Sorry it's been so long since I've updated this. As some of you may know, I've been working on an original story of mine. That's finished now, and I'm just doing what I need to to try and get it published. WSDK is nearing it's end, and I just want to thank everyone who's supported this story, even during it's long hiatus. All your encouraging words have really helped and inspired me in my writing, and allowed me to take the next step. If my original story is even half as successful (and hopefully meaningful) as these I've posted on fan fiction have been, I would be truly best. The next chapter's already written, and I hope to have it posted soon.

Draco had had enough of waiting for Ron's useless healers to actually do their jobs. He may not have been the DeathEater in waiting most people thought he was, but he still knew a thing or two about curses. And what he didn't know, he could find out. So Draco sought out all his old contacts. Of course he could not let on what he actually wanted the information for, but misleading people and still getting what he wanted as a skill he'd honed since childhood.

He had to refer to more than one source of course, but that much had been expected. From what he'd learned, the curse used on Ron was an odd mix of the killing, torture and stunning curse. That much he'd assumed on his own, and was sure the healers at St. Mongo's already knew. But something had been altered to lessen the effects of all three, and ironically enough, that is what made it so excruciating. With he original forms of the three curses, the effects were instantaneous, but this new variant attacked the body at a much slower rate, drawing out the victim's agony. The more Draco learned of the curse, the more his heart broke for Ron. The only recourse Draco could think of was a more proactive tactic. Rather than simply treat whatever part of Ron the curse struck, and trying to predicted the next, they would have to eradicate it from his entire body at once. Though the question still remained, how this could be done. Draco an idea off how he could find out. While it was likely his would be test subject would object, Draco knew the man would ultimately do what ever he could to help Ron.

Potter's initial reaction to his proposal was much as Draco had expected, but he did ultimately relent when Draco told him it might be the only way to save Ron. "What do I have to do?" Potter finally asked, in a defeated tone. Potter had been the only person to resist at least one of the curses used to create the one used on Ron. Learning how he did it, may provide clues into aiding Ron's recovery. It was a long shot, Draco knew, but at this point, it was all they had left. "First I need to ask you some questions." Draco stated plainly.

The two were seated in Draco's home office. Draco at his desk, note pad and quick-quotes-quill at the ready. Potter looked more nervous than Draco could remember seeing him, but then as he recalled, the raven haired man never did well in interviews. "First thing's first. The killing curse Voldimort used on you as a child. You were the first one at that point to ever have survived it. Have you ever learned why." Draco knew Potter didn't like talking about anything related to either war, or his parents death, and having experienced enough loss of his own, Draco didn't like bringing it up. But if either of them wanted to prevent another death of someone they loved, they were going to have to get over it. Potter sighed and said "My mother died, trying to protect me from Voldimort, she gave her life to save me. It was her love that protected me, it was a kind of old magic Voldimort could touch." Draco would be lying if he said he hadn't had a personal curiosity in how Potter had survived. Now having heard the truth, he was a little disappointed, and more than a little irritated. There had been two wizard wars, how many people sacrificed themselves for loved ones, fellow soldiers or complete strangers. Surely is wasn't that rare a phenomenon, so why was it only Potter that had been spared. Surely the protection against the most feared curse in history couldn't be that simple. It seemed a bit unfair, to be perfectly frank. Draco ignored this, though, and pressed on with his next question.

"And the second time, what happened then?" Potter rubbed his hands together at the question, he looked even more uncomfortable than before. "To tell you the truth, I don't really know what happened the second time." Draco's eyebrow rose at that answer. "I had the resurrection stone, but I dropped it, I don't know if that had anything to do with it. I had to let Voldimort kill me to destroy the part of his soul that was in me." That statement took Draco completely by surprise. After the war, the details of exactly how Harry Potter had beaten the dark lord had never been fully divulged. Whether it was simply too painful for Potter to discuss, or whether it was a tactical decision on his part, to keep the specifics of his victory to himself, Draco had never known. He'd assumed it was a combination of both. But he had no idea that any part of Voldimort had ever existed within Potter. "It's kind of a long story, but when Voldimort tried to kill me the first time, he ended up putting part of his soul in me, I had to destroy that part to beat him for good." Draco made a note to ask Potter more on that later, as it might prove useful.

