Word Count: 367
"And what are you cackling about?"
Ginny looks up from Luna, cheeks burning when she sees Draco. She can't help but look around. Though the Hog's Head is mostly empty, this is still the most open he's ever dared to be.
"I think I'm going to examine the nargle nest behind Honeydukes," Luna says, climbing to her feet. She offers Draco the smallest smile before walking away.
"I do not cackle," Ginny says, giving him a pointed look.
Draco smirks as he sits across from her. "Whatever you say, Weasley."
Ginny bites the inside of her cheek. What is he doing here? Their stolen moments are supposed to be late at night and far away from prying eyes. Anyone could see him, and he's made it clear from the start that his reputation is more important than his happiness.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?" she asks, sipping her butterbeer.
"Am I not allowed to go on a date with my girlfriend?"
She snorts. Girlfriend. They've never bothered putting labels on what they are. Her brows raise inquisitively. "Since when do we go on dates?"
Draco doesn't answer straight away. He calls out to Aberforth to bring him a butterbeer. Only when the old barman brings the glass over and returns to work does Draco speak again.
"Things are changing," he says.
She nods. Anyone with half a brain cell can see it. The war is over. Old prejudices may still be in place, but things aren't the way they were before. She's seeing more and more acceptance and unity each day.
"We… We don't actually have to hide, do we?" he asks. "Look at what's happening in the castle. Longbottom and Daphne are study partners, for Merlin's sake!"
Ginny nods. Neville and Daphne had struck up an unbreakable friendship the year before. They had paved the way for House unity now.
"So… You want to go public?"
He shrugs. "I'll buy you ice cream."
With a grin, Ginny shakes her head. "So you think you can just lure me into the public eye with ice cream?" she asks, amusement saturating her words.
"Yes."
Ginny leans across the table and kisses him gently. "You're absolutely right."