Chapter 17

Harry watched as Malfoy and Ron walked from the bathroom. They weren't smiling, but they didn't look exactly angry either. He glanced at Hermione and she shrugged as she crossed the room to Ron's bedside. She waited until he was dressed and in the bed before she spoke.

"Are you okay Ron? I came as soon as I heard." Ron smiled up at her as he pulled the covers higher.

"I'm all right. The bath helped," replied Ron as he glanced at Malfoy and smiled. Harry looked between the two of them and his eyes rested on Malfoy. He wanted to hit him so badly, but he didn't want to upset Ron. Malfoy stood and put his cloak.

"I'll be back to visit later on, okay?" he asked Ron. Ron nodded

"Bring me back some butterbeer okay," grinned Ron. Malfoy nodded and then turned to leave. Harry followed him to the door, and held it open when Malfoy stepped out.

"Why don't you come back tomorrow when he's not here, Malfoy," whispered Harry maliciously. Malfoy spun on the spot; rolling his eyes. He stepped closer to Harry. He had his wand in his hand and it was pointed toward Harry's chest.

"Don't you have someone that you need to shove and torment Potter," he shot back. Harry pulled his wand out and pointed it into Malfoy's face.

"You know nothing about that Malfoy, so shut your mouth," he hissed.

"I know more than you think Potter. One being that Ron hasn't forgiven you yet. And my guess is he never will." He bellowed.

"SHUT UP MALFOY," yelled Harry as he closed the ward door behind him.

"Ah, hit a nerve, have I?" Malfoy glared at him as he pocketed his wand. "You destroyed that precious friendship by yourself Potter. Now you have to deal with the lose." He paused to let these words sink in the he turned on the spot and left in the direction of Hogsmeade.

Harry loosened the grip on his wand and stared after him. Malfoy didn't know anything. He was bluffing. Harry had already begun to repair his friendship with Ron; and if Malfoy didn't know that; and obviously he didn't, than he was a git.

Harry returned to Ron's bedside and sat at the foot.

"Are you feeling better?" he asked as he tried to get the conversation with Malfoy out of his head. Ron had forgiven him; Malfoy was just trying to start a fight with him.

"Yeah, I don't ache as much anymore,"

Harry wondered if there was anything behind these words. Did not aching anymore mean the soreness had gone way or that he had actually found someone that made him happy? He hoped it was the latter and that it was him, Harry that was helping to take the ache away. He got up and sat on the stool beside the bed and held Ron's hand again. Ron smiled at him casually then looked around at Hermione.

"So, I'll be back as well…you know, give you two time to talk. I'll go see what happened to Lavender and Seamus." She stood and wrapped her cloak around herself, smiled at the two of them slyly then left the ward. Harry waited until the door was closed before he turned back to Ron who he saw was looking at him.

"Are you okay Harry?" asked Ron.

Harry hesitated. He wanted to ask about Malfoy, but he didn't want to upset Ron. He shook his head.

"Yes, I'm okay. But, I should be worried about you. Are you okay?"

"Yes, now that I know that Lavender has gotten in trouble." He paused. "Thanks for helping me Harry."

"What, you don't think that I would help a friend? Ron, I don't need a thank you." Harry whispered.

Ron grimaced then smiled. Harry was trying so hard to get his trust and friendship back; even that relationship they had tried to make. He loved Harry, but something had changed. The pain was still there slumbering under the surface. He tried to hide it, but it was still there.

Madame Pomfrey came from her office and hurried over to them. She waved her hands back and forth in her face in frustration.

"Mr. Weasley needs his rest to recuperate. Visiting time is over for the morning, you must leave." She rested her hand on her hip and tapped one foot up and down quickly.

"Out," she hissed.

Harry stood and bent to kiss Ron on the forehead. Ron closed his eyes as he inhaled Harry's cologne.

"I'll be back later; maybe with a get well gift," he smirked.

