Disclaimer

Almost 8 years ago I wrote (and never finished) a story inspired by Taylor Swifts song „Begin again". Even though I'm not a native english speaker I felt that this story had to be in english. Unfortunately my story telling was really flat back then. Recently I rekindled with my love for writing and this plot ist still going strong in my head. With much more dedication and life experience I started over and I'm so excited to present you the first chapter of „New Beginnings". This time I'll finish the story and it will be better than ever. I promise!

As always - I don't own anything, except maybe the plot.

Chapter 1

Her flat was a complete mess. Ginny sighed as she climbed over the clothes everywhere in her bedroom. Unfortunately her flat consisted of only one room, which meant the mess was also in her kitchen, dining room and living room. The perks of being poor she thought – only one room to clean. She changed her outfit for the twentieth time and wondered how she got herself in this mess. Life was supposed to be different. She was supposed to be married to golden boy Harry Potter, should be pregnant with his first child and should be living in a nice little home.

Her time with Harry haunted her as she looked in the mirror and decided to try another dress on. The flashbacks always came in moments like this.

11 years ago

"Ginny. I – I just – I can't go back. I'm sorry." Harrys voice seemed to crack in despair but his face showed a huge relief. As if he had been battling with these words for quite a while, she thought. But she was confused. So confused.

"What do you mean you can't go back? You never finished school. You still have a year left and so do I. And Hogwarts was always your home."

"I know" – he sighed – "but I just can't. Voldemort is dead. I'm finally free of being the chosen one. I don't want to be the hero anymore and I'll always have to be a hero at Hogwarts."

There was a long silence. She understood. He had to take up that burden so very young. He was just an innocent child who never chose this life and as far as she was aware, would've never chosen it either.

"But you are a hero. You can't escape that by not going back to school. Everyone knows you." Ginny was desperate. Her last year in school was hard. She endured so much to do what was right. Snape, the Carrows, Voldemorts educational plan and all of the fear, hate and torture that came with it. But she knew Harry would win. That he would save them all. She knew that she loved him with all of her heart and that they would be together forever if they can survive this war.

"That's why I'm going to leave. I will travel the world and just be me."

"How long?"

"I don't know. Maybe forever."

"You are going to leave me again?"

"I don't want to. You could come with me? Lets just leave and see what the world has got for us. What do you think Ginny?" Harry smiled excitedly. She could feel his energy and she knew right in that moment that staying back was not an option. They were in love and they can conquer the world together. What witch needs school if she gets the chance to spend her life with Harry Potter?

She sighed again at the memory. How could she have been so stupid back then? She should've seen all the demons Harry was fighting and should've known there was no happy ending for them. She was so young and naive back then – just 17 years old. She regretted everything after that night: the gambling, the alcohol, the hate and the heartbreak. All the decisions and choices that led to her life today: working at a muggle coffeeshop, living in this tiny apartment in a terrible part of town, hardly making ends meet, struggling to buy simple things as food, not talking to her family and certainly not dating Harry Potter anymore. All because -

Her doorbell made her consciousness snap back to reality. Ginny jumped to the door. She was still not dressed. On the other side of her door was a beautiful blond young women, her long slick hair was in a high ponytail. Her makeup was perfect for the night. She wore a tight dark blue dress that came down to her knees with a high slit on the side. Maria smiled just as bright as always as she squeezed past Ginny.

"Yeah Ginny – you can't wear that. I brought you a little black dress of mine. You'll look gorgeous. Just wear some heels with it."

"I was actually thinking I should stay home. I'm-"

"No! You always make excuses when we plan something fun. Jaden got us on the guestlist of Level 21 – I am going! And you are coming with me!"

Ginny smiled – she loved Maria. Maria and her met at work. Ginny thought she was the only one working odd jobs in the muggle world. But the economy fell deep after the war. Lot's of witches and wizards had to go find work elsewhere. Unfortunately a diploma from Hogwarts didn't mean much in Muggle-London – not that Ginny had one anyway.

