The Weasel and the Kneazle

by Davesmom

IN PROGRESS (books 1-4) Upgraded again for content. Ginny finally gets a pet of her own. But the little creature seems to have two personality flaws; she has a nose for trouble and seems to like Draco Malfoy.

9. Chapter 9

Disclaimer: 'Romeo and Juliet' belongs to William Shakespeare and his estate (and welcome to it, I say!) Um, any references to anything by Austin, Dickens or any of the Bronte sisters belong to the respective estates of each. 'Mysterious Molds', Emma Balmear, Merlin's 'Memoirs' (but not Merlin, himself) Morgana's 'Tales of Avalon' (and not Morgana), 'Search for the World Manitou', and anything else that looks like I made it up belong to me. If you recognize it, it probably belongs to someone else, hopefully disclaimed here or previously. Naturally, everything Harry Potter belongs to the very wonderful (especially now that book five is coming out) Ms. JK Rowling. Many thanks to her for allowing us to revel in her wonderful world.

PARENTAL ALERT/SPOILER: This chapter has some dubious material…not enough to up the rating, but there is the suggestion of 'slash' (male/male homosexual relations). Again, it is only the suggestion, and only a romantic relationship, not 'sex'. If this is repugnant or disagreeable to you, please do not read further. Also, descriptions of non-consensual sex, but not the actual acts. Maybe I should up the rating after all……

A/N: 'Be prepared' is the motto of the U. S. Boy Scouts, not the U. S. Marines, so please don't think I've gone 'barmey'. I know it, but Ginny is English, and she's not a Muggle, so it's understandable that she might confuse the two. Also, I've never written 'slash' (such a disgusting term) before, so please be patient if anything seems 'off'. Besides, this is fiction and ROMANCE, not a story about sex. (Gives wicked, not evil, grin, thinking 'there IS a difference!')

Chapter 9

"Well, that was interesting," Zabini was saying to Ginny as he escorted her to a couch in the Slytherin Common Room.

Ginny had barely said a word since he'd shown up, and now she was here, in his lair, so to speak, all alone with the boy. After spewing his guts out, Draco had nearly collapsed. Ginny and Colin had prevented him from falling into his own vomit while the Slytherin prefect had waved the disgusting mess away with his wand. Then Zabini had tersely instructed them to drag Draco along and follow him. After going only a short way, Zabini had stopped before a blank stretch of wall and said, "Fidelis sanguim."

The wall had opened to reveal a doorway and they'd all passed into the Slytherin Common Room. Then Zabini and Colin had dragged Draco away, presumably to the dorm rooms. Zabini had returned alone.

Now the frightening young man was staring almost angrily at her. Ginny sat where he'd indicated on the couch and Labelle jumped up onto her lap, meowing comfortingly. Stroking the Kneazle, Ginny mumbled a stiff thanks.

Zabini snorted and threw himself into the chair opposite her. "No offense to your brother, but that Creevey fellow, why isn't he captain of Gryffindor's team? Seems to be a take-charge sort. Ordering me to get clean clothes for Malfoy and telling the git what to do. Didn't seem to bother him that we're both older than him. Not to mention we're both meaner." He gave Ginny an unreadable look, then said, "Guess I'll have to change the password now. Can't have you sneaking into Slytherin and causing all sorts of mayhem, now, can I, Weasley?"

Ginny drew herself up. "I wouldn't!" she declared.

Zabini only snorted again. "Indeed, Weasley. Somehow I think you're not quite as sweet as you seem. There's something definitely not Gryff about you, you know. At least I can finally see Malfoy's interest. What I cannot understand is your interest in him. You seem to be an intelligent girl, and he's been acting like an idiot all year. Just because he rescued you from that bastard Flint doesn't mean you should have to watch him spew, does it? Not to mention his other idiotic behavior." He narrowed his eyes and added, "Never seen him take a drop before. Odd, isn't it?"

Ginny looked closely at him. Was he being serious, she wondered, or just baiting her? His eyes were glittering but he looked both bored and amused. Ginny looked away.

"What are they doing?" she asked uncomfortably.

"Who? Your two lovers? Creevey is giving Malfoy an emetic to get help him toss the rest of the alcohol. Hopefully he makes the prat brush his teeth before he lets him back out here. But if he's wise, he'll give the git something to put him out for the night. Malfoy's made a fool enough of himself for one night."

He looked steadily at Ginny as he continued. "Being a bit selfish, aren't you, Weasley? Thomas could have been yours if you'd just snapped your fingers. Malfoy drools when you're around, and snarls when you're not, and Creevey seems to be attached to you by the hip. Don't you think you should make up your mind?"

Ginny's cheeks grew warm. "Not that its any of your business," she said sharply. "But Dean and my friend Su are going out! And Colin is my best friend! He's not interested in me that--,"

She stopped as Zabini's eyes seemed to blaze at her.

"Do go on, Weasley," he said smoothly. "Creevey's not interested in you in what way? As a girlfriend? Or as a girl?"

Ginny looked away, afraid she'd brought Colin in for some abuse from a gay-bashing homophobe.

"Weasley."

Ginny shivered again as the silky, dangerous voice drifted over her. She looked at him cautiously. He was leaning forward, elbows resting on his knees, and the intensity of his look scared her. Even Draco had never looked this dangerous.

"I asked you a question, little Gryff. I expect an answer."

Before she could think it through, Ginny snapped, "How's this for an answer, Zabini? None of your damned business."

Oh, no, oh, no, oh, no, Ginny thought. Was she insane? Neither Colin nor Draco was here to protect her at the moment and she'd deliberately antagonized this frightening young man.

The frightening young man smiled, slowly and lazily. "Impressive, Weasley. Not even Parkinson talks to me like that. No wonder you've got Malfoy tied in knots over you."

He leaned back and carelessly crossed his legs, studying her. "Don't worry," he said, a smirk on his face. "You don't have anything to fear from me. You or your friend. I was just curious."

Ginny swallowed, trying to think of an appropriate response. In spite of her best intentions, she found herself blurting out, "Just because Colin's gay, don't think he can't take care of himself."

Aghast, she slapped a hand over her mouth and stared wide-eyed at the Tom-look alike. Oh, no! What had she said?

He smiled again, more broadly. Unfortunately, it made him look more dangerous. "I already suspected; you just confirmed it. But don't worry, Weasley. I'm one of the few people in this house you could have safely said that to. I think you already know who the other is."

Ginny was about to tell him he'd better just leave Colin alone when they heard someone coming down the corridor. Ginny glanced up, afraid it might be another Slytherin, but Zabini merely stood and turned around. Colin was walking briskly toward them, wiping his hands on a paper towel. He'd shed his cloak and was wearing only a thin tee shirt and athletic sweat pants. He glanced toward them as he approached, mouth open to speak, but he stopped abruptly and stared at the tall prefect.

Ginny looked from Colin to Zabini, and swallowed. The Riddle double was giving Colin an intense stare, but it was totally unlike the look he'd given her earlier. He looked—hungry! That was the only word she could come up with. Darting a look at her friend, Ginny saw a slight flush rise to Colin's high cheeks. Then he looked quickly at Ginny.

"All right, Gin?" he asked, tossing the paper towel into a nearby dustbin.

To anyone else, he would have sounded casual and unconcerned. Ginny knew him better, though, and heard the slight tremor in his voice. At least she wasn't the only one Zabini made nervous. She jumped as Zabini laughed harshly.

"Afraid I was going to devour your little girlfriend, Creevey? And what if I did? What would you do then?"

Good God, Ginny thought. Zabini was purposely challenging Colin, even though Ginny had told the boy how things stood between them. Why? What did he hope to gain? Were all Slytherins born asses or did they learn it here at school? Colin's cool reply made Ginny catch her breath.

"I guess I'd have to bash you, Zabini. That is, if Malfoy didn't tear you apart, first. Head over heels, that bloke."

He calmly eyed the taller boy while he shook out the cloak he'd laid over his arm. "Malfoy wants to talk to you, Gin, before we go," he said, turning to look in Ginny's direction. "He'll be out in a minute. Had to take a quick shower, you know." Wrinkling his nose in distaste, Colin threw his cloak around his shoulders. "Almost ready?"

Ginny nodded and slipped around Zabini, calling softly to Labelle. He caught her by the shoulder and pushed her back to the couch. Labelle hissed and Colin advanced a step, but Zabini raised his hand.

"Have a seat. If I know that conceited prat, he'll be at least another fifteen minutes, and then only if his coiffeur is perfect." He smirked as he stressed 'coiffeur'. Looking directly at Colin, Zabini added, "I already told your little friend here that she has nothing to fear from me, and the same goes for you. Not that it looks as though you were going to waste any time being afraid of me, but I thought I'd tell you anyway."

Colin looked narrowly at the other boy and moved toward the couch to sit next to Ginny. Zabini motioned him to the chair, instead. "Encroaching on Malfoy's territory, Creevey? Brave man, but Malfoy'll want that seat, don't you think?"

Colin frowned but merely nodded and sat in the chair Zabini had just vacated. The Slytherin perched comfortably on the arm of the chair, causing Ginny to raise her eyebrows. He draped one arm casually over the high chair back, just above Colin's head.

"So, now that the excitement is over, do tell how you came to rescue our illustrious team captain from his own—er—folly."

Ginny wondered whether Zabini always talked like a character in a novel as she told their tale. Colin remained quiet for the most part, seeming to find it uncomfortable to talk to the boy looming over him. Ginny gave Colin full marks for nerve, though. He didn't shift away or in any way let the Slytherin know that he was ill at ease. Ginny only saw it because she knew Colin so well. As for Zabini, he listened patiently and seldom interrupted. But Ginny was watching him closely. There was something—strange going on here. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but she knew she was missing something. When she was done with her narrative, Zabini looked down at Colin. "Heal broken ribs, do you? And various cuts and bruises? I thought you were a photographer? Didn't you take those snaps of the graduating class last year? They were quite good, you know."

