Hide Away

Hide Away

Chapter 12- the hangover and the party

I woke up, feeling stiff and tired the next morning. I didn't know where I was, because I felt strange.

It hurt to open my eyes, but I slowly opened them.

I was lying on my bed and weak morning light entered my room.

The bed felt empty, for some reason this morning. It felt like someone should be there.

I groaned and I felt sick to my stomach. Suddenly an image hit my head.

It was one of Malfoy sleeping with me (not that way!) and holding me tight.

I snorted, ya right. I must have been drunk last night.

Last night! I felt dread fill my stomach and my heart. All I remembered was getting really mad at Malfoy for saying I couldn't have any fun and then drinking in about seven big glasses of tequila. After that everything was just a blur. Images flashed by of me singing, dancing, hugging Malfoy and sleeping with him.

I sighed and then ran to the bathroom, as I started puking.

I stayed there for about two hours, puking my stomach out and not stopping.

Finally, I stopped and dragged myself to my bedroom. I had the worst hangover ever, I guess. Well actually this was my first hangover...ever.

I glanced at my clock and saw that it was eleven o'clock. I screamed as I remembered that it was Friday.

That was strange, surely Malfoy would have called me and yelled at me for being late or not being there at all.

I ran back to the bathroom as I continued to puke.

An hour later, I picked up my cell phone and dialled Malfoy's number.

"Hello?" He picked up.

"Hi, I'm so sorry I'm not there, but I'm really sick and I can't come in today," I said, very quickly, in my normal speed.

There was a pause and then, "Ok."

"What?" I asked. This was strange for Malfoy. He was actually letting me stay home?

"I said ok. Stay home," he said in that tone of his, the business tone.

"All right, then," I said, slowly, shocked. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure, Weasley," he retorted. "I don't want you throwing up all over my office."

"All right...then," I said again. "See you on Monday then."

"You mean tomorrow."

"You want me to work tomorrow?" I asked him.

"Isn't Longbottom's party tomorrow?"

"Oh right," I said. "Tomorrow at seven."

He just shut the phone, as I sat in awe on my bed.

Ok, I had gotten drunk last night and Malfoy must've dropped me off home. He had DEFINITELY not slept with me though.

It's so strange though, I could've sworn that I felt him next to me while I slept during the night.

It was probably some crazy thing my brain had made up, along with the singing and dancing that I felt I had done. This was the first time I had gotten drunk, but I knew that I wouldn't do stupid stuff like that.

I wasn't about to ask Malfoy either about any of those things especially sleeping with him. He would probably laugh at me and think I was weird, which I would have to agree with him.

The rest of my day was spent feeling horrible. I lay in bed and puked everything I tried to eat. This taught me a lesson though, never to get drunk again.

At seven that night, Hermione apparated into my bedroom.

"Hey Ginny, what's wrong?" she asked me, seeing me lying in the bed. Thankfully, I had stopped puking only an hour ago so I looked sick.

I pretended to cough. "Er...nothing. Just a bit sick."

She nodded and then said, "What happened to your hair?"

I hadn't looked at myself all day, but assumed that it was still black.

"Uh...I was trying out different looks," I lied. "I wanted to see what I'd look like with black hair."

"What about your glasses?" she asked me.

"I was sleeping before you came," I lied again.

She seemed to believe me. "Why don't you come over to our place? You can get ready there for the party tomorrow. By the way, is Malfoy coming?"

I nodded and pushed my bangs out of my eyes.

"Good, now get cleaned up and come over in a few minutes," she said.

I nodded and she disapparated. I got up and took a shower and got dressed. I looked at my reflection.

My hair was still black and I was still wearing magical contact lenses from last night. My eyes had circles under them, but I probably looked better than before.

I didn't feel like changing my hair colour back. So I tied it up but took out my magical contact lenses and slipped on my glasses.

I packed a few of my clothes, some of my books and grabbed my cell phone before I apparated there.

"Hey Ginny!" Ron said, smiling and hugging me.

I smiled weakly and he let go of me.

Hermione smiled at me. I had apparated into their kitchen and Hermione was setting the table.

Arthur and Ella were sitting at the table, but they looked scared to see me.

"What in bloody hell did you do to your hair?" Ron asked me, staring at me.

I grinned. "I was tired of the Weasley hair, so I decided to ditch it," I joked.

He smiled at me and then said, "We're glad you could join us."

I nodded and Hermione said, "Come one, both of you. Supper's ready."

I sat down at the table next to Hermione and ate. She had cooked really good pasta with salad.

I ate a bit, but Hermione forced me to take more.

It felt like a normal family dinner and I was so glad I wasn't all alone.

After dinner, I helped Hermione clean up and she asked me about work.

"How's it going at the office?" she asked.

"It's great," I said. "It's busy, but I like it."

She smiled at me and then said, "By the way, is Malfoy coming?"

I nodded, feeling a tingle of blush. She noticed it and said, "Ginny...do you like him."

"No!" I said way too quickly.

She smiled again in that knowing way. "I think you do."

