Disclaimer: I don't own them.

To answer all questions, this story will be slash, but it will be light and fluffy so no flames ok. And Ron won't lose his job because of it or anything. You know, I should be studying. Why am I not studying? Anyway, here's chapter 17. We only have 7 or 8 more chapters to go if I've planned it out right, so it will be over soon. But like I said before, you have the choice of an epilogue or a sequel. Yahey. Enjoy folks.

The Other Way

"Hermione, em, Hi-what brings you here?" I asked nervously, stepping out of the fireplace, shooting a quick glance to Draco. He was in the chair, his gaze darting between myself and Hermione.

"I came to ask you if you could take Harry in for a while after he's released on Monday-but obviously you can't!" she snapped at me. "What is he doing here?"

"It's a long and complicated story Hermione, drop it." I said after seeing Draco flinch at her harsh tone.

"No Ron, I have all day, so explain."

"He's my patient Hermione, and he's here because of all the crap Baldwin was printing about him. Ok? Does that answer your question?"

"But why you Ron?" she asked. "What the hell is this about? Is this how you get back on Harry? You don't even like him!" she pointed at Draco, who flinched again and looked to me.

"Hermione." I said warningly.

"No Ron! I can understand that your angry at Harry over what happened, but he's sick Ron and your siding against him, when he needs you most-try and explain that Ron." She snapped.

"Hermione stop it." I snapped back.

"Is this still about Ginny Ron?"

Then I snapped, how could she be so bloody stupid. "No Hermione this is not about Ginny! This is about Draco-this is about not letting someone away with doing something like this!" I didn't want to continue this conversation, before I said something I could never take back. "Get out Hermione, come back when you understand."

"Understand? I understand that you're turning you back on your best friend-"

"Harry Potter is not my friend!" I roared at her, stabbing my finger in the direction of the fireplace. "Get out of my house! Now!"

"Ron!" she looked completely shocked.

"Out!"

She went.

When she was gone I turned to Draco and collapsed heavily onto the sofa, I was regretting the words already, but she had pushed me to it. Damn. "Sorry about that, are you ok?"

He looked at me, wide eyed, and nodded shakily.

I sighed. "I need to go visit Percy, come on, I'm not leaving you here by yourself after that." I got up, not entirely sure why I was going to bring Draco with me to Percy, it just felt right. Besides, Percy was probably bored only having me as company.

Draco followed me closely and we flooed to the incurable ward and down to Percy's room.

"Hey Perce, I brought Draco, so your not stuck with just me today." I said as cheerfully as I could manage. No reaction. I sighed and waved Draco to a seat. "Draco, meet Percy."

Draco took his seat and looked at Percy, I could see a frown creeping between his eyes, then he realised I was watching and ducked his head. I have t admit, those little frowns gave me a lot of hope, because they were remnants of the old him, and while I didn't really want him to go back to the obnoxious creep he had been in school I wanted him to have his old confidence back, and maybe even the arrogance.

We stayed for a while, I felt a bit stupid talking to Percy with Draco there, but I told him about Charlie and George's visit, the fight with Hermione. I nearly forgot Draco was there he was so silent.

The rest of the day passed in relative peace, with no more sudden arrivals and departures. Damn but this week seemed to have been a lifetime.

Short, and not so sweet. There you are. Hope you enjoyed. Thanks for all your reviews. Not my best chapter, but I am kind of stuck for time. Next update will be whenever.