Potter told Draco about his encounter with Dumbledor at the King's Cross station, and how he'd chosen to come back. Once again, Draco found the answers infuriating. Damn Potter's endless luck. "Okay," Draco said. "Now on to the next bit. I need to do a full examination on you." Potter's head shot up at that. "What?" His voice sounded both frightened and scandalized. "Potter please, I need to check you to see if there's any residual energy from when you deflected those spells. It could help us learn what we need to cure Ron." Potter looked as though he wanted to cry. He knew the man didn't like feeling vulnerable, or experimented on, least of all with Draco doing the experimenting. But the thought of helping Ron, overrode his fear. "Fine, what do I need to do?"

Draco lead Potter to his personal lab, and ordered the man to strip. Potter looked a bit hesitant at first. "Potter please, you have nothing I haven't seen before, and I'm sure I've seen better." Draco snapped. I defiant look past over Potter's face, and he couldn't be rid of his clothes fast enough. Apparently insulting or challenging Potter was the best way to get the man to do what he wanted, Draco would have to remember that. Despite what Draco just said, Potter was very well put together. Very well. He was nowhere near the specimen that Ron was, and was just a bit hairier than what Draco cared for, but not bad at all. If not for the fact that he despised Potter to his core, Draco would find him quite attractive. "Lay down on the table." Draco instructed.

Over the next few hours, Draco performed an array of test on Potter, and drew blood samples. It was a little known fact, that Draco had studied with the best healers in Europe, and even around the world, after he left Hogwarts. He had no intentions of ever actually becoming a healer, but the skill proved useful in 'other' ways. Draco had long put his devious ways behind him, but he'd always known that such skill would prove invaluable later. That was now proving the case. Draco informed Potter that they were finally finished, and Potter dressed as quickly as he had stripped. "I'll contact you when I have something." Draco said. Potter just nodded, and was gone.

Draco spent the next several weeks studying samples taken from Potter, and he'd come up with nothing. At least nothing that would help Ron. He had a few idea on how his finding could be used to devise counter curses, and had he the time, he would have explored that more. But at the moment, his primary concern was aiding his lover.

Draco had been to see Ron several times, after his first visit, and though Ron's spirits seemed to be lifted, though it may have just been wishful thinking on Draco's part, his physical condition was gradually deteriorating. Ron had lost even more weight, he'd gone into cardiac arrest more than once, his family had even been told that they may have to prepare themselves for the worst. But Draco would not give up. As long as there was still breath in his body, and Ron's, he would do everything he could to save Ron. Draco visited the man again, as much for his own benefit as for Ron's.

Ron looked as pained as always, but also, very weak. Draco suspected he did not have much time left. Draco slumped into a seat beside the redhead. Draco took Ron's hand, making sure to be gentle, as always. "The healers expect us to give up on you. Can you believe that? They expect me to say my goodbyes while I can." Draco laughed darkly at that, shaking his head. "Bullocks. They're mad if they think I'm giving up on you." Draco instinctively gripped Ron's hand a bit tighter, but stopped when he saw Ron flinch. "I won't stop, until I get you back, I swear to you Ron."

It was at that moment Draco started to break down. So many emotions were swirling through him at the time. There was a great sense of failure, at having not found the key to curing Ron. There; was shame at having wasted so much time in not seeing him before, guilt over disrupting his life, his marriage, and a premature sense of mourning. As he knew Ron was close to death. And it was at that moment, Draco felt the greatest surge of emotion, defiant love. Draco refused to give up on himself, or on Ron. He knew he was close, even if he could not see it. He knew he already had everything he needed to save the man, he just had to piece it together. He knew Ron was counting on him to pull himself together and find the answer. But more than all that, he knew he could not give up, because anything less than absolute success was unacceptable for a Malfoy, especially now.

It was right then that two things Draco had not been expecting happened. The first was that Ron squeezed his hand a bit tighter. The second, was that Ron opened his eyes. He looked straight up at Draco, unblinking. Draco had rushed to call the healers. Ron seemed intent to hold Draco's gaze long as he could, as if he would never see it again. "Ron! Ron, I'm here baby! I'm here!" Finally Ron's strength gave out, and his eyes closed. The healers came rushing in to check on him. It was the first time since Draco had started his visits that he'd made his presence so public. He slipped out of the room, while they were working on Ron.