Colin nodded, his cheeks still washed with light colour. Ginny was amazed. She thought she was the only one who'd noticed that it had been Colin's work.

"Colin's a very good healer," Ginny said, staunchly defending her friend.

Zabini raised an eyebrow in her direction and gave her an amused smirk. He reached down and casually plucked one of Colin's hands from the younger boy's lap. Holding it in his own, as though studying it, he murmured, "Such talented hands. And a gifted Quidditch player as well. You seem to be blessed with an embarrassment of riches, Creevey. How typically Gryff."

Although his tone was almost sarcastic, the look he gave Colin would have sent Ginny running for the hills if it had been trained on her. Colin bore it with an amazing amount of fortitude. Zabini stroked one finger along the younger boy's palm before Colin slowly but firmly pulled it away. Zabini smirked.

"And do you photograph life studies, Creevey?" Zabini asked suddenly.

Ginny nearly choked. Life studies? Nudes? Where would Colin get models for that? She watched as Colin's face now turned bright red. His answer was steady enough, though.

"I've done a few," he said, adopting the negligent manner Zabini was using and ignoring Ginny's startled gasp. He leaned back and spread his hands in a 'what can I say?' manner. "You can understand, though, that most models want a professional photographer before they drop their drawers, so to speak."

Ginny couldn't help it. Maybe it was the way Zabini was looking at Colin, or the way he'd touched Colin's hand earlier, or maybe it was because his own hand seemed to stray toward Colin's hair just before he would catch himself and pull it back. She might be wrong in her guess, and she knew she was asking for trouble if she was, but for some reason some imp of mischief prodded her to say, "You know, Colin, I'll bet Zabini would be a wonderful model for a life study. Don't you think so?"

Both boys turned to look at her. Colin was clearly shocked at her rash words, but Zabini seemed more amused than startled. He gave her another smirk and turned back to Colin.

"Well, Creevey? What do you think?" He stood and raised a hand to the fastenings of his robe. "Shall I, um, 'drop my drawers' and let you decide?"

The sudden silence was broken a moment later when Draco said, "God, Zabini, please! Get a room!"

Draco, now freshly showered and changed, strode over and slid next to Ginny, a bit awkwardly. Labelle meowed happily at him and he gave her a clumsy pat. Despite Colin purging whatever alcohol had still been in Draco's stomach, Ginny knew that what had already been absorbed into his bloodstream would still have to wear off naturally. He would definitely have a hell of a headache tomorrow.

Right now, though, Draco seemed to be doing pretty well. He took one of her hands and pulled it to his mouth. His long hair was neatly tied back in a dark green ribbon that somehow wasn't a bit feminine looking. In fact, Ginny thought breathlessly, he looked good enough to eat! He pressed his lips to the back of her hand and stared deeply into her eyes. His pale eyes were a little bloodshot, but the look in them made Ginny forget all about Colin, Zabini and life studies as she lost herself in that gaze. It was even more intense that the one Zabini had bent on Colin. Leaning toward him, Ginny reached up to touch his cheek, her lashes fluttering down as she pressed her lips to his.

"Please! Talk about getting a room! Can't you two find a better place to snog?"

"Huh," Draco said, pulling away and turning to give Zabini a mock glare. "At leas' we're not talkin' about takin' our clothes off! A' leas' not yet," he amended, giving Ginny a playful leer. "Movin' a bit fast, aren' you, Zabini?"

"Why shouldn't I, Malfoy? At least I didn't wait three bloody months and end up making an effing mess of everything, did I? Slytherins go for what they want, and all that, right?"

Zabini's eyes smoldered as he studied Colin. There just wasn't any other word for the burning light in his eyes when he looked at her best friend. Ginny blushed and glanced at Colin, who was now flushing to the roots of his fine, light hair. She gave him an encouraging smile. She hadn't been wrong. Blaise Zabini, prefect, Tom Riddle double, and seventh year Slytherin had a crush on Colin! This could be interesting.

Zabini sat on the arm of the chair again, his own arms crossed and a militant look on his handsome face. Colin looked from Draco to Zabini and said quickly, "Er, Gin, its getting late. Time to go, don't you think?"

"Hold on," said Draco. "I wan'ed t' talk t' Weasley for a few minutes. ALONE, if you two don' mind."

Zabini seemed to relax. He stood and stretched with an unconscious grace that Ginny had to admire. He then gave Colin another of those powerful stares. "Well, Gryff, care to wait in the hallway or shall I show you around Slytherin? Lightening hasn't struck me down yet for the blasphemy of bringing a Gryff in here, so we should be safe enough. I can show you our portrait hall, or 'rogue's gallery' as I like to call it."

Colin swallowed, but his voice was steady when he said, "The name is Colin, or Creevey, if you can't manage Colin. What do you suggest, Zabini?"

Ginny didn't like the predatory look on Zabini's face as he motioned toward a dark archway. She looked at Draco, ready to ask if Colin would be safe with Zabini. She stopped when she saw a similar look on his face, but his look was for her alone. Her eyes widened as he reached out and pulled her onto his lap suddenly.

"Finally!" he breathed, wrapping a hand around the back of her neck. "No more innerruptions!"

Ginny felt mesmerized by the intensity of his gaze and she could only lean in closer, breathing in the fresh smell of his soap and feeling the heat of his body right through her rather threadbare dressing gown. Her heart was hammering as she closed her eyes. She loved the way he affected her but it was frightening, too. If his effect were this strong even when he was still drunk, she wouldn't stand a chance against him sober! Hell, she thought as his lips touched hers; she hadn't stood a chance anyway.

Soft. His touch was so soft and gentle. His hard, thin lips were soft and warm under hers, just touching right now. Again, she felt cherished. And again, she felt his arms tremble as he held her there, safely in his lap. This time Ginny wanted more. She pulled at the ribbon with suddenly trembling fingers, loosing the still-damp hair. She tangled her hands in it. Draco tried to pull back, but she held him tightly and opened her lips enough to touch the tip of her tongue to his lower lip. Before she could really kiss him, though, the voices of the other two boys drifted to them from the dark archway.

Draco pulled away, glaring at the portal the other two boys had disappeared through. "Oh, gods," he groaned. "You are drivin' me mad, li'l weasel!"

He took her face between his hands and looked intently into her eyes. "What I wouldn' give for jus' a li'l time t' be really alone with you!"

Heaving a shuddering sigh, Draco kissed her lips quickly and then wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight hug.

"Can't b'lieve you came for me tonigh'," he said quietly. "Been such a bastard." He straightened and gave her a dark look. "You didn' have t' ruin th' quills, though."

Ginny hid her face against his neck, embarrassed. "I, um, didn't. It was a trick to make you talk to me."

Draco shook his head sadly. "A trick? Always though' you were such a good li'l Gryff. I'm shocked, li'l weasel! Wha's the world comin' to?"

"I couldn't think of anything else," she whispered. "Every time I saw you, you looked so angry. I didn't know how to talk to you."

He lifted her chin and kissed her nose. "No' angry, Weasley. Demented. So, you know how t' talk t' me now, li'l weasel?"

Ginny couldn't help giggling. "I could always threaten to sit on you. You paid attention when I said that!"

The corner of Draco's thin mouth quirked up. "You mus' be ri'. You're sittin' on me now, and I can't seem t' get my brain t' concentrate on anythin' but how good it feels."

Ginny's smile faded suddenly. "Then, can I ask you something, before you think of some other reason to get mad at me?"

Draco shook his head. "Stubborn, aren' you?" he said, looking away.

After a long pause, he finally said, "Tried scarin' you off, but you wouldn' scare. Knew it'd come to this if I ever le' you close."

He looked at her. "Couldn' help it, though. Couldn' keep away."

Ginny stared at her hands, not knowing how to respond to this declaration. Or whatever it was. After a moment she asked quietly, "But, why? Why did you want to scare me off? Was it because of my family, because we're poor? I mean--,"

Gripping her shoulders he snapped, "Wha' rot! Tha's crap, an' you know it!"

"Well, what was it, then, Malfoy?" she demanded, shrugging off his hands. "What was so bad about me that you had to--,"

"Goddamnit, Weasley, I jus' wanna strangle you when you do tha'!"

Draco wasn't yelling, quite, but he was obviously unhappy with her. "Do what? What did I do this time?"

Draco put his hands on her shoulders again, but this time he gave her a little shake. "'What was it, Malfoy'," he mimicked. "Hate it when you say my name like tha'! So stuck up an' superior! Makes me feel like throttlin' you!"

Ginny stared at him. "Superior? Me? That's a good one, coming from you," she began.

"But then, li'l weasel," he said, dropping his voice and running a finger down her throat, "You call me 'Draco' in that sof' little purr of yours, an' I start thinkin' 'bout the things I'd rather do to you."

Ginny shivered. She could think of a few things she'd rather he did to her, too, but she put that aside. He must be trying to distract her, she thought. Swallowing, she said, "You still haven't told me why you were trying so hard to get rid of me."

He sighed and leaned back against the couch, pulling her tightly against his chest. "You're not gonna let it go, are you, Weasley?" he asked. "I was tryin' to protec' you, you silly twit. I—you're importan' t' me."

Ginny couldn't speak for a moment. Drunk or not, he sounded totally serious. Her heart swelled. "Protect me from what?" she asked quietly. "You? Am I in danger when I'm with you, Draco?" Ginny snuggled closer. "Because I have to tell you, I feel safer here than just about anywhere else, lately."

