A/N:

Haha, surprise, surprise! I translated this chapter maybe week after I posted the last one, but it's been crazy and it took me this long to edit it. Fortunately, Misery-Loathes-Company was free to beta (no Yolle this time, since she's beta-ing another one of my stories ;))

So, thanks again for your help, MLC :3

Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns the Potters, not me. I'm just playing with them. Don't sue!


A/N2: On Last Chapter...

Occurisdom guides Ron into realising how he has been writing his and Harry's story over and over again — a fact that Harry already knew due to Ron's reading the other day. With the help of his friend Cal, Ron finds a flat of his own. Harry has mixed feelings on Ron leaving his place; on the other hand, his life will become much simpler once Ron won't be around all the time arousing fiery passion within him. But on the other hand, Ron won't be around all the time arousing fiery passion within him...

Also, Cal is trying to get a job in a pub which happens to be owned by Billy McGregor. What a coincidence!


6. The Zenith

~.~.~

Harry rummaged through his bag, swearing like a trooper.

"Such sunshine," Billy rumbled into Harry's ear, pulling him closer. There was plenty of time before he had to open Wallace, and Harry did not have to leave for hours. "Come 'ere."

"Not now!" Harry snarled, prying himself from Billy's arms. "I cannot believe it; I forgot to pack my Invisibility Cloak!"

"What's the problem? Yeh just pop home before leavin'," Billy shrugged. He threw himself on the bed, shoved his hands behind his neck, and stared at the ceiling.

Harry slumped on the edge of the bed, leaning on his knees. He had not told Billy the truth, even after spending the whole week with him. Neither did he want to tell it now, but he did not have a choice any more: it was essential to have the Cloak with him.

"I can't," he muttered between his teeth. "Ron is there."

"It's yer house, isn't it?" Billy reminded, sliding his bare toes under the hem of Harry's shirt.

"Still," Harry mumbled, massaging his temples. "I don't want to see him right now."

"Ye're havin' a row?"

"No. Well, kind of."

"Yeh think I should get the Cloak?" Billy drawled, counting Harry's vertebra with his toes.

Harry turned his head, looking pleadingly at Billy.

"Would you?"

"Well..." Billy said, tugging Harry by his belt loop with his toes. "First, yeh gimme some sugar."

Harry laughed aloud and crawled on top of Billy.

"That's blackmailing, you know," he said before grazing Billy's lips with his own. Then he leaned on his elbows, smirking. "What kind of sugar?"

Billy gave a short chortle. He spun them around, so that Harry was under him. Then he pushed Harry's legs apart and pinned his hands against the mattress.

"Yeh know, I'll have ta think it over."

"I'm sure you'll get it," Harry answered hoarsely, reaching up to kiss Billy properly.

~o~

Two hours later Billy was in a hurry. He had picked up the Cloak and almost bumped into Ron while rushing down the stairs. That ruddy lad! Strutting around in a strange house, naked as the day he was born; probably wishing that Harry had come home just then.

Billy gritted his teeth. Over and over again, he had tried to convince himself that he ought to trust Harry and Harry's own judgement, but without success. He was not an unreasonable man, but it was unbearable that Harry's old flame slept under the same roof with him — whether the lad was his friend or not. Billy had tried to reason with Harry immediately after the wedding, tried to explain how stupid it was to offer a room to Ron. But he might have talked to the walls for all he knew.

At least, Harry did not want to spend time with Ron any more.

It tickled his curiosity to find out what the quarrel was about, but he did not want to ask. Harry would tell him when the time was right, or would not tell if it did not concern Billy. The situation was too good to pass, though, and Billy decided to take a day off as soon as Harry was back in the UK.

They would spend that day together, without the ruddy lad.

~o~

"Great haul," Remus said, smiling, as Harry got up to follow other Aurors exiting the conference room. Harry waved the hand that was not in a sling and smiled back.

The weekend had proven fruitful. Dolohov was finally captured, and due to a lucky coincidence, Harry had located the gravely ill Rodolphus Lestrange lingering in the vicinity.

Two down, Harry thought whilst walking across the Atrium. He yawned and scratched his broken arm. It had splintered when Dolohov blasted his cottage trying to escape. It would heal until morning, and according to the Healer, it would not leave a scar. However, Remus had insisted that Harry took the whole weekend off — at least to unwind and relax.

