Torn

"I hate Monday mornings," Ginny grumbled. She pulled her brush through her hair, wincing when it encountered a particularly nasty tangle. Hermione smiled at her.

"You know, you sound just like-" her voice faded when Ginny shot her an icy glare. She coughed and moved off of her bed, then picked up her bookbag. "Are you finished yet? I expect the boys will be waiting for us in the common room, if they haven't gone down to the Great Hall already."

"I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be," she sighed. She bent and picked up the bookbag that Hermione had loaned her, then followed her friend downstairs. The common room was empty, so the girls headed down to the Great Hall.

"Sorry we left without you," Harry said apologetically. "Ron just couldn't stand being away from the food for another minute. I think he was afraid that it would all be gone when he got here." Ginny smiled and sat down next to him. Being with Harry was always an emotional facelift of sorts; somehow she just couldn't manage to stay grumpy or sad around him.

"Anything exciting going on today?" Ron asked no one in particular, as he shoved half of a cinnamon roll in his mouth. Hermione closed her eyes and exhaled loudly, then shook her head and took a bite of her eggs.

"We're working with Bundimun secretion today in Herbology," Ginny offered, chewing thoughtfully on a slice of bacon.

"That's odd, isn't it?" Hermione asked, looking across the table at her. "Shouldn't you be dealing with Bundimuns in Care of Magical Creatures with Hagrid?"

"That's what I thought too, but Professor Sprout told me that Bundimuns are considered to fall under both categories - plant and animal." Harry frowned in confusion.

"Bundimun? Where have I heard that before?" Hermione rolled her eyes at him.

"Really, Harry. Do you ever read your textbooks, or do you buy them just because you have to? A Bundimun is a type of fungus, but it has eyes."

"We had a really bad Bundimun infestation once," Ron said, reaching for his pumpkin juice. "Mum had a devil of a time getting rid of it."

"I'm glad to see that you're finally eating," Harry whispered, leaning close to Ginny. Her cheeks flushed and she smiled at him.

"I would've eaten yesterday, if someone had woken me up for dinner," she pouted. He grinned.

"Sorry. Hermione said you were really out, and she didn't have the heart to wake you."

"Well, thanks for letting me sleep, anyway," she said. For reasons she couldn't explain, she raised her eyes to look towards the Slytherin table. Her eyes locked momentarily with a pair of silvery-gray ones, and she looked down quickly.

"We've got practice this week," Harry said, his voice a little louder. "We've got to get ready for the next match."

"But Harry, you don't play anytime soon. The next match is between Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, and then the one after that is between Slytherin and Ravenclaw," Hermione said sensibly. Harry dropped his fork and turned to look at her.

"Hermione, if you had a test at the end of November, when would you start studying for it? The week before?"

"No," she said, her cheeks turning pink. "I'd probably start as soon as I knew that the test was coming up."

"Even if it meant studying a month in advance?"

"Of course," she said, nodding.

"Well, Quidditch is the same way. Just because we don't play for another couple of weeks doesn't mean that we can slack off and not practice," Harry said.

"I never thought of it that way." Ron shot Harry an amazed look.

"That was a bloody brilliant analogy, Harry!" Harry grinned at him.

"Thanks."

"So when is our next practice, Captain?" Ginny asked. Harry turned his dazzling smile to her.

"Tomorrow night." She raised her hand to her forehead and gave him a crisp salute.

"Yes sir!" He chuckled and Ron sniggered. She leaned over and pecked him on the cheek before standing and grabbing her bookbag. "I'll see you at lunch." He nodded and watched her walk away.

Ginny slung her bookbag over her shoulder and made her way slowly towards Professor Binns' classroom. She had just rounded a corner when she felt someone tap her shoulder. She spun around quickly and bumped heads with Draco. He raised a hand to his throbbing head and winced at her.

"Do you suppose there's a reason we keep injuring each other?" he asked dryly. She was tempted to laugh, but bit her lip instead.

