Disclaimer: Characters aren't mine. Plot is… unless you hate it… which in that case just think of it as not being mine, XD.

Chapter 13:

When he woke up that morning he stretched his hand out, expecting to feel those red, silky curls between his fingers. But he didn't. And the realisation that whatever he dreamt was was not made his heart sink, and his breathing slow. He sighed as he sat up and looked idly around his room.

On the floor next near his door was a note. He noticed the black rose on it, and knew instantly who it was from. He had been dreading and anticipating this since he met Chris the day before. He picked it up and went to his bed to read:

Draco,

I just arrived last night. She seemed happy enough to see me. We talked for awhile before she finally told me what she was up to. I did as you told me to. I told her everything that could happen, but she didn't seem to take any notice. You better hope I get through to her. She seemed even more serious about it than you told me.

Chris

Definitely not the news he was hoping to hear, but he had expected it… unfortunately. He needed someone or something to lift his spirits. Slipping on a shirt and a pair of pants he went in search of Ginny.

There she was. On the living room couch with Potter laying on her lap. Both of them fast asleep.

Bullshit.

That was the thought that erupted through his mind at the sight of her fingers- those very same fingers that were wrapped around his hands yesterday afternoon- in Potter's hair. His chest constricted as he watched. He shouldn't be surprised.

A dress and an enjoyable afternoon had fooled him. He would admit it to himself. But now, looking at her he was proud to say that he was no fool this time. This was not the girl he enjoyed conversations with now, or was even interested in her problems and cared what happen. No. This was not the girl he thought he was beginning to…

This. This pitiful creature laying there fast asleep was Ginny Weasley. The one he had ignored for most of 5 years because she was not worth his notice. And he was right in doing that. This was the one he had mocked, and teased. There was no beauty in her that he could see now. He couldn't understand how he ever could.

Yet, even then, his fingers clenched to feel her skin under them, to squeeze her, and shake her, and tell her. Tell her that she was the most fowl creature imaginable because she didn't have the sense to stay away from Potter. Let her know that last night he wrote in his diary about her. But it wasn't about some bet, or some flaw he had noticed. It wasn't about her plan to get Potter, because then he thought she had the sense to realise that Potter wasn't worth not even her admiration. What he wrote last night was that she had the art of taking his mind away from whatever troubles he was going through in a split second. What he wrote was that there was nothing he would have rather looked at than her in that yellow dress, and the way it fit, and the way her eyes sparkled when he complimented her. She was the perfect image. His perfect image. Not Potter's. Not anyone else's. And he despised her for ruining that. Hated her for it. The very sight of her being so close to Potter utterly repulsed him. To the core.

He gazed at her in anger hardly even noticing how long he was doing it. And then she opened her eyes, looking at Potter with a smile, a smile she had given him many times. And then she looked at him and all happiness withdrew from her face with its colour. He felt the nerves in his arm urging him to grab her, his vocals cords tightened waiting for him to scream. But he wouldn't. He had to stop himself before he did. Quickly he got up, without a word to her, and walked into the garden.

XX

She was happy when Harry settled into her lap… but not the kind of Happy she expected. In truth, she was only happy when he was sleeping. Then, he looked so adorable, and peaceful, and he sent chills up her spine. But… when, he was awake yapping about Cho, she had to constantly restrain herself from rolling her eyes. Once, in fact, while he was talking about the hints Cho gave of breaking up, her mind drifted to Draco and the joke he made about Harry's hand movements when he talks. And witnessing for herself that Draco did a damn good imitation she burst out laughing, receiving a confused look from Harry. Of course, she said that she was only laughing at Cho and how ridiculous she was being. To which Harry's reply was:

"don't laugh at her. Really, she's just confused."

There was the stupidity Draco was talking about. She sighed, "Harry, it's past two in the morning. I should really go to bed-"

"No. Don't. Don't you like it this way?"

How couldn't she when he looked at her like that, all hopeful and cute. This was what she wanted, wasn't it? Where else would a girl want to be? Well, she could think of one place. But he was probably sleeping. And plus, Harry was really a nice guy. And she had liked him since she could remember. And what girl wouldn't want to be in her place? And why was she trying so hard to convince herself?

She needed no convincing the next morning. When she woke up and he was lying peacefully on her lap, her fingers in that mop of hair of his that she always wanted to touch, those girlish giggles she used to burst out in whenever she saw him in first year, erupted inside of her. The only outward hint of it was the wide smile she felt spread across her face. This was where she always wanted to be, and contentment and fulfilment rose within her.