I shook my head firmly as I cleaned off the table. "No way, Hermione. I despise him in fact. He's the same git he was in school. He's always insulting me."

"I thought you said he treated you fine?" she questioned.

I grinned. "Herm, insulting me in every sentence is a fine treatment. I'm used to it, I just always scowl and try to ruin things for him whenever I see him."

"How is he now? Ron says he changed."

I shrugged. "Yes, he's not evil anymore but he still despises me and makes fun of our family. I just ignore him though. He's kind of nice though," I said, thinking about it.

"Nice?"

I smirked and said, "I know, it sounds outrageous. I mean he's really rude to me and claims he hates me, but it's like he cares inside."

"About you?" she asked me, incredulously.

"No, just in general. There was this one incident where my glasses fell on the ground and he repaired them. He placed a few protection spells on me though, when we were on a mission. We were out...late last night," I fibbed. I didn't want Hermione knowing that I had gotten drunk. "And he dropped me off home."

"That's nice. He does nice. I guess I'll just have to see for myself tomorrow," she said, smiling. "He's handsome for sure, that's what I know."

I blushed again and shrugged. "Whatever."

Hermione laughed. "You're so funny, Ginny. You're a bad liar."

I felt bad suddenly. If she only knew, what I was lying about. Basically everything, but I couldn't say that.

"Anyways," she took a seat beside me. "I hope you're not going have this black hair tomorrow."

I shrugged. "Doesn't matter."

"Of course it does, Gin," she said in a no-nonsense voice. "I want your beautiful red hair back tomorrow and I'm going to get you ready. You know I haven't seen you all dressed up and looking nice for a long time. You've got to impress Malfoy don't you?" She smirked at me.

I rolled my eyes and sighed. "I don't like him, Hermione. He's really cruel to me and besides I'm not getting all dressed up for scum like him."

I had decided I was over my 'little' crush that I was having over him. I was actually trying to convince myself of these words.

"Ok," she said seriously, "but then get dressed up for yourself. You're very beautiful Ginny, but you're always so busy and I know that person vendetta you have against makeup doesn't help you at all."

"What personal vendetta?" I asked.

She gave me a look. "Come on Ginny. The vendetta you have against makeup and the people who wear it."

"I told you so many times Herm. I just don't like it. Why would you want to put garbage like that on your face? I mean you're nice the way you are and if someone can't see it, then they're not worth it."

She smiled. "I forgot how emotional you were about it. Fine, fine. But just wear some tomorrow. For me," she pleaded.

I groaned. "Fine, just a bit. Nothing more than eyeliner and lip gloss."

"Yes, ma'am," she saluted me and smiled. "Now get to bed, Ginny."

"Oh wait, I've got to call Malfoy. He doesn't have directions to the place," I said.

She nodded and said, "Use one of the owls."

"Yes ma'am," I now answered, grinning. I hugged her and made my way to the spare bedroom.

I scribbled my note to him and then found one of Ron's owls and gave him the message. I told Malfoy to meet me there at seven.

I then magically changed my clothes into my pyjamas. Then I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

I had a very strange dream that night though. I was late for the engagement, except in my dream it was the wedding.

I ran into the chapel and everyone stared at me. I thought they were staring at me because I was late, but when I looked down I realised I hadn't worn anything.

I screamed and saw that I was the bride for some reason. The groom was standing at the alter, waiting for me. For some reason, he had the veil over his face so when I ran to the alter (somehow my clothes also magically re-appeared now, except I was wearing my work clothes), I lifted it up and found Malfoy there.

I screamed again and thank god I woke up then. I was sweating like crazy my covers were thrown off the bed.

I sighed and got up. I checked the clock in the room and saw that it was nine thirty.

I got off my bed and stretched. I went the bathroom and took a shower.

When I came back to my room, I found Eleanor and Arthur jumping on my bed.

I snuck over to them and went, "Boo!"

They screamed and giggled like crazy. I laughed and then started tickling them

After then minutes of laughing, we lay on the bed together.

"Auntie Ginny," said Arthur.

"Yes, my baby."

"Why do you...have hair like that?" he asked.

I fingered my long hair found that it was still black. "Oh sorry, I'll change it."

I whipped out my wand and then changed it to pink. They started laughing and then I changed it to blue.

"Is that better?" I asked them.

Ella giggled. "No!"

I laughed with them and changed to many outrageous colours.

"What's going on here?" came Ron's voice from the door.

My hair was now green and so when Ron saw it, he burst out laughing.

"Come on, you guys. Let's go and eat some breakfast," he said.

I followed the kids out and went downstairs.

Hermione was cooking kippers and toast in the kitchen. When she saw me, she screamed and dropped the frying pan on the ground.

As soon as it fell though, she cast a spell and it came back up.

"What did you do to your hair now?" she asked me, staring at me like I was a bug.

Ron, Ella, Arthur and me all laughed. "I was just making Ella and Arthur laugh. They thought it was funny," I said.

She sighed and said, "Thank god. Don't you ever do that to me, Gin."

