Ginny stretched lazily, blinking up at the ceiling as the first rays of sunlight streamed through the Head Boy's dormitory window. The soft hum of the castle waking up drifted in - the distant footsteps, soft conversations and the occasional laugh.

Beside her, Draco groaned and rolled onto his side, burying his face into the pillow. "Please tell me it's Saturday," he mumbled, his voice muffled and heavy with sleep.

"It's not," Ginny replied, smirking as she propped herself up on her elbow.

Draco cracked one eye open, squinting at her. "Brilliant."

They lay there in comfortable silence for a few moments, the early morning peace settling around them. Eventually, Ginny swung her legs over the side of the bed, grabbing her shirt off the nearby chair.

Draco stretched, his muscles tensing briefly before he sat up and raked a hand through his tousled hair. "So," he began, a hint of curiosity in his voice, "no more sneaking around?"

"No more sneaking around," Ginny confirmed, slipping into her shirt. "Though I'm sure we'll still get plenty of stares."

He shrugged, reaching for his own shirt. "Let them stare. It's better than hiding."

Ginny glanced at him as she adjusted her hair. "Are you sure you're going to be okay? I mean… with your house?"

Draco met her gaze, his smile confident. "They'll give me hell for a while, but it's nothing I can't handle. Slytherins love a good scandal, but their attention spans are short. Once they see it doesn't bother me, they'll move on."

She crossed her arms, arching an eyebrow."Hope you've had plenty of practice not reacting, then."

He chuckled softly. "Oh, you have no idea,"

A sharp knock interrupted the moment. They both froze, exchanging a look that said, Here we go. Ginny took a steadying breath before crossing the room to open the door.

Hermione stood on the other side, arms folded and an exasperated expression on her face. "Morning," Ginny greeted, leaning casually against the doorframe. "What brings you here so early?"

Hermione's gaze flickered between Ginny and Draco, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Ron's upstairs in the common room, trying very hard not to lose his mind over the fact that you stayed the night again."

Draco, standing behind Ginny, couldn't resist. "Maybe he should get laid. Might help him relax," he mumbled, not quietly enough.

Hermione snorted despite herself, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Not bloody likely," she muttered, rolling her eyes.

Ginny shot Draco a warning look, giving him a no-look slap to the chest. "Don't start."

He raised his hands in mock surrender, a grin tugging at his lips. "Alright, alright. No need for violence."

Hermione's expression softened as she looked back at Ginny. "Just thought I'd give you the heads-up before he wears a hole in the common room floor."

"Thanks, Hermione," Ginny said appreciatively. She grabbed her jacket, turning to Draco. "We should get going."

He nodded, pulling on his own jacket. "After you."

Ginny felt a mix of excitement and nerves tightening in her chest walking with Draco, out in the open. When they reached the entrance to the Great Hall, Draco paused, glancing toward the Slytherin table.

"Looks like this is where we part ways," he said, his tone casual but his eyes flicking back to hers.

Ginny smirked. "What, you don't want to sit with the Gryffindors?" She teased. "I thought you were braver than that."

Draco's lips twitched, amusement flashing in his eyes. "Bravery's your thing, remember? I prefer keeping my life uncomplicated."

Before she could respond, he leaned in and pressed a quick, firm kiss to her lips - just long enough to make her pulse skip. "See you around" he muttered, the hint of a smirk still on his face.

Ginny's heart did a little flip, but she managed to keep her cool. "You will" she replied, watching him stroll off toward the Slytherin table as if this was all perfectly routine.

As Draco strode confidently toward the Slytherin table, Ginny took a steadying breath and headed to the Gryffindor side. The murmur of the Great Hall seemed louder than usual, but she held her head high.

She slid onto the bench across from Ron, who was aggressively attacking his plate of eggs. Dean and Seamus exchanged curious glances before Dean cleared his throat.

"So, Ginny," he began, cautious, like he was stepping onto thin ice. "Anything new we should know about?"

Seamus leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Yeah, like why Malfoy kissed you just now?"

Ginny met their gazes evenly, she took a breath. "Yes, actually. I'm seeing him."

There was a beat of silence. Seamus blinked, then leaned back. "Wait. Seriously?"

Dean's eyebrow crept up, his fork suspended in mid-air. "You're dating Malfoy?"

