The following day was not an easy one. Harry had barely slept, listening carefully for approaching feet. By the time morning came, there were a brief few minutes where he was blissfully detached as he and Ron kissed. But his reality hit hard again when he immediately noticed the bruises on Ron's neck. Bright purple and blue. Violently obvious.
"I don't think I have anything to cover it up," Ron said quietly after rifling through his dresser drawers, he wrung his hands together when he turned towards Harry.
Harry took a large breath. His eyes settled on his trunk for a moment, then his gaze went back to Ron, who looked apologetic, and nervous. Harry didn't say anything, he knew Ron would walk right into what Harry was hoping for.
"Look," Ron said, stepping toward Harry, "I'll stay in my room. Just tell everyone I'm not feeling well. If anyone comes up I'll just cover up with the blanket, okay?" He stepped closer to Harry hopefully. "It'll be fine."
Harry smiled at him, pulling Ron into a hug with a slow exhale. He had, once again, predicted accurately.
"You shouldn't have to do anything," Harry said, rubbing Ron's back, "I'm the one who hurt you."
"It's okay," Ron replied, he was resting heavily against Harry now, "Really. I know you weren't trying to."
Harry squeezed him once then let go, reveling inwardly at his small victory. After he gave Ron a quick kiss he left the room, promising to visit soon. He gathered himself for a moment in the hallway, then went downstairs to breakfast where the Weasley's were all already tucking in, chatting heartily.
"Harry!" cried a happy voice, and suddenly Harry was accosted by Hermione flinging her arms around him, nearly knocking him down. Harry choked out a laugh, momentarily startled.
"It's so good to see you!" Hermione said brightly, "Where's Ron?"
"Er…" Harry said, stumbling away from her grasp and adjusting his glasses, "He's not feeling well, he's in bed."
"That what was wrong last night?" Fred asked curiously from a few feet away at the kitchen table, looking around at him.
"Yeah," Harry said evenly, brow furrowed, sitting in the only one of two empty seats across from Fred. Hermione took the second empty seat, next to Harry, and asked,
"What happened to your arm?"
Harry quickly tucked his arm farther into his lap and took a large sip of juice with his other. Hermione hadn't spoken loud enough for anyone else other than he and the twins to hear.
"Nothing," Harry said nonchalantly, "Banged it up doing some yard work."
"Pulling weeds?" Fred asked flatly. Harry glanced up at him, Fred was giving him a strange look that Harry couldn't identify, and though he had anticipated this, he still didn't like it; out of everyone he had prepared for, Fred hadn't been one Harry had given too much thought about. But he felt he could fix this, he just had to time things right.
"Garden gnomes," Harry replied with a shrug, not breaking eye contact.
Fred stared at him for a beat longer, then he went back to his breakfast. George, seeming to have picked up on something from his brother, looked at Harry curiously, then also went back to his breakfast. As soon as he was done he told Hermione to wait for him downstairs and went up to Ron's room. Ron was sitting in his bed flipping through an old quidditch magazine.
"Everything okay?" He asked, looking on cautiously as Harry flung open his trunk.
"Um," Harry said absently as he pulled out a neatly folded sweatshirt, he closed the trunk after making sure his Quidditch Through the Ages book was resting on top once again, he looked at Ron, "Hermione is here. Fred is acting kind of strange toward me. And Hermione noticed my arm-"
"Your arm?" Ron repeated, sitting up straighter, he gazed at the arm holding the clothing and his face fell. "I did that?"
Harry sighed and started to pull on his sweatshirt. When he finished he looked at Ron, who still looked pained. Harry sat on the bed next to him, listening out in the hall for a moment, then gave Ron a kiss.
"You didn't mean to," Harry said simply.
Ron hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck, then said,
"Hermione's here?"
"Yeah," Harry replied, almost bitterly, "She's waiting for me. Wanted to see you, though," he added, Ron didn't seem to react, "I told her you were sick."
"Harry…" Ron said slowly, he fidgeted with the blanket on the bed for a moment, then continued, "We…we have to figure something out about…" He gestured toward his neck, "It's only going to get worse. Then it'll be a while before it goes away."
Harry stared at Ron coolly.
