The Red Haired Weasel and the Amazing Bouncing Ferret

Ginny Weasley

October 28th 9:48 a.m.

I hate Draco Malfoy.

I do.

And yet I was up until late last night, tossing and turning, thinking about that silver haired Slytherin.

He… almost kissed me yesterday.

I am appalled. The idea of me and Malfoy… well, it's revolting.

We're polar opposites. Everyone knows that. I mean, there's a reason he's in Slytherin, right? And I'm sure that if we trace the history of our houses, we will find that our founders absolutely despised each other and probably attempted to murder each other on more than one occasion.

But...

I can't stop thinking about him. About the almost-kiss. And a feeling that is remarkably similar to regret keeps washing over me. I think I am actually angry with myself for leaving before it actually took place.

However, if I *hadn't* taken off when I did, and the kiss had actually happened, well, what then? Probably he would have insulted me, making me hate him even more, and of course I wouldn't be able to help him with Potions. And then he would fail, and I ask you, where would he be, then?

Really, I did us both a favor.

So why can't I stop thinking about it?

I've already discussed this with you. The idea of me dating Draco Malfoy is preposterous. We'd probably kill each other before the end of the day. So what's so freaking attractive about him that I can't let it go? I mean, sure, he's fairly good looking. And sometimes, when he smiles, he doesn't look totally evil. And, okay, so his humor is not totally horrible.

But other than that, why would I want to spend my extra time with that sorry excuse for a wizard?

Ha, can't come up with a reason, either? Thought not.

I think it's best if I don't think about him right now.

So, anyway.

The weather is nice today. Sun is shining bright over the trees. Clear blue sky.

What kind of girlfriend would Draco want, anyway? He'd probably someone that would just abide to his every wish. Flutter her eyelashes frequently to give the impression of desire. Swoon every time he tells that stupid story of when he got hurt during Care of Magical Creatures.

Probably she'd have to go through an exhaustive exam during which she'd have to say things like, "Down with Harry Potter" and "Death Eaters are the coolest" and "Dumbledore is a horrible headmaster."

No, I definitely don't want to be subjected to such torture.

And even if the idea had tempted me ever before, it all comes down to the fact that no matter what he did for good, he's still evil. Probably, he just aided in the destruction of Lord Voldermort to make way for himself. Oh yeah, I can see it. Draco the Dark Lord.

Okay, so maybe that was a bit below the belt. I don't mean it, really. But can you honestly see a Weasley kissing or *dating* a Malfoy? I shudder to think of the repercussions that would swiftly follow.

But we've already been through this.

Did I mention his dad tried to kill me?

Oh, right, I did.

11:26 a.m.

Well… didn't see that coming.

It was rather disconcerting. There was a whole crowd of Gryffindors standing in a circle around Ron and Hermione. I apparently walked into the Common Room at *exactly* the wrong time, as Ron's ears were flushed with anger and Hermione was narrowing her eyes suspiciously.

"What is *this* supposed to mean," she snapped, waving a piece of letter back and forth in my brother's face. Automatically I felt sorry for him. I didn't know what he'd done but it must have been pretty bad.

"What do you *think* it means?" he countered, and even I could tell him that it would be best for him to give the girl straight answers.

She blushed (clearly I had no idea why, as I'd missed the big part) and her tone softened. "This isn't some kind of joke?"

Surprised by this turn of events, I glanced around me to see if any others were wearing expressions of confusion. None were.

Ron took a step closer to Hermione and reached gently for her hand. "I wouldn't, I couldn't joke about this to you."

I hated myself for missing the beginning. I surveyed the room for Harry, and found him quickly. I made a mental note to question him after this was over, and then returned my attention to the sight unfolding before my eyes.

A look of pleasure passed across her face. She took a deep breath and then, shocking me even further, threw her arms around my brother, positively trembling.

"I love you too," she breathed, and I swear I saw Seamus and Neville hand Dean some money, but chose to ignore it.

I, for one, let out a shout, but it couldn't be heard over the thunderous applause which, for the record, grew louder when they kissed gently.

Harry wandered over as the crowd began to dissipate.

"Didn't see that coming did you, Gin?" he teased.

I smiled broadly. "Well, I did, but I laid my bets for March."

Which would be when Dean approached me, hand outstretched. I forked over the agreed amount and he left again.

Harry chuckled. "They had me down for October of last year," he admitted sheepishly. "So, of course, I've already paid my dues."

I studied my brother and his (dare I say it?) girlfriend who were sitting on the couch, her head resting on his shoulder. "Wonder how long it'll be before they fight again."

"Not long if they decide to speak to each other."

We laughed together, and it occurred me just how lucky I was. Not too long ago I had been dipping important body parts into butter for this guy, and now I could relax with him. It was nice to have Harry as a friend.

I don't know if he was reading my mind or what, but he turned to me with a goofy smile on his face.

"So, who do you like?"

I wasn't prepared for that.

"Um…huh?" Oh yes. I am very articulate when I choose to be.

His grin widened. "Come on, Gin, I know there *is* someone," he goaded. "I've seen you head off to the Astronomy Tower every other day for a while now."

I know I paled. I must have, as cold and terrified as I felt. "Have you seen me with anyone?" I answered. My voice was shaking.

He shrugged. "No one. I only followed you once and there wasn't anyone around."

He had to have been talking about two Fridays ago. Malfoy was so late I was tempted to just leave.

"I haven't been seeing anyone." Why did it feel like such a lie? "I've just been going up there to study."

I could hex anyone into next week without blinking, but when it came to telling a small fib guilt clenched my heart? Ridiculous. But, of course, I cared a lot for Harry, and wouldn't want to be dishonest.

"You can tell me if you are," he encouraged. The eager look on his face made me laugh.

"I'm not, I promise." I paused and examined the eyes I had once found so alluring. "What about you, Potter? Any romantic interests on the horizon?"

He shook his head. "No, but I appreciate the reminder."

I winked at him. "Always here to help."

I started to return to my room, but turned back instantly.

"Hey, Harry?"

He raised an eyebrow in questioning.

"What was that thing Hermione was waving around?"

He smirked. "A love letter Ron wrote her."

Love letter? My brother? How cute is that?

I just got back. You know, with all that Harry has been through, with Voldemort coming back and then, thankfully, being killed, and all those Death Eaters being after him, he's having a hard time trusting. I shouldn't be lying to him.

BUT I'M NOT LYING!!!

So why do I feel so freakishly deceitful?