Disclaimer - the characters are not mine, I'm just borrowing them.

Chapter Thirteen - Ron's Acceptance?

It had been 3 months, 2 weeks and 5 days since Hermione had informed the Weasley's of her relationship with Draco, and therefore 3 months, 2 weeks, and 5 days since Hermione and Ron has spoken.

Although during this time other members of the Weasley family had shown their acceptance to Hermione and Draco's relationship. Harry and Ginny, as well as Molly and Arthur had been round to dinner at Hermione's and seen first hand the relationship between the pair as well as the change in Draco.

George had even sent Hermione a package of Weasley Wizard Wheezes goodies for her to use on Draco should he do anything to hurt her. This made her laugh and Draco nervous.

Draco knew that Hermione was upset that Ron had not contacted her, and had not made any decision to talk to her on the occasions that they were both at the weekly Sunday Weasley dinner. He just reassured her that everything would be ok, even if he wasn't sure what ok was.

"Draco we have a patient, come on" Healer Hughes called into the Healer's Lounge.

Draco was presently undertaking a rotation on the Spell Damage ward, and stood to follow the Senior Healer he was assigned to work with. As they reached the end of the ward, Healer Hughes started to inform Draco of the patient.

"So this patient is a trainee Auror and appears to have been injured during what was supposed to be a routine arrest. Their condition is not life threatening but they appear to have been hit by more than one spell at the same time, which is causing a bit of pain and uncomfortableness."

Draco nodded and was about to ask a question when Healer Hughes drew back the curtain from around the patient, to reveal none other than Ronald Weasley. Draco sighed, this was going to be entertaining or annoying or both.

Ron was a funny shade of purple and his hands appeared to be clasped together, while his legs were intermittently twitching.

"So Mr Weasley, my name's Healer Hughes and this is Trainee Healer Draco Malfoy and we'll be..."

"No" screamed Ron, "he is NOT treating ME".

"Excuse me" Healer Hughes stated

"He is NOT treating ME" Ron yelled again. "I WILL NOT HAVE A DEATH EATER TREATING ME!"

Draco had moved back slightly and was about to excuse himself from the area when Healer Hughes spoke up "Mr Weasley, I can assure you that St Mungo's does not employ Death Eaters, and Trainee Healer Malfoy is one of the best we have in our program, so I suggest you let us get on with our job".

Healer Hughes then turned to Draco and said, "so where would you start?"

Draco looked at Ron again, trying to ignore the fact it was him and just focus on the patient before him. He could see that Ron's colour had changed slightly since they entered his area, but he put that down to Ron's temper. His hands were still clasped together and his legs still twitching.

"His legs" Draco answered "his colour does not appear to be causing any other effects, and his hands again do not appear to be causing him harm, but his legs could cause an injury."

Healer Hughes nodded, "I would agree, so off you go" he said giving Draco a slight nod of his head indicating he should start the diagnostic spells.

As Draco lifted his wand Ron shouted "NO" again.

"Mr Weasley, I have to say that I find your attitude most disappointing and insulting. I can only imagine how Healer Malfoy feels" Healer Hughes said.

Ron had turned even more purple, and looked at Draco with total disgust. "If you insist on having a trainee healer treat me" he said angrily "then I want Hermione Granger".

"Trainee Healer Granger is presently undertaking a rotation in our maternity unit, so unless you have a very unique condition that is impossible, even in wizards, I suggest you allow those of us who specialise in Spell Damage to treat you", Healer Hughes responded.

Ron looked like he was about to say something else, when Harry came through the curtain.

"For Merlin's sake Ron, just shut up and let them treat you. I could hear you at the other end of the corridor".

"But...but...but its Malfoy" he spluttered.

Harry sighed, "yes and he's just trying to do his job, just like we were earlier when you got into this mess, so just let him fix you. It doesn't mean you have to like him or anything or do you want to stay like that?"

Ron huffed, but didn't say anything more. Harry turned to Draco and nodded. Draco again raised his wand and started casting diagnostic spells to see what injuries Ron had and what type of spells had been used.

After a few minutes Draco turned to Healer Hughes and said "it appears to be some sort of altered jinx that was based on the jelly legs jinx, petrificus totalus and a colour changing spell".

"That would fit" Harry said "the person we were apprehending has been creating his own jinx to use on people who upset or annoy him. Most have been a mixture of existing jinx and spells".

"So what treatment would you recommend?" Healer Hughes asked Draco.

"Well I would start with trying the counter jinxes for jelly legs and petrificus totalus to try and heal his legs and hands. I would also administer a healing potion to change his colour back to normal."

"Very good" Healer Hughes responded "carry on".

Draco muttered the counter jinx for jelly legs and Ron's legs stopped twitching. He then muttered the counter curse for petrificus totalus and Ron's hands appeared to relax.

"Are you in any pain?" Draco asked, knowing he could apply a pain relief potion with the healing potion for Ron's colour.