"I know," he said, standing up, "I know that. I was so focused on that I forgot about this." He raised his mildly injured arm. "I don't need to feel bad about that right now, alright? I'm trying to focus on everything else. Like making sure your brothers don't hate me."
Ron looked utterly dejected. He eyed Harry nervously.
"I didn't…" he stammered "I wasn't trying to make you feel bad. I just…can't stay in my room until it's gone." He paused. "And Fred and George don't hate you…"
"You weren't there to see it," Harry snapped, "So for right now, why don't you stay here and figure something out?" He walked past the bed and out the door.
Harry stood in the hallway for a moment, steadying himself. He had been so close to making sure Ron was fully his. And he had messed them up, and now with Hermione here, things would be even more difficult. Hermione was friends with both Harry and Ron. Sneaking off to steal a kiss wouldn't be as easy. And Hermione was too inquisitive. She would pick up on things most of the Weasley's hadn't. And she would definitely notice bruises.
But, for now, Ron was in his room. Not being distracted by the others. Only thinking about Harry. Harry took another deep breath and went downstairs, where Hermione was sitting with Ginny in the living room, chatting happily. They both eyed Harry suspiciously, which he'd expected. The weather was too warm for a sweatshirt. But he greeted them, and tried to steady his nerves to deal with the rest of the day.
Harry did not return to the bedroom until after dinner. Ron was laying in his bed on top of the blanket, legs crossed as he stared at the ceiling. He startled when Harry opened the door, and quickly sat up.
"I'm sorry I snapped at you earlier," Harry said, leaning against the desk, "I was just a little stressed out."
"It's okay," Ron said quickly, climbing out of the bed and walking over, "I understand. I shouldn't have said anything."
He looked at Harry hopefully. Harry shook his head and smiled at him with a laugh.
"You're too good for me," he said, pulling Ron into a kiss, which was returned gratefully. Harry started pushing Ron back toward the bed, shoving him into it when they got close. Ron propped himself up on his elbows and gazed at Harry eagerly and watched as he removed his sweatshirt and under shirt. Harry climbed into the bed, straddling Ron's waist and shoving him back until he was sitting up against the headboard.
"I missed you," Ron murmured as Harry kissed his neck.
"Good," Harry replied softly, beginning to slide Ron's shirt off, "I thought about you a lot."
"You did?" Ron asked, sounding surprised.
"Of course I did," Harry said with a laugh, cupping Ron's face with his hands and kissing him, "I worry about you sometimes." He kissed him again then sat back to watch Ron react to these words with more surprise.
"Why do you worry about me?" Ron asked, tilting his head.
"Because…" Harry said slowly, "Well. You're kind of…fragile."
"Fragile?" Ron scoffed, "I'm not-"
"You are," Harry interrupted, he ran his fingers up Ron's waist, "I mean, you bruise kind of easily, I barely even touch you. And not only that…you kind of let people sway you. Like you barely have your own opinions. You just go with everyone else. So I worry."
Ron looked as though he had no idea how to react. Harry let his words resonate in Ron's mind for a moment, then spoke again,
"That's why I like protecting you."
"Oh," Ron finally said, he looked confused, "I guess you're right. I never really thought about that."
"Well you have me now," Harry said lightly with a small chuckle, "And I'll always protect you." He leaned forward and kissed Ron on the cheek, then hovered for a moment as he whispered, "Would you protect me?"
"Always," Ron whispered back, "If I could."
"Good," Harry replied quietly, and kissed Ron close to his ear, "Good boy." He felt Ron squirm slightly underneath him and smiled. He sat back and enjoyed the flushed, flustered look on Ron's face.
"I love the way you love that," Harry said, trying not to get aroused, he had other things to worry about at the moment.
"I don't know why," Ron said with a nervous laugh, "It just…does something to me."
"I know," Harry responded, and reached into his pocket, removing a folded up page of a book, "And if you trust me," he held up the page, "Then you can help protect me, okay?" when Ron nodded, Harry handed him the page.
Ron unfolded the paper and scanned it, his eyes lighting up with recognition.
"It's from my mums healing charms book," he said, "Healing bruises. Yeah, mum uses that one all the time."
"Yeah," Harry said lightly, reaching to grab his wand from the end of the bed, "I've never done it though. And it's on your neck."
