A/N: I just want to thank everyone who added my FFs to their Story Alert Subscription! =3 You rock!
When Ron entered the Great Hall the next morning, he couldn't believe the eyes that all fell upon him at once. Obviously, the new robes made a difference in his appearance. Entering the Great Hall next to Malfoy added to the oddity of it all.
'You could've tried combing your hair, Weasel.' Malfoy hissed at him, leading Ron toward the Slytherin table where students kept to themselves in groups.
'I can't eat over there.' He said anxiously.
'The hell you can't.' Malfoy said, snorting. As they reached the table, Ron only stood and stared at it. 'It's not against the rules.' Malfoy said impatiently.
'Usually only couples from other houses sit together.' Ron snapped. Malfoy only quirked a brow in his direction.
Ron sighed, realizing his defeat and sat down. He knew things were really starting to look crazy. He saw Harry, his sister, Hermione and the other Gryffindors staring at him. They were all wearing mixed expressions. Blank, horrified, shocked. They obviously didn't know what the hell was going on. Ron hardly had a grasp on it, himself.
His attire made him look almost as posh as a real Slytherin. Thank god he hadn't combed his mane of red hair. That and the crest he was required to wear on his robes was all the Gryffindor left. The whole scene was mental.
'I expect we'll be leaving right after class,' Malfoy said casually, as if he hadn't noticed they had entered another dimension.
Ron had never noticed Hogwart's served coffee. At the Slytherin table, there were kettles of it everywhere. Malfoy sat, stirring non-chalantly. Ron was lost in his thoughts and hadn't noticed that Malfoy had made two coffees. He was taken by surprise when Malfoy slid one in his direction. He was more a considerate companion than Harry. Who could've guessed?
Ron knew he'd been overreacting for the past week. Compared to this mountain that was a molehill. He was being a git to Harry and the others. It wasn't their fault. It wasn't like it was all deliberate. He'd had his turn snogging his face off earlier in the year. Still, he couldn't rid himself of his sour grapes. None of them had reached out to him until it was too late and he had almost gone out of his head. His breaking point was in the rear view long ago. Now he was sitting with Malfoy. He was spiralling.
'Yeah I expect...' Ron said absently. The dull whispers were passing through the Great Hall. The buzz lingering in the background made Ron's stomach queasy. They had to be gossiping about him and Malfoy.
The chatter was ceased by the arrival of the post. It was a Friday, and there were fewer arrivals then on a Thursday. This was no good because the Harpy Eagle was back. Pigwidgeon was buzzing around it, as it had the morning before, irritating the creature as a mesquito irritates a person. They commanded a lot of attention. This time the box was bigger. Malfoy didn't even spare an upward glance. There's no way its for me this time, Ron told himself
'Looks like the rest of your robes are here.' The Slytherin said, downing his coffee. Ron hadn't even taken a sip of his. 'The rest of my robes?' he asked numbly. Everyone seemed to be aware of the box drop in front of Ron, whose face was grim.
'Don't look so sour, Weasel.' Malfoy scoffed and backhanded him on the arm. 'You couldn't expect to run around in the same robes all the time. They could only have one set tailored for me over night.' Malfoy complained.
Ron hadn't even noticed Malfoy's robes were different from yesterday's. Upon closer observation, he found that they were. School regulations said that robes had to be black. They all looked the same to Ron. Obviously Malfoy had a different opinion. Then again, the evidence was showing that the robes made a difference. Ron knew he looked better.
'Thank you.' Was all he could say, handing the box off to Pig. 'Hide this. So the boys don't mess with it.' He told his tiny owl, who flapped off, struggling with the mass of the oversized package.
'Defense Against the Dark Arts, soon. This'll be fun, Weasley!' Malfoy said with a smirk as he stood, brushing non-exsistent crumbs off of his robes. Ron hadn't viewed that class as fun since Snape had taken over. Potions was even more fun at this point. He shuddered at the thought of Snape's O.W.L. Exam.
