Well, it's been one year. And what a year it has been. I've meet countless awesomely wonderful people. Made a few new friends that make up my world. Had a bunch of trials and errors. Had both parents go in for surgery, one for something major and another for a female thing. Had a wonderful time on a wonderful guy that tore my heart out and left me bleeding. (No, I'm not bitter at all!) Went to Nationals for Weight and Hammer!! Found out some really big eye opening things about my friends and my "so called friends." But I must say, I wouldn't change a thing about this past year. Sure I have regrets but the things I loved outweigh them by A LOT.
This story has helped me through a lot. It has a lot of rough edges and crazy spur of the moment/ lack of plot planning/ just insane events. I don't think it's ever NOT on my mind. I started this when my parents were crazy on my back and always watching over my shoulder to make sure I wasn't doing exactly what I was doing, writing slash. Now, I'm spending school nights staying up all night writing on my own personal computer. (She may be old and slow but she's my baby! Which shows by the swimmer charm and the yellow elephant taped to it.) Not a lot of the things in this story make sense as things go on, and they probably never will, but it always has been working towards two goals. One I can't say because it'd ruin the story but the second goal is just to make you and me happy. As long as I have readers I'll keep writing this until the end! I honestly never thought this'd get so long but it has! I'm planning on getting it maybe twice as long as it is now before finishing it!
Until the end, Love and Peace and A Whole LOTTA Slash!! Happy reading and thanks to all for always being here for me and the fic!!
Thanks for last chapters reviewers!!
Renn!!!!!!!!! GLADS FOR ALWAYS!!!!!!! *runs around with a matching flag in blue and yellow* Yes, it was short. I know that and I'm working on it!!!
ElvenGIrl2!!!! *grins* ^^ Thanks!!!!
November02!! HEY!!!!! Lol, you've already written it so I think you know. Thanks a bunch girly!! Geek me out soon like crazy on a stick!!!
REA!!!! Lol, being lazy is FUN! That's why I'm lazy all the time!! Lol that line I liked too!! Heheh, I think it would make you dead too. *does happy dance too* Yes! You are!! Ps: I'll make sure they're here next time we get together.
Sexy-as-ron!!!!! Thanks a bunch!! More is here and longer chapters are in the works!!
And of course, I have to thank everyone that's reviewed in the past year!!
Lothlorien1, Andrea, Cait, Merelyn25, ElvenGirl, lecada chan, blue slushy sips, November02, Sirius-lee7, forever blue, nova, anna, life alike me, chimerical, pyro, Arai, Gwendolyn M. Warlow, n0va, Caytin Lowe, lami, Renn, crazy-lil-nae-nae, Ron-n-Draco4ever, Zaira-Draco, ElvenGirl2, Rain10, sexy-as-ron. Hopefully I didn't miss anyone!!
Love to my faithful reviewers!! Love to my readers!! Love to everyone!!!
Eyes of the Angel by Aloh Dark
Chapter 26: The Anniversary aka Chapter with a Theme
"Professor Sir!" Pansy cried in excitement. "I think I've found it! Come quick!" She ran her finger down the ancient page and read along while motioning Snape to come with her other hand.
Snape loamed over her and moved her hand away. As he read his lips moved and a light grew in his eyes. "You have Miss. Parkinson. You have indeed." He rushed over to his desk and grabbed a piece of parchment, ink and a quill. He shooed Pansy out of her chair and quickly took down the list of ingredients. He copied the list onto two pieces of parchment and handed one over to Pansy. "Now we look for the ingredients."
The two walked to opposite shelves and began to search for the right ingredients.
Ron nearly fell off his chair when something the size of a ball slammed into his head, hooting gaily. Ron sat up and glared at the offending bird. "Shut up Pig." He grumbled as he grabbed the owl to hold it still.
He took the envelope from his leg and let him go. Pig hooted and flew circles around Ron's head. Ron had long since learned to ignore the bird so he wasn't bothered by the continual hooting like the rest of the common room was. Ron opened the letter and saw a familiar perfect scrawl.
