Harry spent a long time in the room, watching Ron sleep. He wanted to be there when he woke up, and he also found a lot of comfort in watching him breathe. After about two hours, there was a soft knock on the door, and Hermione came in. She looked at Ron with a pained expression, then sat next to Harry on the cot.

"So…" she said quietly, "I heard what you said, Harry. Is it…are you…?"

Harry did not want to beat around the bush. It would have come out anyway.

"We love each other," he said simply, "I…yeah, I love him. And I guess he's liked me for a while now." He looked at Hermione, whose eyes were wide. "We were going to tell you but then…" Harry trailed off.

"Oh," Hermione said softly, "Okay."

"Are you okay with that?" Harry asked, sitting upright now. He hadn't even considered the possibility that Hermione might not be okay with it. But she sounded hesitant.

"I just…" Hermione started, then when she saw Harry's expression she quickly grabbed his hand and squeezed it, "Of course I'm okay with that. I want both of you to be happy. But…I'm just worried about Ron."

"I know," Harry said with a sigh, "It's like…when we're alone, he's so…content. Happy. Like he used to be. But he let's all this stuff build up, and then…" He swallowed deeply, "And then this happens." He looked over at Hermione. "I'm worried about what's going to happen when we get back to Hogwarts."

"Well…I heard Mr. and Mrs. Weasley talking…" Hermione said slowly, "They might not let him go back. They don't think he's ready. They want to take him back to the Burrow when we go back. Bill and Charlie even offered to take more time off work."

Harry felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. A small part of him knew it might be the right thing to do. But a selfish part of him worried about what would happen between them if he went off to school, and Ron stayed behind. He sighed heavily and felt Hermione's hand on his back.

"I just wish he was happy," Harry heard himself say aloud, "I wanted to fix it."

"Sometimes," Hermione replied, "There's nothing we can do. He has to get better and it has nothing to do with us. He needs to help himself right now."

"I told him I would keep him safe," Harry muttered, rubbing his face with his hands in frustration, "I can't even do that."

"Deep down he has to know you can't fix everything, Harry," Hermione said gently, "You're doing what you can. I saw the way you were in there…and at St. Mungo's. The way you spoke to him. You really care. And that's all you can do right now."

"It doesn't feel like enough," Harry replied.

They sat in silence for a few moments, then were called to dinner. Harry suddenly froze.

"Who else heard?" He asked Hermione suddenly.

"Well…everyone in the room," Hermione said tentatively, "But, Harry, I don't think anyone really cares. I mean they care but…no one is upset. Ginny was a little shocked. But, Fred and George barely batted an eye. And…it's the Weasley's. They're hardly judgemental. I think they're just concerned for Ron right now."

"Yeah," Harry said with a sigh, "Well…George already knew. I expect at some point Fred found out. Ron wanted to tell everyone but he wasn't exactly ready yet."

"Well…it's out now," Hermione replied, "I think it'll be okay."

Harry watched Ron for a moment.

"I don't want to leave," he said quietly, "I want to be here when he wakes up."

"Combined those elixirs will last for hours, Harry," Hermione said softly, "He probably won't be up until tomorrow afternoon at least."

"I don't care," Harry said firmly, "I'm staying here."

Hermione left quietly, and Harry sat. He had plenty of time to think but all he could do was watch Ron sleep. Make sure his chest kept rising and falling. Harry felt very on edge. Suddenly the whole house knew about him and Ron. Which meant they had that to think about on top of Ron's other problems. Harry sighed heavily again, leaning into his hands.

Harry hadn't realized how tired he must have been until he awoke in the middle of the night with a blanket over him, and his glasses had been removed and set on top of his trunk nearby. He quickly put them on and looked at Ron, who was still asleep. He yawned, put his glasses back on his trunk, and laid back down. He figured as long as Ron was getting some good rest, he might as well too.

Harry was partially awake the next morning, he could see the room lightening behind his eyelids, when he heard a tentative voice from a few feet away,

"Harry?"

He sat up so quickly his head spun as he grappled for his glasses and was out of bed before he had put them on. Ron was still laying down, looking half asleep. Harry sat down near his head and put a hand on his arm.