"Yes," Ginny said, her voice firm, almost defiant. "And before you start, I know who he is. But he's different when you get to know him."

Seamus let out a low whistle. "Well, that's...not what I expected to hear today."

Dean still looked skeptical, but he forced a smile. "As long as you're happy, Ginny."

She smiled back, her shoulders relaxing a fraction. "Thanks, Dean."

Across from her, Ron's fork clattered against his plate, the sound sharp and sudden. Everyone jumped.

"I need some air," he muttered before abruptly standing and walking a moment, the group sat in stunned silence, the awkwardness of Ron's exit lingering.

Seamus cleared his throat again, softer this time. "So…Ron's taking it well, then?"

"He'll come around," Hermione chimed in.

"I know he will," Ginny sighed. "I just hope it doesn't take forever."

Lavender and Parvati approached, sliding into the seats beside her. "So it's true?" Lavender asked excitedly. "You and Malfoy?"

Ginny nodded, bracing herself. "Yes, it's true."

Parvati grinned. "That's so intriguing! How did that happen?"

Ginny chuckled lightly. "It's a long story."

Lavender leaned in conspiratorially. "Is he as mysterious as he seems?"

"He's...complicated," Ginny admitted, a fond smile touching her lips.

Parvati nudged her playfully. "Well, if anyone can handle complicated, it's you."

The conversation shifted to lighter topics, and Ginny felt herself relax. Maybe this wouldn't be so hard after all.

Blaise Zabini leaned forward with a knowing smirk, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "So, Malfoy," he drawled, voice casual but loud enough for those nearby to hear, "dating a Gryffindor now? And a Weasley at that."

Draco poured himself a cup of tea, his expression unreadable. "Got a problem with that?" He knew the game - they wanted a rise out of him. Not today. "Problem with that, Zabini?"

Blaise's smirk faltered, just slightly, as Draco's cool response took the wind out of his sails. Across from them, Pansy Parkinson gave a mock-laugh, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "No, just surprised. Guess we didn't know you had such diverse taste."

Draco finally glanced up, locking eyes with Pansy, his expression cold and indifferent. "Maybe you never thought to ask." His voice was flat, almost bored, taking the sting out of her jab before it could land. He turned back to his cup, giving her nothing.

Pansy's frown deepened, clearly frustrated. Blaise wasn't done yet. "A Gryffindor though, Draco? Didn't think you'd go for Potter's leftovers."

There was a ripple of laughter from those listening, but Draco didn't flinch. He took a deliberate sip of his tea, his gaze steady. "Jealous, Zabini? Must be hard, seeing someone else get what they want."

Blaise chuckled, though the edge had dulled, his jab deflected with ease. Theo Nott, lounging next to him, smirked. "Didn't peg you as the type to pick up where Potter left off."

Draco's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Potter never knew what to do with her."

That earned a few raised eyebrows, the tension in the air shifting. Draco leaned back in his chair, completely unfazed, as if this conversation was as ordinary as discussing the weather.

Blaise eyed him, the amusement faltering slightly. "Alright, then. Guess we'll see how long that lasts."

The taunting began to fizzle, the thrill of trying to provoke Draco wearing thin. Pansy huffed and opened a magazine with a sharp flick, while Blaise turned to Theo, steering the conversation toward Quidditch - neutral ground.

Draco's gaze flickered toward the Gryffindor table, where Ginny sat, laughing with her friends. That familiar warmth stirred, but Draco quickly pulled his attention back, his expression as cool and controlled as ever. He took another slow sip of tea, waiting for them to tire of their game.

Later, as classes wrapped up for the day, Ginny found herself walking alongside Hermione through the bustling corridors. The energy in the castle was high, but the whispers that had buzzed around earlier seemed to be fading.

"You seem more relaxed," Hermione observed as they made their way toward the common room.

Ginny smiled. "I am. It's a relief not having to hide anymore."

Hermione nodded, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "I'm glad. You deserve to be happy."

They parted ways as Hermione headed off to the library for her evening studies, while Ginny decided to take a walk by the lake to enjoy the last of the afternoon light. The sun was low, casting long shadows across the grounds, and the cool breeze carried the scent of autumn.

She breathed in the crisp autumn air, watching as leaves danced across the water's surface. The tranquility was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching.

"Mind some company?" Draco asked, his tone casual.

She glanced over, a smile tugging at her lips. "Not at all."