Ron~
Do you realize how insanely hyper your owl is? It bit me twice in "affection" before I could even get this tied to his leg! Anyway, I'd like to know how you're doing now that you're out of the hospital wing. Perchance you could tell me at eleven tonight in the South Tower? I'll wait there an hour for you. If you aren't even going to show, send that insufferable owl back. Otherwise, I'll see you tonight.
Ron looked down at his watch. It was only nine two. He reread the letter and noticed something he hadn't at first. He put his stuff in his dorm and headed out. Harry asked where he was going but Ron only winked before leaving.
Ron cautiously made his way to the owlry, making sure to avoid being caught. When he got there he found Draco sitting in the straw trying to fend Pig off. Ron leaned in the doorway and watched Draco glare darkly and curse at the oblivious, hooting bird.
Ron's laughter caught Draco's attention and his hand was promptly bit for his inattention to Pig. Ron laughed harder before walking in and shutting the door.
"That bird is the devil!" Draco said as he nursed his hand that was sporting more than that one bit.
Ron laughed. "I know." He said sympathetically. "Go to Harry, Pig."
Pig hooted a few more times before flying out to find Harry.
Ron walked over to Draco and sat down next to him. He put his arm around the smaller boys shoulders and pulled him to him. Draco rested his head on Ron's shoulder. They sat in silence for a few minutes with only the owls flying in and out around them for noise.
"Do you realize what tomorrow is?" Draco asked.
"Not particularly." Ron said. He started to think back to what tomorrow could be. "It's not your birthday. It's not my birthday."
"Try our three month anniversary." Draco told him.
Ron smiled. "So it is." He held Draco tighter against him. "And what are tomorrow in celebration?"
"Who said we'd be celebrating?" Draco asked.
"I did." Ron said back.
Draco grinned. "Well if *you* say so, then I guess we'll *have* to." Ron chuckled and nuzzled his nose into Draco's hair. "We don't have to though." Draco said seriously.
"Why wouldn't we?" Ron asked, pulling back from Draco. Draco turned his face up and looked into Ron's eyes.
"Because of Granger."
Ron's eyes darkened and he nodded. "She'd want us to." He said after a moment.
"Are you sure?" Draco asked. "We don't have to just because of me."
"No." Ron said and pulled Draco back to him. "We'll do it for us." Ron chuckled. "Who knows if we'll make it to month four with the way thing's've been going."
"I swear to you Ronald James Weasley, if you wind up in the hospital room again I'll kill you!" Draco said seriously.
Ron laughed. "I swear to you Draco Octavian Malfoy, I will not willingly go there again if it isn't for a visit!"
"Damn right you won't!" Draco said. He punctuated his statement by tickling Ron.
Ron fell over laughing. Draco took advantage of his fallen position to straddle his hips and tickle his sides, his weakest spot.
"Mercy! Mercy!" Ron cried amid tears and laughter. "I beg you mercy!"
Draco abruptly stopped and sat back on Ron's thighs. "Well if you insist." He said with a Cheshire grin.
He watched as Ron panted to get his breath back from the assault. Ron's hair was splayed wildly out on the straw. His checks were flushed and his breathing shallow. Heat jolted through Draco and he couldn't resist Ron's pull.
Draco leaned down and thoroughly kissed Ron's lips. Ron moaned into Draco's mouth and raised one hand to tangle into Draco's hair. He quickly gained control of the kiss and rolled Draco under him.
Ron supported his body weight with one hand and moved the other up Draco's leg. He started to undue the buttons on Draco's pants. Draco pulled away from Ron's kiss and stilled Ron's hand.
"No." He said softly, looking deep into Ron's eyes.
Ron rolled off of Draco and sat up. He sat with his back to Draco and pulled his knees up. He rested the inside of his elbows against his knees and sighed.
"Why not?" He asked with a sigh.
"Ron." Draco said sitting up. "I'm sorry but not yet."
