Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter…unfortunately.

Setting: After the war, but before the Epilogue.

Summary: Harry and Ginny were once happy and in love, but after the war, things changed. And so did Harry. They live in a small rundown flat in the middle of London and Ginny spends most of her days at her minimum wage job at a small café owned by someone she once considered the enemy. But, like Harry, things have changed since their time at Hogwarts. With Harry's drinking problem and violent tendencies Ginny feels almost hopeless and is on the brink of giving up. But with the help of Draco Malfoy, she just might be able to salvage what's left of her vibrant and spunky personality.

AN: This chapter includes domestic violence.

Finding Normal Again

Chapter 2

After apparating to her apartment, Ginny stood outside the door to gather her composure before entering. She wasn't sure what kind of mood Harry would be in, so it was important to be calm and cautious of her tone. With one last sigh she went inside. The small living room was a mess as usual. Harry had a bad habit of not picking up after himself and it really frustrated Ginny that she had to come home from work and clean house after spending the entire day cleaning and serving half of London. Unlike other nights, Harry was not sitting on the couch in front of the T.V. Hearing noises coming from the kitchen, Ginny went in to see what he was up to.

Harry looked up as she entered and he had a sloppy, drunken smile on his face. "You're home. I missed you." He approached her and hugged her tightly.

Ginny tried not to appear as if she didn't want him touching her. The last time she cringed at his touch he grew very angry and proceeded to show Ginny exactly how angry he was. It took a lot of makeup and wearing long sleeve shirts for almost a month to keep that one a secret.

Hugging him back and placing a small kiss on his cheek, she pulled away and walked over to see what he was preparing at the stove. "What are you cooking?"

Harry shrugged. "Onion soup. Don't know how good it will be. I've never cooked it before."

Ginny smelled it and realized he hadn't seasoned it at all. "I'll help."

Trying to keep him happy, Ginny started in on seasoning the soup and setting the table while Harry went back to the living room and continued to drink himself into a stupor.

When Ginny was finished with the soup she called Harry into the kitchen to serve him up a bowl with some bread. She sat down at the table with her own, expecting him to join her but he put his on a tray and took it into the living room. With a sigh Ginny tried her best to get down some of the soup with some bread. Her appetite suddenly gone, Ginny poured the soup back into the bowl and went to the bathroom to take a shower.

Ginny was about to rinse the conditioner from her hair when she heard the bathroom door open. Peaking around the shower curtain she saw Harry disrobing. Ginny hurried to rinse her hair and made to get out just as Harry was about to join her.

"Oh, Harry, I'm sorry. I didn't know you were in here. I just finished. Do you want me to turn the water back on for you?"

Harry frowned. "I want you to get in with me."

Ginny shook her head. "I'm all clean. Go ahead while I get dressed."

"Why don't you want to join me?" He asked, moving closer to wrap his arms around her. He kissed her on the lips. It was sloppy and he tasted of liquor and onion soup. It was hard for Ginny not to pull away. He could sense her tension though. "What's wrong? Why don't you want me kissing you anymore?"

Ginny looked down, unsure of how to reply. "It's not that Harry." She wrapped her hair in the towel and proceeded to dress in her nightgown.

"Then what is it?" Ginny could hear the frustration in his voice and wracked her brain to thing of something to say that wouldn't set him off.

Thinking of nothing else, she tried reasoning with him. "You know I don't like it when you drink, Harry. And you said you'd try and taper off some."

This angered him and Ginny winced as he bent to pick up his own robes, causing him to freeze. "What? Think I'm going to hit you now?" He put on his robes and looked at her, seething. "You'd deserve it if I did. I saw you with Malfoy today. Laughing and flirting."

Ginny frowned, confused. "What are you going on about, Harry?"

Without warning Harry grabbed Ginny by the throat and pushed her against the bathroom wall. "Don't play stupid. I saw you two, sitting outside at work. I see now where you picked up your new smoking habit. What else are you two sharing?"

Ginny was shaking now and she felt the tears welling up in her eyes. Shaking her head she tried to explain. "It wasn't what you thought Harry, honestly. I was on my break and he-"

"Save it, Gin. I'm not stupid." He slammed her head back against the wall again and the tears finally fell. His grip on her throat was tight but he wasn't choking her. Not yet. "And if you think I'm hurting you now, you better hope I don't see you flirting with Malfoy again."

