Chapter Text
Ron stares.
It was like the calm before the storm.
"Draco Malfoy.... really?"
When Harry first confessed to Ron about who it was he he had feelings for, he felt as if the world had tilted on its axis. It was impossible--well, at least he thought so. Was it everyday that your best mate confessed that he fancied the very person who has hated you for simply being born?
Harry was his best mate, and has been since they were eleven years old. Harry was his brother in everything but blood, they spent Yule together starting from first year, and trusted each other with everything--and he means, everything. And being the chosen one, a ton of girls fancied Harry even though they barely knew him.
Harry had otherwordly looks--his copper skin shone like gold under the sun, his hair a long and untamed black, while his green eyes looked like jewels.
In all honesty, Ron felt a tinge of jealousy when it came to his best friend. He was handsome, likable, talented, and was overall the dream bloke of every witch or wizard. He was also the youngest seeker in a century— a century! He also caught the golden snitch on his first ever game.
Even Ginny, his little sister used to be absolutely besotted with Harry. It annoyed him having to come home for the holidays to Ginny talking about Harry, making poems for him, and just… being a stupid kid in love. It changed though, the summer before third year. Ginny moved on from Harry, being embarrassed when anyone brings up that era of hers, where she obsessed over Harry.
Harry was an amazing friend, and an even better person. Ron just hadn’t expected Harry’s crush of all people to be Draco fucking Malfoy.
Draco Malfoy— the same stuck-up, pompous, spoiled, blood purist prat who’s hated them since first year. Since Harry wasn’t raised in the magical world, he did not understand the significance of rejecting Malfoy’s handshake, and Ron doesn’t blame him for rejecting it.
Ron may be a teeny bit dense, but over the course of three weeks, he had realized Harry spacing out often, always writing in his notebook, and being distracted during quidditch practice. Ron thought the stress of being a Triwizard champion was taking a toll on him.
Ron hated how he acted like such a terrible friend when Harry’s name flew out of the goblet. He was an absolute jerk, and Hermione— bless her soul, was trying to get Ron to apologize and keep them together. He did end up apologizing to Harry, realizing his wrongs.
His insecurity got the best of him, Ron had to watch as his mother and father praised his siblings for being so talented and unique— never quite having received the same amount of recognition hurt him.
Bill was a prefect and head boy, and started work at Gringotts soon after graduating. Charlie was head boy, and now works in Romania. Percy’s the Gryffindor prefect, and planning to start work at the ministry after graduating. The twins weren’t any of those, but their intelligence laid elsewhere. Ginny was the babygirl his mother had desired for so long, and what was Ron? He wasn’t smart, he wasn’t talented, he was nothing.
Ron disliked it when he hurted his friends over his own flaws. Harry insists that it was okay, Hermione comforts him, but Ron can’t ever feel like he was enough.
His status as a pureblood wasn’t enough, as almost everyone looked past that and focused of his family’s lack of wealth. Malfoy had constantly belittled him over that, which fed into his insecurities. Finding out Harry fancied Malfoy was tough.
A few seconds after acting calm, Ron shddenly felt his chest flare angrily. “Malfoy? MALFOY?!” Ron yelled, only for Hermione to shush him as to not wake up every sleeping Gryffindor. “Get off, Hermione!” He hissed, making the bushy haired girl roll her eyes and sneer.
”If everyone wakes up, i’m blaming you.” Damn goody two-shoes. “I’m not even supposed to be in the boys dorm at this time— or at all!” She glared at Ron, who glared back.
Harry scratched the back of his head nervously, steering his gaze away from Rob’s unimpressed expression. “I didn’t expect it either. Sorry for calling you guys here at midnight, but you guys really wanted to know what was bothering me.”
Hermione sighed. “Harry, you know i’ll always support you. But Ronald is right, Malfoy?” Her eye twitched, must be recalling that one time Malfoy called her a mudblood.
Oh geez, imagine if the Daily Prophet gets wind of this.
“I know!” Harry exclaimed, head in his hands, clearly frustrated. “It just came so suddenly, trust me ‘Mione— he was not my first option either.”
Ron rubbed his temples, trying to not explode at his best mate, who clearly had terrible taste in boys. “And here I thought the Triwizard crap was catching up to you.”
