Here it comes… The corny lines. Something I dislike myself… but what romance story doesn't have them? Lol. Anyway, I hope you at least somewhat enjoy it.

Disclaimer: If you honestly believe the original characters are mine then please report to the mad house on 24th Street where you will be confined to the company of Elmo and Big Bird FOREVER. Thank you and have a good day.

Chapter 12:

She had done it involuntarily. Well… almost.

She knew that she was in his room, and that he lay next to her, but she hadn't meant to come on to Draco.

At least not in reality.

She dreamt it, that was for sure. But doing it was completely different. Because she had no intention of ever 'being' with Draco. Not past what the plan entailed. She had reached out to him in her dream for reasons she wasn't sure of. She supposed she was grateful that he had let her stay, and that she felt comforted by his presence. So much that she had dreamt of him…and her… together.

And there was nothing more to it.

Except that she hadn't only dreamt it, she was doing it.

Luckily reality was a few steps behind her dreams, and they had only caressed each other, with him kissing the base of her neck, and her fondling with the skin at his nape, and trailing her fingers through his hair. She could stop at any moment. Explain to him that she hadn't meant it. Apologise for intruding on him like this. And leave to her room, avoiding having this go any further. She could anytime she wanted.

So why wasn't she?

Instead she repositioned herself, wrapping her legs around his waist and pulling him closer into her.

Instead she ran her fingers down the middle of his back, feeling the tensing of his firm muscles.

Instead she smiled under his lips and buried her head in the nook of his shoulder, as he kissed her neck.

His hands moved upwards, cradling one of her breasts in it, as she kissed the base of his ear, feeling him press into her.

He nibbled on her collarbone, drawing nearer and nearer to the string of her top and letting it slide of her shoulder when reaching it.

And then came the incessant knocking on the door making her jump. She repositioned her top's string and quickly sat up on the bed while Draco made his way to the door, cursing.

He opened it greeted by Harry's angry face.

He proceeded to close it.

"Not so fast Malfoy," Harry said halting the door only partway.

"Shouldn't you be in Weasley's bed?"

"Where's Ginny?"

"If she didn't tell you where she was going doesn't that hint that she doesn't want you to know where she is?"

"Don't play smart Malfoy, is she here?"

"Do you honestly expect an answer?" he sighed.

"Ginny! Ginny are you in there?! It's Harry!"

"Save it Potter."

"Ginny! Ginny!"

Draco rolled his eyes.

"Is the fact that she's not answering saying anything to you?"

"Move over Malfoy," Harry ordered.

"I don't want you stepping your pathetic foot in my room."

"It's not yours. You're not welcome here."

He smirked, putting his head inside his room and calling out, "Gin, am I welcome here?"

She walked out of the room, smiling at Draco, "Of course."

The blood rising in Harry's face was clearly visible. It was awhile before he spoke. Clearing his throat he began, "You're here."

"What an inspirational statement," Draco muttered sarcastically.

"Why are you here?" he asked flatly.

"Why d'you think she's here?" Draco returned.

"I didn't ask you, I asked Ginny."

"Harry, why are you here?" Ginny returned.

"Yes Potter, pray tell, what are you doing late at night in my room? This would look good in Witch Weekly."

"I was looking for Ginny."

"What for?"

"For none of you business Malfoy."

Ginny sighed, "Harry stop it. What for?"

"Do I have to have a reason to look for you?"

"Well, that was obvious to me: yes," Draco told him.

"Harry, what is it you wanted?"

"Forget it Ginny."

"Fine, goodbye Potter."

"Night Harry," Ginny said.

"Wait, you're staying here?"

"Yeah."

"No, you're not," Harry told her.

Draco chuckled, "This is going to be funny."

"Why am I not?" Ginny said folding her arms.

"Because I said so."

"Because you said so? Harry, I'm not Cho-"

"Why does Cho always have to come in?"

"Shall I spell it out for you? G-I-R-L F-R-I-E-N-D. Hope you got it this time," she replied.

