A/N: This is a fan created work. These characters were created and are owned by JK Rowling.

'Fuck.' Ron scoffed to himself, seated alone in a far corner of the library. He made an attempt at spying with discretion, running a hand through thick red curls and peeking around his elbow.

There was Harry and Ginny. Snogging heavily. As if he wasn't four tables away. Sick. Still, he was thankful that Harry had asked her out. Ginny had fancied him for ages. That aside, he was the only one Ron could honestly trust with his younger sister. However, they could not keep their hands off of each other for one bloody minute. Now he had to passively assure her dignity was in tact. Pain in the arse, really.

Ron could not help but stare at Hermione, who was sat by herself near the window. Knuckles white (and probably aching) from her nearly constant scrawling on feet of parchment. Hermione had "gotten in touch with Viktor" and was obviously in the midst of writing him another bloody love letter. How the hell could she choose Krum over him when the tosser was a zillion miles away?

Oh yeah, that's right. Ron thought to himself bitterly. He's a rich and famous Quidditch player and as Hermione put it, "more on her level."

Whatever the hell that meant. Ron was on her level! So he didn't write love letters on miles of parchment... What difference did that make when it came to "levels"? Obviously, he didn't have the assets Krum had. Of course, that was why. He knew it like the back of his hand.

After being the third or fifth wheel on a few too many occasions. After having to watch Hermione scribble dreamily on an almost constant basis. After noticing Harry and Ginny disappear for hours on end in the middle of the day. The level attitude he had tried so desperately hard to maintain was finally starting to wane. He was a nobody, unlike Harry or Krum.

Lavender trotted by, giggling manically. She was hanging from the arm of some poor sucker in Hufflepuff. Ron was relieved to see she'd finally moved on to her next "Won-won". He thanked Merlin. Ron thought she was barking mad.

Though Ron would never admit it, it was Hermione and Viktor that hurt the most. It made him angry... jealous. He wanted only to wallow in self pity.

Harry and Ginny urgently left the library, hand in hand. With a heavy sigh, Ron decided it was time for a change of scenery. No point in sitting around here now. He thought.

He had begun shoving his incomplete Charms homework into the nasty hand-me-down bag that was once Bill's when a voice behind him queried, 'Why would you say that, Ronald?'

His head snapped up and he frowned instantly. Standing there was Loony Lovegood.

It wasn't that she freaked him out or anything... it was just that she scared the shit out of him. That same bug eyed stare she was using on him now as she fingered her radish earring is what did it. That stare made him want to run away at top speed, arms flailing. Her eyes seemed to drill further into him. Didn't they ever dry out? 'Because its true!' He snapped at her forcefully, wrestling with the ancient, rusted buckle on the front of the backpack.

'You take many things for granted, Ronald,' said Luna nonchalantly, a smile crossing her lips.

'How nice of you to let me know.' He bit back, striding past her and storming up to the Gryffindor Common Room, where he could relax without disturbance. Fuck. Why is it always the nutters that fancy me?

The instant the Fat Lady's portrait closed, the the chatter of two dozen voices erupted. Squealing and laughing. The place was packed. More so than Ron had seen it in years. Students from First to Seventh years where crowded around cozily, escaping the chill of the Castle grounds. The grass was only just greening and there were no leaves on the trees. It was terribly damp. Damp enough to chill your bones.

Everywhere he turned he was sickened by the feeling that he was a single unit. It was no better in there than in the library. When not a single soul in his year made room for him to join them, he found sanctuary in the Dormitory, which was thankfully empty.

As the week passed, Ron's personal situation did not improve. Harry and Hermione continued to absorb themselves in their relationships. They ignored him almost completely. Save for the distracted and occasional 'Hi Ron,' as they passed by him. Surely on their way to and from one romantic rendezvous after another. Leaving Ron alone in the Common Room. When it was empty, at least. Or alone in the dormitory. It was almost enough to make him miss Lavender. Almost.

He snapped at couples for publically displaying their affections on several occasions. Classes where complete murder. Having to watch Hermione scribble letters rapidly to Krum. One came every bloody hour.

'Asshole must have a whole Owlry in his house.' Ron would sniff.

Harry and his sister met up after every class. They still could not refrain from publicly groping each other. Not for one bloody minute. It made Ron sick. And a little pissed off at Harry. The way he flaunted her in every corridor.

Ron had become so depressed, he sought to isolate himself constantly. 4:30...5:30...6:30...8:00...

Time crawled by as he stared into space, lying on his back in his bed. Ron was sure he could feel his sanity slipping away.

Maybe this is it for me. Ron thought to himself grimly. Might as well join a pack of dragons, like Charlie. He rolled over and gazed at the scarlet fabric of the hangings. He nodded off and awoke when Harry had come in with Neville. It was already dark.