I grinned and helped myself to some kippers and toast.

After breakfast, we received an owl from Harry and Luna, who said they were going to meet us there.

I helped Hermione clean up the house after that and we just talked. After that, she got the kids ready and got out Ron's clothes making sure they were all pressed and ready.

At around five thirty Hermione and I retired to her bedroom and she asked me, "Robes or muggle clothes?"

"Uh...robes, I guess. I haven't wore them in a long time," I said.

She shook her head. "Wrong answer. You're going to wear a dress."

"A dress?" I gaped at her. "What are you and Ron wearing?"

"Well, Ron feels comfortable in robes and I also think I'll look less fat in robes than I would in a dress," she said, grinning.

"That's not fair Hermione," I said.

"I know, love. But I really do look fat in muggle attire these days. I mean fatter than needed, so robes hide my belly a bit more. You'll look splendid though. Also, plenty of other people will be wearing muggle attire. It looks so much nicer."

I groaned. "What, do what you want. I'm too tired to argue."

She grinned. "I knew you would see things my way."

For the next half hour, I tried on various gowns in different colours in styles. We finally picked one and it was mauve in colour. Hermione picked out a pair of sea green robes for herself and got ready in those.

She put on her makeup and did her hair in about ten minutes and then sat me down in front of the mirror to do mine.

First she changed my hair back to normal and then made me close my eyes. She started applying things to my face, with my strict instructions to keep it simple.

At six thirty, she finished and made me stand in front of the full-length mirror.

I gasped when I saw myself. I had gained a bit of weight and so I looked healthier and wasn't so skinny. I was wearing a mauve gown that went down just below my knees. It had a fitted bodice with two thin straps and the skirt flowed out, with long and short pieces. The neckline went low, but not too low for someone modest like me. I wore a pair of mauve stilettos that had a big heel. My hair was tied up high on top of head and she had also styled it so that my bangs were on an angle on my forehead. I wore long dangly chandelier earrings in the same colour and a similar choker on my neck. My eyelids had mauve eye shadow on them. I also had eyeliner lining them and my lashes were extra long from mascara. I was also wearing peach-ish lip-gloss.

Hermione smiled at me in the mirror.

"Thank you so much," I said, and I hugged. She hugged me back and then said, "How do I look?"

Like I said earlier, she was wearing green robes and beautiful green jewellery. Her chestnut brown hair curled nicely down her shoulders and she wore pretty makeup.

"You look great Hermione," I said, smiling at her.

"So do you Gin. You look absolutely stunning. If only your mother saw you today..." she trailed off.

"Are you girls done yet?" came Ron's voice from the door, filling in the awkward silence that had fallen over us.

We looked over at each and cracked up.

"Yes, dear," said Hermione, grabbing her purse.

We came outside and posed for Ron.

"Whoa," was his response. "Ginny...you look amazing."

"Thanks," I said, beaming at him. I didn't know what it was, but for once I wasn't upset about going to this party like I usually am. I just fell so excited and felt like I looked good today too. Perhaps the fact that I wasn't going alone today also helped.

"You look great too, hon," said Ron, giving Hermione a kiss on the cheek. "But then again, you always do."

She smiled at him and said, "Where're the kids?"

"Downstairs, they've been waiting for a long time," he answered going down the stairs.

We followed him down and Hermione got out their camera. "I just want to take a few shots at home."

She made me sit on the couch with Ella and Arthur. She snapped a few shots and then made me sit with Ron. Then she took one of me and I also took one of the two of them and one of their family.

Since Ella and Arthur were too small to apparate and we didn't want to ruin our clothes by using the Floo, we had to take a cab there. But luckily it wasn't that far; so I didn't have to listen to Ron complain about Muggle technology for more than ten minutes.

We got there at ten to seven. I helped Hermione and the kids out and then said, "I think I'll wait outside for Malfoy. He might get lost."

Hermione smiled at me in that knowing way and I blushed.

"Sure, Gin," she said. "We'll see you inside then."

I nodded and paid the cabbie with the money Hermione had given me.

I then stood and waited for Malfoy in front of the hall.

For some reason I was really nervous but excited. I had butterflies in my stomach and couldn't stand still.

I kept on clutching and un-clutching my mauve hand purse. I didn't know how he was going to mix with my family or how the evening was going to go.

I turned around and looked at the doors and peered inside.

I then turned back around and screamed.

Draco Malfoy was standing right in front of me.

I started and almost toppled over in my heels but then caught my balance just in time.

He looked at me with those grey eyes of his and suddenly there was a pain in my chest. He was wearing a white suit with a black shirt. He looked really nice, and much nicer than usual. His hair was lightly gelled and falling into his eyes. I felt like kissing him then, for some reason.

I gasped and thankfully didn't fall down.

"What happened?" he asked me.

"Nothing," I said, unable to meet his gaze for some reason. I pretended to smooth out some wrinkles out of my dress. "You just startled me, that's all."

He was looking at me, I could feel it, but I refused to look at him. I brushed my bangs out of my eyes, a habit, even though they weren't in my eyes.