When they headed into the dimly lit classroom he saw Snape's keen black eyes flicker over to Ron and Malfoy. He seemed a little too amused for Ron's liking. 'I see you've chosen better company, Mr. Weasley,' he said greasily. Ron said nothing.
The Gryffindor and the Slytherin seated themselves at a desk in the far back corner of the classroom as Snape enchanted the lesson on the board. He and Malfoy didn't pay a shred of attention the entire time. Snape had even granted Malfoy Ten Points to Slytherin for taking the "time" to perfectly draw out the moon cycle, which is pretty much all he'd gotten done.
Ron had no points taken from Gryffindor. Not even Five. Amazing. He could've tried his hardest the entire class only to have Snape still find a reason to dock points from him.
Next they were in Charms. Everyone continued to stare. The bright classroom's circular lay out assured the Professor could intervene if something went wrong and all students had a perfect view of Ron and Malfoy sitting side by side. Again, right at the back. Malfoy's feet were up on a chair while Ron was flicking his wand at the goblet that had been provided. Trying to conjure water.
'What are you trying so hard for?' Malfoy asked, almost in disgust. God, he was so arrogant. Ron would've considered slapping him if he hadn't considered kissing him first. His stomach twisted. 'Because I don't know this spell.' Ron said flatly.
'You dont?' Malfoy said, sounding like a smart ass. He took out his wand and flicked it at his Goblet. It filled instantly with water without even a word. 'There, done.' Mayfoy said, folding his hands behind his head and relaxing back in the chair. 'Are you a pure blood or a mud blood? Come on, Weasel!' Damn Malfoy! He had it all, didn't he!?
'You've got to point your wand straighter.' The Slytherin yawned, closing his eyes to take a snooze. Ron followed his instructions and by Merlin, his goblet filled with water! Malfoy was damn usefull! Hermione wouldn't have been able to teach him anything with such simplicity. She was way too technical. Ron relaxed back in his seat now, too. He could get used to this.
The rest of the day went with the same rhythm. Ron just followed Malfoy and everything went perfectly. In Transfiguration he turned a rock into a tea cozy on the first try. He actually managed to figure out some algorithms in Arithrimancy. After lunch, they just didn't go to class!
'Let's sneak off to Hogsmeade early.' Malfoy said as they headed back up the Entry Hall from lunch. 'All the rooms at the Three Broomsticks will be taken.'
Ron quirked a brow, 'At the Three Broomsticks?' The idea of drinking with Malfoy in a crowded pub was a little unsettling. It was a bit too public for him given the circumstances. 'I thought we'd go to the Hog's Head.'
Malfoy seemed to be reading his thoughts. 'Like I would actually sleep in the Hog's Head.' He spat, voice filled with disdain. 'Hog's Head sells their Butterbeer and Fire-Whiskey cheap on Friday. And that's only until midnight.'
Sleep at the Three Broomsticks Inn? Leave early? Why the hell not? Malfoy seemed to get away with everything, anyway. What could go wrong?
'I'll have our stuff brought from Hogwart's. Since we are going to be there all weekend.' Malfoy said as they walked down the long path toward the Castle grounds.
Ron could see Hagrid out of the corner of his eye, watching them walk together from his hut. His mouth hung open so wide his great beard reached his belly. Ron felt his stomach turn again. He was going to be with Malfoy all weekend? The other Gryffindor's anger and hatred would now have the entire weekend to fester. Brilliant. However he wasn't objecting.
Leaving early meant the forty five minute walk to the town. They hadn't even left the grounds yet and Malfoy was all ready going in the wrong direction. He was heading for the Whomping Willow. 'Er, Malfoy...' Ron warned, 'You'd better watch yourself.'
Malfoy calmly drew his wand. He pointed it at the flailing willow and said, 'Immobulus.' His spell was, of course, successful. The tree was paralyzed, a few of its outer branches twitching. 'We're taking a short cut. Don't know if you knew about this one, Weasley. Missed it even though I know you and Potter drove a car into the bloody thing.' Malfoy jeered, as he led Ron into the hole in the tree and down the flight of wet stony steps.