And those feelings drained when she looked up to Draco, his eyes the coldest she had ever seen. This was not the gaze he had given her recently. This was not the gaze he had given her ever. His jaw squared and for a moment she thought he was going to say something. She would have rather him say something… anything than what he did. Without saying a word he got up and walked out, leaving her hurt and confused.

She didn't like him this way. Something was bothering him. And the fact that he was bothered bothered her. She had to make things normal again, someway somehow. And ignoring the 'hello' she got from the newly awakened Harry, or the fact that it was 6am and freezing, and ignoring the rational protests from her mind telling her that she had nothing planned to say to him and would only make it worse, she went in search of him.

"Draco," she called after him.

XX

She should know better than to follow him in this mood. He went out to get away from her, and now she following him. He would just ignore her, she would get the picture.

The picture evidently wasn't clear enough. Catching sight of him she began running, shouting, "Draco, wait!" Hands in his pockets, he had nothing to reply. "Stop Draco," she pleaded, "please."

He sighed and stopped his walk. He turned to her, serious faced. Still he said nothing. She looked at him for a moment, thinking of something to say.

"What are you doing?" she said cheerily after some silence. And then catching wind of how lame that remark was she rolled her eyes and sighed.

A small, humoured, smile broke out on his face, before he quickly dispelled it. "I'm walking," he said seriously.

"Can I walk with you?" Now she was getting somewhere.

"You can. But you sure you'd want to?"

"Why wouldn't I want to?"

He shrugged, "I'm not you."

"I want to," she said wrapping her arm around his.

She didn't mean this, that he knew. He turned to the Weasley's living room window to see Potter staring at them. Ordinarily, he would take advantage of this time to make the bastard miserable. But now, this was more important than Potter.

"Potter's looking at us through the window," he told her, pointing. Noticing that he was noticed Harry withdrew into the house.

"Harry doesn't matter."

"He does," Draco told her.

"No, he doesn't."

"Ginny, it's as plain as day to everyone that he does."

"I'm telling you he doesn't."

He looked at her and gave a sarcastic laugh, "convince yourself not me."

"I am convinced. Why must we talk about Harry anyway? I wanted to talk about us."

"Haven't you noticed? Us, includes Potter."

"It doesn't have to," she said looking up to him.

He looked back at her, "It does."

She sighed, "Look, if this is about Harry and last night, I can explain-"

"You don't have to." He looked into her eyes, "It's just a plan, remember?"

"Oh." She took a step back. "Yeh," she laughed uneasily. "I just thought… you know…" She cleared her throat.

"I know," he said, with a slight smile on his face. "I know."

They walked on in silence of awhile before he felt something cold and soft on his cheek. Looking up, he saw the light flakes of snow falling gently towards them. "It's snowing," he told her.

Her only reply was, "What if I don't like Harry?" She stopped walking and looked at him.

He chuckled. "Ginny, what's the use in this?"

"Just answer. What if I don't?"

"But you do."

"What if I don't anymore," she persisted.

He fell silent, then answered, "It's snowing."

"Draco this isn't a joke."

"Yes, it is," he laughed.

"Answer my question."

"Why would you not like Potter all of a sudden?"

"Because…. He's annoying, he's unappreciative, and he isn't that cute. And we never talk, unless it's about him."

"He was all of those things before," he pointed out.

"Yes, but what if there's someone else that isn't all of those things."

He sighed. "But you don't like him."

"What if I think I do?"

"You don't."

"I do."

"You don't."

"I want him."

"You don't know what you want."

She looked at him, cupping his face in her hands. "I want this." She brought her lips to his. And brushed them against the smooth contours of his. He captured them in one smooth move, and soon their tongues were engaged in a slow, gentle, tantalising dance.

He let his arm embrace her around her waist, and lightly pulled her closer. "What if what you wanted this morning, isn't what you'll want tomorrow?"

"What if it is?" She moved closer towards him, her hand resting on his abdomen.

"It won't be," he looked down at her.

"Then, I suppose I should get what I want while I want it."

He chuckled lightly. He wouldn't argue with that, not when it was partly what he wanted too… what he had been wanting for some time. He brushed his hand lightly against her soft cheek.

"You're cold."

"No, I'm alright really."

