A/N: Warning, this chapter contains scenes of violence and gore. Discretion is advised.
Lunch for the first time in Ron's life was hell. He spent most of the hour sitting stiffly. The chatter of the Reserve's staff faded in and out as he stared at his almost untouched plate. Draco was on his left, unmoving, plate completely untouched. He'd slid it away from him as soon as he sat down, muttering under his breath that we wasn't hungry. 'You sure?' Charlie asked through a mouthful of pasta. 'Haven't seen you eat much!'
'Positive.' Draco said firmly.
Their shoulders were barely grazing. Ron felt a droplet of sweat slink down his temple as he noiselessly strained against the invisible force. The strange energy present in the mere centimetres between them had immense strength. Ron leaned to his right, resisting against the tug with clenched teeth. His whole body begged him to close the distance. Ron was afraid if he did he wouldn't be able to peel himself off of Draco.
The Dining Hall held several elongated, oval tables with wooden chairs of all the same size, height and hue. They were crammed all the way around and one could barely fit a quill between them unoccupied. As soon as someone would pull a chair out and seat themselves there was suddenly plenty of elbow room. As if the table subtly expanded to accommodate each new occupant.
Three huge arched windows commanded the West wall and provided almost blinding natural light at high noon. The tallest and widest window was sandwiched between two twin identically arched (however shorter and slimmer) windows on either side. They faced the Carpathian Mountains, a natural staircase that soared up into the sky, which could be seen looming menacingly in the distance. The base at which the Reserve sat, directly in the valley below. The peaks of the ridges disappeared into puffy the white clouds that sporadically littered the otherwise bare sky.
Charlie sat aross him, his plate emptied ages ago. His brother had thankfully been occupied the entire lunch hour with the Reserve's Herbologist. They were in a panic by the sudden lack of need the Medi Witch would have for their medical plants. 'B-but eight more weeks and the Dittany crops out!'
The lower half of their oval shaped face was hidden as they breathed into a paper bag. Large brown eyes framed by thick, faun eyelashes popped slightly as they blinked over the jagged edge of the bag. Charlie rubbed their shoulder comfortingly. Ron thought he noticed him quickly brush the long, dark curls of the Herbologist's tousled mullet off of their shoulder.
Ron's searched Charlie's face and found him looking upon the other with affection. He felt a pang of guilt, ears burning red as Charlie let them know that they would still be responsible for restocking the herbs after the Medi Witch's supply dwindled.
Ron decided he would draw no attention to his assumptions. Charlie didn't need to be under any more pressure.
The Herbologist was calmed, crunching the paper bag after some time, revealing a handsome jaw bone and rosy cheeks. 'There we are! That's the Dhevon I know!' Charlie chuckled. They possessed a lovely, rounded upper lip that sat gently upon a permanently pouting lower lip. There was a smear of dirt across their neck where they must have scratched while planting. Ron now noticed the opposite tooth of the beast Charlie wore impaling their right earlobe. It was very easy to tell the fangs had been plucked from the same dragon.
They resolved that planting season for the vegetables was right around the corner. 'The House Elves need new stock for next season, anyway.' They breathed. Charlie smiled and dropped his voice, 'See? You're fine.' He whispered softly before perking up. 'Besides, June is delighted!'
Ron would've given Draco a disapproving look if he thought moving even his eyeballs wouldn't send him tumbling into the Slytherin's body.
'Thanks for all of your help, Ron.' Charlie said with deep gratitude after the Herbologist had left. He took a sip of a very appealing looking glass of iced water that was absolutely dripping with condensation.
Ron was suddenly parched and he gulped his own glass of water down in just a few chugs, cubes and all. 'I've never seen the reserve so free of dung.' He cried jovially.
'Don't mention it.' Ron managed in his cheeriest voice. As he spoke, he needed to brace himself on the chair as air passed out of his lungs and over his larynx. As hard as he tried he couldn't help but grind the last bit of his sentence out.
Charlie eyed him, concern flashing across his features. His ginger brows furrowed and he looked behind them, scanning the room in a searching manner. He then turned back and tipped his head to the right, aiming his pierced ear up as if listening for something.
Charlie shifted, seeming as though he could sense the strange energy that seemed to radiate back and forth between them but said nothing. The energy so abstract, there was no real way to describe it.
After a moment and he continued, now fixing a smile in Draco's direction. 'Bloomquest... heh... They're a brilliant Herbologist. We'd be lost without them.'
Both Ron and Draco registered the tone Charlie spoke with and finally dared a glance at each other. Ron's head spun with vertigo. He saw flashes of lips touching on a sunny day, Charlie's fingers entwined within the Herbologist's chestnut curls. He registered the meaning behind the memories and shifted uncomfortably. How do I stop it?
Imagine a black wall? Was Draco's suggestion.
Ron was thankful when this worked and was able to barrier himself from receiving any more interference from Charlie's mind. He wanted to give his brother his privacy.
'They do more cross breeding than supplying.' His voice was now airy, as if talking about Bloomquest made him feel as though he were floating. 'Anyway, I wanted to thank you, as well, Draco. For what you've done for this Reserve. Knowing we have access to any Medical treatment we or the Dragons may need is…' he seemed to struggle with the words. 'I can't thank you enough.' He accompanied the statement by gesturing with both hands, as if trying to emphasize his appreciation.
Ron saw a silvery orb peering at him in amusement in his peripheral. A smirk crawled up Draco's cheeks. Ron's heart fluttered, clenching his muscles against the phantom force, seemingly strengthened by the wind of the wings of the butterflies in his stomach. Yeah, yeah. Ron's voice resounded between them. Spare me the "I told you so."
Draco released a strained snicker that was only loud enough for Ron to hear. ''ll be glad to restock anything your obviously… extremely adept… Herbologist cannot supply you with in a timely manner.' He drawled out.
