A/N-Okay, this may be it for a few days. I'm struggling here. Forgive me for all the dialogue! This was more of a transitional chapter to make the ending more understandable...Or it's just me rambling on because I can't bridge the gap between now and the ending. Ugh!

Chapter Nine

Distinguished Alterations

As she approached her dormitory she noticed an envelope propped against the portrait. It was from Viktor. She tore it open in a panic and read it quickly.

Hermioninny,

An unexpected interview has been planned for tonight. I cannot reschedule. To make it up to you I have enclosed two tickets to the Quidditch World Cup. It will be held on December 26th. I expect you to bring Draco Malfoy to watch over you during the match. Since the season has started again I'm afraid I won't see you until then.

Love,

Viktor

Hermione cried out tears of happiness as she re-read the letter. Something outside the window caught her eye. She saw the figure of a man heading towards Hogsmeade. "Draco!"

She took off towards the oak doors and threw them open. "Draco! Draco!" He had almost reached the entrance to Hogsmeade when he finally heard her yelling from behind. He stopped and watched her bolt across the grounds. "Draco wait!"

He laughed to himself as she tripped on a rock and tumbled down a small hill. She didn't bother brushing herself off as she darted off towards him again. "Draco!" She jumped into his arms and wrapped her legs around his waist which he supported with his arms. "THE MOST WONDERFUL THING HAS HAPPENED!"

"I can't breathe under here!" He spat as he was tangled up in her hair. "What's going on?"

Hermione brushed her hair out of his eyes. "Sorry about that. Oh it's so wonderful! He can't make it! He has some silly interview that he just can't seem to reschedule and so he won't be able to see me until the day after Christmas! Isn't that wonderful?"

He put her down and as she shrugged. "Sure it is."

"What's the matter? I thought you'd be please."

"Pleased? Pleased that you were running off like a trained dog to that abuser?"

"A trained dog? Is that what you think of me?" Hermione turned her back and crossed her arms.

Draco kicked over mound of snow. "I've already told you a hundred times that I can end this for you! But no! You think Krum is too strong to be handled. Well I've got news for you! It's not up to you what happens anymore Hermione! The next time I see him, he's dead. It's as simple as that."

Hermione turned and grabbed a hold of his arms. "You wouldn't!"

"Oh wouldn't I? What do you think I was on my way to do right now?" Draco said menacingly.

"Draco please. You're not a killer. No one is worth murder."

"You are…You're worth every risk in this entire world. And I don't care if I get locked up in Azkaban for the rest of my life. At least I'll know he can't harm you any longer." Draco said casually.

Hermione spoke with desperation and tears flowing freely. "Draco please! You mustn't! What's the point of going to that length to protect someone you'll never see again? What happiness could you possibly find in Azkaban?"

"I'm not worried about my happiness! I'm worried about you! I don't care what happens to me! I want you to be safe and happy."

Hermione wiped her eyes and smiled weakly. "You say you're worried about me." He nodded. "You want me to be safe and happy?" He nodded again in frustration. "Well then, give me what I want…Give me my Seeker. Don't do something drastic that takes you away from me forever. How can I feel safe if you're not around? How can I be happy if I'm not with the one person I-I care for so much?"

"I am not going to just sit back and let this continue! I'm done with it Hermione!" Draco stressed harshly.

Hermione whispered as she timidly scooped her arms around him. "I know you are. Please Draco. Please give me a chance to end it myself. I'll even make you a promise. The next time I see him, I'll tell him it's over. No backing out. Agreed?"

Draco shook his head. "You want me to let you break up with him so he can then break your face? Nope, not going to happen. Whether you admit it or not, you're a part of me now. I'm not going to let him hurt you." Draco looked as if he were disgusted with his thoughts. "I'm sick of asking for your permission to protect you. From now on, I'm not going to consult you when it comes to your safety or well-being. Just understand that from this moment on, I will protect you. I'll always come for you. Anyone that harms you will have to answer to me." Draco said sternly. "If he shows up, you get me and I'll deal with it….When he writes you, I want to know about it so I can find him. Handling this off school grounds would be ideal." Hermione stomped her feet in anger. "Sorry Hermione, this is one situation you're not going to talk your way out of. I'm handling it myself."

