We Change Each Other

"You want me to what?" Draco Malfoy's voice was colder than a Blizzarding January night, his ice-Silver eyes narrowing as he stared incredulously at the red-haired Gryffindor who had just proposed the most ludicrous suggestion he had ever heard.

Ron Weasley took a deep breath, his freckled face flushing slightly under the scrutiny. "I want you to fake date me," he repeated, his voice firm despite the quiver in his chest. It was a desperate plan, born out of the kind of need that only a Gryffindor could concoct in the face of impending doom.

Draco's sneer grew. "And why, pray tell, would I waste my time with a commoner like you?" He drawled, his voice dripping with malice. But Ron was ready for this. He stepped closer, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper that barely carried across the noisy common room.

"Because, I've heard you talking to Pansy," he said, "Saying you wish to change but don't know how." His emerald eyes held a challenge, daring Draco to refute him. The blond Slytherin's expression shifted, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before his mask of arrogance slammed back into place.

"And what makes you think I'd lower myself to such a level?" Draco's voice was a sneer, but the question hung in the air, thick with a hint of curiosity. Ron's heart skipped a beat. Maybe, just maybe, he had a chance.

"Because I know you truly want to change, Draco," Ron said, his voice steady, his eyes unwavering. "You're not the same person you were in first year. If you date me, I'll do my best to protect you and let you have the freedom to be whoever you want."

Draco's stare was sharp, his mind racing. This was unexpected. The idea of being shielded by a Weasley was almost laughable, but there was something earnest in Ron's words, something that resonated within the Slytherin's soul. The walls he had built around himself over the years to maintain his pure-blood facade felt suddenly less sturdy. He was tired of the game, tired of the pretense, but the fear of what lay beyond was a chilling one.

He took a step back, his gaze dropping to the floor, considering the proposal. It was true; he had confided in Pansy about his secret longings to explore a softer, more feminine side of himself. The thought of letting go of the rigid Malfoy image was terrifying, yet exhilarating. Could this be his chance?

Finally, he looked back up at Ron, his expression a mix of skepticism and hope. "Why would you do this?" He asked, his voice barely above a whisper, his heart thudding in his chest like a trapped bird.

Ron shrugged, trying to play it cool despite the racing thoughts in his head. "Let's just say I have my reasons," he said with a small smile. "But if you're serious about changing, I'll support you, Draco. I'll stand by you, even if everyone else thinks we're mad."

Draco's expression remained unreadable for a moment longer before a small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Fine," he said with a dramatic sigh, "but if this is a joke or a trick..."

"It's not," Ron assured him, his eyes bright with sincerity. "You've got my word, Draco. I'm in this for the long haul."

Draco studied him for a long moment, the cacophony of the common room fading to a distant murmur. He could see the earnestness in Ron's eyes, the unspoken promise of support and acceptance. It was something he hadn't seen from anyone else in Hogwarts, not even Pansy, who knew his secret but had never offered a solution, only commiseration.

"Also why are you asking me?" Draco said, his tone still skeptical but with a hint of curiosity. Ron stretched his head, his neck muscles straining as he tried to keep his cool. "I told people I'm dating someone complicated, and we're still trying to figure it out," Ron said with a shrug, his voice casual as if discussing the weather.

Draco's eyes narrowed. "How did this even start?" He couldn't believe he was entertaining the notion of a sham relationship with a Weasley, but something about Ron's earnestness made it difficult to dismiss outright.

Ron let out a short laugh, his cheeks tinting a light shade of pink. "It's complicated," he began, "but it started with people they think it's because of all the attention he gets, you know, with the whole 'Chosen One' thing. And then there's Hermione." He paused, looking away briefly before meeting Draco's gaze again. "Everyone assumes we're all into each other because we're always together, fighting battles and solving mysteries. But the truth is..." He trailed off, his voice dropping to a murmur.

Draco nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving Ron's. The idea of the Golden Trio's dynamics being so misunderstood by the school was intriguing. "Go on," he prompted, his curiosity piqued.

