Draco started to chuckle, and Ron looked at him quizzically. He explained, "I was just thinking about something. I guess I should tell you."

"Uh oh."

"No, it’s nothing bad. At least, I don’t think so. It’s just that I used to think you and Potter were lovers."

"What?" Ron asked. "What would ever make you think that?"

"Oh, come on, Ron. You two are always together; you’re like two halves of the same person. You whisper to each other like you’ve got some special secret no one else is in on. One of you is never without the other."

"He’s not here now, is he?"

"Well, I should hope not," Draco laughed. He slid across his bed to where Ron had propped himself against a pillow and planted a kiss in the middle of the redhead’s bare stomach. He rested his cheek on the smooth expanse and closed his eyes, Ron’s rhythmic breathing almost trance-inducing. "It wasn’t until our first time, when you said you’d never done anything before, that I knew you weren’t."

Ron ran his fingers through the blond locks. "Why me, Draco?"

"I’m going to buy you a shirt with a very large question mark in the middle of it."

Ron smiled. "You didn’t answer my question."

Draco pulled himself up to face Ron, rubbing his finger under the boy’s chin, and quietly said, "Because I love you."

"How is that possible?"

"How is it possible to love you? Let me count the ways."

"No, that’s not what I mean. The whole thing about us hating each other for so long. What changed for you?"

Draco leaned back against the headboard. "I think it was after Potter. I started looking at things, at people, differently. I’ve been pushing people away all my life. Remember I told you before about wanting some of what you have?" Ron nodded. "I think after I was with Potter, I started seeing you as he did. All the lies that had been fed to me all my life about you melted away. You were everything I wanted to be, and you had everything I wanted to have. Over time, I came to realize I didn’t just want what you had, I wanted and needed you."

"You had a unique way of showing your interest. I’ve never been seduced that way before. Come to think of it, no one had ever seduced me before."

"Well, it worked, didn’t it?" Draco grinned. He leaned over, capturing Ron’s lips for a deep kiss, his tongue plunging in freely when the soft lips parted to receive him. He pulled away and Ron moaned in surprise. "Now it’s your turn. Why would you want to be with me after the way I’d treated you all those years?"

"Are you kidding me?" Ron asked, incredulous. "Have you looked at yourself in the mirror recently? Who wouldn’t want to be with you?"

"Seriously."

"Okay. But that’s certainly part of it. While I loathed you with the fiery passion of ten thousand suns, you have always been intriguing to me. I could never figure you out. There’s always been a bit of mystery around you. When you kissed me in the corridor that first time, I thought I was going to explode. I’d never been kissed like that before, and I’d never felt like that kissing anyone. I wanted to fight it, but somehow, it just felt right, in my head and . . . other places, too." He blushed and smiled shyly.

Draco kissed him again, moving his body to cover the taller boy. Their tongues snaked around each other with familiarity, their velvety softness caressing each other.

Ron wrapped one leg around Draco’s and smoothly turned the other boy onto his back. He broke the kiss, leaving a wet trail of kisses down the smooth, toned body. He reached Draco’s growing arousal and paused to flick his tongue over the boy’s thighs, eliciting a pleasurable groan. He placed two fingers against the sensitive weeping cock head and lifted it, placing his tongue flat against the base and licking firmly to the tip. Draco arched his back, thrusting his cock toward Ron, who pushed Draco’s hips back onto the bed and straddled them. He grasped Draco’s stiff member and positioned it at his entrance.

Draco held his breath in anticipation. Ron fully seated himself on Draco, the familiar feeling of fullness causing him to flush, and he smiled. The two groaned in unison as Ron moved, almost withdrawing completely before plunging down again. Draco felt the urge to close his eyes as waves of pleasure flowed over him, but he wanted to watch his love, his life, his saving grace, study and memorize him during these most intimate moments. And he wanted to remember everything he did to please him so he could do it again and again, to see such a look of pleasure on this boy who was more beautiful than anything he had ever seen.

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"I’m still not so sure . . . I - I just don’t know if this is such a good idea." Draco sat stiffly in the train compartment, hands in his lap, fingers twisting nervously.

Ron put one arm around the fidgeting boy, his other warm, freckled hand grasping Draco’s tightly. "It’ll be fine," he said soothingly, resting his chin on Draco’s shoulder. "Dad will take us to your, um, to your father’s house and get your things, then you’ll come home with me."

"Mmm hmm," Draco nodded, his leg bouncing nervously.

Ron placed his hand on Draco’s jumping knee. Trying to distract his boyfriend, he asked, "Have you decided what you want to do yet?" Draco pulled an envelope from his bag and handed it to Ron. "What’s this? Oh, Draco, this is amazing! Why didn’t you tell me you were recruited for Puddlemere United? When did you get this?"

"About a week after Father had me declared dead. I have never been sure if it was coincidence or not. I owled them just before leaving Hogwarts. Seems they’re still interested, even though I quit the team briefly this year."

"Good job, Draco," Harry said, smiling, reaching out to shake his hand. Draco hesitated only a second before clasping his fellow Seeker’s hand and returning the smile.

