Chapter 28
Ron was a bit concerned when he heard what had happened with Ginny the night before, but she had brushed it off when he asked, saying it was just a dream. He let it drop, knowing how she could get when pushed, but kept an eye on her.
Blaise, for his part, acted as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened between them the night before... as usual. Ron had to marvel at how quickly he bounced back from anything that was thrown his way. He gets blinded and a couple hours later he's shagging Pansy. It just seemed impossible to put a dent in his playful demeanor.
That morning after breakfast they got their first round of homework, much to everyone's dismay. Blaise had also received a few things to help him do his homework. There was a quill that was spelled to copy down what he said, and what looked like nothing more than a small marble. When placed on the page of a book, it rolled across the lines of text and read them aloud. Blaise of course complained that the voice was too androgynous and implored Snape to change it to sound like 'someone shaggable'. Everyone had a good laugh at that one. Snape just rolled his eyes and left. Blaise took his new toys to the room so he wouldn't bother the others.
The rest of the morning was spent on homework. Ron was actually a bit surprise how quickly they settled in to work, the Common Room quickly falling silent except for the sounds of scratching quills and pages turning. At his obviously surprised look, Pansy informed him (in a hushed voice) that Snape had a policy of get it done first, then you can do whatever you want. It certainly explained why Ron couldn't recall ever seeing a Slytherin handing in a parchment late. He might have liked to put it off, but he had to admit it made sense. Why spend all his free time with the worry in the back of his mind that he might forget his assignment or just not get it done in time... or simply dreading it?
By the time lunch rolled around, some quiet chatter had started up again as many of the Slytherins finished up all their work. Ron, on the other hand, trying hard to finish his last parchment, had to work right up until Blaise practically dragged him out, barely making it to the end of the line heading out for lunch.
Lunch, as with the other meals they had had since the incident, was a very subdued occasion. Harry was still very conspicuously not present. By the time it was over, everyone was greatly looking forward to some time out in the open air, even if it was rather chilly. Actually it wasn't bad at all considering it was December. Their light winter cloaks were more than enough.
The students scattered out across the grounds, though most kept in groups. Ron couldn't help but notice how a number of the Gryffindors were watching him, noting how Blaise had linked his arm with his as well as Pansy's. "Um... let's find someplace more private..." Ron suggested.
Blaise chuckled, "Oh come on Ron, it's too cold out here even for me..."
Ron chuckled, his cheeks coloring slightly. "Not for that... I just... everyone is staring at us..."
Blaise grinned wickedly. "Nice cover up. Fine, I'll play along. Lead the way. They probably won't go near the Forbidden Forest."
Ron smirked and nodded. He felt relatively safe going near it during the day... but most of the others probably wouldn't feel the same. They made their way over, having to guide Blaise carefully on the uneven terrain.
Ron found a spot under a tree that was hidden from easy view by some thick brush and settled down. He leaned back against the tree, shifting around a bit. "Not very comfortable I'm afraid."
Blaise felt around, then settled down. Much to Ron's surprise, he shifted around and leaned back, half laying on Ron's lap, nestling his cheek against Ron's belly. He smirked up at him, "You just have to know how to find the comfortable spots..."
Ron chuckled, brushing Blaise's cheek and making him smile.
"Good idea." Pansy said, settling down with her own head resting on Blaise's stomach.
Blaise just chuckled.
The three of them lay there for a while in companionable silence, just enjoying being out in the fresh air with the sun shining brightly around them. The dungeon was great, but without so much as a single window, Ron had been feeling a bit... enclosed. That was a good thing at night when it made him feel more secure, but during the day it was nearly maddening at times. How were you supposed to do your homework without a window to stare out of at frequent intervals to break it up?
Ron looked down at Blaise. He looked so content... Ron ran his fingers through Blaise's silky black hair, making him sigh happily, nestling closer. Ron stared down at him, what Pansy had said the night before running through his head for what felt like the hundredth time. There was so much he wanted to ask him... but Pansy's warning about how he avoided showing attachment held him back. He was afraid Blaise would be evasive or maybe even blow the questions off to avoid exposing his feelings.
Still... there was one question he just had to ask... "Blaise...?" He asked tentatively.
"Mmm?" Blaise murmured absently.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Pansy's eyes sprang open and she bit her lip, stealthily shifting herself off of Blaise.
"Tell you what?" Blaise asked curiously.
"That it was your first time..." Ron said gently.
Blaise tensed, the smile slipping off his face. "Pansy!" He growled, sitting up and grabbing for her.
She was too quick, darting away quickly. He lunged after her but she scampered away, giggling. He waved his arms around in a vain attempt to locate her, but she was well out of reach. "Just remembered I have to ask Goyle something...." She said with a smirk, romping away.
