It was a long Quidditch practice, cut short by Ron having to go to the infirmary for an upset stomach. On his way up to the Gryffindor common room, Harry greeted Hermione and told her about Ron.

"He must not have been too sick, because he came in here not too long ago," Hermione said, fully engulfed in a dusty book.

Confused, Harry headed up the stairs to their dormitory and opened the door. Ron was kneeling before Harry's bed, apparently looking for something in Harry's trunk.

"Hey Ron, I thought you went-" Harry stopped short as Ron spun around, and a spray of coins flew across the room.

"Harry!" Ron said breathlessly, clutching Harry's money bag.

They stared at each other for what seemed like hours, and then it dawned on Harry.

"Why didn't you just ask, Ron?" Harry said quietly.

Ron's face was beet red.

"I-I dunno, I didn't want you to think...I dunno..." Ron slowly hung his head.

He looked back up at Harry, a look of fear on his face. "Harry, I'm really sorry! Don't be angry, please! I...I just wanted to get everybody really good Christmas presents this year...but you know how it is..."

Ron figured Harry was going to be angry, which he should have been, but Harry was feeling something quite different, something he had never felt for Ron. He felt pity.

Harry knelt down and started gathering the coins, and handed them to Ron.

"Don't worry about it, mate." Harry said.

Ron's faced got an even deeper shade of red. "No, I can't. I'm stupid, I'm really sorry-"

"Ron, just take it!" Harry interrupted Ron. "I haven't got any use for it, I'm finished shopping anyway. Just pay me back when you can."

Ron just looked at Harry, a smile of gratitude on his face.

"I'll pay you back, I promise."