The pair had reached an uneasy truce. They were willing to do anything, though, to keep Ron in their lives, and if that meant playing nice with each other, then so be it. Each was hesitant to accept a compliment from the other, still wary of the motive behind it, but their relationship continued to improve. They were almost friendly with each other, though small talk was virtually impossible.

"Thanks," he nodded, re-folding the letter and returning it to us bag. "I thought I would wait to tell you until things got settled."

"That’s okay," Ron smiled, kissing his pale cheek. "It’s wonderful, though. I’m really happy for you. You’re going to be great."

The train screeched to a halt at Platform 9 3/4. Students were bustling, removing their carry-on bags and trying to track down their trunks and suitcases. Ron and Harry stood, stretching, gathering their things. Draco still hadn’t moved.

Harry slid the compartment door open and turned to the other two, "Are you coming?"

"In a minute," Ron answered, and nodded, pulling the door closed again. He knelt in front of Draco and grasped his hands again. "Just take a deep breath. There’s nothing to worry about. My family’s really looking forward to your staying with us." He stood and leaned in, kissing Draco warmly. He still held the smaller boy’s hands and pulled lightly, urging him to stand.

Draco finally stood and wrapped his arms around Ron. "Just don’t leave me, please. I can’t do this alone."

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The trip to Malfoy Manor took longer than Ron expected, but they did not stay long. Draco laughed bitterly as he saw the belongings his family had left for him at the gate. Three small bags containing a life.

"That can’t be all?" Ron asked worriedly out the car window.

Draco snatching the bags up and tossing them in the boot. He slid into the back seat beside Ron and slammed the door.

"Ready, son?" Mr. Weasley asked, studying the blond in the rearview mirror. Draco smiled wanly at the term of endearment, nodded as tears began to fall and they headed toward the Burrow.

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"Draco! So happy to see you here," Mrs. Weasley hugged the obviously flustered boy tightly. "Fancy a snack before dinner, boys?" she asked, heading into the kitchen. "Take your things upstairs first, though. You can unpack later."

Trunks and bags were dragged up the stairs and piled in Ron’s room. Draco smiled as he surveyed the room. No, this did not remotely resemble his former home. His room had been larger than the Weasley’s entire second floor. No servants or house elves here. But this room, the entire house was imbued with Ron. Draco thought he could be very happy here.

"We haven’t really talked about this," Ron said shyly, unsure of how to continue. "My parents know about *us*. If it’s okay with you, it’s okay with them if you . . .," he motioned toward the bed. Draco looked at the bed and back at Ron, who worried at the other boy’s hesitation. He rushed to add, "Or we have a cot I can pull in here if you’d rather, or I’ll sleep on the couch downstairs and you can have the room to yourself."

"No, no, no," Draco crossed the room and embraced Ron. "Here is fine." He felt Ron relax in his arms.

"We’ve reminded Ginny to knock," Ron said, grinning.

"Good." Draco kissed him lightly. Already knowing the answer, he asked, "Hungry?" Ron nodded eagerly and they raced each other downstairs.

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Draco marveled at the evening meal Mrs. Weasley put together for the family. He took some of everything, not sure what most of it was called, and not caring, as it was all delicious. Second and third helpings were offered all around. He asked Ron if they could take a walk outside after, knowing he couldn’t sleep on such a full stomach.

They held hands as they walked in the glow of the setting sun. Draco rubbed his stomach. "Your mother is really something else," he said admiringly. Ron merely nodded in agreement, enjoying their quiet time alone.

Ron led Draco up a small hill behind the house. He stretched out on the soft green grass, Draco settling into the crook of his arm, Ron’s shoulder his pillow. They enjoyed the sky’s changing colors as evening became night, and their shared warmth.

Ron lifted his head to study Draco. His breathing had become so even, Ron was sure he’d fallen asleep.

"What are you looking at?" Draco asked softly.

"You."

"Oh, okay."

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Draco had never slept so soundly in his life as he did his first night at the Burrow. He was comforted by the presence of not only Ron but also the other Weasleys. He had sensed no hesitation on their part to accept him into their family. He knew Ron must have talked about him over prior summers, how terribly he spoke about the Weasleys and Harry. He was sure they would hate him as much as Ron used to, and expected a cold, informal reception. In fact, he felt more at home here that he had with his own parents for many years.

Both boys were tired, not only from their trip, but from the Mrs. Weasley’s welcome home feast. They dragged themselves upstairs, changed their clothes and collapsed together on Ron’s bed.

"I hope you’re not disappointed," Ron said, pulling Draco onto him for a deep kiss. "I’m just too tired tonight."

"Do you think I expect sex every night?" Draco laughed, his thumb stroking Ron’s cheek.

"Well, . . ."

"Ease your mind. The answer is no, I don’t. Not that I mind it, of course. Just don’t worry yourself trying to do things to make me happy. I’m happy being here with you. Everything else is just, what is that muggle saying, icing on the cake?"

"Mmm, I wonder if there’s any cake left." Ron playfully shoved Draco away and tried to stand up.

Draco grabbed his boxers by the waistband and pulled him back onto the bed. "Shut up and kiss me goodnight."