"Something expensive right?" Ron joked.

"Only the best,"

Harry picked up his cloak and exited the ward. Ron laid back into his pillow as Madame Pomfrey bustled around the room. She closed the drapes over the window to block the piercing light.

"Do you need anything Mr.Weasley?" she asked. He shook his head as he closed his eyes and pulled the covers over himself. He could still smell the cologne that Malfoy had worn on his skin. He could almost feel his arms wrapped around him; comforting him. Chills went through his body as the tenor of Malfoy's voice rung through him. His heart actually began to race from just imagining it. He shook his head. He was being silly. Malfoy was completely off base. He had been told over and over by him that he was straight and that he just wanted to be friends. But there had been something between them when they had looked at each other. He had felt it, but had Malfoy? He turned over onto his side and prayed that he had. He no longer had any doubts, he loved Malfoy.

Harry entered Hogsmeade and searched the crowded street for Pansy. He was determined now to get Malfoy and her back together. He spotted Hermione coming out of the Three Broomsticks drinking a butterbeer. He walked briskly in her direction until he spotted Malfoy exiting behind her. Hermione laughed at something that he said and Malfoy just grinned in that annoyingly sexy way of his. God, Harry thought, he was losing both his friends to that jerk. He spun around to head in the opposite direction when Hermione spotted him.

"Harry," she yelled, "We're over here!"

Harry exhaled slowly. He didn't want to spend the duration of his visit in the presence of Malfoy. He spun around and was about to walk their way when he was pulled back by known other than Pansy Parkinson.

"Hey, snook'ums, I've been looking all over the place for you," she whimpered loudly so as to let everyone on the street hear. She planted a wet sloppy kiss on lips and grabbed his behind tightly. When they pulled apart she looked over his shoulder in Malfoy and Hermione's direction.

"What the hell is he doing with her? She hissed as she placed an arm through his bent one. Harry looked around and saw that Hermione was looking there way; completely shocked and disgusted, but Malfoy was looking in the other direction drinking his butterbeer casually. Malfoy pointed Hermione toward a shop down the street, and they proceeded; Hermione looking over her shoulder at Harry.

"Come on my Harry bunny, we have some time to make up. I've been so lonely without you." She moaned. She pulled him forcefully after Hermione and Malfoy; making Harry almost trip over a small first year boy.

"Move out the damn way, little midget," yelled Pansy as she shoved the boy head first into a table. He cried out in pain and called her a bitch. Pansy ignored him though and dragged Harry on.

"Okay Potter, we have to make this really convincing or no one will believe it okay." She whispered as they pushed passed shoppers.

"How exactly are we going to pull this off anyway?" Harry asked.

"I have someone stationed in each shop to help us. They will lead Malfoy where we are and he will catch you and me making out. You two will fight over me, he will win and then you can go as you please."

Harry doubted whether this would work, but he hoped that it would so that Malfoy would leave Ron alone.

They veered to the back of the shop that they saw Malfoy and Hermione enter, and like Pansy said; there was a second year slytherin girl at the back to let them in. They proceeded to a small room, and Pansy leaned against the wall.

"Okay, when we get the signal, you do whatever you have to do to get Malfoy to fight you. Kiss me, torment him, whatever."

Harry nodded and sat down on the floor next to her. Moments went by and finally the second year girl came to the door and knocked lightly, then left. Harry got up and stood in front of Pansy.

"Now, Harry!" she whispered as she pulled him down into a deep kiss with her. Harry felt like he wanted to throw up. What could anyone see in her? He thought.

The door opened behind them and Malfoy entered yelling at the second year girl.

"Are you sure I can get the promise ring back here? He demanded. Harry's heart skipped a beat. Malfoy was looking for a promise ring; but for whom? They couldn't hear the girl's response but they did hear Malfoy intake of breath.

"What the hell," he yelled.

Harry spun around and looked at him. Pansy smirked as she readjusted her skirt and shirt.