Draco couldn't believe what had happened. Ron had finally opened his eyes. The look he gave Draco was almost pleading. He was wordlessly begging Draco to save him, the blonde was sure. Draco had managed to get a copy of Ron's revised files, through means that were most likely illegal. There was nothing that could explain exactly what had happened to Ron in those moments that had caused to man to wake. It drove Draco mad. He looked over all the notes he'd acquired from studying Potter, even going over what he'd collected from the interview, still nothing. It was into the night, when Draco decided he was doing neither Ron nor himself any good, and decided to go to bed. He prepared himself a sleeping potion and drifted off.

Draco's dreams consisted of strange images regarding Potters survival of Voldimort's attacks. He saw Potters mother shielding him from the madman, he saw the small child deflect the killing curse moments later. He heard Potter's voice talking about sacrifice, and this brought to mind images of Ron's sacrifice in taking the attack for Potter. "She gave her life to save me." Draco heard Potter say. "It was a kind of old magic, that Voldimort couldn't touch." Draco was suddenly awake. He had no idea what time is was, but it was still late. He suddenly had an idea. Draco raced up to his family's library. He looked through all the text he could find on early and ancient magic, specifically dealing with curses and healing. While there was nothing concrete in relation to spells like the killing curse, but he had enough information to form a hypothesis.

Draco immediately set out to work, concocting the means to heal Ron. "Hang on Ron, I'm almost there." Draco could kick himself at how simple the solution had been, it had been staring him in the face all along. Potter himself had even told him. It was love. It sounded ridiculous, Draco could admit. It would sound that way to most modern wizard, they had become somewhat jaded over time. But love was the key. In early times, magic was driven by intent and emotion. Curses like the Unforgivables were powered by deepest hate, you had to mean them, as he'd heard his father say many times. The same was true of early healing spells. They were powered by love or at the very least, empathy. The focus on emotion in spell work had lessoned over the ages, but it were still there, even if wizards were not consciously aware of it. It really was not so strange that Potter had been the only wizard in recorded history to survive the killing curse. It was so powerful and so effective, that the odds of surviving it, even with the proper protection was astronomical. The variant of the curse Ron had been hit with worked at a much slower rate. Which meant there was a chance it could be effected more easily, relatively speaking.

Draco had seen signs of it before. The pain on Ron's face seemed to lessen when he touched him gently, or when he spoke soothingly to him. The emotions he felt during his last visit had been overwhelming, strong enough to cause Ron to open his eyes. But they had not been enough to heal him entirely, that would still take a considerable amount of deliberate healing tactics. And most likely more power. Draco knew there was no shortage of loved ones who would gladly do what they could to help Ron, but most, unfortunately could not be trusted with such delicate work. The Weasleys were not known for focus, patience or restraint, all of which would be needed in abundance. More than that, Ron would need those who were well versed in healing spells. Luckily for him, he had good choice in friends.

Draco once more called on Potter's aid, as well as Granger's. He explained to them both his theory, as well as the spell he'd devised, and how each of them could help. Granger eagerly agreed to do what she could, but did not understand why Draco's presence was as vital as theirs, or why he cared in the first place. Explaining his relationship with Ron had not been pleasant, for himself or Potter, as Potter had to confess how long he'd known. Whatever Granger's feelings on the matter, she hid them well. "Fine, whatever." She'd said, a bit stiffly. "What's important now is helping Ron. When do we get started?" Potter, as he'd assumed, had the necessary level of experience with healing. Some of it, mandatory for his job, some of it, Potter had likely acquired of his own accord. Granger, was sufficiently skilled as well. Like Draco, she was not a healer by trade, but had a thirst for knowledge, and saw the value in learning what she could about curing magical ailments.

The trio would be working alongside the healers, though their role in the spell would be more substantial. All involved would be working in two groups. The first, which consisted of Draco, Granger and Potter, would be raising the necessary energy, and directing it to Ron. The second group, consisting of the healers, would be focusing that energy in a way that could eradicate the curse. Draco had given everyone detailed instructions on what they would need to do. Draco, Potter and Granger took their positions around Ron's bed. They joined hands and began chanting, as the healers began to work. The spell Draco devised was a mix of old and new magic, and was terribly demanding on all involved. After several hours of work, the spell was concluded and the only thing left to do, was wait.

Ron's family had been notified of the procedure, and had come to support Ron and each other. They waited outside Ron's room, Draco returned home. As soon as there was anything new to report, he would know, there was no reason to stay. But that didn't diminish how badly he wanted to. It was hours later when Potter arrived in his fire place. "Well?" He asked tersely. Potter offered him a small smile and nodded. "It worked. He's out of it." Draco released a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. He began sobbing openly, not caring that Potter was there to judge him. But Potter didn't judge, instead the dark haired man wrapped his arms around Draco in a comforting hug, and oddly enough, Draco found himself returning the embrace.