Hermione pulled away. "Great! So now I have two possessive men in my life! How did I get so lucky?"

"Look, this isn't just about you! What happened back in my dormitory….What we did has never happened to me before. Do you think I'm just going to let that walk out of my life?"

"What on earth are you talking about? You've practically shagged every girl in this school!"

Draco gave an angry look and kicked the fence. "I meant making love Hermione! You know I've never actually done that before! Who cares how many girls I've shagged? None of them mattered to me. But you matter to me and I plan to keep you in one piece."

She spat. "This is my mess and I need to clean it up myself."

Draco spoke more calmly. "No."

"Yes!"

"No and I don't want to discuss it further!"

"You can't tell me what to do!"

Draco smiled. "Oh really? Because I think I just did! Now drop it!" He chucked a snowball at her face.

Hermione dusted off the snow in shock. "This is no time to be funny!"

"It's not? Because I happen to think you look hilarious right now….Look at you trying to give me dirty looks with snow falling off your cute little nose! What's the matter Hermione? Not used to people caring this much for you? Too bad! Get used to it! I intend to take good care of you." Draco said as he was gathering up another snowball in his hands.

Hermione gasped and frantically tried to gather snow as well. As she was kneeling down he ran up and smashed the snowball on top of her head. "That should cool you off Granger. You're ears were beginning to smoke."

As he backed away Hermione packed the snow harder in her hands with an evil look. She tossed it hard at him and got him square in the chest. "Ooofff!" Draco grasped his chest and tripped over a snowman behind him falling hard on the ground.

"Yes!" She yelled as she went for more snow. She stopped when she heard Draco laughing loudly. "What's so funny you evil little ferret?"

Draco sat up and smiled. "You hate being told what to do. Don't you?"

"Of course I do!" Hermione said sounding frustrated.

Draco crawled over to her and brought her down to kneel with him. He spoke sweetly "I'm sorry for telling you what to do. Now listen to me. I'm kidding. Seriously, this isn't your battle any longer. You were quite a contender but I'm sorry to say that you're no match for him. But I am. Let me take care of him. I promise I won't kill him. But you need to realize that you've already been through enough. It doesn't matter how long you've already put up with his crap. It needs to stop now. It's okay to seek help from others Hermione. From this moment on I want you to promise me something."

Hermione sighed in defeat. "What is it?"

"Promise me that from now on, you're only task is to heal. You're not allowed to worry about anything. Including Krum. As far as you're concerned, it's over and he's gone forever. Do you promise me Hermione?"

"I promise." She whispered.

"Now, when I find out where he is, I'll give him a little visit and handle it. Did he happen to mention where he was in the letter?"

"No! Quidditch is back in season and they travel everywhere. I haven't a clue where he is. And wait a minute! You can't just leave in the middle of school to go hunt him down! Don't you think someone will notice if you're gone? You can't just sneak off in the middle of the night you know….You're going to have to wait….I might know something that will help. He sent me tickets to the World Cup."

"Tickets?" Draco asked curiously.

"He wants you to come along and watch over me. It's the day after Christmas"

"He sent tickets so that I could take you to the World Cup? So that I could be there with you? Has he always been this naive?" Draco said as he embraced her.

"Fortunately yes……"

"Well then, if all else fails I'll see him at the World Cup." Draco said disappointedly.

"You can't confront him at the World Cup! All those people! Cameras everywhere! No, if we wait until then you should just let me do it. It may go over better if-"

Draco scooped her into his arms as she kicked her legs in protest. "Oh, put a sock in it Granger! I'm not going to let you put yourself through this any longer. We'll settle things once and for all at the World Cup." He kissed her as she laughed. He pulled away and looked nervous. "Do you regret it? Do you regret what we did earlier?"

Hermione shook her head reassuringly. "Never…Never in a million years could I regret something so perfect. It was exactly how I imagined it would be…No, I take that back…It was so much better."

Draco stood up straighter and walked proudly as he held her. Hermione sighed in relief and contentment as she stroked the back of his neck with her hand.. At this moment she could have been locked in some hotel room doing Merlin knows what with Viktor. She was so grateful that she was being carried off towards the castle by her Seeker. When they reached the steps he set her down gently. She started to walk up the stairs but turned to face him at the bottom. "What is it?"