Ron took a deep breath and continued, "So, everyone keeps throwing these rumors around about Harry and Hermione, and even though I've told them a hundred times that we're just friends, they won't let it go. And with me, well, they think I'm jealous because Harry's got the whole school swooning, and I'm just here, the sidekick." He gave a self-deprecating chuckle that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Draco nodded, understanding dawning in his gaze. "And you think if you're seen with me, it'll throw them off the scent?" He raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching upwards slightly.

Ron nodded, a smirk playing on his lips. "Exactly. Who'd suspect you'd go for a Weasley?"

Draco's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. "Fine,i better see some color bows and hairclips also buy me some braclet"

Ron nodded, trying not to let his astonishment show. "Deal," he said, holding out his hand.

"If where going to figure this out tomorrow come back it at 5 PM," Draco said, his voice still cool, but the edges of his sneer had softened. He turned on his heel and stalked away, leaving Ron standing alone in the bustling common room, his heart racing.

The following evening, Draco waited in the designated spot, his arms crossed over his chest, his eyes scanning the room with the haughty disdain of a Slytherin king surveying his court. When Ron approached, Draco couldn't help but take in the other boy's appearance. Gone were the rumpled robes and hastily tied tie. Instead, he was dressed in a clean, well-tailored set of robes, and his hair was combed back, revealing his strong jaw and high cheekbones.

"You're late," Draco said, his voice cool as ice.

Ron looked at his watch, his heart pounding in his chest. "Only by five minutes," he replied, trying to keep the defensiveness out of his tone.

Draco's gaze flickered to the timepiece on Ron's wrist. "Five minutes is a lifetime in the world of Malfoy punctuality," he said, his voice laden with sarcasm. Despite his words, there was something in his expression that wasn't entirely unkind.

"I know," Ron said with a sheepish grin, "but you've got to admit, I clean up alright." He gestured to his attire, trying to lighten the mood.

Draco's smirk grew, his eyes sweeping over Ron critically. "I suppose you've made an effort," he conceded. "Very well, let's make this plan."

"So what exactly is you're type Ron?" Draco asked and Ron blush spread over his freckled face like wildfire.

Ron fidgeted, his eyes darting around the room. "I... I don't know," he mumbled. "I've never really thought about it."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "Never thought about your type?" He sounded incredulous.

Ron shifted uncomfortably, his eyes meeting Draco's. "I've had other things to worry about," he said, his voice tight. "But I can tell you this much: it's not someone who thinks they're above everyone else."

Draco's smirk disappeared, and for a moment, he looked genuinely surprised. "I see," he said, his voice softer than usual. "Well, I suppose that rules me out, then."

"I like someone that can bake,cook and smell good,have a nice and sweet personality,can take care of their partners and also I like being allowed to play in my partner hair." Ron said and Draco nod listening.

Draco's eyes narrowed slightly. "Interesting," he murmured, his mind racing with the implications of Ron's words. He had always associated Gryffindor's with a certain roughness, a lack of refinement that was the antithesis of the Slytherin ideal. But here was Ron, talking about wanting someone gentle and caring. It was almost... endearing.

"What about you Draco?" Ron asked, breaking the silence that had stretched between them. "What do you look for in a... date?" His voice was tentative, as if afraid of the answer.

Draco took a moment to consider, his gaze drifting to the flickering fireplace. "Someone who is strong," he said finally, "both physically and mentally. Someone who can stand up to me, challenge me, and who isn't afraid of the world we live in."

Ron nodded thoughtfully. "I can see that," he said. "But what about the other stuff? Like, you know, someone who makes you laugh, or gets your jokes?"

Draco's gaze sharpened, his eyes flicking back to Ron. "I suppose those things could be... tolerable," he said, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. "But they're not exactly priorities."

Ron rolled his eyes, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Well, I can't say I'm surprised," he quipped, earning a snort from Draco.

"What?" Draco demanded, his own smile reluctant but present.

Ron leaned in slightly, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "You know, someone who actually laughs at your jokes."

Draco's smirk grew, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I suppose that could be a... pleasant surprise," he conceded, his tone playful. Ron nod.

"Also if were going to date you're lucky where having a small break from hogwarts next week we well be going to the mall you need new clothes so do I."

