Jingle Bell, Ron

Part II

Ron wakes up, disgruntled and in pain, in the same spot he was last night. The fire is still going, stronger now, and a student comes down from the tower every now and then.

He thanks Merlin for having his first class later in the morning instead of having to scramble around trying to get his shit together.

Which is an impossible task, by the way, because Blaise comes down the stairs at the same time Ron rises from the floor to climb back up to his bed.

He's got the top few buttons of his shirt undone and his tie is just laying across his shoulders, his robe is over his left arm, with the book he was reading last night on top of it and open to a page.

Blaise looks up to see in what direction to go without tripping over anything and makes eye contact with Ron. He runs his eyes down and up.

"Did you sleep out here?"

"I. I kind of," Ron rubs the back of his neck. "Yeah. I did."

A brow lifts in question. "Not good, I presume. Good thing you don't have early morning classes."

"Heh, yeah," Ron chuckles, watching him close the book and walk away. And then it's like cold water splashes on him. "Wait, how do you know I don't have morning classes?"

"Bye, Weasley," Blaise throws over his shoulder, and he's gone.

"Ron?" Harry's walking down the same set of stairs, fully dressed and frowning. "How long have you been awake?"

"Just a few," he scratches his head. "I fell asleep down here. Just woke up."

Harry hums and claps his shoulder, and Ron makes to walk Harry to the Tower's entrance. "Thought you'd beat me to the Great Hall."

"If only," Ron nods at him when Harry crosses the threshold. "Don't forget we have that game Christmas Eve."

"How could I forget," the corner of Harry's mouth tilts up. "I'll kick your arse and settle the score once and for all."

"Now, now, Harry. You might be able to fly in the rain, but not in the snow."

Harry laughs, and Ron knows he's thinking about the night they snuck out of the Burrow to fly for a few minutes a few Christmases ago. Harry's glasses had reflected light incorrectly and he'd plummeted straight into a dune of snow.

"Oh, that reminds me. I invited Malfoy and Zabini, which I think indirectly invited Nott. So we're a man short."

Ron groans dramatically.

"I know, I know. I've disgraced you. The world is imbalanced because we associate with Slytherins," Harry rolls his eyes. "I think it'll be a good match. You're welcome to take a raincheck."

"As if!"

Harry dodges the kick that Ron aims at his shin, and hops back before he starts laughing as he shuffles backward. "Be there! It'll be fun! When was the last time we got to smoke Slytherin house?"

"You're seriously going through with it?"

"I trust you'll make the right decision!"

Ron watches his best friend back up into someone, and from the way Harry's face lights up he knows it's Ginny. He slings an arm around her shoulders and they disappear around the corner.

* * * * * * *

Having a later morning class proves inefficient, Ron concludes, as he nods off once again after Professor Binns' voice becomes monotone for the umpteenth time.

He feels a light flutter in the emptiness of his pant leg, and rules it a harmless gust of breeze until his shin is attacked, making him sit up and slam his hands on his parchment.