Chapter 22
The celebration was finally dying down around 1 a.m. in the morning. Seamus and Dean were the last to leave the messy common room; leaving Harry, Hermione and Ron alone around the sofa. Hermione had a hand over her eyes asleep on the sofa; she was breathing deeply and was slightly snoring. Ron was sitting on the floor watching the slow crackle of the deep red embers burning in the grate. Harry was propped up on his side, laying foot to head with Hermione. His eyes were slowly closing as sleep tried to overcome him.
Ron glanced down at his watch and then sideways at a drooling Hermione. He rolled his eyes and nudged her awake with his elbow. She jumped awake and looked around at him; rubbing her tired eyes. She looked around her and it dawned that the party was over. She followed Ron's eyes to Harry and nodded when Harry's eyes drooped close.
"Ah, well I'm going to bed," she moaned sleepily. She stood and shook Harry awake. Harry's eyes popped open and he stared up at Hermione.
"What?" he moaned angrily
"We're going to bed. I can't stay another night on this couch," she grumbled.
"That's a good idea," said a weary Harry; standing.
He reached down and grabbed Ron's hand pulling him up to stand. Harry proceeded on to the stair and when they didn't follow him, he looked around quizzically.
"You guys coming?"
Ron gazed sideways at Hermione quickly and raised his eyebrow urgently hoping she would give some kind of excuse. When she didn't catch his drift, he yawned and stretched widely.
"Yeah, I'm got to use the restroom first. Can I use your map so that I can check for Filch?" asked Ron.
"I guess. I'll go upstairs and get it," called Harry as he climbed the stairs drowsily to the dormitory. When he disappeared behind the room door Ron rounded on Hermione.
"You have to make sure he stays asleep. If he realizes that I'm not back, he'll freak," whispered Ron.
"Okay, but why can't you and Malfoy do whatever you're doing tonight tomorrow? It is pretty late Ron." said Hermione.
"Well, we could, but if I don't show up, he'll think I've ditched him."
"Well, he'll…" she paused as she listened to Harry's footsteps descending the stairs. He crossed over to them and gave Ron the map. Hermione turned away from him nervously and started looking around the room. Ron rolled his eyes. She was so obvious; he was surprised that Harry didn't figure out what was going on right then and there. She actually started to whistle.
"Here's the map," said Harry as he handed it to Ron. "Hermione, what's wrong with you?" Harry asked. She looked around at him nervously.
"Oh, nothing," she said as she noticed the frown on Ron's face. "I'm tired. I'm going to bed."
"Me too; I have so much homework to do tomorrow." Said Harry and he climbed the stairs again.
"I'll be back," said Ron. "But, don't wait up," he added.
Harry smiled and waved goodnight as he entered the dorm again. Hermione smiled at Ron and pulled him into an unnecessary hug.
"Be safe, okay." She whispered into his ear.
"What's that suppose to mean?" Ron asked as he handed her the map. She folded it up and placed it under her arm.
"I don't know. Malfoy is pretty forceful." She laughed. Ron just shook his head and walked to the portrait hole.
"I shouldn't be gone longer than and hour," he called as he left the common room.
"You only need an hour," Hermione giggled. She could hear Ron's laughter as the door closed. She climbed up the stairs to her room and sat on her bed. She unfolded the map and tapped it with her wand.
"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good," she whispered trying not to wake her roommates.
The map materialized before her eyes and she searched the map for Malfoy. She saw him standing outside the castle door; the one that led to Hogsmeade. She searched the map and followed Ron's dot as he approached him. So, they were leaving the castle, she thought? A small part of her wanted to follow them. She did have the map, but the useless thing didn't work in Hogsmeade. She got an overwhelming urge to go anyway. Her imagination had gotten the better of her. She figured since Harry was sound asleep and she had the map, she could check every few minutes to see if he was awake or not. She made up her mind. She was going to follow them. She pulled on her robes and she tucked the map in her inner pocket; forgetting to wipe it clean and slipped out of her room. She closed the door slowly behind herself. Checking her watch she saw that it was 1:30am. She exhaled, completely determined and turned around walking slap into Parvati Patil. Hermione stumbled back a few paces and caught her balance against the wall.