She remembered how she and Maria tiptoed around magic the first months. Both not aware that the other was a witch as well. Until that one night, when that one regular they had was to drunk and – Ginny shook her head to make her thoughts go away. Begrudgingly she tried on the dress that Maria brought. Maria was right – it was gorgeous. It was very short with long sleeves and hugged her curves tightly. After changing her hair and makeup a couple more times Maria was satisfied and ushered Ginny to put on her only pair of heels to get going.

Ginny loved these shoes. Actually, she loved high heels in general but Harry had hated them. Because of that she had only this one, black pair left – 12 years old and hardly ever /Maria and Ginny walked arm in arm to the public apparaiton spot. Ginny hardly listened as Maria kept swooning about her new boyfriend Jaden. He war very smart and handsome and worked as barkeeper at "Level 21". "Level 21" was a new, hip and very expensive club in wizarding London. It was the place to be – and a place she could certainly never afford. Maria persuaded Ginny for days until she finally agreed to come with. The old Ginny, the one she was a long tome ago, wouldn't have blinked an eye at the chance to go. But the existing Ginny was worried. Worried about her bank account, worried about work in the morning, worried that the other patrons would realize she didn't belong on that fancy dance floor.

The bouncer certainly saw right through them and was not happy to let them in. Since they were on the guestlist he agreed without a fight. But Ginny could see the pity in his eyes. He knew Maria and herself should not be there. The club was hot and sticky. Beautiful people in expensive clothes were chitchatting at the bar or moving on the dance floor. The beats were vibrant – the place was vibrant.

"Lets go dancing!" Maria pulled Ginny with her excitedly. Soon Ginny found herself in between all the strangers moving to the music. She loved dancing and it's been such a long time. She was glad Maria made her come. She hadn't had this much fun since – Ginny frowned – when was the last time she had fun?

After an hour of dancing Maria was determined to sneak some drinks from Jaden. They made their way to the bar laughing and still moving to the beat.

"Alright Ginny, you stay right here and I'll see if I can find Jaden." Marias eyes sparkled with excitement and love. Ginny was happy as she watched her friend disappear in the crowd.

"Weasley. What a pleasant surprise." Ginny twitched. His voice was darker, more grown up, but she recognized it anyway. She turned around slowly and was met with grey eyes and a crooked eyebrow.

"Malfoy. I think our definition of pleasant is quite different." She tried to dig up her old school girl energy. To be her fury self. There was something calculating in Draco Malfoys eyes. He was slowly considering his options. Probably deciding how to insult her first.

"Fancy a drink Weasley?"

"A drink?" she repeated stupidly. He looked at her quite amused.

"Yes a drink. They sell that stuff at the bar. The bar you are standing in front of."

Where the hell was Maria? Draco bloody Malfoy just asked her to have a drink. She eyed him suspiciously. Draco had grown up since she had seen him last 11 years ago at the battle of Hogwarts. However she knew that already. He was one of the top bachelors in town. Almost weekly there were pictures and articles about him in Witch Weekly, speculating about his love life. He usually dated a new model every other week.

"I'm not thirsty." His eyes looked right through her. Ginny could feel it. Draco Malfoy knew she didn't belong here. She wanted to go home.

„You've danced for an hour." It was a statement, not a question. But how did he know? Had he watched her? As he opened his mouth to speak again a gorgeous woman showed up next to him. She wore a silver dress that emphasized her long legs. Her blond hair framed her face perfectly. Ginny had no idea who she was, but she had pretty sure seen her before on some magazine cover.

„Draco. do you need help fetching our drinks?" She smiled a beautiful smile at Malfoy before she turned with a more mocking smile towards Ginny. Great - why did all these people here have to realize she was in the wrong place? She felt like such a cheater.

„You've got to work on your patience darling." Malfoy had the most charming smile as he touched the back of the blond woman.

„I've been waiting patiently while you talk to other women." The woman made a pouting face and moved right in front of Ginny while speaking, At least now she didn't have to talk to Malfoy anymore - however being pushed aside like that did flame up the infamous Weasley-temper her whole family shared.