Blaise settled back down on the ground, grumbling irritably. Ron didn't catch most of it, but he did hear something about 'getting the little minx later'. Ron grinned. When Blaise still hadn't responded a few minutes later, Ron prompted him gently, "Well?"
Blaise sighed, his shoulders slouching some. "Does it really matter if it was my first time or my fiftieth?" He asked awkwardly.
"It does to me." Ron said softly.
Blaise wrapped his arms around himself. "It's just a natural progression isn't it? You start off not being interested... then start to like guys... go down on a couple... eventually shag a couple... just a matter of time before you let one shag you..." He said, shrugging.
"So... this was just another step for you... and I just happened to be the guy who was around when you reached it. Is that what you're saying?" Ron asked. He didn't believe it for a moment, but that didn't mean Blaise's denial didn't hurt.
Blaise let out a little pained sound, then sighed. "Please don't make a big thing out of this Ron..." He said pleadingly.
Ron sighed, leaning his head back against the rough bark of the tree trunk. He really shouldn't have expected more out of him... he'd been warned after all... but somewhere deep inside he'd hoped Blaise would just come out and say how he felt. He took a deep breath and let it out, then stood up. "Come on. Let's head back to where the others are." He said, trying to keep the ache out of his voice.
Blaise reached up in the direction of his voice, finding his sleeve and pulled him back down. Ron crouched down beside him, and much to his surprise, Blaise wrapped his arms around him, making him go down onto his knees. "Don't go..." Blaise said softly, an ache in his voice.
Ron settled down, wrapping his arms around him and holding him. He sighed, "Why can't you just tell me how you feel Blaise?"
"Because... you're going to leave me..." Blaise said in a soft, pained whisper.
It was so soft and muffled by Ron's cloak he was sure he misheard. "What? What makes you think that?"
"Because... that's just what happens with boys... we shag once or twice... but I'm just a novelty... an experiment... some stay longer, but in the end they always leave... I let you shag me because I wanted it to be you... so I knew it had to happen soon... because eventually you're going to get tired of me or find a girl, and then you're going to leave... it's just a matter of time..." Blaise held him tighter pressing his cheek against Ron's cloak, "But... I... I'm not sure I'm going to be able to handle it when you do..."
Ron held him tight, "I don't know how others have treated you in the past... but I have no intention of leaving you, Blaise. I've never been as happy with anyone in my entire life..." He said sincerely.
Blaise let out a pained whimper, then found his lips, giving him a breath stealing kiss. After a moment it eased some and deepened, but lost none of it's intensity. The passion in his kiss made Ron feel slightly dizzy, but after a few minutes the position he was in started making his legs go to sleep. Not wanting to relent, he shifted around, easing Blaise down onto his back as he settled against him.
They lay there for a long time, just reveling in the kiss. Finally Blaise broke it, nuzzling up against him and letting out a sigh. Ron just continued to hold him.
"Ron..." Blaise said after a moment.
Ron lifted his head, looking down at him, "Ya?"
"Um..." A little smirk slipped onto Blaise's mouth, "There's... rocks..."
Ron let out a laugh, getting up and helping Blaise off the ground, then brushing the leaves and pebbles off Blaise's back. When he was done, he slipped his arms back around Blaise. Blaise held him, resting his cheek against Ron's shoulder and letting out a contented sigh.
"What's this then?"
They both turned, dropping their hold on eachother as the rude voice called out to them. Ron groaned in irritation as he saw his old roommate, Dean Thomas, strolling over towards them, followed by Seamus and about eight other Gryffindor boys.
"What do you want, Dean?" Ron asked with an edge of exasperation.
"We want to know what you did to Harry." Dean said, coming to a stop a few feet before them and folding his arms over his chest irritably.
"I didn't do anything to Harry." Ron growled, angered by the open accusation in his voice.
"Bullshit!" Dean growled, "Nobody's seen him since you had your little supposed attack... load of rubbish if you ask me. You and your little Slytherin bum-chums probably made up the whole thing to cover whatever you did to Harry!"
"Oh ya..." Blaise said, taking off his glasses and glaring at him with his sightless eyes. "We're just pulling a fast one... and I just blinded myself for jollies."
The Gryffindors let out little gasps, several of them backing up a pace. Dean got over his surprise quickly, "I wouldn't even put that past you bloody Slytherins." He sneered, then looked back over at Ron. "So this is what it's come to, is it? Stitching up your friends and your House to become a rent-boy for this blind nancy boy and the town bike?"
Blaise lashed out without warning and Dean went down with a cry of pain, blood gushing from his nose. Ron was surprised, but had enough presence of mind to grab Blaise, pulling him back and restraining him.