"What Malfoy. Do you have a problem?" asked Harry boldly.

Malfoy ran his hand through his hair and stepped back from the room smiling.

"What are you smiling for?" yelled Pansy. "You're supposed to be pissed," she shrieked.

"Pissed about what," he shot back. "We're not together anymore," laughed Malfoy.

This wasn't the reaction that Pansy had hoped for. She was stunned and hurt. She grabbed Harry and slapped him across the face and shoved him to the door.

"You're useless," she bellowed angrily. She pushed pass him and Malfoy and left the room crying. Malfoy looked at Harry smugly.

"God Potter, are you that afraid that I'll take your precious Ron away you'll make out with a lunatic." He cackled.

Harry balled up his fist in frustration. He had had enough of this.

"I'll do anything to keep you away from him," he hollered.

"Well, you will have to do better than that, because I'm not going anywhere!" he snapped.

Harry's heart was pounding as Malfoy left the room. He was not going to lose Ron to an arrogant whore like Malfoy. He left the room and entered the shop. There was jewelry everywhere. This must be a new shop because he had never seen it before. He looked around for Malfoy but he wasn't there.

"Harry," called Hermione as she beckoned him toward her. He grimaced and made his way toward her.

"Have you seen Malfoy Hermione" he asked.

"Um, he said something about needing to settle things and left."

"Did he buy anything?"

"I don't think so, maybe. He did leave with something, but I didn't see him purchase anything. Why, was he supposed to?" she asked.

"No. Never mind. Did you find out what happened to Lavender and Seamus?"

Hermione shook her head in disgust.

"Lavender was expelled for the rest of the year. I think she has to go on trial at the Ministry of Magic," Hermione smiled.

"And Seamus?"

"He didn't get in trouble. He was drugged wasn't he? He's being watched though."

"What? They didn't expel him too?" he bellowed

"No. he doesn't remember doing anything. They believe his story."

"I hope it doesn't bother Ron," she added.

"Doesn't bother him? Hermione, he was raped by him and now he has to see him everyday." He yelled

"I know Harry, God, what's wrong with you?"

He paused and caught his breath. He hadn't meant to yell at her. Everyone in the shop was looking at him questioningly.

"I'm sorry Hermione." He said as they made there way outside. "I'm just really frustrated. I feel like I'm losing him."

Hermione looked around them embarrassingly.

"Are you sure you want to talk about this here Harry?" she asked nervously

He looked around him and noticed that several people were listening in on their conversation as they passed.

"Why shouldn't I. I'm sick of hiding the way I feel Hermione." He yelled

He looked around at everyone. Several Professors and dozens of students stopped to look at him.

"God, I'm gay," he yelled. "There it's out! Are you all happy now!" he yelled.

A little girl began to cry beside him and her mother ushered her. Several slytherin girls started whispering behind there hands, and the professors looked stunned at this strange outburst.

Hermione grabbed him and pulled him down the street quickly. Onlookers watched them quietly as they passed. Hermione didn't speak until they were safely inside the castle.

"Harry, That was amazingly random what you did down there though Harry. I've known this for a while. I just didn't want to say anything," she smiled. I'm so proud of you."

Harry stared in front of himself. He had finally done it. He felt free, liberated. He grinned widely, his face glowing. The world hadn't ended. There had only been a few odd looks, but he was use to that. His chest felt lighter. There was nothing standing between him and Ron now. They were free to be together if Ron would take him again.

Hermione hugged him tightly and pulling back, kissed him on the cheek.

"Are you going to tell Ron," she asked grinning.

Harry heart leapt. Ron, he had to tell Ron. He grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her to the hospital wing. The lights were off in the ward, for they couldn't see light under the closed door.

"Do you think he's still awake," Hermione whispered.

"I hope so; I can't wait to tell him."