Ginny nodded, if only to get him to leave. He pulled his hand from her throat and turned to leave. "A Malfoy?" He stopped in the doorway and turned to face her. "Have you really degraded yourself to the likes of him?"

As he turned again to leave Ginny said something that she hadn't meant to. "At least he's concerned about my well being." Ginny clapped a hand over her mouth, immediately regretting the words. Harry turned on her and before she knew it he sent one of his feet into her side, kicking her ribs and causing her to cry out in pain.

Ginny barely looked up and saw Harry pulling out his wand. It took everything to get out a few words. "Please…. Harry…don't." The next thing she knew, the word Crucio was coming from the mouth of the person that was supposed to be the love of her life. She couldn't remember anything after that.

Ginny woke the next morning, still huddled against the wall in the bathroom. The back of her head was aching and there was a huge knot where her head had come in contact with the bathroom wall. When she tried to stand, she felt pain in her side where she suddenly remembered Harry had kicked her. Then everything came hurtling back to her and she remembered the last word she heard him say. The torture curse. Harry had used the torture curse on her. She could tell that there was something wrong with her mind. She just couldn't function properly. She found it hard to stand and make her way to the living room where she expected to find Harry passed out on the couch. Apparently he had made it to the bed for a second night in a row.

Tears started to fall and Ginny was suddenly unsure of what to do. Her arms wrapped around her stomach and she felt like she was going to be sick. She finally made a decision and made her way back to the bathroom to put on some clothes and was her face. Next, she went to the living room and used the muggle telephone to call Malfoy at the diner. She was already late, so she was surprised he hadn't already called.

"Malfoy's Diner, Draco Malfoy speaking."

Ginny smiled slightly at the deep, familiar voice. "Um…Draco, it's Ginny."

"Red! I've been looking for you, where are you at? You didn't call."

"I'm sorry, Draco…I…" She wasn't sure what to say to him. Finally she decided to go with something simple. "I overslept." Which wasn't far from the truth.

Draco didn't say anything at first and Ginny thought he was deciding on whether she was telling the truth or not. "Ok." He finally said. "Well are you coming in now?"

Ginny sighed. "I don't think I should."

"And why not?"

"I'm not feeling up to it. My head hurts and…" she just trailed off, unsure of what else to say.

Draco let out a small sigh. "Fine. But you should come in this evening and talk to me. I'll be closing again and would like to speak to you about something."

"Um…I don't think I can, Draco."

"Just come in around closing time." Draco said, ignoring her. "And Ginny…I know he's hurt you again. There's no point in lying to me."

Ginny's mouth fell open in surprise and she started stammering. "Draco…what…I…"

"I'll see you this evening." Draco said and then hung up.

Ginny put the phone down and just stared at it. What was going on? How did Draco know?

After coming back to reality, Ginny stood and walked down the hall to peak into the bedroom. Harry wasn't there. Ginny frowned and looked all over the house. The kitchen. The closets. The shower. He was nowhere to be found. With no idea what was going on, Ginny went into the kitchen and drank a potion for pain before lying down on the couch for a nap. She figured Harry would be in sometime and she wasn't going to worry too much about his whereabouts at the moment while she was in so much pain from his rage the night before.

When she finally woke she realized that it was already getting dark out. Ginny frowned as she sat up and looked around the still messy living room. She stood and searched the house again, starting with the bedroom. Harry still wasn't home. Looking at the clock Ginny realized the diner would be closing soon. After taking another potion for pain, Ginny grabbed her cloak and didn't even bother looking in the mirror before leaving for the diner.

Ginny walked in the back door like she would have any other day and made a beeline straight for Malfoy's office. He wasn't in there but she made for a chair across from his desk and waited. She knew it wouldn't be long before he came in to start on his paperwork. Resting her head in her hand, she was nearly asleep when she finally heard his familiar voice as he walked in. She noticed his sudden stop and opened her eyes to peak up at him. He was staring at her, his features unreadable. She saw his hands become fists at his side before he went back to close the door to his office.

