Nov.02: I just saw The Glass Menagerie! It was soooooo good! The guy who
played Tom was H-O-T-T hot! I mean damn! So please 4give me for any
misspellings an grammar mistakes for I'm still under the spell of Mr.
Newcomer. NE-who....I finished the chapter and we have maybe 5 more
chapters to go...more or less.
Harry: Thankfully! I can't stand this any longer.
Nov.02: Oh, Harry! *Cuddle* I love you.
Draco: Lovely. You make this so hard on the boy!
Harry: I never knew you cared! *Perks up*
Draco: Not you! Ron! Did you read this?
Harry: *Deflates*
Nov.02: You are soooooooo mean. Say thank yous and go to bed without a bit a sweet, sweet Ronnie-ness.
Draco: *Pout* Fine! Thank you ~*Maleficent*~ Take Harry! Please! The weather here is perfect!
Thanks ~*Snowdrop*~ You'll never guess what I'm addicted to!
THNX ~*Omega*~ You're reprimand really got her writing!
Thanks ~*Suzanne*~ A B+ is pretty good. Though I must say I despise those science fair judges! Always have, always will.
Nov.02: That's it?
Draco: Well, after not updating for more than a month I say your usuals probably don't believe you've updated!
Nov.02: I'm going to punch you in the face!
Draco: I'll punch you in the face!
Harry: That makes an equal sign!
Nov.02/Draco: @_@....Just read!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Chpt 26
It was the grand finale to the Tournament. Anxiousness, pride and determination flowed through the stadium as the champions stood at the opening of the large and complex maze.
A maze filled with puzzles of logic, quick wit and courage that would put them to the final test. And four would give way to one definitive victor. Harry had just entered the maze. His family had come to cheer Harry on. It was quite okay with Ron to be surrounded by his family. The red hair and freckles would let him blend in, would conceal him, as he sat, slumped forward. He was drained. After that whole meeting with Draco, he cried. Out of frustration, anger and the utmost, fear. Fear for Draco because he knew that the boy was more than fragile. Ron hoped that he would be okay.
Then there was Harry. After Ron returned (and cried), Harry was there, the whole time, comforting him. It was wonderful to have his friend back but it was quite awkward. For Draco actually saw, thought, that they should be together. Harry was a sweet guy. A brave, sweet, adorably cute boy who was growing into a handsome young man. He wouldn't doubt if Harry got taller, gained some muscle and became the hottest guy at their school. But...Harry was Harry. And Draco was the love of his life. And that's how he wanted it to be.
A brilliant flash sparked and fizzed in the center of the maze. The white light was so bright, though, when all was somewhat settled, the action began. It seemed that this was not to happen. Something was terribly wrong here as the judges all rushed to the field. What's going on? What's wrong? Is Draco okay? These questions all bombarded Ron's mind.
Speaking of Draco, where the bloody hell was he? Ron began to look around in the stands. Of course, many of the Slytherins were scattered about, seeing as how both of their school champions were from houses they despised. But at least they were all there. But Draco. Draco was off somewhere. Maybe this was the perfect time for the two of them to talk.
Just talk, Ron reminded himself as he casually excused himself. Just talking, he repeated as he descended the steps and nonchalantly walked past adults. Just no touching, kissing and other things that could get you two in trouble, he thought as he crossed the threshold of the enormous back entrance doors. They remained open, so guest could easily enter and exit the castle.
And there stood Draco, leaning against the open door, hands crossed over his chest. He was the perfect example of total uncaring and boredom.
"Well, hello there, Weasley. What brings you here? Aren't your family members here? What would they say if one saw you with me?" Draco smiled as Ron stood next to him.
"Oh, they'd die. They still think we're together. Since they finally got Ginny's letter exposing us."
"It's good to see that you decided to at least talk to me after all was said and done." The Slytherin whispered, gaze directed out at the lights, the people and the maze.
"Well, why not? After all we've had and been through. I couldn't just up and leave everything about you. You are the one protecting me against your father."
"Let's not get into that. So how have your family reacted to the whole supposed relationship?"
"They freaked. Percy went on some lecture about how this is a folly that will ultimately ruin my educational career. Mum and Charlie yelled. Dad went off about planning some revenge on your father for forcing you to put me under some love spell. Ginny, George and Fred took it well."