"I'm here," he said softly, "How do you feel?"

"Tired," Ron muttered, closing his eyes again, "Really tired."

There was a soft knock at the door and it opened a crack, Hermione peered in and whispered,

"Do you want to come to breakfast?"

Harry nodded. "Just a moment," he replied. He turned back to Ron, who was nearing sleep again. Harry leaned down and kissed Ron on the cheek. "Keep sleeping," he whispered, "I'll be back up later, okay?"

"Mkay," Ron murmured, "Love you."

Harry's heart swelled and he smiled, pulling the blanket up to Ron's chin. He kissed him again and said,

"I love you, too. I'll be back."

He carefully got off the bed and walked out to the hallway. After Hermione closed the door as quietly as possible she smiled at Harry, who found himself still grinning, despite everything.

"What?" He asked with a laugh.

"It's cute," Hermione said, "You two. I couldn't really picture it at first, but…you really love him."

"Yeah, I do," Harry replied simply, "I…I don't know. It feels good. He…he makes me happy. Needed. And not like everyone else in my life, you know? Like he doesn't need something from me. Just me."

"That's good," Hermione said, and Harry could tell she really meant it.

They continued down the stairs to breakfast and it seemed like all heads turned to Harry when he entered. He felt himself turn very red as he sat down.

"Did he wake up at all?" Mrs. Weasley asked, wringing the dishcloth in her hands.

"Oh," Harry said, "No. Well he did just now for a minute but fell right back asleep."

"Good," Mrs. Weasley said, smiling anxiously, she began spooning eggs onto Harry's plate, "He needs all the rest he can get."

Harry scooted closer to the table, he could feel eyes on him and glanced up. Fred, George, and Bill were all looked at him, with expressions anywhere from curious to sly, to amused. Harry cleared his throat and tried to grab his fork, but couldn't seem to gain control of his hands.

"So…" Fred said slowly, twirling his fork, "Are we going to address the troll in the room?"

"Fred." The warning tone cane from Charlie, who leaned forward past his father to look at his brother.

"What?" Fred asked innocently, "We're all thinking it. So, Harry..." Fred set his fork down and leaned in Harry's direction. "You…Ron?" he lifted his palms to the ceiling then leaned back in his chair, raising an eyebrow as he dropped his hands.

Harry took a deep breath. "Uh…yeah," he said quickly, "We. Yes."

"Well, then," Sirius said gruffly, "That's that."

"I just…" Harry trailed off, no one was glaring, no one was giving him cold looks, but all the same he had something to say, "I don't want any of you to think less of me. I will be by Ron's side for everything…for all of…of…what he's going through. I…I love him." Harry quickly became busy cutting up his eggs, without really seeing them. But he soon felt Hermione's hand on his arm and he looked at her, she was smiling. He looked up and everyone else was smiling at him, except for Charlie, and Lupin.

"Two idiots in love," Fred proclaimed, grabbing his glass of pumpkin juice and taking a swig.

Harry gave a half hearted laugh. He felt very uneasy by the looks he was getting from Charlie and Lupin, who kept exchanging some very serious looks. He looked over at Sirius, who tipped his cup toward Harry in a "cheers" type of way, and smiled. Harry smiled back at him. He longed to go back upstairs.

"So who started it?" Fred asked suddenly. Hermione and Ginny rolled their eyes and Mr. Weasley gave Fred a warning glance.

"Um…" Harry croaked, he cleared his throat again and said carefully, "I don't…really want to talk about anything without Ron, you know?"

"That's respectable, Harry," Bill said from across the table, "We understand." He looked pointedly at Fred, who shrugged.

"We're all thinking it," he murmured in a sing-song sort of tone, but dropped the subject.

"Is…is Ron going back to school?" Ginny suddenly asked. All eyes turned to Mrs. Weasley.

"I don't think so," Mrs. Weasley said, "But your father and I have made no permanent decisions, yet. There's a lot to consider. And we have to discuss it with Ron, of course."