Usually, a day off was greeted with gratitude, but the situation being what it was, Harry would have liked to spend his days at work. He had piled up cases the whole week, covered others' shifts, and only stopped by at Billy's, bypassing his own home. Avoiding Ron had not helped, because during every single spare moment Harry's mind started to contemplate the dealings with his problematic lodger. On more than one occasion he had to stop himself from imagining what it would be like to kiss Ron.

Harry's slippery thoughts forced him to yearn for a simpler life; if he was not with Billy. If he was not afraid of rejection, or worse, to lower his shield just to be trampled down again. Ron had hurt him badly, and even though Harry now understood better why Ron had behaved as he had, it did not diminish his fear. It was simply dreadful to even think about giving in to a relationship which, by ending, had the power to crush his heart.

On the other hand, even though Harry enjoyed spending time with Billy, he was not as frightened to lose him. It was liberating, but at the same time, it felt like settling.

The green fire of the Floo Network swallowed Harry. He whirled around and around, minding the sore arm, until he stepped out of his own fireplace. First, he realised that the telly was on. Second, he saw Ron asleep on the sofa in front of the TV set. There was a mouth-watering smell of a well-done roast floating from the kitchen, and even in the dim light Harry could see that Ron had cleaned up the apartment.

He stared at Ron feeling guilty as sin. What kind of a friend was he?

The whole week he had been steering clear of Ron, but instead of being miffed about it, Ron got through all this trouble to welcome him home. Harry tugged his hair nervously, it all seemed so unfair. Ron had taken a huge step by coming to London and confronting himself honestly, just the way he was. The least Harry could do was to meet him in between.

Harry promised silently, while covering Ron with a blanket, that he would be a better friend in the future. Even if it meant that he had to be careful of his own thoughts.

~o~

Harry woke up late. By the time he got downstairs, Ron had already left. It was a sunny morning, and Harry hummed while preparing breakfast. Cooking was a dear hobby of his, but lately he hadn't had time to fiddle with food.

Just as coffee was done, Billy padded downstairs, rubbing sleep from his eyes.

"Morning," Harry said, pecking him on the cheek. Billy grunted, heading straight to the coffee machine. Harry thought nothing of it; Billy was never too talkative before the first cuppa.

"The new lad is comin' today, to training," Billy said, after emptying his cup. "Gotta be there earlier."

"Who is it?" Harry asked, looking up from the Prophet.

"Some young lad, can't remember the name. It's Maggie who found 'im," Billy shrugged.

"Okay," Harry muttered, continuing with the paper. After a few minutes, Billy got up. Harry did not realise what was happening, until Billy headed to the front door.

"What? Already?" he cried out.

"Do ye see the time?" Billy asked, sounding fed up with the subject. Harry let him don a pullover on, before grabbing his hand to see the time. It was after noon.

"Merlin! We took our time this morning."

"Aye," Billy noted with a clipped tone. He tied his messy hair, while Harry leant against the wall keeping his eyes firmly fixed on Billy.

"Are we still going to Diagon Alley tomorrow?" he asked as Billy was done with his grooming. Billy turned and stepped closer.

"Sure," he said, kissing Harry straight on the lips. "Can't wait the see Fred and Hermione again."

~o~

The treadmill had barely started, when the front door slammed close. Harry heard hurried steps passing by the door on top of the stairs, but did not stop running; he knew it was Ron. Presumably Ron knew he was down here too, as the treadmill was not the quietest one. But after running for half an hour and being disturbed not even once, Harry realised this was not the case. The curiosity got the better of him and he shut down the machine, and went to search for Ron, wiping the sweat off his brow.

The guest room door was closed. Harry hesitated, before rapping it with his knuckles. There was a crash behind the door which made Harry jump back, but after hearing Ron's loud cursing, he relaxed.

Finally Ron opened the door. His face turned guilty as soon as he saw Harry. His rosy cheeks and ruffled hair made Harry wonder whether he had just woken up from a nap.

"Hi," Harry said, smiling timidly. "Um, did I wake you?"

Ron shuffled nervously, glancing back at the room. Harry's eyes followed him, and he noticed the rumpled bed spread. Then, a very familiar smell reached his nostrils, and he had to bite his cheek to keep from laughing.

"Oh, well, maybe I should come later?" he asked tentatively. Ron's jaw dropped, and the corners of his mouth started to twitch. Harry furrowed his brow. It took a moment for him to grasp what he had said.

