Chapter Fifteen

It was leaving day. He was finally able to break out of this place. It held some special times but all in all, he wanted to get back to school. He knew he was so far behind and would need a tutor. Perhaps Draco could help him get better with his studies.

Ron had just gotten out of the shower and was preparing to leave. He had already packed his things and couldn't wait until he would be with his friends and Housemates again. He was slowly realizing that he missed Seamus and his less-than-clean jokes. He missed Dean trying to restrain Seamus from the women he was trying to pursue…Neville and his awkward behavior…Harry…his best friend. He couldn't contain the excitement he was feeling as each second ticked to his release.

He pulled on a pair of black trousers. Ron was going to make sure that he looked sane. He knew that no one would try anything with him but he wanted his appearance to reflect the change in him, the older version of himself shining through.

Draco said he would come and get him, along with Hermione, Harry and Ginny. He remembered the past Monday when Draco had came to visit and had to explain why he couldn't be there to share lunch with him. Ron was more than shocked to hear that his friends and boyfriend were making steps to get closer to…to…to whatever those who hated each other (and secretly always would) got to that wasn't malice.

The youngest male Weasley was drying off his hair when he heard a knock then the door creaking open.

"Ron," It was Draco.

Ron pulled the towel off his head and draped it around his neck. "Hullo." He looked over to him.

"Why didn't you ever show me these?"

What was he talking-? Oh no. He had completely forgotten about those scars on his chest. He had become so adjusted with himself and situated that it escaped him that he would still have battle wounds.

Remaining silent, Draco closed the door behind him and walked over to Ron. His hand was nervously shoved in a pocket. "When?"

"A long time ago. Nothing recent, I swear." He pleaded with Draco.

His eyes were still wide open. He had never seen so many scars…were they words? "I believe you." He stepped up to him. "May I touch one?"

"Sure. If you must."

Draco reached a shaky hand towards the pale scar that spelled out `No'. He tenderly traced the etching. The pain and anguish that Ron endure was tactile to him…he could sense it now. The bottom of his stomach dropped as he realized that there were many more scattered across his chest and abdomen.

Softly, the fringe that obscured his vision slightly were pushed to the side. Ron took great care with this situation, with brushing the bangs away. Everything had to be perfect because someone was touching his skin, exposed skin. He didn't want to go berserk. He knew to trust Draco now.

"I wish you would have told me about the rest. Put your shirt on, Weasley. You're friends are here as well." Ron chest would never stop haunting him. Thankfully, he was filling out with nutrition but those fading marks were never going to leave his body.

Ron obediently pulled a jumper on. "You all haven't fought over me, have you?"

"And why would I fight for you?" Draco asked as he turned around to lock Ron's trunk.

"Because you like me." Smirked Ron.

Draco retorted. "Who said I ever liked you?"

"I did get the best. I'm so lucky to have you."

"I can tell you're being sugary and sarcastic." While his back was turned, he felt an arm grab him, spinning him around. "Oh, what now"

"Shut up. I have big news. Scary news." Ron smiled.

Draco leaned forward ("May I?") and placed a quick kiss on his lips. "Now, news."

"I'm ready to tell you all…everything. Who he is. I can't stand it anymore. Holding it all in landed me in here. Now, I'm leaving and about to assimilate back into the school's population. I think it would be best to start on a good foot. I want to tell."

The blonde stared at Ron. "Are you sure? Are you ready?"

"As I'll ever be."

"I'll get them."

Draco slowly made his way into the open Hospital Wing. The other three were by the door. "Come on back."

"What did you do?" Harry questioned.

"Nothing. He wants to talk to us. He's ready to tell us what happened… who did this."

All three Gryffindor's stared blatantly. "You didn't push him?" Ginny spoke first.

"No. He wanted a fresh start. This is his way of doing it."

Harry pushed passed Draco, heading towards the Ron's room.

"Really nice Potter. And here I thought we get along." Draco called back, refusing to turn around.

"Shove off." was his reply.

"Swell chap. Good to know he's going to save us all." Draco muttered to no one in particular.