Ron was actually quite familiar with this passage. He had never thought he would return here after his third year. He was thankful for the absence of terrifying flashbacks. As they made their way down the long dank tunnel, he found himself telling Malfoy the story. Malfoy, knew, of course, Snape's side of it all. He had no clue Ron had even been present for the event. He told Malfoy about how Hermione and Harry had actually freed Sirius, who was Harry's Godfather. 'I knew Wormtail wasn't dead.' Malfoy said finally, 'Father told me ages ago. Before I was even at school.'
They entered the dusty cellar of the Shrieking Shack, it seemed as though no one had been there for three years. Everything was exactly as it was. 'This place is disgusting.' Malfoy said, dusting himself off.
Ron was surprised when Malfoy came toward him, hands outstretched. As though he had held back. Malfoy dusted Ron off at first but his hands lingered longer on Ron's shoulders. Malfoy searched his expression intently as Ron began to sweat profusely.
His breathing hitched as Malfoy was once again only inches away. Ron could feel the other's warmth and exhaled anxiously. The Gryffindor found himself dizzy from the excitement passing through him. 'I don't know why you do this...' Ron said helplessly. All considerations of pushing the other away had vanished.
'I am doing it because I can.' The Slytherin whispered.
'No. Draco.' He said, defiant. 'You could do anything you want with whoever you want whenever you want. Yet, you want to do... this with me.'
Malfoy was struggling to come up with an answer. He pursed his lips, hair hanging loose. 'So?' Ron demanded.
'So what?' Malfoy hissed, 'Fuck it if I want to.'
With that statement, Ron wanted to move in closer. His body begged him lean in and touch his lips to Malfoy's. To feel that energy again. He wanted to test if this was truly there and not in his imagination. Malfoy turned on his heel and headed for the stairs in silence. Ron followed after him.
They walked for fifteen minutes until they reached the Town of Hogsmeade. It was a nice enough town. It's cobblestone streets and side hanging signage gave it a quaint, historic look. After a short time they were entering the Three Broomsticks Inn. The warm, smokey pub maintained it's friendly atmosphere. It was fairly unoccupied, save for a few wizards seated sporadically.
Malfoy approached the bar with swagger. Madame Rosemerta had clearly been expecting him. 'Mr Malfoy, your things are all ready upstairs.' Her eyes fell upon Ron and she realized that they were together. Even she was surprised. 'Oh! Hello Ronald!'
'Hi.' said Ron, emotionless.
'Thank you, Madame.' Malfoy said smoothly, dropping a heavy velvet satchel on the bar top. 'This should cover the expenses for the weekend.' Rosemerta was a Business Witch.
'My things have arrived, you say?' Malfoy drawled. Madame nodded, pouring two shots of Red Current Rum. There was a habitual manner to her motions and their conversation. A treatment usually only regulars received. 'They are in Suite Number Five.' Malfoy swallowed the shot expertly. 'Thank you, Madame.'
Ron drank his quickly, feeling it burn all the way down and grimaced. Malfoy looked at him amused, taking a seat. 'Can't shoot rum, Weasel?' he asked tauntingly. 'I shoot rum fine, Ferret.' Ron snapped.
Ron heard a familiar voice behind him. 'Ron? What are you doing here?' He turned to see his brothers sitting down the bar. Fred and George. Their eyes were popping out in shock that was returned by Ron. His brothers looked good.
They had opened a store of their own, Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. His brothers were wearing navy robes. Perhaps not as lavish as Malfoy's but Ron was surprised at them. They hadn't even finished out school at Hogwart's. 'You... are lookin' good!' the Twins roared.
'Didn't know you were such a preppy bastard!' George laughed, ruffling Ron's hair.
'You look like a spoiled Slytherin.' Fred finished, echoing his twin's laugh. Ron rolled his eyes, remembering the robes he now adorned. 'Ha! Speak for yourselves! I won a bet.' Malfoy slid a butterbeer Ron's way and he nodded in thanks. His brothers assumed the seats beside them, finally addressing Malfoy.