"I'd say that's up to you," Ron quipped, roaring with laughter.

Harry laughed so hard he had to grip the door handle in order to stay on his feet. He guffawed long and hard, and there were tears flowing from his eyes. Ron giggled on the floor; he had dropped on his bum.

"Remember when we were going to take a shower after Quidditch practise, and interrupted Dean instead?" Ron gasped, after settling down enough to breathe in.

Harry nodded and chortled again, massaging his sore abs.

"And when I walked in on you in the Gryffindor dorm room," Ron continued, grinning mischievously.

Harry remembered. He had been sixteen. He had finally become aware that he was thinking of Ron more than as his best friend and was just imagining how it would feel to touch Ron. The fantasy-Ron had kept him in such a tight hold that he had not realised it was actually the real Ron talking. After the happenstance, they avoided each other for a while, making Hermione wonder if they had had a row.

Harry let out a nervous giggle.

"Oh, come on, it was ages ago," Ron snorted, spotting Harry's lame reaction. "Besides, you just walked in on me... Well, not really, but almost."

"Yeah, right," Harry admitted, forcing himself not to wonder what Ron had been thinking while jacking off. "That's true."

Ron's gaze wandered towards Harry's sweaty t-shirt, and Harry squared his shoulders.

"I was running on the treadmill while you came."

Ron sniggered, but sobered up quickly. "Sounds like a good idea. Did you finish already?"

"I was just warming up," Harry said. "But the treadmill will be free soon."

"Okay."

As Ron started to get up from the floor, Harry straightened his arm to help him up. Ron's warm palm tingled against Harry's, and he drew his hand back as soon as Ron was on his feet. Ron gave Harry a strange look.

"I hurt my hand on Saturday," Harry explained, not really lying.

"Is it serious?" Ron asked worriedly, checking on the faded welts crisscrossing Harry's arm.

"Well, yeah, but the healers did a great job with it. I had to wear the sling until this morning; it still aches from time to time."

"Should you really be training already?"

"Nah, I'll just skip the weights," Harry said dismissively.

The worried crease between Ron's eyebrows did not disappear, and Harry huffed annoyed.

"It's not the first time I got hurt doing my job. Or playing Quidditch. I'm not made of glass, you know?"

Now Ron's face relaxed into a grin, and he nodded. "Right on. I'll come down soon."

"Again?" Harry quipped, turning towards the stairs, and behind him, Ron burst into laughter.

~o~

WWN played rhythmic music. Harry was facing the wall, doing his abs. Following Ron's work out was not even remotely unpleasant, but doing sit-ups with a hard on was difficult. Also, Harry was fairly sure he should not feel that way about his friend.

"I'm gonna miss this cellar," Ron grunted, stretching his legs. "Oh, I guess I haven't told you yet. I signed a lease today."

"What?" Harry exclaimed, falling on his back. He looked at Ron upside down just as he was drying his face into the hem of his t-shirt, revealing his stomach glistening with sweat. Harry swallowed, before averting his eyes.

"Well, I went to see one flat with Cal, and it was so good I took it right away."

"Cal..." Harry mumbled to himself, squinting his eyes. Ron heard him, though, and stared at Harry like he could not believe his eyes.

"It's not possible that you don't remember Cal," he snorted.

"Of course I remember him," Harry said quickly. "I just didn't know that you keep in touch with him. Is he still working at the Bollocks?"

"Not any more. He didn't go back after I left. Actually, Cal starts today in a new place; blimey, what was it called...?"

Harry got up and turned to face Ron.

"Don't tell me it's Wallace?" he asked incredulously.

"Yeah, that's the one!" Ron affirmed, and then noticed how Harry's face had fallen. "What's wrong with it?"

"Nothing, except it's Billy's."

Ron stared at Harry for two seconds then burst into laughter. Harry grinned, too, but decided it was best to stretch his abs before laughing again.

"What comes around goes around," Ron muttered sarcastically, sitting down on the bench, grasping his water bottle.

Harry did not answer. He was not sure if there had been anything more than friendship between Ron and Cal. Anything was possible, considering how easy it had been to coax Ron into sex while being Cal. Harry started to blush while remembering that night, and quickly shoved the memory aside.

"When are you moving out?" he asked, getting up.