"Where are you going this time of night Hermione?" Parvati sneered.
"What's it to you?" Hermione snapped back menacingly trying to pass.
Parvati didn't have a response to this so she resolved to scanning Hermione for incrimination evidence. She was just about to give up when she spotted the map sticking out of Hermione's robe. She made a dramatic snatch at it and succeeded in grabbing it before Hermione could stop her. Parvati turned and ran down the stairs as she fumbled with the map.
"Give that back!" Hermione hissed as she dashed after her.
Parvati struggled to open the map as Hermione swung at her head. She ducked and weaved the swings as she pulled the map open. She scanned it over and over looking for any signs of movement. She was just about to forfeit when she spotted what she was looking for. Her eyes followed the two dots labeled Draco Malfoy and Ron Weasley walking together toward Hogsmeade. She kept her eyes on them until they disappeared into the outskirts of the Hogwarts grounds.
The initial surprise of seeing these two names was wearing off as she lowered the map. She didn't realize that she had stopped running from Hermione though until the back of Hermione's hand collided with the side of her head. She stammered incoherently; the words bitch and damn it fumbled from her bruised mouth as she stumbled sideways. Hermione grabbed the map from her and cleared it with her wand. Parvati straightened herself and looked up at Hermione. She wiped the small drips of blood from her mouth and glared at her.
"What was that for?" she asked angrily.
"Don't act stupid," hissed Hermione crossing her arms.
"So, you were going to follow Ron and Malfoy?" Parvati asked.
"Yes actually," Hermione confessed.
"Well, know we both are!" Parvati smirked.
"We are?" Hermione asked.
"You think I will let you witness this rendezvous on your own? I'm coming." demanded Parvati.
"Oh no your not; I'm going alone!" hissed Hermione again.
"Well, in that case I'll just go with Harry. He could do with a little late night butterbeer."
She waited to let these words sink in. She didn't get the exact reaction she was looking for though.
"If you even make an attempt to tell Harry, I will really Avada Kedavra your ass," snapped Hermione as she stepped closer to Parvati. Parvati stepped back and shook her head. She knew Hermione too well to ever believe that Hermione would kill someone. Parvati paused and crossed her arms smugly.
"Come on Granger, do you really think I'll believe that bull. Now, what I do believe is that you're as interested in this little power couple as I am. No matter how much you want to deny it, you want to watch them have sex as much as I do. We can do this separately or as a pair. Which ever you choose; I'm following them." She ran up stairs to get her robe.
Hermione froze and thought this through. She couldn't believe that she was actually considering letting Parvati go with her. She couldn't stand her. She had made Ron's life miserable from what he had told her. She didn't want to be the only one to follow them though. She could use some company. How would she explain herself if she were caught watching them? Maybe she could use Parvati as an alibi. She could say Parvati forced her to come. This seemed like a good idea.
Parvati came downstairs. She had gotten dressed and was now wearing jeans, and a black turtle neck. She pulled her robe over her shoulders as she paused in front of Hermione.
"So, are we going together?" Parvati asked.
"I guess so," smiled Hermione slyly
Parvati sneered and followed her through the portrait hole.
The icy air blew around Malfoy and Ron as the bent their heads against the fierce wind. Ron pulled Malfoy's robes tightly around himself. He had forgotten to bring his own; being in such hurry to leave the common room. Malfoy placed an arm around him as they entered the Hog's Head moments later. This was the only bar open this late at night, so they took this time to warm up before continuing on to there real destination; which Malfoy was keeping a complete secret.
"I hope this isn't where you were bringing me," laughed Ron as he dropped Malfoy's robes from his shoulders. He looked around the bar as the various heavily cloaked witches and wizard around them. Smoke was billowing from a heavily drunk house elf. Ron had to glance at it twice to convince himself that it wasn't Winky.
"My God, Ron. I hope you know by now that I have better taste than this?" Malfoy sniggered as he rang the bell to order two dusty bottles of butterbeer for them. The barman came out of the shadows and eyed them suspiciously before pulling up two bottles from behind the counter.
"Aren't you two boys from Hogwarts?" he asked grumpily wiping the counter with a greasy rag. His voice was very brisk and very accusatory.
