12

Late Night Visits...

Ginny folded the last outft into her dresser and turned at the knock on her door.

After a moment, she realized the other person (unlike her family) was actually waiting for permission. "Come in." she called, before realizing it could be Malfoy.

Through the door came a short, skinny brunette who Ginny recognized as Paks Twist. "Hi, I hope I'm not interrupting..." she began shyly.

"No, not at all." Ginny said, sitting on her bed and motioning the other girl in.

Paks entered and looked about the room. "Wow, you really got this nice looking." She walked over to the dresser. "Is this your family?"

Ginny chuckled. "You bet." she walked over and pointed to the family photo. "This is my Mum. There's dad, next to Percy. Fred, George and Ron. Charlie and Bill. That's Hermione, sort of an honorary member along with Harry."

Paks looked at her with wide eyes. "You know Harry Potter?"

Ginny chuckled again and threw herself on her bed. "Yeah. Everybody seems surprised about that. We almost dated during my fifth year."

"Wow. Um... What about that Malfoy kid?"

Ginny sat up. "Who? Draco?" she immediately kicked herself. Why the hell did she have to go and say his name.

"Yeah," Paks began. "Is he... you know... single?"

Ginny laughed. She was seated somewhat precariously on the bed and she slipped to the floor, still laughing. "I'm sorry," she gasped. "But the thought of Malfoy with any one is just..." she broke off, laughing.

"Really? 'Cause I thought you two were an item."

Ginny sat up fast. Her hazel green (happy, kamakitty?) eyes fixed the Durmstrang student to the spot. "Get this straight," GInny growled. "I have never, nor will I ever be in my present state of sanity, an 'item' with Draco Malfoy."

Paks stared wide eyed at GInny. "I'm sensing a certain hostility here."

Ginny had just collapsed on her bed again after saying good night to Paks when there was another knock at the door. She looked up as Hermione Granger entered the room. Hermione gave the room a once over as she crossed to Ginny's bed and sat down.

"Looks nice Gin."

GInny eyed her friend suspiciously. "I know you didn't come in here to approve of my decorating choices."

Hermione smiled. "No. Gin," she turned to face to the younger girl. "Why didn't you tell me about this bet with Malfoy?"

"What bet?"

"The one he was talking about on the train ride."

"Oh that one." She shrugged. "We got into a dispute over some menial things on one of my off days."

Hermione, having seen Ginny on one of those off days, nodded understandingly.

"Well, I guess It was stupid, but I boasted I could ruin his reputation and he said He could get me in bed."

Hermione raised both her eyebrows but remained silent. She had seen the looks Malfoy shot her way and the protectiveness he eminated when she was around. She had the feeling this thing called revenge would lead to an equally dangerous thing that could cause both thier ruins.

Love.