"You're driving me insane!" Ron said, whipping his head around to look at Draco.
Draco resisted the urge to hang his head like a guilty child. "I know and I'm sorry. It's just-"
"Save it." Ron said with a soft sigh. "It's all right."
"Are you sure?" Draco asked cautiously.
"Yeah. I'm sure. I'll wait until you're ready." Ron told him, relaxing into a crossed leg sitting position. "Now come here you minx."
Draco smiled warily but climbed into Ron's lap. "You know I would but I just want-"
"Shut up Draco." Ron said affectionately. "We have to plan our day tomorrow."
"Okay." Draco said, shifting for a more comfortable spot in Ron's lap. "What do you want to do?" He asked.
"I really don't care." Ron said.
"Well, tomorrow is Saturday and a Hogsmeade weekend." Draco asked.
"True but everyone from school'll be in town too." Ron reminded him.
"And that's why we'll stay here." Draco said.
Ron smiled. "Alright. We'll stay on the grounds." Ron agreed. "Where will we meet?"
Draco was quiet and Ron knew he was thinking by the way his head tilted down and he ever-so-slightly bit his bottom lip. Draco's head came up and he stared into Ron's eyes with a gleam in his eyes. "I'll take care of everything. You just meet me on the opposite side of the Quidditch Pitch."
Ron stared at him with mock distrust. "Why?"
Draco kissed his nose. "You'll see."
"Harry, I'm not going to Hogsmeade today." Ron told Harry as they were getting dressed Saturday morning.
"Okay. Neither am I." Harry said.
Ron turned to look at Harry as he pulled on his shirt. "Why aren't you?"
"McGonigald told me we can go visit Hermione today." Harry said. "Didn't she tell you?"
"No. I didn't know. I was with Draco until.. I don't know when. But we can visit Hermione?" Ron said.
Harry sat on his bed and started to put on his shoes. "Yeah. Are you going to visit her with me? I'm going right after breakfast."
"Of course. I won't be able to stay long, but I'll stay as long as I can."
"Okay. Why can't you stay long?" Harry asked.
Ron put his head down and stared at his shoes as he tied them. "I'm meeting Draco. It's kinda our three month anniversary today."
"Really?" Harry asked, sitting up straight.
Ron straightened up. "Yup. Three months today." Ron grinned.
"So you two hooked up at the beginning of the year."
"Yeah. Early September or abouts."
"Well obviously since today is your anniversary!"
Ron blushed. "Yeah. Guess this is why Draco had to remind me."
"You couldn't remember the day you hooked up?" Harry asked.
Ron blushed deeply. "No. No. I remember that day very well. I can't remember the date, that's all."
Harry looked at Ron blushing and shook his head. "I don't want to know." He said simply.
Ron let out a laughing sigh. "Good because I don't want to tell you."
The two boys laughed and headed down for breakfast.
The meal was hurried since both boys were anxious to finish. When both were done they hurried from the Great Hall and up the stairs to the Hospital Wing.
It was quiet when they entered and Madam Pomfrey was checking on Hermione's vital signs. As they walked closer she noticed their arrival.
"She's healthy as can be, all things considered." She said, eyeing Ron as if to see if he had anything new that was wrong. "You can sit with her for until lunch." She said sharply before turning and walking into her office.
Harry and Ron talked to Hermione, just as they had when she was petrified second year. They told her of all the things that had happened in the short while since she was attacked. They told her stories of things that happened over the summer and things they hadn't told that had happened since school began. They didn't care what was being said, they just hoped Hermione could feel their presence and maybe even hear their voices.
It was an hour before lunch when Ron had to leave. He kissed Hermione's forehead and told her to get better soon before saying goodbye to Harry and leaving. Ron knew that Harry would be grateful for the hour alone with Hermione. Ron knew how much Harry fancied the oblivious girl.