This was getting pretty ridiculous, so I just slowly looked up at him.

"Thanks for coming, it means a lot to me," I said.

He didn't say anything, just stared at me through those beautiful eyes. Now was not a good time to ask him what had happened when I had gotten drunk.

"Are we going in, or just going to stay out here staring at each other?" he asked me in his deep and sexy voice.

I blushed a bit. "Go in."

He put out his arm at me, like a gentleman and said, "Shall we?"

I took a deep breath. I didn't want to mess up and make a fool of myself this time. "We shall."

He smirked at me and I couldn't help but smile shyly, with my eyes lowered of course.

We went in and I felt very self-conscious.

Everyone was already there. We stood in the entrance and I didn't know what to say or do.

Hermione spotted us, so she smiled and made her way towards us.

"Hello," she said. I could tell she was a bit nervous. Malfoy had made constant fun of her and she hated him just as much as he did.

Malfoy smiled, and I could see that some of the same thoughts were going through his head.

Ok, maybe this wasn't such a great idea after all.

"Hi," he said. "Thank you for inviting me."

She smiled a little uncertainly. "It was no problem at all."

"Hermione?" came Ron's voice.

He came behind her and saw Malfoy and Ginny.

"Oh, hey, Malfoy," he said, smiling a bit.

Malfoy nodded and I felt like sinking into the floor. This was just way too weird.

"Hey," he said back.

Ron was looking at us with a certain look on his face, one that was too easy to decipher.

"You wanted to talk to me Ron?" Hermione asked him.

"Oh, Luna was just calling you and Ginny to the back," he said.

I turned to Malfoy. "Sorry, but I'll be back. Just sit and get something to drink."

He nodded and I left with Hermione.

As we made our way to the back, Hermione raised her eyebrows at me in that knowing way.

I rolled my eyes at her, and we went to the back.

It was a separate room and Luna was helping Medea with something.

"Hey, Hermione," said Luna. "You look great!"

I was standing behind Hermione and she moved aside to reveal me.

"Oh my gosh!" squealed Luna. "Ginny, you look absolutely stunning!"

I smiled and said, "Thanks."

Medea came from behind Luna and her beautiful face broke out into a smile when she saw me. "Wow! Ginny, you look amazing!"

"All my work," said Hermione, smiling.

Luna laughed and hugged me. "Of course."

"You guys look great too," I said, sincerely. Luna was wearing blue robes and her blond hair was tied up in a bun with curls flowing out of it. Medea look beautiful in a hot pink dress that had a halter bodice and a plunging neckline. It was long and the skirt flowed out nicely.

I hugged her and said, "Congratulations."

She smiled and I saw she was really excited and happy.

"What about you though, Ginny?" she asked me. "I mean everyone's almost married or at least engaged. Find anyone yet?"

Hermione gave me a look and before I could stop her, she said, "She's here with Draco Malfoy."

Luna and Medea gasped and then raised their eyebrows at me.

"Wow, Ginny," said Luna.

"Picking up where you left off, eh?" Medea said, grinning.

"Where was that?" I asked.

She laughed. "Back in sixth year, Gin. When you guys 'dated'."

I blushed slightly but didn't say anything.

"Anyways, I'm happy for you," she said.

"He's just my boss, Ron and Hermione wanted to see if he was all right that's why they invited him," I said.

Luna shrugged. "It's something."

I nodded and then said, "I'd better go back to him. He's probably getting bored."

They nodded and Hermione said, "The ceremony's starting soon, so we'll be out soon as well."

I nodded and left. I made my way back to where I had left Malfoy, but he wasn't there anymore.

I look around and saw him standing at the drinks with Harry and Ron.

"Hey guys," I said.

"Ginny!" said Harry. He put his glass on the table and hugged me.

"Wow, you look great," he said.

I smiled shyly at him, not used to getting so many compliments about how I looked in one day.

"Thanks," I said.

"It's too be expected," Ron said, grinning. "Hermione and her spent two hours getting ready."

Harry laughed and I smiled. I looked at Malfoy to see if he was bored, but he actually looked like he was having a good time.

"Do you want to sit down?" he asked me.

"Sure," I said.

We walked over to a table and sat down. Harry and Ron left to check on Neville and so we were alone at the table.

My stomachs tingled as I sat down beside him and the familiar blush returned to my cheeks.

"Sorry about standing and talking with Ron and Harry," I apologized. "I know they can be quite boring."

"It's no problem. It brought back all the good times we had a Hogwarts," he said.

"What good times?" I asked.

He grinned at me and said, "All the times I made fun of them and got them in shit."

I laughed and shook my head. "You'll never change."

He looked at me. "You think I'm the same as I was at Hogwarts?"

"I don't know," I said, feeling slightly uncomfortable.

"You don't?"

"I mean...yes, no I mean no," I mumbled. "No, you're not the same, you're different."

I refused to meet his gaze, because my cheeks were blazing red now.

After a few minutes of silence, I looked up and saw a distance look in his eyes.