Draco chuckled softly at the thought of Ron's father trying to exact revenge on his father. Though that would be a wonderful plan that he must certainly help with.
"Yeah, I did the same thing."
Ron, then, moved slowly closer to Draco so that he could efficiently whisper to him but, to others on the outside, it seemed as though he was trying to get a better look at the action.
"I still love you, you know? I miss you terribly." He observed Draco, awaiting a reaction. Verbal or physical, he didn't care.
"I love you, too." Draco sighed, running his elegant fingers through his hair. He quietly removed any fallen strands from his hands and watched their descent to the floor. "I so desperately wish to hold you right now but you know the severity of this imbroglio, this difficult situation we are currently in. In another place, another time..." he tapered off.
Ron suspired heavily. He didn't mean to go to this subject but he couldn't help it. "Well, what do you think happened?"
"You mean the flash of light?"
"No, I mean to sky turning purple paisley! Yes, the flash."
"No need for sarcasm. I really don't know but it can't mean anything good for Potter."
They stood there, wondering what was to be of the Tournament as the two remaining champions were taken out. Harry and Cedric remained lost.
"Oh shit. Oh shit. Oh shit!" Ron muttered as, after a long period a nervous silence, it seemed that the two missing boys were back.
Screams, dreadful screams, footsteps, voices of frantic people chimed through the valley. "He's dead!" "He's dead!" Ron looked over at Draco, who solemnly stared out at the field.
"You don't think...?" questioned Ron, all color drained from his angelic face.
All Draco could do was place his arm around Ron, letting him lay his head on his shoulder. A stretcher was floating beside Dumbledore, sheet covering him.
"Oh dear, Merlin!" Ron whispered as the cluster of people surrounding the Headmaster strode up to the castle. A man behind the Headmaster was carrying/pulling another boy, student, through the crowd.
"Ron, he's not dead but who is?"
"Cedric Diggory! He's dead!" Came piercing through the night air.
"Now, we know."
Dumbledore walked past the two, smiling somberly. The stretcher passed them, Harry in the man's arm passed them muttering something about 'He's back.' The night passed by, people clamoring inside, Ron's family surveying the two. Ron remained in Draco's embrace, in the hall, all night long.
*~*~*
It had been about a week since the fiasco of the Tournament and Harry was still in the Hospital Wing.
Ron cautiously made his way over to his fallen friend. He was always in and out of sleep, so Ron was never able to see him. All he wanted was to see his friend awake and happy. And right now he was able to see that. Harry was sitting up in bed, a smile on his face, awaiting the arrival of his best friend.
"Harry," he grinned warmly.
Harry had his eyes locked on Ron ever since he walked in. "Ron!" A heartfelt smile on his face.
"How have you been?"
"I've been seeing nothing but black for what I thought to be a few hours when in actuality it's been days. You?"
Ron gingerly perched himself on Harry's bed. "Oh, I've been missing you, if you can believe it."
"I can. So, um," Harry became suddenly interested in his fingers, watching them fiddle with the sheets.
"'Um' what? Tell me, Harry. I want to know."
"Why were you with Malfoy?"
Ron peered into Harry's emerald eyes. Emotions clouding over them, making them unreadable.
"Harry," sighed Ron, "I thought we had an understanding about this. You were to be my friend and only that. Whatever happened between Draco and me was to stay between Draco and me. I do what I please."
"I know that. You are a growing boy," Harry joked, "and you want control in your life, but he's bad news for you. I mean you two broke up then, next thing I know your all up under him."
"Harry, let's not get into this."
"I know. I know I have no chance with you. I'm nothing but a friend to you. But call it my love, this feeling of wanting to be with you, or my strong friendship with you or this brotherhood thing we have going but I hate how Malfoy treats you. He pushes and pulls you any direction he feels and you always follow along. He's dumped you three times and you come crawling back each time. I hate it. I would treat you better; anyone could treat you better than he treats you. He's a Slytherin, always have, always will be. I hate to see you hurt and that's all you've been this whole year."
"Harry." Ron reprimanded. This is all he needed.
"Well, it's the bloody truth. I hate what he does to you."
"The end. No more of this."
The two sat in a hush manner, enjoying the others company, if possible. Harry sat upright, rigidly, staring out at nothing in particular. He looked as if he were trying to desensitize himself from something or other. Ron was being ridiculous. Couldn't he see that Ron was playing him for a fool? Malfoy was a bastard and he wanted him to die. Especially after what he saw the night of the 3rd Task. His father, a Death Eater, with Voldemort.