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Draco spent days at the Burrow, studying up on Puddlemere United. He had been sent a parcel with books, photographs and his uniform. He was encouraged to learn everything he could about the team’s history, as well as his new teammates so he would be prepared to join them as Seeker.

Ron was spending his days with his father at the Ministry, interning in various positions, trying to find where he might enjoy working. He hadn’t found anything to suit him yet, and was still leaning toward joining the wizard’s chess team.

"I’m home!" Ron called from the door. Receiving no response, and hearing no one moving about, Ron climbed the stairs to his room to change clothes. Draco had promised a ride on his new Nimbus.

Draco was habitually neat and, without servants to take care of his every need, had taken to picking up after Ron as well. Even so, Ron was surprised to find his room so neat this evening. Papers had been stacked evenly on his desk. Draco’s trunk, which should have been stored in the attic, was pushed against the wall, its lock in place, and Draco’s other bags stacked neatly on top. Ron opened his closet and bureau drawers to find all of Draco’s items missing. Ron looked out his window and saw Draco lying under a shade tree in the backyard. Why had he packed all of this things?

Eyeing the stack of papers on his desk, a letter sticking out of its envelope, caught his eye. The red wax and the imprint on its seal were unmistakable. His breath caught in his throat. What could Lucius Malfoy possibly have to say to his dead son? He didn’t hesitate in removing and reading the letter addressed to Draco. What he read made him ill.

"Draco!" Ron ran out to the blond, who appeared to be napping in the shade. "What’s going on?"

"You’re a smart boy, Ron. I’m sure you’ve got it all figured out," Draco said smugly, his eyes still closed.

"Please explain this to me," Ron pleaded, his voice breaking as he thrust the letter toward Draco. "I don’t understand."

"I’m going home."

"But this is your home now."

"Wrong," Draco said sternly, sitting up. "This was a way station, a temporary stopping point. I got delicious food, a warm bed to sleep in, and a good fuck whenever I needed it. Now I’m going back to my life."

"I thought I was your life," Ron whispered through his tears.

"Just a bump in the road, my boy." Draco rose from the ground and stretched. "I’m on to bigger and better things."

Ron couldn’t speak. He was sobbing, his heart pounding to near bursting in his chest. He covered his eyes with his hands, and tried to make some sense of it all. "You were lying to me the whole time."

"I wouldn’t call it lying. I just let you believe what you wanted to believe. You wanted to believe Father had disowned me because of you. You wanted to hear me say that I loved you. You wanted me to come home with you. The truth is, I declined to take the dark mark and that’s why Father disowned me. I’ve had a few months to think about it, though, and I changed my mind. I owled him a few days ago, and he’s agreed to accept me back."

"So it was all a lie," Ron marveled. "I loved you, and it was all a lie."

"Oh, come on, Ron," Draco purred, closing in on the redhead. "You didn’t really believe I was going to stay with you forever, did you?" He began circling, taunting him.

"Stop it!" "I can’t believe you thought I was in love with you!" "No!" "I can’t believe you are so naive as to believe I wanted to spend the rest of my life with a Weasley."

"No!" Ron cried out, waking with a start, his body soaked with sweat, his face wet with tears.

Draco, who had been curled at his side, woke at the cry. "What is it, Ron?" He pulled the trembling boy to him, stroking his back and whispering, "Shhh." As the shaking and tears subsided, he asked, "What was it? Nightmare?"

"Yeah," Ron sighed, his breathing returning to normal. "Just a really, really bad dream."

"Here, get up," Draco started pulling the sheets off the bed. "I’ll get some new sheets."

Ron sat in the chair by his desk and watched in admiration as Draco changed the bed sheets. Ron couldn’t believe he actually knew how. "Where did you learn to do that?"

Draco turned to grin at him. "Watching you."

Ron remembered everything about the dream. He surveyed the room, seeing no sign of the trunk. It was no doubt still in the attic, where it had been stowed with Ron’s after their return from Hogwarts. There were no papers on his desk, and he saw no letter or envelope.

Having finished with the bed sheets, Draco sat on the edge of the bed and grasped Ron’s hands. "Tell me what scared you."

Ron sighed deeply and felt the shakes return. His voice trembled as he recounted the nightmare. "I’m sorry. I don’t know where it came from."

"Do you still have doubts about me?" Draco asked, his hands beginning to shake as well.

"No. I think it’s about me."

"What do you mean?"

Ron shook his head and laughed. "It’s me. I think I’m still having a hard time believing this is real. That you’re here, and you love me, and I love you, and . . . " Another deep breath. "And I am a Weasley, after all . . ."

"Stop it, Ron." Draco released his hands and stood in front of the still agitated boy. "Would you stop with this nonsense? So you’re a Weasley. I know that, I’ve known that for seven years now. What does that have to do with us?"

"I just wonder if I really deserve it. You, I mean. And I keep expecting it to end any minute."

"You never struck me as the insecure type. Besides, I’m not going anywhere." Draco pulled Ron out of the chair and hugged him fiercely.

Ron nuzzled his neck, nipping and kissing the skin he could reach within the tight embrace. "Thank you," he whispered between kisses, his fingers entwined in Draco’s hair.

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