Eavesdropping

By HPFangirl71

The stone wall felt cold and menacing as it pressed into his back. Ron Weasley hadn't seen Malfoy's attack until too late. Now, wandless and backed against the grey stone walls, he felt a bit frightened of the blonde threateningly pointing his wand into his chest. Right now Draco had the upper hand and he definitely knew it.

"Well, well, looks like we caught ourselves a Weasle. See what you get for eavesdropping?"

"Look go ahead and hex me if you're going to but I'll owe you one…"

Ron knew he was provoking Malfoy into action but he didn't care. He knew the boy wasn't as tough as he pretended to be. He stared into those steel grey eyes so full of hatred. Malfoy stared back, unsure and caught off guard.

"Exactly what did you see?"

"I saw you Malfoy, crying like an infant."

Draco pulled back, his eyes wild with rage. Not only was he failing at the Dark Lord's mission but Weasley had seen him at his weakest and was sure to use it against him in the future. Ron's fingers trembled slightly against the hardness of the wall behind him. He knew he'd probably pushed Malfoy too far this time.

"I'd watch what you say Weasley, cause Potter's not here to save your pathetic arse!"

"Look, I didn't mean to eavesdrop on something so private. Harry and I thought you might be up to something sinister and wanted to find out what it was. I'm sorry, whatever's making you so upset, I'm sure it'll be better in the morning."

"No… It won't… It won't ever get better. After all, I've failed him…"

Ron looked at Malfoy, realizing he was speaking out loud to himself more than to him. He wondered what could have him so frazzled, so upset. It wasn't like Malfoy to be so undone, usually he at least pretended to know which end was up but this time… It was eerie and a bit unsettling.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Like you and Potter would want to help the likes of me?"

"I didn't say I'd like it, but it's the right thing to do… To offer you help. So can I help?"

Draco looked at the redheaded boy hesitantly. Could he be trusted, or was this just a ploy to find out what he was up to? He wanted his help but he also knew that he could be killed if he spoke of his mission to anyone. He was only doing this to protect his family. He looked up at Weasley and suddenly decided to take a chance on the other side.

"Maybe you can… take me to Dumbledore."

With that, Draco reached down to pick up Ron's wand, handing it back to him as a gesture of trust. Ron took it and quietly began to lead Draco up to the Headmaster's office. Somehow feeling that after tonight, things between Malfoy and himself would never be quite the same…