Chapter 14

Before He Came

Ron woke up that Sunday morning feeling as miserable as he had the night before. The entire night his dreams had been interrupted by images of the announcement. He could still see Gabrielle's face gawking up at Draco as everyone cheered around them. Her face made him sick. He rolled to his side and was surprised to see Hermione looking at him, her eyes bright from a peaceful nights sleep.

"Good morning," she whispered snuggling closer to his side. Ron grimaced regretfully before kissing her on the cheek. He still felt sorry for Hermione. He was repeatedly lying to her behind her back and to her face. She had been one of his best friends, and still was, after all this. She trusted him with her love and he, being too afraid of hurting her feelings with a break up, kept her on a short leash while he, behind her back, fell in love with Draco. What sort of friend would do that? He knew exactly why he did this to her. It was so that, if for some reason Draco disappointed or hurt him in some way, she would be there to catch him when he fell. That was the worst reason in the world, he thought as he pulled Hermione's head down to rest on his chest, but his nagging conscience wasn't enough for him to tell her the truth. He caressed her auburn-hair. He didn't love her; he knew that the instant he found real love with Draco. His relationship with Hermione was only a strong brotherly friendship that he had let go too far.

Maybe he should tell her the truth; deal with the consequences; be the man he was trying so hard to be. He looked into her eyes a second time and knew that he couldn't. There were too many secrets now. Too many secrets that would break her heart; make her hate him. She would never trust him again, and maybe she shouldn't. He'd tell her…just not now.

"We'll leave around noon, okay?" She said as she sat up in the bed, the sheets falling down exposing bare breast that he hardly took notice of any more.

"That's fine," he answered as he too sat up and climbed from the bed. "I have something to handle in the meantime anyway."

"Like what?" she asked looking at him.

"Nothing important, just last minute shopping in Hogsmeade."

"Well, Harry and I will join you after we finish his lesson plans." She climbed out of the bed and gathered her robes, towel, and clothing. "What's the password for the prefect's restroom?" she asked as she gathered her things into her arms.

Ron was immediately reminded of what happened last night and his entire body goosed. He saw once again Gabrielle's naked decent into tub, her kissing his chest and his neck as she stroked him into submission, ultimately framing him for rape. That small room had too many bad memories associated with it and he preferred if Hermione didn't use it.

"I think the password changed last night," he lied as he pulled on a robe. "You can ask Harry for the new one if you can find him." He knew she wouldn't take the bait.

Hermione shook her head and made for the door. "I'll use another one. It'll take less time." With that she waved a goodbye and left the room, shutting the door behind her.

"God," Ron moaned as soon as the door snapped. He crossed to the bed and fell back onto it. "What am I going to do?" He had Draco to deal with before he left and to top it all off, he still hadn't had his conversation with Harry. He wasn't given much time to think for there was a knock on the door. Just great, he thought.

"Who is it?" he called.

"Draco. Ron, let me in," came Draco's tenor voice from beyond the door. Ron's heart jumped in his chest as he climbed out of the bed, tripping on his sheets and falling flat on the floor.

"Are you alright?" Draco asked banging the door once more.

"I'm fine," he lied rubbing his head. He jumped clumsily to his feet as he tied the belt on his robe tightly around his stocky frame.

What does he want with me at this hour? He thought. He really didn't want to see him right now. He hadn't had much time to compose himself after last night's surprise. Go away, go away. He thought, though he found himself checking his hair in the mirror before crossing to the door. Taking a deep breath to calm him nerves, he pulled open the door.

Draco, right shoulder leaned against the frame of the door, head cocked to the side, grimaced down at him, a cocky grin playing on his lips. Ron frowned.

"May I come in?" he asked straightening his stance.

Ron almost gave into his grandeur as he watched Draco moisten his bottom lips with his tongue, a seductive grin quirked the corners of his lips.

"No," he hissed with as much anger as he could muster as the blood from his head rushed to his groin making him horny and lightheaded at the same time. "Don't you have a fiancé you should be charming?" he snapped.

Draco reacted by cocking his head once more to the side and moving closer to the taller male's side. "I can explain."

"There's no need. I got your message loud and clear. And so did the whole bloody school if I remember correctly!"