'Hey, Ron!' Neville said. Cheery, as per usual of late. Even he had a girlfriend. Ron didn't know her or anything. He considered briefly if she was imaginary.

'Hi.' Ron replied flatly.

'What are you doing up here?' Harry asked casually. As if it had not been two days since he had even seen Harry. Ron heard him sneaking in late every night after defiling his sister. Long after everyone had gone to sleep.

'Nothing.' Ron muttered shortly.

Harry and Neville exchanged confused glances, before looking back to Ron, 'Are you all right?' Harry asked, noming upon a Pumpkin Pastie. 'You don't seem.. yourself.'

'Glad you noticed,' snapped Ron. That recognition had been long overdue. 'Shouldn't you two be off snogging somewhere?'

Harry raised his eyebrows, 'Well... I suppose Ginny... had things to do?'

'Oh I see, what a surprise.' Ron snapped before rolling back over. They could all go and snog under the Whomping Willow for all he cared.

'Come on, Ron!' Harry pried, moving over to the edge of his bed. Ron felt Harry's weight sink invasively into the edge of his mattress. 'What's wrong?'

Ron did his best to ignore them. 'Look, just ask a girl out to the Hogsmeade trip this weekend, it'll be fine, you'll see.' Harry urged.

Ron knew he was trying to be encouraging. His words pissed him off, anyway. Such a suggestion made Ron realize that everyone knew he was alone. It must be obvious. He thought miserably. That he was becoming irritable and antisocial. Jealous, even. So much for discretion.

Stupid git. Ron thought, sourly. He huffed and instead muttered something about being poor. Harry rolled his eyes and grunted, 'Ugh, come on, Ron. Nobody cares!' Ron shoved Harry off his bed and tugged his hangings closed. Receiving the message, Harry released a defeated sigh and left the dorm room with Neville. Alone again at last.

At long last. Ron thought sadly in the silence. Maybe he should ask someone to the Hogsmeade trip. He pushed the thought away fast enough. Not a chance. He wasn't about to be humiliated, now. The whole school knew he was being moody. Any girl he asked out would just laugh in his face, especially with blokes like Krum lying around. He lay there for what seemed like hours, until he fell asleep in his robes.

'Ron!' he heard Harry hiss the next morning.

'Wha'choo want?' He muttered sleepily, rubbing an eye.

He heard the screech of his hangings being pulled open.

'You slept in, Ron. Classes start in a half-hour.' Harry informed him, 'Remember? Transfiguration...?'

'Righ'...' Ron grunted and sluggishly dragged himself off of his four-poster and on to the floor.

'Get up yeh' great lazy bastard!' Seamus shouted in his thick Irish accent, throwing a pillow at Ron and missing by a mile. They all watched as it disappeared out of the open window of the Gryffindor Tower. 'Well, we'll never see that pillow again.' Neville said.

'Don' want to start slackin' off now! Hogsmeade trip tomorrow!' Seamus rubbed his hands together, 'And wer' findin' you a date.'

Oh, Bloody hell. He thought irritably. That woke him up. 'No, you're not.' Was his weary reply.

'Fine!' said Dean matter-of-factly, 'You can find one yourself.' He held up a piece of parchment, 'I've got a list of all the single girls in Ravenclaw right here.'

'I don't want to take anyone.' Ron snapped grabbing his maroon towel from his trunk. That was a lie but it was better now to go alone than look like a desperate fool.

'Clever!' Seamus said with a grin, 'He ain't takin' nobody, so he can get more than one, arencha' Ron?'

'No.' He repeated through the toothbrush that was now stuck in his mouth, 'I'm not taking anyone. Ever.'

'Why the hell not?!' Seamus cried.

'All of you can just fuck off!' bellowed Ron, spewing toothpaste all over the mirror and the sink. He thought of Hermione as he spat angrilly and rinsed his mouth out with Gergio's Magically Fresh Mouth Potion. She'd go with Krum in a heartbeat. She'd probably go with any of them. He thought angrily. Not me.

'I'm going to breakfast before I die of hunger.' And with that, Ron stomped out of the dormitory.

He stormed down the spiral staircase and out into the Common Room where he saw Hermione sitting. 'Hi Ron,' she said, taking two seconds from her furious letter writing to glance in his direction. She had just scrawled a ginormous heart next to her signature, 'Have you seen Dean or Neville? I need to-'

'Oh?' he growled, exploding thoughtlessly, 'Looking for more action are you? Your little paper boyfriend not doing it for you?' Hermione's expression shifted to one of shock and fury. 'Well, you're in luck. Those assholes are right up stairs plotting the best ways to get up all of your skirts. They've even got a list. You could be the guinea pig.' Leaving Hermione gaping in shock after him, Ron kept on his way, striding past her into the Seventh Floor Corridor.