Draco was very convincing. Only Ron knew him well enough to know he was grinding out every syllable. He noted Draco's jaw was clenched when he stopped speaking. His mandible jutting out much more than usual. He could see his tendons tight with strain beneath porcelain flesh.
'Also, please do inform them I would also be glad to assist their department in any way. Be sure to let them know you both have the liberty of Owling me should you ever find yourselves in further need of supply.'
Ron's head snapped round to stare at Draco, neck cracking loudly as he did. His cobalt eyes were wide as sickles. 'Draco…' he breathed out in affectionate surprise. The Herbologst hadn't really done anything directly for Draco. Ron briefly wondered what had come over him.
My name does mean Dragon. Ron heard Draco point out for the second time in a day. Maybe he didn't hate it here. Maybe he just didn't know how to exist in this element. Ron realized he was probably helping in the only way he knew how. Ron offered him an apologetic look at which Draco exhaled softly with a hint of relief.
Charlie was still wearing a goofy grin as he shook his head in disbelief. 'You truly mean that?' He was almost bouncing in his seat as Draco assured him that a Malfoy remains true to their word, one of the only values instilled in him that he intended to carry forward.
'Dhevon will be thrilled to hear that!' Charlie stood from his seat, oozing with excitement. He was obviously thrilled himself. 'I was going round to pay them a visit before supper…' Charlie paused as if he wanted to say more but instead grabbed his empty plate awkwardly. 'I'll let them know! See you both later.'
As Charlie left Ron was still staring in disbelief at Draco. 'That was good of you.' He found himself beaming.
Draco shrugged a nonchalant shoulder. 'I have seen that there are people… that are good like that. Maybe I could stand to be one.'
They had waited for the rest of the staff to completely clear out before they attempted leaving the dining hall. Draco suddenly stood from the table. Ron felt a swoop of energy in Draco's direction and he was reflexively on his feet and tipping forward on his toes. 'Dammit— Draco!'' He cursed as he tumbled onto the floor.
It was an awkward walk. 'Fuck' Draco would curse, as he would fall out of stride with Ron. By the time they reached the cottage they'd figured out that it was easier when they matched each other's stride. Draco's right step in time with Ron's left. They made it back to the cottage and sat across from each other.
'Well… what now!?' Draco's face twisted into a sneer, 'We can't run about like this forever.' Ron pursed his lips, suppressing a laugh. 'Well, we technically could.'
He noticed their knees touching and his foot jerked forward as if someone had knocked his shin. 'Uhm… ow!' Draco said, eyeing him up and down, offended. 'Sorry!' He said quickly and without thinking, moved to place his right hand on Draco's thigh in an effort to comfort him.
As his palm neared the surface of the other's, his hand was suctioned into place by the spectral magnetism. It wasn't impossible to remove but did require a certain amount of effort to lift. Ron didn't have the energy to pull it away and instead stroked his hand up and down above the Slytherin's knee.
Draco seemed to quiver under his touch and looked up at Ron quizzically with furrowed brows. His hand had a much easier time gliding over the other than pulling it away. He maintained contact all the while. A strange bubble of energy seemed to surround his hand as he moved. Draco released a soft moan. Ron turned hesitant eyes upward to see Draco's mouth had fallen agape.
'Feels…' he began. Ron smiled and allowed his fingers to slip closer to Draco's growing bulge. 'Whoaaahh.' He moaned, tossing platinum fringe to the side.
What? Ron thought.
There's a… a wave… I can't explain it… Draco leaned forward, eyes glittering as a slender arm extended, pale fingers outstretched.
'Oh…' Ron breathed, feeling a whooshing sensation as Draco flattened his palm over his left thigh. As his hand moved and Ron could feel ghostly ripples passing over his limbs, fading into nothingness near his hip. More than just an electric sensation. These ripples had weight.
The knowledge of the barrier between where Draco's hand ended and his thigh began seemed to dissipate even with their clothes covering their flesh. There was an incredible tingling sensation as Draco moved. 'Ohh!' He cried out before all of the air was stolen from his lungs.
A smirk crept up Draco's lips as Ron began moving his hand, matching the motions of the other subconsciously. Their hands moved in perfect time, caressing each other hungrily.
Do you feel that? He heard and nodded slowly, leaning forward. The waves ripped back and forth, spreading further and further throughout his form. Draco leaned in and as their lips touched Ron gasped in surprise as a static spark shocked their bottom lips.
Ron opened his eyes to see Draco staring back at him, also caught off guard. He then closed his eyes and leaned again into the kiss with a soft laugh. Come… he heard Draco whisper.
They stood at the same time, hands detaching from the others leg. Ron could almost feel a sort of tearing sensation. His fingers tingled slightly and were numb before it faded out. He clenched them into a fist and stretched them out again. The sensation was gone.
Draco nodded his head toward the bathroom door and Ron followed without even a fraction of a thought. Draco locked it once they were inside and wasted no time casting what he now recognized as the Imperturbable charm on the barrier.
Aside from their newfound privacy, Ron knew the only thing Draco liked about this Reserve was the huge, claw footed tub. All though they had not taken advantage of it yet, Ron knew Draco had thought of it in passing many times since they'd arrived.
It's ivory was the only thing on the Reserve that glistened, kept sparkling clean by the House Elves. A large pipe that descended from the drywall of the ceiling was sloppily welded to what looked like a round steel saucer that had over a hundred holes poked through. This served as a shower head. A large bronze tap sprouted from the ground and curved into a large 'U' over the drain of the tub. The hot and cold taps were visible just over the edge. It occupied a large portion of the small bathroom. There was barely enough room for the the toilet and sink. Draco flicked his wand and the taps turned on full blast.
Ron stood, eyeing the inviting steam that rolled off of the water's surface with anticipation. Draco turned and pressed his lips to Ron's. He could almost feel another slight bit of a spark. Though it was as if there wasn't enough static to produce a full electric charge this time. As though the mere action of resisting against the force was enough to create an static charge after it was pushed against long enough.
