Publicity
Inspired by a conversation with my friend and acquaintances; that people will ALWAYS and FOREVER talk about your Boyfriend/girlfriend no matter what you do
Rated T for insults and ANGST! Angst for poor Ron
Ron heard the murmuring around the Great Hall during breakfast. He tried to tune it out, he really did but he could hear the comments that were said as if he wasn't there. He clenched his fist that wasn't holding his fork as he heard loud, unrestrained comments from the Slytherin table. He wasn't use to people whispering about him, he wasn't that popular to be talked about, but now...
Harry nudged him with his elbow, sitting next to the red head. "Ignore it, Ron" He whispered and it only ticked Ron off that little bit more. Harry was starting to sound like Hermione. He couldn't not ignore it; he wasn't deaf. He could hear them loud and clear, jeering and making up preposterous rumors, especially the Slytherin table "It's not worth it, come on, don't give them the satisfaction"
They both heard cat calls from the green and sliver mascot flag table as they talked. Hermione turned in her seat to give them a warning look, one that said the next one who made a crack would find a hex in their bed. The crowd quieted down some and the brunet turned to her friend who was stabbing at his eggs with his fork
"He's right Ron" she said wisely "You just need to show them that you don't give a care and they'll stop" Ron found Hermione's lecture even worse that Harry's. He didn't want to get use to it; he just wanted it to stop. He couldn't get a break anywhere in the school, nowhere except in his own bed, even some of the Gryffindors taunted them. He'd get things tosses at him and sneer comments and very few physically started fights because that is when he could fight back. He'd already gotten 3 detentions that week for fighting.
He was mad at Harry; the boy-who-lived didn't seem that fazed about it. How could Harry deal with it so calmly when he found it nerve wracking and upsetting. Maybe it was because Harry had had bad reps before, he remembered a few occasions when he'd heard people say awful things about his friend, but he'd never imagined it felt so horrible, it felt like the whole school was against them, suspicious of him...
Ron jumped in surprise when a small owl flew over him dropping a small triangle shaped folded paper with his name on it. It was a note, and from someone in school no doubt. He looked at it for a minute, not sure he wanted to read it, but none the less he picked it up and opened it, glancing around incase he spotted anyone watching, looking for his reaction. He opened it and stared at the words on the paper.
Ron felt his blood boil and his face grew hot, staring, shocked at the paper. He couldn't believe... He didn't think... He felt his eyes water and he clenched his fists in the paper crumpling the sheet; that was the final straw. He ripped up the note into confetti and stood up, storming out of the Great Hall, many people watching him, still murmuring things.
Harry worried about what had upset his friend and got up, hurrying after Ron out of the hall
Hermione looked at the confetti on the table and took out her wand; curiosity getting the best of her. She taped the pile with her wand and muttered 'reparo' the paper flying and fitting into its broken puzzle places and sealing like it had never been ripped so she could read the note. She took the note and her eyes widened, gasping and the comment. People where so inconsiderate and ignorant. She soon got up also, dropping the paper on the table as she hurried after them
As the note fluttered down it revealed to all that read it there were many nasty comments from many people, and it was obvious from whom...
"Weasley, the faggot wanker" "Weasley is our Queen! Weasley is our Queen! He always lets Potter in!" "Enjoying Potter's bed?" "You're going to Hell, homo"
...the Slytherins
"Ron!"
"Go away!"
"Ron, wait a minute" Harry finally caught up to his friend, grabbing him by the arm before the red head could storm off any farther. Ron turned around sharply pulling his arm free of Harry's grasp, tears spilling down his face; he pointed an accusing finger in his friend's face
"I don't want to 'wait a minute', I'm going back to the dormitory!" he yelled and turned again. Harry was surprised at first for getting yelled at but hurried after Ron catching him in the corner of the corridor and resting a hand on the red head's shoulder, getting the red head to stop walking, but Ron wouldn't turn to look at Harry
"Ron, you can't let them get to you" he said calmly, trying to get Ron to clam down also
"Well too late they already have" Ron said bitterly, refusing to look at the other boy. Harry sighed and slowly coaxed Ron to face him, though Ron still avoided contact as he leaned against the wall for support. Harry stayed close to Ron, leaning close, his hand reaching up to tenderly brush the wetness from Ron's cheek. Ron refused again, pushing Harry's hand away
"But they don't know what they're talking about" Harry said soothingly, trying again to touch Ron, brushing his fingers through the red locks of his friend. Ron didn't try to push him away this time but quietly stood there, staring at the floor, willing himself not to cry. He was just sick and tired of it, and it had only been 1 week.