Fuck. Ron cursed himself as he broke into a sprint. He rounded the corner and took off down the Stairs at top speed. He always felt like an obstacle in Hermione's eyes. Even still, Ron knew he'd stepped way out of line. Being jealous of Krum was one thing but now... well... He was practically asking for a good hexing.

So.. Ron thought miserably, leaning against the wall for support when he was too winded to run any further. This is what rock bottom looks like. After rejecting and insulting his friends (who were only trying to help), he now felt truly alone. Might as well get used to it.

His ears picked up a noise he sure as hell didn't want to hear. Voices. Ron bit his lip and saw shadows crossing the floor, approaching the entrance of the corridor in which he now stood. Taking a deep breath, he dove behind the statue of Boris the Bewildered.

'It looks fine!' That was Ginny's voice. His sister! She'd know what to do! He was about to walk out from behind the statue and confide everything in her when he was reminded of the presence of the other. 'I donno...' Said the voice. He ducked deeper. The other voice was female. It sounded uneasy yet familiar. It was definitely someone he knew. 'I never thought the straight hair was really me.'

'Its definitely you.' Ginny assured her.

'I don't know. It's much too orderly.' The other girl sounded unsure. For a moment it sounded like Loony Lovegood, but it couldn't be. She never so much as brushed her hair. This bird was experimenting with styles.

A hairbrush would be experimental for Loony. Ron snickered to himself.

'Oh, come on!' She urged, 'It's way- Hi Harry!' He heard his sister stop mid-sentence. Her sugary tone made Ron nauseous. 'Hi.' Harry responded tonelessly.

'Have you seen Ron around?' demanded Neville. Even he sounded pissed and everyone knew Neville was a complete pansy.

'No.' said his sister, who sounded clueless.

'Why?' said the other girl in an overly out-of-it voice.

'Don't be nervous.' Ginny hissed at her.

As they made their way down the hall, Ron ducked farther behind the statue. He remained out of sight on his hands and knees, listening as they passed.

'He told some rubbish to Hermione this morning.' Neville explained.

'He's jealous, Neville. Ron can't stand that he is a complete git and Krum asked Hermione out first. Again!' Harry sounded enraged.

The truth sounded worse out loud than it did in Ron's head.

'Well of course! You don't see why he'd still be on about that?' Ginny laughed. 'I thought for sure they'd get together after he and Lavender were through.'

'Once again he was too slow.' Harry muttered furiously. 'Can't expect her to wait around forever.'

'What did he say?' He heard the other girl ask as they left. He only caught sight of a sweep of silky, long blonde hair.

Once he was sure that the coast was clear, Ron crawled to his feet with considerably aching knees and turned to sneak away in the opposite direction. He was startled to find his path obstructed by an extremely slimy and suspicious individual. Malfoy. Perfect, he thought scornfully.

'What do you want?' Ron asked with distaste, withdrawing backward into the wall. He disliked the feeling of Malfoy's damned breath on his face. He had gotten a little too close that time. Way too close. And his breath was.. minty? Good thing the git decided to brush.

'Now, now,' said Malfoy, pressing closer. 'Don't want to go snapping at me. Just wanted to have a little chat...' he smirked, fixing his grey eyes on Ron.

'I'm not in the mood for it, Malfoy,' Ron hissed. Escaping Malfoy's filthy hands proved difficult. 'I'm not in the mood for it at all.'

'Cranky are we, Weasel? Up all night? It's about time, too,' said the Slytherin, eyeing him up dangerously, 'I was wondering when you and Potter were going to start rocking the Dormitory all night long.'

Ron's face was burning. He wanted to kill Malfoy. It was the perfect time to take out his inner frustrations. Ron sized him up. Malfoy was almost as tall as he was and of a similar build. Hm. It'll be a fair fight when I do him in.

'...Pretty sure your voice has only just finished cracking...' Malfoy laughed. 'Have your testicles descended or no?'

Ron leered at Malfoy. This conjured a confused look from his enemy. Usually Ron wasn't so vile. 'At least I don't have a ferret face like you and I don't have to suck Snape's-'

Ron didn't have time to see Malfoy's reaction. Before he could tell what was happening, he was seeing black. Ron felt cold fists, delivering one blow after another. Two sharp, swift contacts and he was knocked to the floor. No sooner had he been there on the ground, the perpetrator was at his side.

'Get the fuck up, Weasel!' he hissed quickly, hand fitting on Ron's shoulder. 'I didn't know you were such a pussy.'

Ron sputtered and shrugged Malfoy's disgusting hand off of him, 'You sucker punched me!' His stomach clenched, Malfoy was so close to his face. The invasion of personal space made Ron more on edge than usual.

