A/N: I just want to thank everyone who added my FFs to their Story Alert Subscription! =3 You rock!

CoverArt: Posted on Tumblr by snapesbabymama


When Ron entered the Great Hall the next morning, he couldn't believe the eyes that all fell upon him at once. Obviously, the new robes made a difference in his appearance. Entering the Great Hall next to Malfoy added to the oddity of it all.

'You could've tried combing your hair, Weasel.' Draco hissed at him, leading Ron toward the Slytherin table. Where students kept to themselves in groups.

'Draco, I can't eat over there.' he said anxiously.

'The hell you can't.' Malfoy said, snorting. As they reached the table, Ron only stood and stared at it. 'It's not against the rules.' Malfoy said impatiently.

'Usually only couples from other houses sit together.' Ron snapped. Malfoy only quirked a brow in his direction.

Ron sighed, realizing his defeat and sat down. He knew things were really starting to look crazy. He saw Harry, his sister, Hermione and the other Gryffindors staring at him. They were all wearing mixed expressions. Blank, horrified, shocked. They obviously didn't know what the hell was going on. Ron hardly had a grasp on it, himself.

His attire made him look almost as classy as a real Slytherin. Thank god he hadn't combed his mane of red hair; that and the crest he was required to wear on his robes was all the Gryffindor left. The whole scene was mental.

'I expect we'll be leaving right after class,' Draco said casually, as if he hadn't noticed they had entered another dimension.

Ron had never noticed Hogwart's served coffee. At the Slytherin table, there were kettles of it everywhere. Malfoy sat, stirring non-chalantly. Ron was lost in his thoughts and hadn't noticed that Malfoy had made two coffees. He was taken by surprise when Malfoy slid one in his direction. He was more a considerate companion than Harry. Who knew?

Ron had thought of many things in the last forty-eight hours. One of them being about his friends. He knew now he'd been overreacting for the past week. He was being a git to Harry and the others. It wasn't their fault he was alone and they were happy. He had his turn snogging his face off earlier in the year.

Still, he couldn't rid himself of his sour grapes. None of them had reached out to him until it was too late and he had almost gone out of his head. Now he was sitting with Malfoy. His life was out of control.

'Yeah I expect...' Ron said absently. The dull whispers were passing through the Great Hall. The buzz in the background made Ron's stomach queasy. They had to be gossiping about him and Malfoy.

The chatter was seized by the arrival of the post. It was a Friday, and there were fewer arrivals then on a Thursday. This was no good because the Harpy Eagle was back. Pigwidgeon was buzzing around it, irritating the creature as a mesquito irritates a person. They commanded a lot of attention. This time the box was bigger. Malfoy didn't even spare an upward glance. There's no way its for me this time, Ron told himself

'Looks like the rest of your robes are here.' Draco said, downing his coffee. Ron hadn't even taken a sip of his. 'The rest of my robes?' he asked warily. This was getting to be too much for him. He was starting to feel like he had to run away. Everyone seemed to be aware of the box drop in front of Ron, whose face was grim.

'Don't look so sour, Weasel.' Malfoy scoffed and backhanded him on the arm. 'You couldn't expect to run around in the same robes all the time. They could only have one set tailored for me over night.' Draco complained.

Ron hadn't even noticed Malfoy's robes were different from yesterday. Upon closer observation, he found that they were. School regulations said that robes had to be black. They all looked the same to Ron. Obviously Malfoy had a different opinion. Then again, the evidence was showing that the robes made a difference. Ron knew he looked better.

'Thank you.' Was all he could say, handing the box off to Pig. 'Hide it under my bed, so the boys don't mess with them.' He told his tiny owl, who flapped off, struggling with the huge package.

