DISCLAIMER: I don't own Harry Potter, its characters, or anything. Just the plot. The goddess of Potter, JKR does. (Cuts off a leg in sacrifice.)

RATING: R (or PG-13) Whatever floats you boat, hm?

Here you go Carrie!

Chapter 3: Confession and Pain

"Co.... Come in?" a voice croaked.

Harry creaked the door open. The dorm was pitch black, and the shaft of light that filtered through from the door showed the dark shapes of various four-poster beds. All the bed curtains were open, showing that whoever was in there wasn't in bed.

"Who, who is it?" asked a voice from the dark recesses of the room.

"It's Harry Potter. Who's there?" Harry replied. No one answered. "Lumos!" said Harry, igniting the end of his wand.

Harry held his wand high, casting the wandlight into the corners to find whoever was hiding. The light fell onto Colin Creevey, who was shaking.

*Gads, it's Harry!* thought Colin wildly. *He can't see me like this!* Hurridly, Colin wiped his face with his hands, and, using his wand, lit a few tapers along the wall.

"Colin, are you okay?" asked Harry, genuine concern crossing his face.

"I'm fine!" squeaked Colin. *Gawd, he must think I'm a flaming infidel. Oh Harry......* "I was, uh..." Harry cut him off by moving closer.

"Colin, you haven't been yourself lately! Can you please tell me what's wrong?" Harry asked gently.

"I can't!" choked Colin. *I love you, Harry! That's what! And I can't have you!*

"Colin, please. I want to help," said Harry, resting his hands on Colin's still-not-quite developed shoulders. Colin shivered at Harry's touch.

"Harry, I, I.............." Colin said, unable to spill the secret that threatened to consume him. There was a look in his eyes Harry had never seen before. Harry nodded, encouraging the younger boy to continue.

"Harry, I........ I.......... I LOVE YOU!" the words burst out of Colin's mouth. Looking shocked, Colin ducked out of Harry's grasp, and turned away, face in his hands.

"What?......" Harry said confusedly.

"I love you!" Colin sobbed. "I love you so much it hurts!"

*Oh gods,* thought Harry. *I never would have expected this.*

"Colin, I.......I" Harry trailed off. Colin looked at him hopefully. Harry continued. "I can't return those feelings," said Harry, avoiding Colin's hurt expression. "I'm, I'm not gay, and, well, I have a girlfriend," Harry replied, feeling guilty. *I'm the source of his pain...... and I'm making it worse.*

"Harry....... don't do this to me!" Colin pleaded. "Please, say you love me!"

"I can't," Harry said in a final tone that wasn't-so-final. Harry tried to avoid looking at Colin, so he fussed with the sleeve of his robes.

"Harry, please! I need you! Please?! I'm so much better than Ginny Weasley!" Colin exclaimed out of desperation. Then realizing what he just said, he covered his mouth with his hands. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," Colin whispered.

"That's enough!" Harry yelled, taking his wand out and pointing it at the blond-haired boy's chest. "I love Ginny. That is who I love. Don't go anywhere NEAR her! And, I'm....... sorry," whispered Harry. He then promptly turned on his heel, and fled the sixth year's dorm.

As the door closed behind Harry, he could already hear Colin start to sob. Harry fled for his dorm down the hall.

A/N : yes, i know it was short, but i got everything that needed to be here in.