'Did not,' Malfoy retorted cunningly, 'It was warranted following your verbal assault.' Malfoy held his position. He hovered over Ron and examined him with intrigue. 'Why didn't you fight back?'

'What's with you?' Ron barked, as he climbed to his feet. Malfoy shrugged, dusting nothing off of his pure black school robes. Prissy bastard.

'Go ahead, Weasley. Run back to your other little friends.' He smirked, eyes narrowing. 'Oh wait... you don't have any.'

Ron glared at Malfoy, one eye watering and swelling slightly. He was definitely going to end up with a black eye. He felt the bruising all ready, 'How did you know about that?'

Malfoy rolled his eyes, 'People talk, and its hard to not notice when Potter is pissed off.' Malfoy turned his eyes to the ground and hissed, 'Saint Potter.'

Malfoy grabbed Ron's chin and forced his face toward him, taking a look at the damage he'd done with a softened expression. Ron shoved his hand away in confusion. The hell? Fucker's awful touchy.

Malfoy held his gaze. Ron shifted uncomfortably, unable to break away from the other's intense stare. Ron chose his words carefully, unsure of what Malfoy was up to. 'Harry doesn't realize how aware he makes people of him.'

He observed Malfoy's face as it changed, finding him expectant. He must be up to something. Ron mused. This snake was the worst in the garden.

'Why in the bullocks are you talking to me anyway?' Ron asked suspiciously.

Malfoy shrugged, 'Its not like I have anything better to do. Maybe it would be nice if I could beat the shit out of you once in a while.'

Ron quirked a brow, 'Why? Don't you have something suspicious you could be doing?'

Malfoy shook his silvery hair, lifting his hand and applying pressure to Ron's fat lip with his thumb. Ron yelped in pain. 'Sorry.' He said.

'Sorry?!' Ron sputtered incredulously.

'Right.' Malfoy said firmly before droning on. 'Well, I've got better things to do since Father's gone and gotten himself thrown in Azkaban. I'm left to my own business. Nobody cares what I do. The end.'

Everyone and their grandmother (including Neville's) knew that Lucius Malfoy had been arrested earlier in the year and that Draco Malfoy and his mother were on their own indefinitely. Ron, too, was alone. At least at the minute. He thought with guilt as he began planning his detailed apology.

He had been a real dick to his friends. He should have just been happy for them and focused on being a better Keeper. Maybe I'll even have some sex appeal. He decided then he would spend every free minute on the Quidditch Pitch. 'Looks like we're in the same boat.'

Malfoy snorted, tilting his head to the side, examining the bruise he'd left on Ron's freckled jaw. 'I have a huge bank account filled with money, don't I? I couldn't possibly have any problems, could I?' He scoffed, voice overrun with sarcasm.

Ron allowed himself to feel a little sorry for Malfoy. He seemed unfazed by his own father being stuck in Azkaban. Problems? What problems? Ron thought sceptically.

'With Father in Azkaban...' He drawled, withdrawing his wand pointing it at Ron's forehead. 'Epeskey!' Ron could feel his bruises tingle. The dull pain faded away. He felt his lip return to normal size. He blinked, mildly surprised. A healing Death Eater? Leave it to Malfoy.

'I don't have to follow any rules. I am an independent entity.'

Ron was impressed. He didn't know Malfoy had any magical talent. 'Thanks a lot.'

'C'mon downstairs, we'll get something to eat and go to class.'

Ron looked Malfoy up and down, he seemed serious. 'You want to go to class together?' Ron repeated in disbelief. Malfoy's eyes fixated on Ron's in a way that made him slightly uneasy. There was a sort of pull to them, a pull that seemed to draw him in. He'd even taken a subconscious step forward.

'Is that a problem, Weasel?'

Ron laughed under his breath. He couldn't think of a better way to hide from everyone in his house for the day. 'Fine, Ferret. We'll go to class.'

Ron and Malfoy sat in Transfiguration. McGonagall was teaching a lesson so boring, he didn't bother to pay attention.

Malfoy leaned lazily back in his seat. He hadn't so much as picked up a quill. Every so often, the Professor turned her back to the class to enchant notes on the board. Something about the method of transfiguring rocks into other items. Ron didn't bother to write anything down. Hermione wasn't there to force him.

When McGonagall's back was turned, Malfoy raised his wand and waved it in a small circle. Ron watched as the parchment on her desk shuffled itself. Surely into an unintelligible mess. He forced himself to contain his laughter.

After she'd felt the entire class had retained her notes (which Ron certainly had not) she returned to her desk. Ron was bulging with internal hysteria. Malfoy was cool as ever.