Draco stayed silent, his expression grim. Ron, who had braced himself for a verbal battle eased when none came. He might as well hear him out. He stepped aside letting Draco enter the tiny room. Draco was quiet, his eyes lingering here and there on knickknacks, clothes on the floor, the bed. Ron took a seat on the bed and began fumbling with his thumbs. He was usually conscious of himself. Maybe he should have dressed instead of throwing on a robe, or maybe he should have washed some of the sleep from his eyes; did anything to make him more irresistible.

Blimey, there I go again, he thought cursing himself in his head. I'm supposed to push him away, not turn him on!

"Don't think too hard, Ron. You'll hurt yourself," Draco joked, taking a seat next to him.

Ron glowered. "Enough small talk," Ron snapped scooting away from Draco prying hands. "Are you gonna tell me why you're here or am I going to stay in the dark like I was last night?"

He hadn't meant to blurt out the last part, but since he was thinking it, he might as well say it. It did feel good to get some of his anger off his chest. "Why did you propose to her?" he asked abruptly, not giving Draco time to respond. "Why?" he asked again.

It was the other boy's turn to be thoughtful. Draco sighed and looked toward the floor; his hands clasped in his lap as he thought around for words. When he finally said something his words seemed far away and were vague.

"I have my reasons," he confessed after a time.

"Um, do you feel like telling me what those reasons are?" Ron added sarcastically, smiling despite his anger.

"Why do you want to know so much?" Draco asked. Ron quickly jumped on the defensive.

"Um, let's see. One, you say you want to be with me. Two. You know that's she's framing me for rape and you say you're on my side. Three. I know you can't stand her or her family, yet you're willing to marry her. Should I continue?" he huffed, his chest rising and falling quickly under his robe as he fought to control his anger.

Draco looked on the verge of saying some sly and clever retort; anything to throw Ron off and get him off the subject at hand, but decided against it as he looked once again into Ron's eyes.

"Fine," he said quietly. "I'll tell you. But no questions until I'm finished," he added hurriedly as Ron went to speak. Ron shrugged and stayed silent, waiting for Draco to continue.

Draco exhaled slowly then began. "I've known Gabrielle for quite a while now, even before she took the job here; though not as well." He paused for a second to let these words sink in before he continued.

"I convinced her to take this job. Not directly by any means, but with subtle hints. It didn't take much persuasion seeing as she was in a bad spot and she's had a crush on me for ages."

"Why did you want her to take this job?" Ron interrupted; breaking Draco's rule without thought. "What was your plan, if you have one?"

"I'm getting to that," Draco said. Ron nodded.

"It was just my luck that I came across her when I did. Her mother Arabella had just announced her retirement from St. Mungos after a debacle with the head healers. It was a nasty ordeal, all over wizarding news. Luckily, it was settled quietly. Anyway, they were stretched for money having only her mother's savings to live on. Though they would have been well off for a while, the money wouldn't have lasted very long. They needed help."

"So you helped her?" Ron interjected.

"Yes."

"Understandable I guess. But why did you go and fall for her?"

"I told you I haven't," Draco huffed.

"But then why…?"

"Let me finish," Draco sighed cutting Ron off mid-sentence. "I have to make you understand."

"Gabrielle's family's well known. Her mother's famous for her work in healing. She has saved many lives and her work as been acknowledged by the wizarding world."

"So, you're marrying her for the fame?" Ron yelled. It wasn't really a question but rather a statement that was blurted out before he could stop himself.

Draco stared Ron down with disbelief written all over his face. He continued.

"After her mother retired she continued to do research on her own and rumor has it that she's found a cure that can heal any thing that ails you."

"Uh huh?" Ron sighed, waiting for Draco to get to the point.

"But she refuses to tell anyone what it is because she says that the rest of wizarding society doesn't deserve to know what she has found. We're not good enough for her, she says. Only those in her family are important enough to know what the secret is."

"Sounds just like her daughter," Ron added slyly. "Still, this doesn't explain why you have to get involved."

"Ron, don't you see," Draco said taking the other boy's hand and squeezing it. "I'm doing this…"

There was a booming knock on the door.

"Draco, darling. Are you in there?" called Gabrielle's from beyond the door. Draco winced and dropped his head to his chest in silent defeat. Ron leaned in and kissed him softly on the top of his head, caressing his cheek as Draco raised his eyes to meet his.

"We can finish this later," he smiled despite his disappointment. He nodded toward the door. "Besides, your beloved fiancé awaits you," he mocked. He didn't know why he felt the need to anger the man he loved, but it took some of the stress from his shoulders and that was all that mattered at the moment.