Draco shook his head with an evil grin as he looked her up and down. He caught up with her and interlaced their fingers. As he opened the oak doors he peeked his head in and looked around. "What are you doing?" Hermione asked curiously.

He pulled her in mischievously and whispered. "I was making sure no one was around."

"Why?" She whispered back as she tried to remove her hand from his. He squeezed her fingers gently and looked down at their hands.

"So I didn't have to let go." He whispered sweetly.

Hermione blushed and continued the whispering. "Can I sleep with you tonight Draco?"

He laughed out loudly. "Didn't we just do that?"

Hermione smacked him playfully. "You know what I mean you nasty little ferret!"

Draco stopped and placed his hand on his chest. "That hurts Granger. How could you say such a thing when I'm in such a fragile state?"

They laughed as they walked hand and hand back to the dungeons. When they stepped into the portrait Hermione shoved him on the bed and lay on top of him. She started to remove his cloak and shirt as she kissed him fiercely. Draco chuckled as she tugged at his belt. "I've created a monster!"

They made love several more times throughout the night until the sun came up. Draco was fast asleep while Hermione cuddled up next to him for warmth. She decided it was time to make love again so she nudged him playfully and whispered his name. "Draco…Draco…Please wake up Draco."

He mumbled. "No. Sleep."

Hermione laughed as she nudged him again. "Don't you want to wake up for me Draco?"

He mumbled again. "Not fair….Need sleep….Please sleep?"

Hermione crawled on top of him and began to kiss his neck. Draco smiled as he cupped her face in his hands. "I'm cutting you off Granger. You're going to kill me."

Hermione burst into laughter and settled for more cuddling throughout the morning. Later that day at lunch, Hermione sipped her soup slowly as she replayed all of the wonderful things that took place the night before. She didn't notice Ron and Harry whispering about her. Ginny elbowed her harshly and whispered. "Really Hermione!"

Hermione shook her head back to reality. "What? Oh goodness have I said something?" Ginny giggled underneath her hands as Hermione looked around frantically. "I thought I was dreaming again."

Ginny cupped her hands over Hermione's ear and whispered. "You're glowing! What on earth did Viktor do to you last night? I've never seen you so flustered and relaxed all at the same time."

Hermione lowered her head and smiled. "It wasn't Viktor. Oh Ginny! I've got to tell someone. Can we talk later?"

Ginny nodded curiously as Ron cleared his throat. "Eh Hermione…Everything alright? You look sort of flushed."

"You do look a little different Granger." Draco said from behind.

Hermione choked on her soup as she turned to look at him. Draco walked up to Ginny and smiled. "Do you mind if I scoot in? I need to talk to the Head Girl."

Ginny eyed him with wariness but then looked at Hermione's embarrassed face. She gaped at Hermione but then bit her tongue. "Uh sure Malfoy….You can sit next to her. You don't mind….Do you Hermione?"

Hermione giggled slightly. "Not at all."

Ginny scooted down closer to Harry as Draco straddled the bench so that he was staring at Hermione's profile. "You look a bit tired Granger. Didn't sleep well?"

Hermione faced him as she tried unsuccessfully to stifle a smile. "I didn't sleep well at all as a matter of fact. But I don't mind."

Draco nodded and then placed his hand on his chest. "Well, seeing how I'm Head Boy and your Head Girl…Well, I was wondering if you would go to the Christmas Ball with me?"

Hermione's jaw dropped. "I uh…I don't know…Ummm." Hermione's face went completely red but not as red as Ron's.

"Is this some kind of joke Malfoy?" Ron said furiously as Lavender tried to calm him down.

Draco looked at Ron as if he had just noticed he was there. "Oh hey Weasley….Didn't see you there. A joke? No, I was thinking more of a date. You see Weasley, she and I have to dance together at the ball….Some sort of traditional rubbish or something….But it got me thinking. Why just enjoy one dance with the beautiful Head Girl when I could have her all to myself the entire night?"

Ron stood with a look of rage as Lavender tugged at his arm. "Get off!" He shouted at her. Lavender's eyes filled with tears and she stormed away.