Ron sighed out with a small amount of frustration and leaned into the kiss. He became quickly distracted by the feeling of the ripples, tracing across his cheeks. They faded out, making their way half down his neck before he felt them dissipate. Draco's fingers twisted the hem of his shirt tugging it upward with a desperate gaze. 'Feels…' he began before trailing off breathlessly, neglecting to finish his sentence.
Sparks travelled over Ron's flesh as he stroked and goosebumps rose on his arm. 'I know.' He breathed into Draco's lips. His fingers found the buttons of Draco's shirt and he fumbled with them. The tips of his fingers kept sticking to the surface of Draco's skin. Ron thought of the grey, rubbery ribbon his Dad was always ripping into strips in the family shed. Ron seen him use it to stick almost anything to anything. Curiously, it was named after ducks. Ron didn't know those birds to be particularly sticky but for the sake of it, he was no zoologist.
'Are you sure you haven't cast any curse on me?' Draco asked, voice thick with sarcasm. Even a hint of doubt. Ron would have been insulted of Draco even accusing him of such a thing but that statement had him thinking.
'Did you cast something on me...?' He asked in a whisper.
Draco seemed to ponder this as he lifted Ron's shirt over his head. Ron felt as his blood rushed upward, pulse hiking. Draco's eyes shone as he gazed at Ron. 'You look different…!' He exclaimed as his silvery eyes scanned the Gryffindor's form.
Ron looked down at himself and registered how he looked for the first time in weeks. As Ginny had claimed, he'd had lost a considerable amount of weight. His muscles were much more engorged. He looked to his left into the mirror.
A strong looking bloke returned his stare. He barely recognized himself. If he squinted the right way he could've mistaken himself for Charlie. 'Life's taking it's tole.' The ginger one said absently, looking away from the mirror to Draco.
They discarded the rest of their clothes. By the time they were naked, the tub was full. Ron stepped in first and sunk down. The hot water was extremely soothing as he realized his body was aching from straining all day. Draco slipped in next, back to Ron's chest. The Gryffindor allowed his legs to curl around the other. They both fit perfectly in the tub. Just enough room for them to sit comfortably in an embrace.
The water was an excellent idea. The sensation seemed to ease the pressure. He felt his legs tingle as Draco stroked them under the water. The field of energy between them was finally satisfied at this range. Ron traced a finger up Draco's chest, dripping hot bath water over his opulent flesh.
Draco sighed out in bliss as Ron worked to massage some of the tension out of his shoulders. He fell limp as the Gryffindor touched him. Pins and needles occasionally shot up Ron's arm followed by what felt like a dull, magical current. It was slight, but both registered it's presence.
'I'm am sorry.' Draco said suddenly, turning his head. 'That I didn't tell you about the gold I was holding.' Ron could see his curled, blond eyelashes illuminated by the light streaming in from the frosted window beside them. He noted it was getting close to end of day on the Reserve. 'I didn't think we'd ever be in a position where I had to.'
'I forgive you, of course.' Ron smiled, stealing a kiss from the other's lips. Both arms circled the Slytherin in a loving embrace. Energy radiated through them, seeming to swirl so fast Ron could almost hear it whistle in his ears. He pecked Draco on the cheek as he drew in a deep breath through in his nose, rib cage expanding against Draco's back.
Images swirled between them. With the new magnetic force, they zipped in and out of his brain with increasing speed. Creating a vortex of thought. Ron saw a flash of the first time Draco approached him. Behind the stature of Boris the Bewildered and felt a sudden jolt. Then, the scene was clearer and more vivid than ever.
Ron could make out every detail of even the cracks in the wall of the corridor. However, there was something different about it this time. With this newfound clarity, Ron noticed Draco grip his wand in his pocket, whispering a spell under his breath. This was the first time he saw Draco fail at a spell. His face was momentarily filled with panic.
'I…' Draco began to speak but stopped, as Ron heard an echo of what he was thinking in the memory resound between them.
You… Ron could see him clench his left fist in his robes pocket. The memory's atmosphere seemed to warp for an instant. Have no idea…. He saw himself wheel around and come face to face with his now lover.
The memory changed again, they were standing by the lake. The silhouette of the bench conjured by Lucius was sharp in the memory. He could see everything. Then Ron noticed it. As Draco turned he saw him slip his right hand into his robes pocket. He uttered the same spell he'd failed at earlier that day under his breath. He'd hidden it expertly. The spell had been cast effectively before he was completely facing Ron.
He remembered the feeling of his body come alive. Ron realized that this initial wave of emotion had come from Draco directly. The memory warped again, streaming from the space and time where he could feel a flicker of that devotion he had revelled in for the last month.
'I wanted you to know. That's it.' Draco whispered in an otherwise unprompted explanation. 'I didn't know you would reciprocate.' Understanding came over Ron. Draco had used advanced Legilimency to project how he felt on Ron.
He'll refuse it, anyway. He heard Draco think to himself with scornful assurance as he dissolved the spell. Draco walked swiftly forward, lifting a hand to Ron's face as the memory faded out.
Ron was still. He was considering if he should feel betrayed. He could hear Draco take a quick, fearful breath. 'I didn't know how to tell you. I figured… wanted… to just show you. And be done with it. I didn't want to die without you knowing in some way.' He now turned a desperate gaze to Ron's face, who looked down into the water between them. 'I swear on my own life I did not do it again. Feel free to search.' Draco offered, hands clasping on either side of Ron's neck. 'Please.'
Ron turned cerulean eyes up to meet Draco's. Out of curiosity he did search. Through Draco's mind he saw himself again, trudging in the distance past Hagrid's Hut as he swore into the night.
The Slytherin watched him from the edge of the forest, listening as he swore. A smile was creeping up his handsome features in the dark as he moved, orbiting in time with Ron around the other side of Hagrid's property. Far enough away that he remained out of Ron's sight but still well enough within range of his brainwaves. Draco's face was filled with intent as he observed him across the grounds. There was no strangeness to the memory now whatsoever. Is he…? he heard Draco's voice again. He's still— does he?