This sent shivers down Harry's spine.
"Not all hate you. Not all blame you. I still miss you. And don't forget you still have to lose it that chess game we started the other day."
Harry grinned. "Who says I'm going to lose?"
"Aren't you going up against me?"
They laughed. They began a small conversation as to how the rest of the school days have been without him. Soon, though, Harry began to slip into a quiet sadness.
"Harry," Ron spoke softly as he scooted over to Harry, arms around the bruised and broken boy.
"It was so scary. Cedric was there, dead. And I was strapped to a gravestone. Wormtail cut me. Sliced my right arm. It was apart of a potion..spell...a combination of both. He cut his hand off! His HAND! He tossed bones, his hand and my blood into a cauldron and dropped an ugly thing inside it. Voldemort rose out off it." Harry sobbed.
Ron shuddered. He hated that name.
Harry turned so that his head was placed on his shoulder. Tears freely streamed down his face. "I don't know how I'm going to do this. How will I rise and be the hero now? I saw my parents come out his wand!" he gasped.
Ron stroked his hair. "I know you. You can do anything. And Hermione and I will be there. If that's any consolation."
"Yes it is," he sniffled.
Ron didn't know why he did what he did next but Harry felt bad. Ron gently touched Harry's cheek, moving so that he could look at him. He, then placed his lips at the corner of Harry's mouth, half kissing his lips seeing has how he was trying to kiss the miniature hero sideways. Harry eagerly returned the kiss. It wasn't as romantic as his vision in Divination but it was just as good.
Ron pulled back slowly. "Don't expect anything more than that or having that happen ever again."
They smiled at one another.
Harry put his hand over Ron's. "I'm scared."
"So am I." Ron placed his hand over Harry's, then Harry topped off the pile with his own. Ron leaned his head until it touched Harry's. "So am I."
*~*~*
"I'm so happy this year is over! Good riddance to it!" Hermione sighed contently as the train pulled into the Platform.
"I agree." Added Ron.
"Me three." Harry smiled, as he began to pull his luggage out from under his chair.
The year was through. No more bloody tabloids, stares or heartbreak to get in their way. The Gryffindor trio was finally together and discord seemed to be finally past them. As the train came to a stop, happy days of summer laziness were here to hopefully stay.
"Well, goodbye you two! I can't wait until I come over, Ron. I hope you'll come, Har." Hermione said cheerfully as she spotted her parents, waving profusely
"Of course I'll be there. The Dursleys will be so delighted to see me go."
"Oh, Harry." Hermione hugged him. "Don't get all depressed."
"Please don't." Ron chimed in.
"I know. I won't...not with looking forward to leaving them. Well, I must go. I see my uncle." Harry left without hugs or friendly good-byes. They all knew he would cry.
"I must go to. See you in a month." She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and left.
Ron was left to himself, collecting his bags.
"This is farewell then."
The redhead glanced up and there stood his picture of perfection, leaning at if boredom was the only thing that became him.
"It's not a total good-bye." Ron began to blush. To think that Draco might actually be coming to his house today or a month from now. To think of all the time they could be spending together. To think of all the new fantasies they would have created. To think he ever thought that would happen.
"You're right." Draco stepped inside the compartment. Ron was so beautiful. So man-pretty. A small smile grew on his lips. He was ruggedly handsome and just wait until puberty completely hit him. He would be to die for. And he was all Ron's. Yes, he couldn't touch him but Ron was his and he was Ron's.
Ah, to touch Ron, right now. As he stood, checking his trunk that was on top of the seat, Draco couldn't help himself. He strolled up behind him and wrapped his arms around the lean waist.
"We can't," Ron whispered, turning his head to take in Draco's heady scent.
"I know," Draco's lips brushed against Ron's as he spoke. He was driving himself mad. "We can't. But that doesn't mean I don't want to."
Ron relaxed, leaning into Draco, letting him support his body weight partially. "I wish we had a longer amount of time to be with each other."
"I do too." Draco spread butterfly kisses against Ron's soft cheeks, neck and back to his cheeks.
"Then, why didn't you come during the ride back? They might not like you much but they want me happy. They would have let you stay."
