A/N: Not the best - I don't like the speech part.

Prompt #27: 8/4/17

719 words, according to Google docs.

"Thank you for doing this, Malfoy," Ginny whispered as they both stood backstage - the host of that night's ball was finishing up his welcome speech. "It really means a lot to me and my dad." Draco shrugged, his eyes trained on the gap in the curtain he would be traveling through in a few minutes.

"I don't mind. It's the least I could do." Ginny frowned, puzzled at his last words, but the host had bid the crowd farewell and exited the stage. Draco stepped out to face the crowd, and Ginny slipped through the side door behind the curtain and made her way into the audience.

"Hey, Gin," Ron whispered as she sat next to him.

"Hey." She trained her eyes on the podium where the tall blond was now standing - confident, poised, and infinitely charismatic.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen." He lifted his head, sweeping his gaze across the crowd before continuing. "First and foremost, I would like to thank the Ministry for funding this gala, and hope this event will further strengthen the magical community facing the aftermath of the Great Battle of Hogwarts." A silence. Ginny glanced around, and, seeing many wizards and witches nodding in agreement, sighed in relief.

"Arse-kissing prat," Ron muttered beside her. Ginny smacked him lightly on the knee but didn't respond. However openly the Weasley family accepted Draco as Ginny's best mate and one of their own, Ron never refrained from insulting him as much as possible.

"Secondly, I want to thank Mrs. Weasley and my mother for playing a huge role in planning this event," Draco continued, smiling at the two women he'd mentioned. Mrs. Weasley blushed furiously, fanning herself with a piece of parchment, while Mrs. Malfoy smiled serenely.

"Oh, he shouldn't," Mrs. Weasley tittered.

"Now, the real reason I am up here tonight: Mr. Arthur Weasley." At his name, the majority of the crowd exploded into cheers. "As you all know, Arthur is running for Minister of Magic and already has multiple major organizations and people supporting him. I am pleased to say that, after this event, I will be one of his supporters as well." His last few words were drowned out by enthusiastic applause. "I cannot think of anyone more qualified for this position."

"Congratulations, Arthur," Kingsley Shacklebolt murmured from his seat next to the Weasley patriarch. "I'm sure you'll do fabulously." He gave a rueful grin. "I'm getting too old for this kind of business."

The rest of the speech was a blur to Ginny - her father mounted the stage, gave a short speech of his own, and she was swept up into the jubilant mood of the audience. She found herself facing Draco Malfoy at the refreshments table, a champagne flute in one hand and the other resting on the white linen tablecloth.

"What did you mean by saying that it was the least you could do?" she asked, her eyebrows furrowing. "It's not as if you're indebted to us or something - " She trailed off as his eyes flashed once.

"I am," he said haltingly, turning towards the table to take a pastry. She waited for him to elaborate, but he didn't.

"I don't think you are," she said, wincing as she heard a childlike whine in her voice. "That is - I mean - well, you're my best mate, and I think that if you had anything to repay us for, you've done it time and time again." She let out a nervous chuckle. "Do you remember when you rescued me from that river we were splashing around in?"

"Yes." His tone was still curt, but slightly softened around the edges.

"I had a cold for ages," she continued, lifting her eyes to finally look at him. "But I think you're the best mate I've ever had, really." At this embarrassing proclamation, she lowered her eyes, her face burning. "I know you've had tons of friends that are probably much better than me - Merlin knows I mess up a lot - " Her last word hitched in her throat as he touched a gentle finger to her lips, silencing her. He smirked.

"Did Ginny Weasley just admit to being best friends with a Malfoy?"

"Well, yes, I suppose - "

"Thanks, Weasley."

He left her standing there, mouth slightly agape and lips tingling from where he'd touched them.