"Actually We're not talking right now."

"You're what?"

"We're not talking."

"What happened?"

"She… she's just being ridiculous-"

"Ridiculous? I think she's finally wised up," Draco added.

"Don't you ever stop?"

"Of course. When you're not here. You can ask Ginny," he smirked.

"Go on, Harry," she urged him, a slight smile on her face.

"She's been writing me these letters asking me to visit Cedric's grave with her this Christmas and-"

"Can't this wait till morning?" Draco asked, looking tired and annoyed.

"Draco's right Harry. Can all of this wait till tomorrow?"

"Fine. Come on Ginny, I'll walk you to your room."

"I'm not going."

"Ginny, don't be silly, come on."

"Have you been hit by Voldermort one to many times? She said she's not going."

"I heard her Malfoy, but she's not staying here."

"I want to stay here."

"No you don't."

"I really don't have time for this, Potter."

"Harry, it's really late. You should be in bed."

"So should you."

"If you leave her alone, she'll get some sleep."

"She'd do the same if you left her alone."

"Last time I checked she didn't want that."

"Well maybe you should check again."

"I can check whenever I want, really."

"Look Malfoy-" Harry started, but at that moment Draco was looking at something else. At that moment he was looking at the snow white owl soaring towards him. Upon reaching him it perched on his shoulder, stretching out its leg, a white parchment tied to it.

He eyed the owl silently for a moment, before it pulled slightly on his ear. Taking the parchment from its leg he proceeded to open it. Ginny noticed a red 'NM' imprinted on the seal.

She looked on as he read, the smirk he had ready for Harry disappearing almost as easily as it frequently came. He frowned, scrutinising every line with his now distant eyes. He stared at it for a moment longer when he was done reading, as if trying to make sense of it all. Then quickly folding it up he cleared his throat and said dismissively, "Maybe you should go with Potter. I'll see you in the morning."

Before she had time to question what had just happened the door was closed in there faces, and a 'click' signified its locking. The only thing left to do was go back to bed. But now her mind wouldn't drift to Tom. Right now she was more concerned with whatever had caused such a mood swing. And how long that would last.

XX

When he walked into the kitchen that morning she was already up.

"Well, you're up early," he said taking his place at the otherwise deserted table.

"So are you."

"Yeah, well I've got business to do."

She gave a cold nod in response as she sat next to him. Taking some slices of toast he began to butter his, buttering some on both sides and placing them in Ginny's plate.

"Thanks," she said.

"Have you got the sugar?" he asked.

Casually she placed two clumps into his black coffee, and poured in some milk. "The eggs aren't as salty as you like," she said passing him some salt also.

"So," he began trying to make conversation, placing some of his bacon into her plate in exchange for some of her eggs. "Why are you up so early?"

"No reason."

He took up the paper, passing her the comics and the horoscopes, and proceeded to read the rest. "There's an article about 3LW in here. They changed another member so instead of 3 Little Witches they want to be called 2 Little Witches and a Wizard." He handed her the paper.

"Knew that was going to happen," she remarked, taking a slice of bacon from his plate.

When he was done reading, he regarded her quietly, taking a sip of his coffee. "You're quiet this morning."

"You didn't have a lot to say last night either."

"Oh. That. I just needed to take care of some things."

"Things like what?"

"Just some business, that's all."

She nodded her head rather coldly and resumed to twirling some scrambled egg around her plate. Mrs Weasley entered the kitchen in a fuss.

"Oh, I can't believe I overslept. I have no idea how that could have happened. Why, if your father hadn't been called to the ministry I dare say I wouldn't have gotten up. Oh, look at the time! I best wake Ron and Harry up. I need to make some stops in Diagon Alley today. Would you dears like to come along?"

"Oh yeah. I was going there anyway. I need to meet up with someone," Draco told her.

"Good good. Well, I'd better go get prepared."

