That evening Harry settled into an armchair and stared morosely into the fire. He didn't even look up when Hermione and Ron sat down next to him, still holding hands.
"What's wrong mate?" Ron said carefully, he knew how easily his friend got worked up about stuff.
"Ginny looked a bit upset earlier." Hermione said nervously.
"I just...don't feel like this relationship is...going anywhere." Ron looked up with a sharp look in his eyes. "I mean, I care about her but more as friend than...you know."
Hermione nodded understandingly. "You know Harry, it wouldn't surprise me if she felt the same way." Harry shot her a look of surprise. "You two should just talk openly about your feelings." Ron looked horrified at the very idea while Harry felt nervous butterflies in his stomach.
A loud cheering arose in the common room from a crowd near the door. The crowd parted to let Dean and Seamus through, both blushing but grinning as they walked towards the dormitory, holding hands. Harry wasn't too surprised about this new couple but he guessed from Ron's open mouth that the latter was quite surprised.
"Ron, close your mouth before you catch any flies." Hermione advised her boyfriend while picking up a book to hide her smile.
"But- but-Harry, did you know that they...er..." Ron stalled.
"Like blokes?" Hermione lowered the book. "Don't be so shocked, it doesn't change anything."
"Merlin's beard Hermione! They share our dormitory! What if they...if they..." Ron looked to horrified to say what he meant.
"Honestly Ronald, you boys have been friends for years, you'll work it out. Would you be making such a fuss if Harry started going out with a guy?" Ron spluttered and Harry sank awkwardly farther into the armchair. Hermione shot Harry a questioning glance. Harry shook his head but was sure his face had acquired a pinkish tinge. He ran his hand through his hair and got up.
As Harry was settling into bed he noticed that Seamus' bed was empty but the curtains were pulled around Dean's bed.
Half an hour later Harry heard Ron enter the dormitory and, under the pretense of helping himself to water from the jug on Harry's bedside table, asked, "So...are you and Ginny over?"
"I think so." Harry sighed quietly.
"And you definitely prefer...girls?" Ron asked nervously.
When Harry nodded without looking at him, Ron settled into his bed looking slightly worried.
It took even longer than usual for Harry to fall asleep. This time there were no nightmares of the war but figures flitted in and out of his dreams; tall, lean figures, never showing their faces but Harry was sure there were not female.
When Harry woke up the next morning, he realized there was a wet spot on the sheets next to him and his pajama bottoms felt tighter than usual. Harry opted for the shower that morning.
AN: Thanks for reading and please review! :)