A/N: Hey everyone. This is a particularly short chapter and I'm sorry. There will be two more chapters after this. Thanks again to all my reviewers! Later Munchkins.
Chapter Nine
Blue met grey as Draco hovered over Ron. A sudden smile flashed across Ron's face, followed by a scowl as his hand lifted to tentatively touch his eyebrow.
"Are you alright?" Draco asked as he healed Ron's cut.
"I will be." there was a moment of silence and it was clear that Ron had something he wanted to say. His mouth kept opening and then closing again. Finally, his mouth opened a final time. "Did you mean what you said to Harry? I- I know that you chose not to be with him, but do you really not love him anymore? You can tell me the truth." he looked questioningly at his boyfriend.
Draco raised his hand and caressed Ron's cheek. "I meant every word. With everything going on, I have had a lot of opportunity to think and evaluate the situation. This may have started as an experiment of sorts, but I think it was one my best decisions yet." He sat quietly for a moment. "When this first started, when we had that argument, we never really talked about-" he stopped again grasping for the right words. Ron just leaned back and relished the moment. A speechless Draco did not happen often, therefore it must be enjoyed thoroughly. He decided to end his suffering, eventually.
"When you assumed I was in love with someone?" he smiled impishly at how uncomfortable Draco had become.
"Yes-" for some reason he just couldn't get it out.
"Like I said, I thought that would be obvious." He gripped the back of his neck with his right hand, nervous at the serious turn the conversation had taken. Resolutely, he took Draco's hand. "You assumed correctly." Draco's eyes grew wide as Ron's hand left his and traveled to cup his face. "I love you, Draco. I have for a long time." Ron finally met his eyes. Draco was smiling.
o0o
Hermione helped Ginny to bed and tucked her in. "It will be ok Gin. Like you said to me, he will come back, just give him some time to sort things out." she pushed some hair out of Ginny's eyes. "Get some sleep, I'll be back tomorrow and we will have lunch, ok?" Ginny shook her head mutely. Hermione left through the fireplace and stepped into Harry's apartment.
Harry sat in a chair, staring at the fire. Suddenly, it turned green and he scooted back, waiting for the person to walk through. Hermione tripped over the grate and landed right in Harry's lap. She looked up sheepishly.
"Hermione, what are you doing here?" he looked down on her with questioning eyes.
"I got impatient, as hard as that is to believe. I need to know some things Harry." she paused. "Did you really have feelings for Draco before the potion?" she looked uncomfortable all of a sudden under the scrutiny of his now hurt and angry eyes.
"I would greatly appreciate it if you got off of me Hermione." he said coldly, but she stayed put.
"I'm not going to move until you answer my questions. I may be understanding of the situation, but damn it I deserve to know." she matched his eyes now, hurt and angry.
"What do you want me to say 'Mione? Not that it matters much because Draco wouldn't leave Ron. You can breath easier now. I still don't know where that leaves us, but I know that it is time for you to get up now." Hermione stared at him.
"I will get up under one circumstance." he looked at her questioningly. Slowly, she lowered her head and brushed her lips against his. "A month ago you begged me to tell you a reason to back off and I couldn't find one. Now Harry, give me one good reason to leave and I will." she searched his eyes for understanding and maybe, just maybe, love. They sat in silence for a good four or five minutes; Hermione looking defeated and Harry, damn confused. Finally, he moved his mouth to speak.
"I know that this has hurt you, but I don't think I can come up with a good reason for you to leave. I do still love Draco, but I think that being in love with him ended when he smacked me tonight. I hope we can move past this and work towards trusting each other again." He looked up and was bombarded a hug and relaxed by a deep kiss. After they broke the kiss, Hermione rested her head on his chest and promptly fell asleep.
o0o
Draco put his hand over the one covering his cheek and nudged into the touch. "I- I think I love you too, Ron. I never felt this way with Harry or anyone for that matter. It's hard to explain." Ron lunged forward and kissed Draco for all he was worth.
"You have no idea how long I have been waiting for that." he nuzzled into Draco's neck. "Not to ruin this beautiful moment, but what are we going to do about Harry?"
"I don't know, but I hope he comes around soon. It's only two more days."
"What if he's right and he really is in love with you, no potion needed?" Draco kissed his temple gently.
"I doubt that, even if there were feelings of any non platonic nature, as soon as Hermione walks in they won't matter."
"It's good that you are so confident because this whole situation makes me nervous. I finally got you; I don't plan on letting go anytime soon. If that's ok with you." he smiled playfully and looked up for approval.
"I think I can deal with that." he leaned down and kissed him before rolling over. "Good night, love."
"Good night." Draco could hear the smile in his tone. Everything just might turn out ok.
o0o
The next morning it was Hermione's turn to think she was dreaming. She woke up and felt strong arms around her leg and waist. The first thing she really saw was that jet black, hopelessly messy hair. He started to stir and stretch. He opened his eyes, started at her for a second and stroked her hair with his left hand.
"Good morning" he said, as he kissed her cheek. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yeh," she couldn't believe it. Harry had been serious. "Best I have slept in days." she said awkwardly. "What time is it?" she yawned as she said this and stretched her hands over her head. Harry poked her exposed stomach and looked around for the clock.
"Nearly nine o'clock." he smiled as she started to scream.
"Oh, shit, I'm going to be late for work." she jumped up and looked for the floo powder. "I'm meeting Ginny for lunch at her place around 12:30, would you like to come?"
"If you don't think she'll hex me, then yeh. I'll be there. See you at 12:30." he kissed her quickly and she left through the fire place.
A/N: YAY, another chapter done. I'm really sorry this took so long, but the time I usually write was taken up by baby sitting. You were in luck though. My voice lesson was canceled for today so I got the whole morning to write. Review.