"Don't ask questions old man," hissed Malfoy as he handed Ron his butterbeer. Ron smile at the offended barman who screwed his face up in irritation before he turned to disappear into secluded darkness.
"Ouch," laughed Ron as he pulled Malfoy's robe back over himself and they stepped back out into the chilly air.
"Where are we going then?" asked Ron as Malfoy ushered him down the quiet deserted street.
"It's a surprise," smiled Malfoy.
Ron opened his mouth to tell him that he didn't like surprises but before he could Malfoy stopped and looked around at him. Ron drank a little bit of his butter beer for warmth and stared back up at him.
"What…?'" Ron mumbled before Malfoy could cut him off.
"Do you know how to apparrate?" asked Malfoy.
"No, and neither do you I suppose," laughed Ron.
"You can write a book about things you don't know about me Weaselbee," smiled Malfoy as he gripped Ron's arm tightly.
"Um, where are we going?" asked Ron. He was really panicking now.
"Just wait," said Malfoy.
Malfoy turned on the spot and Ron closed his eyes tightly. His heart was pounding and the sensation he felt from his first apparition was enough to make him want to throw up. Before he could react though his feet hit the ground and he could feel Malfoy's weight pressed against him. He opened his eyes and stared around himself. Once again he was stunned.
They were standing mere feet way from a glittering waterfall. A light was shinning from somewhere for the water glowed before their eyes. Ron's eyes wondered down the length of the fall to rest on an elaborate set up on a huge extended rock consisting of a picnic blanket, basket, and candles. A crackling fire roared a few feet away from the set up; casting a romantic glow on it and the surroundings.
"When did you have time to do this?" Ron asked as Malfoy ushered him forward.
"I had Crabbe and Goyle do it," smiled Malfoy sneakily as he and Ron sat on blanket. Seeing the worried look on Ron's face he laughed.
"They thought it was for me and Pansy," said Malfoy
Ron sniggered, and his eyes were still full with suppressed wonder. He couldn't believe that Malfoy could be this romantic. And to go through all this trouble for him too, that was really something. He leaned over to look over the edge of the rock into the crystal clear water. It rushed below them sending air bubbles to the surface. Ron jumped when he heard the pop of a cork and turning saw that Malfoy was pouring them wine.
"So, is this anywhere near what you imagined?" asked Malfoy as he handed Ron his glass.
"Actually no; I thought you were taking me to some strip club or something," Ron laughed as he sipped his wine. Malfoy smirked to himself shaking his head. He put his glass down and scooted over to sit beside Ron. He brushed his red hair from his shoulder and kissed him softly on the neck. Ron smiled to himself and looked around at Malfoy.
"Thank you so much for this," he whispered as Malfoy leaned to kiss him on lips.
"My pleasure," smirked Malfoy between kisses.
"Let's not let the food get cold then," laughed Ron as he nudged a heated Malfoy away.
"God, Weaselbee. You have perfect timing," laughed Malfoy sarcastically. Ron smirked and pulled the basket of goodies toward them. He opened it and pulled out cakes and pies, as well as several other splendidly cooked dishes.
After they had had their share of shrimp and lobster, Ron deduced to throwing pieces of bread at Malfoy's head to pass the time. Malfoy ducked, and standing ran out of the line of fire. Ron stood and followed him. Malfoy stopped inches from the water; some of it coldness washed up to graze his feet. He turned and watched Ron as he descended toward him. He turned back toward the water and bent to take off his shoes, and then his shirt and pants; leaving only his boxers. He stepped one foot and then the other into the water, before jumping in head first.
Ron watched in shocked amazement as Malfoy's head cracked the top of the watery surface. He wrapped his arms tightly around himself and shook his head when Malfoy beckoned him to come join him.
"It's freezing in there," jeered Ron. He took two defiant steps backward from the water so that it wouldn't reach his feet. Malfoy didn't take this defiance lightly. He swam back to the sand and climbed out. Ron watched as Malfoy walked out. Malfoy's hair lay across his eyes, but he wiped it back with his hands. Water dripped down the length of his chiseled body, making his chest shimmer. Malfoy grinned as he walked toward a frightened Ron; who laughed and turned to run, but Malfoy was too quick. He gripped Ron's shirt and pulled him back to him. Ron struggled playfully against Malfoy's wet body, but he was held firmly to him.