It wasn't long before they arrived in Hogsmeade, via the Weasley's floo network: Mrs Weasley, Ginny, Draco, and to Draco's disgust Harry and Ron.

"Okay children. I just need to pick up some things. So we'll meet back here in three hours. Is that okay with everyone?" Mrs Weasley asked the lot.

It was all nods, allowing everyone to go their separate ways.

"Where are we headed?" Ginny asked, trying to keep pace with him.

"Three Broomsticks. I need to meet someone there."

"Is that the business you have to get done?"

"If everything happens as I want it, then yeah."

Quietly she followed him.

In less than two minutes the two were entering the crowded doors of The Three Broomsticks. Making their way through the bustling crowd Draco went to the bar, ordering them both two butterbeers.

They sat at a table near a window, enjoying the warm feeling that spread through their body as they drank the butterbeer.

"So, where's this business partner of yours?"

"I don't think Chris is here yet. I haven't spotted anyone."

"Oh, there's Luna."

"Oh, no, the mental one."

"She's not mental Draco. She's just… special. I better go say high to her. Be right back," she said running off in pursuit of Luna.

She didn't have a seat when she came back. It was filled with a sophisticated brown-haired witch. Her straight, dark brown hair pulled into a low neat ponytail, falling elegantly down her back. Her bright blue eyes sparkled with delight as she looked at Draco, her curvaceous lips spread into a sly smile. Ginny noted that she had the most delicate face she had ever seen, and possibly, the most beautiful. With her thin, long nose, and almond-shaped eyes, perfectly arched eyebrows, and her slender figure fitted perfectly into her maroon suit, with plunging neckline and flared pants.

Ginny stood for a moment, waiting until she was noticed.

The girl in her seat looked up, and quickly said, "A soda please, love."

Ginny frowned in confusion.

"No, Chris," Draco laughed, "This is Ginny. Ginny Weasley. Ginny, this is Christina Raiden.

"Weasley eh? Nice to meet you Ginny," She looked curiously at Draco.

"Likewise," Ginny said trying to match up to Christina's style and grace.

She smiled brightly at Draco, "Well Mr Malfoy, it's been awhile hasn't it?"

"It's hardly been more than sixth months Christina," he smiled back.

"Without you, Draco, it seems like forever. Come on, now, let's catch up on things. Please, dear, don't let me stop you. Grab a chair," she said to Ginny.

"Christina's a friend of mine," he added.

"I remember awhile back a certain Malfoy telling me he had no friends," Ginny smiled.

"Oh, he was right. He only has friends when he wants something from you."

"I'll remember that," Ginny laughed.

"Chris used to go to Hogwarts back in my first year. But she had to be home schooled when her father died."

"Oh I'm sorry," Ginny said.

"Oh don't be. He was a bastard really," she said as they sat. "I only did it for my mother. She needed me around the place after he was gone. For some reason she was actually torn up that the prat was gone. I think she actually loved him."

"You know, you can still come back. There's always room for you at Hogwarts," Draco added.

"Only if it's with you," she smiled.

"Oh, that can be arranged."

Ginny felt her face heat up from the conversation. Whether from embarrassment or anger, or a mixture of both, she wasn't sure.

"Oh, enough chit chat Mr Malfoy. I don't like to be toyed with. There's a reason you brought me here. What was it you wanted?"

"Well… since you insist…One moment. Gin, why don't you go ahead. I'll meet you somewhere."

"Oh…er…no problem," she said rather reluctantly, "You'll meet up with me at Honeydukes in fifteen minutes, okay?"

"Fifteen minutes," he confirmed before resuming his conversation.

She left them, smiling at each other at opposite ends at the table, Chris' eyes sparkling with her oozing sensuality. Something she could never live up to, dressed in her flip flops, cargo pants and her white vest on top of a laced one. But since when had she wanted to?

XX

She stood outside of Scrivenshaft's Quill shop looking at their new gold and silver, feathered quill when she felt someone embrace her around her waist.

