Love For Blood

Chapter Seventeen

VERY IMPORTANT AUTHORS NOTE AT THE END. UNTIL THEN, ENJOY!

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Harry had noticed Ron acting weird. All morning he had been nervously tapping his fingers and running his hands through his hair.

Not only that, but he had eaten even more than usual. Like, unnatural amounts of food. Hermione had promptly lectured Ron on the risks of overeating as much as he had. He didn't seem as though he cared, too caught up in his own head.

There wasn't fear if you asked Harry. No, he was nervous about something. Nothing dangerous, but something. Like a kid would be nervous for a quiz they didn't study for but a little more extreme.

So Harry decided to keep an eye on him. He didn't want Ron to get hurt or anything. However, the fact the Ron was avoiding his eyes specifically began to dawn on Harry.

Part of him was upset. They'd had such good progress the last few months, their friendship holding no awkward tension or secrets. Well, other than Harry's.

They never talked about what happened at the beginning of the year. Harry just assumed Ron thought it was a misunderstanding and they had moved on.

He couldn't even begin to guess what was wrong this time. The last time, Harry now realized, Ron was angrier at the vampire than Harry. Then simply got irritated about Harry not admitting to it.

Although in Harry's defense, he had really thought that the whole Draco thing was just a dream.

Now, they were almost through their last class and the behavior was still continuing.

When the bell rang, everyone began to split off while the three of them walked to dinner. Hermione and Harry simply gazed at Ron in concern.

They finally arrived and got seated. They began to eat, more so Ron than anyone. After a plate or two, Ron simply stared at his plate. Just as Hermione was going to ask him what was wrong, Ron stood from his seat with a frown painting his face.

"I'm gonna go. Harry, once you're finished eating, please meet me in the RoR," Ron picked up his bag when he noticed Harry trying to get up as well. "No, give me some time to get my thoughts together," Ron whispered.

With that, he left the Great Hall, leaving a confused Harry and Hermione behind him.

"What's that about?" Hermione whispered to Harry with concerned eyes. Harry simply shrugged, causing Hermione to sigh.

"When will you two ever sort out your problems?" Hermione tied her hair back into a bun with the hair tie she had kept on her wrist, leaving only the bangs out to frame her face. "I'll see you later, Harry. Make sure that you finish that essay for charms. And please, don't start another shite show with Ronald."

She slung her bag over her shoulder before walking from the Great Hall, leaving Harry by himself. Not long after she was followed by an almost inconspicuous Pansy.

Harry simply frowned down at his plate, his green eyes swimming with confusion. Why was it always him? Why did there always have to be something interrupting his life?

A few minutes later, the Slytherins strutted in from quidditch practice. It must have ran late. Harry looked up briefly, catching Blaise and Draco chatting. Blaise was waving his arms around animatedly while he talked as Draco simply smirked in amusement. Harry smiled before looking back down at his plate.

Harry simply nibble a biscuit as he thought about what could be bothering Ron. He was so caught up in his thoughts he hadn't noticed Draco trying to get his attention. Draco had been trying to give some type of heads up about Ron knowing. Blaise had told him about how he and Ron were investigating the whole vampire situation together. About how Ron knew about Harry being a werewolf and was going to confront him about it.

After a while of the stubborn raven-haired boy not responding, Draco gave up. There was no pulling Harry out of the mental stupor he was in.

After about twenty minutes, Harry got up from his seat with a determined face. He had to brave. No matter what it was, he wouldn't let ruin their friendship. So he walked all the way to the RoR with a newfound Gryffindor determination. He was ready to face whatever this was head-on.

He saw the brown door of the room, meaning Ron had probably asked it to show itself to him. He took a deep breath before entering.

There he saw his red-headed best friend sitting on a dark couch that seemed familiar to one you'd see at the Weasley's house. He seemed calmer, with a faint smile on his face.

"Hey, Ron," Harry greeted with a smile, earning one in return from his friend. Ron patted the seat beside him. Harry walked over and sat down slowly.

"I can tell, you know. You're my best mate. I know when you're hiding something. I just wished I noticed sooner..." Ron trailed off. Harry tilted his head in confusion.

"Ron, I don't-"

"I wouldn't have judged you about being a werewolf, Harry," Ron cut him off, look up at Harry with his sky blue eyes. He watched as Harry's emerald green eyes widen.

For a moment, Harry contemplated denying it or yelling at Ron asking how he knew. Hell, maybe even running out of the room. But deep down, he knew he couldn't run away from this. This was going to happen eventually.

With a sigh, Harry calmed down.

"Yeah, I'm sorry for not telling you, Ron," Harry admitted with a guilty expression.

"So, I'm guessing Hermione knows?" Ron inquired. Harry nodded with a frown. "Figures, she's good at figuring out tricky situations like that."

"Ron, I'm really-"

"Nah, it's fine, Harry. Really," Ron smiled at him. Then Ron leaned back and put his hands behind his head.

"I also know about that thing with Malfoy," Ron smirked, his eyes darting back over to his raven-haired friend.

"Wait, what?" Harry looked at Ron with wide eyes, almost like an owl.

"Yup, the whole 'Malfoy's a mythical vampire-veela halfbreed' and he can only drink werewolf blood. You just couldn't resist helping him because your hero complex is of another world," Ron laughed at the end.

"I'm not sure whether I should be more scared by how you know all this or by the fact you're so calm about it," Harry stated bluntly.

"Blaise and I had been doing research and he knows Malfoy's parents. I just guessed the hero complex part though," Ron smirked, causing Harry to scoff.

"But, no, I don't care about the whole blood exchange thing. Werewolves have fast healing abilities, so it'd be hard for him to drink you dry. However, you have to promise me you'll be careful. Back out if it gets dangerous," Ron's eyes stared into Harry's.

"Yeah, yeah okay. I promise! Thank you, Ron!" Harry smiled. He was glad Ron wasn't being forceful or rude.

"Alright, no problem. Just, no more secrets?" Ron held out his hand. Harry smirked, taking the hand.

"No more secrets."

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A/N

HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THIS BOOK!!!!

I still can't believe it has been one entire year since I started this, writing a half baked idea down at 3 am because I had nothing better to do. Thank YOU for all of your support. I nor this book would be here today where we are at without the thousands of you lovelies behind the screen leaving votes or nice comments or just reading in general. 

I could never ask for a better Christmas present than all of you being here, making me feel as though I am doing something good that people like. Making me feel loved. 

I could never ask for more <3

With all of my love, 

Your author, Cameron :)