Her expression was hilarious as she shuffled through the stack of parchment. Utter, momentary confusion. It took her ages to realize that the lessons had been shuffled. Her narrowed eyes scanned the classroom as she flicked her wand. The parchment began to slowly rearrange itself. After twenty minutes, the class became rowdy and the Professor had lost patience.

Ron hated to admit it, but even if Malfoy was a slimy git who took part in questionable activities, he was an entertaining person to be around. It was as though Malfoy thought himself above regulation. Elite. Being in his inner circle was not like being inside Harry's, who was humble.

Ron couldn't control himself and was choking on his own air in an attempt to restrain his laughter. McGonagall flicked her wand angrily, revealing the origin of the mishap. The stream lead right to Malfoy and by now Ron had burst out laughing. 'Malfoy, Weasley, detention!'

Twenty four eyes flickered in their direction all at once. No one had noticed they were sitting together. Harry's face was a priceless shade of scarlet as he snapped forward in his seat and stared bullets at the front wall. The Slytherins fixed vicious glares upon Malfoy. They didn't seem surprised but were clearly unimpressed. Frankly, Malfoy looked like he didn't give a shit. He shrugged and whispered, 'Twenty Galleons says she'll make us dust the Trophy Room.'

Hours later, after dark, they were standing in the greenhouse with Professor Sprout. Ron elbowed Malfoy and said with snark, 'You owe me twenty galleons.' Malfoy sneered and dropped his backpack. 'I'll pay up later.'

Professor Sprout was busy. She was responsible for all the School's vegetables. She never had time for cleaning and the Greenhouse was always a disaster. She was in the middle of some crisis. Something about Flesh Eating Slugs and Knockturn Alley.

'Clean, organize, sweep, what have you! I'll be back in two hours.' Clearly, she had as much time for their detention as she had for cleaning.

'I'm not touching a damn thing!' Malfoy said disgusted, 'This place isn't fit to be called a classroom.'

Ron nodded, he had no opinion about the state of the classroom. He just liked the idea of slacking off. That, however meant being stuck in the Herbology lab for two hours.

Ron looked to his side and took the opportunity to observe his new companion. For once Malfoy didn't have a completely hateful look on his face. His previously perpetual sneer distorted his features. Without it, Ron knew he was extremely attractive. Rivaling Cedric Diggory.

'Well, I don't intend on wallowing in this filth. Let's ditch this place and head over to the lake.'

Before Ron could reply, Malfoy was disappearing into the night.

The grounds were pitch black. Ron couldn't see a bloody thing but Malfoy's silvery hair. 'Damn it you're slow, Weasel.' He laughed mockingly, waiting while Ron caught up. He fixed a glare in Malfoy's direction. 'I can't fucking see, Ferret!'

Malfoy laughed again, sounding triumphant. 'Seems like I have the keener senses here.'

Ron was beginning to get nervous. All he could imagine were hundreds of spiders crawling around his feet. He prayed silently the offspring of Aragog were not on the hunt for dinner as they continued along a beaten path that passed through the Dark Forest.

The trees abruptly opened up to a wide panoramic view of the Black Lake. From there, they could see the lights of Hogsmeade twinkling in the distance. The moon was full and low in the sky and was almost as bright as the sun. Ron could see everything now.

There was an old park bench there that seemed terribly out of place. As if it had washed up on shore. 'Malfoy. What is this place?'

Malfoy laughed grimly, sneer reclaiming his features. 'This place.' he spat into the darkness. Ron shifted uncomfortably. He hadn't realized until that night how intense Malfoy could be.

'I remember my father took me here in my second year.' he said, throwing a rock into the lake. 'That bench? He conjured that.'

'What a pathetic speech. "Draco, great things are about to happen at Hogwart's. You will be given the privilege of growing up in a New Era."' Malfoy mocked his father's words, shaking his head in disgust. '"You belong where others do not and one day, you will serve the most powerful wizard of all time." I knew what he meant.' Malfoy paused and the silence echoed in Ron's ears. 'From the time I was twelve.'

'He also told me,' Malfoy continued, 'Not to associate with riff raff.'

Ron threw a rock at the lake, sending it skipping four times. Malfoy looked back at him impressed. 'You mean me and my family?'

Malfoy laughed darkly, 'Well, you're pure blood. It's more than that... He meant Potter and Granger.' He trailed off and gazed into the night, 'Especially Granger.'

When Malfoy turned on him, Ron was expecting an apology or a speech. With the Full Moon out, he could see Malfoy more clearly than in the forest. Ron had misjudged their distance by several feet.

As his eyes adjusted, he now knew Malfoy was standing much closer to him than he'd thought. His eyes were deep and silvery. Somewhat Menacing. His hair instead of slicked back as it was when he was younger, emulating his father, now hung soft and in disarray.

