Title: In Bitter Hands
Author: Ashley (Nov.02)
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Ron/Draco
Summary: Justice has finally been carried out. However, it can't always be served.
Spoilers: None...I guess…
Warning: rape, angst, and character death.
Distribution: Ask and you shall receive!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything Harry Potter or HP related. pout
A/N: Rush!
Thanks: To zysciru!
In Bitter Hands
4
"And where should we all go to next?"
"I still need to get my books! Geez, Harry. Sorry if I'm keeping you from something of greater importance." Ginny said as she walked out of the Apothecary.
"No but I'm thankful that you didn't spend so much time getting robes." He placed his arm around her shoulders. They had dated near the end of seventh year but broke up. However, they did rekindle the passion whenit wasconvenient during the last few summer months.
"I don't ever want to hear you complain again, Gin. None of us boys were able to get new school and dress robes." Added Ron from behind the couple withHermione next to him.
"Well, if you had only taken Professor Dumbledore's offer to wait and pull yourself together, you would've been able to reap the benefits of Fred and George's success." She smiled sweetly over her shoulder.
"I would never! I had a pretty good grading average that was keeping my head above water. Why would I just quit?"
"Because you're Ron." laughed Hermione.
"Thank you. You really are my vote of confidence."
"Books!" Ginny veered into Flourish & Blots, tugging Harry inside.
The group entered the bookshop with much difficulty. Everyone there needed books and other apparel as badly as Ginny did."I'm not too worried that I won't get everything I need." She reassured the group as she disappeared into the crowd.
"Rather smitten again?" Ron questioned as the edged over to the nearest table. The books were of varying subjects.
"We decided to cool off. I'll be leaving soon. She'll be leaving soon. There's no point really." Reasoned Harry as he grabbed the nearest book and thumbed through it.
Hermione leaned against the table, crossing her arms and watching the throngs of people flow in and out. "So, you accepted the offer?"
"Why not? I was thinking against it but then it hit me. I'm not really a vital part of society anymore. You all are going to be doing things on your own. I just thought I finally deserved to be happy and carefree. I love flying. I love Quidditch. I took the Canons up on their offer. As you know Ron, they've really started to shape up. Besides, Katie's on the team and I know her well enough."
"We're not doing things on our own." Ron scoffed at Harry's previous statement. "But, I'm glad to hear that you decided to go for it. You should be happy. No regrets, right mate?"
"Of course not."
"I'm doing something…maybe." Hermione piped up.
"Like what?" The two boys said in unison.
She shrugged her shoulders. "Interning in the International Affairs office at the Ministry."
"Brilliant! Go for it!" Beamed Ron. He was so proud of his friends.
"What about you?"
"Oh, don't worry about me. I'll be fine."
"What will you do?"
He sighed. "Since I'm taking a gap year, I'll probably only last for six months. I might take Charlie up on his proposition."
"Which is? I've never heard you talk about it." Harry stated.
"You know he works with dragons. Well since all of…since those atrocities of all that is Dark ended, this isle really needs some homeland protection. There were some dragon eggs found in Scotland and they decided to raise them here. He wants the help and I'm not doing much."
"I thought you really wanted to become an Auror?" Hermione asked, turning towards him.
"Yeah. I did. With everything that's happened though…I don't think that would be wise. I've got so much to work through that an Auror can't deal with. I'll try later on though, no doubt."
"Good. So what will you do during your six month gap year?" Harry wondered, finally placing the book back on the table.
"Haven't thought much about that. I'll probably hang around the house. Walk around to some places. Make out with my boyfriend?" He shrugged his shoulders.
"Iquite enjoyed that last bit."
Ron turned around and saw that some random customer he overlooked was in fact Draco.
"You're here? And not critically injured?"
"No. I'm excited though. I'm free from him."
Ron moved over to him, snaking an arm around his waist. "What do you mean? Did he disown you?"
"I disowned him. Hullo, Potter…Hermione."
The four went silent.
"No. I think I prefer Granger." Hermione said with a confused tone to her voice.
"Me too." He turned his attention back to Ron. "I've got great news but I have to go send off something to my Mother. Meet up at Florean Fortescue's in a few minutes?"
Ron was dazed by Draco's happiness. One couldn'ttell by his mannerisms but he just knew. Nothing bad had happened. Good may come of this. "Of course. That is if we can ever find Ginny."
Draco grasped the other man's hand and pulled him closer, pressing their lips together.
The other two moaned out their protest. "There are others here you know."
The two broke apart, Ron blushing a bit.
"Oh sod off, Potter. Just had to ruin the moment." Smirked Draco. "Goodbye Granger…Ron." He placed a kiss on his cheek and whisked himself away.
"I don't care how much you like him – I despise him." Harry growled as he watched the blonde disappear outside.
