It was now Wednesday. Four days had passed since Ginny had seen Malfoy, but she hadn't stopped thinking about him. She was suddenly quite grateful for Harry's absence. His ever-present need for being the savior meant that he rarely missed an opportunity for extra hours at work, and Ginny was indeed preferring it this way. With him gone, she felt less guilty.

It seemed a weight had been placed at the bottom of her stomach. Though she moved throughout her days as if nothing was bothering her, her thoughts were heavy and her body moved less fluidly. At practices, she found that her head was convoluted and her heart not in the game. Though Malfoy had also kept his distance, she found herself disappointed and then at odds with these feelings. She shouldn't have kissed him back; she shouldn't have even gone inside the Manor that night. Out of guilt, she had banished that dress to the back of the closet, yet when she thought of the way Malfoy had looked at her in it, the way he had toasted her, her lips tingled.

Ginny was glad she didn't have practice today. Her guilt made it difficult to sleep, especially as Harry lay peacefully in his innocence beside her. At noon, an incessant tapping at the bedroom window drew her out of bed. She had been trying to go back to sleep, to get the much-needed rest her body craved, but she couldn't for the life of her clear her conscious.

Groaning inwardly, she made her way toward the window, briefly letting in the cold November air before shutting it forcefully. It was Malfoy's owl, carrying a letter addressed to her.

Her breath caught in her throat, but she didn't have time to hesitate. Like before, the owl started demanding treats and to appease him, she obliged. As she rummaged through the kitchen cupboard, the owl became indignant, biting her hand and drawing blood.

"Ouch!" she exclaimed, shooing the owl away angrily and dropping Malfoy's letter. She opened the door in haste until the owl hooted as if cursing at her for leaving with not a single treat.

Heart racing, she picked up the letter, shocking to find only two words scrawled on it.

Tea, Weasley?

-D.M

If Ginny was at odds before, it was nothing compared to now. She wasn't sure how to correctly react, but she was sure she shouldn't feel excitement. Along with the excitement, however, she felt more awake despite her inability to sleep. Her heartbeat slowed and her lips shifted into a small smile. Though the weight in her stomach grew, she knew she wouldn't pass up the offer.

But she was going to be smart this time. She took care to dress in casual Muggle clothing that would provide little distraction, settling on a pair of jeans and a purple jumper that was relatively old. She let her fiery cascade down her shoulders and back like a mane.

At 1 o'clock, she left London for Wiltshire, leaving Grimmauld Place for Malfoy Manor. A sudden calm descended over her as she walked up the path leading to the doorway. She wasn't entirely sure what she should be expecting, but she was quite stable in her decision that he would not have another chance to kiss her. The only real plan she had regarding approaching the subject of their kiss was to wait and see what Malfoy was going to do first. Perhaps he had invited her to say he was sorry. She wrinkled her nose at the thought. Considering it had taken him months to apologize for slapping her, she knew it would take longer than four days to apologize for his kiss.

A different thought suddenly occurred to her, stopping her in her tracks just as she reached the door. What if he wasn't sorry? What if she didn't need him to be? Ginny's guilt was exhausting her, but she still wasn't any closer to Harry because of her indiscretion. In anything, she wanted to maximize the distant between them even more, if only to capitalize on the sustaining confusion she was experiencing. Perhaps she should go back home.

Before she could knock, the door swung open, and Ginny was swarmed with nerves.

"Uh, hi," she said a little too exuberantly.

"I saw you lingering," said Malfoy quietly. It seemed he was on the verge of saying something else. His mouth twisted before settling on a simple smirk.

"Listen," said Ginny, suddenly deciding to take the reins. If Malfoy wasn't going to clear the air, she supposed she should before she entered his home again.

"Don't," Malfoy interrupted, his cheeks turning pink. "It won't happen again."

Ginny's face fell slightly. Why was she disappointed?

"I have something I want to show you," said Malfoy, more evenly. He opened the door fully for her to enter.

As Ginny made to remove her cloak, Malfoy caught her eye. His gaze lingered on her lips for the briefest of moments before settling on the wound on her hand. He grabbed her cloak, slinging it over his arm before taking her hand in his.

Ginny was silent as he inspected the gash, though her heart quickened its pace. She hoped that Malfoy would not register her trepidation.

"It was your owl," she said rather weakly. "Is he a bit spoiled?"

"Ulysses doesn't like not being rewarded for his efforts," said Malfoy finally, dropping her hand unceremoniously.

"Well, if you're going to keep sending me owls, perhaps you could recommend the treats he likes."

Malfoy only smirked in response and made his way toward the kitchen. He busied himself with preparing the tea, while Ginny awkwardly sat at the table. He was dressed rather casually himself, wearing dark trousers and a white button-down shirt. As he moved, it became slightly untucked in the back. She suspected this was the most cavalier she had ever seen him. She pursed her lips to hide her smile. She wasn't sure why she found him endearing in that moment.