Draco raised an eyebrow at the idea of shopping with Ron Weasley. "The mall?" he said, his tone dripping with disdain. "What could I possibly need from such a muggle establishment?"

Ron grinned. "Oh, I think you'll be surprised," he said, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "They've got everything, from clothes that don't make you look like you've stepped out of a medieval portrait, to gadgets that could put the Room of Requirement to shame."

Draco's curiosity was piqued, despite his best efforts to remain unmoved. "Very well," he said with a sigh, "but if I'm going to be seen with you in public, you're going to have to learn to dress like someone who actually has taste."

Ron chuckled, his eyes lighting up. "I'll take that as a challenge," he said, his voice full of good-natured rivalry. "But only if you promise to let me pick out something for you too."

Draco's smirk grew, his eyes glinting with amusement. "We'll see about that," he said, his voice low and teasing.

"Now let's go to boundaries, Draco," Ron said, his tone turning serious. "What can I do, and what's off-limits?"

Draco's expression grew thoughtful as he considered the question. "No touching without permission," he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for negotiation. "And no discussing our... arrangement with anyone. It's between us."

Ron nodded, his heart hammering in his chest. This was really happening. He was about to fake date Draco Malfoy. "Agreed," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "Now, let's talk about how we're going to pull this off. We need to be convincing."

Draco leaned back in his chair, his arms folded behind his head as he studied Ron with a contemplative gaze. "Well, for starters, you'll have to learn to speak like someone who's actually been taught manners," he said with a smirk. "No slang, no 'bloody hell's, and absolutely no drooling over every piece of junk food you see."

Ron rolled his eyes but nodded. "Fine, I'll clean up my act," he said with a grin. "But you'll have to promise not to turn your nose up at everything I like."

"I make no such promise," Draco said with a sniff, his smile never reaching his eyes. "But I'll tolerate your common tastes for the sake of the charade."

Ron laughed, the sound rich and warm, filling the space between them. Draco found himself smiling back, the tension in the air dissipating slightly. They were an odd pair, a Gryffindor and a Slytherin, a Weasley and a Malfoy, but for some reason, it didn't feel entirely wrong.

"Alright, so we're agreed," Ron said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Now, we just have to convince everyone else."

Draco nodded, his expression unreadable. "Indeed," he said. "And lucky for you i'm a good actor."

Ron grinned, the tension between them easing. "Great, because I'm counting on it," he said.

Draco leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Now, let's discuss the finer details of our little performance," he began, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "I will start gifting you baking little gifts since you like someone who can bake,do you like sweets?"

Ron's eyes lit up at the mention of sweets. "Who doesn't?" He said with a laugh. "But seriously, that's really sweet of you."

Draco's smirk grew. "I can be sweet when it suits me," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But don't get used to it."

Ron rolled his eyes, a smile playing on his lips. "I wouldn't dare," he said.

Draco leaned back in his chair, a calculating look in his eyes. "Good," he said. "Now, Ron let talk about what I want you to do for me."

Ron's smile faltered slightly,"What do you want me to do."

Draco's gaze was unwavering. "When we're in public, you're allowed to call me pet names, have your arms around my shoulder, and I might even let you play with my hair," he said, his tone teasing but with an underlying seriousness that sent a shiver down Ron's spine. "But only when it's necessary for the act, of course." Ron nod.

"I their anything else were messing,or are we done?" Draco asked and Ron look at Draco for a second.

"I might have one more requisition," Ron said, his voice tentative. Draco rolled his eyes but nod. "Oh, do tell," he urged.

"Well," Ron began, his eyes darting to Draco's hair. "Could you start having your hair down? Not tied in a long ponytail or a slickback."

Draco stared at him for a few minutes, his expression unreadable.

"Fine," Draco said finally, the word echoing in the quiet of the common room. Ron sigh in releif and excitement. He couldn't believe it. Draco Malfoy had agreed to his ludicrous proposition. It was a small victory, but it was a victory nonetheless.

Draco stood up looking at Ron. "See you next week Weasely." Draco sailed away leaving Ron with his thoughts.