Alright, finally finished this chapter. Well a lot of you have been giving me ideas for what direction you want to see the story go in, and it was unanimous. Which, I have to say, surprised me, given some of the comments Id gotten previously. None the less heres the next chapter. There will probably be one more chapter after this, and maybe an epilogue. Reviews welcome, as always.
Reconciliation
It had been nearly a month since Ron left Malfoy Manor. Hed moved in with his sister Ginny, and for the first week all he did was stay in his bed and cry. His tears had dried up by the second week, but he refused to leave his room, barely ate, and had needed sleeping potions to get a good nights rest. By the third week, Ginny had had enough. She forced Ron out of bed and out of his room. She tried to get him into some kind of routine that didnt involve sulking, with varying degrees of success. Ron usually followed Ginny around town, helping her with whatever errands to needed to get done. She talked about everything under the sun, while he pretended to listen. It had provided a momentary distraction, but eventually he would be back in a bed that wasnt his, in a room that wasnt his, alone, without Dracos scent, or touch, or warmth to comfort him.
The worst part was, that Ron hadnt heard from Draco at all since hed last seen him. He didnt imagine the other man had very much to say to him, but hed at least been expecting to served with divorce papers. After weeks of waiting, Ron decided that the hope that his marriage might not be over was worse that definitive proof that it was. It was like being condemned to a slow, torturous death, rather than a quick execution. Everyday without Draco felt like an eternity. It was hell. He desperately wanted to hold his husband again, to kiss him, to make love to him and promise that he would never betray or hurt him again. Hed have promise Draco anything, even if he could only have one more night with him. If he couldnt have that, if their marriage really was over, Ron would except it and move on. If for no other reason that to give Draco some measure of peace. But it seemed Draco wanted to deny him the comfort of either outcome.
For a while, Ron assumed it to be part of Dracos plan. Keep him wondering, drag out the waiting as long as possible, dangle the possibility of a reconciliation in front of Ron, before snatching it all away. But that didnt quite make sense either. As long as Ron and Draco were still legally bound, Ron still had rights, even in Voldemorts warped world. Ron still had access to their Gringots account. He could still return to Malfoy Manor, whether Draco wanted him their or not. He even still had his magic, as the spell that bound it to the manor and Draco extended to all Malfoys properties, including the house Ginny lived in. So if Draco was really done with him, why not be done with him. A hopeful part of Rons mind told him it was because Draco was as confused as he was. Another, more sinister part, said it was because he was busy getting even, probably screwing Pansy six way from Sunday. Still another more fearful part said it was because Draco was so overwhelmed by the shock of Rons cheating, that hed Avada Cadavraed himself into oblivion, and he was currently rotting away on the mansion floor, cold and alone, with Rons picture clutched in his dead hand.
Before Rons mind could run too much farther away with him, Ginnys house elf appeared in the room. {Master Malfoy is to be seeing you, sir.} It said, bowing low. Ron sat up on his bed, looking bewildered. {What?} The elf looked up at him nervously, with only its eyes and said {Master Malfoy is waiting for you in the drawing room, sir.} Ron stared at the elf breathlessly for a moment, before his words fully sunk in. Ron leapt from the bed rushing to the door. Taking that as his cue to leave, the elf disappeared with a pop. Ron stopped at the door, standing their frozen for a long moment. He pulled away and turned to the mirror. He looked like hell. Granted, if Draco had decided to show up that first week, he would have looked worse, but Ron hardly thought he was suitable to be seen by his gorgeous husband. Ron cast a quick charm on his hair and robes, and another to remove the dark circles under his eyes. Deciding that his current appearance would have to do, Ron exited the room.
Ron stepped into the drawing room. His breath hitched when the saw Draco. The other man had his back to him, he was facing the fire. His hair shone in the firelight, his black robed were perfect as always. Dracos posture looked a bit slumped and he may have been a bit thinner than Ron remembered, but it didnt matter. He was their, he was real. As if sensing Rons presence, Draco turned to him. Ron felt a pang in his chest. Dracos face looked utterly drained. His eye were empty of any emotion, though they didnt look cold. He had circles under his own eyes, indicating he hadnt been sleeping any better than Ron had. He had white stubble on his face, that was only visible were it caught the light of the fire. But damn it all if he still wasnt the sexiest man Ron had ever seen.
