The next morning I awoke to whispers. "Hmm?"

Lianda jumped on my bed. "Good, you're awake. How come you weren't back when everyone else was? That girl Marsha won't say anything. That git Malfoy wasn't here, either! Did something go on?"

My other roommates were listening anxiously. Suddenly, I realized… Lianda could never be my best friend. She was just too loud… I needed someone who could really keep a secret and watch my back… well… besides Draco, who obviously would never speak to me again, there was one person…

"I really must be off," I said promptly. After slipping on my jeans and continuing to wear my pajama shirt (it was a silk tank top, which looked normal without the matching bottoms), I grabbed my cloak and rushed down the stairs.

Three guesses who was standing there.

"Morning, Ginny." Harry said with a slight smile. "Listen, I need to talk to you… I was so stupid to take a chance with Hermione. She is my best friend, but… I like you more."

I expected those words to fill me with a light feeling, but instead, anger bubbled up inside of me. I tried to push it back down. "Sorry, Harry… I've found someone else. Plus, it would be awkward dating my Quidditch Captain. I am really sorry. Speaking of Hermione, have you seen her? I really need to speak with her."

"She's in the Hospital Wing," Harry shrugged disappointedly. "Arrived this morning."

"You know, to tell you the truth, I believe you should try staying with her. I think she's going to need some support after… everything… that's happened. I'll see you around, Harry."

"Yes, see you," he replied, watching me leave.

After I left our common room, I swung on my cloak, then rushed up to the where the school's owls were kept. I pulled out a sheet of parchment and a quill.

Dear Mum,

I hope you're well. How's dad? Do you remember when you asked me what I wanted for my birthday and I told you I'd tell you when I was ready? Well, I'm ready.

I need someone who can love me no matter what I say, even if they don't understand. I need someone who will look out for me. I need a friend, a secret-keeper…

Mom, I need you…

Ginny

After tying it to an owl, I grabbed my broom and went outside to practice for the upcoming match.

••••

The rest of my team was already out there. "Hey, guys… How come you're not up in the air yet?"

Harry pointed. "Slytherin Captain Malfoy has a slip from Snape saying that since their captain hasn't been there, they need the time to practice."

I rolled my eyes then stormed over to the team.

Draco shot me a warning look then pulled me off to the side.

"What're you doing here?" he hissed in a soft, angry voice.

I felt everyone's eyes on us.

"Just because you're being a total jerk to me because you have to keep up your reputation doesn't mean that you can pick on my team."

Suddenly, his whole expression changed. He searched my eyes lovingly. I turned my head.

"Look at me. I mean it, look at me, or I'll make you, with everyone watching."

I let my eyes wander back to his. "What?"

"Ginny… I… I love you, all right, and you know that… but if anything gets back to my father… you don't know how many people watch me in this school."

"It's funny, though… because, for some insane reason, I thought I meant more to you than that."

He sighed, then turned his head up to the sky. "You can have the field, then, all right? We'll go somewhere else… is that what you want?"

"No… I want you back. I would almost kiss you… but with everyone watching… I wouldn't want your father to find out," I replied, getting more sarcastic with every word I spoke. "Now I'm going to walk away, and it's up to you to say how far."

I turned to face my team. "All right, guys, let's practice."