"So..." I said. He turned to look at me, waiting. "Did you get home all right the other night?" What a stupid question. I wished I hadn't asked it, the moment it left my lips.

"Yes, I got home fine. Thank you for asking," he said.

This new politeness between us was strange. I don't know if only I felt it, or perhaps he felt it too.

"That's good," I said.

"What about you? Did you get home all right?" he asked me.

I gulped. "Yes, I think I did."

He smirked at me and said, "Do you remember anything?"

Great he was asking me straight out whether I remembered making a fool of myself or not.

"No, I don't," my voice trembled.

He nodded. "I see. How did you feel yesterday?"

"Sick, I threw up the whole day," I said.

"That's what you get for drinking eight glasses of tequila all in one go," he said, as a matter of fact-ly.

"It was your fault," I said. "You were the one who told me I didn't know how to have any fun or anything."

"Yes, but I never told you to drink eight shots and then faint, did I?"

My face flushed. "No, but it was your fault anyway. You dared me and...Oh forget it!"

He smirked again and I said, "Whatever, I don't care what you think of me. I'm never doing that again, no matter what you say!"

He laughed to himself and I heard him mutter, "Sure."

"What if I told you that I had dancing with you and watching you make fun of yourself?" he asked me.

Uh oh, my face was fully tomato red now...AND it so didn't match with my purple dress.

"I'd tell you shut up," was my response.

He laughed again and took a sip of his drink. "Sure you don't want some?" he asked me.

I snorted. "As if, I'm not falling into your cruel and evil tactics."

He grinned and took another sip of his drink.

I ignored him and then I saw that everyone was moving to the front of the room.

I got up and he followed me.

We went to the front and found Hermione, Ron, Harry, Luna, Medea and Neville there.

"I want to thank you all for coming here," said Harry. "Now for what we've all been waiting for."

Neville turned to and took out a ring out of his pocket. He slipped it on Medea's finger.

Everyone clapped and hooted, but for some reason I couldn't help but feel sad.

So very sad; that tears almost threatened to fall out of my eyes. I didn't know what it was. But it felt like I was jealous. I was happy for them and they both looked ecstatic. But I couldn't feel more alone now than ever.

I looked around at everyone's faces and saw they looked happy, because they believed in love and because it had happened to them.

I believed in it, because I had seen it happen to other people but I doubted with all my heart that it would ever happen. That I would ever be this happy or that I would love someone so much or that someone would love me that much. That I would ever have that big of a smile on my face and that my eyes would be shining with so much happiness.

I felt a pang of guilt, sadness and jealousy in my heart so I closed to my eyes.

Suddenly I felt someone's hand in my left one. I felt a pang of hope in the same place and my eyes flew open.

I looked around and the only person close to me was Malfoy. I looked down at my hand. My eyes travelled up the arm to whose the hand belonged to. They travelled more up until they landed on Malfoy's face.

Fresh pangs hit my heart, except it was one of shock and maybe hope.

He didn't look at me, but I stared at him anyway. He looked straight ahead and a single tear dropped down my nose. I wiped it with the other hand, not wanting to sever ties with the other one.

He squeezed my hand tightly to let me know that he was there. As he squeezed my hand, I felt like my heart actually got squeezed. It started racing rapidly, so I looked away back to Neville and Luna.

But my eyes didn't register what was happening now. I couldn't hear what people were saying. I could hear the clapping and hooting going on. I couldn't see that Neville was hugging Medea now, or that they were looking around the crowd for me. I couldn't feel the jostling of the people next to me and I couldn't smell their different perfumes and colognes blending into another.

All I could hear was my heart racing, my rapid breaths and Draco's breathing. All I could see, was Draco's tall frame standing over me and the hand that connected us from the corner of my eye. All I could feel was his body close to mine and his long fingers brushing mine. All I could smell was his strong but sweet cologne.

I was in a world of mine, but I didn't know it. Suddenly when he took my hand, there was a little ray of sunshine that peeked through the dark sky that heavily lined my world. I felt strange and felt like I was floating. Is this what love felt like?

I tried to scold myself. This wasn't love, was it? He only took my hand, something he probably did for any other girl who was emotionally distraught and needed help. But for some reason, that one touch was all I needed.

That one touch lit my world and made me feel so much better. I suddenly didn't feel like I was so alone anymore. I was still alone of course, but that one touch made me feel special. Like he cared about me, a lot. I know it's ridiculous but I just can't help it.

And then, it all came back to me. Everything was suddenly loud and I saw Ron calling me. People were pushing me lightly trying to get a better look and the sickly smell of perspiration was in the air.

Hermione came and found me and then I suddenly had to let go of Draco's hand. If Hermione saw our hands, I couldn't care less. I just didn't want to let go his hand.

He let go, letting my fingers slip through his. I looked back as Hermione dragged me off. But Draco wasn't there anymore. I turned my head in ever which direction I could, trying to find him.