"And leave those people?" sighed Draco, speaking of his Slytherin housemate. "I think they are intent on watching me closely. To see what Romeo will do next. I don't want to put you in that situation."
"Oh. Well, you deserve them, you bastard!" Ron pushed away from him.
"What?" What the hell is Ron going on about now, Draco pondered.
"You heard me! You deserve those slimy gits because you are one of them. I'm sick of you and your attitude. You think your so high and mighty!"
Draco sighed in utter defeat. "Why do you want to fight now? I won't be seeing you until school in back!"
"Tell me you hate me! It's the only way I can do this!" Ron cried.
Draco stared at Ron. He understood now. Ron going back to their petty arguments of yesteryear. He would play along. He softly shoved Ron into the seat behind him.
"'Tell me you hate me?' I thought I made that clear everytime I insulted you." Draco sneered. He, then, offered his hand. "Come on."
Ron grabbed his things, after Draco helped him up, and they walked out into the corridor. Ron stopped abruptly, turning to him.
"Draco, don't let Malfoy freeze you over." He reached over and stroked his love's cheek.
He leaned in, closing his eyes, intent to give one last kiss. "But, I can't." he spoke, as if he were reprimanding himself.
"Yeah, see you later."
And Ron was gone.
Draco stood in the aisle a little while longer. He missed Ron already. He watched as Ron reunited with his family and left, happy. A body placed itself behind him, a little to close for comfort.
"Oh well, it seems all went well. Though I still don't see why Mr. Malfoy needed bruise you over that Mudblood lover."
"Excuse me." Draco turned around. Pansy! That bitch! "You know about that? You told Father? You must have! No one knew about Father coming!"
"Yes I told him." She sneered.
"Why? You ruined me and Ron and our relationship!"
"Well, duh! I guess you can teach this 'pug-faced beast' a few lessons. Lessons in revenge! I will not be called names and rejected for a Weasley, a Gryffindor nonetheless." She smiled cruelly.
He should have known better. Of course she would finally rebel against him after all the verbal abuse he gave her. But, now, he didn't feel too bad about his mistreatment of her.
"Write me!" she lilted towards him as she strolled off the train.
There stood the fallen angel of Slytherin. Friendless, loveless and unhappy. Story of A Malfoy life. Now all he had was his pills to comfort him. Not Ron, who could do such a better job than those white lovelies. Oh well, he'll just have to wait until September first rolled back around.
Harry: Thankfully! I can't stand this any longer.
Nov.02: Oh, Harry! *Cuddle* I love you.
Draco: Lovely. You make this so hard on the boy!
Harry: I never knew you cared! *Perks up*
Draco: Not you! Ron! Did you read this?
Harry: *Deflates*
Nov.02: You are soooooooo mean. Say thank yous and go to bed without a bit a sweet, sweet Ronnie-ness.
Draco: *Pout* Fine! Thank you ~*Maleficent*~ Take Harry! Please! The weather here is perfect!
Thanks ~*Snowdrop*~ You'll never guess what I'm addicted to!
THNX ~*Omega*~ You're reprimand really got her writing!
Thanks ~*Suzanne*~ A B+ is pretty good. Though I must say I despise those science fair judges! Always have, always will.
Nov.02: That's it?
Draco: Well, after not updating for more than a month I say your usuals probably don't believe you've updated!
Nov.02: I'm going to punch you in the face!
Draco: I'll punch you in the face!
Harry: That makes an equal sign!
Nov.02/Draco: @_@....Just read!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Chpt 26
It was the grand finale to the Tournament. Anxiousness, pride and determination flowed through the stadium as the champions stood at the opening of the large and complex maze.
A maze filled with puzzles of logic, quick wit and courage that would put them to the final test. And four would give way to one definitive victor. Harry had just entered the maze. His family had come to cheer Harry on. It was quite okay with Ron to be surrounded by his family. The red hair and freckles would let him blend in, would conceal him, as he sat, slumped forward. He was drained. After that whole meeting with Draco, he cried. Out of frustration, anger and the utmost, fear. Fear for Draco because he knew that the boy was more than fragile. Ron hoped that he would be okay.
Then there was Harry. After Ron returned (and cried), Harry was there, the whole time, comforting him. It was wonderful to have his friend back but it was quite awkward. For Draco actually saw, thought, that they should be together. Harry was a sweet guy. A brave, sweet, adorably cute boy who was growing into a handsome young man. He wouldn't doubt if Harry got taller, gained some muscle and became the hottest guy at their school. But...Harry was Harry. And Draco was the love of his life. And that's how he wanted it to be.
