Harry and Ginny dropped of their brooms in the locker rooms and walked back into the castle together. Harry held open the door for her, and his heart fluttered as she smiled at him and whispered her thanks. He felt his cheeks burn as the door closed behind him.
"Aw, how cute! Potter opening the door for his new girlfriend." Harry heard Malfoy sneer before he saw him. He glanced at Ginny and saw her cheeks redden. He assumed it was in anger, and turned to face Malfoy.
"Shut up, Malfoy," he muttered.
"Oh, that was brilliant." Harry tried to ignore Malfoy, and tried to move forward. "I must say, Potter, she is rather pretty for a Weasley." Ginny stood straight backed beside Harry, acting as if she couldn't hear him.
"She's rather pretty for anyone, and you know it Malfoy," the words rushed out of his mouth before he could control them. His face was inches from Malfoy's and he clutched his wand at his side. "Stay away from her, or you'll have more than just her brothers to deal with."
He backed up and walked past Malfoy quickly. Ginny followed right after him, refraining from sticking her tongue out as she walked by. He was trying to pretend nothing had happened, and that he hadn't said anything. He had almost convinced himself that Ginny was going to do the same when Ginny stopped.
"Harry?" He paused and turned to look at her as he tried to control the blush that he knew was coming.
"Yes?" He managed to answer her. Ginny bit her lip and looked down at the floor. She lost her nerve.
"Never mind," she began walking again, but Harry snatched her hand. She stopped and looked at their hands, and then up at Harry. He didn't let go.
"Are you okay?" She smiled warmly and nodded. "I mean, if you're not, tell me, and I'll beat the git…"
"I'm great, Harry," she interrupted. "Just rather thirsty."
"Oh! Right, let's go then." They continued down the hall, neither one acknowledging their intertwined fingers.