'I couldn't believe it.' Draco interrupted the memory and released a laugh that still contained disbelief. 'I thought I was dreaming. Or had all ready died. You reciprocated.'
Ron felt himself smile, now, as well. He stopped searching, wordlessly offering Draco his trust. 'So did I.' He laughed. Draco breathed a sigh of relief and kissed Ron gratefully. 'It's done.' Ron whispered, 'I made my own decisions, didn't I?'
At this, Draco shrugged slightly, accompanied by a small nod. 'You certainly did.' His tone still contained a hint of doubtful amazement. He remembered Draco's comment the morning after their first kiss, "So this is what I get, is it?"
Draco leaned back again, hand finding Ron's hair and twirling the strands between his fingers. 'I'm glad you did. As idiotic as it might be.'
Ron leaned his cheek against the top of Draco's head, eyes scanning down Draco's front, falling on his stiffening cock. Ron felt himself chuckle under his breath and allowed his hand to slide over Draco's lower abdomen.
At this he released a soft moan. He gently took the other's growing erection in his hand. The magnetic force seemed to pull Draco's cock into his fist. Draco's gasped in surprise at this and released a soft sigh. The energy field seeming to surround them as he slowly pulled Draco's foreskin back.
'Ahhhhh!' Draco groaned, arching his back. Ron could feel the blood rush in his veins as he hardened against his palm. 'That's… incredible.' He groaned out, head falling back to rest on Ron's shoulder. As he slowly stroked up and down, he could feel the resistance of the magnetism shifting into the opposite direction. The resonance lagging half a second behind his motions. His hand began to tingle and his heart thudded in his chest against Draco's back.
The Slytherin was full mast now as Ron picked up pace. Draco gently dug his teeth into the flesh of Ron's neck who 'mmf'ed slightly. Draco's hips bucked up into Ron's hands as he jerked the flesh of the other's cock faster. 'You're going to make me cum if you don't stop.' Draco squirmed beneath his touch. Ron pressed his lips to his counterpart's shoulder and picked up the pace. 'Mmmyeah?' Was Ron's amused response. 'Cum for me, then.'
'Nnyaaaa!! Fuck!' Draco cried out and then cursed as his member convulsed, ejaculating semen all over his stomach. He moaned airily and nuzzled into the nape of Ron's neck, his pleasured yelps now becoming muffled. His cock finally emptied itself, softening after several minutes. 'Merlin…' Draco breathed, Ron cleverly stroked his fingers down the other's still jumping cock, tracing them over onto his upper thigh. He thought this would be an easier transition, rather than peeling his hand off completely.
'Sorry…' Draco said with a hint of shame, 'That was quick.' Ron kissed him, 'Well, we don't always need a circus act, do we?'
Managing the persistent magnetic presence required practice. They made their way to the empty field that was usually reserved for take-offs and landings. Not unlike the flight they took on Norberta to arrive.
Thick white clouds hung low. Every few miles they were significantly denser, collecting into an angry purple mass, stretching from one horizon to the other. There was a strong wind that pushed them along. A baptismal breeze that playfully disturbed the tall strands of sweet grass that littered the grounds in the East. It served as a much needed relief from the blazing sun.
Ron could smell the intoxicating scent as it crossed the landscape and passed by Draco's form. The Slytherin's familiar olfactory hum, as well as the scent of fresh oxygen and chlorophyll mingled and he found himself leaning forward into the intoxicating perfume.
Ron found the force was easier to resist the further away he moved from Draco. He could almost break free of it completely after about ten to twenty feet. However another sort of anxiety would grip him at that point. It was so maddening it drove him back in range of his partner. He didn't care to test that bit anymore.
It's strength depended, however. When his thoughts wandered to their bath hours earlier, he felt his member jump with arousal in his shorts and he had to beeline toward Draco, who was always all ready heading in his direction by the time he looked up. There were moments when it was as if his dick had become a dousing rod.
They had yet to master the new gravitational force that seemed to have gripped their persons, but they were at least gaining some headway at figuring out how to exist within it. Whatever was there wasn't going away in the foreseeable future, but they could manage it at least. As long as they remained about two metres apart the pull would fade enough that it was not overpowering.
However, there was a constant magnetism connecting them that consistently persisted. Any closer than the two metres, it's strength would increase. They would then have to fight against a thousand invisible strings.
At times it was so intense it was truly unbearable. At one point Ron cried out in frustration. Draco glided quickly toward him and pressed his front against Ron's. Relief washed over him, as the other dropped his forehead to rest on the Gryffindor's strong shoulder. Ron froze, feeling the air whirl around them slightly as they crashed together. He inhaled sharply as Draco whimpered. Ron held him as the energy ballooned around them, rippling outward. He felt Draco's hand on the small of his back and a soft 'Mmm' escaped his counterpart's throat.
'It's almost sunset.' Ron whispered, pressing his lips to the other's cheek in a soft kiss, his lips tingled afterward and felt slightly numb. 'We need to get back.'
'It's here.' Charlie called out, lifting a small parcel with brown wrappings that was bound with twine. 'Your Portkey.'
Ron and Draco exchanged a worried glance from across the room, suddenly buzzing with anticipation. 'Let's take a look…' Charlie said as he opened the letter. His eyes scanned the page. 'You're off at dawn. Bill will be there waiting.' His voice was tainted with sadness. 'You sure you can't stay?' He sounded like he wanted to be hopeful.
As Draco stood, Ron jumped to his feet before he could stop himself. The chair screeched loudly on the floor behind him. He shot Charlie a bashful look and peered into the box. The Portkey was an old rusted pan that was only big enough to cook a single egg. Ron glanced at Draco, hoping he would be pleased. To no avail. He was peering nervously at the Portkey.