His lips parted. The two stood aloof from each other for a moment. Out of nowhere, Ron felt a chemistry of sorts between them. He responded to it with uncertainty. The Gryffindor suddenly felt his breath hike and butterflies swarmed in his stomach. He felt feverish, his knees were weakened and his heart fluttered wildly between his lungs.

Malfoy stepped forward and in one graceful stride they were only inches apart. Ron could once again feel Malfoy's breath across his cheeks. The Slytherin lifted a pale, slender hand. Ron was hypnotized as it became level with his face.

He felt cold, smooth fingers graze over his cheek and comb through his flaming hair, becoming entwined in the strands. Ron's body was immediately alive with powerful waves of energy that pulsed through him.

What the fuck?

Ron was frozen solid as Malfoy trailed his other hand across his chest. He opened his mouth to shout but the words became tangled in his throat as it constricted with shock beneath the other's touch. 'Not too close for you, am I, Weasel?' Malfoy asked with a smirk.

Throw him off! Ron screamed internally. Fuck! FUCK! Why aren't you throwing him off?! He felt his ears burn as seconds seemed to warp into years. Maybe even eons.

A glorious pink glow came over Malfoy's porcelain nose and cheeks. He could see Malfoy's animated expressions when his face wasn't screwed into a scowl. He was looking at Ron desperately. Hungrily.

'Why are you doing this?' Ron whimpered.

'Because I can.'

Ron's head spun wildly as Malfoy tilted his head and leaned forward. His entire body trembled as he felt Malfoy's soft lips press against his own. He stood there, mind blank of everything but the blood rushing through him and the sound of his heart thudding in his ears.

He felt Malfoy's tongue brush across his bottom lip. Unable to complete any thought whatsoever, Ron followed instinct and parted his lips. Hesitantly allowing his tongue to graze along the other's demanding muscle.

Teasing fingertips were suddenly working their way through Ron's robes until they reached the cotton shirt he wore beneath. He felt Malfoy grasp his sides with both hands and shivered as he was pulled closer. The electricity he felt coursing through him rendered his limbs useless.

Ron took a deep breath, forcing his voice to remain as steady as possible. 'Wha- what are you doing, Malfoy?' He whispered weakly into the other's demanding lips.

Malfoy's hands were slipping between the buttons of his shirt. As the other's fingertips grazed his skin, Ron's breathing hitched to a heavy panting. He felt as though he wanted to run however foreign urges bubbling up from deep within rooted him to the spot; screaming to be satisfied.

Ron felt Malfoy's hands sliding up his sides and back down again. He exhaled heavily, trying to pretend his whole body was not racked with waves of pleasure at the skin-on-skin contact. Ron broke the kiss, grinding out his sentence, 'What the fuck are you doing, Malfoy?' He managed, before the Slytherin once again possessed his lips.

Malfoy did not stop. Ron couldn't bring himself to stop him. He felt the Slytherin tracing his talented fingers down his stomach, conjuring a disturbing hardness in his pants.

This is mental, he thought. Just mental.

Malfoy smiled against his lips, 'Weasley, you don't look too good... Kind of red in the face.'

Ron shook his head, feeling both aroused and confused. 'Don't act stupid. What are you playing at...?' He breathed shakily, though still not making any attempt to part from the other.

He felt fingers trace his flesh again, causing a tingling beneath them. 'Ah..' he moaned under his breath, shuddering in bliss.

He knew if he were to run, it would be away from the wrongness of the whole situation. Run away from how good it felt. Run! Run now!

Ron again considered bolting. When he tried his knees only buckled slightly. Malfoy's chest was heaving up and down as well, Ron could feel it against him. He turned his eyes up to meet the other's.

Malfoy's gaze possessed a raw yearning that only immobilized him further. This can't be real, he thought. It can't. It's all a crazy dream.

Ron summoned all of his willpower and finally broke away. He pushed Malfoy off of him with all of his strength in the opposite direction. The Slytherin stumbled backward before quickly catching his balance.

Ron stared at him in astonishment. His mouth hung slack as he touched his fingers to his lips in disbelief. Malfoy straightened out his robes.

'I want to see you tomorrow in the library. After hours.' he said curtly, before disappearing into the darkness.

Ron wanted to KILL Malfoy. He was as good as dead the next time Ron saw him.

Ron had wandered in that patch of forest until daylight. Finally he stumbled upon the path that lead back to the Herbology Lab. What the fuck was he doing!?

Ron's thoughts were on repeat. He was angry and disgruntled. To his horror, his mind was plagued with the memory of it. Constantly. As he wandered all night.