Ron wanted to rush into his arms, but managed to restrain himself. {Draco?} He greeted in a whisper. {Ron.} Draco returned with a nod. The two met each other in the center of the room. For a moment neither said anything. There was much that Ron wanted to say, of course, but the words got caught in his throat. Draco finally broke the silence. {Ronald, we need to talk.} He began. Ron knew this wouldnt be good. No conversation that started with Draco calling him Ronald ever did. Draco sat in a small chair, Ron sat on the couch opposite him. Draco placed a envelope on the coffee table between them. {When I found out about you and Granger I was furious. I didnt understand why or how someone Id loved so much could do something like that to me.} Ron thought Draco might start with something like that, but it didnt make hearing it any easier. He looked down at his shoes pitifully, unable to look Draco in the eye. {It wasnt until I heard from you directly that I realized something, something Pansy told me when she found out, but I wasnt willing to hear. And you were right, both of you.} At those words, Rons head rose. He eyed Draco in confusion. Dracos face was still emotionless. It really didnt matter how much I loved you, it didnt change what you were, a prisoner of war, nothing else. Ron rose from his seat, shaking. {Draco.} The blonde shook his head, indicating he was not finished, and Ron needed to listen. Ron dropped back into his seat, and let Draco continue. And you were right what you said all those years ago too, I cant buy you, no matter how hard I try. As far as the wizarding world is concerned I already own you, but I cant make you mine, I cant make you love me. Draco looked away this time, glancing at his own feet. After a moment he got up from the chair and moved to sit next to Ron. He wrapped an arm delicately around Rons waist. I really did love you. I do love you. I hope you know me well enough to know that. Draco spoke without meeting Rons eyes. He was facing forward, not really looking at anything. I didnt at first, I wont lie and say I did, but I did eventually fall in love with you, Ron. No one could have ever asked for a better wife, despite everything else. You were the best, no matter what anyone says, and you were a saint to keep up appearances as long as you did. Draco finally looked up at Ron again, and flashed the smile Ron had missed for so long. Ron wanted nothing more than to kiss the beautiful man in front of him, but something in Dracos words, his tone filled him with dread. He could not move. Dracos eyes sparkled with tears that would not fall and the former Slytherine continued. I just wanted to be the husband you deserved.
Before Ron could stop himself, he threw his arms around Draco, embracing him in a tight hug. His own tears spilled from his eyes. Draco! He sobbed. Dracos gentle hand was stroking Rons back. The touch was as soft and as comforting as it had always been, with just enough strength to let Ron know he had a man that would, and could, shoulder all his burdens. And then it was gone, and Draco was pushing him away gently. But I cant, can I? Draco asked. His sad smile still in place. Tears rolled down his cheek as he leaned in and kissed Ron. Of all the kisses Ron had shared with Draco, this one stole his breath the most. He felt everything Draco felt for him in that kiss. It was not forceful or demanding, but it was filled with emotion, the good and the bad. Ron gripped Dracos head and neck, putting as much feeling into returning kiss. He ignored his need for breath, he needed Draco more. He feared letting go of the other man, because he knew what would happen once he did. Ron knew he couldnt stop it, but he wanted to delay it as much as possible.
The kiss ended with both breathing heavily, Draco ran his fingers through Rons hair. They stared into each others eyes for a long while. Rons were apologetic, for more than just the cheating. Dracos were as forgiving as they were understanding. Ron did not have to explain anything, Draco knew. Draco finally turned toward the coffee table picking up the envelope. He handed it to Ron. Ron took the envelope, but refuse to open it. It was as if the fold of paper was Pandoras Box itself, he had to keep it closed. Im letting you go Ron, I cant keep you anymore. Ill kill you if I do. Ron shut his eyes, shaking his head. Draco pulled him close and kissed his temple. Youre afraid of loosing yourself, and maybe you already have. I dont want that to happen. I want you alive and vibrant, and free. I want you to be the man I fell in love with. He stopped speaking long enough to turn Ron so they were facing each other. Ron clutched the envelope to his chest, eyes shut and head down. He felt Dracos hand on his chin, and let him gently lift his head up. Ron opened his eyes, looking into Dracos. But more than that, I just want you to be happy. I want to be able to give you that. Draco leaned forward and kissed Ron again. This kiss was more impassioned than the last. Ron swallowed Dracos tongue into his mouth. He felt Dracos strong arms wrap around his body, and wanted the feeling to last forever. Draco broke the kiss, but continued holding Ron close. He rested his chin on Rons shoulder.
The two sat there, holding each other and crying for what seemed like an eternity, before Draco finally pulled away. I love you Ron. Just, be happy. He chanced one final kiss to Rons forehead then disapparated away. Ron fell to a sobbing heap on the floor.