"I have to get to class," she said, turning her eyes away. She fidgeted nervously; what if someone saw them talking? He seemed to know where her thoughts were headed.

"Don't worry about anyone seeing us. There's no one for yards," he said, still massaging his temple. She covered her mouth with her hand and stifled a giggle. He raised an eyebrow at her. "You think it's funny that every time we meet, you give me a concussion?"

"Well, it doesn't seem to be doing any damage," she teased. She moved his hand away from his head and smiled. "You'll be fine, I'm sure. I'll see you later." She waved her hand as she disappeared down the hallway, and Draco stared after her, wondering if he'd ever be fine again.

History of Magic was as boring as ever. Ginny sighed and put her elbow on her desk, then rested her chin on her fist. She was fighting to keep herself awake, and slowly losing the battle. When class was over, she made her way outside, heading towards the greenhouse, and thankful that the cool, crisp air seemed to be exactly what she needed to wake her up. At lunchtime, Ginny slid into her usual seat next to Harry. He looked up and grinned at her.

"How has the first half of your day been?" he asked, picking up his fork. She shrugged and gave him a half-smile.

"Not terribly exciting, but it's better now," she said softly. A faint blush rose in his cheeks. Beneath the table, he put his hand on her knee and squeezed gently. It was her turn to blush.

"Where are Ron and Hermione?" she asked, reaching for a slice of bread. He removed his hand and sighed. She blinked. "They've managed to have another row since breakfast?"

"You make it sound like it's an amazing feat," he said, smiling broadly. "This must be a slow day for them - usually they can squeeze in at least three rows before lunch." She giggled.

"I suppose you're right," she said. He sat his fork down gingerly, then turned to face her.

"Ginny," he started. He paused for a moment, then shook his head. "Nevermind."

"No, what?" she asked. "Is something wrong, Harry?"

"No, not at all," he said, shaking his head. He gave her a small, embarrassed smile. "I just... I wanted to say... er, that is, I wanted to tell you..." his voice trailed off, and she bit her bottom lip to keep from smiling.

"Harry, it's okay. You don't have to say the words for me to know it." He gave her an amused smile.

"How do you know what I was going to say?"

"Didn't you know?" she asked, feigning surprise. "It's written right there, on your forehead, in flashing pink letters," she teased, touching a fingertip to his head. He laughed and pushed her hand away playfully.

"You're cracked, do you know that? Totally off your rocker," he said, his eyes twinkling. She winked.

"It's our little secret. I don't think anyone else knows."

"You don't think anyone else knows what?" Ron asked, sitting across from Harry. Ginny grinned and winked at him. He arched an eyebrow, wondering what she was up to.

"I was just telling Harry that I didn't think anyone else knew what a good kisser he was," she said casually. Ron spewed out the mouthful of pumpkin juice he'd just drank, and the color drained from his face as Harry and his sister laughed at him.

"You're very lucky you didn't just ruin my appetite," he scolded her, taking a bite of his Shepherd's pie. She rolled her eyes.

"Ron, nothing could ever make you lose your appetite!" Harry sniggered.

"I'll have you know that the night I realized that I liked Hermione, I was not able to eat a bite," he said proudly. Ginny raised her eyebrows at him.

"Now, you know that's not true! An hour later you were in the kitchen raiding the fridge!" she turned to Harry and cupped her hand to his ear, then whispered. "And Mum had a fit! She threatened to box his ears for it!" Harry bit down on the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing, and Ron ignored them.

"Well, as much as I hate it, it's time for me to go," she said, standing. Harry stood with her.

"I'll walk you," he said. She smiled.

"That would be lovely." His cheeks turned pink, but he smiled at her. Her stomach felt like it was levitating in her chest. Just when she thought her feelings for him could never be any stronger, they intensified. He'd reached for her hand and laced his fingers through hers, giving a gentle squeeze. She smiled and leaned her head against his shoulder briefly, then stood back up. How could she ever have imagined that she might let Malfoy kiss her that night? She shook her head. No, she belonged with Harry.