"Oh remembered I'm here have you? Don't you usually consult with patient's before you administer treatment?"

"Only when patient is actually likely to express an opinion on their treatment, not their healer" responded Healer Hughes in a tone that told Ron not to argue any further.

"Would you like a pain relieving potion?" Draco asked again.

"Yes" Ron answered "my legs feel sore".

"That is to be expected, and there is a possibility they maybe a little stiff over the next day or so" Healer Hughes advised, before nodding to Draco to leave and get the necessary potions.

Once the potions had been administered Ron was advised he would need to wait for about 2 hours for his colour to return to normal. After this had happened he was free to go.

Draco had headed straight back to the Healer's Lounge to write up his notes, and to get away from everyone. He knew that the entire ward would have heard Ron's shouting, and the news of it would have spread throughout the hospital. He knew that there were many who agreed with Ron, that he was a Death Eater, and he'd already seen a few patients flinch at his name, but Ron was the first one who had called him out. He'd known it would happen, but he still had no idea how to deal with it.

Healer Hughes arrived a little while later and told Draco that he had made the Auror Department aware of Ron's behaviour and that St Mungo's would back him and not to take it to heart. Draco wasn't really sure what to say. He knew that it was possible the complaint would make Ron more annoyed, but he wasn't sure he cared.

It was the end of his shift and Draco had survived. It seemed that all of his colleagues had heard about what had happened and were showing him their support however they could. Draco was just collecting his things from his locker before heading home when he felt someone wrap their arms around him from behind. He knew instantly it was Hermione.

"I'm fine" he said, and she squeezed him tighter and said "liar" as she released her hold on him. He turned around and smiled at her, knowing she was right.

"I'll make dinner, you talk" she said as she headed to her locker. "Deal" he smiled.

An hour or so later Draco and Hermione were curled up on her sofa and he knew it was time to talk. "It was inevitable really" he started, "I mean he's not going to be the only one who thinks it, and probably not the only one who will voice it. I guess I just wasn't prepared for it".

Hermione turned to face him, "Draco you shouldn't have to be prepared for it. You were not a Death Eater, you were not tried by the Wizengamot, you were just as much a victim as the rest of us. Ron had no right to say what he did to you today. No one does".

Draco smiled, loving the way Hermione was so ready to defend him. No one had really done that for him before. He kissed her forehead and pulled her into his arms, just wanting to forget the day.

Sunday had rolled around and Hermione was in two minds about going to the Weasley's for dinner. She wasn't sure she wanted to face Ron. He still hadn't spoken to her, and she was upset at him for the way he had treated Draco.

Ironically Draco had told her to go. He said he hadn't wanted to cause more problems for her. So here she stood in her kitchen, drinking her tea, trying to decide if she should go. She was startled out of her thoughts by the sound of her floo, and Molly Weasley standing before her.

"Hi Molly" Hermione said a little uncertainly, wondering why she was in her kitchen and not her own preparing the family feast. Molly smiled and gave Hermione a hug,

"I just wanted to make sure you were coming to lunch. I heard about Ron's visit to St Mungo's" she explained.

Hermione took a deep breath and said honestly "I don't know yet".

"Well I have an idea, and that is that you should come, and you should bring Draco too".

Hermione spluttered her mouthful of tea, not sure she had heard Molly correctly. "Bring Draco" she said.

"Yes" Molly said calmly "other members of the family bring their partners, why should you be any different?"

"But.." Hermione started

"But nothing Hermione, as I have told you, you are a member of the family and you will be treated as such. Just because my youngest son is stubborn and pig headed does not mean you should suffer. If he doesn't like it, then he can just deal with it".

Hermione smiled at the woman before her, sounding just like a mother standing up for her daughter. She also knew that Molly was right. They were her family and her boyfriend should be part of that too.

"I'll ask" she said, "and I'll be there".

Molly smiled, gave her another hug and then headed to the floo.

Hermione took a deep breath, and sent a owl to Draco asking him to come over, as she still never went to the Manor. It was only 20 minutes later when Draco appeared in her living room.

"I thought you were going to The Burrow?" he said as he walked into the kitchen.

"Molly called round this morning. She wanted to make sure I'd come" she said as she turned to face him, wanting to see his face, "and she wanted to invite you to" she finished with a smile.

"Sorry what?" Draco asked, a bit shocked.

Hermione walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his middle, looking up at him, "she invited you. She said other members of their families bring their partners to lunch, so why shouldn't I".

"But Ron..."

"Apparently her pig headed son will just have to deal with it" Hermione smiled.

Draco looked down at her, and he could see that there was some excitement in her eyes. She wanted him there. He'd already had dinner with Harry and Ginny, and Molly and Arthur, and he knew George had given approval. That was about half the family surely. How bad could it be?

Leaning down he gave her a quick kiss and muttered "ok I'll come". Hermione beamed back at him and pulled him down for a longer kiss.