"About ready?" Draco asked.

"Where's Chris?" She asked coldly.

"Oh, well we're done so she went about her own business."

"I'm sorry then."

"For what?" he asked confused.

"That she's gone."

He chuckled, "Why would you be sorry for that?"

"Well, you obviously enjoyed her company."

"Gin, it's just business."

"Oh right. Yeah, and that was a business conversation going on in there. So much business that I couldn't be around."

"It was," he answered truthfully.

"Not while I was there."

"You can't honestly think that there's something between us can you?"

"Oh don't play with me Draco. I know you. And I know her type. You're perfect for each other," she said with a twinge of scorn.

"You're jealous, aren't you?" he smirked.

She folded her arms. "I am not."

"You are," he teased pulling her closer.

"Of course not. Why would I be?"

"Because you think I like Chris. And you feel threatened by her."

"That's absurd," she stated, her arms still folded against his embrace. "I don't like you."

"I don't like you either," he said, giving her a lingering kiss on her lips.

"Just like you don't like Christina?" she asked, a bit flustered.

"No," he replied. "I don't like you more."

She smiled as he pulled her closer, his lips touching against hers.

"Hey Ginny," Hermoine greeted as she spotted her from the other side of the street. "I bumped into Harry and Ron earlier, they were looking for you, you know." She gave an icy stare to Draco, "Malfoy."

"Granger," he returned.

"Hey, Hermoine. What does Harry want me for?"

"I'm not sure really. Except Harry was really torn up. He looked on the brink of tears. Horrible really. I asked him what's wrong but he wouldn't tell me. He just kept asking for you. Do you want me to tell him where you are if I see him?"

She glanced at Draco rolling his eyes. "No, Moine. That's alright. Draco and I have places to go. Tell Harry I'll catch him at home." She waved goodbye to Hermoine and grabbing Draco's hand made a quick exit to the store.

"That's a surprise," he remarked.

"What is?"

"Why didn't you go looking for Potter?"

"Ugh! I can't stand the bastard right now." Draco raised his eyes in amazement at her remark. "If I have to sit around and listen to his ramblings about Cho one more time, I swear I'll kill him. And he says to me last night 'you're the only one that listens Gin.' Oh please! If he didn't have such gorgeous eyes I swear I'd be gone!"

Draco flipped one of Bertie Bott's every flavour beans in his mouth, while offering Ginny some toffee. "So you stay because of his eyes. Ha! That's rich! If the same rule applied for me I'd have women falling all over me… oh wait, I do."

She blushed, giving him a slight smile. "It's just… he's so annoying sometimes-"

"Sometimes?"

"Okay, a lot of the time, lately."

"So then, why d'you like him?"

"I don't know… ever since I was younger I'd just get this feeling in my stomach whenever he was around. It was like he was the greatest thing on earth. You just couldn't get any better than him."

"Ginny, that isn't love. It's admiration."

"Well, it's the closest thing I've ever experienced to love."

"Love is weakness. You shouldn't let it control you."

"What if you were weak to begin with?"

He smiled at her, "I don't think you were."

She remained silent for a moment before finally speaking up, "Oh! Blazes, that's gorgeous," She remarked at the gown in the window of a French Boutique.

"Ah, that's Madame Chantal's," he told her, "Why don't you buy it?"

"In there? Are you mad?! If I buy that I couldn't afford not even second hand school books."

"You worry about prices too much."

"Yeah, well it's easy not to care when you have your own mansion."

"Come on," he said, "At least try it on. No harm in that."

"I suppose there isn't…" she mused walking into the store.

"Ah! Monsieur Malfoy!" an middle-aged French wizard greeted as they entered the store. "Nice to zee you again! Mais, where iz your mozer?"

"I'm not with her today Antoine. My friend here, and I were just wondering if she could try on the dress in the window."

"Oh, c'est un magnifique dress madam. I will get it for you. Un moment, s'il vous plait."