Ron walked out into the brilliant sunlight outside. He winced and closed his eyes for a moment before squinting them to get used to the bright light after being in the dark castle. After he adjusted to the light, he began walking towards the Quiddich pitch.
He waved to Hagrid, who was tending to some animal with Fang lazing under a tree near by. He passed some Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw first years that were kicking around a black and white spotted ball that resembled a quaffle. After a while his shadow was lost in that off the high Quiddich stands.
He wandered around the stadium to the opposite side where Draco had told him to meet him. Ron didn't see Draco anywhere in sight so he sat down with his back against the wall of the pitch. He heard rustling from the pine forest in front of him and looked up to see Draco walking out of the forest.
Draco's hair was mused and had pine needles sticking out of it. He was mumbling to himself and angrily brushing his robes off. Ron laughed at the sight. "Hey there Nature Boy." He teased.
Draco looked up and smiled. He motioned with his head and hands for Ron to follow him. "Watch the first step in. The trees like to kill people."
Ron got up and laughed. "Or maybe they just don't like blond sissy boys." He said.
Draco rolled his eyes and put his hands on Ron's shoulders. He raised his heels up slightly and leaned in to kiss Ron. "Happy Anniversary, love." He whispered.
Ron wrapped his arms around Draco's waist. "Happy Anniversary." He whispered back and kissed Draco.
After a moment they pulled back and Draco grabbed Ron's hand. He lead the red head into the forest. Ron found that after getting past the first row of trees there was a slightly overgrown path through the pines. Draco lead him down the trail for a while. They talked and joked as they walked, enjoying each others company and their natural surroundings. Draco pulled him through another row of trees and back out into the bright sun light and a small clearing. In the middle of the clearing was a blanket and a basket.
"Thought we'd have ourselves a picnic." Draco said with a grin. "And I made the house elves make all your favorites."
Ron grinned and pulled Draco into his arms. "Draco, you shouldn't have."
"Yes, well, Ashleigh always told me that picnics are best when you're with someone you love."
Ron lightly kissed Draco's lips before moving away towards the blanket. "Did you really have all my favorites made?"
"Yup. And a few of my own." Draco said sitting next to Ron. He pulled out two plates, silverware and two glasses. He then pulled out a few cover platters and placed them around them. "Feather-light and bottomless." Draco said as he closed the basket. "Best for picnics."
Ron laughed and started to take the lids off the dishes. Glorious smells assaulted his nose. His mouth watered and he grinned at Draco. "What do we eat first?"
"First let me get the drinks poured." Draco said with a tiny laugh in his voice. He pulled out a bottle and uncapped it. "I wanted some Italian wine but it's not allowed. So I convinced them to give me some Mycenian Apple Wine. Best served chilled."
"As long as it's cold, it's okay." Ron said.
"Ice cold." Draco assured him.
The two began eating and drinking the sweet, apple wine. They talked and joked and generally had a great time. After a while they finished their lunch.
"Ready for desert?" Darco asked.
"Sure." Ron said, getting ready for even more great tasting food.
"Now, these deserts aren't your favorites. They're mine but I think you'll like them." Draco said pulling out three covered plates. He pulled out two desert spoons and pulled the top off the first dish.
Ron's lips curved into a smile. "That looks delicious." He said.
"It's a dark chocolate box filled with espresso flavored mousse." Draco said. He broke the lid and scooped out some of the center and shell. He raised his spoon to Ron's lips and fed him. Ron did the same with his to feed Draco. They repeated this until half the dish was gone.
"Ready for the second?" Draco asked.
Ron grinned. "Always ready for more." He said.
Draco pulled the lid off the second dish and Ron's jaw dropped. This dish also had a chocolate shell but it was shaped like a rose and Ron could see the different petals made by the chocolate. Only, cheesecake prevented him from seeing the inside of the rose. "Do you have any idea how much of a sucker for cheesecake I am?" Ron asked.
"Of course I do." Draco said as he broke off one of the outer petals with his fingers. "Now open up."
