Disclaimer: I do not own any of this; all I do is borrow characters and use them for my own entertainment (and to avoid doing homework and other such boring activities).

A/N: Harry is now 18 weeks pregnant. So remember, his pregnancy is much faster, so 18 weeks is equivalent to almost 6 months in a real pregnancy.

Thanks to CurleyMustache as usual, and to everyone who reviewed. I'm really pleased that the majority were satisfied with the 'Harry telling Draco' scene.' I got more than 30 reviews for the last chapter, and I'm really sorry this is late! I was at a friend's house, and even though I brought my laptop, I couldn't connect to the Wi-Fi.

So yeah, thank you: SevLoverKat, madmaxborg, ferbluver1, ashakid1, tearfullpixie, bella216, hiddendestiny101, sun, lilia0, angelkit, xXallegedangelXx, Charlie, kittiyloveranime, nannily, classcchick, MakeupDiva88, ryouXichigo-lover, LalalaSpacingInPandaLand, YaoiCrazyGurlz, RRW, mykeyo10, Thornesedge, lostsouloftheunderworld, SchwarzShifter, G-dot, DezzieWinter, Guest, Lady Morganas Heir, AFLIover, RocklifeDude, psy.

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CHAPTER 10 – Sarcasm: Is That a New Thing?

Having to deal with both school and pregnancy was becoming harder and harder.

School work became far more demanding and the teachers piled on the homework as the exams were coming closer and closer (although Harry thought they were acting a bit too stressed, there were still a few months to go).

Harry wasn't even allowed to cast tricky or new spells because his magic was "temperamental", according to Madam Pomfrey. Pregnancy, he felt, seemed to be killing him slowly. If it wasn't for Draco's help and company, alongside Harry's weekly appointments in the hospital wing where he could see his growing children, he definitely would have been close to a break down.

Who knew that carrying a twin's would be so hard? Harry now completely respected any women who had simply one child, let alone more. He practically bowed down and worshipped any women like Mrs. Weasley. How on Earth did she manage seven? Harry thought it was truly mind boggling.

Now that he was eighteen weeks pregnant, Harry had to officially say goodbye to his toned stomach – which he was secretly proud of – and say hello to the stomach that looked as if he had swallowed a huge Quaffle. He vowed to himself that as soon as he had had the twins, he was getting his body back into shape.

His children's kicking was becoming more frequent, especially around Draco. Harry would often grab his hand and let him feel it. Walking between classes was harder, as the added weight caused ankles to swell and his back to hurt. The only positive side effects seemed to be his increased appetite, although it made him wary that he might be putting on too much weight.

The majority of the female population continued to think he was adorable with his growing twins bump and he often heard them discussing how 'cute' he looked 'waddling' between classes. Harry was horrified! Waddling? He did not waddle!

Harry was very grateful that those who did oppose his homosexuality were keeping it to themselves. They probably did so because if anyone chose to confront him, they would have a huge army of protective females upon them in a flash.

Strangely enough, Ron hadn't said anything to him since that evening before his meeting with Draco and, if anything, he seemed to have calmed down. Harry was curious as to what caused a change in his attitude. Harry knew they could never be the best friends they were, but he missed Ron. Just having him on good terms would make him happy.

He finally decided to talk to Hermione about why Ron was acting strangely and, while he was at it, he would ask the girl why she hasn't bothered trying to talk to him even if Ron had forbidden her. That way he would be killing two birds with one stone, as it were.

Harry had already told Draco the night before that he was going to try and talk with Hermione, so immediately after dinner, he went straight to the Gryffindor common room rather than meeting with Draco.

He settled himself in front of the sofa in front of the fire and waited.

The common room began to fill and people that were settling down for the evening. Quite a few – mostly the girls – stared at him. It was rare for him to be in the common room, as he usually went straight to bed after he had spent the evening with Draco. After a few minutes, Hermione finally climbed through the portrait hole.

"Hey, Hermione," Harry called out to her. He waved her over to sit next to him on the sofa. He saw her nod her head and make her way over.