”The other champions are helping me, so not as much. But the thing is, I think Malfoy’s caught on to the fact that i fancy him!” Harry utters, holding both Ron and Hermione’s hands.
“He winked at me today.”
”He must have been teasing you.” Ron argued.
”He told me i smelled sweet.”
”It could be a joke?” Ron suggested weakly.
”I overheard Parkinson tell Greengrass that he wants to snog me! Snog, Ron!”
”Not teasing then, or a joke.” Hermione grumbled as she crossed her arms. “Okay, you like Malfoy, he likes you—“
”Probably likes you.” Ron interrupted.
Hermione rolled her eyes. “Just accept that they’re in love, Ronald.” She groaned.
”Malfoy called you a mudblood in second year, or did you forget?” Ron snarked. “He’s also made fun of my family, his family is blood purist— and so is he. So, no, i can’t accept it, Hermione.”
”I still despise him for the mudblood thing, and probably will for the rest of my life, but Harry’s our friend, Ron. As much as I hate it, i’m helping him. Of course all the bullying he’s done won’t be excused so quickly, but if he makes Harry happy…” She trailed off, eyes slowly darting towards Harry’s green ones.
Harry pursed his lips uncomfortably. “Sorry.” He mumbled. “But it’s driving me crazy. I didn’t mean to drag you guys into my mess, but you guys are my best mates, I can’t keep a secret from you two at all.”
”And we’re glad you decided to tell us.” Hermione smiled softly, “Right, Ronald?” She turned to glare at the red-head, who hesitated.
”Whatever.” Ron grumbled bitterly, feelings complicated emotions swirl in his chest. “But if Ifind out Malfoy’s playing you, i’m going to steal one of Hagrid’s pets and send it after his pompous arse.”
Harry chuckled, hugging Ron tightly. “And I give you my full support in doing so.”
“He’s ignoring me.”
Harry’s words quickly shut both of their mouths.
”Mate, what do you mean by that?” Ron asked cautiously, though anyone could tell there was a hint of seriousness in his tone.
They were in the corner of the hallway after potions, Hermione couldn’t stay long, as she still had ancient runes. Hermione and her damn schedule, Ron can’t seem to figure out how she’d manage without the time turner. He remembers feeling utterly betrayed when she and Harry used it last year.
”I mean, he’d send me these dumb little notes before charms, he’d wink at me, and even sit next to me in potions!”
”So, what’s the issue?” Ron asked, really not understanding the point. He was happy for his mate, Harry seemed so over the moon after class, telling he and Hermione about the things Malfoy would do.
To be frank, Ron still disliked Malfoy with every fiber of his being. But Harry hasn’t been this happy since Sirius. But Sirius, despite being innocent, was still not a free man— which meant he had to stay in hiding. Ron sighed and look at Harry.
“What did he do?”
”I guess he saw me talking to Cedric.”
”Diggory? What could that possibly contribute to thi— oh.” Ron stopped abruptly when he finally realized, a frown on his face as he stared at Harry.
”Don’t tell me he thought you were flirting with him.” Ron deadpanned.
The sarcastic grin on Harry’s lips said everything else.
“C’mon! Diggory is like seventeen, and you’re fourteen!” Ron said with horror in his face. “And i’m quite sure Diggory likes that one fifth year from Ravenclaw— what was her name?”
“Cho Chang.”
”Right. Chang.” Ron groaned. “Malfoy can’t possibly be THIS stupid, can he?”
“After he acted like Buckbeak killed him in third year? He is THAT stupid, Ron.” Harry retorted. “Which is absolute bollocks! I just told Cedric about what the first task could be.” He huffed. “Curse me for caring.”
Ron patted his mate’s back. “Hey, since Malfoy’s being an outrageous asshole right now, can i send one of Hagrid’s spiders after him?” He asked, a twinkle in his eyes.
Harry stared at Ron, unamused. “Okay, first of all— you’re deathly afraid of spiders, how are you going to get it? And second, if the teachers find out, you’re getting detention— and I'm quite sure Malfoy’s going to tattle to his father.” He listed. “Did i miss anything?”
Ron pouted. “No. But i can get Ginny to do it—“
”No spiders, Ron.”
”Awe.”
”I’ve got a better idea, though.” Harry grinned.
It was never good if Harry Potter had an idea.
Ron and Harry were walking to the great hall, the red-head barely suppressing his laughter.