"That's all well and good. He doesn't like you either. Old habits do die hard, mate. You know that. Why else would you be joining the Canons…to save their day." Ron said as he went off to find Ginny, leaving a stunned Harry in his wake.
"He was just joking, Mr. Hero Complex." Hermione giggled as she followed behind the male Weasley.
"I don't have a complex!" shouted Harry after them. He remained where he was until his other friends found him.
"I've got it all! Now we can go off to Florean's." Ginny said merrily.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Way too much energy. Pay for them and off we go."
"Thanks." Ron smiled as he went with Ginny to pay.
"I don't like him much either, Harry. But, for Ron's sake. He's happy with him."
"I know, 'Mione but I don't like it."
The two headed out the shop, the two Weasley siblings in tow. They silently made their way weaving through the crowd and down the street.
"So, why is everyone so morbidly quiet?"
"Gin, no one's being morbid. Malfoy came by and told of how he disowned his father. He wants to talk to Ron so we're going to the ice cream parlor." Hermione informed Ginny as she struggled with her purchases.
"Good! Maybe he'll come do some last minute shopping with me." Ginny wondered.
Harry bristled. "Why do you want him here so badly?"
"He's my brother's boyfriend. He's still around. I want to welcome him to the family. He helped out Ron. You know, your best friend. I can't forgive and forget all the things Malfoy and his family have done to us, but I can try to forgive or understand him. Geez." Ginny reasoned back at her on again, off again boyfriend.
"Thanks, Gin." Ron caught up to her and draped his arm across her shoulders.
"Anything for my brother. He has done some good in your life, right?"
"Definitely." The two shared the glow of sibling harmony.
"Give him a chance, Harry."
"Only one, Hermione. Only one."
"That's all I've ever asked of you." Ron said.
The group shouldered their way towards the ice cream parlor. They quickly spotted a blonde figure sipping something in a tall mug, reading through some papers.
Ron broke away from the group, heading to Draco's table. Gingerly placing the bag on the ground beside him, Ron laid his hands on Draco's shoulders, carefully kneading the muscle under the perfectly tailored clothing.
"Hmm. I'm hoping that this is Ron or else you and I, dear stranger, will have to meet in secret."
Ron playfully smacked Draco's head.
"Oh! Ronald!" He took a freckled hand and kissed it lightly. "I was only kidding."
"I know. You've definitely changed in the course of a few hours." He took a seat next to Draco.
"I feel so free. I'm out of his tangled web of deceit. I'm no longer his marionette. I am fine with all of this independence but he isn't. Too unfortunate for him. If you wanted a sip, you could have asked." Sighed Draco.
Ron gulped down some of the Slytherin's frothy drink. "Sip? I didn't want a sip."
"Take it."
"What is it?" The others finally came and sat down.
"Butterscotch Butterbeer float."
"Now, I'll take it." He took another sip. "Ginny?"
"If it's free, I'll take some." She giggled as Ron passed her his cup.
Draco thought that Ron was correct. He had changed. Not only in the passing hours but months. He knew that his old self would have easily taunted the two siblings for that remark, however, he refused to stoop to that level…his father's level.
"Good?" Draco asked as he folded up the classifieds.
Ginny smiled warmly at the blonde across from her. "Delicious. I want one. Come on, Harry." She tugged him away before he could protest.
"Very astute girl. Dragging Potter away and everything."
"She didn't want any hell to go on between you two." Hermione placed her elbows on the table and closed her eyes, enjoying the warm breeze.
The redheaded man set the mug down on the table. "Yeah. Besides, I think she would rather have her shopping partner alive."
"Me?"
"That's all she talked about. She really wants to shop with you. I don't know why."
Draco stared perplexing into the shop window and watched Ginny standing in line. "I always liked that girl."
"My word! A Malfoy saying something nice." Joked Hermione.
"Ha ha. I'm different than the rest."
"So, details."
He smiled at Hermione and turned to his partner. "I stood up to that monster. Finally if I must say so. It was something long since due. He was angry but I was bitter. I wassick of his control over me. He has no one else to lead him so he wantedto try his hand at command. Backfired terribly. I told him about us. I had to. For one, I wanted to see him boil. Secondly, I wanted him to know that if he ever tried to do anything to you and your family, he'd understand why I'd be standing over his body, uttering that simple death curse." He stated blatantly.
Harry and Ginny returned.
"Potter, I had to bring up your name. Told him you sent your condolences over the lost of his Lord. That really sent him up the wall." He smirked. Harry did as well. Though he didn't want Malfoy speaking his name, it did feel good to know that he could still help in sticking it to Lucius Malfoy.
Ron looked on astonished. "And you're still walking?"
"After eighteen years, you know how to read him. If he were a little more calm, I would have held my tongue."
"So, what now?"
"My Grandfather, his own father who loathed Father for reasons unknown to me, created a trust for my personal use, unbeknownst to Father."
