You are the only one that needs to know...

Ginny wanted to be more happy for Hermione. Really she did. But it was a little hard considering she was the only girl so far who didn't have a date. Yes, she was happy Cedric had asked Hermione. Yes, she was happy Harry actually got the girl he wanted. Yes, she was happy Ron was going with Lavender Brown. Yes, she was happy Neville was going with someone. He hadn't told her who yet, but she figured he would soon.

Yes, she was happy for all of them.

Still, that didn't effect the fact that she had no date. And she really, really wanted one.

Ginny sighed and excused herself from dinner, not missing how nervous Viktor Krum appeared. Chances are he would have a date before the end of the day. And honestly, a guy like that, Ginny wouldn't be surprised at all.

She decided to see what she could do to keep herself busy and forget that just about everyone her age was going to this stupid ball.

Seriously, who wanted to go? She scuffed the floor with her shoes. Not me. That's for damn sure.

Ginny sighed. She sucked at lying to herself.

It was a chilly night out, but Ginny made her way to the lake regardless. She sat herself down on a rock by the water's edge and kicked at the stones there. Really, she needed a less protective brother. Neville might have asked her but apparently he had his own flame. She had hoped Harry might ask. Not that she really wanted him to. He was too infatuated with Cho Chang to really care.

Besides, she was over that torch. Harry wasn't all that great.

Ginny started as she realized she wasn't alone. Draco Malfoy was standing beside her rock. He cut a dashing figure, his hands in the pockets of his black jeans, his white school shirt with it's green and silver crest over the pocket, ruffled in the wind as it tossed his blonde hair.

"What do you want? Or should I save us both the trouble and just slap you again?" She sniped. She knew she was being rude, but damn it! She'd had a hard day.

"I wanted to say... I was being insensitive."

Ginny snapped her head towards him so hard she was sure she would have whiplash.

"What?"

"Maybe... I should have said something else."

"You should have." GInny huffed and looke out over the water again. "Apology accepted."

"What? That wasn't an apology?" Malfoy spluttered.

GInny smiled. Apparently Malfoys weren't supposed to apologize. "You admitted you were wrong. That's close enough."

Malfoy huffed and sat down beside her. "You really are difficult."

"Me? You're the bloody git who has to insult everyone at least once a day!"

Malfoy slanted a glance at her. "I haven't insulted you yet."

"The night is still young."

Malfoy smiled and Ginny felt herself responding to that smile. Shit! She had to keep her cool!

"Go to the ball with me."

Ginny snapped her head back towards him, wondering if it was possible to lose you head that way.

"What?"

"You heard me. I don't have a date and I bet you look great in a dress."

Ginny looked away from him. Really, was it so bad? This was kind of what she wanted. Hell, she'd be the envy of every girl there. Fuck it.

"Alright. But if you're just planning to make fun of me, I warn you, I have six brothers who would kill you."

Malfoy grinned. "Yeah, I know. Can't wait to see their faces!"

Ginny watched him saunter away. Sometimes, she didn't get the git.