A brilliant flash sparked and fizzed in the center of the maze. The white light was so bright, though, when all was somewhat settled, the action began. It seemed that this was not to happen. Something was terribly wrong here as the judges all rushed to the field. What's going on? What's wrong? Is Draco okay? These questions all bombarded Ron's mind.
Speaking of Draco, where the bloody hell was he? Ron began to look around in the stands. Of course, many of the Slytherins were scattered about, seeing as how both of their school champions were from houses they despised. But at least they were all there. But Draco. Draco was off somewhere. Maybe this was the perfect time for the two of them to talk.
Just talk, Ron reminded himself as he casually excused himself. Just talking, he repeated as he descended the steps and nonchalantly walked past adults. Just no touching, kissing and other things that could get you two in trouble, he thought as he crossed the threshold of the enormous back entrance doors. They remained open, so guest could easily enter and exit the castle.
And there stood Draco, leaning against the open door, hands crossed over his chest. He was the perfect example of total uncaring and boredom.
"Well, hello there, Weasley. What brings you here? Aren't your family members here? What would they say if one saw you with me?" Draco smiled as Ron stood next to him.
"Oh, they'd die. They still think we're together. Since they finally got Ginny's letter exposing us."
"It's good to see that you decided to at least talk to me after all was said and done." The Slytherin whispered, gaze directed out at the lights, the people and the maze.
"Well, why not? After all we've had and been through. I couldn't just up and leave everything about you. You are the one protecting me against your father."
"Let's not get into that. So how have your family reacted to the whole supposed relationship?"
"They freaked. Percy went on some lecture about how this is a folly that will ultimately ruin my educational career. Mum and Charlie yelled. Dad went off about planning some revenge on your father for forcing you to put me under some love spell. Ginny, George and Fred took it well."
Draco chuckled softly at the thought of Ron's father trying to exact revenge on his father. Though that would be a wonderful plan that he must certainly help with.
"Yeah, I did the same thing."
Ron, then, moved slowly closer to Draco so that he could efficiently whisper to him but, to others on the outside, it seemed as though he was trying to get a better look at the action.
"I still love you, you know? I miss you terribly." He observed Draco, awaiting a reaction. Verbal or physical, he didn't care.
"I love you, too." Draco sighed, running his elegant fingers through his hair. He quietly removed any fallen strands from his hands and watched their descent to the floor. "I so desperately wish to hold you right now but you know the severity of this imbroglio, this difficult situation we are currently in. In another place, another time..." he tapered off.
Ron suspired heavily. He didn't mean to go to this subject but he couldn't help it. "Well, what do you think happened?"
"You mean the flash of light?"
"No, I mean to sky turning purple paisley! Yes, the flash."
"No need for sarcasm. I really don't know but it can't mean anything good for Potter."
They stood there, wondering what was to be of the Tournament as the two remaining champions were taken out. Harry and Cedric remained lost.
"Oh shit. Oh shit. Oh shit!" Ron muttered as, after a long period a nervous silence, it seemed that the two missing boys were back.
Screams, dreadful screams, footsteps, voices of frantic people chimed through the valley. "He's dead!" "He's dead!" Ron looked over at Draco, who solemnly stared out at the field.
"You don't think...?" questioned Ron, all color drained from his angelic face.
All Draco could do was place his arm around Ron, letting him lay his head on his shoulder. A stretcher was floating beside Dumbledore, sheet covering him.
"Oh dear, Merlin!" Ron whispered as the cluster of people surrounding the Headmaster strode up to the castle. A man behind the Headmaster was carrying/pulling another boy, student, through the crowd.
"Ron, he's not dead but who is?"
"Cedric Diggory! He's dead!" Came piercing through the night air.
"Now, we know."
Dumbledore walked past the two, smiling somberly. The stretcher passed them, Harry in the man's arm passed them muttering something about 'He's back.' The night passed by, people clamoring inside, Ron's family surveying the two. Ron remained in Draco's embrace, in the hall, all night long.
*~*~*
It had been about a week since the fiasco of the Tournament and Harry was still in the Hospital Wing.