I have a bad feeling about this. He thought.
You have a bad feeling about everything. Ron replied.
Ron was optimistic. When they finally reached Egypt they could truly disappear. Harry would kill You Know Who and everything would be fine. Draco would be alive. So would he and they could all move on. Ron figured it was foolproof.
'I'm sorry Charlie.' He really was, 'We'd say if we could…' He then lied.
'Awwwwh, I understand!' Charlie said warmly, 'At least have breakfast with us tomorrow morning?'
A short while later he left Ron and Draco to their business. Draco turned eager steely eyes onto Ron. 'Your turn.' He pushed Ron back, who leaned into the pillows without resisting. He felt the warmth of Draco's body cover him, accompanied by that magnetic energy. They pressed their lips together and Ron's face tingled pleasantly.
He felt the Slytherin work his way down, placing kisses here and there. Teasing the flesh under Ron's shirt as he traced his fingers along the curve of the gingered one's freckled side. Every touch startled him. Some contained tiny electric shocks similar to that which they'd felt on their lips earlier.
Ron felt the cool night air as his member jumped forth from his trousers. Draco wrapped moistened lips around the head of Ron's cock and sucked him softly. Energy pooled between his thighs and he released a loud groan. It felt as though his cock were being suctioned into Draco's throat by the energy. The Slytherin seemed to realize this and intended to make use of it.
Draco took the flesh an inch deeper into his mouth until Ron's cock was halfway past his lips. Draco drew a sharp intake of breath through his nostrils. He lowered his mouth as if testing a boundary, until his lips were almost at the base of Ron's cock. He repeated this action, attempting to swallow even more still of the Gryffindor's thickened length than before.
Ron moaned out in rapture as his member swelled. For the first time Ron heard Draco release a soft gag. The tip of his cock prodded the back the other's throat. The veins that striped his cock bulged beneath Draco's lips.
'Fuck yeah.' A freckled hand brushed through platinum hair, coming to rest gently on the back of Draco's head. The Slytherin bobbed his head up and down, allowing Ron to guide his motions. He revelled in the control he had. Draco allowed his tongue to swirl around the tips of the other's pulsing erection before resuming to engulf the entire length.
It throbbed dully as he felt the electric waves travel through his groin. A strong pulling sensation was reaching deep down into his pelvis, which twitched upward demandingly. He could feel the head of his cock poking into the back of Draco's throat. His partner gagged around him again and made a loud slurping sound. He felt the pressure build.
'Mmmmm gettin' close.' Ron warned him.
Draco's eyes turned up, donning devilish smile with Ron's cock still between his lips. Ron squeezed his eyes shut and removed his hand to grip the side of the bed, waiting for a proper teasing. Draco however must have decided to do him a favour that night and continued to suck him. 'Yesss' he moaned in delight as Draco sucked him with fervour.
The magnetism rippled through him. The upward pull from deep in the confines of his pelvic region, the wet warmth of Draco's mouth... it all culminated into one explosive orgasm. As his climax began, Ron felt Draco press the pad of his thumb into the base of his cock. Directly above the point of division between his tightened testicles. He rubbed that spot gently in small circles, coiling his free fingers round the opposite side and stroking him languidly.
Draco contentedly drained the Gryffindor's cum all over his tongue. Droplets of the pearly liquid flowed down over the corner of his lip and down his chin. As he came, his sac retreated so close to his body, he was momentarily afraid his balls would disappear inside of him. Another orgasmic ejaculation. Ron wondered how he had any left in there. Trumpets sounded. Volcanoes erupted. Planets collided. Choirs sang Hallelujah. It was otherworldly.
Draco and Ron neglected sleeping entirely. Instead they circled around each other, feeling out the bizarre force that was gripping them both. They hadn't even so much as sat down until well after four o'clock in the morning. Draco finally leaned against Ron, the magnetism circling dully between them.
Things like holding their breath or tensing their muscles as hard as they could for a few moments at a time seemed to help create resistance. After hours of testing, they were able to stand within feet of each other without tripping forward. However, if they didn't pay careful attention, the strength of the aura would grow and they would be drifting again toward each other. 'I'm tired.' Ron said wearily, 'I can't stand up anymore.'
Before Dawn, they met Charlie outside of the dining hall. It was thankfully still dark as they approached. Ron had forgotten himself multiple times as he walked and the force would buckle his knees, causing his step to wobble.
Ron was thankful when Charlie didn't try to convince him to stay. He was too exhausted to come up with more excuses.
Dhevon showed up a few minutes later, carrying a potted plant that had a large orange flower blooming. It's fragrance was similar to freshly ripe bananas. 'I hope you don't mind…' They smiled, handing over it Draco before they were falling to pieces, thanking him over and over for his generous offer.
Draco stood awkwardly, holding the plant away at arms length with elbows bent as the Herbologist launched into instruction on what fertilizer to use.
I'll water it for you. Ron thought at him gingerly.
I'll water the ruddy thing! Draco snapped back before cradling the pot in his left arm.
'I thought June was coming to say goodbye?' Bloomquest offered Charlie a quizzical look, who shrugged. 'Must have had a rough night.'
They had a light breakfast. Draco was eating a bright red apple. He cut a piece off at a time with a silver switchknife he'd produced from his pocket. A piece both Charlie and Bloomquest complemented him on. Draco thanked them awkwardly.
They soon learned that the apples had come from an on Reserve orchard tended by Dhevon themselves. 'You have to come back and see it next spring!' They gushed. 'The trees in bloom are absolutely gorgeous! They just come to life! They're beautiful. Nice enough for a wedding I think...'
'Yes, they are.' Charlie said with an absentminded smile. Ron knew for sure without help from Legilimency that he was not talking about the apple blossoms.
After breakfast they headed back to Charlie's cottage. They saw June at the door, one hand on the knob. She heard them approach and turned around as if startled. She had two bright red lollies clutched in her hand. Ron looked over to Draco with a reassuring smile. However, he was eyeing the Medi Witch suspiciously.