Ron opened his mouth and Draco placed the piece in his mouth. He closed his eyes and moaned at the wonderful flavor. He savored the taste before swallowing. "That was the best thing I have ever tasted." Ron declared.
Draco laughed and broke off his own piece. The two ate until the rose was little more than half gone.
"Now are you ready for the third?" Draco asked.
"If it's any better than that, I think I'm gonna die." Ron joked.
Draco just smiled mysteriously and pulled the lid off the third dish. On the plate was a small chocolate box. Draco passed the plate over to Ron with a grin. "Open the box." He said softly.
Ron took the plate and, while looking into Draco's eyes, took the chocolate lid off. He looked down with a grin and gasped. His eyes flew back up to Draco and he looked at the blond with disbelief. "This can't be for me!" He whispered.
"Of course it is for you." Draco said and reached into the box. He pulled out the silver necklace and held it up. He unclasp it and placed it around Ron's neck. When Draco was done Ron looked down at the small charm over his heart. It was a miniature wolf carved out of jade.
Ron placed his hand over it and grinned at Draco. "This is too much for me. I don't deserve it."
"Nonsense!" Draco said. "Of course you do!"
"Now I feel stupid." Ron said, putting his hand in his pocket. "My gift is so dumb compared to yours."
Draco smiled. "Give it to me and we'll see."
Ron pulled his hand out and handed over a wooden box with Celtic carvings in it. "Open it. The real gift is inside." Ron said, blushing.
Draco took the lid off and the box grew in his hands. He pulled out an old, worn book. He looked down at the cover and saw that in faint gold it read 'Kapri Natsukt Beshaln.' Draco looked at Ron in amazement. "You got me 'The Shadows of the Knight' in it's original text?"
Ron smiled and blushed deeply. "It's one of the first copies made. I remembered that you said you loved it but didn't like the translated version. I remembered that we had that in the attic and asked mom to send it to my weeks ago. I kept forgetting to give it to you so I decided to give it to you with the box."
Draco looked at Ron with love shinning in his eyes. "You are absolutely wonderful." He whispered before he kissed the other boy. "What in the world do to deserve you?" He whispered once they broke the kiss.
Ron grinned and blushed awkwardly. Draco laughed in delight and settled next to Ron. "Can read it to you?" He asked.
"Sure." Ron said. "Just remember to translate it for me. I don't know the language."
Draco grinned. "Of course."
He reverently opened the book and began to read to Ron. As Draco read to Ron they finished off the deserts. Draco read until it got too dark for him to make out the words. Then they both lit their wands and Draco read some more. It wasn't until a few hours later when Ron realized what time it must be.
"Maybe we should head in. It's late." Ron suggested.
Draco sighed and closed the book carefully. "Yeah. It's probably past dinner."
Ron nodded his head in agreement and helped Draco pack the empty plates. Draco put the book back in the wooden box. When he placed the lid on the box shrunk down to pocket size and Draco placed it in his pocket. He and Ron folded up the blanket and put that in the basket before closing it.
Ron carried the basket as Draco led them on the trail, holding both wands. They walked through the moonless, starlit grounds together until they reached the doors.
"You go in first." Draco said, taking the basket from Ron. "I'll wait a while before going in. I'm least likely to get detention than you. It's just about curfew."
Ron nodded in agreement. He leaned down and kissed Draco softly. "This was the best anniversary I could've asked for." He said.
Draco kissed him again. "Don't mention it."
They kissed again before Ron left.
Draco leaned against the doors and looked up at the stars. He stood in the dark, just looking at the stars a while before heading in. He walked down to the kitchens and gave the house elves back the basket before heading for his dorms. He walked through the dark corridors of the dungeons to the Slytherin common room. He ignored all the questions he was asked and went straight to bed. He didn't want anything to ruin his mood.
He stripped to his boxers and climbed into bed. He put his box underneath his pillows and closed his eyes. He fell asleep with a smile on his lips and Ron in his heart.
TBC
Nice anniversary chapter? I liked it.