"You come here often?" Ginny asked, a look of humour on her face.

"Yes," Draco replied nonchalantly. Catching the look of humour in her face he asked, "What's so funny?"

"Draco, this is women's clothing."

"Oh come on. I come here with my mother, in case you thought otherwise."

"Just asking."

"I 'ave prepared a room for you, madam. Come, I will show you zee way."

"Draco, it's too much," she called from the dressing room when she had finished dressing.

"Come out let me see," he told her.

Timidly she emerged from the dressing room, a vision of perfection in Draco's eyes. The thin straps fit perfectly on her shoulders, the fabric clung snugly to her breasts, revealing a peak of pare flesh, teasing the onlooker, it fell gracefully clinging to her small waist, and curving to give the shape of her hips before falling elegantly to the ground. She had let out her hair from its sloppy ponytail so that it fell in soft, shimmering curls. Simple but beautiful. That was what the dress was. And that was exactly what the person who was wearing it looked to him.

"It's perfect," he told her. She blushed trying to prevent her smile from spreading. "Antoine!" he called. "How much is it?"

"Exactly four 'hundred and fifty galleons sir. But for you, I will give you three 'undred and ninety-nine."

"Oh, no," she said pushing the dress into the assistant's hands. "I can't afford it. I'm sorry for wasting your time."

"Wrap it up," Draco said placing some galleons into Antoine's hands.

"Draco, honestly, I can't accept this. I won't accept it. It's too much."

"Who said anything about you?" Draco told her. "I rather like this dress."

"Oh," she said quietly as he held the bag and led her out.

He looked at the tag once they were outside, "Well what d'you know. It's not my size. That's a pity. Chantal's doesn't accept returns. It's only fitting that you take it. You know, so my money won't be completely wasted."

She smiled. "I suppose I could do that," she said, tiptoeing to give him a short teasing kiss.

XX

"Oh, there you are," Mrs Weasley said as they approached her. "where's your brother?"

"I'm not my brother's keeper," Ginny replied.

"Oh, stop this rubbish. Come on, let's find him."

"I'll…er… just wait here," Draco said.

"Know, you won't. You're coming with me."

"There they are!" Ginny shouted after about half an hour's looking. "Ron, mum's been looking for you. Wait, what's wrong with Harry?"

"What's that in your eye, Potter? Are you crying?" Draco asked through laughter.

"No. Something just flew in my…er…eye."

"Yeh, right through your glasses, huh?"

"Shut up Malfoy!"

"Not now Draco," Ginny told him, leaving him looking slightly discontent. "Harry, what's wrong?"

"It's…nothing." He sighed, "I'll tell you at home Ginny."

XX

"- But I mean, should I have?" Harry asked, his head resting on Ginny's shoulder on the couch.

"You did nothing wrong, Harry. It's your choice to decide if you want to visit Cedric or not."

"But she got so mad. I just feel like I can't seem to satisfy everyone these days."

"She was totally out of place."

"Would you have gotten angry with me?"

"No, I wouldn't have. I'd understand that it's your choice. I mean, why would I want to visit a grave anyway," she laughed.

"Exactly. That's what I like about you Gin."

"Thanks Harry," She blushed.

"You know sometimes-" he yawned, "-I think, maybe I made the wrong choice-" he yawned again, "-Maybe I should have…"

She turned to look into his emerald green eyes to find them hidden behind his eyelids. He was fast asleep.

He fell asleep in her arms that night, to her pleasure. And when she woke up, he was resting in her lap, making the butterflies in her stomach flutter.

But that was nothing compared with what she felt when she raised her eyes straight into two pools of grey to see Draco sitting opposite them, as still as a statue, looking straight into her eyes.

=XX=

My beta reader doesn't like it much. *tear* So go easy on me…

Thanks for all the reviews and for being so patient with me. *Huggles reviewers*

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Dedicated to Markena who died in a car crash on Monday. A Great Writer. Wish I could have known you better.