Harry was glad to see Ron wasn't with her. He couldn't very well ask about him if he were there.

"Why haven't you been talking to me? I mean I know Ron 'forbade' it but I thought you'd at least try," Harry asked her as she sat down.

"I know, Harry. I wanted to, you just always seemed busy and I didn't want to take more of your time up."

Hermione looked down at her lap and fiddled with a string on her skirt.

"Hermione, that's an excuse, and a bad one."

"It's… it's just that I didn't want to upset Ron. I mean, he was really angry about you being gay. Then when he found out you were pregnant, he was furious. Luckily he didn't ask me if I already knew. He would have hated me otherwise for not telling him. But lately, he seems to be coming around. I didn't want him to see me talking to you and make him jealous and just make things go back to where they were."

"Alright, I still don't think that's a good enough reason, but whatever. I've just missed what we used to have," Harry said, accepting her reason, although it still hurt.

"Yeah, me too."

"Another thing that you mentioned I actually wanted to talk to you about," Harry went on to say, "Not that I mind, but why hasn't Ron been on my case again lately? He really does seem a bit calmer towards me for this past week. He's no longer sending looks that could kill," Harry questioned curiously.

"Well, It's because he sent a letter to his mum after he found out you were pregnant, going on about how disgusting and irresponsible you were. She sent him a letter in return. He read it during breakfast. I'm not sure what it said, but he went pale and was quiet for the rest of the day. Whatever she said, it must have worked and gotten some meaning across to him. Fred and George also send him a letter when they heard about how he'd been acting, and I think they threatened him with some of their less than friendly jokes."

"By the sounds of things, she gave him one hell of a tongue lashing," Harry winced as he remembered the howler Ron had received in their second year. Harry knew that Ron was grateful she hadn't sent a howler this time. "I'm not surprised about Fred and George either."

"Yeah, but I also think there must have been something she said specifically for him to change his attitude all of a sudden."

"If I asked, do you think he would tell me?"

"You know, Harry, I really think he would. He hasn't said anything bad about you this week at all and I wouldn't be surprised if he's wanted to talk to you."

"Where is he now, anyway?"

"In the library," Hermione smirked.

Harry widened his eyes in surprise, "Really? Why?"

"He hasn't done some Charm's homework, so I sent him to the library and told him what book to use."

"Ah. I knew he wouldn't be there voluntarily," Harry smiled.

"Are you going to go and see him?" Hermione asked. Harry could clearly see the hope shining in her eyes.

"I really shouldn't give him a chance. He's been such an arse to me… but I know how stubborn he is. I'll be waiting years if I want him to approach me. So I'll just, I dunno, walk by his table or something and see if he starts a conversation," Harry shrugged.

"Okay. I'll see you later, then," Hermione smiled, probably relieved that he and Ron may be able to resolve their differences, or at least talk things out civilly with Ron not feeling so angry.

"Yeah." Harry said as he got up off his comfortable seat on the sofa.

"Good luck."

Harry turned and made his way out of the common room, toward the library.

...

Harry entered the library and ignored the glares he got from Pince. He allowed his eyes to scan the room, searching for that tell-tale red hair.

It didn't take him long to spot Ron who was sitting at a small desk near where he and Draco work. He was leaning over the massive book that Hermione had suggested to him. She no doubt told him to use the biggest book on the subject as a subtle way of getting back at him for not doing his homework earlier.

Harry shook his head. After all these years, Ron's study habits still hadn't changed, where at least Harry put effort into his work now and got assignments finished in good time before they were due in.

Harry sighed quietly and slowly walked over towards where Ron was sitting. He decided he would strike up a conversation.

He had reached the table and Ron hadn't noticed his presence yet. He was clearly too engrossed in the text and was frowning as he tried to figure out which part he needed for the homework.

Harry cleared his throat, which had an immediate reaction on Ron whose head snapped up. His eyes met Harry's and widened in surprise.

"What do you want, Potter?" Ron asked as he gained control of his surprise at seeing Harry.

Harry replied, trying to keep his patience, "I just wanted to talk, Ron. Can I sit down?"