'Defense Against the Dark Arts, soon. This'll be fun, Weasley!' Draco said with a smirk as he stood, brushing non-exsistent crumbs off of his robes. Ron hadn't viewed that class as fun since Snape had taken over. Potions was even more fun at this point. He shuddered at the thought of Snape's last year O.W.L.s

When they headed into the dimly lit classroom he saw Snape's keen black eyes flicker over to Ron and Malfoy. He seemed amused. These robes were attracting too much attention. 'I see you've chosen better company, Mr. Weasley,' he said greasily. Ron said nothing.

They sat at a station together and Snape enchanted the lesson on the board. He and Draco didn't pay attention the entire time. Snape had even granted Draco Ten Points to Slytherin for taking the time to perfectly draw out the moon cycle, which is pretty much all he'd got done. Ron had no points taken from Gryffindor. Not even Five. Amazing.

Next they were in Charms. Everyone continued to stare. The bright classroom's circular lay out assured the Professor could intervene if something went wrong and all students had a perfect view of Ron and Draco sitting right at the back. Malfoy's feet were up on a chair while Ron was flicking his wand at the goblet that had been provided. Trying to conjure water.

'What are you trying so hard for?' Malfoy asked, almost in disgust. God, he was so arrogant.

'Because I don't know this spell.' Ron said flatly.

'You dont?' Malfoy said, sounding like a smart ass. He took out his wand and flicked it at his Goblet. It filled instantly with water. 'There, done.' Mayfoy said, folding his hands behind his head and relaxing back in the chair. 'Are you a pure blood or a mud blood? Come on, Weasel!' Damn Malfoy! He had it all, didn't he!

'You've got to point your wand straighter.' Draco said, closing his eyes to take a snooze. Ron followed his instructions and by Merlin, his goblet filled with water! Malfoy was damn usefull! Hermione wouldn't have been able to teach him anything with such simplicity. She was way too technical. Ron relaxed back in his seat now, too.

He could get used to this.

The rest of the day went with the same rhythm. Ron just followed Malfoy and everything went perfectly. In Transfiguration he turned a rock into a tea cozy on the first try. He actually managed to figure out some algorithms in Arithrimancy. After lunch, they just didn't go to class!

'Let's sneak off to Hogsmeade early.' Draco said as they headed back up the Entry Hall from lunch. 'All the rooms at the Three Broomsticks will be taken.'

Ron quirked a brow, 'At the Three Broomsticks?' The idea of drinking with Malfoy in a crowded pub was a little unsettling. It was a bit too public for him given the circumstances. 'I thought we were going to the Hog's Head.'

Draco seemed to be reading his thoughts. 'Like I would actually sleep in the Hog's Head.' He spat, voice filled with disdain. 'Hog's Head sells their Butterbeer and Fire-Whiskey cheap on Friday. And that's only until midnight.'

Leave early? Why the hell not? Draco seemed to get away with everything, anyway.

'I'll have our stuff brought from Hogwart's. Since we are going to be there all weekend.' Draco said as they walked down the long path toward the Castle grounds.

Ron could see Hagrid out of the corner of his eye, watching them walk together from his hut. His mouth hung open so wide his great beard reached his belly. Ron felt his stomach turn. He was going to be with Malfoy all weekend? Dammit. The other Gryffindor's anger and hatred would now have the entire weekend to fester. Brilliant.

Leaving early meant the forty five minute walk to the town. They hadn't even left the grounds yet and Malfoy was all ready going in the wrong direction. He was heading for the Whomping Willow. 'Uh.. Mayfoy,' Ron said warningly, 'You'd better watch yourself.'

Malfoy calmly withdrew his wand. He pointed it at the flailing willow and said, 'Immobulus.' His spell was, of course, successful. The tree was paralyzed, a few of its outer branches twitching. 'We're taking a short cut. Don't know if you knew about this one, Weasley. Missed it even though I know you and Potter drove a car into the bloody thing.' Draco jeered, as he led Ron into the hole in the tree and down the flight of wet stony steps.