There was a weary sort of silence after she spoke. Ginny and Hermione slowly pushed food around their plate. Harry bit the inside of his cheek, considering. Then he spoke slowly,

"I think…I think he needs a break. Whether or not he knows it." He looked at Mr. and Mrs. Weasley carefully, "I know it's not my place but…"

But everyone around him suddenly nodded.

"Thank you, Harry," Mr. Weasley said, "We'll consider your opinion, of course."

There was a creaking upstairs and everyone looked up. Harry quickly wiped his mouth and stood up.

"I'll go," he said, and proceeded to the stairs, listening to a few happy-sounding murmurs as he left the kitchen.

In their room, Ron was standing near the window, and smiled when Harry walked in.

"Hi," he said quietly.

"Hi," Harry said heavily, crossing the room quickly and hugging him, without bothering to close the door, "How-"

"Please don't ask how I'm feeling," Ron cut him off, but melted into Harry's grasp nonetheless, resting his head on his shoulder.

"Sorry," Harry said with a light chuckle, "Habit."

"How long was I asleep?" Ron asked.

"About a day," Harry murmured, running his hand up and down Ron's back. It was very comforting to have Ron back in his arms.

"So they know now, don't they?" Ron replied. "I sort of remember you saying…you know…before I took those potions and passed out."

"Yeah," Harry answered, "They know. I'm sorry. But, it all seems good. Hermione is okay with it…she said it's cute." He laughed slightly, and so did Ron.

"Cute?" He said, pulling back from Harry to look at him.

"That's what she said," Harry told him, "But it's true. You're cute."

"Oh okay," Ron said sarcastically, "I'm cute, sure."

"Don't argue," Harry said in a playfully argumentative way.

Ron grinned and shook his head then leaned forward to kiss Harry, who felt a familiar flutter in his stomach.

"Well you don't have to flaunt it," said a voice from the doorway, and Harry and Ron pulled apart to see the twins standing in the hallway.

"Um," Ron said, stepping away slightly.

"I was only joking," Fred said lightly, stepping into the room, "Anyway, mum said you don't have to take your potions for another couple hours, and we wanted to see if you two want to get in some games of gobstones before you're comatose again."

"Sure," Ron said, "I don't think I need them anyway, I feel fine now."

George and Harry exchanged a quick glance that went unnoticed.

"Take them anyway," Harry said, nudging Ron, who suddenly looked annoyed, "That's what they're there for, right?"

There was a tense pause where Ron gave harry an appraising look, then he gave a shrug and nod, and Harry let out his breath. Fred and George led them downstairs where everyone greeted Ron cheerfully. He answered Harry joined the twins at a table and enjoyed the distraction. The afternoon went on in lazy comfort as the snow fell heavily outside. Harry frequently glanced at Ron to try and gauge his mood. For the most part he seemed content.

"So," Fred said quietly, "Who did start it?"

Harry started to turn red as he looked at Ron, who seemed like he wanted to laugh. Even George looked curious as he gazed at them.

"Well, technically I did," Ron said finally.

"Ah," Fred groaned suddenly, he looked at his twin, "I owe you two galleons, then. I thought it would have been Harry."

"Told you," George said, laughing, "Okay…who kissed who first?"

Harry was suddenly very aware that Hermione and Ginny were listening nearby.

"How much of this did you bet on?" Ron asked dubiously.

"Just a few things," Fred replied, dropping a gobstone on the table.

"I kissed him first," Ron said, turning red, but also looking slightly pleased. Harry couldn't help smiling at the memory.

"Ha!" Fred exclaimed, pointing at George, "I don't owe you anything."

"Fair enough," George said, "Who's the girl?"

"What?" Harry said with a laugh. He was surprised that he was actually enjoying the conversation. It was a good change of pace.

"You know," Fred said, "The girl. Who's the clingy one?"

"Whiny," George added, "The one who always wants to cuddle."

Harry and Ron exchanged an amused look, and neither spoke, though both were very red. Ron rubbed the back of his neck for a moment, and Fred laughed.

"I knew it!" He said, "Fork over," he extended a hand to George, who grudgingly placed a few coins in his palm.