"You can do it," Ron said, handing the page back to Harry, "I trust you."
"Promise?" Harry asked, squeezing one of Ron's legs with his free hand.
"Of course," Ron said immediately with a smile.
Harry returned the smile and scanned the page, muttering the simple spell under his breath a few times before finally raising his wand to Ron's throat. He twisted his hand slightly to the left, as the instructions stated, and said the spell in a steady voice. He watched the deep purple bruise start to lighten.
"Did it work?" Ron asked after a moment, raising a hand to his throat.
"Mostly," Harry said, slightly disappointed, he lowered his wand, "It's light yellow now, but it's definitely not as noticeable. We should be okay now."
Ron beamed, which made Harry laugh. Then Ron's smile faded slightly.
"What about your arm?" He asked Harry.
"Oh it'll be fine," Harry said, "I can cover that with long sleeves."
Ron looked perturbed but Harry distracted him with a kiss.
"I love you," Harry whispered, "Thank you for protecting me."
With Ron's bruise mostly gone he did not play sick the next day, but rather spent the day with Harry, Hermione, and his siblings at the lake near their house. It was not an easy feat for either of them, however, as the sun shone relentlessly. Harry was sweating under his long sleeves, and because they had only healed the bruise on Ron's neck and not on his waist, hips, or shoulders, Ron remained fully clothed as well. Most of the time they spent on the blanket by the lake, watching the others cool their feet and bask in the sun.
Harry watched Ron for a moment. His back was against a tree, legs stretched before him, he was on Harry's left, farther from the lake, he had his arms folded across his chest and seemed content. When he caught Harry looking he smiled.
"What's up?" He asked.
"Just looking at you," Harry replied, smiling back, watching a blush grow on Ron's cheeks.
"Oh," Ron said, dropping his gaze, then looking back up, his eyes suddenly went past Harry and he smiled at something in the distance. Harry followed his gaze and saw that Hermione was beaming in their direction, beckoning them toward the lake, but saw that her eyes were mostly on Ron.
Harry considered the opportunity that presented itself to him, and he sat up straighter, moving his hand, which had been resting dangerously close to Ron's on the blanket, and waited. He knew Ron would get anxious at his body language, and gave it only a few seconds.
"What's wrong?" Ron asked, pushing himself away from the tree.
"Nothing," Harry said briskly.
"Harry," Ron said, dropping his voice a few notches, "What?"
"I said," Harry replied, going for slight annoyance, "Nothing."
He felt Ron shift uncomfortably beside him, Harry shot a steady look in his direction, then looked back in the direction of the lake. Things were getting difficult for Harry, now. And there was only a few short weeks until they were to head back to Hogwarts.
He knew his sudden behavior had bothered Ron all day, for when dinner was over and he was not visiting downstairs with everyone, Harry was positive Ron would be in his room waiting. Harry took his time chatting with Hermione and Ginny. Easily conversing with the comfort of the fact that Ron was upstairs, not raising questions in case someone did notice the yellow bruising on his throat. And just as Harry was fully at ease, Hermione suddenly asked,
"Where's Ron gotten to?"
"Still not feeling too well," Harry responded fluidly, "Day kind of took it out of him."
"Oh that's too bad," Hermione replied, frowning, "He did seem a little off, though."
"Off how?" Ginny asked, frowning as well, "I didn't notice anything."
"Just quiet," Hermione replied either a shrug, "Not himself."
"Probably just sick," Harry said, trying to brush it off. His hand was gripping his cup of tea too tightly, he tried to relax again.
A short voice came from nearby.
"Maybe he got attacked by a gnome, as well."
Harry looked over and saw Fred staring at him from the couch. George was looking at his twin with a somewhat confused expression. Harry blinked, still getting caught off guard by Fred's unexpected coolness towards him.
"Maybe," Harry finally said with a shrug, "Didn't say."
Fred stared at him unwaveringly for a few moments, and Hermione broke the silence.
"Maybe I'll get him some tea." She stood up, and Ginny did as well, both of them heading toward the kitchen.
Heart thumping uncomfortably, Harry took a chance.
"Fred," he said slowly, "Are you…angry at me, or something?"