"Where's—er—where's your mother?" asked Ginny. She knew she needed to fill the silence but it felt awkward to ask about someone she didn't care about.

"In France," Malfoy replied, still busying himself with the tea. There was a package of biscuits he arranged on a plate with the flick of his wand.

"Isn't this place quite big for just you?"

"There's a lot more here than just me." Malfoy's response was dark, his tone heavy. He looked her directly in the eye when he turned and said, "Bad memories."

"Why do you stay?" Ginny was glad for the conversation but was worried it was too close to the chest. The last time they had talked about anything relating to the war, they had kissed. She needed to steer the discussion away from anything remotely as vulnerable as that.

Malfoy shrugged. "It's home." With another flick of his wand, he sent the plate of biscuits on their way to the table, carrying two mugs of tea as he closed the distance between himself and Ginny. He took a seat beside her.

"I have good memories here too," he finally said, taking a cautious sip of his tea and looking at her. When their eyes met, Ginny wondered foolishly if he considered their kiss a good memory that this house now held. As if able to read her mind, the corners of his lips lifted slightly, and the muscles in his neck tensed.

"What am I doing here?" Ginny finally asked, knitting her brows together. She had just realized she hadn't eaten anything today and grabbed a biscuit gratefully.

"The new brooms are in." Malfoy brought his mug back to his lips. He was watching Ginny intently, looking for her response. "Seeing as there wasn't any practice today, I thought I'd show you now."

Ginny couldn't help herself. She beamed. In one large gulp she drained her tea. Malfoy followed suit, then gathered the dishes with a flick of his wand and sent them to the sink for washing.

"Where are they?" asked Ginny breathlessly. Oh, she couldn't wait to simply get her hands on one. She started bouncing on the balls of her felt, knowing she was making a fool of herself, but decidedly not caring. It was the first time in four days that her guilt over her kiss with Malfoy had seemed to dissipate.

"The dungeon," said Malfoy. Indicating a door off the parlor that led downstairs.

"The dungeon?" said Ginny, wrinkling her nose. "Malfoy, you sure know how to show a girl a good time."

Malfoy raised his head sharply at her remark and Ginny blushed. Slight tension filled the space between them. Ginny wondered idly why he was showing her the brooms. Why couldn't he simply wait until tomorrow?

"It's this way," he said, motioning for her to follow.

"When did they come in?" she asked to fill the silence.

"This morning."

Ginny quickened her pace to match his stride. She was struggling slightly, due to their height difference. She stole a quick glance at Malfoy, whose chiseled jaw was determinedly set. She wondered what he was thinking. Was this rendezvous just Malfoy being nice, or was he scheming up a way to kiss her again? Why had that even happened in the first place? She sighed inwardly, knowing the hopeful feeling she carried in her stomach was the same weight that was holding her down.

They came upon eight white rectangular boxes, two of which were set off to the side. Malfoy had placed them on upon a workbench. He stopped in front of the one on the left. Ginny noticed the ribbon had already been torn.

"Did you really buy yourself one?" she asked incredulously.

Malfoy shrugged. "It's my money."

"Since when do you fly?"

"I haven't in ages, but I couldn't resist. He eagerly nodded toward the box to his right. "This one's yours."

Ginny slowly walked forward. She felt like he was hiding something. She couldn't tell if he was trying to show off or if he was simply being charming. She tried to size him up, but the fact that her brand new Firebolt was nearly in her hands, she felt too giddy to worry about his motives. As she pulled away the ribbon, she felt scrutinized over Malfoy's gaze.

The mahogany handle was stained to perfection, smooth and shiny and pristine. She knew instantly the oils in her fingertips would leave a smudge. The twigs were painstakingly cut all to the same size so not even one was out of place or longer than the other, and they were grouped together more tightly than their previous models in order to bank through the wind at shaper angles. Upon closer inspection and the handle, Ginny noticed the word WEASLEY engraved in gold. She ran her thumb over the raised lettering, her tongue clicking the room of her mouth in awe. She felt oddly emotional when she looked at Malfoy.

"Did you get everyone's engraved?"

Malfoy smiled slightly. "Names are important," he said. She watched him reach for the handle on his broom, and she noticed more gold lettering. "Should we test them out?"

Ginny only hesitated for a moment. "Yes," she beamed.

After Malfoy had donned a jumper for extra warmth, both he and Ginny stood fastening their cloaks with quick fingers. Once outside, the wind whipped Ginny's hair and she was positively happy. The air was cold but not brutal. It would be a fine flying day. She mounted her broom.