Ginny sat up straight in her chair, but looked down at the floor. She realized she must look a mess and probably looked a lot worse than she really felt.

"Ginny." She heard him say before sitting at his desk.

She fought the urge to keep looking at the floor and she faced him. "Hi."

His forehead was in his hands again and she felt a tug at her heart. Was he stressed over her? Was Draco Malfoy really worried about Ginny Weasley?

He looked up at her again, a blank look on his face. Then he shook his head. "I don't even know what to say Ginny."

"Why say anything?" Ginny said and looked down again.

"Because there's something you need to know." Draco said and stood. He came around the desk and leaned back against it, ankles crossed and arms across his chest. "You are having trouble locating your…boyfriend…aren't you?"

At this Ginny's head snapped up. "You know where he is?"

Draco looked disappointed that she was glad to hear this. "I do."

Ginny stood too fast and winced at the pain in her side and throbbing of her head. Draco made to catch her but she held out her hands, motioning for him to stop and sat back down slowly.

"Ginny, are you okay?" Draco asked, kneeling in front of her, forcing her to look at him?

Ginny tried hard to keep tears from escaping her eyes. "I'm fine."

Draco rolled his eyes. "I'm not stupid Ginny. I already know." Draco sighed and stood up to lean back against the desk once again. "Harry called me last night."

Ginny looked up, surprise etched in her features. "He called you?"

Draco nodded. "Luckily I was prepared when he showed up at my flat."

Ginny was confused and shook her head. "What are you talking about?"

Draco sighed and then began to explain. "Well, Harry called last night around Midnight. He said he wanted the truth. Of course, I didn't know what he was talking about. He said that he wanted to know what was going on between us."

"Oh Merlin." Ginny put her forehead in her hand and moaned in embarrassment. "I can't believe this."

"Ginny." Draco said. "Don't worry about it. I tried to explain to him when he told me what he saw." He shrugged and continued to tell his story. "He didn't believe me though and said he was going to come over so he could 'take care of me'." Draco said with an amused smirk.

"Take care of you?" Ginny's eyes widened in surprise and she stood quickly again, ignoring the pain in her head and side. "Oh, did he hurt you?"

Draco looked amused yet again. He shook his head. "No, I had the muggle police there before he got there. They hid until Harry admitted to hurting you for flirting with me."

Ginny's mouth fell open and she sat down slowly. "Oh."

Ginny just sat there for a bit and Draco watched her. She felt his eyes studying her and she felt a warm sensation fall over her. She looked up to meet his eyes. They were full of concern and something else…something she couldn't quite put her finger on. Draco gave a lopsided smile that melted her and Ginny stood, nerves getting the best of her. She twisted her hands nervously and paced.

"So…" She began. "Is he…in a muggle jail or what?"

Draco smiled at her nervousness. "Yes. He'll be there until they set his bond. Then someone can pay to get him out."

Ginny nodded. "I see." She avoided eye contact, arguing with herself mentally. Just don't look him in the eye she told herself. It's nothing. It means nothing…he's just concerned, that's it. Besides, he's Draco Malfoy for Merlin's sake.

Ginny smiled at herself and finally looked back up at Draco. He was watching her with an amused expression and Ginny couldn't help but think how cute he looked. Ginny shook her head and turned away, heading for the door.

"Where are you going?"

Ginny stopped and turned. She couldn't just leave. "Nowhere. I need coffee. Mind if I make some?"

Draco shrugged. "Sure. I've got my paperwork to finish anyway, so make enough for the both of us."

Ginny smiled. "Of course."

Draco watched her leave and sighed as he sat down to a pile of closing paperwork. As hard as he tried, he couldn't focus on the numbers that stared him in the face. All he could think about was the fragile girl that was slowly but surely claiming his heart. He hated to admit it but he was falling for Ginny Weasley. His only problem: Harry Potter. He knew that as soon as Harry called, Ginny would rush to the station to pick up Harry. Draco's hands were fists once again. The fact that Harry had such a hold on Ginny infuriated him to no end. He didn't even deserve her, hitting her and cursing at her. Draco's knuckles were turning white and he was so lost in his anger he hadn't noticed Ginny return with two cups of coffee.

"Malfoy?" Ginny asked, sitting the cups on his desk cautiously.