"You have to drug me before I attempt to get in there Draco," yelled Ron as he rolled his eyes.
"If that's my only option…" laughed Malfoy.
Ron raised his eyebrow questioningly, but conceded defeat. He knew that Draco was capable of almost anything to get what he wanted, and he wouldn't put it pass him to have a bottle of illegal potion hidden in his belongings. Malfoy pulled Ron's shirt off and stood back as Ron dropped his pants and pulled off his shoes. They turned and walked toward the water edge. Ron froze as the chilly water washed over his naked feet. He hesitated a moment too long though, for Malfoy pushed him in.
After the first initial shock of having cold water rush up his nose, Ron emerged to the surface. He looked around toward the sand but he couldn't see Malfoy. A small part of him was alarmed. He revolved in the water; yet regretted it moments later when he was sprayed in the face by a hand full of water. He splashed some back into Malfoy's face, and quickly swam away.
They played like this for a moment until Ron stopped and pulled himself on the rocks in exhaustion. Malfoy followed. He conjured some towels from nowhere and wrapped them around the two of them. Ron snuggled closer to Malfoy and rested his head on his shoulder.
"Ron?" whispered Malfoy. Ron shifted and looked up at his face.
"Yeah?" shivered a cold Ron. He waited and when Malfoy didn't continue he sat up a little straighter.
"What is it?" asked Ron nervously; his eyes darted back and forth across Malfoy's face. Malfoy opened his mouth wordlessly but shut it almost as quickly, then shook his head.
"Tell me," urged Ron as he nudged Malfoy in the arm.
"I love you, okay," whispered Malfoy not looking in Ron's direction. Ron stared at the side of his face, and he could see the reflection of the waterfall in his eyes. His heart had momentarily stopped at Malfoy's confession. It was now beating faster than ever. He had feeling for Malfoy as well. Feelings he knew he that he had never felt before now. After he had been hurt by Harry, he had needed any sort of release, and means of pushing his hurt into the background. He had found this source of release with Malfoy. Their friendship had grown through the school year. Being with Malfoy was no longer a getaway but a source of comfort for him. Subconsciously he had been waiting for Malfoy to say those words so that he would have a reason to say them out loud himself. He squeezed Malfoy's hand and leaned to rest his head on his shoulder.
"I love you too, Draco," whispered Ron. Malfoy didn't say anything, but continued to stare into the waterfall.
He knew that Ron meant this. He hadn't said this just to comfort him. He was sure of it. Malfoy nudged Ron up and turned to look at him.
"We should go, before people begin to question where we are," He said.
Malfoy stood and pulled Ron up causing him to fall against him. Ron pulled away slightly and gazed up into Malfoy's downcast eyes. Ron smiled and stood on tiptoe to kiss Malfoy on the cheek before turning to get his things.
Malfoy stood frozen to the spot. How could such a small gesture of caring exhilarate him so much. He pulled on his clothes as well, before they disapparated back to Hogsmeade village.
"I'll walk you back to your common room," whispered Malfoy as they made there way through the darkness toward Hogwarts Castle.
"Is that such a good idea? Someone might see you." Ron exclaimed.
"Don't you know that I don't care," hissed Malfoy in frustration. He was tired off hiding his feelings for Ron so that he could hold onto his so called friendship with Potter. It made him sick to even consider the fact that Harry had his way with Ron when he wasn't there. There was only so much of this that he could stand. He no longer cared what his friends thought of him. They weren't really his friends if they could drop him because he was gay. He looked at the side of Ron's face and he saw that his lips were tightened. They only did this when he suppressed anger. They entered the castle and they walked hand in hand to the stairs leading back to the Gryffindor common room. Ron paused at the base of the stairs and turned to look at Malfoy.
"I won't come this time, but…" Malfoy hesitated momentarily.
"I know," said Ron.
"No you don't know," hissed Malfoy loudly. His anger was finally building up. Ron looked shocked at this show of resentment and frustration.
"You don't know how it makes me feel that you're hiding our relationship," snapped Malfoy.
"You know why I have to though. I know I don't want to hurt Harry," soothed Ron.