She sighed happily when he wrapped his arms around her and tucked her head beneath his chin. "Tha's 'cause you don' know everythin', Weasley. Once you hear, you'll prob'ly run screamin' for your brother. And I won' blame you."

Making a sudden decision, Ginny said, "Then you better tell me tomorrow, don't you think? Because I'm much too comfortable to run screaming anywhere right now."

By the time Colin and Zabini returned to the Common Room, Ginny was seated on the couch once again, but Draco's arm was wrapped firmly around her shoulders. Labelle was curled up beside them and they presented quite a cozy picture. Colin was looking bit overwhelmed, but none the worse for having spent the last ten minutes in Zabini's company. The Slytherin prefect was talking in his usual tone about various illustrious former Slytherins and their questionable contributions to the magical world. Ginny giggled when Draco let out a disgusted snort.

"Ugh, the fam'ly hist'ry. Never more borin' than when it's bein' force-fed to someone who couldn' give a shi'. Way t' make an impression, Zabini."

Zabini gave Draco a glare as Colin leaned against the chair opposite the couple. He looked a bit frayed but not terribly upset. "You two seem to have got things worked out," he said, not quite making it a question.

"Things are on hold until tomorrow," Ginny answered, snuggling further into Draco's arms.

"And what's happening tomorrow?" Zabini asked, dropping into the chair with the kind of casual grace that Ginny envied.

"Explanations," Draco answered simply.

Zabini lifted an eyebrow, his face a picture of elegant superiority. Damn, Ginny thought. They HAD to give lessons! That kind of arrogance just wasn't natural!

"So, I expect that after you tell Weasley the stupid things you've been up to, she'll send you packing. Good God, there'll be no living with you then. Please, Weasley," he said turning to her. "Do us a favor and put the man out of his misery. Just drown him or something. Just make sure it isn't too messy. You know how vain he is."

"Why would you think I'd 'send him packing', as you put it?" Ginny retorted, irked at his smug assumption that she wouldn't understand whatever it was that Draco was going to tell her.

"Well," he said with a lazy smile. "I'm just using common sense. Any normal, sane girl, especially a good little Gryff, would run, crying, for her mummy. Of course, I think we already established that you're not a normal little Gryff, didn't we?" He gave Draco an amused smirk and added, "Looks like there may be hope for you after all, Malfoy."

Ginny gritted her teeth. She'd always hated Draco's arrogant, superior attitude, but Zabini's was much worse. She glared at the prefect, but Draco chuckled. Even Colin was grinning. She crossed her arms and scowled. Boys!

"So, you ready, Gin?" Colin asked.

She stood, relieved to get away from Zabini's mocking regard. Draco stood, too, swaying slightly. "You're goin' a'ready?" he asked quietly.

His voice was so wistful, Ginny felt torn. But Colin was right. They had to go. "Well, we are out after curfew, and if we got caught in your Common Room, all hell would break loose! We better get going."

She reached for her cloak, but Draco grabbed it and helped her with it.

"No' that I think Creevey can' handle it, but I'll walk back wi' you," Draco said, reaching around to fasten Ginny's cloak and using the excuse to nuzzle her neck.

"YOU are going to go lay down before you pass out and fall on Weasley," Zabini said.

Draco turned toward him and began to protest. Zabini merely placed a hand in the center of Draco's chest and gave him a firm shove. Draco stumbled back a step and came up against the couch. He slumped into it untidily. "I'm certainly not an expert on the subject, but I'm sure the last thing a girl wants is a drunken lout pawing her, especially after he nearly threw up on her. I have to give you credit, Weasley. You must have a strong stomach to put up with this prat."

Ginny couldn't help grinning at Draco. He looked furious, but he didn't struggle to his feet. "Jus' wait, Zabini. When I'm sober, I'm gonna kick your ass!"

Zabini smirked. "You keep dreaming that dream, Malfoy. Meantime, I'll make certain your darling gets home safely. And you still owe me, Malfoy."

Ginny and Colin exchanged amused glances, knowing it wasn't often someone got the best of Draco Malfoy. But Draco wasn't quite done, yet.

"Gotcha t' meet Creevey, didn' I? Think we're even, now."

Ginny caught her breath as she saw Zabini's face flush. He looked on the verge of apoplexy, and Colin looked astounded. Good grief, something finally flustered the unnerving calm of the older Slytherin. Zabini had frozen for a second, but with a quick glance at Colin, he shrugged, smirked and replied, "Guess you got me there, Malfoy."

Wow, Ginny thought, moving to where Draco was still sitting. This night just kept getting more and more bizarre. Ginny kneeled beside Draco and took his hand.

"I—I guess I'll see you around, right?" she said.

She was unexpectedly nervous now that she was leaving. Despite his words and actions, Draco was still drunk. She didn't know how much of what he said was just the alcohol talking and how much he'd been serious about. For all she knew, Ginny could be in for the same cold, angry treatment tomorrow that she'd had these last weeks.

Draco straightened and cupped her face, bringing his lips gently to hers. He brushed a soft kiss over her mouth before releasing her.

"No' very good a' sayin' what I feel, li'l weasel. Showin' feelin's was discouraged in our fam'ly." He paused, staring into her eyes. "I—you mus' know how I—ah, shit." Shaking his head, Draco gave her a cautious smile. "We need t' talk, so I'll wait. Tomorrow? In th' libr'ry?"

Ginny nodded. "The library, tomorrow. After breakfast?"

Draco's face seemed to take on a greenish tinge. "Don' mention food!" he pleaded. "Jus' meet me aroun' eleven, ri'? A' leas', if I don' die of th' hangover I'm gonna have," he added sheepishly.

Grinning and leaning forward, Ginny gave him a last, firm kiss and stood up. She adjusted her cloak and faced the other two boys. "Right, then," she said. "I'm ready."

"Now, if anyone discovers us, I'm taking you to Snape, understood?" Zabini said several minutes later, as they were winding their way out of the basements. Labelle had decided to stay with Draco, so it was just the three of them.

"Right," Colin answered quietly.

He looked rather thoughtful, Ginny thought. Well, she supposed that if Draco had begun pursuing her and coming on to her when she hadn't expected it, she might look rather thoughtful, too. And from the little contact she'd had with Zabini, he was probably quite a lot to take, unexpectedly like that. She unconsciously reached for Colin's arm, comforting and taking comfort in his presence, especially with this dark, frightening boy looming over them.

"Thank you, Colin, for coming to help."

Colin covered her hand and gave it a small squeeze. "I could hardly not come. Labelle was frantic and she nearly woke my roommates. Besides, that's what friends do, right?"

"Don't you think you should leave the physical expressions of gratitude until Malfoy's about, Weasley? I'm certain he wouldn't appreciate your pawing Co—Creevey like that."

Zabini's voice was cold and sharp. Ginny glanced at him and was instantly struck by the knowledge that he was jealous! Of her! She felt an almost unbearable urge to lean closer and give Colin a real hug, just to put the prat's nose out of joint, but she curbed it. Colin might not thank her for playing up to Zabini's jealousy, in the first place, and, in the second, it would be very much like Su had said months ago, even though she'd been talking about Draco. It would be like prodding a very dangerous snake with a very short stick. But Colin was her friend and she wasn't going to just ignore him because Zabini didn't like it.

"I think our conversation is none of your business, Zabini."

Ginny looked, open mouthed at Colin. Had he really just said that?

"Ginny is my best friend, and that's not likely to change just because she's now got a boyfriend," Colin said in his calm, unruffled manner. "I'm sure she'll feel the same when and if," he stressed the word slightly, "I become attached to someone."

Giving her arm a last hug, Colin released it and continued walking. Ginny couldn't help one brief glance at the Slytherin trailing them. She fully expected him to be glaring at her or preparing some nasty, spiteful comment. Instead, Zabini stopped in his tracks, staring at Colin's back. His expression was one of misery, doubt and, possibly, pain. Shocked and embarrassed to have seen his emotions so clearly, Ginny turned away and caught up with Colin. Maybe Zabini's interest was more serious than Ginny had suspected. She wondered if Colin suspected, himself?

The remainder of the journey to Gryffindor was completed in a stiff, uncomfortable silence. Luckily they didn't meet up with anyone. As the portrait of the fat lady in the pink dress came into view, Ginny stopped. Colin stopped as well and looked questioningly at her. She turned to Zabini.

"Um, thank you, Zabini. For everything." Ginny held her hand out tentatively, afraid Zabini would just ignore it.

Instead, he took it and grasped it tightly. "Think nothing of it, Weasley. I'm glad Malfoy finally found someone like you. And, I'm sorry about earlier."

Ginny had to hide her shock at his words as she shook his hand. When he released her, she turned to Colin. "I'll wait inside for you, right?"

"Why? I'm coming right now," he said, moving to follow her.

Much as Colin had done a few weeks ago, Ginny placed a hand on his shoulder and stopped him.

"Talk to him, Colin. I'll wait inside."

Zabini gave her a grateful look. She smiled and hurried to the portrait.

Ginny had almost fallen asleep when Colin finally crept into the Common Room. She looked closely, but he looked as he had when she left him: calm, collected and unruffled. Except for the high colour in his cheeks and the worry line between his eyebrows. As he came toward her, Ginny scooted over on the couch and patted the space beside her. Colin sat heavily and sighed. Then he stared into the low fire in the grate.

"Well?" Ginny prompted when Colin showed no signs of talking.

"Well?" Colin asked back, still staring at the fire.

"Well, what did Zabini have to say?"

Colin frowned, reaching up to run his fingers through his hair. Uh-oh, Ginny thought. Colin wasn't given to nervous habits, and he didn't do that very often. She hoped it hadn't been unpleasant, especially since she was the one who had encouraged him to talk to the Slytherin.