"Ron, believe me. She isn't who I want to be with."

Ron shrugged and stood from the bed. Grabbing his pants and shirt he moved to the other side of the bed. "Prove it," he said coldly, his back turned so Draco couldn't see the hurt written on his face.

Draco didn't respond, but crossed to the bedroom door and grabbing the handle paused. "I will." And as quietly as he entered, he left the room, leaving Ron feeling more lonely and depressed than before he came.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ron walked from shop to shop in Hogsmeade with no particular destination in mind. He called greetings to those he passed but barely heard their replies as he carried on. His mind was reeling. What had Draco meant? How was Gabrielle's mother involved in this all? He was sure Draco disliked the woman; he could hear the contempt in his voice when he spoke of her. But, then was did he speak so highly of her and why was her invention so important to him? Did he need it to rebuild his own fortune? He had said he didn't need the money and he didn't. His father had left him well off.

Ron couldn't figure it out and the more he thought about it the more confused he became. Draco was supposed to clear everything up for him, not confuse him even more.

Ron returned to the castle an hour after his departure and returned the things he bought to his room before taking a walk around the castle. He stopped by several teachers' classroom to check in and he took the time to help a small group of first years with a Herbology project. Other than that though, his day was pretty uneventful. He was about to give up and retreat back to his room and wait for Hermione to return from helping Harry when Gabrielle called his name.

"What do you want now?" he asked looking at her as she pranced toward him. Gabrielle smirked at him and pouted. "I would like to invite you to a dinner with me, Draco and my aunts. Harry and Hermione will be invited of course. It's an engagement party to celebrate our union."

Ron looked down and to the right and crossed his arms. "What makes you think I'd want to attend?" he asked not looking at her.

"I don't care if you don't. You will or I'll tell everyone what you did to me and you wouldn't want that would you?"

"You're a bitch. Has anyone ever told you that?" Ron asked.

"Yes, that seems to be my latest description, but I don't mind. I rather be a bitch than a cheater."

"A cheater? What do you mean?" Ron asked looking her directly in the eyes now.

"I've seen the way you look at Harry. You can't fool me."

"Hahaha, there you go making assumptions again. Harry's my friend and nothing else…we grew up together and…why am I explaining myself to you?" Ron huff as he turned and walked away.

"Seven then!" Gabrielle called. Ron waved over his shoulder and flicked her off as he sped away down the corridor. He could hear her menacing laughter behind him.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"She's up to something," Hermione said as she walked alongside Ron to the great hall where the dinner would take place. "As soon as this is over we're leaving." Ron nodded and readjusted his tie Hermione had insisted he wear. "Why are we dressing up?"

"Because I will not endure that hideous woman commenting on my attire again," Hermione huffed as she once again lost her balance in her three inch heels.

"Again?"

"Yes again. She took it upon herself to give me pointers this afternoon while I was helping Harry with his assignments."

"And what did you say?" Ron asked taking her hand to help steady her as she tripped again.

"I didn't say a thing. I pity those that have to make others feel horrible to make themselves feel more important. It was rather childish. She should know better."

"The entire family should." Hermione nodded at that.

They entered the great hall to find Bertha, Elladore, and Harry already seated. The hall was dimly lit by only those candles in the center of the table. Strange shadows were thrown on the walls giving the room a ghastly and eerie feel. "Why is it so dark?" Hermione whispered to Ron as they walked to the round table that was positioned in the center of the room.

Ron shrugged. "Stay close to my side."

"You're late!" Bertha hissed at them as they drew closer.

"We're sorry. We had more important things to do beforehand." He was surprised at how calm his voice sounded even to his ears. Even Bertha looked shocked by his calm demeanor because she didn't saw another word as he sat Hermione and took a seat between her and Harry.

"Where's the couple?" Hermione asked looking at Harry. He shrugged.

"That's known of your business, girl. They'll come when they are good and ready." Ron grabbed Hermione's hand underneath the table to calm her and he heard her exhale at his side. "Very well," Hermione said calmly.

On queue Draco and Gabrielle entered the hall hand in hand. Gabrielle, smiling from ear to ear drifted toward them and kissed Draco's cheek before seating. "Thank you all for coming," she said looking at each other them in term. "Ms. Granger informed me that you planned to leave at noon. I hope our little dinner wasn't an inconvenience?"

Hermione smiled, but Ron winced and stared daggers at her before rolling his eyes. "We didn't have much of a choice did we," he said.