'Oy! I'm so sorry!' She cooed, 'I thought I had missed you!' She extended a hand, offering Ron and Draco each one of the lollies. 'Cherry.' Was all the said.
'Slept in, June?' Bloomquest poked playfully.
Moments later the brown box containing the Portkey had been retrieved from the cottage and was on the ground before them. The five all formed a circle around it. Charlie scooped Ron up into a brotherly hug before ruffling his hair slightly. 'Gahhh… You'll be fine.'
Dhevon side stepped closer to Charlie, a flicker of admiration crossing their features. He's good to his brother. Cute. Ron grinned at them. 'Thank you. For everything.' Ron told them.
Charlie waved a hand and muttered with a wet, 'Don't mention it.'
'I was taking to Dhevon!' Ron chirped, 'Keep taking care of my brother.' The Herbologist's eyes glittered in amazement. Charlie stared at his brother, cheeks flaring red. His eyes hadn't stopped brimming with tears. 'You my brother, are truly one of a kind.' Bloomquest gripped Charlie's arm.
'Well, he's caught on.' Draco said with an amused smirk.
Ron smiled at them before taking a deep breath and turning his attention to Draco. Ron saw his steely eyes suddenly shifting back and forth from the Portkey to June. His expression was off. He was hesitant. Ron wondered if he was contemplating thanking her.
His brows furrowed in confusion as he tried to register Draco's thoughts. Ron wasn't immediately receiving much. There was a distinct buzzing sound. He listened. They both slowly reached into the box. Ron was searching around for the source of the buzzing. He registered within the next fraction of a second it was coming from June. He could hear no thought.
The instant each of their five fingers curled around the handle of the small pan, Ron could see a wicked smirk climb up June's face through Draco's upturned eyes.
'FUCK YOU!' Draco bellowed. But it was too late.
Ron quaked with anger as they were lurched, the world spun violently around them. The blur surrounding them became dark. Not the beige of sand he expected. There was a hint of evil to this place. The motion slowed and distant pinpricks of yellow light flickered into view in the distance.
When his vision cleared Ron noticed they belonged to the tiny windows of a huge mansion that loomed over it's grounds, roughly two hundred feet away. There was an abundance of bulky, untrimmed hedges and, Ron shivered as he realized, they were surrounded by headstones.
This is Wiltshire. I grew up here. Ron could see Draco frozen in terror. This is our Family Crypt…
'Expelliarmus!' A voice growled from somewhere in the blackness. The pan went flying, landing with a muffled thud in the tall grass several feet away. Ron's heart thundered in his ears, eyes scanning the brush. He mistook the tops of headstones for figures poking up out of the tall grass as he registered each one. This frightened him, unable to pinpoint the threat immediately.
His eyes merely darted back and forth futilely in the darkness. All was eerily still. Quiet! Draco's thoughts ordered. Draco's mind showed him the scene more clearly. Through his thoughts, Lucius Malfoy appeared from behind a gruesome looking gargoyle that guarded a large, embellished entrance of a long sealed off tomb. His white hair was luminous in contrast to the dark. Ron's own sight only registered a flicker of round pale light reflecting in the dark, toward the general direction he'd heard the voice emanate.
Ron couldn't see Draco well but he could feel his presence nearby with no effort whatsoever. The gravity surrounding him didn't require him to see or hear or touch. He could feel it. That magnetic force steadily indicated to him where Draco stood. Ron could even sense the vibration in the ground as he took a single step back.
Wearing his Death Eater mask was pointless in hiding his identity. Ron fixed a glare toward the blackness, his hand resting on his wand in his back pocket. As Lucius glided toward them in swift strides, the wind picked up and sent his robes billowing behind him.
Tsk tsk tsk. My only heir… playtime is over. Ron heard the chilling voice hiss in a taunting manner. Draco dared a glance at Ron, who couldn't peel his eyes away from the imposing figure drawing toward them.
I am so... so very disappointed. An elongated, demonic, oversized smile stretched over his chalky cheeks up into his sunken eyes. The expression was inhuman. Ron's throat constricted. He couldn't breathe. His entire body was frozen in fear. Yes... very discouraging.
No more games for tonight. His guttural voice was aimed at Draco and contained a feigned, childlike excitement. Lucius strode closer, smile stretching impossibly higher. A deafening snap! And a crack! suddenly sliced through the inky blackness. A dim green flame shot upward, flaring outward across the sky. Mist swirled with increasing speed around the centre, until it fell inward. The clouds continued to churn until they formed a eerie skull that saturated the Crypt with green light.
Lucius was now close enough Ron could see his twisted and ugly face. He dared to turn his eyes toward Draco's. The Slytherin's widened orbs completely reflected the Dark Mark's luminance.
'You've behaved very unfavourably.' The voice of Draco's father still contained that deep, satanic tone. 'And you know Draco… there will always be consequences.'
This is the end. He heard Draco's voice resound.
Ron saw Draco shift his eyes in his direction, as if to take one last look at his counterpart.
I'm ready to die. Ron thought back fatefully. At least he would meet his end at Draco's side. Ron saw the petals of the orange flower flutter when another sudden wind picked up. The petals brushed across Draco's wrist and he looked down at it. Time seemed to slow to a crawl.
Draco's lip curled into his signature sneer and Ron watched in awe as he grasped the ceramic pot tightly in his left hand. 'Yeah well... I'm not about to let you.' He hauled it back over his shoulder and fired it with all the force in his body, directly into his Father's face. Lucius Malfoy dropped like a sack of parchment as it shattered.
Ron didn't bother to process, though as he grabbed Draco's wrist, he heard his own voice laughing hysterically into the night.
The magnetism attaching them firmly came in handy, there was no direction Ron could go without dragging Draco along with him. Whether he complained or not. Ron sprinted to the right, barely aware that Draco had fallen and was being dragged through the grass.