"But, you're hurting me in the process. I won't take this any longer Ron."
"What's that suppose to mean?" Ron jeered back. Malfoy stepped closer to Ron and gripped his arms tightly. He face was set. He pulse was racing.
"I love you Ron. Please don't make me regret the way I feel because you are too devoted to Potter." Ron shook his head in disgust. Malfoy knew very well that this wasn't so.
"I'm not devoted to him. I love you, not him, Draco," moaned Ron. He tried to pull his arms free of his grasp, but Malfoy tightened them. Ron couldn't help but flash back to his rape. Fear was overpowering him.
"Then why can't we tell everyone? What do we have to hide or fear?" Malfoy asked. Ron turned his head away and closed his eyes to suppress the tears that were starting to form. He hated seeing the wanton look on Malfoy's face. He also didn't want to face the truth; which was that he feared losing Malfoy because he was too afraid to lose Harry as well.
"Don't make me choose," Ron urged now crying. All the while he struggled to free himself. Malfoy held on in earnest, but when he saw the fear in Ron's eyes, he let him go and stepped back. Ron fell against the above steps. His pulse was racing, but the fear that had crept into him was slowly receding. Malfoy backed into the opposite wall. He didn't want to be here. He couldn't stand to see the fear that he had provoked in Ron. He had vowed that he wouldn't hurt him, and here he was, doing the very thing he had ridiculed Potter about.
"I'm sorry," Malfoy murmured. When Ron didn't respond he stood and crossed over to him. Ron's eyes were downcast and he was trembling. Malfoy dropped beside him and attempted to wrap his arms about his shoulders, yet Ron shrank away. Malfoy's arms dropped to his side as he stared at Ron's profile in disbelief.
"Just go…" moaned Ron.
"Ron?"
"Go Draco. I don't want to do this right now," whimpered Ron. A tear slid down his cheek and when Malfoy reached to wipe it away Ron raised a hand to stop him.
"I don't want to leave on bad terms," whispered Malfoy. Ron was silent and his mind was racing. When he didn't respond though, Malfoy stood and left his side. Ron could hear his foot steps heading toward the dungeons. After a moment they the corridor was silent.
Ron entered his common room moments later. It had taken all his strength not to run after Malfoy and give into his request. He hated feeling this way. How had everything gone down hill so fast when only half an hour before, they had been confessing their love for each other? The answer was simple. It was because he, Ron, refused to go against his friendship. Malfoy was right. The only thing holding them back was his devotion to Harry. Harry hadn't thought twice about throwing way their friendship earlier that year when the possibility of coming out to everyone threatened his reputation. Yet, here was Ron clinging onto him for dear life. But why? The only reason he could think of was that he was afraid to be entirely with Malfoy, because there was the possibility that he could be hurt again. There was that fear brooding under the surface that he hadn't quite gotten over, and he was sure that he would never overcome it until he confronted Harry with how he truly felt. He was scarred and it was hindering his ability to move on. Malfoy had been right again. He hadn't forgiven Harry for what he had done. He had only pretended to so so that things would go back to normal.
Ron collapsed on the sofa in front of the low simmering grate. He was tired, but his mind wouldn't let him sleep. He kicked off his shoes and laid on his side. He pulled a blanket over himself and closed his eyes. He wondered what Malfoy was thinking at this exact moment. Maybe that he wasn't seriously devoted to there love. This only made Ron more depressed. He would have to figure out a way to convince him otherwise. He closed his eyes and before long he had drifted to sleep.
He didn't know how long he lay there on the couch, but it only seemed like minutes before he was shaken awake by Hermione. He squinted up at her and her face came into focus gradually.
"Ron, are you okay?" she whispered. He scooted into a sitting position and checked his watch. It was 6 o'clock in the morning. He had been asleep for 3 hours.
"Yes, I'm okay. Why aren't you asleep?" he asked.
"Well, I never went to bed." She decided to confess completely. "I followed you into Hogsmeade." She added shyly.
"You followed me? Why?"
"I don't know. It was pretty pointless though since you apparated before we got to you."
"We?" asked Ron.