"Ron! You stupid Git!" Ginny yelled as she threw a biscuit at his head.

"Really Ron, that was uncalled for. She didn't deserve that." Hermione said disappointedly.

"If you keep poking your nose into Granger's business Weasley, you won't have any life left of your own to live. Why don't you just trust her judgment? You know she can take care of herself. I have the cracked jaw to prove it." He rubbed his jaw dramatically as Ginny threw another biscuit at Ron's head. Harry held down her arms and shrugged at Ron innocently.

Hermione elbowed Draco. "Oh stop! That was four years ago! Don't be so sensitive!"

Ron gaped at the exchange of words. Draco bat his eyes. "But it hurt! I couldn't smirk for an entire month! A month! Do you know what that does to a death eater in training? It set me back quite a bit. I even had to go to summer school."

Hermione crossed her arms and smiled. "Rubbish. You deserved it."

Draco chuckled. "I know I did. But-oh sorry Weasley! I forgot you were there. What were we talking about?"

Ron clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. "You're not taking Hermione to the ball."

"Here's an idea! Let's let Hermione make her own decision."

"What did you just call her?"

"Hermione."

"You have no right to call her that!"

Draco laughed. "What? Hermione?"

"Stop it!"

"HERMIONE, HERMIONE, HERMIONE!"

Hermione placed her hand over Draco's mouth. "Do you have to yell so loudly?" Draco nodded animatedly. "If I remove my hand, do you promise to not shout?" Draco nodded and bat his eyes. She removed her hand as he grinned evilly at her before he returned is gaze on Ron.

"Hey, at least I know how to say it Weasley. Her stupid boyfriend calls her Hermioninny. You should be yelling at him. Look, if you're still in love with her than you ask her out. Looks like you're going to be short a girlfriend soon. You may need her to be your date."

"That's enough Draco." Hermione whispered.

Ron twitched at her words as Draco nodded. "Sorry. I shouldn't have said that."

Ginny burst out laughing as she whispered into Harry's ear. Ron looked back and forth at everyone in shock. "Have you all gone mental?"

Hermione spoke sweetly. "I'm so sorry Ron. I'll explain what's going on. Malfoy is just keeping his word to Viktor. He was asked to keep an eye on me and keep me out of trouble. We've had to spend a lot of time together patrolling the seventh floor every night. I guess you could say we've gotten to know each other and have sort of become friends."

Draco scoffed. "Yeah….You could say we've become rather friendly."

Hermione gave him a deadly stare and Draco hung his head. "Sorry."

Ron looked utterly perplexed. "Krum asked him to look after you? That doesn't make sense. Why didn't he ask me or Harry?"

Hermione shrugged. Draco raised his hand and bounced up and down on his seat. Ron looked at him as if he had lost his mind. Hermione pinched his arm. "Ouch." He rubbed it softly.

"Didn't you hear what happened to Ron the last time he made fun of me like that in sixth year?" Hermione spat dangerously.

Draco laughed. "That was true? Fanbloodytastic! I knew I liked you for a reason! Ahem. What I was going to say was that Krum doesn't trust you or Potter. He doesn't understand men and woman being friends. And he knows you've always fancied her." Ron blushed but shook his head in denial. "Oh, everyone knows it Weasley so come off it. Anyhow, he wasn't about to ask the two blokes he thinks have ulterior motives to be his watch dogs." Draco looked at Hermione and smiled. "So he asked her enemy knowing that I would keep a respectful distance and report back any mishaps."

Harry finally spoke. "Hang on. Viktor Krum has asked you…To spy on Hermione? To spy on us?"

"Well not exactly Potter. I'm supposed to keep her away from other boys, make sure no harm comes to her, and give her anything her little heart desires. It's been quite boring though." Hermione shot a surprised look at Draco. "She never asks for anything. I've never been with-uh around a girl who's completely happy just with her favorite book. At least she lets me take her flying on occasion."

Ginny perked up. "YOU WENT FLYING?"

"You're terrified of flying." Ron said sadly.

Hermione looked horrified. "Ehhhh. Well only a few times. He made me do it!"

"But only because I knew you could!"