He turned the knob and pushed open the door slowly. The hangings were drawn around Ron's bed, but they could see the flicker of a candle. They crept slowly across the room. Harry grabbed the hanging and pulled them open. His heart dropped; Hermione's hand gripped his shoulder tightly to steady him.

Malfoy was lying in the bed; his arms wrapped tightly around Ron. They were sleeping. Ron was holding Malfoy's shirt tightly; exposing the bottom of Malfoy's firm stomach. His head rested under Malfoy's chin cuddling him. His breathing was slow and even. He looked completely relaxed; a look, Harry noticed, that Ron never showed when with him. Harry could just glimpse a platinum engraved ring on Ron's finger. Malfoy had one too. There are two open bottles of butterbeer on the side table. This couldn't be happening? Harry thought.

Hermione looked at Harry, but he didn't look around but continued to stare at the two sleeping. He didn't know what to do. Should he leave, or should he wake them up and demand an explanation? His breathing was short and raspy and he felt lightheaded and sick. He hadn't been prepared for this. He opened his mouth to shout when Hermione covered his mouth and pulled him outside the hangings, closing them. She walked with him outside the room and closed the ward door behind her. She uncovered his mouth and gripped his hands.

"Are you okay Harry," she asked.

"What was that Hermione?" he demanded.

"They were sleeping, nothing else,"

He gave a false laugh and began to pace the corridor.

"Are you serious Hermione? They were more or less making out. Did you see the way Ron gripped his shirt?" Harry asked.

"Yeah, but Harry, they're friends, nothing more than that, I'm sure."

"Why were they cuddled together then?"

"They're friends Harry," Hermione repeated laughing. "Don't think too much of this. You'll drive yourself insane." Hermione begged.

"You didn't hear what Malfoy said Hermione. He said he wasn't going anywhere. He's doing this purposely to piss me off."

Hermione watched him as he paced back and forth. She was getting dizzy so she grabbed his hand again.

"Harry, Ron loves you, not Malfoy. He would never choose him over you, trust me," said Hermione. Harry looked unconvinced.

"Come on Harry, you're being silly. It's Malfoy we're talking about here. What could Ron see in him?"

Harry thought about this and laughed as well. He was being silly.

"You're right. Malfoy's just a distraction until we get back together." Hermione nodded in agreement.

"Let's go get those gifts for Ron before it's too dark," said Hermione.

Harry nodded and they make their way to Hogsmeade hand in hand.

Malfoy woke as he heard laughter outside the ward. He looked at his watch and it read 5:55 am. He looked down at Ron who was stirring under him. Ron let Malfoy's shirt go and slid his hand under, running his hand up Malfoy's naked chest. He rested his hand over his heart then smiled. Malfoy smiled too then laughed.

"You're in a good mood," he grinned.

"How else should I be? You're so warm Malfoy," Ron confessed.

"Well, if you weren't such a human incubator, I wouldn't be so hot." Malfoy joked.

"Are you as hungry as me right now," asked Ron as he pulled looked around for food.

"Weasley, you're always hungry," cracked Malfoy as he poked Ron in the stomach

"When did you start calling me Weasley again?" asked Ron.

"When you started calling me Malfoy," laughed Malfoy.

Ron thought back then smiled.

"Sorry about that." Ron said embarrassingly.

He sat up a little and gazed into Malfoy's eyes before he smiled and looked down shyly twisting the promise ring that Malfoy had given him earlier to commemorate their friendship. It had their initials on it DM and RW; simple yet unique. Malfoy always made him feel shy and oddly reserved; something he never was before. Malfoy smirked slyly and pulled Ron closer to him. He gripped Ron's chin and brought his face up to look into his eyes. Ron flushed under his freckles and his heart began to race with anticipation. Malfoy leaned in toward him, but paused within inches of Ron's face.

"I'll get some food okay," Malfoy said. Ron chuckled nervously and nodded.

