It All Started With A Kiss

Author's Notes: Well, after the great reviews I've gotten (did I mention I love the four of you??), I was motivated to try and get this out at least weekly. Anyway, forgot to put this in the last chapter, but the plot (or the beginning of their relationship) was from the manga, “It Started with a Kiss”.

“What!?!” shrieked Ginny. “Pull the reigns in, back up, rewind and start from where you considered and ASKED me to be your girlfriend!”

“Firstly, what the hell are `reigns'? And secondly, I thought I was obvious enough when I kissed you. And finally, why did you think I was following you in the first place?” Draco smirked.

“When was accepting a kiss from a blackmailing ferret I'd be his girlfriend?” Ginny folded her arms. “And I thought you just wanted to annoy me, to irritate me, not because you fancied me! Why do you like me anyway? You hate me. You hate my family. You've said it publicly how disgusting you think my family is. When my brother, who you've called the Weasley King one too many times, finds out, he'll kill you. And my other brothers. You remember them, don't you? The FIVE other redheads that have come from Gryffindor? And Harry and Hermione. And Pansy! Damn that girl is annoying.” she ranted.

Draco just stood there, staring at her. Then he started to laugh. Ginny was surprised he found it all funny. She stared at Draco, seeing for the first time his change in demeanor of the calm, collected and icy stance he always assumed in front of the world. Still though, she was irritated he laughed so she waited for him to calm down and explain.

“Ever read `Romeo & Juliet'?” asked Draco.

“Heard of it. So what?”

“Well, it's the same case, with alterations. We AREN'T killing ourselves because our families don't want us together, MY dad will be the one who dies actually. And this didn't start because of a party. I actually really like you.”

Ginny stared at Draco, gaping at what he had just said. How did Draco know Muggle literature? I thought he never associated with Muggles. Huh, guess he does have a soft spot for the non-magical folk and us - Wait a sec, he's comparing our relationship to a DRAMA? WHAT?! I'm saying it's a relationship?! What am I thinking?! Snap out of it, Ginny! Witty comeback, sarcastic sentence… SOMETHING!

“What are you playing at, Malfoy? Do you take this as some sort of sick play? Where everyone will accept that you like me? Or that I …” she trailed the last part.

“That you what?” Draco smirked.

Ginny finally had something to say. “Nothing of your concern, Malfoy. Why don't you go and play with your hair? I think you've got some cow lick issues.” she said with a grin on her face. She then walked away while Draco checked his reflection in a hand mirror he had conjured.

~-~-~-~-~-~

The nerve of him! Thinking that he could charm me with those eyes. There is nothing in this world that could push me and Malfoy together. It's just not done. It's poor taste actually, to get two enemies together. Ginny thought.

Now, why do you think that? answered a tiny voice in her head.

Does it really matter? All I know is he and I could never - What the hell?! I'm talking to a voice inside my head! I need a therapist. Ginny thought in frustration.

Her first class that day was History of Magic, and as Binns was always droning on and on about whatever subject they were learning now, she had some time to collect her thoughts. She had stayed in her room the whole weekend so that she'd stay away from Malfoy's gaze.

So, Draco Malfoy, Slytherin Sex God (doesn't sound so bad now, does it? the voice in her head said) and Ferret Boy (still has that certain charm), liked her. She could do something about it, right? Right? What could she do? Hmm…

Luna had sat down beside Ginny and had started making another necklace, this time made out of pieces of the Daily Prophet. When she had finished, she turned to Ginny and saw a deep scowl on her best friend's face. She thought she had better save her before the Hohowam kept her face stuck like that.

“Ginny, what do you think of Draco Malfoy?” Luna asked unexpectedly.

Ginny, still deep in thought, gave an automated reply. “He is the most annoying, self-centered, self-righteous, egotistical, arrogant, pratty, insignificant, most handsome - huh? Where'd that come from? Wait… what did you ask me?” Ginny turned to her friend, face now contorted with confusion.

“So, you think he's handsome?” asked Luna, staring at Ginny with unblinking eyes.

“Uhh… when did I ever say that? You must have been hearing things, Luna. I never said Malfoy was handsome.” Ginny replied quickly.

“That's not what the author said.” replied Luna.

“Author? What author? There's someone writing a story about me? Who would write a story about me? I'm a plain Jane. A wallflower. A non-existent speck of dust that is worth nothing. Why do you think Malfoy likes me anyway?”