Ron scowled and, after a moment, he nodded grudgingly.

Harry pulled out the spare chair opposite of Ron and sat down quickly before Ron decided to change his mind – and before he changed his mind as well, now that Harry thought about it. Ron really didn't deserve a chance, but Harry was giving it to him anyway.

"I'm going to get straight to the point, Ron. Why have you backed off this last week?" Harry asked, then added, "Not that I mind, obviously, I just wanted to know."

Ron sighed and pushed away the massive book he had been attempting to decipher. Now that Harry looked carefully, he noticed black rings under his eyes worse than his own.

"Ron, are you alright?" he asked curiously.

Harry watched as Ron ran a hand through his hair, an action that Harry couldn't help but associate with himself when he was frustrated, tired, or worried.

"No, not really," Ron finally admitted, "I mean, I'm really not comfortable with you being gay. I don't think I ever will be."

"But Ron, there's a difference between being uncomfortable and being disgusted."

"I was disgusted. After I sent a letter to mum about you being gay and being effing pregnant, though, she sent me a letter that made me… reconsider things. You kind of have to when it comes to family."

"What do you mean?" Harry prompted.

"She told me that Charlie's gay. I can't hate my own brother for being gay, it would just be wrong. Then I realised I considered you something of a brother. How could I hate you for it but not Charlie?"

"And can you hate me for it Ron?" Harry asked quietly.

"No."

"And what about me being pregnant? Surely Charlie isn't as well?" Harry joked feebly, but he was happy to see Ron's lips twitch.

"I still don't like it. You were stupid to keep it. But mum also banged on about accidents happening and I can't blame you for them, especially seeing as you're Harry Potter. Things always happen to you and always will."

"Alright," Harry gave him a small smile.

"Believe me, Harry, this doesn't mean I'm going to be cooing over your spawn, playing chess with the other father. Who is the father, actually?"

Harry was about to reply but Ron must have seen his apologetic face and spoke before him.

"Never mind. I don't want to know."

"Okay, thanks," Harry smiled.

"Please Po – Harry, don't thank me. I don't deserve it. I was such an arse – I acted no better than Malfoy does or, rather, used to."

Harry winced at the mention of Draco, but Ron didn't call him up on it. He probably thought he was just remembering all ways Draco used to act like an idiot.

"I don't think we can ever be as close as we were, Ron, but I would like to have an understanding between us. I've missed how we used to be. I've even missed your appalling table manners," Harry offered.

"That's more than I deserve," Ron sighed.

"I have to say, Ron, you must have done some serious thinking about this all. You alright?"

"Oh har-har. To think I almost forgot how funny you were," Ron replied.

"Oh, sarcasm. Is that a new thing?"

"Oh, shut up Potter, and leave me alone. I have a charm's essay to finish," Ron retorted.

Harry chuckled at the fact that Ron just told him to go away because he had work to do. Ron never did that.

"Alright, bye," Harry said, getting out of his seat.

"Yeah, bye," Ron replied, who had already returned to the textbook, trying to understand it.

Harry exited the library and decided to go to bed early.

Only when he was in bed did he allow himself to think about his conversation with Ron. Harry knew that he shouldn't have forgiven Ron for betraying him again but Harry could see that Ron knew he was wrong this time, whereas before, Harry didn't think that Ron understood and so he didn't learn from his mistakes. That was the only reason why Harry decided to forgive, but not forget.

…

Aaah, took me forever to write this because I really don't think Ron deserves to be forgiven for how he's acted in my story! I wanted him and Harry to make up though, because I think Harry really would have forgiven Ron. I mean, everyone knows how hot headed Ron can get about things, especially Harry. Also, Harry won't ever be close to Hermione either, as far as Harry's concerned they both were not there for him, when he needed them the most.

Thanks for reading.

I'm updating early – probably Thursday, because this chapter is much shorter than what I'd like; and there was no Harry/Draco interaction *pouts*. So look out for Thursday! (Or maybe earlier is I get a handsome number of reviews…)