Malfoy ushered the unknown woman back around. „Anna let me introduce you to Ginevra. Ginevra and I were just deciding when we should get together for coffee next week." He smiled the handsome Malfoy smile that Ginny had seen so often in Witch Weekly. The one all the women fell for. Now that it was directed towards Ginny, she got an idea why he was so popular. Her knees felt a little weak.

Annas smile on the other hand seemed quite sour. „Are you sure you have time for that in your busy schedule? Even I hardly get to see you."

„Wednesday afternoon. We can get together on Wednesday afternoon." Ginny smiled her loveliest smile towards Anna. That girl was not going to push her around like that.

„Perfect Ginevra. It's a date. I'll owl you the details." With one last smile Malfoy ushered a not very amused Anna towards the bar.

What had just happened? Ginnys mind was spinning. First of all - Ginevra? She wasn't even sure that all of her friends knew her name was Ginevra. Nobody ever called her that except her mother. Did she just agree to a date with Draco Malfoy? He was for sure just messing with her. Or with Anna for interrupting. He could be quite cruel after all. Britains Bachelor No. 1 was not interested in dating a poor Weasley. That fact she was sure of. And where was Maria during all of this? Ginny knew she should have stayed home. Should've stayed out of all of this.

--

Wednesday came by fast. Ginny didn't expect him to actually send an Owl. But Sunday morning it was knocking at her window fiercely at 07:30 am. Who was up that early after a night out partying? At first Ginny wanted to ditch him. She was sure this was some kind of cruel joke. Some evil scheme she hadn't seen through yet. But on Saturday night on their way home Maria made her promise to go on that date - and Ginny took pride in the fact that she always keeps her promises.

And now - now was Wednesday. She turned in front of her mirror again, trying to decide which outfit to wear to a first date she didn't really want to go to. The first date after 8 months of being single and heartbroken. Ginny heard the taunting voice of her mother in her head em„It doesn't have to be this way. Just forgive Harry. He's a wonderful man Ginerva. You have to understand that men make mistakes. You are ruining our whole family with this."

Ruining the family. That was the worst thing her mother had said back then. Harry lied, Harry cheated, Harry used her and left her. But everyone blamed her for not being patient and forgiving.

Ginny shook her head and turned her focus back to her reflection. She was satisfied with her outfit: black skinny jeans, and a cozy but fitting green v-neck sweater, paired with fake golden jewelry and of course her old black heels. The heels didn't really match her outfit. But Ginny decided 8 months ago she would wear them whenever possible. Her red locks bounced around her face while she carefully applied her light make up. Why did Malfoy want this date? He usually dated women that were way out of her league. They were beautiful and successful. She was nothing compared to them.

The Coffee shop he picked was in the most expensive part of London. She had never been here before and contemplated going back home quite often on the way. This was probably just a joke and he won't be there anyway. But she was all dressed up and she was a Gryffindor and brave. If Malfoy was not waiting at that damn Coffee shop she would enjoy a piece of cake by herself! By the time she arrived she was completely determined to spend the perfect afternoon alone. But he was there. Even though she was 10 Minutes early Draco bloody Malfoy was already sitting in the back of the cafe at a table for two, flashing her his most handsome smile when she walked in. He got up and greeted her with a hug.

The closeness, his touch and the warmth of his body made her dizzy. She shivered when she felt the hot of his breath while he whispered in her ear.

„Hello Ginevra."

„Hi." She was 28 year old and just said hi like some lovestruck teenager. This was going to be a disaster. He didn't seem to care or maybe he decided not to care about that weird greeting. He pulled her chair out and smiled. Nobody had ever pulled her chair out before.

„You look gorgeous today." He said while he sat down in his own spot again. Ginny had no idea what was going on but he actually sounded genuine.

„Thank you."

„What do you want to drink? Their Mocca Latte is to die for. Actually everything here is to die for."