But he wasn't there anymore. Or perhaps he had never been there ever. Perhaps I had dreamed it. I looked down at my left hand. It didn't look different, but it felt different. I could have sworn it was real, but again, I wasn't sure, just like I wasn't sure he had slept with me.

So I went off with Hermione to get my picture taken with the happy couple, but my eyes wandered around looking for him.

Once or maybe twice, I thought I saw a flash of platinum blond hair, but then maybe I imagined it.

The camera flashed several times in my face and Hermione moved me around from one pose to another, but I never felt anything. It was like my eyes were glued to one place, the place where he had stood.

You might ask how the touch of a hand could make me feel like this and the answer is plain and simple. It just that I've never felt like this before. That single touch of his hand was enough to bring back memories of being loved and wanted. Of being thought I was special. After my family died, it was like a part of me died with them. But when he touched me, I felt like I was living again. I felt like I could hear the hammering of my heart in my chest, feel my long lashes touch my skin as I blinked and really breathe. I hadn't felt like that in a long time.

The photo-up lasted ten minutes and after that was dinner.

As soon as it was over, I went to look for Draco (did I just call him Draco, I hadn't even realised I was calling him by his first name).

He was standing at the back, like he had been there all along. I pushed my way through the people and when he looked up and saw me, he smiled. A real smile too, not just the fake smiles he sometimes gives me when he's annoyed. Or not even his classis smirk. Just a smile, a plain old smile. It was a very nice smile actually. Oh great, I'm talking about his smiles now! What kind of sick freak am I?

Obviously a very lovesick freak. That one smile made my palms all sweaty and my heartbeat race. It this was happening to me after a smile, what would happen if he kissed me? Not that this would happen, but I think I would pass out from shock and surprise and of course joy.

I walked up to him, becoming very aware of my steps and everything on the floor in front of me, so I wouldn't trip.

"Hey," he said, still smiling. "I thought they decided to kidnap you."

I lowered my eyes, in spite of myself and smiled.

"Sorry," I said softly. "I had to pose with everyone."

He nodded and we just stared at each other.

Suddenly Ron showed up out of nowhere and said, "Hey guys. Dinner's being served so maybe you guys could sit down."

I nodded and looked away from his beautiful face. "Sure."

We made our way to our table and he even took out my chair for me to sit.

I smiled at him shyly and sat down. "Thanks."

He didn't say anything, just sat down himself.

My stomach was swimming in butterflies, actually maybe even drowning now.

I became self-conscious that his hand was just beside his. It had happened coincidently of course, but the thought of me made me queasy.

Dinner was served, and we ate in silence. Everyone else was loud around us there was no need for conversation.

After dinner, there was dancing going on, but I didn't feel up to it. First of all I was too embarrassed to ask him and couldn't imagine him even asking me to dance.

So we sat around for about five minutes watching everyone dance, while staring at everything else, besides each other.

I hadn't noticed a lot of things about it. I had watched him during dinner and thankfully he didn't notice me watching him.

These are just random facts now, and probably not going help any relationship I may have with him in the future, but I just like thinking about it.

Firstly he's so damn neat; it's scary. He ate slowly and neatly and didn't chew his food loudly or with his mouth open. I also noticed that he has very, very nice lips. Lips that look like they would be real good to kiss.

Also, he has the greyest eyes ever. They're so nice though. Whenever I look into them, I feel like I'm getting lost in a swirl of eternal grey. They were lined with long thick lashes that looked like they were curled and styled for hours.

His hair always fell into his eyes and he was constantly pushed back behind his ear. His hair looked so silky and soft, I wanted to touch it.

His hands were big, but nice. He had long fingers and short nails, thankfully. I just hate guys who have long nails (Ew!)

He also looked at everything so much more differently than I did. It always looked like he noticed every detail and everything. He turned his head every which way, drinking everything and everybody in.

I also snuck glances at him whenever I thought he wasn't looking.

"Hello? Ginny?"

I looked up and saw Malfoy looking at me like I was strange.

"Sorry...what?" I asked. Obviously I had been in my dreamland again, not registering a word he had just spoken to me.

"Do you want to dance?" he asked me, giving me the elevator look.

Oh god, I hated when he gave me that look. It was like...he was checking me out and I so did not like the sound of that.

"Uh, um, sure," I said, flustered.

He smirked at me, obviously enjoying the fact that I was flustered.

I got up and he said, "Ginny, your purse."

I gasped. "What did you just say to me?"

He raised his eyebrows at me. "Your purse?"

"No, before that."

"Ginny?"

I stared at him with wide eyes and said, "Why? Why did you call me by my first name?"

"Because you told me to," he said, saying it as if I was thick or something. "Are we going or not?"

I just stared at him, unable to process his words.

"I did?"

"Yes, Weasley. Now are you dancing with me or not?"

I still ignored the last part. "What? When? I don't remember..."

He rolled his eyes and muttered, "Fine, "I'll find someone else." He turned and left.

I grabbed my purse from the table and went after him.

I ran to the middle of the dance floor, but couldn't find him anywhere.

I turned every which way and still couldn't find him. I groaned loudly and then I felt someone take my hand.