Elladore squeaked as Bertha slammed her hand down on the table. "Watch your tone boy!" she hissed. Ron gingerly fingered his glass and didn't speak. He didn't have to look up to know that Draco watched him now and it pleased him to know that Draco knew he was the reason for his discomfort. Let him squirm.

Gabrielle laughed gleefully to break the uncomfortable silence and clapped three times. As if they waited in the shadows, three house elves arrived at their table laden with dishes of steak, bread, vegetables and bottles of wine in ice. They served them one by one, bowed graciously and retreated back to the kitchens Ron supposed. Ron wasted no time pouring himself a glass of red wine. Harry followed and in turn everyone helped themselves.

"As you all now, Draco and I are to be wed," Gabrielle said happily. "I can not be more pleased if you all attended or wedding. In fact my mother insists that I invite you all. You are Draco's friends and it would be only right." Harry almost choked on his wine as he sipped and Ron laughed outright. "Are you serious?

"Damn right she's serious. Bertha snapped banging the table again and making their untouched food rattle and slosh in their plates. "You ungrateful little basta…"

"Enough!" Draco said speaking for the first time since sitting. "I will not have you belittling my friends," he said looking squarely at the older woman. "I've had enough of your name calling."

Bertha stared back at him and Ron could literally see the fumes of smoke emitting from her ears. She took a sip of wine to calm her nerve and when she spoke again her voice was light and friendly. "I apologize for my behavior," she said in her boyish tones. "Please forgive me?"

Ron raised an eyebrow and shrugged. This was twice in two days that Draco showed his control over this domineering woman and his confidence still ceased to amaze him. Ron looked his way and caught Draco looking at him and Draco didn't look away until he did. Gabrielle looked from Draco to Ron and grimaced.

"Let's not let this food go to waste," Gabrielle said scooping out a large helping of lima beans for herself and passing it to Draco. They ate quietly until Bertha recounted her childhood adventures to them all. As if we care. Ron said under his breath as Bertha described her first date and how things had changed since her day. "Ronald, shush," Hermione said squeezing his hand.

"His name was Tom. He was a very handsome man. He had this cow lick atop his head that I made sure to press down before we went out. He had gorgeous eyes, green if I remember correctly. A tiny thing he was, but very cute," she mused her eyes far away as she remembered.

"What happened to him?" Hermione asked as she sipped her wine.

"Probably sat on him," Ron whispered under his breath. He had to pat Hermione's back to keep her from choking as she laughed. Harry hid his laughter by holding a napkin over his mouth.

Ron missed her answer as he soothed Hermione and once she was fine he looked once again at Draco who was whispering into Gabrielle's ear across the table.

"Elladore. Who was your first crush?" Hermione asked looking at the fragile woman who sat dwarfed beside her sister. Elladore looked up from her food as if she wasn't quite sure where she was and at hearing her name had just realized she wasn't alone.

"Um, well," she glanced at Bertha who scowled down at her like a bird of prey.

"I…I…I"

"Never had one," Bertha said finishing her sentence for her. "She's a spinster and will always be one. Isn't that right?" Elladore dropped her head and nodded and remained silent for the rest of the meal. Hermione glared at Bertha. "I'm sure she would have answered for herself if you'd given her the chance!"

"And you think you know my sister better than I do?" Bertha said. "I'm about tired of you girl."

"She is not a girl and you will not address her as such," Ron yelled across the table.

"Ron, just ignore her," Harry said grabbing his arm as he made to stand. Ron snatched his arm away as he sat and he looked at Hermione. "I think it's time we left."

"Not before the toast. Who will do the honors?" Gabrielle said as if she hadn't heard a word of the argument. And she probably hadn't Ron thought. She was too wrapped up in Draco.

"I will," Ron said taking his glass and standing. Everyone raised their glasses and looked up at him.

Ron cleared his throat and his heart was now pounding in his ears with anger and humiliation. "I would like to congratulate Draco and Gabrielle for finally finding each other. There could be no better person for either of you than each other." He looked directly at Draco and frowned; his eyes dimming under the candle light. "May you live a long and happy life together and find happiness with each other, because in a world where love comes by chance, that one chance you are given may be the only one you have to experience true love." Draco's eyes waver and he looked away. Grimacing, Ron turned to everyone at large. "To Draco and Gabrielle!" He threw back his wine in one hearty gulp and taking Hermione's hand, they left the hall.