”I think this is the funniest idea you’ve come up with yet, mate. The twins would be proud.” Ron whispered. “This will surely get Malfoy’s panties in a twist.”
Harry chuckled, playfully bumping his shoulder against Ron’s. “I owe you big time.” He grinned mischievously. “Show time?” Harry asked, as they approached the door to the great hall.
”Ready when you are, sweetheart.” Ron had to remind Harry to stay in character when the Gryffindor hunched over in laughter.
”Let’s go, honey.” Harry uttered back, and Ron grinned, his long ginger locks shaking as he giggled.
They hooked their arms together and pushed the door open, looking into each other’s eyes with ‘affection’ or whatever this was.
They both walked to their respective tables and sat down. Neville was the first to notice them, he beamed and waved, his mouth full with food. “Hiya, Harry! Ron!” He greeted, albeit a little muffled.
”Mornin’, Neville.” Harry chortled. “Thanks for saving us a spot.”
Neville smiled when Harry thanked him.
Ron and Harry got to filling their plates, waiting for the perfect moment to officially start their plan. The plan was quite childish, Ron agreed to flirt with Harry for as long as it takes, until Malfoy cracks and finally gets the stick out of his arse.
The door to the great hall opens to Malfoy, and his group of Slytherins. As soon as they entered, Ron’s gaze flickered to Harry, their eyes met. It was time to commence the plan.
When Malfoy and his group were about to past them, Ron spoke.
”Harry, want some bread?” Ron raised his voice a little, loud enough for Malfoy to hear them.
”No, i’m good.” Harry replied.
”No?” Ron raised his brow. “How about a date?”
It was at that moment that Malfoy froze in his tracks, Ron didn’t need to look behind him to confirm it. Malfoy’s loud ass footsteps jolted to a halt, hah, sucks to suck.
Ron spent all night on this.
”Maybe in the future, darling.” Harry purred, bright green eyes glued on Ron’s sky blue ones. “Let’s finish breakfast first, ‘yeah?”
Ron was close enough to hear Malfoy grit his teeth and rush over to the Slytherin table. When he did, the two boys broke out in silent laughter.
”Merlin— did you see his reaction?” Ron wheezed. “The ‘darling’ was the cherry on top, though.” Harry had his palms over his lips, his entire body trembling with laughter.
Seamus looked between them two. “What the fuck?” He stared at them. “Are you two…” It baffled Ron on how scandalized Seamus looked.
”Nope.” They both automatically answered. “We’re doing it to mess with a certain snake.” Ron grinned.
“Right. I really thought you two were snogging for a second.” Seamus said. “Can’t wait to see how this turns out. Good luck with the snake.” Seems like Seamus figured it out already.
”Am i the only one who’s confused?” Neville deadpanned. Harry leaned into his ear and explained.
”What the fuck just happened, Pansy?” Draco forced out through gritted teeth. “Potter and the Weasel! Can you believe this?” He turned to look at the unamused girl.
”Yeah.” Draco looked betrayed. “Potter and Weasley have been close since first year, haven’t they? It won’t take a lot of convincing that they’re actually an item.” Pansy retorted, shoving a piece of garlic bread in her mouth.
Draco grunted. “Okay— but, me and Potter had something! This past week, we’ve been— flirting, or whatever!” He frowned, his cheeks turning red, crossing his arms and glaring at his food as if it wronged him.
”Didn’t you ignore him all day yesterday ‘cause he talked to Diggory?” Blaise interrupted. “Sort of your fault, Draco.”
”Shut it, Blaise.” The Slytherin snarled. “But, the Weasel?l Draco internally screamed. This could not be possible. If only Potter didn’t get too close with Diggory, then he wouldn’t have ignored him!
”We know, dear.” Pansy patted his hair. “But some of us want to eat breakfast in peace, right?” She called out to the rest of the table, a chorus of agreements sounded out.
”Whatever.” Draco groaned. He took small bites of his food, his appetite long been gone after hearing those words leave Ronald Weasley’s mouth.
It hasn’t even been three days, and Potter’s already replaced him with the Weasel? What did Potter see in him? Draco was much, much richer than him, he had a high family status, and just a thousand times better.
“Your thoughts are written on your face, you know?” Blaise said quietly. Draco turned to look at him. “You’re thinking that you’re better than Weasley, right?” Damn Blaise and his entire being.