Harry sighed and pressed a soft kiss to Ron's cheek, though Ron didn't seem to react "I'm sorry" Harry said quietly "Maybe we should have waited a while more before coming out"
"Mm" Ron made a sound of agreement and murmured quietly "I just... I just thought it would get easier, so we wouldn't have to hide anymore"
"I did too" Harry replied finally being allowed to wipe away Ron's wet cheeks with his hand then rubbed the red head's face softly, tracing the freckles in his face. Ron looked up at Harry
"How can you stand all that?" the red head asked "How can be so calm when you know they're talking about us?" Harry gave a small shrug
"I don't know, I just try to tune it out the best I can. I know they have no clue what they're talking about" Harry said thoughtfully "I've always been talked about, this time really isn't any different" Ron looked back at the floor
"I'm not use to any of this" he confessed
"And you shouldn't be" Harry said "I'm not use to it, but I think I handle it better than I use to"
"Good for you" Ron huffed rubbing at his eyes with the sleeve of his school robes. Harry smiled kindly at his lover and opened his arms, offering some comfort. Ron didn't hesitate in taking Harry up on the offer, leaning forward to be hugged. Harry wrapped his arms around Ron, his robes acting as a small blanket around the red head's shoulders; he hated to see his friend upset, and he knew how Ron felt, he just didn't know what to say. People talked behind their backs but wouldn't ask what was really going on, just talk. He'd been bearing it just as Ron had, but since Ron would show how much it affected him, they would target him more often
Ron rubbed his face into Harry's robes, letting the fabric soak up the rest of his tears. He didn't want to cry in front of Harry, but it was so nice to be able to be held, to feel someone wasn't against him in school. He felt a kiss get placed on his head and he was rocked back and forth slightly. He felt more tears well up and he shut his eyes, gripping Harry's robes tightly
"Thanks for bearing through it" He heard Harry's voice, mumbled into his hair "You could have easily have gotten out of it..."
"Harry..." Ron side, pulling back slightly so he could look up at his friend, his boyfriend and lover. He wondered how in the world Harry could think he'd leave him just because of a few stupid people "I couldn't even imagine leaving you, especially over them" Harry smiled and leaned close, brushing his lips with Ron's, soon blending into a kiss, one of love and security, one that meant they wouldn't be torn apart by the pressures of other's...
But a scuffle interrupted their moment, turning their attention to down the hall were they saw Hermione with her wand out, standing over an unconscious Draco Malfoy, who's wand was a couple inches from his body. Hermione looked up at them and smiled, brandishing her wand; apparently Draco had been planning to hex the two lovers as soon as their guard was down, though luckily Hermione had found them and had time to knock the Slytherin out. She might get in trouble for the use of magic in the corridors, but it was worth helping her friends.
"Maybe you two should go back to the dormitory" she hinted, even though she did like catching them in their lovely kissing moments, they didn't need any more attempts at hexing them from any other Slytherin.
Harry laughed and gave Hermione a grateful grin. Ron only laughed at seeing Draco knocked out cold on the floor. Hermione shooed them away though and both boys headed towards Gryffindor common room, side by side.
Ron felt better, more confident, more secure, and less noticeable to some of the looks of stray students on the hall ways. He felt Harry's arm slide around his waist as they walked and a nuzzle to his cheek that made him laugh as they reached the portrait of the fat lady, making her scold them for fondling in the corridor. As long as Harry was there, he could deal with the publicity, good, and bad
"True strength in a relationship is sticking by your loved one through hard times" – Me :)
"What is better than beating up your worst enemy? Having your friend beating up your worst enemy while defending you" – Me again :D
And I would appreciate a few more reviews, I know you people are looking at the chapters, but not reviewing. Please review, it'll make me happy. And thank you to my two faithful reviewers GothicAnn87 and Moonjava, you make these dabbles worth it :D
Detailed reviews are appreciated,
Token reviews not recommended