"I may be blind," Blaise growled furiously, "But I can still whip your pathetic arse! And with that constant stream of bullshit flowing out of your mouth I'll have no trouble finding you! You want a spanking you little pipsqueek? Come get it!" He said, straining against Ron's hold on him.
Ron was stunned, never having seen Blaise so angry. He was also getting increasingly worried. The other Gryffindors were looking very angry, and Dean was getting to his feet, snatching out his wand.
Before Ron could even reach for his own a brilliant flash whizzed past him, knocking Dean back into the other Gryffindors. More wands were drawn and there was a sudden barrage of spells. Ron dropped to the ground, pulling Blaise down with him.
It was over in seconds.
Ron raised his head cautiously, surveying the scene. Most of the Gryffindors were laying around, moaning and showing signs of being hit by multiple curses and hexes. Seamus was running away screaming, a flock of bat-bogeys attacking his face. Ron's face broke into a grin as he recognized the handiwork. He looked over. Sure enough, his sister was heading towards him along with a large number of Slytherins.
Draco came to a stop beside him, offering him a hand up with a smirk on his face. Ron took it and got up, helping Blaise up as well. Draco then watched Seamus running with a bemused look on his face. He glanced over at Ginny. "Those things really hurt you know..."
Ginny giggled and blushed bright red, suddenly remembering having cast that hex on him in Umbridge's office the year before. "Sorry about that..." She said contritely, slipping her arm in his. He just chuckled.
Blaise's temper seemed to have dissipated as quickly as it had risen. He smirked towards Draco, "Bat Bogeys?"
"Yep." Draco said with a chuckle. Blaise had teased him for the remainder of that year for having been bested by a girl and a bunch of little pests.
They looked over as they saw a number of teachers hurrying over, having noticed the convergence of the Slytherins and then the ensuing spellcasting, McGonagall in the lead. Of course she always seemed to be in the lead... she was awful spry for a woman of her years. She came to a halt, gasping for breath as she surveyed the sprawled out tangle of cursed and hexed Gryffindors.
"Merlin's beard!" She said, shocked. "What happened here?" She asked.
Dean, who had just started recovering enough to sit up, spoke up first. "We were just asking them where Harry is, and that great fairy hit me! Then when I tried to defend myself his little Slytherin posse came along and attacked us!" He grumbled, his voice sounding a bit odd from his obviously broken nose.
McGonagall looked shocked... but not at Blaise. "Mr. Thomas! I will not stand for such slanderous name calling from a member of my House!" She said primly, looking quite cross.
Dean struggled to his feet, looking angry. "I saw him snogging that House traitor! He's probably got that demon in him!" He said defensively.
McGonagall crossed her arms across her chest. "Has it somehow completely passed your notice that Mr. Zabini is currently blind, Mr. Thomas?" She asked scathingly.
"So?" Dean asked, a bit confused by her tone.
McGonagall actually rolled her eyes. "Demons choose hosts the will be of benefit to them. What possible use would a demon have for a blind host? It would be blinding itself as well!" She quickly turned, looking a bit flustered, "No offense, dear." She said gently, realizing that might sound insulting to Blaise.
Blaise gave her a little smile. "That's... a kind of comforting thought actually..."
She smiled, relieved.
Dean looked back and forth between them. "They attacked us! Aren't you going to do anything about it?"
She looked back over at him, her sternness instantly returning. "You were warned, Mr. Thomas. There is nothing I can do. Mr. Zabini was obviously defending Mr. Weasley. It was perfectly within his rights."
Dean's jaw dropped. He looked around, surveying his friends laying around him. "You mean they did all of this, and you're not going to do anything to them?" he asked, incredulous.
"That is precisely what I mean, Mr. Thomas. I had hoped my students would have been smart enough to take the warning seriously. They can use any means they wish in the defense of those under the protection of Sanctuary. You're lucky we aren't having to scrape you off the ground and cart you off to St. Mungo's!" She said grimly.
The Slytherins all smirked at him.
He looked at her, stunned. "But... but..." He thought quickly, grasping at straws, "What about Harry?"
"The Slytherins have nothing to do with Mr. Potter's absence, and you have been told repeatedly not to ask questions about the subject. We will tell you what we deem necessary for you to know when we see fit. End of discussion." She said firmly, her lips pressing into a thin line as she glared at him sternly.
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After seeing the wounded Gryffindors hauled off and hearing what happened, the rest of the students had given the Slytherins, and especially Ron and Ginny, a very wide berth. Slytherins with a license to inflict damage without reprimand was a terrifying thought.
Ron and Blaise had moved out into the open, making their way slowly back towards the castle. The rest of the school might be upset at the turn in events, but the Slytherins were positively glowing with happiness.
