Title: In Bitter Hands
Author: Ashley (November Leaving)
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Ron/Draco
E-mail: I'd love me some of it!
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: I want to dedicate this to Colin. Even though, if he were still here, he wouldn't appreciate the man on man action that's going on, he'd want me to do what I wanted. Wish you were still here with your friends and family.

Warning: This is not edited in the least bit! I looked over it but there could be problems that slipped passed me!

In Bitter Hands

6

Ron detested Floo. As a kid, the transportation was exciting. But now, as age set him in his ways, Ron decided that Apparation was much more practical. He had received an owl from Ginny using Draco's owl. He had taken the flat upon seeing it. After a hasty assessment on Ginny's part, the deal was confirmed. Thus, there he was, climbing out of the large fireplace, brushing soot off his clothing.

"Ginny! GINNY! YOU NEED TO GO HOME!" Ron called as he stepped out, surveying the room. Beautiful hardwood flooring, brick and plaster walls…split level to, presumably, the bedroom and bath. Already there were trunks and boxes scattered about the room.

"No need to shout." Ginny bounced down the small staircase. "I'm coming."

He hugged his little sister. "He bought it so quickly."

"Yes, well, his father wanted him out as soon as possible. I do need to go home soon though."

"Indeed. It's nearly seven o'clock and you'd be best advised to make an early night tonight. Going back to school and all." Ron wandered around the large living area into the study. He discovered the immaculate kitchen. "This place is gorgeous."

"I would hope it's up to your liking."

He knew whom that voice belonged to. "You purchased this rather quickly." He investigated the cabinetry.

"My father wanted me out. Will and all."

"I heard."

"Your sister's been watching the place as I traveled back and forth to bring my things back." Draco leaned against the doorframe.

"Hand full?"

The subject in question walked into the kitchen, jumping up onto the countertop next to Ron. "Excuse me!"

"Nothing." Ron turned away while smirking.

"Great family, that one."

"Now now. Aren't I the one who's to bicker with you, Weasley?" muttered Draco.

"Which one?" Both siblings said.

"Exactly. Come to think of it, how will I survive on my own?"

Ginny cocked her head. "What do you mean?"

"House elves. I've never done a domesticated thing in my life. I can't purchase one with moderate to high skill if I plan to live comfortably for the rest of my life."

"And Hermione. She'd kill you." Ron added.

"Yes, her too. I wouldn't want to offend her. Potter…that's another story."

"I'll teach you what I know. Tomorrow that is. I can't bare to hear you demean Harry." Ginny arched an eyebrow, scooting off the counter.

"Oh, go marry the bloke." Draco growled.

"You big sweetheart, didn't know you knew what marriage was. I'll Floo back home." She embraced Ron. "Tell everyone you'll be late? Staying here? Here at all?"

"Just tell them I'm here…we'll sort the rest out when it comes." He winked.

"Ah. Right. Night. Bye, Malfoy." Draco and Ron silently listened as Ginny left, creaking down the hall, rustling in the living room and muttering her destination.

"Good girl that one."

"I think so too. Sometimes, that is." Ron smiled. "You're warming up to them."

"Have to." Sighed Draco as he went to the other rooms, Ron following behind.

"Yes, you do."

Draco rolled up his sleeves and kneeled down next to a trunk. "How was the rest of your day?"

"It was alright." Ron pulled out some clothes and folded them absentmindedly. "I had to defend you once again. When will people realize that you're not out to get me?"

"Aren't I? Why else would I stick it out this long? To get the redheaded boy, right?" Draco smirked.

"Not like that. They still think you're that evil little bugger from school."

"Who's to say I'm not? Can you handle this one?" He pointed to the trunk. Ron nodded in assent while Draco went off to another nearby package. "Dishware from my mother."

"Ah. And me. I say your not." Ron dug around the trunk. "How much do you have?"

"Plenty." Sighed Draco exasperatingly. "Enough to fill this place. That is to say if you decide not to take me up on my offer."

"Yeah. About that. I don't know what my father would say about that. He – everyone is so worried for me. I'm quite sick of it really."

Draco busied himself with inspecting the simplistic design on the china. Truthfully, he wanted Ron here with him. Why else would he have asked? If Ron turned him down, it wasn't the end of the world. It would sting but Ron was a special case. Time moved slowly for him. "Me too."

"However, rubbish to all them and what they think. If you'll allow it, I want to move in." Ron whispered as he stopped his sorting. He glanced over to see Draco's reaction. The blonde set the plate on the floor and glided over to him.

"I absolutely accept. Good thing you did. What would I do with an extra bedroom?"

"You didn't?" Ron smiled.

"I did. I think you deserve a nice, big bed."

"I do too."

Draco leaned forward and kissed Ron fully on the lips. "Wonderful."

"I know I am."

"Not you. The situation. Come. You must see your new room." Draco stood, headed towards the stairwell and climbed. "I have but only one request: no orange. None. Come on, come on."

"How dare you say I'm not wonderful?" Ron grinned as he followed behind Draco.

Draco grabbed his hand. "I jest." He led Ron down the narrow hall, pass the master suite, pass the bath and towards a door at the end of the corridor.

Ron opened the door. Carefully, he entered the space. It was empty excluding the king size bed that sat in the middle of the oak floor. The room had buff colored walls from what Ron could tell in the waning sunlight. Deep burgundy drapes hung on brass rods, framing the window. The view of the city below and sun sinking beyond was beautiful.

"This room was meant for you. Gryffindor colors. I knew I couldn't possibly stand this room." Draco commented as he went to the widow, observing the area.

"You didn't have to give me my own room."

"I don't expect you to lay with me in our own room. That can wait."