The moment Draco apparated into his room he collapsed onto his bed. Until that moment, the room still felt like his and Rons. Now, there was no denying, it was sadly his alone. If Draco was completely honest with himself, hed known what he was going to do for a while. Hed been holding it off, for fear of what it would mean. That Ron was no longer his. That he would never hear his laugh again, or touch his skin. Draco would never be able to just sit with Ron on the porch, or in their bed, holding each others hands, and enjoying each others company. He would come home to a cold empty house, instead of returning to Rons embrace.
Draco curled up on the bed, gasping and sobbing, feeling utterly alone. Hed had never experienced such hurt. Even when he first found out about Rons affair, a small part of him felt they could work things out. True he was ready to throw Ron out, and had threatened to divorce him then, but he knew, even then, he wouldnt actually go through with it. He was angry, he needed time away from Ron, and yes he wanted to hurt Ron, scare him a little. But he wasnt ready to give up on their marriage quite so easily. Ironically, it was Rons defense of the affair that changed Dracos mind. Maybe Ron was just making excuses, or trying to justify his actions. Maybe he was genuinely trying to make Draco understand. Whatever his reason, his words struck a cord with Draco. So much so that there was no way he could hold on to Ron, not anymore.
Over the years, Ron and Draco had done what Draco was sure his parents rarely (if ever) did, they talked. The future was rarely a topic of discussion, obviously, but they each talked a lot about their past. Draco told Ron what it was like to grow up in what he called a museum, and Ron told Draco what it was like to grow up in what he often referred to as a zoo. Draco told Ron about how cold his parent had been toward each other, and had heard stories about how openly affectionate the Weasleys had been. Though he never said it out loud, Draco wanted what Rons parents had, and would not subject Ron to what his own parents had shared. So if Ron felt trapped in their marriage, there was really no way Draco could keep him, and still profess to love Ron. The decision hurt like hell, probably hurt Ron as much as it did him, but in the long run, it would be the best thing.
The settlement Draco decided on was more than generous, by most standards, but somehow still seemed to lack what Draco felt Ron deserved. Hed given Ron a new house in Whales, almost as large and as lavish as Malfoy Manor itself, as well as a small fortune in alimony. Sharing custody of the children was made easier by the fact that both spent most of the year at Hogwarts. Draco still had no idea how he was going to break the news to the Scorpius and Hugo, he would have to do it soon, of course, but could not bring himself to think about it at the moment. Lastly, Draco had restored Ron and his siblings status as independent pure bloods. It was in his right to do so, as Rons former husband, though such a thing was practically unheard of. Ron would have full control over his own magic, and an identity in the wizarding world free of Draco. Draco would not presume to think his gift was everything that Ron wanted, but it was certainly enough to help Ron find it, whatever that turned out to be.
It was three days after Draco had served Ron with the divorce papers, and Draco had yet to receive any word that Ron had signed them. A hopeful part of Dracos mind told him that perhaps Ron wouldnt, but Draco refused to entertain the thought. Ron would ultimately do what was best for him, he knew, and take the opportunity at freedom while he had it. He spent most of the next week, burying his sorrow in work, spending long hours at the office, because he feared returning to his empty home. When he was home, it was only to eat, shower and sleep, before returning to work. The house felt like more of a tomb than a home without Ron their. Draco considered moving all together, but knew his loneliness would only follow him. It was a rare evening when Draco returned from work early, his exhaustion having finally caught up with him, that he was informed by a house elf that Ron was there to see him.
Draco met Ron in the drawing room. He expected to receive a copy of the signed paper, though not without some resistance from Ron. He knew the other man could be quite stubborn, but would ultimately see reason. Ron looked better than he had the last time Draco had seen him. His robes were freshly pressed, his hair neatly combed, even his skin seemed to glow. There was even something different in Rons posture, his whole presence. He seemed reinvigorated, somehow. His old Gryffindor fire was back. The sight made Dracos heart race, and truthfully, most of the blood went straight to his penis. He stepped into the room and sat across from Ron. {Ronald.} He began, in a soft voice barely a whisper. Ron looked at Draco with determination in his eyes. {Did you mean it?} He asked. {When you told me you wanted to give me the chance to be happy, did you mean it?} Draco rolled his eyes and sighed, leaning back in his seat. {Ron, please, weve been over this.} {Just answer the question!} Rons voice sounded frustrated. {Did you mean it or not?} Draco sighed again, running a hand through his hair and looking anywhere but at Ron. {Yes! Yes, damn it, I meant it.} Ron shook his head, not taking his eyes off Draco. {Then why are you just tossing me away?} Dracos head snapped toward Ron, looking mildly insulted. {Im not tossing you away, Ron. Im giving you your freedom.} Ron snorted and looked down at his lap. {Giving me a pay off, more like.}
Draco rose to his feet, exhaling heavily. Why did Ron always have to make everything so difficult. Draco paced the room as he spoke. {What do you want from me Ron? Ive already given all I can think to give, even before all this! I dont have anything left!} When Draco didnt Ron answer right away, he continued. {I know this is hard for your Gryffindor pride to accept, but giving up isnt always a bad thing. Sometimes its the best thing you can do, for everybody.} Draco turned away from Ron, walking over toward the fireplace. {Just admit you were wrong, stop doing what hasnt been working, and try to do better.} Draco leaned over the mantle and heard Ron say Youre right.