The family were gathering around the table at The Burrow, and everyone was there. Only Hermione and Angelina missing. Hermione had chosen to apparate with Draco, so they arrived outside and were just getting themselves ready to go in, when someone else apparated into the garden.

A huge smile appeared on Angelina's face. "Nice to see I'm not last" she said, "practice ran over. Shall we get this show on the road?"

"You're not surprised?" Hermione asked

"Yes and no" Angelina replied, "figured it would happen at some point. Downside is I now owe George 10 galleons. I said you'd wait until Ron grew up before you brought Draco, George said no one could wait that long and that you'd be here sooner rather than later".

Draco looked at Hermione smiling, and Angelina's grin and he knew that he did have some support, so squeezed Hermione's hand and said "come on then."

Angelina went first, with Hermione and Draco behind her. They followed the noise and entered the dining room and only George looked up, "Yes" he shrieked, making the rest of the table turn around to see what he was looking at. There was a stunned silence as everyone realised there were 3 guests not 2 standing at the door.

"Oh Draco you came" Molly said from behind, as she was bringing in the last plate of food for the table. She placed the plate on the table before turning to embrace Draco and Hermione, "sit, sit, sit" she said.

Angelina had already made her way to George's side, and Harry said "there's 2 spare seats here", indicating next to the seats between him and Arthur. Draco and Hermione sat down at a still unusually quiet Weasley dinner table.

"So why the shriek George?" Ginny asked, needing to do something to break the silence.

"Oh just a little bet with Ang here" he replied.

"What does that have to do with Hermione?" Ginny asked.

"More with her guest than her" he smirked and there were a few sniggers around the table. The only person who looked uncomfortable was Ron. He couldn't believe that no one else had a problem.

"tatos tatos" Victoire chanted, banging her spoon against her plate.

"I think someone's hungry" Bill laughed at his daughter, as he spooned some mashed potato onto her empty plate. Everyone else took that as their cue and started filling their plates too, and conversations started around the table.

Ron stayed quiet, watching Hermione and Draco. Hermione was smiling in a way she hadn't in a long time, she looked comfortable and at ease with Draco. He was the same. Ron wasn't sure he'd ever seen Draco smile, smirk yes, smile no. Yet he smiled at Hermione, and he looked happy when he talked about her or work. He seemed almost calmer and more relaxed than he remembered.

Molly saw her youngest watching his best friend across the table, and she could see the realisation that was hitting him, which was exactly what she had hoped for. She knew her son usually just needed a little longer to deal with things than others, she just hoped he was smart enough to do something about his sudden realisation.

Dinner hadn't gone as bad as Draco had thought and for the first time he could see why Hermione loved to come to dinner. It was totally different to his family dinners, but he was certainly enjoying it more. It was relaxed and it was all about being together not about eating a formal meal.

As dinner ended, Molly headed to the kitchen to pack up leftovers for each of her children to take home, Bill and Fleur said their goodbyes taking a very sleepy Victoire home, and everyone else moved to the living room where the conversation inevitably turned to quidditch.

Eventually George and Angelina had left, along with their share of the leftovers. Ginny had convinced Mrs Weasley to let her stay at Grimmauld Place with Harry, so they were getting their leftovers to take home. That left Ron, Hermione and Draco in the room.

"Um before you go" Ron started "I just wanted to say...well...um I'm sorry for the way I behaved this week, it was uncalled for and well.."

Hermione could see that Ron was trying. "Thank you Ron, I know it means a lot, right Draco"

"Apology accepted" Draco replied, before turning to Hermione and saying "I'll go get the leftovers" and then leaving Ron and Hermione alone.

"Mione, I'm not saying we'll ever be great friends, but I can see he makes you happy. Just promise me you'll still be careful".

"I promise" Hermione replied, giving Ron a hug. Together they walked into the kitchen where Molly was giving Draco leftover apple pie for his mother after he mentioned it was her favourite.

"I was going to eat that" Ron said seeing the pie being packed up.

"Ron" Hermione exclaimed "you've eaten enough".

"Hermione's right Ron" Molly smiled, "and if the pie in the fridge is gone before the morning I'll know its you" she said as she handed Hermione leftover containers too.

Once Draco and Hermione got back to her cottage they put the leftovers away and headed to bed, it had been a long day. Hermione turned to face Draco and said, "I think Ron approves".

Draco smiled back at her and said "I'm glad for you, but I don't think we'll be friends anytime soon".

Hermione kissed him, and said "I can live with that" before snuggling into Draco's arms as they fell asleep.


AN: So I know this has been a looooong time coming, and I'm sorry I just couldn't get the chapter right, but tonight it just seemed to work.

Anyway I'm not really sure where to take the story next, but it feels like it needs some sort of ending. When I figure it out, or it comes to me I'll post it. Ideas are welcome, and so are reviews :)