Draco looked up quickly, loosening his fists and trying to appear normal. "Oh, hey." He smiled and thanked her for the coffee.

Ginny eyed him curiously. "Are you okay?"

Draco looked over his cup of coffee and nodded as he took as sip. "Of course." He said as he sat the steaming cup back down.

He pretended to work on the numbers, but could feel Ginny watching him. Finally he looked up and let out an exasperated sigh. "Okay." He surrendered, deciding he was going to try and explain what he was feeling. Even though he wasn't exactly sure what that was.

"No, I'm not okay."

Ginny frowned and leaned against his desk. He couldn't help but notice how close she was at this point. He could simply reach out and grab her hand if he had the notion to.

"What is it?" She asked, true concern in her features.

He looked into her eyes, wishing he could hear her thoughts. He tried to find the words he needed, but nothing came to him. He shook his head. "I don't know, Ginny. I honestly don't know how to explain it." Then without thinking he reached out and grabbed her hand and looking at her hand in his own he ran his thumb over her knuckles and Ginny's mouth fell open in awe. Then looking into her eyes again he spoke. "I'm feeling things that I've never genuinely felt before. There's only one word I can think of that even comes close to making any sense. And I don't think it's something I need to say right now."

Ginny's eyes were on his hand in hers. The touch of a man felt so nice. It had been so long since she had felt anything like it. She felt tears beginning to well in her eyes but she wasn't even sure why. She shook her head and pulled her hand from his. Now she understood what was going on with him. She looked up at him. "Don't do this."

Draco knew it was coming but it hurt more than he expected. He tried to put on a smile. "I understand Ginny." Then he turned back to his paperwork.

"I'm going to re-clean the coffee pot and then take off."

Draco nodded and kept his eyes on the papers in front of him. "Of course."

Ginny grabbed her coffee and went to the dining room. She leaned on the front counter and just stared out the windows at the abandoned street. Only a couple streetlights were on and there was no traffic around. She hadn't realized how long she had been standing there until she heard Draco approach from behind.

He stopped only inches away from her and Ginny's heart began to race. She knew she had to fight the feeling. Harry needed her. She couldn't abandon him when he was sick. She couldn't convince herself though. She felt Draco's hand in hers again and he turned her around to face him. He was staring into her eyes, his own full of emotions she understood now. Without a word, he was leaning toward her and Ginny felt herself leaning closer to him. Then his lips were on hers and Ginny melted into his arms as they encircled her, pulling her closer. The feel of his soft lips were like a love potion, Ginny felt its warmth traveling through her body and owning her. And for a split second she didn't care. She wanted nothing more than to keep kissing him and let him take her away from the terrors she had been living for the last few months.

Draco sighed into the kiss and pulled Ginny's body tight against his own. He could sense her guard failing and he took the opportunity to deepen the kiss, letting his tongue travel over her bottom lip. Ginny whimpered and finally let her arms wrap around Draco's neck. Her lips parted slightly and Draco delved his tongue in to explore her sweetness. Draco felt a growl forming in his throat and suddenly felt like he was doing something wrong. He pulled away slowly and looked into Ginny's eyes. He couldn't believe he was holding her and kissing her. He wanted so much more though.

Ginny smiled and a blush formed on her cheeks. "That was…"

"Amazing." Draco finished.

Ginny nodded and smiled as Draco kissed her again. It was quick and simple and Ginny yearned for more when he pulled away.

"Ginny?"

"Hmm?" She looked at him, dazed by the feelings swarming throughout her.

He didn't want to ruin the moment but had to say something. "Ginny…please don't go back to your apartment."

Ginny looked confused now. "What do you mean? Don't go home?"

Draco pulled back a little to look at her properly. "That's what I'm saying. Don't go back to him. Please."

Ginny froze. She had completely forgotten about Harry. Her boyfriend. The love of her life…and here she was, with her life long enemy…cheating on him. Ginny pulled away, her eyes wide.

"I have to go. Now." She turned and ran for the door and Draco followed her.

"Ginny wait, please."

She was out the door and when Draco made it out she was gone. He stopped, breathless and frustrated. "Damn it." He turned and stalked back into the diner. "Way to go Draco."