Ron cautiously made his way over to his fallen friend. He was always in and out of sleep, so Ron was never able to see him. All he wanted was to see his friend awake and happy. And right now he was able to see that. Harry was sitting up in bed, a smile on his face, awaiting the arrival of his best friend.
"Harry," he grinned warmly.
Harry had his eyes locked on Ron ever since he walked in. "Ron!" A heartfelt smile on his face.
"How have you been?"
"I've been seeing nothing but black for what I thought to be a few hours when in actuality it's been days. You?"
Ron gingerly perched himself on Harry's bed. "Oh, I've been missing you, if you can believe it."
"I can. So, um," Harry became suddenly interested in his fingers, watching them fiddle with the sheets.
"'Um' what? Tell me, Harry. I want to know."
"Why were you with Malfoy?"
Ron peered into Harry's emerald eyes. Emotions clouding over them, making them unreadable.
"Harry," sighed Ron, "I thought we had an understanding about this. You were to be my friend and only that. Whatever happened between Draco and me was to stay between Draco and me. I do what I please."
"I know that. You are a growing boy," Harry joked, "and you want control in your life, but he's bad news for you. I mean you two broke up then, next thing I know your all up under him."
"Harry, let's not get into this."
"I know. I know I have no chance with you. I'm nothing but a friend to you. But call it my love, this feeling of wanting to be with you, or my strong friendship with you or this brotherhood thing we have going but I hate how Malfoy treats you. He pushes and pulls you any direction he feels and you always follow along. He's dumped you three times and you come crawling back each time. I hate it. I would treat you better; anyone could treat you better than he treats you. He's a Slytherin, always have, always will be. I hate to see you hurt and that's all you've been this whole year."
"Harry." Ron reprimanded. This is all he needed.
"Well, it's the bloody truth. I hate what he does to you."
"The end. No more of this."
The two sat in a hush manner, enjoying the others company, if possible. Harry sat upright, rigidly, staring out at nothing in particular. He looked as if he were trying to desensitize himself from something or other. Ron was being ridiculous. Couldn't he see that Ron was playing him for a fool? Malfoy was a bastard and he wanted him to die. Especially after what he saw the night of the 3rd Task. His father, a Death Eater, with Voldemort.
This sent shivers down Harry's spine.
"Not all hate you. Not all blame you. I still miss you. And don't forget you still have to lose it that chess game we started the other day."
Harry grinned. "Who says I'm going to lose?"
"Aren't you going up against me?"
They laughed. They began a small conversation as to how the rest of the school days have been without him. Soon, though, Harry began to slip into a quiet sadness.
"Harry," Ron spoke softly as he scooted over to Harry, arms around the bruised and broken boy.
"It was so scary. Cedric was there, dead. And I was strapped to a gravestone. Wormtail cut me. Sliced my right arm. It was apart of a potion..spell...a combination of both. He cut his hand off! His HAND! He tossed bones, his hand and my blood into a cauldron and dropped an ugly thing inside it. Voldemort rose out off it." Harry sobbed.
Ron shuddered. He hated that name.
Harry turned so that his head was placed on his shoulder. Tears freely streamed down his face. "I don't know how I'm going to do this. How will I rise and be the hero now? I saw my parents come out his wand!" he gasped.
Ron stroked his hair. "I know you. You can do anything. And Hermione and I will be there. If that's any consolation."
"Yes it is," he sniffled.
Ron didn't know why he did what he did next but Harry felt bad. Ron gently touched Harry's cheek, moving so that he could look at him. He, then placed his lips at the corner of Harry's mouth, half kissing his lips seeing has how he was trying to kiss the miniature hero sideways. Harry eagerly returned the kiss. It wasn't as romantic as his vision in Divination but it was just as good.
Ron pulled back slowly. "Don't expect anything more than that or having that happen ever again."
They smiled at one another.
Harry put his hand over Ron's. "I'm scared."
"So am I." Ron placed his hand over Harry's, then Harry topped off the pile with his own. Ron leaned his head until it touched Harry's. "So am I."
*~*~*
"I'm so happy this year is over! Good riddance to it!" Hermione sighed contently as the train pulled into the Platform.
"I agree." Added Ron.
"Me three." Harry smiled, as he began to pull his luggage out from under his chair.
The year was through. No more bloody tabloids, stares or heartbreak to get in their way. The Gryffindor trio was finally together and discord seemed to be finally past them. As the train came to a stop, happy days of summer laziness were here to hopefully stay.