'It's so fucking... fucked up!' Ron muttered to himself several times. He shook his head furiously as he passed Hagrid's Hut, attempting to shake the mental images out of his ears if need be. To no avail. They played on loop in his head. As they did they inspired a ghostly reminiscion of the disturbing sensations he had experienced to rise within. He even felt it now, as his member stiffened.

Ron cursed that bloody fucking Slytherin as he pulled the front of his robes together at the waist. He was sure he hated Malfoy. Absolutely sure he hated him!

Don't I hate him?!?

In the wee hours of the morning, Ron found the boys showers and scrubbed himself for a long time. Though he tried, Ron couldn't wash Malfoy away.

He even thought he could still smell him. Wood. Musk. Wintergreen. Positive adjectives. Dammit.

He thought about Malfoy's tongue in his mouth and instead of blinding rage, a heat surged of a different sort. Fuck! Whyy!?

He turned the cold water on full blast and stood there shivering. Slowly his hardness subsided. He had never refused himself an orgasm before unless he was in public. Always touching himself when he had the urge.

This time he wouldn't. He wouldn't do it. Not with what he was thinking. When Ron felt he'd learned his lesson he went to the Great Hall. He had spent three hours torturing himself in the lavatory. Apparently it wasn't enough as his mind raced.

He did his best to ignore the Slytherin table but he knew Malfoy's eyes were on him. He could feel them. Just ignore him. Ron told himself. He sat down near the group, forgetting they were in a fight. He wasn't sitting too close, thankfully. A safe enough distance.

'Hi.' said Harry.

'Hi.' Ron said into his goblet of pumpkin juice.

'Saw yeh' with Malfoy!' ' Seamus said, eyeing him up imposingly, 'What ar' yeh, bes' mates now?'

'Something like that.' Ron said dryly. Malfoy had really done a number on him last night. He knew he looked like shit. After wandering all night, he was exhausted. He ignored breakfast, another first. He felt he really had to punish himself for this event..

The Great Hall flooded with hundreds of species of owls. They flew this way and that, dropping the mail next to the breakfast of it's respective student. A great Harpy Eagle soared directly over Ron's head. He even felt the wind of its wing. It was a rare bird, prized by powerful Wizards.

The Harpy seemed irritated. Upon closer observation Ron saw Pigwidgeon buzzing around it, squealing in excitement. Of course it would drop a black package into Malfoy's lap, squawking furiously at Ron's tiny Owl. When the whole show had cleared off, Ron refused to look directly at Malfoy. Though he could sense his eyes on him.

'Must drive you mad,' Neville said bitterly, 'Having to work with him.'

'Its not that bad..' Ron heard himself say.

'Ron, come on!' Harry snapped, 'You started this. We know what this is about. Just ask a girl out and everything will be normal again.'

Ron glared at him, taking another swig of his pumpkin juice. He remembered now, why he'd turned elsewhere. 'I told you, I don't want a girlfriend.'

Seamus laughed obnoxiously, 'Is it a boyfrien' you want then, eh?'

Ron slammed down his empty goblet and snapped at Seamus, 'You can shut up, you fucking smartass!' He lifted himself from the table and grabbed his backpack.

'Malfoy has really rubbed off on him.' Hermione muttered into a roll of parchment.

'Weasley!' called a voice.

Fuck, what a shitty time for Malfoy to turn up. Harry stared at Ron, mouth hanging open. All too soon Malfoy was at his side, glaring icily at the others. 'What are you doing with them?'

Harry was the first to stand, ready to defend. To his own surprise Ron snorted, 'Leaving them.' Seamus looked so furious it was as though he where about to shoot through the ceiling and into the next country.

Malfoy's eyes narrowed as Ron turned on him, heading briskly into the Entry Hall of the Castle.

'Weasley, Stop!' Malfoy commanded from a few meters behind him. Ron kept off toward the Dungeon for Potions, determined to ignore Malfoy. What a miserable morning. And class wasn't starting for twenty minutes. Time to actually do some homework and later, the Quidditch Pitch.

Then he heard Malfoy again, 'Weasley!' Ron refused to reply. He did not want to see Malfoy. He wanted to pretend Draco Malfoy didn't exist. So Ron didn't kill him.

Then he heard him again. 'Ron! Answer me!'

Ron's breath was stolen from his chest. Malfoy had never called him "Ron". Something in the tone or the rhythm with which Malfoy pronounced his name was mesmerizing. He had never expected his name to roll so deliciously from a person's lips. Unable to disobey the power of Draco's voice, he wheeled around immediately. Draco had caught up to him quickly and they were face to face. Their noses only inches apart. They leered at each other.

'Leave me alone.' Ron hissed threateningly.

Draco sneered, 'Why should I, Weasel?'

'Because I fucking told you to!' he shouted, gesturing angrily.