"Oh, yes, me and Parvati. She saw me leaving and decided to join. We wondered the village all night waiting for you to return. We finally gave up when Parvati passed out from exhaustion and landed on a cat. You know she has narcolepsy. I just got in."
Ron sat straighter and looked at her directly. He couldn't believe that Hermione had followed him.
"Okay, why were you following us?" he asked again. Hermione diverted her eyes to the low burning embers. She could come right out and tell him that she was hoping to catch him and Malfoy in the act., but that would be way to embarrassing. Her face burned red with the mere thought of confession. Thank God the room was somewhat dark she thought.
"Well, I wanted to make sure you were safe. I'm still not comfortable with you being alone with Malfoy." She lied.
Ron studied her profile for a moment. He couldn't see a reason not to believe her, it was Hermione after all. He lifted the covers and she slipped underneath with him.
"So, how was it?" she asked meekly.
"Great at first," he murmured.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
Ron went on to describe the waterfall and the picnic, and there adventure in the freezing water. He paused for a moment before telling her that Malfoy had confessed his love for him. Hermione smiled from ear to ear with happiness for him, but at the sight of his sad face, she urged him to continue.
Ron told her about their argument, and when he finished she pulled him into a hug comforting him.
"I'm so stupid Mione?" he moaned. "He only wants to be with me without all this secrecy and I threw everything Harry in his face. He probably hates me now."
"Why didn't you explain?"
"I didn't know what to say. Everything happened so fast. You should have seen the look on his face Mione, he hates me now!"
"I'm sure he doesn't Ron, just give him time," said Hermione. Ron didn't respond, but sat quietly in thought.
"Ron, he says he loves you. Feelings like that don't disappear over night," said Hermione. Ron thought this through, yet he still wasn't convinced.
"Do you love him back?" she asked. Ron nodded.
"Hermione, I know this might sound weird coming from me, but when I'm with him, I'm completely happy. We bicker, and we make up. He makes me laugh. He comforts me, Mione."
Hermione nodded in understanding. She rubbed him on the back and kissed him on the cheek. She knew from the way he spoke of Malfoy, that his feelings were genuine. There was only one drawback; he was still with Harry.
"Do you still want to be with Harry?" she asked to break the silence.
"No," he confessed angrily. "No Hermione, I want to be with Draco. I love Draco!" Ron stared into her eyes and he saw understanding there. She smiled at him, and pulled him into a hug. Ron's eyes closed tightly while embracing her back.
There was a cough behind them. They spun around as one to see who it was. Instantly Ron's heart dropped to the floor. Could this day get any worse? He thought.
Harry stood on the bottom step staring at the two of them. His arms were crossed and he wasn't smiling.
Harry crossed the room toward them. His eyes lingered first on Hermione, who was fully clothed, and then on Ron. He sat in a chair opposite them and pulled his robe tightly around himself. He smiled.
Ron didn't know whether this was a sign of lunacy because he was holding up pent up rage, or that Harry hadn't heard a word that had been spoken. He hoped for the latter. Hermione opened her mouth to give some kind of explanation, but Ron pinched her under the covers. She scowled at him, but sat quietly.
"How long have you two been awake?" asked Harry.
"I've been up for an hour now," Hermione lied. Harry looked at Ron next.
"I just woke up," Ron responded half-truthfully.
"Why didn't you come to bed?"
"Well, I didn't want to bother you after I came back from the restroom, so I slept down here."
Harry didn't question him any further, but slouched down into his chair yawning. He eyed them before deciding to stand.
"Well, I guess I'll get dressed then," he smiled. He crossed over to Ron and planted a kiss on his forehead before climbing the stairs to the dormitory. When the door closed behind him, Ron exhaled slowly. Hermione eyed him suspiciously.
"I thought you were going to tell the truth," she accused.
"I am. I need to talk to Draco first."
He stood and made toward the portrait hole. Hermione rushed to block his exit.
"Can't you wait till later? We barely escaped this time."
Ron paused and crossed his arms. His patience was getting the better of him. He thought of her reasoning and conceded. Thankfully he did wait for Harry along with other students descended the stairs a moment later. Hermione spun around to face him.
"Should we go to breakfast then?" asked Harry.
"Great idea," answered Hermione enthusiastically. She grabbed Ron and pulled him after her.