'YOU LITTLE FUCK!!!' He heard Lucius bellow as they disappeared between a bushel of dense, yellow reeds. Ron groped around desperately, searching for the tiny pan. Through the very edge of Draco's peripheral, Ron saw a metallic glint on the ground to the left. He dropped to his knees. Draco swore as he was dragged through the brush. Another deafening crack!
The last thing Ron saw before grasping the Portkey was Lucius Malfay's crocodile skin shoes.
Charlie, Dhevon and the Medi Witch hadn't yet dissolved from the spot where they had all stood. Charlie was standing in front of Bloomquest, wand drawn. They were stiff as a board on the ground behind Charlie's feet, freshly Stupified. His stance was protective. June cackled manically, pointing her wand at Charlie. Her smile dropped into shock when she saw Draco and Ron reappear.
Draco's wand was out in seconds, 'AVADA KEDAVRA!' He released the spell in a strangled scream, spittle flying from behind his pearly teeth.
In a verdant flash, June dropped to the ground instantly. Draco quickly walked over to her, eyes black. He violently stomped the heel of his pure white sneaker into her face. Not once but twice. Blood spattered up, sprinkling Charlie's entire front. Pink, fleshy tissue gushed from behind her eye balls out of the sockets, causing them to protrude outward. The Slytherin launched the ball of his foot into the side of her head a third time. A sickening crack and her head was twisted in the opposite direction, blood pooling around her lifeless shoulders.
The three stood in silence as Draco spat on the pummelled flesh that was once the Medi Witch's face. Or part of it, at least. 'Traitorous cunt.' He uttered in disgust.
Charlie's was staring at the horrific scene with his chin hanging slack, mouth opened in a silent scream. Droplets of blood left shining red streams on his face as he trembled. Ron's entire body was quaking as well. Bloomquest was released from the spell and curled up in the opposite direction. They wretched violently and vomited. 'Wha- what…' The elder Weasley stammered, his shoulders risen to his ears.
Draco pulled her sleeve so hard it tore the fabric, exposing a Dark Mark. The snake was still wriggling wildly but soon stopped after convulsing twice. All movement ceasing afterward. Her flesh bubbled before them. Noxious fumes were emitted as her skin sizzled and burned.
Draco turned to the three of them, his face twisted into an expression Ron had never seen. He bore a great likeness to Lucius wearing that expression. Ron chose to block that opinion from Draco's detection, fearing him for the first time in weeks.
'Where are your feeding grounds?'
Ron sat, arms resting on bent knees as the flames engulfed all of June's possessions. The pile had been waist high but was now reduced almost entirely to white ash. Draco stood a little too casually, hands deep in his pockets. Ron could still feel the pull between them, but he could neither resist against it or move toward it. He could only sit in shock.
The dragons had all ready taken care of the corpse. Within minutes there was a vicious frenzy. Hundreds of adolescent dragons of all species could be heard as they squawked, quarrelling over the prey. Coming and going periodically. Flying off and then returning again. Before long they'd stopped coming back. Draco had insisted they observe from start to finish, assuring every part and particle had disappeared. 'Yeah….' Charlie said before turning off toward the cottage, 'They never eat this early.'
Draco occasionally circled the flame, reigniting it in every section it had lost even a portion of its surge. As though seeing sure that all traces of the Witch that had existed before would become dust. Every time Ron looked at him he was disturbed by Draco's expressionless features and he had to look away.
He surrounded himself with a black wall. He didn't want to hear or think. Ron could only sit there, replaying what he has just witnessed over and over in his mind. The grizzly crunch of the traitor's skull collapsing repeated in his ears. He felt cold even in the light of the rising sun.
Once everything that they had set aflame was nothing more than a smoking white powder, Draco vanished the ash away. Leaving only an empty brown circle of soil behind. He stood in front of Ron and looked down at his shoe, grimacing at the browning blood caked onto his heel. He vanished that away as well. Draco's face finally took on an expression. At first Ron thought he looked irritated, but then in his voice he heard concern. 'You're blocking me out?'
Ron looked up to meet Draco's eyes, but still could not hold the other's gaze. He turned his eyes down again, watching the Dark mark on Draco's forearm finally fade away. He couldn't speak. Ron let the barrier fall back and thought, I don't want to see it again.
Draco knelt, looking at Ron intently. 'She was…' Ron watched's Draco's lips move as he spoke. 'If I had been Potter's Godfather,' he said cupping a hand over Ron's ear. He leaned into the touch, feeling his cheek tingle with such force it was almost audible. 'I would've finished Pettigrew right there in the street.'
Ron was able to consider this. Thoughts of his best friend struck him. He had left without even telling Harry. In fact, Ron realized with a rush of sorrow. It had been almost a week since he had disappeared. Without so much as an Owl to Harry or Hermione. Fred and George had them covered but he expected Harry wouldn't be happy he had just picked up and left without a word. It was too risky to Owl him now.
Ron had believed watching Sirius drift limply through the Veil was the most terrible thing he would ever see. This day, he was proven wrong.
Draco touched his forehead to Ron's and allowed his eyes to slip closed. For a moment, his expression was serene. Ron shifted uncomfortably, afraid to even blink too much. How could he look so peaceful after something so awful? Slowly, Draco's mouth poked up into a slight smile and he was stifling a chuckle. 'What?' Ron blurred out impatiently.
Draco was now laughing softly, the image of the flower pot exploding into hundreds of pieces came forth. The soil had even been thickened with dragon dung. The image of it soaring through the air and shattering all over Lucius robes replayed.
Ron now burst out laughing. As he did tears started falling down his cheeks. His laughs morphed into sobs and back again to laughter. At one point he could no longer tell if he was laughing or crying. Some of it was just strangled, choking sounds.
He went on like this for several moments before dissolving again into stunned silence. Draco stroked a thumb across Ron's cheek, wiping away a tear. He pressed his lips to Ron's other cheek, where another tear was falling. He stopped that one with his lips.
