I do not own Harry Potter.


Ch.1

He didn't know when it began, that feeling. It just kind of showed up one day. There were no words to really explain it. He and Ron were in the common room playing chess. Harry made a stupid move and Ron laughed. That feeling showed up. Harry wasn't upset or anything, it was more like happy but nervous and tingly. He didn't understand it. They had been friends forever, so why was he feeling this way around Ron now? They hung out all the time and made stupid jokes. They explored and studied alongside each other. They were buddies, pals. They slept in the same dorm room. Sometimes Harry found himself staying up to listen to Ron snore. Why?

Ron and Harry would be talking or joking and Hermione would come and sit next to them or break into their conversation, like at breakfast.

"The Chuddly Cannons have a pretty good chance of making it to the World Cup this year, you wait!" Ron smiled.

Harry felt the tingling," I guess so. I don't know who to vote for right now, but the Cannons seem pretty good..."

Hermione sat between them," What's up guys!"

"Nothing Hermione." Harry was angry. Why?

"Have you guys been studying for the potions test next week?"

"We were actually having a conversation." Harry gripped the glass in his hand.

"Im sure it was about something Quidditch."

"Yes it was!" The glass shattered in his fist. A few heads turned and the people around them stopped talking.

"Are you alright Harry? What was that for?" Ron looked worried.

" I'm fine. I just don't feel well..." He wiped the shards of glass and blood from his hand, grabbed his things, and left the great hall. Why did he do that? What he didn't know is that Dumbledore had been watching him.

He sat on his bed for what felt like twenty minutes. Alone. Eventually, Ron came up the stairs looking for him. He was out of breath.

"There you are Harry. I've been looking everywhere for you! What happened at breakfast?" He came and sat next to Harry on the bed.

Harry looked down at the covers and his hands. Ron placed a comforting hand on his back. It took everything in Harry's power to not jerk under Ron's touch. WHY was he feeling this way?

"I don't know Ron. I've just been feeling weird lately, is all."

"Maybe you should go see Madame Pomfrey."

"No it's fine. I'm fine. I just..." He moved away from Ron and stood up.

"We should go to class now or we'll be late."

"Sure."


The day finally came to an end. Harry had barely spoken two words to Ron all day and had ignore Hermione completely. He even skipped dinner to be alone. No one came to look for him this time. He thought of going to talk to Hagrid, but what would he know? Dumbledore was always an option, but... He found his thoughts drifting to Ron. It grew dark outside the window and Harry put down his quill and paper. What he needed was a good nights rest. He would shower and then go straight to bed. His head would be clear the next day.

The showers were the only quiet place, that didn't make home feel alone. The tile was peach and white and severely outdated. A shelf ran around the room, so you didn't have to put your things on the floor. A wall that rose almost as high as his ribs divided the stalls, but that was all there was in the way of privacy. Admittedly, it was awkward sometimes when multiple people had to shower, but he got used to it. The sound of the water hitting the tile was peaceful and relaxing.

Harry stripped and stepped under the spout. The water was just hot enough. He bowed his head and let the water rush over him, alone with his thoughts. He stood that way for a long time. Ron's face popped into his head. He only looked up when another person walked into the room. It was Ron. He carried a bar of soap and a rag. His towel was around his waist.

"Oy, Harry! How long have you been in here? I haven't seen you all night!" He turned on the faucet and took off his towel. His lower body was hidden behind the wall.

"I... Don't know." He looked away and began absentmindedly washing himself. Why was it so hard to talk to Ron now? They had showered together plenty of times in the past. They were like brothers.

Steam began to fill the room. Ron whistled when he showered. It was a song Harry knew, but he didn't know the lyrics. It was beautiful he began whistling along. When he chanced a glance at Ron something jumped in his chest and he almost dropped his soap. He had to scramble to catch it and almost slipped and fell. Ron was not the short, slightly pudgy kid he used to be. He had grown muscle since starting Quidditch. His stomach was now sculpted into a six pack and he had arm muscles. There was even a slight bit of hair on his chest. Harry didn't realize he was staring.

"What are you gawking at man?"

"Nu..nothing Ron."

"You were gawking at my muscles weren't you?" Ron flexed and gave Harry a huge smile," This took a lot of work, for sure, but the ladies love it. Especially Hermione. Do you think she notices?"

Harry almost melted at Ron's smile but stiffened at the mention of Hermione. He shrugged," Dunno."

Harry quickly wrapped a towel around his waist, grabbed his things, and left, leaving Ron dumbfounded. What was that about?

Harry returned to his room. He put his pajamas on and threw his things into the corner by his bed, before climbing in a rush. He didn't want to look awake when Ron returned. Shortly after, Ron came into the room and stood next to Harry's bed, but he didn't touch him.

"What's wrong with you, mate? Something's been off lately with you."

Silence.

"I know you're not sleep. You just got out the shower."

Silence.

"Whatever man. I'm just worried about you is all." He left Harry's side and got into bed.

Harry waited until he could hear Ron snoring before turning over to look at him. Why did he think about Ron so much? Why was he nervous around him now? What gad changed? Then he thought of the way that he had looked at Ron in the shower. He had scanned every inch of Ron that he could see and had wished for more. He had nearly melted under his gaze and had jumped at his touch earlier in the day. Those were all things you did when you like someone right?... It couldn't be! There was no possible way! There was no reason for it! The realization hit him like a ton of bricks. He liked Ron... He wanted more than just a best friend. His thoughts were more muddled than ever and there was no hope of going to sleep.


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