After dinner, when Harry could think correctly again, he left the bathroom and made his way back up to Gryffindor Tower. He walked straight by Hermione and Ron, not even stopping when she questioned the confused look on his face. He went up to the boys' dorm and flung himself onto his bed, wanting to go to sleep and forget the night's events. When Ron came up to bed, Harry could feel the redhead watching him, but he didn't acknowledge his best friend. Instead, he rolled over until he was looking at Seamus's bed. The Irish boy was cuddling with Dean, not even caring if everyone knew they were a couple. Harry was happy for them; he understood how hard it was to hide a relationship. After a few minutes, Harry drifted off into a restless sleep, dreaming of a beautiful date with Draco until it was interrupted by Ron kissing him. In the morning, he was the first one awake, so he got dressed then walked down to the courtyard. Once there, he saw a handsome alabaster-skinned boy looking at the sunrise. Harry walked over to his boyfriend and laid down beside him. Draco took the raven-haired boy's hand and cuddled up to his side. He breathed in Harry's musky scent, which today had a hint of cream and honey. Without even thinking about it, Draco kissed Harry's neck, but pulled back when he tensed.
"What's wrong, babe?" Draco asked, voice dripping with concern.
"Erm... Ron kissed me," replied Harry.
Draco's face dropped as he stared at his boyfriend. His heart leapt to his throat and he felt like he had swallowed hot coals. He started to get up, but Harry pulled him back to him.
"Dray, it didn't mean anything. He followed me to the bathroom and demanded I tell him what was going on between us. I told him it was none of his business, he kissed me, then told me it was his business because he had loved me since second year," Harry said, holding on tightly to his boyfriend.
"Look, Harry, if you say it didn't mean anything I believe you. But he needs to know that he can't have you," Draco said, returning Harry's tight hug.
Harry sighed and kissed Draco's neck. When the blonde opened his mouth to deepen the kiss, Harry complied. They explored each other's mouths before Draco began to lay down. Looking at Draco, Harry seemed to ask with his eyes if he could follow. Draco nodded before pulling him down on top of him. The Slytherin's hands went to Harry's shirt, beginning to unbutton it. When he had the tedious buttons undone, Harry threw off his shirt and began to do the same to Draco. After both of them had been stripped of their shirts, Harry trailed kisses down Draco's collarbone and to his stomach. Then, Draco's hands drifted down to the button of his boyfriend's pants. Before he could do anything though, a surprised gasp came from the right of the boys. Harry's head shot up and he saw Hermione and Ron. The girl looked shocked, while Ron looked hurt and dismayed. He ran back into the castle, but didn't get very far before collapsing in a fit of tears and sobs. Harry raced to his friend and dropped to his knees in front of him.
"Go away Harry! I hate you!" Ron yelled at him.
"Ron, I know you don't mean that. But you have to know, I'm in love with Draco now," Harry said, grabbing Ron's hand.
"Harry, I poured my heart out to you last night! Didn't that mean anything to you?" Ron shouted.
"Of course it did! It might have meant more if you'd told me last year. If you had, we might have had a chance to be together," Harry said, saying the last part so quietly that Ron wasn't sure he had heard him correctly.
"What? You- you liked me last year?" Ron asked, a shocked look on his face.
"Yeah, but you missed your chance. You're still my best friend, mate," Harry said, turning Ron's face to look at him.
The redhead nodded, understanding that he had. Harry brushed away his best friend's tears and leaned up to hug him. A small, sad smile splayed on Ron's lips and he stood up to go back to where Hermione and Draco were waiting. The blonde had replaced his shirt and was now awkwardly trying to explain to Hermione what they had witnessed. When he saw Harry, relief spread across Draco's face as the Gryffindor jumped right in to the explanation. When a look of understanding dawned on Hermione's face, Harry wrapped his arm around his boyfriend's waist and kissed his jaw, seeing as how Draco was at least two inches taller than he.
"Oh, Ron, I'm so sorry! I know how much you loved Harry!" cried Hermione.
"'S'okay Hermione. I can see how much Draco means to our best mate," he replied, giving Harry and Draco a smile.
After Harry had put his shirt back on, the quartet walked back into the castle. It was still too early for breakfast, so the Great Hall was fairly empty. Draco walked in a few minutes after the Golden Trio, so as not to muster suspicion. When they were all seated, a handsome boy walked up and seated himself next to Ron. He had jet-black hair with purple tips and, Ron couldn't tell if they were real or contacts, deep electric-blue eyes. His sun-kissed skin offset his chiseled features. He gave Ron a warm smile then held out his hand.
"Hello, Ron. I'm Xzavier O'Reilly. But you can just call me X," he introduced himself.
"H-hi. How do you know my name?" Ron asked, a slight flush creeping up his cheeks.
"Oh, I'm a Ravenclaw. I know everything. Like how I know that you love to swim down at the lake after a long Quidditch practice," X said, deviously smiling.
The flush deepened in Ron's cheeks, then he realized he was still holding on to the Ravenclaw's hand. Although it seemed to be impossible, Ron's cheeks darkened and he jerked his hand away. Xzavier chuckled and he shook his head. Before heading back to the Ravenclaw table, he winked at Ron. The Golden Trio was left to itself, while Ron seemed overly interested in his breakfast. Hermione giggled and she turned back to her book. After breakfast, the three headed to D.A.D.A class and sat down. When the professor came in, he gave them a pop quiz and Ron groaned. He hadn't done his homework and the quiz pertained to their homework. Luckily, he was a pretty good guesser and managed to pass the quiz. After their morning classes, the trio headed down to lunch. About halfway through his sandwich, Ron felt a pair of eyes on the back of his head. Turning toward Ravenclaw's table, he locked eyes with Xzavier. A deep blush painted the redhead's cheeks and he quickly looked back to his sandwich. Harry shook his head at his best friend, not understanding how Ron couldn't see the blue-eyed Ravenclaw was interested in him
"Ron, you are so clueless sometimes!" Hermione said, voicing Harry's thoughts.
"What? What are you talking about 'Mione?" Ron asked, a seriously confused look on his face.
Hermione giggled as she pointed to Xzavier, who was smiling at Ron. The redhead smiled back then looked to Hermione. Realization dawned on his face and he let out a girly squeal. The trio laughed then finished up their lunch. On their way out of the Great Hall, Xzavier jogged to catch up with Ron. Hermione and Harry kept walking in order to give the two some privacy.
"We'll see you in class Ronald!" Hermione called over her shoulder.
The black-haired Ravenclaw waved at Ron's best friends, then turned to the redhead in front of him. Ron was biting his lip and Xzavier reached out and pulled Ron's lip from his teeth.
"Erm- Ron, would you like to have a butterbeer with me in Hogsmeade this weekend?" asked the Ravenclaw.
"I'd love to!" Ron answered, smiling at Xzavier.
"Alright! Meet me in the courtyard by the oak tree," X said before giving Ron a quick kiss on the cheek.
Ron stood fixed to his spot. His hand went up to the place where X had kissed him. His cheek felt like it was burning from the kiss. A brilliant smile found its way onto his lips and he began the journey to his next class.