A/N: Bugger, it took me a lot of days to encourage myself to continue this story. I was contemplating on what should happen next...

Chapter IV—

She couldn't believe what had happened...

She had just kissed her worst enemy!

It could've been a gazillion Galleons better even if she had kissed Kreacher.

'How dare he enjoy every second of it! How dare he make me topple on the floor and kiss him to make it sound like I was the one who started it?' she thought.

She glanced askew on the mirror beside her, before taking off her clothes. She gently put her feet on the warm bath before her, and pushed open the silver faucet that released mildly tepid water. She scrubbed the sponge against her velvety skin, forming soap suds. She enjoyed the lukewarm water, its heat thoroughly comforting her. She idly let herself sank lower to the bottom of the tub, closing her eyes, and began meditating. She suddenly recollected a painful memory she had just had hours ago.

Every second of it was displeasing to her, and awfully enjoyed by the ferret.

She went back to the surface, gasping for air. Placing a hand on her lips, she could still feel the kiss lingering on hers. She had to admit that it made an odd sensation: Merlin's beard, no matter how hard she had forced herself not to admit it, it felt indescribably beautiful. She had liked it, and if not for the Weasley-Malfoy family feud, the kiss could have lasted a little bit longer.

Ginny shook her head vigorously, trying to eliminate the foolish thought existing in her head. She rubbed some soap against her lips, as if it will erase Draco's kiss engraved in it. She poured some fragrance (that Hermione had sent her when she was on a vacation in Paris) on her hair, and rinsed it afterwards. Feeling good about herself, she used a drying charm all over her body, and quickly changed into new robes.

When she had reached the Gryffindor Common Room, she was surprised to see Harry, sitting on an overstuffed chair beside the fireplace. He glanced at her the moment she had climbed out of the portrait hole.

'Good afternoon, Ginny.', Harry greeted her.

She pushed another chair beside him, and sat on it.

'Same to you,', she replied abruptly.

The Common Room was very quiet. Everyone else was in his classes. Ron was holding the Quidditch practice. Harry was alone before she came in.

'Where have you been?', he asked her unpleasantly.

'I've been to Snape's office', she lied, 'doing detention. Then I went to the bathroom to take a bath.'

Harry surveyed her figure doubtfully. He summoned a platter of dinner from a table beside the window, and it soon floated in front of Ginny. It was filled with a bowl of soup, kidney pie, some cakes, and a goblet of pumpkin juice.

'Here, eat. I know you haven't eaten your lunch. I nicked it out from the kitchens. Dobby made it for you.'

She smiled at the thought of his concern.

'Gee, thanks. You shouldn't have.'

She helped herself with a mouthful of the pie, and hungrily finished the soup. Harry's eyes grazed on her adorable face. She still looked beautiful, even when she's wolfing down some food. No wonder he was deeply in love with her. Every time he was in total mess, Ginny stood beside him defending her with all her might. For him, Ginny meant happiness and love. He can't imagine his life being happy without her. He was afraid of losing her.

'Is there something wrong with my face?', Ginny mumbled, after she gulped some juice down her throat. Harry had been watching her intently.

He hastily concealed the fact that he had been staring at her for a long time.

'Er, there's a bit of pie on your nose. Here, let me remove it,' he grabbed a handkerchief from one of his pockets, and rubbed it against the bridge of her nose to remove the dirt.

'Thanks.'

'No problem.'

He flourished his wand in an instant, and before Ginny knew it, the platter had vanished.

'Ginny?'

'Yes?'

'Er, I just want to ask you if…', Harry's words trailed so slowly.

'If what?', she advanced eagerly.

'Would you accept this?'

He held out a small box on his hand. Ginny knew what was inside it.

'No.' A dreadful reply came out of her mouth. She cursed herself for saying it. Something inside her forced her not to.

'Er, well, I just thought if you might've liked it', said Harry, his face flushed.

'Sorry, Harry.'

'No, its ok. I'll just wait for your affirmation.' He smiled weakly, his eyes beginning to release sorrow. He looked hurt.

Ginny could have slapped herself for saying that to Harry. She didn't mean it. She was just, sort of, surprised. He stood up, and began heading towards the portrait hole, hiding his tears.

Ginny scurried towards him.

'Harry, wait!', she called unto him. The Fat Lady began to move in her portrait to witness the scene before her.

He stopped, and turned to face her. Ginny walked in front of him, flung her arms around him, with her hands on the back of his neck. She planted a gentle kiss on his lips. Harry was shocked for a few seconds, then kissed her, pressing his lips harder on hers. He moved one hand unto her hair, feeling its silky texture.

Ginny broke the kiss, and looked at him.