"He—ah, well, he asked me if……well……" He broke off, rubbing the back of his neck.

"What? What did he ask?"

Ginny was beside herself with impatience. She wanted Colin to find someone special for himself; always had. Up to now, he'd had a few 'friends', but that was it. Despite the fact that Zabini disturbed and irritated her very much, Ginny hoped he might just be that someone.

Colin sighed again. "I think I—when he asked, I was just, you know, off guard. We just talked at first, you know, where you grew up, brothers and sisters, that sort of thing. I told him I was Muggle-born, but he said he knew. I was still a little steamed at the way he snapped at you, but it was going fine. Then he asked me if he could—you know—see me. I just--," Colin stopped, seeming at a loss for words.

Ginny's brow wrinkled. "See you? You mean he wanted you to take your clothes off? Or he wanted to see you as in 'see you again'?"

"Ginny, he asked if I would be interested in forming a relationship! That's even how he said it! How was I supposed to answer that?"

"Oh, Colin!" Ginny grinned and threw her arms round his neck. "That's wonderful! You said yes, of course?"

"Wonderful? Are you mad?" Colin dragged her arms from his neck and stared at her. "How is that wonderful? He's—he's a Slytherin! And a seventh year!"

A mischievous smile played on Ginny's lips. "Really? And just what is Draco, then? I seem to remember my best friend encouraging my interest in a seventh year Slytherin. Or did I miss something? 'Do as I say and not as I do' and all that?"

"But Ginny, you don't understand! He's manipulative and arrogant and……and….."

"And Draco isn't?" Ginny asked as Colin groped for words.

"Ginny, the guy was jealous of our friendship! He was giving you a hard time just because you held my arm! Malfoy wouldn't do that. I've watched the way he treats you, even when he's being an ass!"

"Colin" Ginny said with exaggerated patience. "Remember when Draco saw us in the hallway, just before the trip to Hogsmeade? Didn't he threaten you, just because he saw you touch my cheek? And he's still jealous of my old crush on Harry. But once he understood I only cared for him, he calmed right down. Just like Zabini did when you told him off."

"Yeah, right," Colin said moodily. This time he ran both hands through his hair, causing it to spike up every which way.

Ginny had never seen Colin like this. She wondered if anything else had happened out there in the hallway and wished she'd been a fly on the wall.

"Look, Ginny, Malfoy's right for you, but this? I don't know."

"Colin, did you bother to look at him when you told him off? No? Well I did. He looked crushed! That superior look was gone, and he wasn't even glaring at me. He just looked as though you'd taken Christmas away from him, after he'd been offered the most beautiful present of all. And he apologized to me, remember?"

"Yeah, it was disgusting the way he was trying to make up to you," Colin grouched.

"Colin Creevey! I can't believe you! You find a person who is obviously attracted to you, wants to see you, wants to get closer to you and you shove him away? Because that's what you did, isn't it? And all because he argued with me? Honestly, I'm honored that you think so much of me, but ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?"

Colin flinched back as she practically yelled the words. "I must be," he said. "I told him to sod off less than ten minutes ago and now I want to take my words back. I was just so—overwhelmed! It was so sudden!"

He turned a tragic face to her. "What should I do?"

"You didn't really say 'sod off' did you?" Ginny asked, biting her lip.

"I told him I wasn't interested and didn't think I ever would be," came the miserable reply.

"What did he say when you told him?" Ginny took Colin's hand and squeezed it, trying to comfort.

"Nothing. He just touched me," Colin lifted a hand to his cheek, as though still feeling the touch. "Then he walked away."

"Oh, Colin!" Ginny said sympathetically. "It's not as bad as I thought, at least. At least you didn't get into a yelling match. And I think you'll figure out what to do as soon as you see him. But if not, never worry. Ginny-cupid is here!"

Colin gave her a wan smile. "Gee, thanks, love. Considering the state of your love-life, I'm not really encouraged."

Grinning, Ginny gave him another hug. "Yeah, but my love-life seems to be taking a turn for the better." Yawning, Ginny stood and stretched. "Now, off to bed, and let's see how things look after breakfast."

They headed to the stairs on opposite sides of the Common Room. "Thanks for everything, Colin," Ginny called as she disappeared up to her dorm room.

Ginny took special care with her appearance the next morning. Despite telling Colin her love life was on the upswing, Ginny was very much afraid that Draco would regret most of what he'd said the night before. She didn't expect to see him at breakfast, but one never knew. She would be like the Marines and 'be prepared' until she and Draco got things sorted out. Poor Colin didn't look like he'd slept at all. He looked tired, with circles under his eyes. Ginny's heart went out to him. She'd probably looked very much like that these last few weeks.

As the students began to mill about the Common Room, waiting until it was time to go to the Great Hall, Ginny grabbed Colin's sleeve and tugged him toward the portal.

"Come on, Colin, we're going down early," she told him as they slipped out.

"Mrow?"

"Labelle! Did you stay with Draco all night? How is he?" Labelle was rubbing against Ginny's legs and making pleased purring sounds. "Are you hungry, love?"

Ginny got a sudden image of Draco laying on his bed, still looking a bit green. She chuckled. So he'd never got drunk before? This would probably cure him of wanting to try again, she was sure. Then Labelle gave her an image of a stiff looking house elf setting several bowls in front of the Kneazle.

"So you've already eaten. Good. We're going to go down to wait for someone outside the Great Hall, love. Want to come?"

Ginny sent an image of a woebegone Blaise Zabini and Labelle meowed, as though interested. Colin stopped in his tracks and gave Ginny an astonished look.

"Just whom are we waiting for?" he demanded.

"Why, your lovely dark angel, of course. Or my Adonis; whomever shows up first."

"With all the Ogden's Malfoy quaffed last night, you know he won't be out and about any time soon. Sorry, Gin. I can't! I—the things I said!"

Ginny grabbed his arm tightly and began pulling. "Oh yes you can, Colin. You're a Gryffindor, right? Show a little house pride! You can't let these Slytherins get you down, right? Now let's go!"

Ginny and Colin were hanging about the entrance hall with Labelle several minutes later. They took seats on one of the many long benches lining the halls and Labelle perched herself on a small table near the stairway to the dungeons. Colin looked around nervously while Ginny tried to calm him.

"So what else did Zabini say last night? I mean, you were out there forever."

Colin ran a finger around the neck of his knit jumper as though the collar were too tight. "He, er, told me how he admired my work. He wanted to see the life studies if I were willing to show him. And he seemed to think my healing powers were unusual. I, uh, just kind of stood there. I mean, I don't know anything about him except he's a prefect, a Slytherin, and some kind of whiz with charms. I didn't have any idea that he was gay, too."

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean anything, Colin. Hardly anyone knows about you, either. I wonder……" She stopped so abruptly that Colin looked up. She was staring beyond him, a frightened look on her face.

Ginny had been looking for Zabini, but she had been totally unprepared to see Marcus and Julius Flint, along with Augustus LeStrange and Professor Snape coming up the stairs. They hadn't been spotted yet, and Ginny cringed when she heard the Potions Master's words.

"—is strange that young Malfoy disappeared. I haven't seen him since the game. But when I find out where he was, I'll have something to say about it."

At this second, the hawk-nosed man's glittering black eyes swept the entry hall and settled on Ginny. His brows rose slightly as his eyes darted toward the man walking beside him. Then he scowled.

"What are you two Gryffindor students doing here? Don't you have someplace you're supposed to be, such as your own Common Room? If you're not going into the Great Hall, I suggest you return to Gryffindor immediately!"

Ginny and Colin had stood when the Potions Master approached, and Labelle had run toward them, taking a defensive position in front of Ginny. The two boys with Snape looked at Ginny and Colin with gloating expressions, but Marcus Flint was giving Ginny the most repulsive leer she'd ever seen. He seemed to be undressing her with his eyes, and it took all her courage not to cross her arms in front of her. Labelle hissed as the man actually puckered his lips at her and then licked them suggestively. He carefully remained slightly behind the potions master. Ginny shuddered, revolted. At that moment, Snape called the name of the person they'd been waiting for.

Blaise Zabini had come up the stairs behind the professor and now hurried to his side, roughly jostling Flint aside.

"Yes, sir?" Zabini said, not looking at either Colin or Ginny.

"You will take charge of these two," he motioned in their direction and made a face, as though smelling something unpleasant. "Return them to their Common Room. The castle shouldn't have to be polluted with their kind, but the headmaster……"

He let the sentence hang, earning sniggers from his three companions. Ginny was astounded at what he'd said, but Zabini had turned to them and was now giving them equally venomous glares.

"You Gryffindors seem to think that you have special privileges. I assure you, you're nothing special, at all. And if I hear a word from either of you, it'll be points off! Now move!"

Ginny felt her cheeks grow warm. How dared they? She and Colin had every right to be here! She opened her mouth, but Colin grabbed her wrist and squeezed, hard. Zabini gave her a brief warning frown and a slight, almost indiscernible shake of his head. He then resumed the hateful glare. "Please, Weasley, say something and make my day! I'd love to take a few points from Gryffindor today."

Ginny was utterly confused, but she turned and, walking stiffly, moved toward the stairway. When she heard the loud guffaws coming from the fifth year Slytherin boys, Ginny clenched her fists and wanted nothing more that to take up Ron's Beater's club and pound them. But Colin was still pulling her along and Zabini was following closely. As they headed up the stairs Ginny glanced behind them once. Professor Snape was leading the trio away, but even as she looked, Marcus Flint turned and have her a last leer. He mouthed something that looked frighteningly like, 'you're mine' before turning to attend to whatever Snape was saying right now. Ginny shivered and this time she did cross her arms tightly.