Whether it was out of desire or hatred (or possibly both) Ron lunged for Draco, pinning him between his broad torso and the wall, their bodies pressed against one another. He watched as Malfoy's expression changed.

He was now staring longingly at Ron, his lips wet and parted. Ron's eyes fell upon them and he shifted awkwardly. He experienced a surge of emotion as he became very aware of the heat radiating from the other. His pelvis jerked forward on it's own and he had to stifle a groan of ecstasy. Get away now! Part of him screamed.

Ron could not bring himself to draw away from the pleasure that now tore through him, the strength of his attraction too great. The manner in which his body fit against Draco's was a revelation. They locked eyes again and his pulse was racing. Draco's eyes were dark grey, like a great menacing storm. They were... beautiful?

The bizarre irresistible magnetism returned and with it, Ron leaned hypnotically forward but stopped himself just short of Draco's lips.

Malfoy moaned impatiently and touched his lips to Ron's. The warmth that rushed over him was so incredible he grabbed Draco's shoulders just to maintain his balance and exhaled in what he realized was delight. What am I doing? He thought, embracing Malfoy before shuddering and pushing him reluctantly aside.

'Are you fucking CRAZY!' Ron growled. Malfoy steadied himself and glared at Ron. The sting in his eyes was obvious. 'So this is what I get is it?' Malfoy hissed.

Ron had planned on turning and leaving right there. He could have gone down the corridor and this whole thing could've been forgotten. However, Ron chose to stand there. Not only did he fear he would never experience such excitement again, the rejection in Malfoy's voice gripped him and twisted his insides. Why do I even give a damn?!

'What you get for what?' He asked before he could stop himself. Draco looked away, expression vacant.

'Okay.' He sighed. Malfoy turned his silvery gaze onto Ron, who shifted uneasily. 'I'll meet you tonight after hours.'

Malfoy straightened up, forever fixing his robes. He seemed relieved. 'All right.' he said in a velvety voice, arrogance returning. 'See you then.'

When Ron entered the Library that night, it was thankfully deserted. Every candle was out save for one corner in the back, encased in shelves. Ron followed the light through the maze of books until he found Malfoy. He sat, one leg stretched out across two other chairs, his arms folded. He was glaring smugly into the dimly lit corner. 'You're late, Weasel.'

Malfoy had quickly made a science out of pushing his buttons. Ron's anger didn't last long. He saw Malfoy had the package with him. 'You didn't specify a time.' Ron muttered.

Malfoy stood, face sarcastic. He gestured to the black box the Harpy Eagle dropped off earlier. 'That is yours.'

Ron gave the Slytherin a quizzical look. This had his attention. Malfoy had gotten him a gift? He quirked a brow and removed the lid. Inside were robes. Black school robes. Nice ones. Not unlike the ones Malfoy was wearing. They looked expensive.

'Never refuse a gift from a Malfoy.' He warned. 'Besides, I owed you twenty galleons.'

Twenty Galleons? Ron swallowed.

'Wow. They're nice. Thank you.' he said awkwardly. Draco half smiled. Ron guessed that was all he was capable of. 'Don't get all sappy on me, Weasley.' Malfoy turned to leave the space. 'Put them on.'

Ron was quick about it. Years of waking up with only minutes left made him an expert. He could tell just by looking down he looked good. He needed no mirror.

He didn't want to draw any attention by calling out, so he set off through the book shelves to find Malfoy. Ron walked in the dark for five seconds before he felt the heat of the other's breath on the back of his neck.

'Ah, Weasley,' Malfoy said smoothly, 'You look better already.'

'Why are you doing this?' Ron asked again suddenly. Malfoy stepped closer, putting his hands on Ron's shoulders. 'I told you last night. Because I can.'

And then Malfoy's plump lips were on his own.

Oh god, Ron thought. This is so wrong... isn't it? Ron sighed out in ecstasy as the Slytherin's tongue invaded his mouth. Why doesn't this feel wrong?

When Malfoy pulled away, he brushed a hand through Ron's thick red curls. 'Finally giving into my charm and good looks?'

Ron glared at him, 'You are doing this to me because you can. I don't know why I am doing this.'

'You won't stop me.' Was Malfoy's smooth yet informative reply.

It was true. Ron wasn't going to stop him. Malfoy could do anything he wanted to him. Somewhere deep down, he knew he wanted to feel the things Malfoy was making him feel. As wrong as the things he was feeling should be. Ron was still playing mental games of denial with himself.

'Now that you're wearing... proper robes.' he said carefully. Still insulting, but Ron gave him credit for trying. 'We can be seen together in public. Let's get wasted at the Hog's Head.' Ron wasn't going to object. How could he? Malfoy had bound him with an expensive gift.

'Fine.'