Draco didn’t answer.
Potter and Weasley were walking to Charms next, Granger was with them, this time. Draco was still upset by the whole ordeal, and Pansy gave no shits.
“Harry, you play seeker, right?” Ron asked, staring at the tanned boy. “Because you look like a keeper.” Ron added with a wink.
Potter simply raised his brow and chortled, hanging his arm around Weasley’s shoulder. Blaise’s heart skipped a beat, were they really dating?
He never wanted anyone to know that he was interested in Ron Weasley of all people. Being in Slytherin, a house dominated mostly by Pure-Bloods. Weasley may be a pure-blood, but as the others say— they did not live like ones.
So, why? Why does his heart continue to ache for Ron Weasley?
They have never spoken to each other properly, Weasley hated Draco, he was Draco’s friend, therefore making himself Weasley’s enemy. Blaise did love Draco truly, but he was too much sometimes.
”Blaise?” Pansy called out from beside him, when did she get there? She was holding her potions book close to her chest. If anyone knew about how he truly felt, it was her.
”Pansy.” Blaise greeted. “Need anything?”
Pansy pursed her lips. “Are you okay?” Before Blaise could ask for elaboration, Potter’s laugh filled the hallway.
”A little heartbroken.” He joked. “Kidding, i’m fine, Pansy.”
Pansy simply stared at him, and nodded after a few seconds. They both silently walked to potions.
Blaise sat next to Pansy. Potter and Weasley sat in front of him, they were giggling about something. Blaise could care less about Potter, but he was enamored with Weasley’s grin, fuck him and his dimples.
”Hey Harry.” Weasley called out, tilting his head to the side— fuck, that’s adorable.
Potter looked at him. “Yes, Ron?” He said in a honey sweet tone. Blaise tried to stop his eye from twitching.
After Weasley went into a deep silence, Potter’s brows furrowed.
”Sorry.” Weasley lightly chuckled. “You’re so cute, that i forgot my line.”
Blaise had to mentally and physically restrain himself from bursting into flames. Oh, merlin— this is absolute torture. This is all Draco’s fault. Everyone in Slytherin knows that Slytherin is easily jealous, but the people outside of their house don’t.
”Do we switch with Finnigan and Thomas?”
Before they could, Professor Snape entered the classroom at that moment. All chatter died down immediately, and Professor Snape’s cold aura filled the room.
”Turn your books to page eighteen.”
Nothing interesting happened after that, Professor Snape’s presence made them too fearful of attempting anything.
“It’s totally working.” Harry said proudly, “Hermione said Malfoy’s eye was twitching every second during defense.”
Ron huffed. “It better be working, i’m constantly fighting for my life trying not to burst into laughter!” He exclaimed.
”You two are ridiculous.” Hermione stated, trying to tame her wild curls, cursing when her hairbrush broke when she tried combing through it. She muttered a quick spell to mend it.
Ron rolled his eyes and walked towards Hermione. “Comb.” Hermione lazily gave it to him. If there was anyone that had the ability to make her hair look the least bit presentable, it was Ron.
”I still don’t know how you manage to tame me and Hermione’s hair.” Harry uttered, sharing a similar hair type to Hermione. Ginny suggested cutting it off, but Harry quite liked his long hair.
”Ginny used to make me brush her hair, dad bought her a muggle toy when she was younger— i think it was called ‘slime’? She often got it stuck in her hair, and she’d cry if we had to cut it.” Ron chuckled. “Sounds i had to comb through it, it was ridiculous.”
Hermione snorted. “Sounds like a Ginny thing, definitely.” Humming as Ron tied her hair up into a high ponytail. “Thanks, Ron.” She beamed.
”Speaking of Ginny…” Harry trailed off. “I saw how you look at her, ‘Mione.” He grinned when Hermione’s cheeks turned a bright shade of red.
”Screw off.” She grumbled. “She doesn’t know yet.”
Ron hummed. “I’m not supposed to say anything, but Ginny totally likes you. I’ve heard the twins tease her about it.”
”And… The Yule ball is coming up.” Harry wiggled his brows towards Hermione. “I think Ginny would appreciate it if you asked her.”
Hermione kept quiet, trying to hide her hot cheeks. “Thanks for the suggestions, now let’s talk about you and Malfoy!”
Harry groaned.