"Ginny!" Colin said quietly.

They'd reached the top of the staircase and Colin pulled Ginny along the corridor so they couldn't be seen from below.

"Are you all right? You're pale as a ghost!"

"And you're shivering, too, Weasley. What did that bastard do?" Zabini added, placing a hand on her arm.

Ginny looked up, surprised at the concern in Zabini's voice. Then it dawned on her that he'd only acted that way to keep up appearances. Snape, as well, if she wasn't mistaken. They'd actually protected her……again!

"I, er, I'm not sure. I think he said something like 'you're mine'! What did he mean? God, I hate that man!"

"He is a rather disgusting specimen of the sex, isn't he?" Zabini said calmly. "Whatever did you do to come to his notice in the first place? And why is he stalking you?"

"You should ask Malfoy," Colin said, an edge to his voice. "He was--,"

"Colin!" Ginny cried. "I told you that in confidence!"

Zabini eyed first Ginny, then Colin. Ginny thought his eyes lingered on Colin, but she couldn't be sure. He sighed.

"I suppose you mean the meetings the git had with that bastard, is that correct?"

Ginny bit her lip and nodded. "The first time I ever came face to face with Flint was in Diagon Alley. Labelle ran away from me and got lost in Knockturn Alley. Draco came to our rescue, but Flint was there, that first time."

Zabini's brow creased. "Did you speak with him? Encourage him in any way?"

"Of course not!" Ginny said hotly. "With his reputation? Do I look insane?"

Chuckling softly, a surprisingly pleasant sound, Zabini gave Ginny a smile. "Actually, Weasley, considering the seeming strength of your attachment to the git, I'd have to answer that with an emphatic yes."

Ginny opened her mouth to retort but closed it again with a snap. He was goading her purposely! Even Colin was grinning. She couldn't help it. The corner of her mouth quirked up, despite telling herself that it wasn't funny. It was only a moment before she began giggling, herself.

"That's better," Colin said smoothly. "I'm sorry, Gin. I was just worried, that's all. You know I wouldn't have said anything otherwise."

Ginny nodded and reached out to hug her friend. She hesitated for only a second, feeling Zabini's eyes on them, but she thought, what the hell? If Zabini couldn't get over his jealousy, Colin wouldn't have anything to do with him, anyway. She gave Colin a big hug, which he returned. Then Ginny felt another set of hands on her shoulders. She turned to see Zabini awkwardly patting her back in a very big-brotherly fashion. Colin released her and Zabini stepped away with a sheepish grin.

"Did you know I have a sister, Weasley? Your age, your height and build. And a Squib. But she's doing well. My parents sent her to a private Muggle school where she's a prefect, too. If Marcus Flint so much as looked at her, I'd have to slit his throat, so don't be surprised if I act a bit protective of you, now I'm getting to know you. I suppose you'll have to get used to having yet another brother."

"I, uh, that's—wow," Ginny said, flabbergasted. "I don't know what to say, Zabini. But, thanks!"

Colin wasn't saying anything, and he didn't bother to hide his look of disbelief. Zabini glanced his way and saw it. His face tightened a bit.

"We'd better get moving," he said suddenly. "We'll draw attention when the hordes come to graze."

Ginny glanced from one to the other, and then looked ahead. The classrooms on this level would be empty, it being Sunday. Acting on a sudden impulse, she tried the knob of the first door they came to. It was unlocked.

"Gin, what're you doing?" Colin asked as she stuck her head inside and looked around.

"Good, its empty!" she said, ignoring the question. "Come in here, you two! We need to talk!"

Zabini hesitated and Colin looked ready to go on to Gryffindor without her. Clicking her tongue, she grabbed first Zabini's wrist, then Colin's. Feeling rather like a mother with naughty two-year-olds, Ginny dragged both boys into the room and pushed the door closed with her foot. Then she fixed a deadly glare on them.

"This has gone far enough," she told them as she faced them off. "Now, first, Colin, what exactly do you have against Za—Blaise?"

Colin looked uncomfortable, but answered, "I don't have anything against him. I just don't expect to have to choose between my best friend and someone I only really met last night. No one should have to!"

"Fine," Ginny said, crisply cutting off anything else he would have said. "Uh, Blaise, do you mind if I call you that? No? Good. Now, Blaise, are you in any way, shape or form jealous of me or any of Colin's friends, and would you expect him to give them up?"

"I was jealous, Wea—Ginny," he admitted. "And I freely admit that I had no right to be so, but one can't help one's feelings, right? Also, when I thought about it, I realized that there was nothing to be jealous of." He looked up at Colin and added, "She's as disgustingly besotted with Malfoy as he is with her."

Ginny let that pass. "Right, fine. Colin, what did you tell me last night in the Common Room? About taking back your words?"

"Ginny! That was--,"

"You did?" Zabini cut in. "Did you mean it?"

Colin looked into the intense, piercing eyes and swallowed. "I don't know. I think so."

Ginny was looking from one to the other, realizing that they probably didn't even notice her anymore. She pulled their hands together; Colin's long and slim, graceful, and Zabini's large, tanned and manicured. She clasped the two hands together and backed away. Pulling the door open, Ginny was about to make a joke about not being too long, but she stopped. They were looking at one another, not speaking, but they seemed to be communicating, anyway. Ginny felt her breath catch as she saw the soft smile spread over her friend's face. Neither looked anything but masculine, but right now they were beautiful. With a sigh, Ginny and Labelle slipped out the door and hurried back to Gryffindor.

"Ginny! Where have you been? Where's Colin?"

Daisy hurried over to her side, leaving Su and Dean to the small table they shared. At this moment, Ginny felt happy with everything, so she gave Daisy a big smile.

"Hullo, Daisy. Colin and I were just doing some, uh, damage control. But he'll tell you about it when he comes back," she added quickly as she saw the questioning look on Daisy's face.

"Uh, all right, then," the girl said. "I just wanted to ask you a question. It's about the next Hogsmeade trip. Hermione says there'll be a visit, during the holidays. I—that is, Su and I were wondering if you wanted to go with us?"

Ginny raised her eyebrows. "Really?" She glanced over and saw Su watching her. The other girl gave Ginny a tentative smile and a nod.

She couldn't help the small frown that stole over her face as she returned Su's small nod. When she turned back to Daisy, though, she said, "Thanks, and all that, and I really appreciate the offer, but I think I'll be busy. "

"Busy? Doing what?" Daisy's look of disbelief was almost comical.

"I don't know, Daisy. Possibly snogging Draco silly if I get a chance. But thank you for asking."

Ginny started to turn, to head up to her room, when Daisy held her arm. "Snogging Malfoy?" she whispered incredulously. "Since when?"

Grinning secretively, Ginny shook her head and motioned to Labelle. Girl and Kneazle ran up to their room.

Breakfast was louder than usual, since many of the alums had remained in the Hogsmeade area and were joining their old houses for the meal. George had stayed, but Fred had returned to London. Angelina Johnson had stayed, as well, and the two were chatting companionably with Harry and Ron. Hermione was wolfing down her food, wanting to hurry back to her room to finish a project that yesterday's Quidditch game had interrupted. As Ginny had discovered earlier, Marcus Flint had stayed and was seated at the top of the Slytherin table, seemingly holding court with a crowd of young admirers. Ginny sat with Colin, trying to wrest details from him about Zabini, but he'd only say (smugly, too, the git!) that he and 'Blaise' had had an interesting conversation.

Draco hadn't come down to breakfast, but that wasn't surprising given the amount of alcohol he'd consumed. He was probably still sleeping it off. Ginny wondered if perhaps they shouldn't postpone their talk until tomorrow since he would probably have a horrid headache. But she wanted to see him, even if he were in a bad mood. It would be better than sitting in her room wondering what was going to happen.

Ginny was fairly successful in avoiding Marcus Flint's leering gaze, but she could feel his eyes on her through the entire meal. Thank goodness breakfast is almost over, she thought as she tried to follow George and Angelina's conversation.

"—really hated Perce, I can tell you," George was saying.

"Who hated Percy?" Ginny asked, breaking in.

Angelina rolled her eyes and jerked her sharp little chin in the direction of the Slytherin table. "That great ox, Flint," she answered, almost spitting the name out.

Ginny's eyes widened and Colin sat forward, listening intently. "What? Why?"

Angelina made a warning sound, her eyes sliding toward Ginny, but George leaned over the table, causing Harry, Ron, Ginny and Colin to lean closer.

"Think Gin's more than old enough for this, Ang," he told his former teammate. Then he looked at the others who were listening. "You know what Perce was……the perfect prefect, the 'big' Head Boy, and all that, right? He was always, you know, snooping round, trying to find kids breaking the rules. Well, one night he stumbled on Flint in one of the empty classrooms. The bastard was trying to feel up one of the third year girls! Seems he'd cornered her and dragged her off. Perce kept it quiet to protect the girl, but Flint almost got expelled."

Ginny was horrified, but George was grinning from ear to ear. "And it seems that Dumbledore gave him a choice: prosecution or a special punishment. Flint chose punishment. Know what it was?"

Now George's grin was downright evil. The others shook their heads and Angelina bit her lip.

"George," she said, warningly. George's eyes glinted.

"Imagine, you blokes, that you see a pretty girl," his eyes danced when they fell on Colin, but he continued. "Naturally you're interested, and naturally, especially for you hormone mad teens, your body reacts. So, imagine that each time your body reacts 'naturally', you feel like your ballocks are on fire, oops, sorry Gin, Ang. Imagine that your 'testicles' feel like someone just tried ripping 'em off with red-hot tongs!"