Ginny's eyes widened in shock as she heard the last phrase come from her own mouth. Luna was smiling serenely at Ginny, approving Ginny for her honesty toward the subject.

How did Luna do that? I hadn't intended on telling her.* Sigh* I guess it's one of the many things I like about this girl. I can never hide anything, which can be a blessing at times. Her and her mind tricks. Ginny thought sadly.

“Luna, I had meant to tell you, but I couldn't. Not in a place where there are too many gossips.” She nodded her head to two giggling girls that were about three rows in front of them. “If they heard what I just said, it'd get around the school before I even left this classroom. Then I'd have to deal with Ron. And Harry and Hermione.”

“Never fear, I will keep your words in my mouth. The Trio need not know about you relationship.” Luna swore.

“It is not a relationship!” Ginny shouted.

Everyone in her class turned back to see an enflamed Ginny standing in her seat, looking down at a peaceful Luna, who was putting the finishing touches on her newspaper necklace. Binns had even woken up from his temporary nap to see what the commotion was about. He floated towards the two girls.

“Is everything alright, Miss Weasley, Miss Lovegood?” he asked.

Ginny turned to her teacher, clamed her facial features and sat down, now well aware of the audience she had directed on herself. She had started to blush. Luna on the other hand, was quick with a response.

“Ginny and I were just discussing the length of the threads on the carpet down the hall. I had asked whether the length would be the same with the tail of a Snackle. She said there was no such relationship. I quite insisted that there was. I had never seen someone as passionate on the subject as Ginny was. I applaud her for her consistency to stand up for her beliefs.” Luna had stated, as if it were the most matter-of-fact in the world.

Binns stared at Luna, wondering where she came up with all the ideas she had sometimes. He then looked at Ginny, which had her face set in a shocked expression. He turned to the class, told them to get back to work and faced the two girls again.

“As much as I'd like to give you two detentions, I won't, seeing as it was neither an argument nor a ruckus to disrupt the class. I do, however, feel that both of you should do something with your free time other than concoct such stories, Miss Lovegood. I shall talk with your Heads of House and see whether you two could go on the planning committee of the Yule Ball this year.” Binns said. Ginny looked up at the ghost, ready to try and get out of it. “No buts, Miss Weasley. Seeing as you've got passion, it best be directed to other matters.” He floated away, not saying a word more.

Ginny stared straight ahead of her while Luna was fingering her sunglasses that were resting on her head. Ginny then turned to Luna.

“What was that all about? Why'd you just sit there? Do you want to plan this ball?”

“Well,” said Luna, “least we've got something that'll get you away from Malfoy every time you see him. He's not in the committee.”

Ginny's comprehension on the situation dawned. “Right. And since meetings would be the same time as the prefect meetings, I wouldn't have to see him. Oh, Luna, you are truly the best friend a girl with problems like mine could ever have! But how did you know he'd make us volunteers for the committee?”

“He's been asking around for help all this morning. I couldn't just sit back and let the ball be organized by a ghost who hasn't dance in 200 years, you know. What if the Hicklepigs get to the punch? Everyone's brains would go to mush! That can't happen. Not after everything I've planned for that night.” said Luna, with a sparkle in her eye that has taught Ginny to stay away from her when that happened.

“Uh… ok then. Well, least I've got one problem out of the way. The only other thing now is what to do about that ball. We can't have what happened last year happen again. This time let's do -“

And all throughout the lesson, Ginny and Luna started planning on a night that they would soon realize be the night that would change their lives.

~-~-~-~-~-~

She and Luna had just finished her first meeting with the committee and it went quite well. Seeing as Hermione was also the head of this committee too as she was Head Girl, their meetings were held at the same time prefect meetings were held, which was now Harry's responsibility. Ginny snickered when she found out, wondering how Harry would handle all the work he always had Hermione's help with.

“Don't worry, Harry,” said Hermione soothingly before the meetings had started, “I already planned what you were supposed to say to them today. Just look at the list I put on the desk.”

What Harry didn't know was that the list was a three page long parchment. It wasn't a list, it was a whole essay!

Having Hermione on the committee actually was a good idea, as they had had a very productive two hour meeting on how they were going to do it this year. Although Hermione didn't know the first thing about color schemes, the organization of the meeting was essential so as they could reach their goal time. Thank the Gods Lavender isn't the head of committee, else we'd have an entirely pink schemed Yule Ball. Ginny thought.