They trudged back to the cottage, openly stumbling. Ron's mind was still swirling. They closed the door behind them. Charlie and Bloomquest were sitting at the small table, an ice pack was pressed firmly to the Herbologist's head. Dhevon was white as parchment. Charlie's eyes flickered toward Ron, his face gripped with concern.
Draco stood aloof and awkward, hands again finding his pockets. 'One down.' He sighed out. 'Sorry for your loss.'
Charlie looked at him and shook his head with disdain. 'I can't believe we had a Death Eater here.' Bloomquest reached for a paper bag that was in front of them on the table. They were shaking their head, 'Imagine. And I've played Gobstones with her.' Draco shrugged, 'They're everywhere. Always coming out of hiding when they have something to offer, though. Looking for a reward. Or security.'
How did we not know? Ron wondered between them.
Draco scowled. I was certainly suspicious. Think about it, never heard her think much, did we?
That was true. Just small things here and there if anything. They all went silent again. Draco compulsively brushed whatever remaining ash that might be present off of his shirt. You can run but you can't hide. Ron heard him think.
The crinkling of the paper bag Dhevon had begun dry heaving into nearly made Ron jump out of his shorts. The bag inflated and deflated so rapidly the fold lines disappeared and it threatened to burst.
Charlie spoke, 'We have had deaths here before but… not…' he paused, waving a hand speechlessly, not wanting to call it was it was. A murder.
'Not that you know of.' Draco told him with a sneer. 'Was she ever alone with a patient?'
Charlie suddenly looked very worried. 'Now that you mention it...' He now turned to Ron. 'Shall I Owl Bill?'
Bill had agreed to come collect them that evening. An Owl had had all ready arrived inquiring about what had happened with the Portkey. Charlie simply wrote, "Things went awry. All hands on deck." By lunchtime, they had a response that only said "I'll be there." Leaving them waiting anxiously for Bill to arrive.
Ron and Draco sat at the table, not speaking, while Charlie paced in circles around the Nest. Dhevon was flatted on the small sofa beside the fireplace. They periodically took off to the loo and could be heard gagging into the toilet.
Ron's ears were ringing, his hands were folded on the table as he stared pensively out the window. He tried his best to think of nothing, muscles tightening against the force pushing on his back. He was gradually leaning further and further across the small table toward Draco.
You'll be fine. He heard Draco's voice as his right hand covered Ron's left. He felt the strange magnetism and turned his palm up to entwine his fingers in Draco's.
Ron struggled to get his brain working again. In fact just thinking of brains turned his stomach. Wasn't it enough Draco had murdered her? Did he have to pulverize her head as well? Was the spit really necessary? Ron looked down and found himself shaking slightly. Ron had witnessed one of Draco's tantrums before. He should've known what Draco was capable of.
Draco's silver eyes scanned Ron's form and he shuddered again under the Slytherin's stare. Draco's long cool fingers stroked up his arm, creating tiny shockwaves as the Slytherin's fingertips brushed over his arm.
Ron exhaled and closed his eyes. Images of that deadly flash of green returned. Followed by the squelching sound of June's flesh as it was beaten into the dirt. The sound of Draco spitting. The same spit Ron had had almost all over his body.
He gripped Draco's hand for comfort all though he was painfully aware it was Draco who had carried out the treacherous act. His blatant lack of remorse was ever more fearsome. Draco was now silent and turned to the window as well, glaring off into distant space. She deserved it.
Even if she deserved it... Ron thought at him with chagrin. No regret at all? Draco didn't immediately respond. Would you have preferred one of us die instead? Ron was suddenly heated, I would've preferred no one died. There are other spells. Draco didn't respond and instead turned his gaze outward as well.
Occasionally, staff came knocking. All inquiring as to where Charlie was. They seemed hopelessly lost without him. Charlie would crack the door just wide enough to poke his front half out and hurriedly explained they were having an emergency and would be taking the day off.
Another time a knock came and it was a group of interns about Percy's age. They complained that the younglings weren't taking breakfast. Charlie gruffly assured them the dragons would eat when they're hungry.
Finally, after sitting for what felt like ages, two loud cracks! and a small swirl of smoke resounded in the centre of the room. Ron jumped again, this time the top of his head reached halfway to the ceiling, nerves undeniably shot. He noticed Draco trying not to laugh.
Bill and Fleur now occupied the empty space in centre of the Cottage's small living room. Bill looked around and saw their grim faces. 'What happened?'
Charlie spoke first, 'Well… had a double agent here on the Reserve.'
Bill looked around accusingly at Draco, which irked Ron a great deal. 'No. NOT Draco.' The youngest Weasley ground out. 'The Medi Witch…'
Ron was surprised when Bill was outraged, cheeks flaring. 'What?!' He demanded, crossing the Room to Charlie 'She could've killed ALL of you.' He bellowed. Fleur crossed her arms, looking unimpressed on many levels.
Ugh, le crasse. He heard her think. 'Charlie, you have to do record checks.' She said seriously, all though as unimpressed as Draco was with the Cottage, her concern sounded genuine.
The Beauxbaton's Triwizard Champion? He heard Draco muse.
Yeah… she hooked up with my brother last year. He then added, My sister and Hermione call her Phlegm. Draco snorted and rolled his eyes. Weasleys. Apparently irresistible even to Veela descendants. At this, Ron finally cracked a smile.
'We do now.' Charlie said grimly. 'Especially since last year.' He pushed his sweaty, bloodstained fringe off of his forehead. 'She's been here for five years. And imagine… imagine if… if…'
'Oh, if she led You-Know-Who right to you?' Bill said mockingly. Ron dreaded to think what Voldemort would be like with an army of a thousand dragons. Ron was finding himself freed from his remorse with Bill's fury.
'Well… where is the vulture?!' Bill asked crossly, drawing his wand, as though preparing to finish her off himself.