All the boys groaned and unconsciously clamped their thighs together. George grinned again.

"That's what Flint's punishment was. He was hexed. They didn't use some impotence spell, but a real ball-burner! And Flint blames Perce!"

Now George was struggling not to laugh. He needn't have bothered, as Harry and Ron were nearly falling out of their seats with an overdose of mirth. Even Angelina was chuckling. Ginny was aghast! No wonder Flint was so eager to hurt her! He wanted revenge!

Swallowing against the sudden knot in her throat, Ginny asked, "When did they take the hex off?"

Now George's smile was malicious. "The last day of school! Bloody bastard was neutered the whole damn year!"

Ginny excused herself, suddenly feeling sick.

"Ginny, are you sure you'll be all right here, alone?"

She'd left the Great Hall nearly running, Colin right behind. By the time she'd made it to Gryffindor, she'd finally calmed down enough to think straight. Regardless of how he looked at her, Marcus Flint was unlikely to do anything to her right here in the castle, right? Especially when she had Draco, Colin and Zabini all watching out for her. And she had Labelle, as well. It was reassuring to know that she had such a formidable army on her side, and she actually pitied anyone who tried to hurt her with her champions at her side.

Besides, she told herself sternly. She wasn't helpless. She was pretty good with her wand, and if she kept making scenes, Colin would demand to stay by her side every second she wasn't with Draco! As if to illustrate her point, Colin was now standing with her and Labelle in front of the library door looking undecided. Gryffindor had the Quidditch pitch for two hours before the Hufflepuff team would take it. And that was where Colin was supposed to be right now. Ginny gave him an amused shake of her head and a little shove.

"Go, already! Ron'll tear it out of your hide if you're late, especially since Slytherin played so well yesterday."

Colin hesitated. "But that Flint fellow is still lurking around!"

"Honestly, Colin," Ginny said, impatiently. "You know Draco's going to be here any minute. And if he doesn't show up," she paused for only a second, not wanting to admit that she was worried about that possibility, "I'll wait here and send Labelle to you after practice. All right? I won't venture out by myself."

He didn't look happy, but Colin finally nodded. "All right. But send Labelle the instant you need me, right? Don't worry about practice!"

He knelt in front of the Kneazle and gave her a soft scratch. "You know where I'll be, love, right?" The kitten meowed and Colin left, casting a backward glance as Ginny let herself into the library. There were even fewer students than normal and Ginny sighed with relief. Just in case she and Draco got into an argument, it would be comforting that half the school was not listening in. Labelle had snuck in right behind her, and was now moving quickly under desks and chairs toward her favorite window seat in the back. Ginny grinned. As big as the kitten had gotten, it was a wonder she could go unnoticed any longer. A quick glance showed her that the librarian wasn't in the immediate area and Ginny hurriedly followed Labelle.

Out of curiosity, Ginny looked for the book on flobberworms, wondering whether it had ever been properly filed. Labelle was perched on one of the window seat cushions, casually grooming herself, and Ginny sat beside her. Labelle crawled onto Ginny's lap and Ginny gave her a good scratching.

"I've been neglecting you, sweet," she said apologetically.

The Kneazle nuzzled Ginny's neck and purred happily. After a moment, though, she hopped down and glided off. Ginny hopped down to look for the flobberworm book. She shrugged when she couldn't find it, and decided to browse through the other sections. Maybe she'd ask Madam Pince if she'd seen Ginny's novel. Then, again, she might just skip talking to the librarian, since the woman always gave Ginny suspicious looks now.

Glancing at the clock on the wall, Ginny saw that it was already ten minutes after eleven. Perhaps Draco wasn't going to show up, after all, she thought, dejected. She had promised Colin, though, so she would wait. Looking over the titles in front of her, she smiled suddenly. Here was yet another book that she couldn't imagine anyone would read.

'Mysterious Molds of Middle Eastern Mummies' by Emma Balmear. Ginny's nose wrinkled. Could anyone really have been interested enough in the subject to have written an entire book on it? As she opened the front cover to have a look, she heard the voice she'd been waiting for.

"So, you've got that big Weasley nose buried in another book?"

Closing the book, Ginny resolutely faced the young man she'd been waiting on. She was afraid to meet his eyes; afraid that all the things he'd said the night before had been nothing more than the alcohol speaking.

"G-good morning, Draco," she said, finally meeting his eyes. Then she gasped.

He was gazing at her with a soft, almost gentle smile on his face. Labelle was resting comfortably in his arms, a smug expression covering her feline features.

"Good morning, little weasel," he answered, his voice like a caress.

She couldn't believe that soft, caressing voice was for her after his first statement. Clearing her throat, she said, "You seem to be doing okay after the Ogden's last night. No hangover?"

Chuckling, he stepped closer. "Thank Creevey. He slipped me an anti-hangover potion last night. Worked a treat. Lot of drunken Gryffindors for him to practice on?"

Ginny shrugged. "A few."

She took a step forward and reached for Labelle's head, to scratch the Kneazle.

"I believe this," Draco said quietly, hefting the large Kneazle. "Is yours."

"Labelle!" Ginny whispered nervously, unable to hide the smile that was spreading across her face. "I told you you're too big to be carried any more!"

Labelle meowed and shifted in Draco's arms. He set her on the floor where she yawned and stretched. Bumping affectionately against Ginny's legs, Labelle meowed again, then jumped up to the window seat. Ginny watched her. When she turned back, Draco had moved much closer.

"Don't I get a thanks for rescuing her? The librarian could have caught her, you know."

Draco leaned toward her but stopped when she said, "Only if we're not going to be interrupted this time."

Her voice was breathless, her heart racing. He grinned, a wicked, sexy grin that caused a thrill to course over her. Taking the book from her suddenly slack grip, Draco slipped it on top of the nearest stack and reached for her hand. Ginny looked startled, as though she hadn't realized she was still holding the thing, but when his hand closed over hers, she held it tightly.

"Let's go somewhere more private, then," he said, pulling her gently.

"But I was thinking of checking that one out," Ginny teased.

Draco glanced at the book and smirked. "Right, then, little weasel, we'll just wait until the librarian finishes her inventory. Probably another thirty or forty minutes."

He pulled her hand to his lips and added, "Or we can come and get it later?"

"Get what later?" she whispered, closing the minute distance between them.

"Too right," Draco breathed. "Let's go!"

He tugged her again, but stopped abruptly.

"You go first; I'll follow in a minute," he said suddenly.

Ginny gave him a sharp look, and he rolled his eyes. "It's for your protection, Weasley," he snapped. Then he sighed. "It's not because I'm ashamed to be seen with you or any of that other rot that's going through your head right now, all right?"

Ginny thought about that and finally replied, "More explanations?"

Looking resigned, Draco nodded. "That and I have to sneak past the old bat again. I'm not her favorite person just now. Just wait outside for me. I'll be right there."

Ginny looked down and nodded in return. She hurried to the entrance and slipped out the door, Labelle on her heels. Then she waited. On the one hand, she was upset and hurt that he hadn't wanted to walk out with her in public. On the other hand, he'd come when he didn't have to. He was here and he seemed to want to be with her. He'd said it was for her protection and he would explain that remark. She decided she'd just wait to see what he said.

The hallway was empty and, as promised, Draco joined her within moments. "This way," he said.

He led her down the corridor toward the back passages, the same ones Ginny had used to sneak to the kitchens. Instead of going down, though, he led her up the stairs. Labelle trotted along beside them, occasionally darting ahead as if to investigate. They traveled in uncomfortable silence until Draco finally said, "'Mysterious Molds'?"

Despite being a little upset with him, Ginny giggled. "Why not," she answered. "It must be a fascinating subject since someone actually wrote a book about it."

He gave her a smirk as he moved off the stairs and down a dark corridor. "Someone wrote a biography about the life of Cornelius Fudge, but I doubt they were lining up to buy that one, either! And I think I've already mentioned your awful taste in literature."

Ginny sniffed and turned her nose up slightly. "I suppose you think Merlin's 'Memoirs' made for fascinating reading?"

"Dead boring," he admitted. "So you don't limit your reading to pulp romances?"

Ginny grinned at his tone of mild disapproval. "I suppose you only read the classics? None of those men's magazines for you, is that it?"

Draco's eyes glittered as he studied her. "Jealous?" he teased. "Besides, I just buy them for the articles."

Rolling her eyes, Ginny said, "Oh, yeah, like I haven't heard that before. And for your information, I do read other things. Pulp romance has its place, but it'll never replace things like Morgana's 'Tales of Avalon' or 'Search for the World Manitou' by that Native American author, or even the works of Muggle writers like Austin, and Shakespeare and Dickens."

Draco raised his eyebrows. "You've read all those? I'm impressed." He paused and looked around, as though checking directions. Turning down an even darker hallway, he said, "Shakespeare? And I'll bet 'Romeo and Juliet' was your favorite, right?"

"Hmph," Ginny sniffed. "Actually, I thought that was the stupidest thing I ever read. I mean, how are they going to ever work anything out when they're both dead? How stupid was that?"

"Not a very romantic outlook, Weasley," Draco said.

Ginny wished she could see his face, but he was walking slightly in front of her and besides, it was very dark in this corridor. She could barely see the Kneazle walking beside her.

"Yeah, well, my idea of romance doesn't involve killing myself. I mean, it's one thing to die for someone else, but to kill yourself? That's just dumb."

Draco seemed to ponder that. "Well, what about the 'modern classics'? Don't you like those?"

Ginny shrugged. "I don't know. Most of the modern works are all sex and violence. There's enough violence in the world right now without having to read about more."

"And the sex?" he asked, sounding amused.