Malfoy pulled back on his shoes and left the room. Ron leaned back into his pillow. He felt so exhilarated. Just being near Malfoy was enough to make sure that he was content for the rest of the day. The little back and forth arguing added a zest to his life. He scooted into the spot where Malfoy had slept and cover him self. He couldn't wait for him to return.

Malfoy came back with a basket full of food from the great hall. He closed the door behind him, and went to Ron's bedside. He sat the basket down and looked over at Ron; he was asleep. He shook is head and grinned as he brought out the hot rolls and brownies. Ron stirred automatically and looked up at the chocolate brownie in front of him. He scooted over for Malfoy to sit and rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand.

"What took you so long?" he asked.

"I had to run to find some more butterbeer for you..." said Malfoy as he handed Ron the brownie.

"Yeah, says the person who drank my other one," Ron laughed. Malfoy grimaced and shrugged, then sat on the bed bedside Ron, and pulled the covers back over him.

They ate in silence until Ron threw a grape that hit Malfoy square in the nose. Malfoy retaliated by throwing a banana at him.

"That's not fair, that things huge." Ron said as he lowered the pillow that was protecting his face. Malfoy was lying back crying with laughter.

"If you can't take the heat, don't start the fire," said Malfoy.

"Hahaha, very funny, dork," said Ron as he hit Malfoy with the pillow. Malfoy grabbed the pillow from him and threw it from the bed. He reached for Ron's hand and pulled him closer. He sat back against the headboard and looked down at Ron who was stuffing his mouth with more grapes.

"God, you're a cow," Malfoy joked. Ron frowned up at him and put a grape into his mouth. Then he took the rest of the food from the bed and settled against Malfoy.

There was that shyness again. Ron sat up and took off his ring to examine the letters there. He smiled to himself as he ran his finger over the four small letters.

"Where did you get these rings?" he asked.

"In Hogsmeade; why?

"No reason, just curious." He paused and looked toward Madame Pomfrey's office. The lights were off. She must be in Hogsmeade shopping. "So what now?" he asked.

Malfoy was silent behind him. Ron was thinking that maybe they should lie down when Malfoy's firm hands grabbed his arms forcefully from behind. Ron jumped and looked back at him.

"What was that for? Are you trying to kill?" Ron shouted.

Malfoy laughed then stopped at the seriousness in Ron's face.

"I was just playing Ron."

"Hahaha, funny," retorted Ron as he pinched him hard on the arm. Malfoy fell back in pain, laughing at the top of his lungs.

"That's all you got Weasley?" he smirked. Ron frowned and pinched him again.

"No, Malfoy," he laughed. Ron picked up a pillow and swing at Malfoy's head. But Malfoy was too quick. He snatched the pillow away, pushed Ron back onto the bed and grabbed Ron's hands and raised them over his head, making Ron back arch off the bed. Instantly, Ron's body tensed as images of the night before flashed before him. He was back to the night before. He was trapped and helpless.

Malfoy didn't know what happened, but before he knew it, Ron was yelling and pushing him away hysterically. He tried to calm him, but Ron struck out. He grabbed him and pinned him to the bed.

"Ron, it's me Draco," he yelled.

Ron was crying out for someone to help him before he realized where he was. He stopped and looked up at Malfoy absolutely bewildered; as if he was just seeing him for the first time. His head was throbbing and he couldn't catch his breath. Malfoy pulled him up and held him tightly to him. Ron leaned his head down on his chest and began to cry.

"God, I'll never get pass this," Ron moaned. Malfoy pulled back and rested his forehead on Ron's. He smiled.

"Don't worry about it okay. You have all the time in the world." Said Malfoy as he brushed a finger across Ron's face.

Ron smiled and shook under his arms, so Malfoy pulled the covers over him, still holding him tightly in his arms. Malfoy saw a bit of light come through the hangings. It must be Madame Pomfrey, he thought.

He bent to kiss Ron on the forehead just as Harry and Hermione pulled the hangings open. Harry stared at them. Complete angercovered his face.