'Hello Malfoy,' Fred said, downing his own drink with a grin. 'See? Even you're not immune to the Gryffindor charm and chivalry.' George said, waving a hand in Malfoy's direction. Malfoy smirked and replied suavely, 'He's actually the one giving in.'
Ron couldn't believe how friendly his brothers were behaving toward Malfoy. How little they cared he and Malfoy were in different houses. That he was not with Harry. Ron sighed in relief. Malfoy's presence was probably nothing more than hilarious to them. Ron actually smiled and allowed himself to cautiously relax.
They sat there at the bar with Fred and George for a while. Ron asked them how business was going and he learned that Fred and George were doing fantastically. The store was a hit and they were actually in Hogsmeade for business. They were making a personal delivery to Honeydukes and Zonko's. Ron found himself having a good time.
'Speaking of which, we best be back to the lab.' George said, standing from the bar. He sounded as if he had an actual career. 'Got a deadline to fill for next week.' Fred beamed beside him as he chugged the remainder of his Butterbeer. 'Gotta invent two new flavors of Firework Gum Chews.' Fred said, finishing George's sentence as his twin brothers so often did. 'Brilliant!' Ron smiled, 'Good luck with it!'
'See you at Christmas!' The twins waved from the door.
'Come on,' Malfoy said, dropping several sickles on the bar. 'The other students will be showing up at any time.'
They left and headed down the street. Hogsmeade was all ready coming alive. It was sunny, warm and after five o' clock. Even the good weather seemed to bend to Malfoy's might. Almost everyone in town was headed to the Three Broomsticks.
Malfoy was able to time this rush perfectly. It was clear that he was used to the rhythm of the little town. Ron wondered how long he'd been doing this. On his own. Malfoy seemed to prefer his privacy, keeping away from crowds. Strange for someone so vain. Surprises around every turn. Ron wondered if it was an elitist thing.
The Hog's Head was almost completely empty. Save for the barkeeper, Aberforth, and one other cloaked wizard whose face Ron could not see.
'Ah! Mr Malfoy!' he said with a toothy grin. 'I've been expecting you.' He then, in somewhat the same fashion as Madame Rosemerta had earlier, set two huge glasses of rum on the bar. The drinks were much bigger at the Hog's. Nearly triple the size.
'Thank you, Aberforth.' Malfoy swallowed the contents of the glass in a few gulps and with expert ease. Ron swallowed his rum and this time, had no problem. He was feeling a little drunk already. Aberforth didn't hover. He returned his attention back to the other occupant and left Ron and Malfoy to swig rum that magically refilled itself.
For a while Ron didn't have anything to say. He couldn't believe the turn his life had taken in the last two days and wondered still if it was all a crazy dream.
'Never had anyone like you Weasel,' Malfoy said, suddenly. Seemingly unable to erase all hints of sarcasm from his voice. 'Stick around so long.'
Ron felt a little sorry for him and nodded. 'Yeah. Never quite... had anyone like you.' Ron had felt awkward out with Malfoy at first. But the more he eased into the friendship... or whatever it was... he found satisfaction.
Ron wondered how many others within the approval of his father Malfoy had splurged on, trying to ensure their continuous company. Ron let his rum sit. Malfoy emptied his glass for him and enchanted water into it. 'Drink that a while.' he told Ron, who decided to take his advice without arguing.
'I do it because I want to.' Malfoy said. Ron looked over at him, surprised. Malfoy face flushed pink again. Void of the usual scowl, his handsome features displayed anxiety. Ron felt a shiver rack his body. That magnetism called his attention through the haze. It even sobered him slightly. Something in the sincerity of his voice made Ron melt.
'I let you do it because I think... I... want it.' He said, surprising himself yet again.
Malfoy smirked and swallowed his rum. Ron gulped down the water and took out his wand. He ensured it was straight and pointed. The glass rapidly refilled with rum.
It's going to be a long night.