They walked in comfortable silence for a while, the only sounds being the rustling leaves and distant chatter from the castle.

"How was your day?" she finally asked.

He shrugged lightly. "Eventful. Blaise won't stop with the commentary."

She chuckled. "Same with my friends. Though I think they're more excited than anything."

Draco glanced at her, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "And your brother?"

Ginny sighed softly. "He's...adjusting. It's not easy for him."

"He'll come around," Draco said confidently.

She looked up at him. "You think so?"

He smirked. "I'm quite charming once you get to know me."

She laughed, shaking her head. "Sure you are."

They reached a large oak tree by the water's edge and sat down beneath it. The sun cast a golden glow around them, and Ginny felt a sense of peace.

He regarded her thoughtfully. "So that's day one over. How do you feel?"

She met his gaze steadily. "Good."

A soft smile crossed his face. "Me too."

They sat together as the sun dipped below the horizon, the silence between them comfortable. Ginny rested her head on Draco's shoulder, and after a moment, he wrapped his arm around her, pulling her a little closer as they watched the fading light.

A few days later, Ginny and Draco strolled leisurely through the bustling streets of Hogsmeade, the crisp autumn air filled with the scent of warm butterbeer and freshly baked pastries. Colorful leaves crunched under their feet as they passed shop windows adorned with festive decorations.

"This is nice," Ginny remarked, pulling her scarf a bit tighter against the cool breeze. "I love this weather." Draco nodded in agreement, his hands shoved in his pockets as they walked.

As they walked past Honeydukes, Draco glanced ahead and gestured subtly toward Madame Puddifoot's Tea Shop. "You know," he began with a straight face, "we could grab a table at Madame Puddifoot's. Enjoy some tea under the pink lace and floating hearts."

Ginny stopped mid-step, her eyes widening in disbelief. "You're joking, right?"

He held her gaze for a moment before a sly grin spread across his face. "Completely."

She let out a relieved laugh, playfully swatting his arm. "Don't scare me like that! I thought you'd lost your mind."

Draco chuckled. "I couldn't resist."

They continued down the lane until they reached the Three Broomsticks. Ginny turned to him with a thoughtful expression. "How about a butterbeer? Seems like the traditional first-date thing to do."

Draco raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "First date, huh? We've skipped a few steps, haven't we?"

She smiled warmly. "Just a few. But better late than never, right?"

He smirked. "Butterbeer it is."

Inside the cozy pub, they found a small table near the fireplace. The warm glow of the flames cast a soft light over them as Madam Rosmerta brought over two frothy mugs.

"To catching up on missed steps," Ginny said, raising her mug.

Draco raised his mug with a wink.

They clinked their mugs together and took a sip. The rich, sweet flavor was comforting, and Ginny felt a pleasant warmth spread through her.

"This does feel like a proper date," she admitted. "Even if we're doing things out of order."

Draco leaned back in his chair, a relaxed smile on his face. "Unconventional suits us."

She laughed softly. "I think so too."

Meanwhile, outside on the busy street, Ron, Harry, and Hermione exited Zonko's Joke Shop, their arms laden with new purchases. Ron glanced across the road and did a double-take when he spotted Ginny and Draco through the window of the Three Broomsticks.

Ron groaned loudly, making an exaggerated retching noise that turned a few heads. "Ugh! Look at them, all cozy and sipping butterbeer. It's disgusting."

Harry followed his gaze and sighed. "They're just having a drink, Ron."

"Just having a drink?" Ron repeated incredulously. "It's a date! My sister is on a date with Malfoy!"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "You knew they were dating. This isn't new."

Ron shook his head, his face twisted in distaste. "Doesn't mean I have to watch it."

Back inside, Ginny noticed her brother's antics through the window and couldn't help but smile wryly. "Looks like Ron's taking it well," she said sarcastically.

Draco glanced over his shoulder, smirking when he saw Ron's flustered expression. "At least he's consistent."

She sighed and Draco met her gaze. "I'm not bothered. If anything, it's entertaining."

She chuckled. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"A little," he admitted, a mischievous glint in his eye.

They spent the next hour talking and laughing, the label of a 'first date' quickly losing its awkwardness. The warm atmosphere of the pub and the easy flow of conversation made time fly.