"I hope you know what you got yourself into, Malfoy," she said rather playfully, "because you're about to lose." She smiled genuinely at him and the kicked off, zooming away in an instant.

She didn't know the lay of the land or even what the boundaries between Malfoy's property and someone else's but she took to the skies and just flew, weaving through whatever obstacle at the gentlest touch. She felt like just a twinge in her knee would shift the broom if she needed to make a quick turn, and it would always do exactly what she needed it to with the smallest exhale.

Behind her, and closer to the ground, Malfoy was zigging and zagging. She turned to change course toward him.

"This is incredible," she yelled over the wind.

Malfoy smirked and then darted away. Ginny chased after him, catching him in no time. They took turns playing a sort of catch and release game. Despite not having flown in a while, Ginny had to admit Malfoy was pretty good, and gaining more confidence in each passing second. Soon, they were cutting across each other paths just to test the broom's agility. Ginny was not disappointed.

After an hour, Ginny's hands were starting to grow too cold for comfort. She whistled at Malfoy to get his attention to indicate her intensions.

"Blimey, that was brilliant," said Ginny, awestruck. "Thank you, Malfoy." She set her broom back in its box gingerly.

"Mind if I hold on to that until tomorrow? Don't want anyone on the team getting jealous you got to try it out first."

"Why did you invite me today?" She tried to keep her voice light and calm, but there was genuine curiosity behind her words, and once again, that hopeful feeling.

Malfoy hesitated, seeming to weigh his words.

"I wanted to see your face," he said honestly, "when you opened your Firebolt." Malfoy was unable to make eye contact as he said this. Instead, Ginny watched as he methodically packed away his own broom, a peculiar expression on his face.

Suddenly, Ginny was struck with a strong pang of guilt. This whole afternoon had been something out of a dream, and she was sharing it with the wrong person. There was a time when Harry would have come up with something like Malfoy just had. Merlin knew, they both had spent their fair share of time on the Quidditch pitch at school. Both had loved flying and were naturally good at it. They had used to spend many a summer evening flying at the Burrow on the nights they spent there. Perhaps this flying lesson she had shared with Malfoy was more intimate than she would have liked to admit. Why had she let it happen? She should be at home waiting for Harry.

"Will I see you tomorrow at practice?" asked Ginny. It was her attempt to shift the focus of the conversation, but the hopeful tone of her voice betrayed her. She was growing increasingly tired from her building guilt.

"Who else do you expect is going to deliver all these brooms?"

"I can't believe it," said Ginny, glad to be talking about the Firebolts again. "We're going to win every match the rest of this season."

Once at home, Ginny was surprised to find that Harry was already home. As she walked in, she found him asleep on the sofa.

"Harry?"

He started.

"Gin, sorry, I fell asleep. I was worried about you."

"Worried?" Her heart pounded. "What for?"

"You weren't home. You didn't have practice today. Blimey, I'm tired." Harry rubbed at his eyes.

"It's all those extra shifts you've been working," said Ginny pointedly. It was only four o'clock. Typically, Harry wasn't due to be back for another two hours.

"Where were you?" The look on Harry's face was one of concern. It wasn't demanding or suspicious or even jealously. Just genuine worry.

"Sorry, Harry," Ginny rushed. "I was with Luna. She's leaving on an excursion next week." She came up with the first thing that popped into her head. She remembered Luna mentioning an upcoming excursion at the gala but couldn't remember when it was exactly. Hopefully, she wasn't too far off. She finally walked over to the sofa where Harry was sitting. When she was close enough, Harry pulled her in.

"I'm taking tomorrow off," he said. "To spend the day with you."

Ginny's eyes bugged. She was glad Harry couldn't see her face.

"I have an afternoon practice," she said hurriedly.

Harry shrugged, pulling away from her slightly.

"I'll tag along," he said simply.

Ginny tried to smile. There was a huge amount of guilt inside her now, weighing her down. She felt just as tired as Harry looked. And the lie that she was with Luna? Why didn't she just tell him the truth? He already knew that Malfoy was sponsoring the team. She should have lied a little bit less and just mentioned that Malfoy needed help inspecting the brooms he ordered.

All next morning, Ginny was nervous. Harry's decision to accompany her to her Harpies practice was a sweet gesture. But given the circumstances, she was unsure how to be around both Harry and Malfoy at the same time. Though the contact was brief, Malfoy's lips had been so shy, so inquisitive. And Ginny had basically begged with hers; perhaps it had been a bit much.

But Malfoy hadn't seemed to mind. In fact, she distinctly remembered his tongue as well. Bullocks, she thought. How was she supposed to calm her nerves now?

