Disclaimer: I don't own any of the character's created by J.K. Rowling- I just improve them a bit.

Author's Note: I haven't updated this thing for a while because I've been on vacation and struggling with writer's block. This chapter's just going to be an easy one- you're not really going to find anything out but it is sort of entertaining to read if you like drama. Happy reading and keep reviewing.

Chapter 11

Harry sat at the Gryfindor table in a stupor that only no sleep could bring. He was staring at his plate as though it held all the answers to life- but he couldn't really see it. He was too busy, lost in his own thoughts about the night before.

He had NEVER used tongue on a kiss. Well, his first kiss HAD been Cho Chang.and it had been his only kiss.The only thing he hadn't had to worry about was his sexuality. He knew that he wasn't gay.but maybe it would be easier if he were.

After Draco had left last night, Harry had lay awake on his bed until the gray light of fawn had filtered into the room. He had then gotten up and dressed silently, not wanting to wake his roommates. He wanted to be alone, so he had gone down to the Great Hall and sat, thinking.

That was my first day, though Harry dully. How many are left? 180 isn't it? He sighed, sitting in the Great Hall alone as the gray turned to a brilliant orange, filling the room with light.

Ron knew something wasn't right when he woke up. There was an uneasniness in the pit of his stomach that he couldn't shake. What the hell's wrong with me? He thought, sitting up in bed. He pulled the curtains from his four poster bed and groaned. The clock on the wall read 6:30. What had made him get up so early? Breakfast started at 8.

Shaking his head, he pulled his sheets off of him, knowing that he would never be able to sleep until he knew everything in the room was all right.

The other three beds stood silent, their inhabitants still sleeping peacefully. Ron was about to forget about his stomach and blame it on the punmpkin pie he had the night before when he noticed the fourth bed's curtains were pulled back. He stared at it, wondering. Why would anybody be up this early? Especially Harry.

Ron decided it was time to find out.

Harry was still sitting at the table when a voice startled him.
"Food isn't coming for at least another hour chap. Or are you just trying to burn a hole into the plate?"

Harry glanced up nervously, but smiled, relieved as soon as he saw who the speaker was.

"I mean, you're staring at it so intently that's just what I naturally assumed you wanted to do," Ron said, sliding onto the bench across from Harry. He flashed his best friend a carefree grin, trying not to look too concerned.

"Yeah I woke up early so I came down here," said Harry, shrugging. "I thought it was later."

Ron studied Harry's face as he spoke, taking in every detail. The unnatural pale skin and black circles didn't go unnoticed.

"Doesn't look like you got any sleep last night," Ron said lightly. That's strange, he though, still staring at Harry. Was that fear that just flashed across his face? "You weren't THAT nervous about the start of school, where you?"

Harry tried to grin while his mind screamed at him. Ron suspects something, I know he does.

"Well you know, Snape's going to be teaching my favorite class and there's another teacher so you know." Harry shrugged, trying to play it off lightly.

"It never bothered you before," said Ron evenly.

"Well it never HAPPENED before," Harry said sharply, his temper thin from deep fatigue.

"I just mean.well, Shape's just a teacher. You've done all the Triwizard Challenges and looked more rested than you do now. You looked more rested when you were going to take the O.W.L.S, sneak Norton out of the castle, even compete in Quidditch matches against MALFOY than you do right now."

The panicked look that crossed Harry's face didn't go unnoticed. What was it? The mention of Malfoy?..

Harry spoke before Ron could say anything, his words laced with anger.

"Yeah so? Ron, I said that there was NOTHING wrong. I said I was just a little nervous about today because that fucking sonuvabitch from HELL, who's only goal in life is to see me die a slow and painful death is going to teach me my favorite subject and'll probably make sure he somehow murders me himself and.and.," Harry trailed off, realized how lame he sounded. Ron was still staring at him, a blank expression plastered on his face.

"I know what you said Harry," Ron calmly said. "And if I were Hermione, I would believe you. If I were Neville, I'd believe you. If you were Dumbledore, I'd even believe you then. But, unfortunalty for you, I'm not. So don't throw this bull at me because I'm not going to believe you."

"Well you'll have to because it's the truth," said Harry, his voice as cold as his eyes.

"Why did you avoid me this entire summer? What happened Harry? Why didn't you sleep last night?"

"Maybe I had a LIFE during the summer. Maybe I didn't need you. And I TOLD YOU WHY I DIDN'T SLEEP." Harry yelled the last part, his temper finally snapping.

Ron stared at Harry for a long moment, concern creeping into his face. Finally he shook his head.

"You realize I won't stop until you tell me."

Harry ran a hand through his already messy hair, frustrated.

"Look Ron, I can't tell you. Please, stop asking me because I.I just can't."

"Yes you CAN Harry. I'm your best friend. I'm practically your BROTHER."

For a minute Harry stared at Ron and was suddenly overcome with the overwhelming desire to tell him everything- Voldemort's nightmare, his aunt's beating, the cutting, Draco. Ron could help, Ron could.

Just as Harry opened his mouth, Hermione came down to the table, bustling over in her usual busybody manner.

"Oh THERE you two are, I've been waiting in the Common Room for a half an hour now, why didnd't you wait for me, that was really quite rude."

Harry looked around as Ron snapped angrily at Hermione. The Great Hall was beginning to fill with students and teachers, yawning and talking, anxious to start the first day. Harry felt himself deflating. He had miss his chance.

A.N. yeah I'm done. Most of this was written in a car on the way home from Maine and I was dying, the other half was written during Seinfeld, Friends, Stupid Behavior Caught on Tape and typed during the end of another Friends and Will and Grace. I promise promise PROMISE that the next chapter I write will introduce the new professor, will have a Defense Against the Dark Arts scene and another Draco/Harry scene along with Katie Bell/Harry flirting. Read and review, read Liams Kitten's work and watch Will and Grace. Bye alllllllllllllllll ~^~Kalandria~^~