Ron shook his head. "Of course. You leave money only to fall into more money."
"It's good to me sometimes."
Harry scoffed.
"I said sometimes Potter. Like it's better to be me than you."
"You disconcerting bastard. I-" Harry stood up.
"Draco. Harry." Ron reprimanded. "I thought you two were going to try."
"We tried. It didn't work." Draco stated, glaring at Harry who was being restrained by Ginny.
"Couldn't you tell?" Growled Harry. He really hated Draco Malfoy.
"You two. Quit it." Hermione sighed, opening her eyes. "You're ruining the day."
Ron grasped the mug in front of him with two hands. "Harry, why can't you tolerate him? You and henever fought as bad as we did. I forgave him. I tolerated him."
"You're dating him. There's a big difference. You were going through some things and he was the first person to show you…well, he didn't show you any affection but he was the first person you had contact with."
"I was going through things, yes. ButIf anyone here should have had a problem with him, it should be me. I hated him. I loathed him more than any one of you three. I fought with him. Got detentions over him. Weasleys and Malfoys are mortal enemies. Somehow, I looked past that. I found something – someone worth fighting for and loving. Can't you, someone he said a few words to in passing or warning, tolerate him?"
"Ron, this is totally different. You're gay. He's gay. I'm not."
"That has nothing to do with it. I'm gay. Yes. ButI was raped byanother man. Do you not know how horrible that is? To discover and accept a part of yourself only to have anything special ripped away from you? No, you don't. I should fear being close to another man. Yet where am I at now? With a man who started this whole episode. By being Malfoy and tormenting me like usual, I was able to express myself."
"Though not healthy for me." Draco interrupted.
"Yes, right." Ron continued to hold the intense gaze he had with Harry. "Anyway, this man that I despised more than you became the first person I have ever loved. Yes, Harry, love. Deal with it. Make an effort. That's the key with him. You have to show some sort of diplomacy or he will not. Don't have any expectations? Fine, no letdowns. That's how it is with him."
"Don't you just love how they talk about meas if I'm not here?" Draco questioned Ginny.
She smiled back warmly. "He's so smitten with you. He loves you so much."
"I know. Scary. Don't know why it's me." He whispered.
"I shouldn't have to put myself out there." muttered Harry.
"If that's how you think, then why are we friends? You didn't have to talk to my mother that first day. That's putting yourself out there! You didn't have to allow me to sit with you on that first day on the train. You didn't have to talk to me and become my best friend. Harry, I'm not asking you to love him or marry him or be with him or anything like that. Just tolerate him."
Harry leaned away from the table. "Why aren't you yelling at him?"
"Because we've already have plenty of discussions about this topic. Can't expect much from him but he's trying really hard. Wouldn't you say Ginny and 'Mione?"
The two nodded in agreement.
"See?"
"Traitors!" Harry hissed at the two.
"Harry, please."
"Fine. I'll make a true effort." He grumbled.
"I mean it."
"I mean it."
"Thanks." Ron reached over and laid his hand on Harry's arm.
"Well, I didn't anticipate all that. I was just going to ask you something but nevermind." The blonde went back to his articles. "And before you ask, flat hunting…nosy."
Ron smiled as he slipped his left hand into Draco's pocket, scooting closer. "You have better appreciate me more." He perched his chin on the other man's shoulder.
"I do. You would have appreciated my question which I will not ask you now."
"Then tell me. I want to know what it is. You have my full attention."
"Mine too!" Ginny piped up.
"I was going to ask your dear brother if he wanted a key to the flat I'll get soon." Draco voiced with a nonchalant air. Then, he leaned close to Ron and whispered, "Or – better still – if you wanted to move in with me."
"Excuse me?" Ron sputtered.
"I said what I said." Draco scanned the lists of vacant and sizable flats in the area. He took out his wand from his inner pocket and tapped a certain listing; a circle appeared around it.
"Then, I'll see what I can do. Oh, that sounds stupid. I mean to say: I'll have to think about it. But I would like a key."
"That's perfectly alright. I must go and check on this place before someone else tries to steal it away." He kissed Ron on the cheek. "I hear that you want to shop around with me. So, Ginny, do you want to come along?"
Everyone at the table was stunned.
"Don't get all shocked and appalled. After the argument Ron made earlier, I suppose I dohave to try harder." Draco rose, straightening his coat. He pulled out Ron's hand. "You'll need this back." Squeezing Ron's wrist affectionately, he nodded for Ginny to come along and left.
Nov.02: So sorry for the lateness and not too dramatic Lucius-Draco confrontation complied with the rushy-ness I'm giving everyone. I've got some things to read over if I don't want to fail. So:
Thank you:
Rei Mihi
Burnt Reflections
jose
mintapotter
UniquePiksi
Aloh Dark
Miss Manda
darkarc
Draco's Worst Nightmare
Hugs&Kisses