"He's trying, at least." Hermione whispered as she passed him. Ginny followed silently behind them.

Draco didn't know how much longer he would stomach them. They were all rude buggers. Why did he listen to Ron's decision to bring them to his release from his personal prison? Draco would never know. He headed down the corridor that led to Ron's room, waltzed right inside and leaned against the closed door.

So this will be my purpose, my position whenever I'm in a room with his equivalents…family member, Draco thought ruefully. He watched the scene unfold before him. Ginny was clinging to her dear, big brother desperately.

He was right. They love each other so much. The lot of them. I wonder what will happen once he focuses on his mother. He hasn't spoken much of her.

Hermione stood dignified by Ron's sides, patiently waiting to say her greetings. Potter had his hand on Ron's shoulder. This, above anything else, infuriated Draco. How dare that overachieving hero wish-he-could-be touch Ron? Shouldn't he have asked? Shouldn't he know better than to touch what is rightfully his?

Calm down…

Draco took a breath and leaned fully against the wall adjacent to the door. He fought the urge to interrupt the lovely reunion with some snarky comment but the look of utter elation on Ron's face, his demeanor, caused him to swallow whatever he was planning on saying.

"Um, guys. Come on now. There's no need for all this."

Ron had finally accepted his feeling and thoughts he had last Friday as to what Draco had suggested: just the healing process working.

"We've missed you is all." Harry's mumbled voice sounded through Ron's jumper. He was embracing Ron fiercely now.

"I missed you all too. But please let's just sit down before I lose my nerve." Ron tittered.

With that, everyone found a seat. Ron sat down near the headboard of his bed, Ginny sat (well, laid) next to him on his right, Harry was seated, with Hermione, at the edge of the bed, and Draco remained next to the door, safely and far away from any of their joy.

"I guess…well I don't know where to begin." Ron stared at Draco, mentally begging him to sit next to him.

"The beginning is a good place." Harry smiled.

You're not funny, Draco thought maliciously.

"You're right. I should start at the beginning. It all began with Draco. If it weren't for him being the git he is those weeks ago, I would never have gotten the help I need. This seclusion has forced me to focus in on the problem. I relived it everyday instead of trying to bury it. Draco wouldn't let me. He wouldn't let me sit back and slowly die. And because of his help, and the more than obvious tension, I want you all to be a bit matey with him."

Everyone in the room scoffed at the idea.

"See! You all think the same. That has to be worth something." Ron spoke gently. He wanted his friends and partner to get along. No one knew how long this would go on. No one knew if this would be the first of many or the last. Malfoy was special to him and because of every record he broke, his family and friends needed to accept him.

"I don't know." Muttered Ginny.

"She's right. This may not fully work." Draco spoke.

"I don't care. I want everyone to be civil. For me…I beg you."

The look of sorrow and pleading melted everyone's long-standing prejudices against the other. They would give Malfoy a chance – one and that was it. That was all they could stomach at this point in the game.

Hermione leaned forward and rested her hand on top of Ron's knee. "We'll try."

"That's all I ask for."

"Fine." Ginny and Harry muttered while Draco grumbled incoherently.

"Thank you. Now, you may join us."

"I'm fine. Go ahead." Draco spoke gently to Ron.

"Sit down…right here." He patted to the small space next to him on the left edge of the bed. It was placed just a bit behind him.

"Only because you asked so nicely." Malfoy sneered in jest. He shuffled over to the bed. He could feel their stared but he didn't recognize them. He carefully watched Ron as he sat down behind him, right leg folded next to him, pressing against the small of Ron's back, and his left hand placed on Ron's thigh.

"Don't touch me. Rubbing it in their face, are you? Get your hand off me."

He knew that Ron was kidding; this was his way of showing to them that Draco was willing to listen to him. Draco removed his hand.

Ron turned his head to the side, his blue eyes twinkling with mirth. "Thank you."

"Anytime. Just ask." Draco replied, a special look in his own eyes.

The other occupants of the room watched the two carefully. Maybe this was real for the two of them. Maybe Malfoy could be softened up by Ron's presence.

"It all started in – it was…"

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