Ron paused as he looked over towards the lake. Hermione was sitting alone under a tree. It was the tree that they and Harry had spent so many afternoons under... doing their homework... talking... laughing... just enjoying being together... She looked so very alone as she sat there without them, gazing out over the water.
He sighed and patted Blaise's hand, then slipped his arm out of his grasp. "I have to go take care of something..." He said sadly.
Blaise gave him a little smile, "Ok, but stay in sight." He said with a smirk.
Ron chuckled and made his way down the slope as Pansy led Blaise over to sit on a boulder nearby. When he made it over to the tree, he slowed down, feeling more hesitant now that he was near. She was huddled in her cloak, leaning against the trunk... she almost blended in. She didn't appear to have noticed him yet, so he moved closer, looking around at her face. He saw tears on her cheek and it made his chest ache.
He came up and knelt behind her, reaching out and resting his hand on her shoulder, "Hermione?" He asked softly.
Her head jerked around as she started. She quickly scrubbed the tears from her face with her sleeve, looking him over with wide, troubled eyes. "Ron..." She said uncertainly.
He sighed, "I'm sorry Hermione... I should have come checked on you sooner... I just... well... you know how it's been..." He said sadly, settling down beside her. "How are you holding up?"
She gave him a little forced smile, "I've been worried about you... they said you were attacked..." She said, her eyes watching his searchingly.
He dropped his eyes and nodded.
"Was it really him? Was it Harry?" She asked softly, her voice strained.
He sighed, glancing over at the nearest teacher. They had made it clear he wasn't to discuss this with anyone... but Hermione wasn't just anyone... He gave a little nod. "Ya... it was..."
She let out a little pained sound, leaning back against the trunk again. "You're ok now though, right?"
He nodded again. "But not everyone is..." he said, his eyes straying over to Blaise as he sat on the boulder, obviously joking with Crabbe and Goyle who were standing nearby.
"When are they going to let you come back where you belong, Ron?" She asked, gazing at the waiting Slytherins.
He looked over at her, surprised. "Hermione... I'm not coming back... not to Gryffindor."
She looked at him, shocked. "But... the Slytherins, Ron? We've spent every day since we got here fighting against them!"
He sighed, "I know... but... they really aren't as bad as we thought... I mean to outsiders, ya, they can be wretched... but once they've accepted you..." He looked up at her, staring her unhesitatingly in the eyes, "They're the only ones who have ever accepted me just the way I am... and they are the most loyal house I've ever seen... they risked their lives for me without question or hesitation. This may seem hard for you to understand, but I feel more at home in Slytherin than I ever did in Gryffindor." He said earnestly.
She was just staring at him with open disbelief. "What have they done to you, Ron?" She asked, horrified.
He sighed and rolled his eyes. "Nothing Hermione. All they've done is show me kindness, loyalty and...." He trailed off, his eyes drawn over to Blaise again. He had very nearly said 'love'. It had just kind of started coming out without thought. He wasn't absolutely sure if that was what it was between him and Blaise... he'd never really been in love before... his infatuation with Harry had been merely that. Infatuation. It wasn't even a ghost of what he felt for Blaise, but he wasn't sure he was ready to label his emotions love yet. There was still the chance that this was just a very overwhelming crush... or maybe just the terrifying recent events blowing his emotions all out of proportion... he hadn't even known Blaise in any real way for that long... He sat there, his mind boggling as he realized how very little time had passed since Blaise had pulled him aside in the corridor... it seemed like ages ago... so much had happened... and yet according to the calendar, precious little time had passed.
He looked up, seeing Hermione's eyes watching him intently. She seemed to have picked up his thoughts without him ever speaking them aloud. She looked up at the waiting Slytherins, obviously trying to figure out which one had stolen his heart.
"I should go..." He said hesitantly.
Her eyes darted back over to him, filling with sadness once more. She gave him a little nod, dropping her eyes. He sighed and wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight for a moment, then drawing back, kissing her forehead tenderly.
"We're still friends Hermione... that hasn't changed... but... other things have..." He said sadly, then he afforded her a little smile, brushing his hand down her cheek. "I'll go now before too many people see you consorting with the evil snake lover." He said, flashing a little smirk, then getting up and heading back.
She just watched him go sadly.
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A/N - just to clarify: chills... demons aren't cold... or at least this variety aren't known for it. The only thing they'd give off might be a creepy feeling if they were staring at you or something. Any chill in the air would be the normally low temperature of the castle. I mean please! It's an ancient stone structure heated solely by fireplaces in the middle of December. J.K. often noted the draftiness. Even mentioned them having to wear heavy cloaks and gloves in the hallways when it got particularly cold in winter.