After spending enough time in my room recuperating from Malfoy's attack, I decided it was safe to slip out. And I had been recuperating. Not crying into my pillow like the Trio thought, but trying to calm my nerves after his kiss. I slipped down the stairs trying to act nonchalant and not be noticed by the Trio, but the latter part of my plan failed miserably.
"Ginny?" I heard Harry's worried voice, and lifted my eyes. Normally Harry calling my name would have made me melt into a happy little puddle on the floor, but these circumstances were anything but normal. I had to talk to Malfoy about his last comment.
First of all, one never expects to hear Draco Malfoy say he was sorry. And second, love? That was confusing in and of itself. Probably just a ploy to get into my pants. Not that I was against that whole idea, but really, why love? All he had to do was ask, and I wouldn't have any problems. Actually, had we not been interrupted, he probably wouldn't have even had to ask.
"Yes, Harry?" I answered his question with one of my own.
"We were just wondering if you were alright?" He almost whispered. I wouldn't lift my eyes to their faces. I didn't want to see their faces.
"Yes, I'm fine. I just wanted to get my bag, I realized I left it in the entrance hall." I chanced a peek at them and much to my annoyance they had pitiful looks on their faces. I gave a small smile, and started towards the portrait.
"Oh, Gin!" I heard Hermione's voice this time, and slowly spun around to look at her, "I grabbed it before we came up. I figured you wouldn't want to forget it." I looked at her feet and, sure enough, there was my bag.
"Thanks, Hermione! That was bloody great of you." I went over and picked up the bag, then began to check that all my books and papers were there. They were.
"Well, I'm going to go to the library. The common room is a bit loud for some serious studying. I'll see you all later?" I looked at them, smiling, and saw Ron's face fall.
"Gin, we'll go with you." He said quickly, standing up and gathering his stuff. Harry and Hermione followed suite.
"What? Why?" I asked, confused. I wanted to get away from them, not be followed around.
"Well, in case you forgot Malfoy attacked you in the entrance hall this morning, and we want to make sure you're alright." Ron said matter-of- factly.
"Ron, I'll be fine. I don't need a bodyguard. And of course I didn't forget, that's why I'm getting out of the common room in the first place. I don't need Malfoy thinking that I'm afraid of him. Whatever happened to Gryffindor bravery? I'll be fine. I'll keep my guard up and he won't be able to touch me. I will have my wand on hand, you know." I did not need the Trio being my own personal bodyguards.
I watched as Ron winced. I had no doubt that he was remembering my Bat-Bogey Hex. He lightly shuddered.
"Well, if you're sure, Gin..." He trailed off, and I could see he was hesitant.
"I'm sure." I said with finality, and before any of them could say a word, I dashed towards the portrait and slipped out it. I sighed as soon as the portrait closed and leaned against the wall.
"Long day, dear?" I jumped at the voice, and turned to see the Fat Lady.
"You have no idea." I mumbled before beginning to walk.