"Come on, let's go inside," he said gently, wrapping his hand around her waist and leading her in.

She laughed, "Draco, I'm okay."

"Potter kept you up last night didn't he?"

"Let's not talk about Harry."

"You look tired."

"I don't feel so tired."

"Great, I wanted to go into Diagon Alley."

"To meet Chris?"

"Why does it always have to be Chris? For your information Ms Weasley, I just wanted to walk around. I used to do it with my mum. But she's such a hassle."

"It's called window shopping Draco."

"Oh is it? Hmm.. Window Shopping. What was the other one again?"

"Discount?" she asked.

"Ah! Discount! That's it."

She rolled her eyes. "Come on. If we're going I want to go early. There's less of a fuss then."

"Fine. I'll walk you to your room."

"Shower with me?" she asked sweetly at her door, pulling at his belt buckle.

"Don't tease me."

"Who's teasing?"

"It's tempting," he said twirling a strand of her hair.

"Isn't it?"

"We won't get anywhere if we do," he told her. "What about tonight?"

She grinned, "How long?"

"As long as you want," he smiled.

"Tonight then." She kissed him lightly.

"You go shower first."

XX

She was right. Walking in Diagon Alley early in the mornings was less hassling. At least he didn't have to squeeze past a bunch of smelly wizards, or have his mother calling out to him to stay close or hold her hands. Sigh.

He led her into Flourish and Blotts first, to her displeasure.

"But it's a book store," she whined.

"Yeah. It is."

"I get to see this place once a year, that's fine by me. You have all the school books you need and then some, why d'you want to go here?"

"Ever hear of recreational reading?"

She looked at him shocked. "You're a male Hermione," she told him, in artificial fright.

"Don't you start. You had better take that back."

"Or what?"

"Or you'll experience the full wrath of what it is to be a Malfoy."

"Pfftt."

"Oh you think I joke, do you?"

"Oh, no no. Yaddy Yaddah Wrath of Malfoy, I believe you."

He raised his eyebrows at her. "You don't know who you're playing with." Taking her hands in his he lifted them over her head and held her against the shelf of books in the store. There he unleashed Malfoy torture at it's best… he nibbled her neck.

"Stop," she said through giggles, "You'll bruise me."

"Good. I'll leave my mark."

"Some people want to get books here," a voice interrupted them.

"I thought I told you to stay clear of me Granger," he greeted.

"Nice to see you to Malfoy. Hey Ginny."

"Hi Mione."

"How's Harry doing?"

"He's…er… okay. I think he'll get over it soon."

"Oh. Okay. Well, I know you'll take care of him," she said casting Malfoy and evil glare.

"Great. You've said hi, not get a move on mud blood."

"Why don't you fly away ferret."

"Mione, Draco, come on guys try to behave. Draco and I were just going to get some books, Mione. We'll catch you later." She led Draco away sneering at Hermione.

XX

Who spends this long in a book store? Except for Hermione of course. It seemed like they were there forever. Did he intend to read every book in that store?

"Draco, it's almost been half am hour. Can't we leave?"

"Listen to this one," he said in reply. She sighed. She had heard this so much it was becoming a cliché. " 'Orphaned into cold charity at the hands of her rich cousins and, later, at Lowgwarts School, Jane escapes to take up a position as a governess to the young ward Mr Rochestner. Their love affair, Jane's discovery of Rochester's secret - hideously concealed in the attic of Thornfield Manor- and her desperate flight told in a drama of passionate intensity whose pace never slackens.' Sounds good huh?"

"That's Jane Eyre," she said leaning against the book shelf.

"No it's not," he laughed. "It's Jane Peyre."

"No, Eyre. And it's not Lowgwarts is Lowood, not Rochestner, Rochester. I should know. I've borrowed it from Hermione. It's written by Charlotte Bronte, she's a muggle."

"Wrong again. it's written by Angina Leachy."

"Isn't she that writer who won The International Cauldron prize three years in a row?"

"Yup. This is her latest release."

"Give it to me." He handed it to her. She opened to the first page and read. "My God, Draco she didn't write this! It's a rip off!"

He shrugged, "It sounds interesting anyway. I think I'll buy it."

"You can't help her make money off of this."

"Why? Everyone else will, I won't make a difference."

She placed her hand on the book, "Buy the original."

"What?"

"Buy the original," she repeated.

"You've got to be mad. That's a muggle book!"