Luna had gone back to Ravenclaw Tower, so this left Ginny alone with her thoughts. They once again had drifted back to the slimy git. Had he really meant what he said? Who knew. Maybe it had been another ruse to rile her up again. She had nothing to worry about, although he did. If he didn't remember the hex she'd thrown his way, she'd refresh his memory and give him a taste.

She was so absorbed on how to get back at Draco that she didn't feel the light tap on her shoulder. She was shocked when a hand grabbed her shoulder and turned her around Oh dear, not again. Why must it always be after meetings? she thought tiredly. All she wanted to do was go to sleep. Now she had to handle the stupid dud that was standing in front of her. She closed her eyes and started to speak.

“Malfoy, didn't I make myself clear last week? I want nothing to do with you! This can never work. Don't you see? This is all just infatuation. You'll find someone else. Just give it time. Now, please, I'd like to get some sleep.” She turned her back on him and started walking away, only to find herself not moving. What the hell? Come on, feet, don't you want to be in your nice pink rabbit slippers? Ginny thought.

She sighed and turned around, only to find that it was not Draco, but her brother. Ron was seething. Her eyes widened in shock, and started to find a lie that could go with her statement. Come on, Ginny, think! There has to be something - Aha!

“Oh, it's you, Ron. I thought you were Malfoy. Apparently, he's trying to get this girl in Ravenclaw. She's a friend of mine actually. He's been asking me to help him out. While I vehemently tell him no, he still keeps asking. He's one determined little bugger, that's for sure.” Good save, the little voice in her head said.

I thought I'd gotten rid of you, Ginny thought.

Nah, honey. I'm in your subconscious. You can't get rid of me. I'm your psyche.

Fine, Ginny thought, hope he falls for it.

And Ron did fall for it. Although his question startled Ginny.

“It isn't Luna, is it?” asked Ron.

“Well, I don't see why it makes a difference, but yeah. Why'd you ask?”

Ron's face began to redden again. Well, well, well… this is an interesting turn of events.

“Ron, you don't like Luna, do you?” asked Ginny.

Ron started to redden even more. So, he thinks Draco likes Luna. Wonder if he'll act now.

“Ginny, where is Luna now?” asked Ron.

Hook, line and sinker! “She's in her common room. If you wanna get her as a date for the ball, I suggest you do it now.”

Ron scampered off towards Ravenclaw. Ginny somehow felt that, yes, Luna would be quite pleased.

~-~-~-~-~-~

Ginny had finally reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, only to find Draco standing outside, waiting for her again. She composed herself and readied for battle. What was this git's problem? Couldn't he just forget about her, or that stupid kiss?

“Malfoy. What is it this time? Can't you tell I'm not interested?” Ginny sighed.

He's here again. Do you really want to go away this time without kissing those lips of his? asked her inner voice, which she had decided she'd call Mars.

Mars, please. I don't like him. Please don't make any comments while I deal with dragon breath here. Ginny thought.

“Well, seeing as you distracted me with that comment you made about my hair, I've decided to leave it alone today.” Draco drawled.

For the first time, Ginny noticed that his hair wasn't made up in its usual slicked back style, but hanging down, just begging to be touched. You want to touch it, you know you do. whispered Mars.

Shh! I'm trying to think here. Thought Ginny. God, I'm think talking to myself.

“So what? There are so many other things I could hurt with that enormous ego of yours. So, what'll it be today? Would you like your pride crushed? There's other things I - “

She was cut off by another kiss from Draco, one with more feeling this time. She had been caught off guard. AGAIN. She had to do something. Maybe later.

Ginny relaxed into the kiss and started to kiss him back. Then it ended as suddenly as it started again, only this time, with a reluctant Draco and Ginny. Ginny had closed her eyes and hadn't opened them. Draco had opened his before she had, and saw an opportunity.

“Well, Weasley, seems like while you mind is saying no, your body is saying yes.” Draco smirked. “See yea later, Red.” He turned and walked away.

Dang, why couldn't he just continue? asked Mars.

Ginny was still in the same position, eyes closed. Finally, she opened them and touched her lips. Was it so bad that he would be her boyfriend? Highly unlikely. If he kissed her like that every time they did, it would be a nice relationship.

Oh, so NOW it's a relationship? asked Mars.

Yeah.

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