Notes, Disclaimers, etc: No more warnings. It's chapter 20 something for Christ sakes. Updating in my usual timely manner. And this is so short. *begs your forgiveness* Anyway, for anyone who is still reading this, which is probably no one, thanks for hanging with me. Even though it takes me eons to update.

This chapter contains: allusions to twincest and slash, snow, very eloquent and most likely OOC nameless twin.

Chapter 23: Happier Than I've Ever Been

        I left you sleeping in the hollow of the tree, the frigid air tracing color in your cheeks and lips. Your eyelashes sticking together, still spiky from tears.

        You cry so often now. You say it's because you love me and because you are happy but I know what it is. Now that you finally have what you want you are even more aware of the repercussions. This secret that we must hide so carefully from all of society. This secret that will cast a shadow over your mind for the rest of your life.

        And you hate to lose him. You toss your head and laugh and say you don't mind, you don't regret, but he was your best friend, more a friend than I ever was. I had the advantage of knowing your mind, feeling your every breath and pulse, reading your every signal. Lee had no such connection but held on all the same, loved you as I never could, because he had to try.

        For us this is second nature. And easiness bleeds into laziness with a speed that leaves us dizzy.

        So you clutch at my shirt and cry for everything we have left behind in our need for each other. At first it was a furious passion that left no time for regret. But now that has burned itself out and there is only embers of passion.

        I don't mean that I don't love you anymore. My love for you if anything is stronger now that I have begun to face the world. But passion is different.

        It's hard not to fear the outcome of this. No matter where I look there is another option of failure. You imagined this for so long that I can do nothing but fall short of your expectations. And Ron isn't stupid, is in fact more in tune to us than we would like to admit. And Lee's nerves are stretched to the breaking point…

        You do not help him by ignoring him. I know you offered your friendship and your help but he rejected you and your pride was hurt. Now you say that if he is truly your friend… But you do not see. He will not approach you now. Afraid to betray himself.

        The air gets colder and snowflakes begin to filter through the branches of the tree.

        Footsteps behind me, the soft sound of your breath in the quiet of the forest.

        Without turning: I'm sorry I left you. I wanted to go for a walk.

        It's snowing. You rest your chin on my shoulder, wrap your arms around my wait. I don't mind. I'm sorry I fell asleep.

        Better than sleeping in class.

        Snape would probably beat me to death then use my blood in his potions. Sadistic bastard.

        Silence. I feel you tilting your head back, opening your mouth to welcome the snow.

        You mutter, strange, for it to snow so late.

        After a moment. Are you alright?

        I told you. I'm happy. Happier than I've ever been.

        I say nothing. I know that it's not a quite a lie.