Harry stood and sat on the table with a confused look. "We're getting off subject here. Why does Viktor need to spy on you? Doesn't he trust you Hermione?"

Hermione's eyes shifted nervously. "Well yes but-oh you know Viktor! Always looking out for my best interest. He knows Malfoy will take care of me."

"I bet he will." Ron whispered but then ducked from another flying biscuit that Ginny threw.

Harry shook his head. "Nope. Something's not right Hermione. I can't put my finger on it but none of this adds up. And it's got nothing to do with you Malfoy."

Draco straightened up. "So let me get this straight Potter…You sense there's something going on…And you don't think I it has anything to do with me?"

"Believe it or not….Yeah. There's something bigger going on here. Is there anything else Hermione? Any other reason Viktor would be acting this way?"

Hermione shrugged innocently but couldn't speak. Harry stroked his chin for a moment but then grasped Ginny's hand. "Let's go take a walk."

Ginny bowed at Draco playfully. "Head Ferret….I mean Head Boy. Head Girl."

Hermione burst out laughing as Harry dragged Ginny out of the Great Hall. Draco looked at Ron seriously. "Look Weasley, no harm will come to your best friend. Just lay off alright?"

Ron shook his head. "Harry's right. Something's wrong." He mumbled as he walked out leaving Hermione and Draco sitting alone.

Hermione dropped her head on her forearms and moaned. "Why did you have to do that?"

"Because I want to be your date. Because I like you. Because I'm hoping to get lucky afterwards." Draco joked.

Hermione smiled. "I meant Ron. Why do you have to provoke him like that? He doesn't fancy me anymore. If you're going to keep popping up like this then you're going to have to play nice. I mean it Draco. They're my best friends and you need to respect them."

Draco crossed his arms and pouted. "Even Pothead?"

"Even Harry." Hermione demanded.

"Fine! But I don't like it." He interlaced their fingers under the table. "It's snowing. Let me take you out for a quick one."

"You must have lost your mind. I'm not flying in the snow. Haven't you read how many broom accidents were reported last year as a result of the snow?" Hermione said in disbelief. Draco gaped at her so Hermione continued. "And, the ministry posted an exclusive article in the Daily Prophet with that famous flying instructor who said and I quote 'St. Mungo's has been reporting a record number of broom accident fatalities during this winter season. Wizards and Witches should exercise extreme caution due to poor visibility and possible hypothermia.' Knowing all that, why would anyone want to go flying in the snow?"

Draco looked appallingly at her and sighed. He stood and stretched. "Are you done?"

Hermione smiled. "Yes…Why?"

"Because you just wasted ten minutes of our flying time. Let's go." He grabbed her hand and coaxed her out of the Great Hall.

"Draco, I don't think we should. Urgh! Are you even listening to me?" She asked with a frustrated tone as he opened the oak doors.

"What, oh I'm sorry. I was just going over all those wonderfully useless facts you just spewed on me back there. Wait, give me a moment. Okay, I've forgotten them all now. Did you want to say something else to stall us further? Any other flying fatalities you want to report? No? Good." He pecked her on the cheek and guided her down the stairs.

Hermione was fuming! As Draco stopped to take in their surroundings, she quickly balled up snow in her hand and chucked it at his face. He wiped away the snow and smiled with his mouth wide open. "Did-you-just-hit-me-in-the-face-with-a-snow-ball?"

Hermione laughed as she prepared another one and mocked his voice. "Wait, give me a moment." She chucked it at his face again. He charged towards her and tackled her to the ground. Hermione laughed as he stuffed snow down her cloak and smashed it into hair. "You evil little snake!"

Draco stood over her. "You sneaky little lion!" They were both panting as Draco kneeled back down and brought her to the sitting position. Their eyes were locked as they chuckled every so often. He pressed his lips together and sighed. "You're beautiful."

She grabbed his scarf to pull him closer and kissed him passionately. When she pulled away she blushed. "My answer is yes. I will go to the ball with you."

He smiled as he helped her up and brushed off the snow on her cloak and hair. "Let's go."

They walked to the pitch hand in hand as Hermione continued to remind him of all the other articles she had read about the dangers of flying in the snow. Draco allowed her to continue knowing that it was just her nerves getting the best of her.