Ginny's teammates were thrilled when they caught site of Harry. Harry had gotten on well with them, always with the easy subject of his own Quidditch stories on the tip of his tongue. As they gathered around to excitedly say their hellos, Ginny only had eyes for Malfoy. But he had yet to arrive. She figured the brooms had slowed him down. She decided to focus instead on what was going on beside her. Harry was deep in conversation with Kaite; it had been a long time since the two had reconnected.

"I'm glad work is going so well for you," Katie said earnestly. "Funnily enough, Malfoy has made Quidditch better, too. I'm sure you've heard all about the gala. Ginny looked beautiful, didn't she?"

"Er," said Harry as he shifted his eyes. His gaze fell on Ginny, who felt her cheeks heat. "I haven't had a lot of free time."

"She was quite the site," came a voice.

Ginny blanched. No, she thought, this couldn't be happening. Her breath left her, oozing out of her in a strangled sigh. Beside her, Harry stiffened.

"Malfoy. I forgot this was your team now." Diplomatically, Harry extended his hand.

"Potter." The muscles in Malfoy's neck seemed to tense as he slowly lowered his head, nodding his greeting, reluctantly taking Harry's hand.

Ginny tried to meet Malfoy's gaze, but he purposely avoided looked at her. She wondered what he was thinking. Did he feel betrayed? She couldn't help but feel he was. Like perhaps she was pulling the curtain down on these primal urges Ginny didn't have words for. She thought she caught his lips quiver as he tried to offer a smirk. Quietly, she implored him to look at her, to offer apologizing eyes, but he simply did not make eye contact.

"Well, surely, you heard about the brooms?" asked Kaite, drawing Harry's attention away from Malfoy's arrival. Ginny finally felt like she got her breath back.

"Speaking of brooms," said Malfoy, charmingly. He stood back to reveal seven white packages. Ginny was pleased to see that not one of them appeared to have already been open, concealing her deceit.

The team let out a collective cheer before each player made their way to their respective cases, as they all had been wrapped in green bows with yellow tags. Ginny faltered at the personal touch Malfoy had added, pausing to reflect on his motives. She knew enough about the Malfoy who bullied his way through the halls at Hogwarts to know him to be incapable of such a thoughtful gesture. Perhaps he had been right to sponsor her and her teammates.

"Aren't you going to open it?" asked Harry.

It was Ginny's turn to feel Malfoy's eyes on her now, and she did. So much so that she was afraid their kiss was now public knowledge, that her heart was something she now wore on the outside of her body. Quite assuredly, it was pumping out of her chest. Her fingers shook as she broke the ribbon. Inside was the same broomstick she had opened the previous day. Her thumb found the engraving, and she rubbed at it comfortingly. Beside her, Harry gasped.

"Gin, that's—"

"Yes, I know." Ginny was half annoyed. Hadn't she mentioned the new brooms to Harry when it was announced the team would be receiving them? Had he forgotten? Did he choose to neglect details of her life on purpose to remember as much as he could for work? Would he ever prioritize her? Even with him standing beside her on his first day off in weeks, she could only sense distance.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, despite herself.

Once fully in the swing of practice, Ginny could feel herself calm down and began to enjoy the thrill of the new Firebolt. It was beyond intuitive. The team had really come together this session, as well, due to the thrill of the new brooms. Everyone was hyped up and gave it their all.

"United won't stand a chance against us Saturday," said Katie, excitedly as she landed. Despite the weather, her brow was sweating.

Ginny landed swiftly beside her, red in the face, her hair matted to her skin in some spots. She looked up and saw Harry making his way towards her. She tried to find Malfoy, but it appeared he had gone home.

"Didn't expect to spend the afternoon with Malfoy," said Harry with a smirk.

"What?" said Ginny, snapping her head in his direction.

"We sat together. While you were practicing."

"Oh," Ginny sad, softly. For some reason, she blushed. "What'd you guys talk about?" She wrinkled her nose.

"Only all the dirt he could dig up on you," said Harry, playfully nudging her.

Despite this, Ginny lost her balance slightly. Quickly, she tried to rearrange her features so as not to look so shocked.

"He's not here every practice," said Ginny. "And it's not like we hang out." Another lie.

"We just talked about Quidditch. He seems different, don't you think?" said Harry. "Like he finally grew up."

Ginny only nodded, though her thoughts were swirling inside her head. Malfoy had matured, that was for sure. He wasn't the same old bully he had been in school. In the weeks they had spent in orbit together, he had certainly proved that. There was something, though, that she found intriguing. Perhaps that's all her interest in him was. She was just trying to figure out what had changed about him, aside from merely surviving a war after fighting for the wrong side. His world now was so drastic and much bigger than it was before. She found it satisfying to watch him fit in; it excited her.

"You knew him better than I did," said Ginny, with a shrug, trying to hide the fact that there were other things she knew about Malfoy that she knew she shouldn't.