Ron ran from his place by the door and launched himself onto the mattress.

Upon hearing a creak, Draco spun around to see his companion chuckling incessantly at the amusement of the situation. "Having fun?"

"Damn right. Come on. Sit!" Ron patted the space next to him as he stretched out on his back.

Draco obeyed, first perching himself on the bare bed, then scooting back until he was next to Ron.

"Thank you." Ron smiled up at Draco. He held out his arms.

"No."

"Oh come on! What's the point of having privacy if you won't let me hold you?"

"No."

"Please. I'm not asking for a full on spoons here. I just want my arms around you. Now stop being so damn difficult and lay bloody next to me."

Draco looked at Ron suspiciously as he followed more orders. "Fine." He rolled onto his stomach, placed his head on Ron's chest, leg loosely draped across one of Ron's legs.

He was so content right now. Ron had never expected today to go so well. He wrapped his arms around the man next to him. "You just don't know how much I appreciate you."

"It's an understanding."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

Ron began to stroke Draco's back while he watched the colors drain away and off the walls across from him. "I'm way too happy. There has to be some catch to all this!"

"I know. I feel like that everyday. Especially today. He let me off so easily. If he tries anything on you-"

"He won't. Don't think about that." He kissed the top of Malfoy's head.

"Can't help it. I'm always on guard now."

"Why?"

"Like you said: Things working out too well."

"Yes. We can't get distracted from that. You know, some people have suggested that you will propose?"

Draco lifted his head. "Propose what?"

"Don't play thick."

The blonde laughed and kissed Ron's cheek. "Perhaps; perhaps not."

"How mysterious."

"You can't resist."

"I have for this long. And those years before."

"So…you liked me years ago?"

"No."

"Ah, but you said you resisted me. You liked me."

"Nope. Never."

"Sure." Draco laid his head back down on Ron's chest. The gentle movement of his chest was very serene and relaxing.

"I'll get my things tomorrow. Tonight, I stay here. Too tired to move."

"Good. I wasn't going to let you anyhow."

"When shall we go by and get them? Afternoon?"

"Breakfast. I have no idea how to work the kitchen. We can grab something at your house. You need to learn once I go off to potions researching."

"What? You got the position?"

"Indeed."

"When?"

"A few days ago. I didn't want to upstage you."

Ron sighed. "So, I'll be here alone. I guess my gap year won't just be a few months but weeks. Ginny's leaving soon, Harry and Hermione are leaving…you're leaving me. I won't be at home. I'll have to do something."

"Go to the fifth level of St. Mungo's."

"What?"

"On certain days they hold group therapy in the tearoom."

"Are you bonkers? I'm not going."

"I think you should. You need to start dealing with all this. You need to be surrounded by those who know what you're going through. It'll help to know that there are others treading the same paths you are. Take comfort in that. Most people here have no clue as to what's going on with you mentally or emotionally. If you go to the therapy sessions, then you can heal."

"I'll heal just fine once he's convicted."

"That may take awhile. You heard what Kingsley said this morning."

"I know. Maybe…if you take me."

"I will. I won't leave you behind."

"Good."

"Very good I suppose."

"Yes, well…I have no retort to that."

"Then silence. There's no need to ruin this moment with your constant talking."

They fell into an easy silence. This could be a very good start for Ron. His future finally seemed to be going somewhere. Somewhere filled with potential and certainty. He mattered for once and it felt spectacular to realize that. Those tremors of bad feelings lessened with each day that flew by. He was normal again, somewhat.

Slowly, the two slipped into dreamland, ignoring the slight chill in the air.

Nov. Leaving: looks around bashfully So…umm….yeah….

Draco: Bloody woman! Leaving us locked up with nothing to do!

Nov. Leaving: You weren't locked up! You were still being used!

Ron: Yeah – in a het! A Harry/OC! For shame!

Nov. Leaving: Ron! When have you ever yelled at me?

Ron: When you put me together with the one person you don't like!

Draco: Ron and Hermione!

Nov. Leaving: I need a challenge. Writing an almost-canon fan fiction is tough business. I'm sorry. But it is the holiday season and thus I am giving you all, my fans – if I have any left – this early Christmas gift!

Thank you fanficfan4lifeYes, Ron is very cute! bats eyelashes at museRon I really liked their interaction since it's hard to still write a canon-Ron when he was raped by his brother.

Thanks dianashirly For the honest criticism. First time I didn't receive a flame-esque critique or a vapid one.

Thnx Deftonsita I love Draco! But when I write him, I try to stick with the canon version so…it will appear as if I don't care one bit for him. I love my Draky and Ronny-boy!

Draco and Ron: glares

Nov. Leaving: Okayyyyy…….

Thanks Draco's Worst NightmareAre you still bored? I hope you didn't die of boredom!

Thanks to Ch3rryphr34kI'm glad you like my work. It's been a while but I hope it's still up to your standards!

Thanx Aloh Dark I'm back…for the holidays only. Sorry for the near-year wait!

Thanks UniquePiksi There will be no sex scenes. Sorry.

Draco and Ron: glares

Nov. Leaving: Okayyyyy…….

Thank you Desiree K TroyI'll admit that things could have been more exact. I'm still learning writing techniques and I hope that I will improve them. That's one big reasons as to why I'm writing 'Harry Potter and the…'. I don't have full title but it will be like the books – if I were writing them.

Thanks MintaPotterSorry for the long wait. But now that it's holiday break…I hope you enjoy.

Thnx Angel Reid . Tobias DominikHere's your update!

And thanks to sparkling silver angel wingsPercy is a total ass but thus is the way of Percy Weasley!

I know I can't make up for the long wait but I hope this helps! I love you all!

Huggles&kisses