After rounds that night Hermione walked into the Portrait Hole and was practically attacked by Ginny. "You scared me."

Ginny looked around and led Hermione to the chairs closest to the fire. "You almost got caught today."

"What? What are you talking about? Caught doing what?" Hermione said with fear.

"Smooching your new boyfriend. Harry and I were walking in the snow when we saw you throwing snowballs at Malfoy. I could tell you were about to kiss so I had to distract Harry. And let me tell you, when Harry's certain on getting to the bottom of things, I need to lay the distraction on very thick."

"What do you mean? Ohhhh….Thanks for that." Hermione said as she giggled.

"What are friends for? Now spill it!" Ginny demanded. Hermione told her everything….Well everything except Viktor's abuse. No one knew that but Draco. After taking it all in Ginny nodded. "Draco Malfoy finally slept with his filthy little Mud-Blood….That's wonderful…I always knew he liked you."

"Oh please Ginny! That's absurd really." Hermione said as she yawned.

"It's not at all absurd. What do little boys do when they like other little girls? They pull their hair and call them names. They find some way to insult them just to keep their attention. He's always had it bad for you Hermione. You should see the way he looks at you now. It's like he's-oh my God! He's in love with you! What will precious Viktor say? I hope the big dope gets his stupid feelings crushed." Ginny said with a satisfied expression.

"First of all, he's not in love with me. He just cares for me. Second, why do you seem pleased that Viktor might get hurt?"

Ginny shrugged. "I've just never liked him Mione. I'm so sorry! I know he's the love of your life but something about him bugs me. He always looks at you as if you've done something wrong….Or maybe it's that he's waiting for you to do something wrong. I don't know Hermione. I've just never trusted him. But I trust you and that's all that matters. It doesn't matter what I think. Well, actually it does….Dump Krum and marry Malfoy."

Hermione practically slid off her chair. "You're going to give me a heart attack Ginny! We're just friends. Well alright, we care for each other and I'm a terrible person for cheating on Viktor. I'm going to try and end it with him soon. Draco says he'll help me do it at the World Cup but I don't know."

"Why in the heck are you prolonging it till then? I'll send him an owl for you if you like." Ginny cleared her throat. "Dearest Viktor, I've replaced your Baboon looking Bulgarian Ass for the Hotty Head Boy…Best wishes, Hermioninny."

Hermione tried to stifle a laugh but couldn't. "Really Ginny! I could never send such a letter."

"But when you really think about it, that's what you're doing isn't it? Malfoy's much cuter than Viktor."

"I can't believe you just said that."

"I know. My brother would disown me if he heard that. But it's true….Hermione, why is Draco okay with waiting until the World Cup? He obviously wants to be with you. Why is he letting you wait until then?" Ginny asked curiously.

"Uhhhh…He just knows that I want to do it in person. And that's the next time I'll be seeing Viktor." Hermione lied horribly.

Ginny raised an eyebrow. "Do you think it will be such a good idea to tell him at the most important match of the year? Don't you think he might take it a little harshly in that environment….And don't you think he may go after Draco?"

Hermione nodded. "I have a lot to think about don't I?"

"Yep. You sure do…Now tell me more about the Slytherin Sex God! Is it true what all those girls say?"

Hermione sighed happily. "Every word of it."

They laughed together by the fire for a few hours before going to sleep. Hermione knew that Ginny had sensed the holes in the story but being the wonderful friend she was, she ignored them.

The next morning Draco sat next to Hermione in the Great Hall. "These are for you." He handed her tulips as he took a sip of her pumpkin juice. He noticed Ginny staring at him and smiled. "Morning little Weasley."

Ginny laughed and glanced at Hermione. Draco looked to Hermione for explanation. She whispered softly into his ear. "I sort of told Ginny about us. I confirmed that you are the Sex God those girls rave about."

Draco spit out the pumpkin juice and coughed. He blushed as he looked back at Ginny. "I ummm. Hermione was being generous…Really. None of it's true."