"Thanks for the confidence," Ron said to Fred, who shrugged.

"You always struck me as needy," he explained.

"Really?" Harry said to George, "You're the one who-"

"Looks can be deceiving," George said quickly.

"Hang on," Fred interrupted, looking at his brother, "You knew? You knew and didn't tell me?"

"Uh…" George said, "Sort of."

Ron suddenly snorted, which caused Harry to laugh as well. Suddenly the memory of George walking in on them seemed very funny. Fred looked betrayed, but when George started to laugh, too, he just rolled his eyes and joined them.

"Ron," said a voice from across the room, Mrs. Weasley was standing in the doorway of the kitchen, "Could you come in here a moment? Your father and I have something to discuss with you."

Ron stopped laughing at once, as did Harry and the twins. Ron looked confused, and slightly scared. Harry touched his arm lightly. Eventually Ron stood and headed for the kitchen. Harry looked at Fred and George.

"It's probably about school?" He said, posing it as a question. Fred and George nodded, and Harry sighed heavily, looking out the window next to him.

"You were right, though," George said, "He needs a break, wether or not he knows it right now."

"I just wish I could help," Harry replied, "But I don't think I can."

"Lupins in there," Fred told him, "He was telling mum and dad the other day that he went through something similar, at Ron's age. He said he took a few weeks off school, stayed at home. Got some rest. And went back, and it seemed to help."

They sat in silence for several minutes. Harry wasn't sure what to say at this point. And soon the door to the kitchen opened and shut very quickly, Ron walked through the room and up the stairs without looking at anyone. Harry stood as he gave the twins a look. He followed Ron's path up the stairs and to their room, where he entered and shut the door behind them. Ron was sitting on the bed, looking slightly angry. Harry took a chance and sat next to him.

"What did they say?" He asked tentatively.

"Did you tell them I shouldn't go back to school?" Ron asked, still not looking at him.

"I…" Harry said slowly, "I told them you might need a break…"

Ron looked over sharply. Harry tried to look apologetic but it was hard when he knew it would help.

"Look," Harry said, "You have to admit…you're not okay. You were struggling before, and you're still struggling. And…and you did something really scary to yourself. You can't just ignore it. And I can't either, even if you want me to." When he finished talking he realized just how badly he had been wanting to say those words.

Ron looked taken a back.

"You said you believed me," he said quietly, "At the hospital. I thought you understood."

"I was wrong," Harry replied, "I just. I want you to get better."

Ron stood up, his brow furrowed.

"You lied?" He asked.

Harry stood, too. "You weren't honest, either," he said fiercely, "You said you didn't remember what you did. But you did."

"Because I don't like thinking about it!" Ron cried, raising his palms, "Because I don't understand why I did it! I don't understand…how I could have…" He dropped his hands.

"And you think that's okay?" Harry asked, "You really want to spend the rest of your life thinking about it and letting it destroy you, rather than just taking a break and giving yourself time to get even just a little bit better?"

They looked at each other. Harry could tell Ron felt betrayed. Betrayed by the fact that Harry did, in fact, lie to him when he said he believed him. That he understood. But at the time, Harry had felt it was the right thing to say. He carefully took a step forward but Ron stepped back. Harry froze.

"What else did you lie about?" Ron asked, his voice quivering slightly.

Harry felt his heart drop, and every frustration he had felt moments ago melted away.

"Nothing," he said firmly, "I did not lie about anything else. I can swear that. I do love you. That is not a lie, I promise you that."

Ron didn't say anything. Harry suddenly felt very cold. He knew what Ron was thinking. That if Harry had lied about other things, how could he trust him?

"Please believe me," Harry whispered, "I love you so much."

"Why don't you want to be with me, then?" Ron replied, looking desperate.

Harry took another step forward, and this time Ron did not step away. Harry moved closer and grabbed Ron's hands, which were clammy.

"I do," he said heavily, "I do. But you need this. And I need you to get better. Please. Then we will be together."

Ron crumbled and leaned against Harry, who quickly wrapped his arms around him.

