Ginny felt her whole chest constrict

Ginny felt her whole chest constrict. She didn't scream or throw things, instead her mind went numb and all she could do was let out one small sob before turning to the door and hoping to sneak out. She didn't want to see this, and she didn't want him to see her like this.

But he did. Draco heard a strangled sob from the corner of his room. Looking up he saw a flash of red bolting out his door. "Ginny?" His voice sounded hoarse. Jumping away from Chastity, he ran after her. "Draco!" Chastity whined, but he ignored her. Oh gods, now he really screwed up things. Ginny would never forgive him.

She flew down the stairs and out the portrait door, she could feel Blaise's bewildered stare, but didn't stop. She was fast, but Draco was faster. They had made it to a deserted hallway before he caught her forearm in his grip, forcing her to stop.

"Ginny wait, just let me-!" Like hell she was gonna take that bullshit!

"What? Explain?" Her voiced was filled with as much acid as she could manage as she tried to catch her breath. She whirled around and tugged her arm out of his grip.

"Yes!" Draco exclaimed.

"I don't want to hear it!"

"Ginny, please." He jumped in her way, not allowing her to pass him until she agreed to talk to him. "Chastity doesn't mean anything! I was feeling desperate, and she was just there, but she's just a whore-!"

"And what does that make you, Draco Malfoy?" Ginny yelled, frustrated at the tears running down her cheeks. She scrubbed away at them with her forearm.

"Gin-."

"And you know what's worse? I liked you. I mean I really liked you! And trusted you! And, Merlin, I was stupid!"

"Oh bloody hell, why? I just--!"

"Just let me go, Draco. This game is off."

"This is not a game, Weasel!" He growled, but she just looked so depressed.

"Yes, it was. But it's over. You were no better then Potter." She looked him straight in the eye. "Just let me go."

And he did.

--

Boarding the train that would take her home to the Burrow for the holidays, Ginny heaved a giant sigh of relief. She'd been counting down the days until she could leave Hogwarts since the day she'd left Malfoy standing in that corridor alone. Since then life had changed, but not necessarily for the better. Emma, along with a good amount of Gryffindor had yet to forgive her for dating Malfoy, and ignored her still. Ron and Hermione at least were back to normal and friendly, and Harry, well, he and Lavender had split officially two days after her and Malfoy and now Harry seemed too friendly. And another relationship with Harry was not what she wanted.

So it had been two weeks of her best friend avoiding her, while she tried to avoid Harry, who was trying to avoid Lavender, who didn't like being avoided.

All in all, it was definitely a relief to get away. The train ride was blissfully uneventful and soon she was stepping off the Hogwarts Express and into her mothers suffocating embrace.

"Oh my baby girl! Look how much you've grown!" Mrs. Weasley beamed at her daughter.

"Mum, you just saw me a few months ago, I haven't changed at all!"

"Oh Ginny, I can tell you've - !"

"Hi. Mum!" Ron cut in, and regretted it as he received the same embrace Ginny had instantly.

"Thanks for letting me spend the holidays with you all, Mrs. Weasley." Harry said politely. He was coming too? Ginny knew she shouldn't be surprised but she had SO wanted to get away. Oblivious to her only daughter's dismay, Mrs. Weasley smiled.

"We're very happy to Harry; you know we all consider you to be a part of the family already, dear!" Ginny actually groaned, it sounded as though her mother had already planned and sent out the invitations for a Potter-Weasley wedding.

Ginny briskly walked to the car, she'd rather be alone and freezing then stay in that conversation. On her way, she saw a flash of white and spotted Draco Malfoy standing next to a gorgeous, regal woman, and he was staring at her. Turning her head away quickly, Ginny fought the wave of emotion that swept through her at the sight of him.

Ginny missed him. But she didn't want to. They had unknowingly developed a friendship as they pretended to have a relationship, and now Ginny was paying the price for enjoying his company and even more for enjoying his kisses. Her knees almost shook at the memory of their kiss in the library, but she pushed that away with everything else. It didn't matter. And she reached the salvation of their flying car.

Arriving at the Burrow, Ginny walked inside and imminently felt as though all her cares were lifted off her shoulders. Watching Harry walk in, well, maybe not all her cares, she conceded.

After hours of just relaxing in her tiny room, her mother knocked on her door asking her to help with dinner, as the boys were nowhere to be found. Ginny willingly sat up and was in the middle of chopping vegetables when her mother finally broached the subject Ginny was sure had been just bursting out of her all day.

"So I hear you and Harry are going through a rough patch." It was said causally enough, but Ginny spot an incredulous look at her mother. How did she even find out this stuff?

"Not a rough patch, mum, we broke up." She tried to make her voice as dull as possible, hoping her mother would get the hint.

"Why, dear?" Guess she didn't. "After all, he's such a nice boy, your father and I just love him. And don't think I didn't see the way he's been staring at you since you both stepped off that train. It's obvious he still cares for you, are you sure you're not being too hard on him?"

Ginny was grinding her teeth in irritation, trying to remember her mother only was looking out for her best interest. Instead of saying something she'd later regret she changed the subject. "Where is dad, by the way?"

"Oh, he was just working late night, but he'll be home soon." Ginny nodded and walked away.

After stuffing herself at dinner, Ginny lounged on the couch in the family room, reading her book in front of the fireplace, completely content.

"Hey, Gin." Ginny looked up, scowling, at Harry. But he sat down next to her anyways. As she stood up to leave, he pleaded, "Please, let's just talk." She wanted to say no, but she stayed. In the back of her mind, she blamed her mother for this decision. They were silent for a long time, just staring at the fire.

"I miss you, Ginny."

"Harry." Ginny rolled her eyes in exasperation, her lips getting dangerously close to frowning.

"I know, Gin. I know I screwed up, but I've been regretting it so much. It's you I want. You and nobody else, I was stupid to not see that before."

"Yes, you were." He almost looked affronted, but he didn't correct her.

"Do you think, you know, maybe we could try again?" NO! The word was right there on the tip of her tongue, but she didn't say it. Maybe she was being too hard on him. He did seem sorry. Ginny sighed, and stood.

"I don't know, Harry. I just don't know."

While walking to her room, Ginny pasted the family clock, wondering where her father was. Every hand was pointing at Home. Every hand but one. Her father's was pointing at Mortal Peril.

"MUM!!"

A/N: An update!? I know, I was shocked too! The last time I updated this story was July 2007!! I'm sorry guys, I just didn't like this story anymore. But I've got a new direction and I swear I can finish a story, I've complete several already and it's time to tie up loose ends. Do me a favor and review please. I'll have the next chapter up ASAP, but I look to my readers for motivation! 'Til next time then!