Blushing, Ginny was glad the small passage was so dark. "I'm, um, not really ready for sex yet. I guess that's why I like the older romances more. The characters get to know each other before just hopping in the sack and saying, 'right, then, how 'bout a quick shag?' It's romance, not just having it off."

Ginny's cheeks were burning, but she forced herself to look at Draco. She knew she was in the minority on this subject, but that was how she felt. Not that she actually thought everyone should wait for marriage, but she did think people should at least care for and respect one another instead of jumping into bed with perfect (or imperfect) strangers. Draco had actually stopped when she'd made her innocent little speech and was now staring at her. Then she flushed even harder when she realized that she had as good as announced that she was still a virgin. Standing straight, she gave him a challenging look, waiting for his reaction.

"And when you're ready?" he asked breathlessly.

"I'll be sure you're the first to know," she responded without thinking. She clapped her hands over her mouth wondering desperately what it was about these Slytherins that made her just blurt out the first thing she thought of?

"Good!" Draco said, flashing a quick smile that she only caught since he'd moved very close. "I won't hold my breath but I'll be eagerly waiting."

He didn't wait for her response. Instead he took her hand and led her to stand before a small door. It looked like it led to a broom closet and Ginny looked curiously at the young man beside her.

"Is this it?" she asked, her stomach suddenly fluttering.

"It's not much," he said in an odd, strained voice. "But it is private."

Ginny stifled a nervous giggle as Draco pulled out his wand. She had a sudden, vivid image of her and Draco kissing in a broom closet and accidentally tripping on the various mops, buckets, bins and other housekeeping instruments.

Draco opened the door and Ginny gasped. Bright, dazzling coloured light streamed out to spill onto the floor of the dark passage. Ginny stepped into the small room, Labelle beside her, and was instantly enchanted. The room was small, but hardly a broom closet.

Opposite the door was a large stained glass window that was letting in all the bright, warm light and bathing the room in a rainbow glow. The window actually consisted of three large panes that stretched from the ceiling to just above the floor. The design was abstract and beautiful. As she advanced farther into the room, Ginny saw that the room was sparsely furnished, but looked as though it might have, at one time, been a music room. There were music stands lined up in the corner, dusty and disused. An old upright piano sat against one wall and cushioned, straight-backed chairs were stacked in various places. Along the opposite wall a raised platform ran the width of the room, under the large, triple paneled stained glass window. Ginny stood in the center of the room and turned in a circle, to see the entire room, easily able to imagine quaint little music recitals having been held here some time in the past.

Ginny knew she must have a look of childish awe on her face, but she couldn't help it. She finally turned back to Draco. He was standing with his back against the closed door and Ginny expected to see the usual smirk. Instead, he was closely watching her, his own expression carefully blank. Without thinking, she hurried to him, reaching for his hands.

"It's--it's beautiful!" she breathed, holding his hands to her chest.

He seemed to relax. "So my angel is pleased?" he asked quietly.

"I love it!" she answered honestly. "How--,"

She didn't get the chance to finish her question, before she was gathered roughly into his arms. Her hands were trapped against his chest as he wrapped an arm around her waist. His other hand came up to tangle in the hair at her nape. As he drew her head back, he breathed, "No interruptions."

Then his mouth covered hers. Heaven, Ginny thought, as his lips moved softly over hers, teasing her mouth open gently. Of all the things she had ever expected from this young man, this intoxicating, seductive gentleness was the last. She moaned softly as one hand roamed down her spine to her hip, gripping suddenly. Just as suddenly, the kiss went from soft and seeking to hungry and demanding. As her lips parted, he drove his tongue into her mouth. He pulled her tightly to him, fitting her to his lean frame. A surge of o heat shot through her and she struggled to free her arms and wrap them around his neck.

Draco made a low, rough sound in his throat and broke off the kiss. He pulled her off balance, turning so that she was now backed against the door. Ginny gasped as he took her mouth again in a deep, hungry kiss. Wave after wave of heat crashed over her. Moaning again, Ginny tangled her hands in his long hair, holding his mouth to hers and answering his kiss with all the feeling in her. His hands tightened on her hips and he pressed more firmly against her, in a slow, maddening rhythm. Oh, dear lord, she thought. Whatever he was doing to her, she didn't want it to stop! His hands were now kneading the firm flesh of her hips and Ginny felt herself moving, too, trying to match his rhythmic movements. Her hands released his hair and slipped down his spine to grip at his hips. He gasped suddenly and flinched.

Ginny's heart raced as she pulled her mouth from his. "Draco! You're still hurt! I'm—so sorry!"

"It's nothing," he hissed, refusing to let her squirm away.

His voice was urgent, strained. He was still moving against her, and his mouth now moved across her cheek to the hollow of her neck. Ginny sighed softly as he sucked gently at the sensitive flesh. She had hurt him and it wasn't nothing. But how on earth was she to stop when it felt so wonderful to be held like this, to be kissed like this? With a groan, she tangled her fingers in his hair and pulled his mouth to hers again. He took her mouth desperately, plunging his tongue in and tasting, caressing the soft slickness of hers. His hands moved up her waist to graze lightly over her ribs. Ginny shivered, lost in the heat of the kiss.

When his hands brushed over her breasts, though, she jerked as though shocked.

"I'm sorry!" he whispered, pulling his mouth from hers. "I--,"

Ginny closed her hands over his, holding them there and looking shyly at him. "I should be the one apologizing. I said I wasn't ready for sex, but I couldn't stop myself. I must seem like a tease."

Draco gave her a strained smile. Pulling his hands free, he grasped her waist and moved back a step. "I'm glad you didn't want to stop. Good for the ego, you know. And just as long as you don't tease anyone but me, I might just survive," he joked. "Besides, I started it."

"If you hadn't, I would have," Ginny admitted, earning a real, if brief smile.

"Look, angel, I didn't mean to come on so strong," he explained, "I just wanted to kiss you, really kiss you, I mean, before I explained everything. Just in case."

Ginny looked at her feet and scuffed one idly. She frowned before looking around the room.

"Well, then, we'd better get started, don't you think?" she said, taking his hand and pulling him toward the small platform. "We can sit here, all right?"

Draco's expression was stiff, but he sat anyway. Ginny really looked at him and started giggling. He frowned.

"What!" he demanded, looking as bad tempered as usual. For some reason, that made her giggle even harder.

"If you're only here to laugh at me, Weasley…" he began, when Ginny finally controlled herself.

"I'm sorry, Draco, but it's just that you so remind me of one of my favorite characters in a book! You're hair is all a wreck and you're scowling so, and you're cross and irritated! You're just like Edward Rochester in 'Jane Eyre'!"

Before he could say a word, Ginny sank onto his lap. "I have the most irresistible urge to ask if you have a pocket comb about you so I can comb that ruffled mane of yours!"

Giving her one of his more mild glares, Draco said, "Fine, Weasley, if you want to laugh at me, you can just find somewhere else to sit."

This statement, however, sent the girl into whoops!

"Oh, Draco!" she gasped, trying to catch her breath. "Edward told Jane the same thing!" Ginny wrapped her arms around his neck and snuggled closer, wriggling around to get more comfortable. She didn't seem to notice his groan, but she smiled when he closed his arms about her. "Jane told Edward that she was quite comfortable where she was and if he didn't like it, he would have to push her off!"

Draco sighed. With an air of resignation, he fished into a pocket with one hand and withdrew a comb. "Fine, Weasley, have it your own way. I knew it would come to this, after all."

Ginny looked at the comb and then up at him, all at once feeling shy again. He was regarding her with a pained expression. "One kiss and a little wiggle of your bottom and I'm wrapped around your little finger. How the mighty have fallen. Sad, really."

His eyes glinted as he said this, though. Ginny smiled. He was teasing her. Ginny stood, drawing an immediate protest, but she only moved onto the platform and kneeled behind him.

"It's easier this way," she informed him, lifting the comb to his hair. "And more relaxing for you. So, if you're ready, let's start with Knockturn Alley."

Draco sighed, but seemed to relax. Then he started talking.

"That's probably the wrong place to start," he told her. "I should probably start with the beginning of summer."

He paused, but Ginny kept silent. She was afraid to interrupt; afraid to do anything that might cause him to stop talking once he started. She knew there was a lot that she wouldn't like, but she needed to know, if only to know how to keep herself safe. After a moment, he started again.

"Um, I believe that more than once you've mentioned something about my vanity, right?"

"Well," Ginny said cautiously, "what I said was that humility and self-effacement seemed to be sadly lacking in your personality."

He chuckled, a low rumble that caused a flush of heat to spread over her. "In other words, I'm a conceited, arrogant so and so, right?"

He continued without waiting for an answer. "I'm vain, and even I admit it. Probably my greatest weakness, besides a certain red-haired Gryffindor who shall remain nameless, but certainly isn't that prat brother of yours! Anyway, flattery is probably the easiest way to manipulate me, besides your own unique method of insults, snide remarks and seduction."

Ginny flushed.

"Enough, though. I'm overly prone to flattery. I'll admit that. When my father told me he wanted me to take the mark, much earlier than most people were allowed, I wasn't really sure, but when he started filling my head with tales of how uniquely gifted I was, how Voldemort, himself, had requested it, and how I, even at my age, would be a powerful tool for the cause, I was naturally honored.

"If my father had waited a year, the result would have probably been quite different. If he had at least forgone the celebration party afterward, things would have probably been a lot different. As it was, I was given a party to celebrate my 'initiation' into the most select group of murderers and lunatics I've ever met. The party was like an excuse for an orgy, with a sacrificial goat, so to speak, for the finale."

Ginny blanched, but she was very careful to keep her hands moving smoothly over his hair, combing away the tangles she'd caused. He paused again, as though waiting for a comment, but she remained silent. With a shrug he continued.