When Draco had finally collected himself, the two separated. "Thank you, Draco." Potter said sincerely. "You saved him." Draco could do nothing more that nod and wipe his eyes. Any other time, he'd be milking the praise for all it was worth, but now all he could do was mentally thank a power higher than himself. "He's still asleep, the curse took a lot out of him, but otherwise, he's in the clear." Potter was silent for a while. "Are you gonna go see him?" What a foolish question, of course Draco was going to go see him. "When the others have gone, I'll be there." He said. Potter looked deep in thought. "You should tell the others, they should know. It's… not fair to Ron to keep it secret either." Draco thought Potter was putting his nose where it didn't belong, but perhaps he had a point. Still Ron was in recovery, and his family had more important things to concern themselves with, it wasn't the right time. "When Ron's recovery is done, we'll tell them." Draco promised. Potter nodded at this and turned to leave.

Draco entered Ron's room after hours, as he'd done so many times before. He walked up to Ron's bed slowly. Ron lay there as motionless as he always had, in fact the only discernable change in Ron's appearance was that he finally seemed at ease. Draco sat down next to Ron, and stroked the hair away from his forehead. Draco could finally touch him without fear of causing the man pain. His hand caressed Ron's cheek, and it felt warm for a change. Ron opened his eyes again, for only the second time in weeks, and turned to Draco. His smile was enough to cause Draco to burst into tears, the Malfoy chided himself for acting like an overly emotional child. "Hey, what's all this?" Ron said in hoarse sounding voice. He raised his hand to Draco's face weakly to wipe the man's tears. That small effort seemed too much for Ron, and Draco, saw the hand start to drop. He caught it before it could, though. "You miss me?" Ron asked.

Draco kissed Ron full on the lips, not realizing until that moment how much he truly had missed it. He pressed his hand to Ron's chest, the man felt so small, so frail. This was not the same man he knew before the curse, but it didn't matter, this was the man he loved. He would nurse Ron back to health for as long as it took. It was then that he thought of something, something that hadn't crossed his mind until that moment. "I can't live without you, Ron." He admitted. "I should hope not, I was worried you'd moved on without me." Ron half joked. Though he was aware Draco had still been to see him, and looked forward to those visits, there still part of him that feared Draco had found a new bed partner, a new lover. Or if he hadn't already, would when he'd grown bored with the invalid Ron had become. "I mean it Ron, I can't do this anymore." Ron gave him a questioning look. "What do you mean?" He queried. "Do you love me?" Draco asked desperately. "Draco…" Whatever Ron had been about to ask was cut off. "Do you love me?" Draco demanded again. "Yes, of course I love you."

Draco clasped Ron's hand tighter in his own. "Marry me, Ron! Be my husband!" Ron laughed, but then started to cough. His body was still very weak. "Gone 'round the twist, have you? You're already married, love. So am, for that matter." He and Hermione had been discussing a divorce, but had not gotten far in the proceeding when he'd been attacked. "I don't care!" Draco stated. "I almost lost you, I can't go through that again. I want to be here for you while you recover, I want to give you whatever you need. I want to take care of you, Ron." Ron's expression turned serious then. "I don't want you to take care of me Draco, and I don't want you make a decision like this out of pity." Draco couldn't help but shake his head. "I don't pity you, Ron. I love you more than you could ever know." Draco placed his hand on Ron's face, looking deeply into his eyes. "I want to take care of you because you're hurt, and you mean the world to me. And I can't bear to see someone I love in pain."

Ron smiled weakly up at him. "What about your family?" He asked. "You said you can't get divorced, pureblood rule, and all." Draco brought Ron's hand up to his face and kissed it. "Well, she's probably take me through the wringer, and my name will be dirt, but I'll do it for you. You'll still love me when I'm penniless, won't you." Draco asked, but Ron scoffed. "I've done the poverty thing before, you get use to it. Besides, I'll take care of you." Draco couldn't help but laugh at the sight of a weakened, emaciated Ron promising to take care of him, but he knew the redhead meant it. Draco kissed him again. "I love you." He said. Ron kissed him on the cheek. "Yeah, I know."