding a flaw. She didn't want Malfoy to.

"Don't let him," she said out loud to herself in the mirror.

"That's the spirit," the mirror said back.

And then, shaking all thoughts of Malfoy out of her head, she grabbed her cloak and fled.

At exactly 6:30, Ginny had arrived at the back room of the gala. She had found her way to the side door, where they would be exiting out shortly to deliver the first dance of the night. It was a big turnout. Apparently, the wizarding community had all collectively missed dancing and partying, that even Malfoy's name didn't deter them from joining. Ginny supposed the reason for the gala was also a contributing factor.

However, due to the mass amounts of people arriving, Ginny had a hard time finding Ron. She hadn't had the opportunity to talk to him before she arrived, so she meant to find him before the dance started so that he could accompany her. Nervously, she peered toward the massive crown, and not one red head stood out to her.

"Ginny? Oh, you look beautiful!" shrieked Katie, arm and arm with a tall, mousey haired man. "Who would have thought you'd clean up so well!"

The room was eerily silent at that moment, as if Ginny's dressing up was going to make the front page of the Daily Prophet. She collectively heard Oohs and Ahhs from her other teammates. The blush that had appeared when she thought of Malfoy returned. Sheepishly, she smiled.

"You look great, Katie! And Thomas," she added, motioning toward the tall, mousey haired man.

"Where's Harry?" Katie beamed.

The blush was starting to rise even further now, creeping up Ginny's cheeks.

"He couldn't make it," she choaked out. "Work." She flared her hand with the excuse, then fiddled with her earring for something to do.

"So who're you—"

"She'll be dancing with me," drawled a voice.

Ginny, who had been holding the side door open, let it shut with a sharp thud. She looked ahead and saw Malfoy, dressed in black velvet. He looked the epitome of sophisticated, his dress robes drawing attention to his pointed features in a regal sort of way. Surprised, Ginny found she had no comeback, and lowered her head slightly in defeat. Her heels clicked curtly on the floor as she stood by him.

"Potter couldn't make it?" whispered Malfoy with a smile on his face.

"Looks that way, doesn't it?" retorted Ginny.

"Please tell me you know how to dance, Weasley."

"Guess you'll find out."

At 6:45, a small witch with cat-like features, showed Malfoy and the team the steps of the dance. To Ginny's relief, they were relatively simple, however, she found she could not look Malfoy in the eye as he led her around the small room. The black velvet of his attire reminded her of the dress robes he had worn at the Yule Ball all those years ago, which indicated that his tastes really hadn't changed much since then. Well, when you get used to a certain luxurious lifestyle, she thought, it's much harder to give it up, even when the whole community hates you. Ginny felt herself get increasingly dizzy as she spun. Though Malfoy had not thrown one insult at her, he hadn't seemed to notice the effort she had put in either.

"I think that's enough practice," she said finally, stopping. "I need a drink."

"Tut, tut," smirked Malfoy. "This is just the back room, Weasley. The bar's out there." He indicated toward the side door with his thumb. "You'll have to dance first."

At 7:15, the team was ushered out by the small witch with cat-like features, Ginny arm in arm with Malfoy. Since he was the sponsor of the team and the benefactor of this event, they were first in line. Ginny hoped Ron and Hermione were not here yet.

As the music played, Ginny allowed Malfoy to lead her across the floor. Now, she found it easier to look at no one except him, aware of the sight they surely made. His left hand rested on her waist and Ginny thought of how he had slapped her once again. She was caught off guard by how softly he held her.

"No Potter. Still trouble in paradise then?" asked Malfoy. Though his tone was innocent, there was a hint of a smile behind his words.

Ginny started, missing her steps. Malfoy had to pick her up to hide it.

"What?" she said, furrowing her brows?

"During Goyle's wedding. You mentioned trouble in paradise."

"I did?" Ginny spun around Malfoy's finger then closed the gap between them again.

"Trouble with a capital T," Malfoy assured her, failing to hide his smirk.

"What do you care?" Ginny's eyes narrowed.

Malfoy didn't bother to hide his smile. He spun her once more and then changed the topic.

"Weasley, you're really doing that dress a favor."

"Shut up, Malfoy," said Ginny quietly. She wasn't about to let her bad temper get the best of her on the dance floor. "I was looking out for Ron before you volunteered."

"Well, in my defense, I'm probably a better dancer."

Ginny rolled her eyes. "How long is this opening dance anyway?"

Malfoy ignored her. "Potter didn't get to see you before you left, did he?"

Ginny looked up at him, his pointed chin puckering slightly with his lips. His gray eyes were alight. He was enjoying himself. Sure, it was at her expense, but it was an expression Ginny hadn't seen on his face before. In response, she shook her head.

Malfoy cleared his throat.

"What a shame."