"Well, goodbye you two! I can't wait until I come over, Ron. I hope you'll come, Har." Hermione said cheerfully as she spotted her parents, waving profusely
"Of course I'll be there. The Dursleys will be so delighted to see me go."
"Oh, Harry." Hermione hugged him. "Don't get all depressed."
"Please don't." Ron chimed in.
"I know. I won't...not with looking forward to leaving them. Well, I must go. I see my uncle." Harry left without hugs or friendly good-byes. They all knew he would cry.
"I must go to. See you in a month." She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and left.
Ron was left to himself, collecting his bags.
"This is farewell then."
The redhead glanced up and there stood his picture of perfection, leaning at if boredom was the only thing that became him.
"It's not a total good-bye." Ron began to blush. To think that Draco might actually be coming to his house today or a month from now. To think of all the time they could be spending together. To think of all the new fantasies they would have created. To think he ever thought that would happen.
"You're right." Draco stepped inside the compartment. Ron was so beautiful. So man-pretty. A small smile grew on his lips. He was ruggedly handsome and just wait until puberty completely hit him. He would be to die for. And he was all Ron's. Yes, he couldn't touch him but Ron was his and he was Ron's.
Ah, to touch Ron, right now. As he stood, checking his trunk that was on top of the seat, Draco couldn't help himself. He strolled up behind him and wrapped his arms around the lean waist.
"We can't," Ron whispered, turning his head to take in Draco's heady scent.
"I know," Draco's lips brushed against Ron's as he spoke. He was driving himself mad. "We can't. But that doesn't mean I don't want to."
Ron relaxed, leaning into Draco, letting him support his body weight partially. "I wish we had a longer amount of time to be with each other."
"I do too." Draco spread butterfly kisses against Ron's soft cheeks, neck and back to his cheeks.
"Then, why didn't you come during the ride back? They might not like you much but they want me happy. They would have let you stay."
"And leave those people?" sighed Draco, speaking of his Slytherin housemate. "I think they are intent on watching me closely. To see what Romeo will do next. I don't want to put you in that situation."
"Oh. Well, you deserve them, you bastard!" Ron pushed away from him.
"What?" What the hell is Ron going on about now, Draco pondered.
"You heard me! You deserve those slimy gits because you are one of them. I'm sick of you and your attitude. You think your so high and mighty!"
Draco sighed in utter defeat. "Why do you want to fight now? I won't be seeing you until school in back!"
"Tell me you hate me! It's the only way I can do this!" Ron cried.
Draco stared at Ron. He understood now. Ron going back to their petty arguments of yesteryear. He would play along. He softly shoved Ron into the seat behind him.
"'Tell me you hate me?' I thought I made that clear everytime I insulted you." Draco sneered. He, then, offered his hand. "Come on."
Ron grabbed his things, after Draco helped him up, and they walked out into the corridor. Ron stopped abruptly, turning to him.
"Draco, don't let Malfoy freeze you over." He reached over and stroked his love's cheek.
He leaned in, closing his eyes, intent to give one last kiss. "But, I can't." he spoke, as if he were reprimanding himself.
"Yeah, see you later."
And Ron was gone.
Draco stood in the aisle a little while longer. He missed Ron already. He watched as Ron reunited with his family and left, happy. A body placed itself behind him, a little to close for comfort.
"Oh well, it seems all went well. Though I still don't see why Mr. Malfoy needed bruise you over that Mudblood lover."
"Excuse me." Draco turned around. Pansy! That bitch! "You know about that? You told Father? You must have! No one knew about Father coming!"
"Yes I told him." She sneered.
"Why? You ruined me and Ron and our relationship!"
"Well, duh! I guess you can teach this 'pug-faced beast' a few lessons. Lessons in revenge! I will not be called names and rejected for a Weasley, a Gryffindor nonetheless." She smiled cruelly.
He should have known better. Of course she would finally rebel against him after all the verbal abuse he gave her. But, now, he didn't feel too bad about his mistreatment of her.
"Write me!" she lilted towards him as she strolled off the train.
There stood the fallen angel of Slytherin. Friendless, loveless and unhappy. Story of A Malfoy life. Now all he had was his pills to comfort him. Not Ron, who could do such a better job than those white lovelies. Oh well, he'll just have to wait until September first rolled back around.