"It's not going to hurt you."

"It is! You want me to be off my rocker like Granger? Next thing you know I'll be off freeing house elves because of they're rights," he rolled his eyes.

"The original is always better."

"I'm not reading it."

"Try it," she urged.

"We've been here long enough anyway," he said putting down the book, "Come on, let's go."

"Hey, at least something good came from this," she thought as he led her out.

"Let's go to Quality Quidditch Supplies." he told her as he spotted the store.

She rolled her eyes at him.

"What?" he retorted. "Don't you want to be have the upper hand on your game?"

"I have other reasons for being on that team."

"Like what?"

"Does Slytherin have separate changing rooms?"

"No," he replied.

"Neither does Gryffindor," she smirked.

"Thanks for the image," he said wrinkling his nose.

She shrugged. "So what do you want?"

"Look at this one," he handed her a book.

" '100 tips to catching the snitch' Draco, these things never work. What will work is practice. Maybe when Bill and Charlie come they can help."

"I doubt it," he said placing the book down.

She didn't really get why Draco was in there anyway. From what he said he had practically everything they had. And by the time he was ready to leave he still hadn't found something that impressed him.

"I wanted to go to the Apothecary and pick up some potion ingredients," he told her.

"Draco," she sighed.

"What is it?"

"I've been the book store and the Quidditch store. When do we get to go somewhere I want to?"

"Like where?"

"Like…" she gasped, "GAMBOL AND JAPES!"

"Gambol and what?"

"Come on," she tugged on his arm.

Once they were inside he lifted a pen slowly, "And what's the point of this? It's ugly if you ask me."

Looking into her purse she pulled out a sheet of white paper from her notepad. "It's great," she said, "go ahead. Write with it."

"Why?" he asked, noticing her grin.

"Cause, it's the best pen ever."

"I'm sure it is," he said dryly, looking at it. "Not bad," he commented when he began writing with it. Then it began skipping. Not wanting to let a good pen to waste Draco shook it to get the ink closer to the tip. Instead the ink came flying out, straight onto his face. Ginny doubled back in laughter. She pointed him to the mirror hanging on the wall. He looked into it to see him, with "Blockhead" written in bright blue on his forehead.

"Glad you find this amusing," he said as Ginny continued laughing hysterically. "How do you get this off?" Then the mirror on the wall cracked, and the words 'Two Ugly to bear' appeared in red on it.

"I love this place," Ginny said as she got the ink of his forehead with the special removing cloth that came with it.

He had fun, he had to admit. After bribing the owner to show him the new stock that Ginny had never seen he was able to play trick after trick on her. Revenge was sweet. Especially on a feisty red head. He almost didn't want to leave. But noting it was almost lunch time they both decided to leave for some food. He suggested the Italian Restaurant he and his mother often went to, but Ginny had a feeling for ice cream.

"You can't be serious," he told her. "Gin, we're talking about lunch."

"I am. Ice cream! We need our energy don't we?"

"I can't imagine you if you were any more hyper."

She smiled. "You won't have to."

German chocolate with chocolate syrup, that was his favourite. And it was what he was having now. Well half having now. Ginny kept stealing spoonfuls every time.

"Why don't you just take it?" he asked after she did it, it seemed, for the twelfth time.

"I have my own," she said looking down at her vanilla rather sulkily.

"Fine then, have it your way."

"Oh, whatever. Pass your cup, I'll have some."

Some was an understatement, by the time they were ready to leave he only had a lump of sorry-looking syrup-less chocolate ice cream left, and her vanilla was melting so much that it was overflowing from the cup. He chuckled at her. She was some Weasley.

"There's Madam Malkin's Robes for all Occasions."

"I am not trying on any more clothes."

"Damn."

She laughed. "Why don't you buy some?"

"I have enough as it is. I think I should be selling myself."

"Let's go to Magical Menagerie!"

"No, no animals."

"Aw they're cute Draco, come on."

"Look at this one. Isn't she cute," she thrust a black kitten into his hands.

"No, no. Take it away," Draco said horribly.

"Why?"

"Quickly, take it."

"But she likes you."

"I don't like her, take it. Take it." He began sneezing, once, twice and then a sneezing fit erupted. "Take it." he managed to say between sneezes.

She took the cat away from him back into its cage. "Now I understand why you hate McGonagall so much," Ginny joked. She handed him a tissue from her purse. "I didn't know you were allergic to cats," she laughed.