"It was all right at first. But then they started drinking. They were taking drugs, too, I think, but I'm not sure. It was disgusting. A bunch of adults getting smashed and pawing one another. Then one of the women came up to me and started trying to undress me, but my father told her I was saving myself for the main event. So, here I am, wandering about and trying not to step on the couples strewn about my father's parlor, trying to convince myself that I'm having a good time. Just then a man walked in and shouted that it was time."

He shuddered at the memory and Ginny longed to wrap her arms around him. But she was horrified, as well, picturing what he was telling her.

"The doors opened and there was a young woman standing there! A girl, really, since she was barely older than we are!"

Draco's voice became strangled and high as he spoke.

"She must have been under an Imperius curse, because she just strolled in casually, even though she was stark naked and bound at the wrists. The man, Marcus Flint, walked behind her and he—he kept—touching her! He grabbed and pinched and—other things! And she just ignored him! When she got to the end of the room, he told her to turn around and show the 'ladies and gentlemen'," Draco was sneering as he said it, "what a treat they were in for!

"The woman, girl, turned and lifted her arms. She must have been coached, because she—she spread her legs, too, just so everyone could get a good look!"

Ginny felt her stomach tighten up. She'd heard rumours, of course, but had discounted them as propaganda. She was very much afraid that it was going to get much, much worse.

Draco was still talking, almost as though now he'd started he couldn't stop. "The men leered, and some of the women, too. And then my 'father' stepped up and called me! 'Come, Draco,' he called. 'It's your night and the honor is yours!'"

Draco's whole body was rigid. Ginny put the comb down and gently began to knead his neck. She didn't want to hear what happened next, but he seemed to need to speak and she couldn't bring herself to stop him.

"I—I walked up there. I was the only one in the whole room with all my clothes still on! Even my f-fucking father was half-naked! I asked him what he meant and he told me I had to 'plough the little Muggle bitch'! That's exactly what he said! And wasn't I the lucky one to get her first, since I was the guest of honor! After me, she'd be used by anyone in the room who wanted! God! They even had 'tools' for the women to use! It—I was disgusted! I couldn't do it! I just wanted to get out of there! My father told me not to disgrace the family! What a joke!"

Again the young man stopped and Ginny knew he was replaying the scene in his mind, reliving the horror he must have felt. He clenched his fists tight and closed his eyes.

"I practically ran to my room and barred the door. I didn't have to bother; I understand that Flint claimed my privilege since he'd actually gone out and got the girl and I didn't want her. I also understand that after the girl had been raped and brutalized she was dumped back on the streets of her home village, naked and babbling and completely mad."

He shuddered. "Such an elite group I chose to join, don't you think?"

Ginny couldn't suppress her own shudder. He must have felt it. He turned suddenly, his face bleak.

"I swear to you, angel, on anything I value, on my life and my mother's life, that I didn't touch the girl! I really didn't have a clue what went on at those 'initiations'." he said urgently. "Please believe that!"

"I do," Ginny whispered. "It's just so—shocking."

He grabbed her shoulders and Ginny could feel him shaking. "That's probably the worst of it," he said roughly. "After I'd 'disgraced' myself at my own party, my father told me I needed to do something to restore my position. He told me that I would be trusted with a mission of great importance. Not that I believed his flattery anymore. I'm sure that if I'd participated, he would have 'rewarded' me with the same job. What it boiled down to was that I had to meet with Flint to get the details.

"Whether you believe it or not, I loathed Flint by that time, but I went to the meeting anyway, knowing that if I didn't, my father would make life very miserable for me and my mother. So, here I was, listening to Flint bragging about his performance at the party and learning what a really sick fuck he is when who should happen along but innocent little Virginia Weasley!

"I might have done the same thing for any young girl who'd wandered by just then, but I don't know. I did know that I couldn't let him near you, though, so I dragged you away as fast as I could. Unfortunately, he saw you and was instantly obsessed. He kept asking about you, wanting to know who you were and what you were to me."

Draco's eyes were tortured as he said, "All I could imagine was him doing to you what he said he'd done to the Muggle girl."

Ginny was shivering almost as hard as Draco now, and Labelle jumped up on the platform to mewl soothingly to her. Draco released her and pulled the kitten into his arms. "I'm sorry, Labelle. I'm hurting Ginny and I don't mean to."

He stroked the Kneazle and looked into Ginny's eyes. "I know it sounds ridiculous, angel, but I fell for you the second you touched me, all on your own, for no reason other than to thank me. When you kissed me, I was just lost! I—I don't express my feelings well, or often, so you won't hear me say it a lot, but I—I care for you. Very much. I want you to know that."

Before Ginny could reply he sort of shook himself and turned away again. "Anyway, I couldn't let Flint know how I really felt or he would have 'reported' to my father. And that would have been a disaster. My father would have hounded your family, he would have tried to make life as miserable for them as possible, and he might have tried to hurt you! Or worse, he might have tried to convert you to his side! I tried not to let it show here; Flint's got spies in Slytherin, and my father has his own spies in Hogsmeade. I tried to keep you away, or make you hate me. I didn't want to hurt you. But, God, how I loved it when you wouldn't let me push you away."

He fell silent again, and Ginny moved closer. Cautiously she began to massage his neck again. Draco sighed and leaned into her fingers. "That feels so good," he said. "Where—never mind. With six brothers, you were probably the one to bandage knees and rub backs, right?"

Ginny nodded, even though he couldn't see it. His story so far was awful, but not as bad as she'd imagined. Unless he was flat-out lying, he was nearly blameless in everything that had happened. Relief flooded over her and left her feeling weak and sick. Gathering her courage, she asked another question.

"You explained the mark," she said timidly, continuing the massage. "But what was this 'important mission'? Or can't you tell me?"

"Manipulative. Lulling me into a sense of security, then pouncing again. Did the sorting hat really try to put you into Slytherin? I can believe it."

With another deep sigh, he began again.

"You know most of it already. I was supposed to smuggle that book from the library and turn it over to Flint or my father. You know I didn't take the book from the library, but what you don't know is that I did steal it from the restricted section."

Ginny saw him grin tightly. "Did you know my special talent is transfiguration, little weasel?"

Frowning, Ginny wondered what that had to do with anything when it suddenly fit into place. "'Fascinating Flobberworms'!" she cried. "You disguised the book as something no one in their right mind would ever check out!"

She felt more than heard his quiet chuckle. "I told Zabini you were a sharp one. If you hadn't been distracted by the mark and all, you would have figured it out sooner. You knew I was covering something up, just not what."

"And the 'Mysterious Molds'? Was that your doing, too?"

He turned to her. "Right again, little weasel. I had to find a new hiding place, so I had you leave the library before me. You seem to have an instinct for finding that bloody book."

"But, then, why didn't you tell the Headmaster? Why did you let them give you detention and blame you?"

"Because it fit in our plan. If everyone thought I took the book, but got caught, that would explain why the damned thing disappeared. Of course the Headmaster would take it somewhere else to protect it, right? Which is what I told my father and Flint. But what were we going to do when you popped up claiming that I'd been wronged? That I hadn't taken anything from the library? God, I wanted to strangle you!"

He lifted his hand to her throat, but his touch was soft and gentle. "But not as much as I wanted to kiss you for defending me. You were—are—unbelievable."

He leaned forward and brushed her lips again, and Ginny sighed. Then something else snapped into place.

"Snape! And the Headmaster! They both knew what you were doing! They both know that you're marked!"

Draco nodded, waiting. "That means that they know about me, and Flint and everything, right?"

"Well, not everything," he answered. "They know that I'll never serve Voldemort, and that I'll probably be disowned by the end of the year. Snape suspects my feelings for you, and the old windbag does, too, I'm sure. I'm also sure they expected me to tell you much sooner, but they don't know what Flint is like. If he finds out about us, it'll make him twice as eager to get you. And if he touches you, I will cut his heart out and chop it into tiny pieces. After I slit his throat."

His expression and tone chilled Ginny. He was absolutely serious. Taking Ginny's hand he said, "I'm NOT a nice person, angel. I've done awful things that I'm not the least bit sorry about. I don't like Muggles or Mudbloods and I'll probably never accept them. But I—care for you very much, and I'll never hurt you on purpose again. I'll probably never try to kill myself for you or anyone, I agree with you there, but I would die for you."

Ginny swallowed. "Well, then, Draco," she said, trying for a light tone. Unfortunately her voice began to quiver. "You'd better j-just see that it doesn't come to that, right? If you get y-yourself killed, I'm not forgiving you. I—I l-love you, Draco."

"You love me," he breathed, pulling her into his arms.

His lips crashed against hers and he lowered her back onto the platform. Ginny sighed and brought one hand up to lock behind his neck. She wrapped the other around his waist, pulling him down, until his chest rested firmly against her. Draco slid his tongue smoothly into her mouth, caressing her lips before sliding over her teeth to tease her own tongue. It was wicked and wonderful and Ginny wanted more. Arching up to him, she pressed herself against him and tried to urge him closer.

They ended up with legs entwined, arms wrapped around the other, and Draco kissing Ginny as though his life depended on it. Ginny somehow managed to drag Draco's robes and shirt up, and was now caressing his smooth, hard back. Draco groaned as her hands moved lower, toward his buttocks. He pushed himself up on his arms and looked at her.

Ginny knew her face would be flushed and her hair was probably wild. She didn't realize that her eyes were dark and soft and her lips swollen from his kisses, inviting and irresistible and making him want to make love to her right there. But she did know what she felt.

"Draco," she whispered, reaching up to touch his flushed cheeks. "I--I think I'm ready."