Ginny answered the door and stood, staring at him, apparently speechless. "Malfoy, what are you doing here?" she managed after a moment. "I thought I'd been pretty clear-"
"I'm not here to try out any new chat-up lines," he assured her. "I just - look, I saw something at sunset, and I don't think I'll be here to see you safely home in the morning. I wanted to apologize. I shouldn't have taken advantage of you. I'm sorry."
"You didn't... I mean, I don't think you took advantage of me." Ginny frowned. "You saw something? What do you mean? You - oh. Oh, Merlin. A monster, you mean. Oh, Malfoy..."
"Don't." Draco caught the hand that was reaching out to pull him closer, stopping it halfway between them. "I wish you'd chosen me, but I'm sure you know what's best. I hope things work out." He leaned down to kiss her on the cheek, and it was a long moment before he straightened up. "Goodbye. I'm sure I've been a prat. I'm sorry."