For a moment Draco thought hed heard Ron wrong, the man had never told Draco he was right their entire marriage. Never said it the entire time they knew each other. He turned to face Ron, and saw him rising from the sofa and coming toward him. {Draco,} Ron started. {I wish I knew how to make you trust me again, or how to get you to believe that Ill never hurt you like this again, but I dont.} Ron stood in front of Draco, resting his hands on the other mans shoulder. His beautiful blue eyes began to tear up. {I wish could just put this all behind us and make things better than they were before, but I cant.} Ron took both Dracos hands in his own, clasping them together. {But II cant survive without you. And its got nothing to do with what house Im living in or how much money you throw at me.} Ron laughed softly, saying {I grew up poor, remember, I can deal with that.} Draco laughed too, and Ron gripped his hands a bit tighter. {But what I cant deal with is going through the rest of my life without you.} At Rons words, Draco turned away, trying to pull his hands out of Rons grip. {Ron} But Ron refused to let him go. {I need you, Draco.} Draco finally snatched his hands away from Ron. {You dont know what youre talking about. You dont need me, you dont need anybody. Youre a strong, capable man who can take care of himself. Youre just too damn stubborn to leave well enough alone.} Draco tried to walk away, but Rons hands were on him again. {You are a part of me Draco, and I know you feel the same way. I cant just cut you out and move on.} Ron sounded pleading now, and Draco was loosing the last of his resolve. {Stop it.} Draco begged.
Ron pulled Draco close, enveloping the blonde in his warmth. {You said you wanted me to be free, and being free means I get to choose the life I want.} Draco closed his eyes, holding back his tears. He lifted his arms, intent on pushing the other man away, but found himself wrapping them around Rons strong body instead. {Ron.} he cried. {Im a free citizen now, remember, I dont need your permission to choose anyone.} With that, Ron pulled away, reaching into the pocket of his robes. His face was streaming with tears, and as Ron removed his hand, clutching something, Draco saw it was shaking. Ron lowered himself slowly to the floor, Draco tried to catch him by the elbows. {Ron?} Ron continued downward, until he rested on one knee before Draco. With his hands trembling worse than before, Ron opened the small black box in his palm. {Ron, please} Draco said, unable to hold back his own tears now. Ron held out the box to Draco, revealing the intertwining bands of silver and gold inside. He kept his head down, not looking at Draco directly. {Draco, please, I I want to make you happy too.} He took Dracos hand in his own. {I know you probably deserve a lot better than me, but I want to be better for you. I want to be the kind of man you can be proud to call yours, and I want to give you everything you deserve.} Ron looked up at Draco, his eyes shimmering pools of cool blue. {I cant ever repay you for everything youve done for me, and maybe I cant make up for the hurt, but please, give me the chance to try. Draco} Ron looked as though he was about to say more, before breaking into nervous laughter. {Im not saying any of this right. Im sorry, I} Ron looked away, rubbing his eyes.
Draco knelt down in front of Ron, taking him in in his arms. He lifted Rons head so their eyes met, and kissed him softly on the lips. He then took the ring from Rons box, placing it on his finger, and answered Rons unasked question. {Yes.} He said softly, and Ron utterly broke down. They kissed again, before melting into each others arms. {Im sorry.} Ron repeated, over and over. Draco rubbed the back of Rons head, enjoying the feel of his soft red hair. {Its okay, it doesnt matter anymore.} A small part of Draco couldnt help think, this was entirely the most foolish thing hed ever done, but he could not care less. Ron was back, back because he wanted to be. And at that moment, nothing else really mattered.