Same disclaimers apply, I own no one. : )

****A/N: hello! I just want to thank all those who reviewed my first chapter. Thanks for being nice enough to take some time to read my story. This is my very first fic, and you guys really encouraged me to write more. Again, thanks a lot! and I hope you wont stop reading and reviewing… : )

Chapter 1: Winter Heat

The cool air embraced the atmosphere of Hogwarts, beckoning the beginning of winter. Excitement was once again impelling in everyone, making the ambience much more cheerful. The Great Hall was filled with the sound of wizards and witches' voices, each seeming to have a story of its own to tell.

Amidst the great mass of students, the flaming red hair of a certain Weasley stood out among the rest.

"So are you staying here for Christmas?" Ginny asked her companion

"Yes, since my parents are off to America to visit my uncle, I decided to stay here" Hermione replied before taking a sip from her goblet.

"I see..."

A sudden hush came upon the Great Hall as the headmaster Dumbledore stood up and started to speak.

"Good evening to all of you. I would just like to announce that in preparation for the Christmas Holiday, the school will be conducting a Yule Ball this year."

The headmaster paused to let the eager whispers die down before speaking once again.

"As I was saying, the Yule Ball shall be held on Christmas Eve. All must be wearing dress robes for this occasion, and must also come with a partner. Further details shall be made known to you by your House Heads"

As Dumbledore ended his announcement, Ginny looked across the table. A grinning Harry Potter looked back. She repaid it with a grin of her own. But further behind Harry, another pair of eyes caught her attention.

A pair of gray eyes owned by Draco Malfoy.

He looked away almost as soon as their eyes met. She frowned. Draco was looking at her with an expression that she was unable to define. She suspected that he had been staring at her before that… but why would he?

She shook the thought away and averted her eyes back to Harry. He was looking at her with a confused face.

"What's wrong?" he asked curiously

"N-nothing…nothing at all" she replied with a warm smile.

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"So who are you going with to the Yule Ball?" Harry asked in a tone of false curiosity.

He and Ginny were both staying up late, cramming for projects due the next day. After the long speech about responsibility given by Hermione addressed to both of them, they were finally left alone in the Gryffindor common room.

"Hmmmm…let me think…maybe Seamus would like to go with me" Ginny answered with a smile and continued writing.

"Oh really?…" Harry said in the same voice he used a while ago. He got up and approached her. Ginny continued writing and pretended not to notice. He stood behind her chair and gathered all her hair that fell freely in various directions. She still continued writing and pretended not to notice, though it was beginning to become very hard to do so.

He bent down and whispered in her ear "You won't have as much fun as you deserve with him, you know."

Ginny continued to write meaningless words. She was close to losing control. But she reminded herself that she couldn't. She couldn't lose to him again.

Oh bloody hell! he's doing it again…that voice…and he's so close…

He started planting soft kisses on her neck that sent shivers up and down her spine.

No. No. No.

His breath was hot against her skin. Her breathing became rapid. She couldn't take it anymore. She dropped her quill and turned to him. He smiled that mischievous smile of his. The smile of victory.

Not so fast…

She placed her hand on his nape and brought him to her, kissing him ever so softly on the two corners of his lips, teasing him. Harry leaned closer, wanting more. Ginny, in turn, did the same.

But right before their lips met, she abruptly stood up and stated "I'm going to bed. Goodnight Harry." And casually walked up the girls dormitory.

Harry was left speechless, in the midst of utter daze.

Victory is mine

Ginny smiled, satisfied with her triumph.

****A/N: that's it for now… it was shorter than the prologue…but hope you liked it. I want to continue but I'm really sleepy and I'll probably just save all my other ideas for the next chappies. Pls review! Thanks!!!! : )