Harry walked down to the library and found Hermione huddled in a corner with her face buried in a book. Hermione noticed Harry walking over and smiled.

"Harry!"

Harry smiled back and walked over to her and sat down.

"Hey Hermione."

"Where have you been? Ron and I went looking for you."

"Oh," Harry thought for a minute, there was no point in lying he would have to tell her eventually especially since he realized his feelings for Draco. "I was actually in the hospital wing . . ." Harry said nervously.

"Oh, really? Ron and I just checked a few minutes ago and you weren't there."

"Wait, you and Ron went up there?"

"Yes, I thought that maybe you went to see Draco, why what's the matter?"

"Uh, nothing . . . um, where's Ron now?"

"I don't know, I came down here after we looked in the hospital. But he stayed up there looking for you."

Harry turned completely white, he felt all the blood rush to his head with a single blow and his veins tingle up his arms. What happened if Ron found out? Harry could just picture the horrified and disgusted look on his face.

"Harry?"

"Harry?"

Harry looked up at Hermione.

"Yes? . . . What?"

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine . . . I need to go find Ron."

Before Hermione could ask questions Harry stood up and left the library.

Harry entered his room to find Ron sitting at the end of his bed leaning forward, his hands formed into fists.

"Ron?"

Ron turned around quickly and glared at Harry.

"I've been looking for you." Harry said trying to sound as normal as possible.

"Why? So you can lie some more?"

"You sound angry."

"Damn right I'm angry!"

"Ron, listen to me, whatever you think . . . just let me explain." Harry's voice was cracking.

"Explain," Ron stood up, his face becoming red. "Explain what; how all you've been doing is lying to me? How you failed to mention that your gay and with none other than Malfoy!?"

"Ron, please. Just listen to me." Harry placed his hand on Ron's shoulder trying to calm him down but Ron just shrugged it off.

"Just stop it; I don't care what your excuses are!"

"But Ron, you didn't even give me a chance to explain! Think of how you would have felt in my position. I was afraid to tell you and Hermione, I didn't want you two to abandon me!"

Ron calmed down a little breathing heavily.

"I'm sorry, Ron, okay?"

Ron looked at him and then down at the floor occasionally switching his gaze back and forth.

"Sorry just isn't good enough."

Ron threw on his rob, walked out, and slammed the door behind him.

Harry closed his eyes and crouched down onto the floor, brining his knees up and wrapping his arms around them. This is exactly what he feared would happen. He knew that either way Ron would have acted this way, but Harry knew that lying only made the situation worse. Ron was his best friend; he was still was his best friend. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt him, and he did severely. Harry feared that he may not be able to get himself out of this one and get Ron to forgive him. He had to find a way, Ron was like a brother to him and Hermione was like a sister. They were his family and even if he had Draco, Ron and Hermione had been there for him since day one and have a special place in his heart that no one else could touch.

"That bastard lied to us, Hermione! And your not going to even be upset about it?!"

"Of course I'm upset; Ron but I can't help feeling bad for Harry. This must have been hard for him to go through. He was afraid to tell us, Ron. What does that tell you?"

"That he should trust us more!"

"No, Ron. Admit it; you would have reacted the same way you're reacting now."

"No, I wouldn't! The reason I'm reacting this way is because he lied about it."

"Ron, Harry is our friend. You said so yourself and friends except each other for who they are. I admit, Draco Malfoy isn't exactly my first choice for Harry but did you ever think to consider Harry's feelings on this?"

"Why should I? He didn't consider mine or yours."

"That's because it's not about us, Ron! For once, Harry is doing something for himself and whether you like it or not I'm standing by him. As should you."

Hermione gave Ron and dead stare and walked away.

Ron closed his eyes, so frustrated he could barely think. Apart of him wanted to forgive Harry and understand him but he felt so alone. Harry kept him in the dark about this whole situation, something he felt a best friend shouldn't do. Every year that has gone by Harry and Ron had grown a part. Ron didn't want to admit it but it felt like they were total strangers and Harry only made him feel they were more distant then they had ever been. Ron had always been there for Harry, he was number one in Harry's life and now he feared that was lost. And the fact that Draco Malfoy may be taking his place made him sick.

Harry looked on when he heard someone knocking at his door. He wiped his eyes and straightened his shirt before walking to the door. He took a deep breath and opened the door to find Hermione.

"Hermione?"

Hermione didn't answer she just looked at him then jumped in his arms and gave him a hug. Harry held her lightly, surprised by her action.

Hermione pulled away and looked at him.

"Harry, why didn't you tell me what was going on?"

"I'm sorry, Hermione. I wanted to tell you, and Ron. I really did. I just couldn't do it . . . the thought of losing you two was killing me inside."

Hermione let her hand rest on Harry's shoulder.

"Harry, we're your friends. What made you think I wouldn't understand? We love you no matter what you do. I don't want you to ever be afraid to come to me with a problem."

"Thanks, Hermione."

He hugged her, more tightly this time letting his chin rest on her shoulder. He released her and looked down.

"Ron is really mad at me, though. Isn't he?"

"Don't worry, he'll come around. I gave him a talk." Hermione smiled.

"I hope he does. I really didn't mean for things to get like this."

"I know you didn't . . . I do have one question though."

"What's that?"

"Are you and Draco 'boyfriends' now?" Hermione asked while giggling.

"Well, sort of . . . yeah, I guess you can say that."

"Well come on, what happened last night, I want details!"

"Hermione!"

"What? I've been in the dark this whole time I want to know!"

"Well would you look at the time?" Harry looked down at his watch I need to get some sleep." Harry dragged Hermione out of his room until she was standing outside the doorway.

"But-"

"Good night Hermione."

Harry smirked shutting the door behind him. He rolled his eyes and leaned against the door.

"Girls . . . no wonder I don't like them."