Work Text:
Draco was in a secluded courtyard doing homework when he heard Ronald Wesley set his ratty shoulder bag next to him. His first instinct was to make a face and start to say something rude but he stopped mid sentence when he saw Ronald brought snacks. “Are those biscuits Wesley?” Ron gave a small smile and offered Draco one. “Mum sent some for Imbolc! I figured this would be the perfect time to ‘purify’ our friendship.”
Ron popped a biscuit into his mouth and sat across from Draco. He set the plate he brought with him down while Draco stared at the biscuits in front of him. “They don't bite Draco.” That snapped the blonde boy out of his daze. He hesitantly reached towards the plate and grabbed a biscuit. “Oh mate, are you working on that wicked essay for McGonagall?”
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“Nah it should be the opposite. That way makes no sense with what you are supposed to be brewing.” Draco was dazed he had somehow ended up behind multiple privacy barriers in the library discussing potions with Ronald. “Hey come back to me Draco! I'm trying to get you to see sense.” Draco looked up at the redhead next to him. “Eh- No it does in fact make sense you are just too dense to see it!”
Draco has been taking potions lessons since he was five he knows that he is correct. “That amount in that direction is how it's been done since before your magic came into existence Ronald.” Ron for his part wasn't looking too mad at Draco for his part in this conversation. The blonde took this opportunity to school Ronald on that potion. Ron just smiled at his friend and listened to his ranting until they were kicked out for the night.
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He hadn't even realized he was crying till a soft breeze brushed against the tear tracks leading down his face. Draco was outside under a tree near a castle wall. Someone had said something downright disgusting about his mother and he had worked himself up on the walk out here. The blonde hated having to keep up a constant mask of indifference in what was supposed to be a safe place. “Maman would be so upset if she saw me crying over something so stupid…” Draco felt a hand on his shoulder and flinched. “Who cares what those boys think. They don’t matter, Draco.”
Ron had been nearby when the group of younger boys made the crass comments so he followed Draco outside. Draco wasn't always scared of touch and used to love physical affection but his father had said it wasn't appropriate for a young heir. Ron noticed Draco looking at his arms and opened himself up for a hug. The other boy hesitated for a moment before launching himself into Ron’s arms. Once he felt safe and secured he sobbed into the other boy's chest. “It's awful hearing that about someone you love..They were so mean knowing you were nearby.” Ron squeezed Draco lightly and petted his hair. “I will be here for you, always” Draco just cried harder into his friend’s arms. Draco eventually stopped crying and leaned back from Ron’s chest.
“I'm sorry for crying on you…-” The blonde rested back into the other's arms and wrapped his own around Ron’s strong frame. “Thank you for being here.”