A couple minutes later they entered a packed Great Hall. People from other houses were mingling with other house mates. This was the last month till the end of term, so everyone was taking it upon themselves to tie up loose ends before the summer. Ron didn't know where the term had gone. It seemed to have gone by faster than normal. It could be because so much had happened to him personally that time seemed to speed up. Ron glanced at the Slytherin table and spotted Malfoy sitting at the end of the table alone. Crabbe, Goyle and Pansy along with other slytherin's were gathered together eyeing him quizzically. Ron saw that Pansy was actually crying.
"What's wrong with her now?" asked Harry as they took their seats at the Gryffindor house table. Hermione eyed Ron as they sat. Ron knew what that look meant. It was because of him and Malfoy. Something had obviously happened between Malfoy and Pansy, but Ron didn't know what.
Ron reached for a biscuit and some jam subconsciously for his mind was still on Malfoy. What had he done this morning that would cause Pansy to openly cry over it? He turned around to look at Malfoy when Hermione and Harry had entered in an in depth conversation about coming up exams. At the same time Malfoy looked up at him. Their eyes locked for a moment, before Malfoy looked away and started toying with the food on his plate.
Ron wanted more than ever to run over and comfort him. He couldn't take this any longer. He hated seeing Malfoy this way.
"Ron?" shouted Harry as he waved his hand in front of his face. Ron looked around at him and noticed that Hermione, Harry, and Neville were all looking at him.
"What?" he asked.
"Neville knows what's up with Pansy," smiled Harry.
"Yeah, it seems that Malfoy had Pansy plan this romantic outing for them, but he took some other girl in her place last night," giggled a sheepish Neville.
"Isn't that funny," laughed Harry who turned to look Pansy. Pansy seemed to be having a panic attack and was fanning herself with the help of those surrounding her. He was heaving air in and hot. She seemed to be having the Holy Ghost.
"She seems angry. Oh look, Malfoy's going to comfort her," laughed Neville.
Just as he said Malfoy stalked over to her. She turned to look his way, and from way across the room they could all see the relief on Pansy's face as he drew nearer. She stretched her arms out to him wating for his embrace. It wasn't what it seemed though. For moments later, Malfoy was in her face telling her to shut the hell up with all her crying. She dropped to the floor and balled over crying fiercely. The other slytherins around her fell over laughing at this uproar. Crabbe and Goyle were cackling the loudest. Malfoy threw and angry glance in Ron's direction and stalked past the laughing group and headed toward the exit. Ron's eyes trailed behind him as he left. He didn't know how he got his legs over the bench without falling and he didn't quite know how he ended up in the corridor behind Malfoy, but there Ron was. He could feel the piercing stares on his back as he went through the doors, but for some reason he didn't care. Not even the "Ron, what are you doing?" coming from Harry could stop him. His whole focus was on comforting Malfoy.
"Draco, wait up!" He called as he rushed toward him.
Malfoy turned around. The shock that covered his face was obvious. He stared at Ron as he crossed over to him. Ron's face was completely flushed and he was out of breath when paused in front of him.
"I'm sorry," he confessed. Malfoy didn't say anything, but instead proceeded to tap his foot in frustration. Ron huffed loudly and stepped closer to him gripping his shirt. He tugged on it as he leaned in to kiss Malfoy tenderly on the lips. Malfoy stood unmoving and not responding. He rolled his eyes and his arms were at his side.
Ron gripped Malfoy's sides and deepened the kiss, he urged Malfoy to open his lips for him.
"Please forgive me," Ron moaned into the kiss. Malfoy pulled back from him and stared down into his pleading eyes. Several hurried footsteps were coming from the Great Hall now, but they took little notice. His hands still gripped Malfoy's sides as there bodies brushed against each other.
"Please?" Ron pleaded yet again.
The footsteps had stopped behind Ron, but he didn't turn to see who it was. His eyes stayed fixed on Malfoy's; willing him to give him another chance. Malfoy's eyes finally left Ron's and glazed behind him to stare into Harry's angry eyes. Malfoy smirked slyly in his direction; one eyebrow lifted and the corner of his mouth turned up in silent triumph; then bending his head, he ravished Ron's waiting lips.
An instant uproar began!