INFORMATION

Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K Rowling.

Synopsis: Ron can't help but wonder why Harry was sleeping soundly, despite everything that he had been through, while he was wide awake. One night, he gives Harry a modest gift, not knowing how else to thank his friend for everything he had sacrificed for him and everyone else around him.

Book: Order of the Phoenix

Midnight Envy

Ron couldn't sleep. As much as he wanted to and he needed to, there was an annoying sentiment inside of him that told him that he was not allowed to sleep. Every night it was the same and every morning he woke up with a nasty red stain on his tired eyes that drew concerned comments from Hermione. He could only sit there on his four post bed in the Gryffindor dormitory, hugging his knees through the blankets with the same pool of thoughts swimming around in his mind, probing at him endlessly, not leaving him alone. It bothered him to death. He bothered him so.

Harry. Harry…

His best friend Harry Potter was sleeping almost comfortably in the bed next to him, eyes closed, breathing slowed, and lips parted slightly. There was just another reason for Ron to envy The Boy Who Lived. Aside from all the other jealousies that sprouted from the fact that Harry harbored talents that he lacked, Ron was jealous of him because he could sleep. Harry could slumber with all the sufferings and burdens upon his young—no longer innocent—shoulders and yet Ron couldn't even manage to close his eyes.

Harry had parents who died protecting him, had an eternal scar upon his forehead that has marked his fate, had the burden of the wizard world weighing him every moment, and had the duty to protect all those who were dear to him. Ron's eyes lingered over his friend and wondered if his dreams were as peaceful as his sleeping face.

Truthfully, he hoped that they were.

Letting out a deep sigh, Ron craned his head back and stared up at the shadowed wood above him. For a moment he only sat there, listening to the soft snores coming from his dorm mates, envying every second of their slumber. In the back of his mind, Ron knew that he should be happy for Harry. If there was anything in the world that he deserved, it was a good night's sleep before facing another day of potential dangers on top of all the schoolwork they both had to deal with. Then, quietly Ron climbed out of bed and silently padded he way over to Harry's bed.

For a second, he hesitated, but eventually brought his finger tips to Harry's forehead and lightly traced the lightning shaped scar. Without thinking, he quickly bent down pressed his lips over his friend's thick, untamed hair.

"Sleep well, mate," Ron whispered a sigh. He then turned away and began to make his way out of the room. But he stopped and craned his around back for one last look at his best friend. He mentally thanked him. For what reasons, Ron wasn't sure. Maybe there were too many things he had to thank Harry for. And maybe… he could pester Hermione about some sleeping potions.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

I truly haven't been involved in the Harry Potter fandom as much as I'd like to be. I wrote this a while back and never uploaded it until now. I know it's rather short but I hope it was enjoyable nevertheless. I always loved the friendship between Harry and Ron :)