They stopped just outside of her classroom, and she turned to face him. Before she could say anything, he leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers. She thought that it was just going to be a peck, but she was surprised when Harry touched his tongue timidly to her lip. She opened to him, and he kissed her with such sweetness that it made her dizzy. When he pulled away, she was breathless. He leaned forward and kissed her ear softly, then whispered. His hot breath made her shiver.

"I love you." And then without waiting for her reply, he turned and walked down the hallway. She stared after him, wearing a stupid smile. Somehow, she had a feeling she'd be wearing the same expression for the rest of the day.

All through her Charms class, she found it impossible to pay attention. She stared off into space and thought of Harry, and was greatly looking forward to being in the common room after dinner tonight. She knew that she'd be with Harry then, and that was all that mattered to her. It didn't matter to her what they were doing; whether it was homework, or she watched he and Ron play chess - as long as she could be in the same room with him, it was alright.

Harry was sitting in his class, thinking about Ginny. He could smell her perfume if he just closed his eyes and thought about her. He smiled to himself. When he opened his eyes, however, he began to frown. Professor McGonagall was speaking to Professor Dumbledore. When she glanced up at him, Harry's heart very nearly stopped. His apprehension grew exponentially as she walked towards him.

"Mister Potter," she said, her lips pursed. "Professor Dumbledore would like a word." He nodded mutely and tried to ignore the fact that every pair of eyes in the room was focused on him. He walked out the door and followed Dumbledore to his office. When they were both sitting down, Harry cleared his throat.

"Did I do something wrong?" He wondered if someone had seen him kissing Ginny in the hallway and reported him. But that couldn't be against the rules; he saw couples doing it all the time!

"Not at all, Harry," Dumbledore said, looking grim. "I'm afraid I've brought you here to tell you some rather upsetting news."

"What?" he asked, steeling himself for the impact that was surely coming.

"It would seem that the Death Eaters have been overly active in the last few days, pillaging muggle homes, then setting them on fire." Harry blinked in surprise.

"What does that have to do with me?" he asked cautiously.

"I wanted to warn you to be on your guard, Harry. Even though we believe that Voldemort does not know of the prophecy, that doesn't mean that he doesn't. And because of this recent conflict, I'm afraid that I have to suspend your Hogsmeade privileges." Harry's mouth dropped open.

"Please tell me you're joking," he whispered. Dumbledore shook his head slowly.

"I'm sorry Harry. Please believe me when I say it's for your own good." Without waiting for more, Harry jumped up and numbly left Dumbledore's office. All he could do on the way back to the Gryffindor common room was think about Ginny, Ron, and Hermione. Voldemort was after him. He wanted Harry. It really wasn't safe for him to be around anyone - he was death walking around in a teenaged body.

He slumped down in his favorite chair and stared into the fire. The only way to keep his friends safe was to stay away from them, regardless of how miserable he would make himself in the process. It was the only way. Of all the damned luck, he thought. Right when I've found a girl who understands me, I have to push her away. But I'm doing it for her own good; it's the only way to keep her safe.

He was still sitting in the same chair when students began filing in. He felt the fear welling up in his chest at what he was about to do, but there was no other way. Ginny clambered through the portrait hole and smiled when she saw him. She made her way over to him and sat down on the floor in front of him.

"You weren't at dinner. Is anything wrong?" He forced himself to raise sad eyes to hers, and she knew she looked as startled as she felt. "Harry?" she asked softly, placing a gentle hand on his knee. He jumped up as though he'd been burnt, and she stood in front of him.

"I don't think this is going to work, Ginny," he blurted. She blinked.

"What isn't going to work?" she asked cautiously, her heart pounding wildly in her ears. His cheeks turned red.

"Us. We're not working. We shouldn't be together."

"Harry, are you trying to break up with me?" she asked, gathering all of her strength so she wouldn't cry.