I turned around and there was Malfoy.

He took me in his arms and we began to dance.

"What the hell was that about?" I demanded. "Is that what you do at parties? Just ditch the person who invited you?"

He grinned and pulled me closer to him. Did I just mention my heart was pounding so hard that you could see it bulging out my dress?

"You know, you're awfully sexy when you're mad," he whispered in my ear.

Ok, my heart had now officially gone crazy. It was beating so fast, I was surprised I didn't plop down on the ground.

I flushed but didn't let him get the better of me. "Don't change the subject," I snapped.

He smirked at me but didn't say anything.

Thankfully the song wasn't a slow song, or I would've just DIED.

The song ended and a faster one came on.

"Do you want to show everyone what we can do?" he asked me.

I pulled myself away from him. "What are you talking about?"

He smirked. "The dance we did at the club."

I paled. "We danced? At the club?" Suddenly it all came back to me, everything that happened that night. Ok, that's a lit. Not everything, but everything that happened at the club and our little walk in the park after. I don't remember what I told him, but it must've been some pretty serious stuff considering what he was doing to me now.

He didn't answer the question; he just took off his suit jacket and magically sent it across the room.

He looked at me through his grey eyes and said, "Ready?"

I started to say no, but he pulled me to him and started dancing.

After watching him, I couldn't help but dance with him. It wasn't club dancing of course, but it was different and fast.

We were fast and doing something so different that a few people around us, stopped to watch. Suddenly everyone stopped dancing and stood and watched us, forming a circle around us, similar to the one when we danced in the club.

I gulped, my heart racing. I wasn't used to this. The last time I had done it, it had been at a club and I had been drunk. Now, I was fully in my sense to see everyone's eyes on us.

I looked at Draco for a part of the dance and I think he saw that I was nervous and scared because I felt like he sent me a message through his eyes. The message said not worry and to just trust him.

I blinked and then stopped suddenly. He stared at me, but I just pulled my stilettos off and then grabbed his hand, pulling him into the dance.

Everyone was staring at us with awed eyes. Their eyes all couldn't believe what they were seeing. I saw Medea, Neville, Hermione, Ron, Harry and Luna standing near the front of the circle watching us, with disbelief in their eyes and on their faces.

But I paid them no attention. We were in our own world and nothing else mattered there. He spun and twisted me around, making me leap and jump. I was having the time of my life, so I smiled at him.

He smiled back at me and then there was something in his eyes that I had never seen before. Just as quick as it came, it disappeared.

He touched my body in every which way, but it wasn't wrong or dirty. It was beautiful because it was appropriate to the song and the dance.

I felt exhilarated that was the only thing that made me keep on going. Normally I would have been tired minutes ago, but this time I felt a new energy within me that made me keep on going.

Near the end of the song, Draco twirled me and I began to fall to the ground. He put his arm around me and our faces were incredibly close.

I could smell his breath, which smelled fresh and breezy and could feel his body pressing lightly against mine. His arm was around my waist and my arms around his neck, to keep myself from falling.

The song had ended and everyone was clapping and cheering, but we stayed like that.

I couldn't breathe as I just stared at him. I felt strong pains of something different in my heart now. He stared back at me, which something unreadable in his eyes.

That moment seemed to last an eternity, while we just stared at each other.

But then, something dark hit me. This is my boss. He hates me and I hate him. I was dancing and getting close to a man who had hated me since I had been eleven and I hated him since then as well. Everything that had been crystal clear ago became fuzzy and confusing.

I blinked and looked back into his eyes. They seemed different now. There was a hint of confusion in them mixed with a bunch of cloudiness and fuzziness.

I felt the grip of his arms on my waist lessen as he began to get up. I let go of his neck and stood up, flushing a deep red.

I grabbed my shoes and glanced at Draco. He looked composed like his usual self and not the least but embarrassed. He didn't glance at me, just looked around at all the people that were clapping and calling his name. I stood to the side and suddenly the circle of people around both of us became a circle only around him as people quickly began to find out that he was the legendary Draco Malfoy.

Just like that I was forgotten and left to the side.

I blinked and felt like crying. How could something that made me feel like I was flying one second make me feel like I just wanted to die the next? I just don't get it.

Hermione gave up to me.

"Oh My God, Ginny!" she squealed hugging me. "That was amazing, where did you learn that?"

I was out of the spell that one mere touch of Draco Malfoy's had on me. I was fully alert and awake now.

I shrugged.

Neville, Medea, Harry, Ron and Luna all came up to me.

"I just can't believe you did that," said Medea, staring at me like I was different. "I didn't know you knew how to dance like that!

"And with Draco Malfoy?!" said Ron. "He's our sworn enemy, Ginny!" He laughed as he joked.

"Shut it, Ron," said Hermione. "You can tell Ginny's so in love with him."

Medea and Luna nodded.

"I think he loves you too," said Luna grinning.

I stared at these people who claimed to be to my relatives and friends.

"What are you guys talking about?" I managed to choke out.