As they stepped out of the Three Broomsticks, the sun dipped lower on the horizon. Walking back toward the castle, their hands brushed occasionally before Draco casually took hers, their fingers interlocking with ease.

They continued down the path when they crossed paths with Ron, Harry, and Hermione. Ron's eyes widened, and he made another exaggerated retching noise.

"Real mature, Ron," Ginny said, giving him a pointed look.

Ron shrugged defensively. "It's a reflex."

Hermione sighed, tugging at Ron's sleeve. "Come on, keep moving."

Harry offered an apologetic smile. "See you later, Ginny. Malfoy."

Draco gave a curt nod. "Potter."

As they walked away, Ginny shook her head. "Sorry about him."

Draco shrugged. "It's fine. I've faced worse."

They resumed their walk, the castle's silhouette growing larger against the setting sun.

As they approached the castle entrance, Ginny paused. "Thanks for today. It really did feel like a proper first date."

He smiled. "Even if we've done things out of order?"

"Especially because we've done things out of order."

She grinned. "That sounds about right."

After a few moments of comfortable silence, Ginny glanced up at him. "So," she began, "how did your friends take it?"

Draco sighed lightly, a hint of a wry smile on his lips. "About as well as you'd expect. They're not exactly thrilled."

She frowned. "Are they giving you a hard time?"

He shrugged. "They're being...themselves. Snide comments, disapproving looks. Nothing new."

She hesitated for a moment before adding softly, "What about your parents? How do you think they'll react?"

Draco gave a small shrug. "Well, I'll find out soon enough. Expecting that Howler any day now."

Ginny's eyes widened. "Wait - are you serious? You actually told them?"

He nodded, his tone casual. "Owled them last night."

She stared at him, then narrowed her eyes. "Hang on a second. Weren't you practically losing it over the idea of telling them I was pregnant a few months ago?"

Draco smirked, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Yes, Weasley, because that would've been a slightly bigger deal, don't you think?"

Ginny chuckled, shaking her head. "Fair point."

Draco leaned in slightly, his tone more serious. "There's no guarantee someone wouldn't snitch to them now. Better they hear it from me."

Ginny nodded, appreciating his logic. "You're right."

He met her gaze, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Of course I am."

A warm flush rose in her cheeks as they resumed walking, after a moment, Draco glanced over at her. "So, how are things on your side? Any other fun reactions besides your brother's dramatic displays?"

She laughed lightly. "Well, Ron's still being Ron, you saw that. But the rest are mostly just curious. Some of my friends won't stop asking questions."

He raised an eyebrow. "Questions? Like what?"

"Incredibly bold ones," she replied with a playful smile. "They're curious about how you…handle things in private."

He smirked. "And what do you tell them?"

"I let them wonder," she teased.

He chuckled. "A little suspense never hurt anyone."

Ginny and Draco walked in step, the castle growing closer as the sky darkened into deeper shades of violet. The crunch of leaves underfoot was the only sound for a while as they walked in comfortable silence.

As they reached the entrance to the castle, Ginny stopped and turned to face him, smiling playfully. "So," she said, her voice teasing, "are you going to ask me back to your room?"

Draco raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a smirk. "Not on the first date," he replied giving her a fake incredulous look.

Ginny let out a soft laugh, her cheeks warming. "That's rich, coming from you."

He shrugged, a mock look of innocence on his face. "What can I say, I'm a gentleman, after all."

She stepped closer, their hands brushing. "Funny, because I don't recall you being this well-mannered a few days ago."

Draco leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Well, technically this is our first official date. I'm just trying to keep things...conventional."

Ginny grinned, shaking her head. "Unconventional suits us better."

He smiled softly, a warmth settling in his expression. "I couldn't agree more."

The moment lingered between them, the cool autumn air wrapping around them as the night slowly took over the sky. Draco brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his gaze softening as he leaned in, his lips meeting hers.

Ginny kissed him back, her hands resting lightly on his chest, savoring the moment as the world around them seemed to fade away. When they finally pulled apart, her heart raced, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

"Goodnight, Malfoy," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the autumn breeze.

He smiled, his thumb gently brushing her cheek. "Goodnight, Weasley."

With one last lingering look, they parted ways. Ginny watched him walk toward the dungeons, feeling warmth in her chest despite the chill in the air. She turned and made her way back to Gryffindor Tower, a quiet sense of contentment settling over her.