"I need air."

She giggled, "Come on, let's go outside."

XX

A day at Diagon Alley with Ginny was tiring. It seemed they went to everywhere store. It was nice to have someone to walk around with, and laugh at things he thought only he thought funny. And when she asked cheerily if they were going tomorrow, even though his feet were aching from walking so much he couldn't help but smile and nod in the affirmative.

Giving her a short kiss he turned to leave to his room.

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"Upstairs."

"You have a promise to keep Mr Malfoy."

He raised one eyebrow and looked at her. "I do, do I?"

"You promised me a shower, and I want it."

He smirked, "I did, didn't I?"

=XX=

Okay, now… don't hurt me… please. I didn't even want to post this since, again my beta hates it. D'you think the relationship happened to fast? Well… if you can even call it one, I mean it might change… but still I'm really scared that everyone's going to hate it because it happened in a snap. But that's what the forces of attraction do… and … they've been 'together' for almost a term… but… Sorry you have to read this… if you don't like it I can change it, honestly. Lol.

Snowy : That's exactly what I wanted to portray. Thanks for picking it up and taking the time to review.

Channy : Hey dude, thanks. Lol. I'm trying to write more but… I don't want it to suck.

ie-chipmonk: I hope I didn't let you down with this thing I dare to call a chapter. Lol. But hey, thanks for the review.

Cheche : lol. Sorry. Really I am. I had exams. Don't get pissed about this chapter if you can help it.. I'm super scared. (lol. Cool alliteration)

Draco luver : lol. Thanks! I hope I didn't ruin Draco's and Ginny's relationship. I suck, don't I?

Jace Quin: Thanks. I did put a chappie up… don't know how good that is but hey.

Zoe: I tried writing more. It probably sucks monkey ass since my beta hates it. *breaks down into tears*

D&G 4ever! : Yeh! Draco Ginny! Whoo hoo. I never update soon. I suck and according to my beta so does this chapter. I can't get her out of my head.

Fezza: Wow you are so lucky. I have to wait till June to graduate. I'm on Christmas vacation now, I just got out of exams. I was scared. Lol. I thought you forgot about the story. This chap probably sucks, or so I've been told. I was told it sucked by one beta and that if I change anything in it I'll die by another. *sigh* they confuse me.

Anony Miss : lol. Thanks. Beta still doesn't like this one. I was bored so I posted it anyway. Lol. It probably sucks.

MaGiCdDrAcO BaBy: Awww dude, thanks! Yay! Lol. I hope you still like this one. The big plot step makes me nervous.

Bride of Malfoy: Thanks for the encouragement. I really appreciate it. I might get flames for this chapter… *shrugs* I'm scared.

sum1 who likes this story : Dude thanks for reviewing. I hope I didn't drop you, lol.

dreamingofhorses: Thanks man. I like your name by the way.

lucius's magical pimp stick : lol. Dude, what a name. It cracked me up. Thanks though, for the review.

Ashleigh: Wow, thanks for sticking with me. She doesn't like this one either, I can probably tell why. *sigh*

Coolchicka: XD Evil is me. Let's hope this chap isn't Karma trying to get me back.

whatever_mayhap: lol. Thanks. This though may be, *tear* not lovely. Ugh. I am so fricking scared.

me-in-dl : Hey thanks! Yeh, I always email everyone when I've updated.

gymnastabc123: I hardly think it was the best fic ever. But thanks anyway. I hope this chap isn't bad enough to let you ignore this.

cucho cousins: Thanks! I'm glad you're still reading.

RubberDuckii: Awww dude thanks. I hope this chap answers your questions for you.

frananddragon: Thanks. Yes, I am prone to making mistakes. Lol. But I'm glad you like it.

Stephelicious: Yah, you can tell me how much this one sucked. Don't I know it.

Dracomio : Thank you.

Me : lol. Thanks.

Vu: Things get even freakier now.

LiL' LiSe: lol. Draco said nothing. Lol. Thanks for reading, I hope you don't despise this too much.

Three Spoil'd Anjelz: lol. Thanks. I'll try to make the chaps longer.

Damsil-n-Distress: Thanks a lot! I never would have noticed that, lol. That was stupid of me. But I know now. Thanks for reviewing, And I think I need your advice on this chapter. I think it kind of sucks.

*hides meekly in corner* I'm afraid to ask but… please review.