„So are the prices!" She replied sarcastically. Did she just say that out loud? Way to embarrass herself. But she couldn't help it. Since she started looking at the menu she was worried about the money she brought. There was no way she could afford a piece of cake and a coffee. This was a crazy place. However she would never ever admit that to Draco bloody Malfoy. She was arming herself for the nasty comment - but he just laughed. He laughed? What was wrong with him? Did he think that was funny? Harry never laughed at her jokes. Harry always told her to stop trying so hard…

„Good one Ginevra." There was a twinkle in his eyes.

„Okay - stop the Ginevra thing. My name is Ginny."

„I don't like Ginny. It sounds like a little girl. And you are definitely not a girl." Oh boy - Draco Malfoy was flirting with her and she was actually enjoying it.

„But Ginevra makes me sound like an old lady. And I like to tell myself I am not an old lady yet!"

„Well beautiful I guess we need to come up with something different then. What do you think about Gin?" Seriously. Malfoy was pretty good a this. No wonder he dated all these beautiful women.

„Gin sounds awesome." This situation was just unreal. This had to be some kind of dream.

„So Gin - what have you been up to since school?" Fuck. Why did he have to ask that?

"What can I get y'all? Out daily special is a carrot cake." Ginny relaxed when the waitress interrupted. What was she supposed to tell him? She ruined her life because she thought she was in love. She left home to travel the world with the man she trusted most. Only for him to gamble away all their money and leave them with nothing. Or maybe how they came back to Britain. Harry being determined to become an Auror. But Auror training was long and expensive, so Ginny worked multiple bad jobs for 4 years to put him through school. After that it was supposed to be her turn. But Ginnys turn never came because Harry decided to cheat. Or maybe she could tell him how her family hated her for not forgiving Harry his one little mistake. Non of this was appropriate date smalltalk.

„What about you Miss?" The waitress looked at her, ready to take her order.

„I'll just have the same." Ginny smiled and hoped that Malfoy ordered something not too expensive.

She decided to keep her life vague. She told him she worked as a waitress and lived in a small flat in London. He didn't push for more details.

Malfoy worked in the family business now. The Malfoy Corporation. Ginny knew they made money with almost everything. He owned a Penthouse in this part of town and only goes back to Malfoy Manor on special occasions. Ginney was aware that his parents managed to stay out of Azkaban. She had no idea how - but that wasn't date smalltalk either.

They talked for hours and laughed almost the whole afternoon. By the time Draco paid the bill the sun was starting to set.

„So how are you going to get home?" He asked with that handsome smirk on his face.

„I'll apparate. I just need to go to the apparition point down the block."

„I will walk you there." They walked in silence. But Ginny realized it was a comfortable one. She still had no idea why Draco Malfoy asked her out. And she had no idea why she accepted. But she was happy she did. It was a lovely much needed afternoon. The first time in 8 months her world didn't feel like it would break, burn and end.

At the apparition point he bent down to her. His face was right in front of her. She could feel his hot breath on her skin. His face only being millimeters away from hers.

"We should do this again." He only whispered. Ginny could barely understand him but his voice gave her chills.

„ I would love too." He smiled as he heard her voice break at her reply. Ginny wanted to kiss him so bad.

He moved forwards and closed the space between them for a short kiss, His lips only brushed hers lightly, but it was one of the best feelings ever. Another smile and he was gone.

--

Back at home Ginny dropped on her bed in shock. She had kissed Britains number one Bachelor Draco Malfoy. Well brushed him. She had a fun afternoon with her childhood enemy and she was going to meet him again.

Ginny knew this would be drama. She was not stupid. She read Witch Weekly and all the stories about him. Next week he wouldn't care about her anymore. She would be just another woman that he crossed of his list. But she didn't mind.

Her family would be furious if they found out. They would never ever talk to her again and probably disown her. Ron would yell at her for hours and her mother would lecture her how this was hurting poor Harry even more. But she didn't care about that either.

Ginny would have another awesome evening with Draco bloody Malfoy. That was all that mattered at the moment.