"I'm not trying. I just did." He turned and ran up the stairs to the boys dormitories. She turned to see Hermione and Ron gaping, and she felt the tears welling up. She would not let them see her cry! She turned and fled the common room, running blindly wherever her legs would carry her. She was surprised to find herself in the Astronomy Tower. When she knew she was alone, her legs buckled beneath her, and she crumpled into a sobbing heap on the floor. She didn't know how long she stayed there and cried, but she was startled when she felt a warm hand on her shoulder.

"Are you alright?" Draco's voice sounded concerned. She brushed the tears away angrily and stood up.

"I'm fine," she said, sniffling. He arched an eyebrow at her.

"You don't look fine. Want to talk about it?" His eyes crinkled at the corners in worry, and she was overcome with mixed emotions. She loved Harry - she always had. She knew she always would. So then why was she so tempted to throw herself at Draco's feet? She was awed at the changes she'd seen in him during the last week, and she wasn't sure what to think of anyone anymore.

"Harry," was all she could manage before she burst into tears again. He shifted uncomfortably. Female tears were something that he was not used to dealing with. He hesitated before wrapping his arms around her shoulders, and was surprised when she buried her face in the front of his robes and wept harder. He felt an uncontrollable anger welling up inside of him - what had Potter done to make her shake like this? She cried until her throat was sore; then her sobs dissolved into hiccups. When she finally pulled away, her eyes were red-rimmed.

"I'm sorry," she said softly, wiping at his chest with the corner of her robe. "I've gotten you all wet." He pushed her hand away gently. The motion of her fingers was maddening; all it did was arouse him.

"Mind if I ask what Potter did?" She sighed and moved towards the ledge, leaning over it to look up at the sky. He stood next to her, his arm brushing hers.

"He broke up with me." Draco's eyes widened, and he turned to face her. His arm was still tingling from the contact with her.

"He what?"

"He broke up with me." Her voice was crackling because of the sore throat she now had.

"Why?"

"He just said that things weren't working out between us, and he couldn't do it anymore." She stared off into space while he gaped at her. His pulse began to race.

"Potter's an even bigger prat than I had him pegged for," he said smoothly. She turned her eyes to him, surprise painted across her face.

"Why do you say that?" He reached out and brushed away a tear with his fingertips, and she gasped.

"Anyone who would break up with you must be out of their mind." She closed her mouth and stared at him for a long moment, then leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. He was startled by the kiss, but relaxed into it almost immediately. He slid an arm around her waist and pulled her closer, then snaked another arm up her back and tangled his hand in her hair. She sighed, encouraging him. When his tongue touched her lips, she parted them willingly.

She couldn't see the harm in kissing Draco now. She knew he wouldn't tell anyone, because the Weasleys were considered filthy by all of his friends and family. He wouldn't tell them for fear of reprehension. She didn't feel guilty anymore, either. Hadn't Harry dumped her? It wasn't like she was cheating on him by doing it.

Kissing Ginny wasn't what he'd planned on doing tonight. He'd gotten his plan straight in his head, finally. He was going to befriend her, then introduce some romantic feelings into the mixture, and convince her that she should leave Harry. Her vulnerability tonight, though, left him utterly confused. He'd seized the opportunity and kissed her - but had he done it for the sake of his plan, or for his own pleasure?

Ginny felt her knees begin to buckle under the sheer feeling of his lips on hers. Kissing Draco was different than kissing Harry. When Harry kissed her, she felt full of love and life. When Draco kissed her, she felt full of something darker - passion and lust, and so many other things she couldn't name. She pulled away gently and looked up into his slate eyes.

"I should be getting back," she whispered, not really wanting to leave him. He nodded mutely, and released her. She gave him a nervous smile before turning around and bounding down the stairs. He pressed trembling fingertips to his lips, where her kisses still burned. A slow smirk spread over his face, and turned into a full-blown smile. Potter had made his plan 100% easier - but would he still have the conviction to tell her goodbye when the time came?