Ron was actually quite familiar with this passage. He had never thought he would return here after his third year. He was thankful for the absence of terrifying flashbacks. As they made their way down the long dank tunnel, he found himself telling Malfoy the story. Malfoy, knew, of course, Snape's side of it all. He had no clue Ron had even been present for the event. He told Malfoy about how Hermione and Harry had actually freed Sirius, who was Harry's Godfather. 'I knew Wormtail wasn't dead.' Malfoy said finally, 'Father told me.'

They entered the dusty cellar of the Shrieking Shack, it seemed as though no one had been there for three years. Everything was exactly as it was. 'This place is disgusting.' Malfoy said, dusting himself off.

Ron was surprised when Draco came toward him, hands outstretched. As though he had held back. Draco dusted Ron off at first but his hands lingered longer on Ron's shoulders. Draco looked into his eyes and Ron was starting to sweat. His breathing hitched as Draco was getting close to him again. He could feel Draco's warmth and sighed. He was starting feeling dizzy as excitement passed through him. 'I don't know why you do this...' Ron said helplessly, unable to bring himself to push Draco away.

'I am doing it because I can.' The Slytherin whispered.

'No. Malfoy.' He said, defiant. 'You could do anything you want with whoever you want. Yet, you want to do... this with me.'

Ron couldn't believe his eloquence. What was it about Draco that brought this part of him to the surface?

Draco was struggling to come up with an answer. He pursed his lips, hair hanging loose. 'So?' Ron demanded. He wanted to move in closer, he wanted to lean in and touch his lips to Draco's. To feel his energy again. Ron couldn't bring himself to do it, he was still in denial about how he felt. Draco turned on his heel and headed for the stairs in silence. Ron followed after him.

They walked for fifteen minutes until they reached the Town of Hogsmeade. It was a nice town. It's cobblestone streets and side hanging signage gave it a quaint, historic look. After a short time they were entering the Three Broomsticks Inn. The warm, smokey pub maintained its friendly atmosphere. It was fairly unoccupied, save for a few wizards seated sporadically.

Draco approached the bar with swagger. Madame Rosmerta had clearly been expecting him. 'Mr Malfoy, your things are all ready upstairs.' Her eyes fell upon Ron and she realized that they were together. Even she was surprised. 'Hello Ronald...' she said. 'Hi.' said Ron, emotionless.

'Thank you, Madame.' Draco said smoothly, dropping a heavy velvet satchel on the bar top. 'This should cover the expenses for the weekend.'

Rosemerta was a Business Witch.

'My things have arrived, you say?' Draco drawled. Madame nodded, pouring two shots of Red Current Rum. There was a habitual manner to her motions and their conversation. A treatment usually only regulars received. 'They are in Suite Number Five.'

Draco swallowed the shot expertly. 'Thank you, Madame.' Ron drank his quickly, feeling it burn all the way down. He had no style. Draco looked at him amused, taking a seat. 'Can't shoot rum, Weasel?' he asked tauntingly. 'I shoot rum fine.' Ron snapped.

Ron heard a familiar voice behind him. 'Ron? What are you doing here?' He turned to see his brothers sitting down the bar. Fred and George. Their eyes were popping out in shock that was returned by Ron. His brothers looked good. They had opened a store of their own, Weasley's Wizard Wheezeys. His brothers were wearing navy robes. Perhaps not as nice as Draco's but Ron was surprised at them. They hadn't even finished out school at Hogwart's. 'You... are lookin' good!' the Twins roared.

'Didn't know you were such a preppy bastard!' George laughed, ruffling Ron's hair.

'You look like a spoiled Slytherin.' Fred finished, echoing his twin's laugh. Ron rolled his eyes, 'Ha! Speak for yourselves!'

Draco slid a butterbeer Ron's way and he nodded in thanks. His brothers assumed the seats beside them, finally addressing Draco.

'Hello Malfoy,' Fred said, downing his own drink with a grin.