"I don't know what's wrong with me," Ron said, hugging him back, "I'm so sorry."

"Don't apologize," Harry told him, "It's going to be okay. You'll be okay. And I'm here, always. You never have to worry about that."

[][][][][][][]

About three days later Harry awoke feeling a sense of dread. He turned over in bed towards Ron, who was still sleeping soundly. Today was the day Harry left for Hogwarts, leaving Ron behind. He sighed quietly and turned back to face the ceiling. A few minutes later as the room got brighter, Ron woke up, yawning.

"You can sleep more, if you want," Harry said, facing him.

"No," Ron muttered, forcing his eyes open, "I'll have plenty of time to sleep. Plus…" He turned towards Harry, "You leave today. Don't want to spend all day in bed."

"You don't?" Harry teased, crawling on top of Ron and kissing him.

"Maybe I do," Ron replied with a laugh, kissing Harry back hungrily, sliding his hands up Harry's chest. Harry chuckled and pulled away, sitting up. Ron pouted slightly.

"Don't make that face," Harry said, stroking the side of Ron's face, "You didn't get enough last night?"

"Never enough," Ron replied, tugging at Harry's waistband suggestively.

The sudden passing of footsteps made them both pause. Harry smiled sadly.

"Maybe not the best time," he said quietly, he grabbed Ron's hands and squeezed gently.

"Are you going to miss me?" Ron asked, his face falling.

"Of course I'm going to miss you," Harry replied, climbing back under the covers and holding Ron's hand under the blanket, "It's just two weeks, okay? We can handle two weeks."

Ron sighed and pushed himself into Harry, tucking his head between Harry's shoulder and neck. Harry wrapped an arm around him and held his hand with the other.

"I don't want you to go," Ron murmured.

Harry felt a tightening in his throat and his nose felt itchy. He swallowed deeply to try and control his feelings. He didn't want to leave either, but he knew Ron couldn't try to take the mental break he needed with him around.

"Two weeks," Harry managed to say, he kissed the top of Ron's head, "I'll miss you every day."

"Okay," Ron muttered.

"Don't be like that," Harry said.

"Sorry," Ron replied, "It's just not fair."

"It would've been the whole rest of the year if Lupin hadn't spoken up," Harry reminded him, "Two weeks is nothing. Just…" he sighed. "I'm going to miss you as much as you miss me," He admitted, "But it'll be okay."

They laid there together until they were finally beckoned downstairs. Ron gave Harry a pained look. Harry smiled reassuringly and kissed him deeply, wrapping a hand around the back of Ron's neck and pulling him close. Ron sighed happily against his lips and returned the kiss eagerly.

"Please don't leave," Ron whispered when they finally pulled apart at another beckoning from downstairs.

"Ron," Harry replied softly, placing a hand on Ron's cheek, "I have to."

Ron nodded and watched miserably as Harry dressed and packed a few remaining items into his trunk. When he was finished he looked up.

"Please don't look at me like that," Harry said dejectedly, "Everything will be okay, I promise. Just come downstairs with me, alright?"

Ron followed him down the stairs where everyone was waiting in the living room. Harry watched while everyone gave him tight hugs goodbye.

"We'll see you soon," Hermione said, gripping him tightly, "We'll write. And you don't even have to make up your homework!"

"Some perks I suppose," Ron said, trying to smile. Hermione kissed him tearfully on the cheek then stepped aside, following the group that was heading toward the front door.

Harry dropped his trunk and hugged Ron one final time.

"Two weeks," he whispered, "And I'll see you again."

"Two weeks," Ron repeated, pulling back but holding onto Harry's hands, shaking slightly, "I'm really going to try. I want to beat this…whatever it is."

"You're doing the right thing," Harry said reassuringly, "And remember…I love you."

"I love you, too," Ron replied with a smile, "I'll see you soon."

[][][][][][][]

~Fin~

Maybe? If you'd like a continuation, just let me know

Thank you to everyone who followed. It wasn't my normal type of story but I wanted to write it

Inspiration came to me from the song 'Forgotten' by From Ashes to New, give it a listen!