"The day after tomorrow," Ron said, rising to his feet, too. "But if you want, I can come to water you plants every week if I can also use the gym."

Harry chortled, even though the words stabbed his insides. So soon.

"Feel free," he said finally.

Ron grinned, and took a step forward, towards Harry.

Harry's heart missed a beat. His nostrils twitched as the smell of fresh sweat and sheer masculinity drifted in. Ron's body seemed to radiate heat, even over the two feet of air between them. Harry licked his lips deliberately, and Ron's eyes focused immediately on the erotic movement of the tongue.

The song ended, and another one began. This time the rhythm was slow and pulsing. Harry stared at Ron's blue eyes, which were staring back at him with dilated pupils. The look on his eyes warmed Harry's belly, and he drew in a slow, savouring breath. His every cell was longing to get closer to Ron, and he was already leaning in, in order to take the fateful step.

Then, Ron dropped his gaze at his toes and cleared his throat.

"I think a shower would be a good idea."

"What?" Harry stammered. Had Ron really said what he thought he'd said? And before thinking it over, Harry was already continuing: "Together?"

Ron flinched, and the movement made Harry curse under his breath. What the hell had he been thinking of?

"It's meant for two, but..." Ron hesitated, glancing at the stairs behind Harry. "Still, maybe it's best if we take turns?"

"Yeah, yeah!" Harry agreed quickly. "You go first; I'll stay to clean up a bit."

Harry turned his back and began mechanically Scourgifying the sweaty benches and chalk covered bars. After a moment, he heard Ron's steps going up the stairs. When the door slammed shut, Harry glanced behind him. Confirming that he was alone at last, Harry sighed deeply.

~o~

Even through the loud sound of the blender, Harry heard the bathroom door close. He did not turn around, just put two large glasses on the counter and filled them with brownish drink.

"Shake coming!" he yelled, sending one of the glasses upstairs.

"Thanks!" Ron answered, before closing his room.

After taking a shower, Harry barricaded himself in his study, wrestling the reports that were due ages ago. He got so wrapped up with work that he lost track of time, not surfacing until after midnight, when Billy knocked lightly on the door, and entered without waiting for an answer.

In their bed, Billy fell asleep instantly, but Harry's thoughts turned again to Ron and the feeling he had felt during those few, long seconds. Billy had not asked how his day was, and Harry had not told anything. Nevertheless, the guilt was heavy on Harry: not because of what had happened, but because of what he had hoped to happen. Not once before had Harry even considered of cheating on Billy. Not even if his working partner Dave had made it crystal clear how welcome the idea would be with him.

Harry squeezed his eyes shut. If he wished hard enough, maybe things would be better in the morning. Perhaps he would wake up beside Billy, and there would not be anyone else in the house. Maybe his life would be peaceful again, and he would not have to wrestle with his conscience any more.

But even as he thought of it, there was a small, nagging voice in his mind, wondering if he was totally honest with himself.

~o~


End Notes:

About Harry's work buddy, Dave. He was supposed to be just a name, but then he started to appear everywhere — which means that you'll be seeing more of him later! I have to admit, this was a curious story to write. I have very seldom used OC's, before WG and TICTAC, and now there are more than one of them wandering around! And now, to your lovely comments! :)

~o~

Minea89: I think this time I managed to post a new chapter quite soon, don't you think? :) Also, maybe it's Harry's life that's in disorder right now instead of Ron's. Hmm, what to do, what to do!

TheLadyJaye: Glad to hear that smut is appreciated :) Also, yes about Ron. He can be a bit dense, haha.

AlaricShade: I'm so happy to hear it! I might not be that fast with updating, but at least I'm stubborn. I won't forget this translation until I see 'the end'!

Ci Malfoy: Aw, you're the cutest :3 I hope this chapter gave the idea of the capabilities of their, um, should I say union? :) Poor boys, never the right time. Well, we'll just have to see where it goes! :D

Guest: I don't blame you for forgetting this one, I'm sooooo slow with the updating! Nevertheless, I'm glad to see that you are still reading it :3

unknownroyalvisitor: (ominous nickname! O.O) Yes, they are! Aw, I'm so glad to hear that you haven't forgotten me :)

WhySoSerious94: Haha, glad to hear that there are no complaints! :D Poor Ron, we agree there :3

~o~

See you in the next chapter! Which reminds me of...

...Coming later, Chapter 7: Ready, Set, Go!