'See? Even you're not immune to the Gryffindor charm and chivalry.' George said, waving a hand in Draco's direction. Draco only smirked and replied suavely, 'More like Weasel, here, is giving in to my good looks.'

Ron couldn't believe how friendly his brothers were behaving toward Malfoy. How little they cared he and Malfoy were in different houses. That he was not with Harry. Ron sighed in relief. The Twins saw everything as a big joke. Draco's presence was probably nothing more than hilarious to them. Ron actually smiled and allowed himself to cautiously relax.

They joked there with Fred and George for a while. They drank and exchanged stories. Ron asked them how business was going and he learned that Fred and George were doing fantastically. The store was a hit and they were actually in Hogsmeade for business. They were making a personal delivery to Honeydukes and Zonko's. Ron found himself having a good time.

'Speaking of which, we best be back to the lab.' George said, standing. He sounded as if he had an actual career. 'Got a deadline to fill for next week.' Fred beamed beside him as he chugged the remainder of his Butterbeer. 'Gotta invent two new flavors of Weasley's Wheezeys Exploding Firework Candy Gum Chews.' Fred said, finishing George's sentence as his twin brothers so often did. 'Brilliant!' Ron smiled, 'Good luck with it!'

'See you at Christmas!' The twins waved from the door.

'Come on,' Draco said, dropping several sickles on the bar. 'The other students will be showing up at any time.'

They left and headed down the street. Hogsmeade was starting to come alive. It was sunny and warm and after five o' clock. Everyone in the town seemed to be heading to the Three Broomsticks and Malfoy seemed to have expected this rush. Like he was used to the rhythm of the little town. Ron wondered how long he'd been doing this. Draco seemed to prefer his privacy. To keep away from crowds. Strange for someone so vain. Surprises around every turn. Perhaps it was an elitist thing?

The Hog's Head was almost completely empty. Save for the barkeeper, Aberforth and one other cloaked wizard. 'Ah! Mr Malfoy!' he said with a toothy grin. 'I've been expecting you.' He then, in somewhat the same fashion as Madame Rosemerta had earlier, set two huge glasses of rum on the bar. The drinks were much bigger at the Hog's. Nearly triple the size.

'Thank you, Aberforth.' Malfoy swallowed the glass in a few gulps and with expert ease. Ron was experiencing deja vu. Or maybe it was the alcohol. Ron swallowed the rum and this time, had no problem. He was feeling a little drunk already. Aberforth didn't pry. He returned his attention back to the other occupant and left Ron and Malfoy to swig rum that magically refilled itself.

For a while Ron didn't have anything to say. He couldn't believe the turn his life had taken in the last two days and wondered still if it was all a crazy dream.

'Never had anyone like you Weasel,' Draco said, suddenly. Seemingly unable to erase all hints of sarcasm from his voice. 'Stick around so long.'

Ron felt a little sorry for him and nodded. 'Yeah. Never quite... had anyone like you.'

Ron felt awkward out with Malfoy. No one had ever splurged on him like this. Ron wondered how many others within the approval of his father Malfoy had splurged on, trying to ensure their continuous company. It was getting harder and harder to walk away.

Ron let his rum sit for a while. He needed to take a break. He was starting to feel sick. Draco emptied his glass for him and enchanted water into it. Damn, he could drink like a fish! 'Drink that for a while.' he told Ron, who decided to take his advice. As Ron drank the water his nausea subsided.

'I do it because I want to, yunno...' Draco said. Ron looked over at him, surprised. Draco's face flushed pink again. Void of the usual scowl, his handsome features displayed anxiety. Ron felt a shiver rack his body. He did not want to, but he felt attraction. The magnetism called his attention through the haze. It even sobered him slightly. Something in the sincerity of his voice made Ron melt.

'That's why I let you.' He said, surprising himself yet again. Draco smirked and swallowed more rum. Ron gulped down the water and took out his wand. He ensured it was straight and pointed. The glass rapidly refilled with the vicious liquid.

It's going to be a long night.