Never The Same

Chapter 21- Blinded by Love

It was New Years Eve.

Ron was sat on one of the sofas by the common room reading over his potions essay. It was a woeful attempt at the Draught of the Living Death assessment, sighing he threw it across the sofa and flopped onto his back.

"Looking a little deflated there babe"

He shot up, Blaise was hanging over the back of the sofa with faint amusement on his face.

"Oi bugger off, I've been trying to do this bloody potions essay all day and it's still shit"

"Woah there, I'll help you yeah?"

He jumped over the back of the sofa and into the place next to Ron. Yanking his head down Blaise settled Ron into his lap, retrieving the strewn essay from the floor, and unfurling it until it was smooth.

"Now then, let's see what we can do"

Ron looked up at Blaise, he was perfect. He was good looking of course, but even his personality, he was funny, caring and kind. He treated Ron like a damn prince, not that he would admit that willingly, out loud, to anyone though. He felt so lucky to have someone as good as Blaise in his life.

"Hey" he spoke softly, bringing a palm to rest on Blaise's cheek,

"yes, babe?"

"Your fucking perfect"

Blaise chuckled, a deep throaty laugh that gave Ron butterflies,

"Your fucking perfect too"

He went back to reading the essay before turning back to Ron, staring right into his eyes before saying,

"I love you, Ronald Billius Weasley"

"Really? the full name you prat!"

"I was trying to be Pureblood formal! It's the way I was raised you can't blame me!"

'Ok ok I forgive you, I love you too"

Blaise smiled warmly, then let down and kissed Ron, soft and slow, so different to all their other kisses, this one was full of meaning and promise. It was everything.

Many eighth years were travelling back and forth from the common room to the Room of Requirement, streamers and balloons, tables, chairs and drinks were being carried to the Room of Requirement. They thought they were being secretive of course with the alcohol involved, although they all failed to notice the tabby cat that was perched on the staircase leading up to the room.

Harry and Draco were pinning up banners with 'Happy New Year' painted in gold lettering on them.  It was 9 pm, the party would officially start in half an hour.

Gradually people streamed in, Neville came with Hannah Abbott, a surprise to no one who had seen them together all year, Ron and Blaise of course. Pansy and Hermione had been there the whole time setting up and somehow Luna and Ginny had slipped by unnoticed. There were plenty more eighth years mixing with the seventh years that had been allowed in based on the promise that they did not tell Professor McGonagall.

At around 10:15, a horrific announcement was made by Seamus,

"WE ARE OUT OF BOOZE"

There was a chorus of  'whats'' and 'how the fuck's' and 'merlins' before Harry stood up rather awkwardly to say that he Ron and Draco would go down to the kitchens to scower for a house-elf that would give up their firewhiskey.

"Be quick Harry!" Seamus yelled as the three made their way quietly out of the room and down the corridors, all the way to the kitchens, stopping at regular intervals to avoid Mrs Norris or merlin forbid, Mr Filch himself.