"Come on, Ginny," said Harry, grinning. "We could all see the way you were dancing and the way he looked at you. He's as much in love with you as you are with him."

I didn't know what to say. When I finally found the words I wanted to say, I said them.

"I'll see you guys later," I said, turning to leave.

"What? Wait!" came Hermione's voice as she grabbed my arm. "Where are you going Ginny?"

"Home. I've got a lot of work for tomorrow," I lied. "I've got to get going."

"Oh, but Ginny, your boss will understand," said Medea winking at me.

I couldn't take it anymore. I just turned on my heel and left.

This time no one came after me.

I didn't even go to the coatroom to get my jacket. I was so mad and depressed that I decided to leave without my jacket, hoping to freeze on the way.

I began to push open the doors, but a voice stopped me.

"I thought it was rude if you suddenly ditched a person you invited to your party," came Draco Malfoy's voice.

I turned around and saw him standing behind me, with his white suit jacket in his hand.

"What do you want?" I asked, rather rudely.

An eyebrow shot up. "I just told you. It's rude of you to leave me at this party, a party you invited me to and were very desperate that I attend."

I rolled my eyes at him and pushed open the door, walking outside.

Bad choice of not wearing a jacket. It was minus twenty-five degrees Celsius outside and I was wearing a spaghetti strap thing dress.

But I didn't care how could it was. I was too stubborn and proud to go in and get my jacket now that I had made a statement of walking out.

Unfortunately, Malfoy made it a point of following me.

"Here," he said, giving me his jacket.

"No," I said, refusing to take it from him.

"Why do you have to be so damn stubborn?" he muttered, giving me the jacket again.

"I said, no. Just forget it and leave me alone," I said, feeling annoyed and mad.

"Can't do that, sorry," he said. "Do you want to freeze to death?"

"Maybe I do," I said, hugging my bare arms and shivering. I was walking to try and get away from him.

I started to concentrate on apparating, but then he grabbed my arm. I opened my eyes and saw him standing and in front of me.

"What in flaming hell are you doing?" I said, trying to wiggle my arm out of his hand but his grip was too strong.

"Walk with me," he said.

"Walk with you where?" I demanded. "I was going to apparate home!"

I tried wiggling out, but it was no use.

"You could use some fresh air," he said. "It would help you."

I tried to get out of his grasp but he wouldn't let me go.

"Why do you have to torture me like this?" I demanded. "Just leave me alone!"

"You're not safe alone," he said, giving me his jacket once again.

"Why are you acting like my saviour or something?" I asked. "I don't want your help."

"Maybe so," he said, darkly. "You don't want my help, but you sure as hell need it."

I stopped struggling and stared at him suspiciously. It was strange to think only minutes ago we were dancing around each other acting like the most lovesick people ever.

"Let's walk," he said.

"To where?"

"To your flat. I'll drop you home."

"My flat is far from here," I pointed out, losing some of my anger. I actually didn't mind his hand around mine, even though it was there to control mine.

He shrugged. "So, the night is young and you could use with a bit of exercise."

I didn't say anything, and just walked beside him, enjoying his warm hand against my cold wrist.

Suddenly though, his hand slipped down my wrist and was now holding my hand.

I picked up my hand taking his hand with mine and said, "What's this?"

He grinned. "I have to stop you from trying to escape."

"And you holding my hand is going to make me stop trying to apparate?"

"Didn't you pay attention in school, Weasley? Oops, I mean Ginny."

I shot him a look and he smirked at me.

"Guess not. Anyways, when there's physical contact between you and someone who does not want to apparate, you can't apparate either."

"Oh great," I mumbled.

"Just take it," he said, putting his jacket around me shoulders.

"Won't you get cold now?" I asked him, wrinkling my nose.

He smirked. "Don't tell me. You decided to be nice now?"

I elbowed him. "I'm always nice. You're the one who's...evil."

"Yes, and that's why I insisted on you wearing my jacket?"

"Oh god, this sounds like some cheesy scene from a book or movie," I said, groaning.

Suddenly, Malfoy stopped.

"What the hell?" I said, but he put a finger to my lips.

"Just listen," he said, looking at me intently. "You told me a lot of things the other night, Ginny. A lot of things I'm sure you don't remember telling me. Some of these things were secrets that you kept to yourself for knows how long and suddenly you told me a bunch of them."

I didn't look at him. I didn't like where this was going though.

"Look Malfoy," I said. "As much as you want to mock me about those, I don't want to listen. I'm tired ok. I'm sick and tired of people taking advantage of me, ok? And I don't need you to do it as well."

He looked at me for a few minutes and then let go of my hand himself.

"I was going to say that you didn't have to worry about any of them getting discovered because I wouldn't tell, but I guess there's no need for that now," he said.

"Bye Ginny," he said before he disapparated.

"Wait, Draco!" I said, but it was too late.

I sighed and felt horrible about what I had accused him of. He was only reassuring me that he wouldn't tell and I blew him off. I wanted to tell him how sorry I was, but he was gone.

He had left, leaving me to drown in my sorrows alone.