"Yeah what's going on?" George asked. Harry felt some surprise that Fred hadn't disclosed any I'll feelings towards Harry to his own twin.
"Ask Harry," Fred said, he set his cup down and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, "The other night Ron locks himself in the bathroom, freaked out about something. Next day no one sees him but you. Your arms all torn up."
"Implying what?" Harry asked, he tried to keep his tone even, but some bitterness had gotten through.
"Did you hurt him?" Fred asked flatly.
"No." Harry spat the word out with such disgust that George raised his eyebrows.
"I like you, Harry," Fred said, sitting up, "But that's my brother."
"Ask him," Harry said to Fred, watching the older Weasley get to his feet, "If you're so sure." Harry got to his feet as well as Fred passed by him. "We're best friends," Harry snapped, "We fight. But I wouldn't hurt him. Not the way you're implying." He made his tone lighter as he spoke, and he saw a glint of something in Fred's eye that made him feel mildly triumphant.
But Fred did not respond. He simply moved past Harry and went up the stairs. George gave Harry an odd look as he followed. Harry heard them muttering to each other, but couldn't make anything out. He frowned, then turned around as Hermione approached with the tea.
"What's going on with you and Fred?" Ginny demanded.
"Nothing," Harry said, sounding confused, "Nothing that I know of, anyway." He took the cup from Hermione's hand. "I'll take this up, I'm exhausted."
Harry headed up the stairs. He stepped slowly and lightly as he walked by the twins room, where it sounded like they were arguing. Harry caught a few snippets of conversation.
"…think…Ron's not that stupid…you…at all…"
"I saw…I don't care…Harry fucking Potter…I swear…"
Harry's heart pounded as he chose to continue walking. Once he reached Ron's room he took a deep breath before opening the door. Ron was sitting on his bed, looking anxious, as Harry entered. Harry smiled at him, but it was not returned. He offered the cup of tea, which Ron took, slightly apprehensive.
"You okay?" Harry asked, tilting his head.
"Yeah," Ron said hastily, setting the tea on his nightstand, "I just…um…I just wanted to wait for you, is all."
"Oh," Harry said, slinkily crawling onto the bed, Ron quickly backed himself into the headboard and allowed Harry his usual position of straddling his waist. Harry kissed him, and gently bit his bottom lip, which earned him a satisfied whine.
They heard a smattering of footsteps in the hallway and froze. Usually the footsteps would stop, but these ones were approaching. Harry quickly slid off the bed and adjusted himself below, before gesturing at Ron to get off the bed. Harry grew very hot in the face and his heart pounded heavily.
"Just be careful what you say," Harry whispered harshly to Ron.
"What?" Ron asked, looking alarmed as he glanced from his door to Harry.
"Remember I love you, okay?"
But Harry didn't have any time to explain before there was a knock on the door.
Harry's prediction came true in assuming it was the twins. He tried to steady himself, and tried very hard to send mental messages to Ron to not say anything stupid. But he held on to some hope. Ron knew who to side with.
"Uh," Ron said shakily, "What's up?"
Harry took a slight step to the left and forward, leaving Ron a couple paces behind him.
"What happened the other night?" Fred asked, looking past Harry directly at Ron.
"What other night?" Ron asked, managing to keep his voice steady this time. He shoved his hands into his pockets.
"Don't be thick," Fred replied bitterly, "The other night when you were all upset."
Please, Ron, Harry pleaded in his head, please do well. He looked behind him at Ron, who looked caught. But there was a glimmer of something in his eye that Harry recognized, and he felt good about it.
"That's none of your business," Ron said, shrugging but keeping his hands in his pockets, "So…anything else I can help you with, or…?"
"It's my business," Fred snapped, taking a few steps forward, "If he," Fred pointed at Harry, "Hurt you somehow."
"If Harry hurt me?" Ron said either a laugh, and Harry hid a smile, "Right."
"It's not like it's the first time he's been violent, Ron," Fred responded, "He's got anger issues. I'm getting a bad feeling and if he's hurting you in any way you don't have to protect him."
"Just get the hell out of my room, Fred," Ron said, sounding annoyed now, "You don't know what you're talking about."