"Sure it isn't Malfoy. I believe you. Hermione's always been a liar." Ginny said as she raised her goblet saluting him. Ginny leaned in closely and whispered. "She's been in desperate need of a good shag. She was getting a little too uptight for my liking. She's all relaxed and carefree now. So you see, you really did us all a favor."

"Well it was my pleasure." Draco said as he cautiously looked at Hermione giggling at Ginny's words.

Ron looked up from his eggs. "What's so funny Ginny?"

Ginny shrugged with a smile. "Where's Lavender?"

Ron lowered his head. "She won't speak to me. She says I've got my priorities all mixed up."

Harry pat him on the back. "Go try and talk to her again mate. She'll come around."

Ron shook his head as he dug into his pancakes. Draco cleared his throat. "You know Weasley, I might be able to help you with your little predicament you've got with your girlfriend."

"I don't need your help with women Malfoy. We all know how you treat them. Ouch!"

Ginny jabbed Ron's side with her fork several times. "Yeah, giving a girl flowers and taking her flying is really mean. Just listen to what he has to say Ron….If you don't, I'll tell everyone you were kissing Luna in the broom cupboard."

Harry took the fork and grasped her hand gently. "That's not nice. Leave him alone."

Ginny shrugged. "What do you think he should do Malfoy?"

Draco smiled and looked at Ron. "Well you don't want to do anything too out of character or it will seem rehearsed and phony. What's her favorite time of day?"

Ron looked bewildered. "I don't know! Why would I know something like that?"

Draco shook his head. "When's little Weasley's Potter?"

Harry swallowed hard and looked at Ron regretfully. "Midnight." Ginny pat him on the back proudly.

Draco smiled. "Good. And what's her favorite thing to do during that time?"

Harry took off his glasses and pinched the slope of his nose. He returned them to his face and blushed. "She uh….Likes to spend time with me."

"Oh stop stalling Harry! I like to shag him senseless at that time in the astronomy tower." Ginny blurted impatiently.

Ron choked on his bacon as Draco laughed loudly. "Alright, alright. Not as romantic as I expected but at least you know what you like….Okay, Weasley let's say her favorite time of the day is sunset." Hermione looked at him curiously. Draco grinned bashfully and continued. "And let's say her favorite thing in the entire world to do is read. What you should do is apologize like mad and ask for her permission to take her by the lake during sunset. Lay out a blanket and bring all of her favorite books. Ask her to read you her favorite passage or if you've already read the book tell her what your favorite parts were."

Ron made a vomit gesture. "That's the dumbest idea I've ever heard. Lavender hates reading as much as I do and I have Quidditch practice every day at that time. Now if it was Hermione that would be perfect but-"

Draco chuckled. "Okay so you know what Hermione likes and what you're girlfriend hates…Does that really make any sense to you? No listen! Why don't you find out what she likes so that you can spend more time pleasing her than ticking her off?"

Ron shrugged. "She's always said her favorite memory of this place was the boat ride in first year. You know the one that Hagrid took us on. When the boats stopped inside the underground harbor I remember her telling Parvati how much she wanted to do it again. She always brings it up."

Draco's eyes widened. "See Weasley! There you go! Go apologize your bum off and ask her to go down there with you tonight. No one will even know you're down there since they only use it once a year. Plus even if you do get caught just tell them the Head Boy gave you special permission to be down there. Then you can tell her what a prat you've been and all that romantic rubbish you've been dying to tell her."

Ron scowled but then mumbled hopefully. "Do you really think it will work?"

Ginny yelled. "Of course it will work you twit! But what time do you think you'll be done?"

"I don't know. Why?"

"Because Harry and I haven't shagged there yet." Ginny said seriously.

Harry buried his face in his hands. "Do you always have to say everything in that crazy head of yours Gin?"

"Yep and that's why you love me. Oh Ron, stop acting like you didn't know already." Ginny demanded.

Ron clenched his fists. "It just so happens that I'd rather not acknowledge it alright? Try and keep your stupid shag talk for when I'm not around….Or I'll tell Mum."

Ginny kicked him on his shin. "If you do than I'll tell her about those magazines under your bed."

Harry smiled confidently. "What magazines?"

Ron muttered. "Never mind."

They laughed and finished their lunch as Ginny and Hermione talked about how romantic the Harbor seemed now.