Fred remained frozen to the spot, looking flustered. He stared at them for a long time, and Harry was both surprised and proud to see Ron stand his ground. The more he defended Harry, Harry knew just how much he could depend on him. He also knew just how much he needed Ron.
"Fred," George said, a few steps behind his brother now, "Let's go. We can talk about it later."
"No," Fred replied flatly, "Not until I know what the hell is going on." He now looked at Harry.
"It's just not your business," Harry told him, resisting the urge to smile as he spoke.
Ron took a step forward, removing his hands from his pockets. Everyone in the room looked at him. Harry swallowed deeply. He could see Ron was about to say something, and could only hope it would be helpful.
"You want to know what you're so worked up about?" Ron asked, looking directly at his older brother.
"Ron," Harry gasped sharply, he suddenly felt very dizzy, not knowing what Ron was about to say.
"It's okay," Ron shot in Harry's direction, taking another step forward, he stepped until he was standing in front of Fred, almost a full head taller than his brother, "I'll tell you." He glanced between Harry and Fred. Harry held his breath, nervously tapping his fingers against his thigh. "I get nightmares." Ron said the statement viciously. "I get nightmares, Fred. Nightmares where I wake up wishing I was dead because I would rather not be alive than see them again. I get nightmares and Harry," Ron jabbed a finger toward Harry, "Can talk me down when I wake up from them." Ron was breathing heavily now, and everyone else was silent.
"You want to know what happened?" Ron continued, right in his brothers face, "I woke up terrified. I hardly knew where I was. It felt like something was something attacking me. I fought it off. I didn't know it was Harry trying to calm me down. That's why his arm is tore up." Ron paused, and Harry felt so victorious he could scream, but he stayed silent, watching the shock on Fred's face. "I hurt him," Ron continued stiffly, "I don't like talking about it which is why I said it's not your business. But now you know. Satisfied?"
Fred took a staggering step backwards, still looking shocked. He looked from Harry to Ron, then over at George, who now looked very uncomfortable.
"Come on, Fred," he said quietly, grabbing his twins arm.
The twins left silently, shutting the door behind them. Ron and Harry looked at each other and listened to the sound of retreating footsteps. Neither of them moved or spoke until they heard a door shut. Then, in a few short strides, Harry immediately grabbed Ron into a tight hug.
"Oh my God, Ron," he whispered happily, cupping Ron's face and kissing him, "You were amazing." He beamed at Ron, who blushed but otherwise looked pleased.
"That was okay?" He asked, but was smiling.
"That was perfect," Harry conceded, kissing him again, Ron chuckled against his lips, "You're perfect." Harry kissed him again, he was thrilled. Ron had, indeed, done perfectly in Harry's eyes. It was as though Harry had done it himself. But Ron had lied, and defended Harry, and done it flawlessly.
"You really are amazing, Ron," Harry said softly, enjoying the way Ron was eating up all the praise.
"So are you," Ron replied brightly, tugging on Harry's waistband as he backed toward the bed.
Harry couldn't help laughing lightly. Praise was like a pheromone to Ron, but Harry was happy to give it tonight. He eagerly shoved Ron into the bed and climbed on top of him, both of them kissing somewhat frantically. Apparently ending Fred's suspicions had released some tensions for both of them, Harry couldn't help thinking, Ron was being particularly uninhibited as he slid his hands under Harry's shirt and kissed his neck. Harry gripped the headboard behind Ron's head and closed his eyes, enjoying the sensations of the gentle biting and sucking. He felt gloriously peaceful the more he realized just how in control he was, it was making him euphoric and everything Ron was doing felt absolutely amazing.
"Show me," Ron suddenly whispered in his ear, his breath pleasantly hot against Harry's skin.
"Show you what?" Harry murmured, releasing the headboard and kissing Ron, mindlessly starting to grind his hips into him.
"Show me how good I did," Ron replied quietly, moving his hips with Harry's, and gently biting his bottom lip.
Harry moaned softly, then pulled away and grinned, the statement had sparked a fire inside him, and he had never wanted to use Ron's body more than in that moment. He grabbed Ron's chin forcefully, his smile turning into a smirk.
"Oh I'll show you," he said gruffly, and Ron smiled, his eyes twinkling devilishly.
Harry knew he finally had him.