A Night of Exceptions

PART: THREE

~

The next morning Harry and Ron weren't as surprised as the morning before to find themselves in bed, naked. They woke, still tangled in each other's arms, and were only startled for a few seconds.

"I guess we did it again." Ron said as he and Harry untangled their limbs.

Harry rubbed his eyes. "Yeah, only this time we can't blame alcohol or Hermione. This one is our fault." He said, sitting up and stretching.

"I know. But we can blame..." He looked down towards his groin with narrowed eyes. "They have a mind of their own."

Harry laughed at this. "I couldn't have put it better myself. Where did my boxers get to?" He asked out loud, leaning over to find them.

Ron snorted. "They're still on the end of the bed. You can forget about me getting up to get them, it's too cold out there. Plus this is my bed, so this time you can do the running." He smiled lightly.

But Harry wasn't moving; he was looking slightly baffled at something. "It's so weird, the way we're behaving. I don't feel at all like we're doing anything wrong. But I guess that's a good thing." He said, pausing, before sitting up to reach for his underwear.

"It has to be a good thing, because I think it's harder to be your enemy than it is to be your friend. We're terrible when we're fighting." Ron said, lying back on his pillows with his hands behind his head.

"We're terrible? You're the terrible one. But I think one of the reasons why you're tolerating this is because you don't have Fred or George to run off to this time. The only other one is Hermione, but she's acting weirder than I've ever seen her so I doubt she'd be much good at the moment." Harry grinned.

Ron rolled his eyes. "Shut up and get out, this is my bed. And don't let anyone see you, I don't fancy the thought of covering for you."

"Covering for me?" Harry asked with a grin. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means this- I'd just have to tell everyone that you attacked me in my sleep because secretly you've been in love with me all along and just couldn't restrain yourself any longer." Ron said, looking satisfied with himself.

Harry just looked at Ron like he was absolutely crazy. "And you think that's believable do you Ron? You are more deluded that I first though!" Harry exclaimed, clambering out of bed. "Good day to you, lets hope I don't see you this time tomorrow morning. Feel free to join me for breakfast though." Harry said as he crept out of the confines of Ron's bed.

Ron sighed, laying and thinking. He couldn't help but think over and over again about the fact that, really, he wasn't feeling all that concerned with his actions. He knew he wasn't gay; there was no chance of that, just like there was no chance that Harry was gay either. Had they reached the point in their relationship where they knew each other so well and were comfortable enough to do literally anything? Was this good or bad? For now Ron only had to assume it was a good thing, because it didn't seem to be causing any problems between himself and Harry, and that could only be something positive.

Harry's thoughts were identical to Ron's, only he was thinking more of Hermione. He reassured himself that Hermione's strange behaviour the day before hadn't been because of him, but because of her own inner demons taunting her about her actions.

"This is something she has to sort out herself." Harry said quietly out loud as he got dressed. "But I have to let her know she's not alone."

"Whom are you talking to?" Ron asked as he poked his head through the curtains.

"Do you mind? I could've been naked!" Harry exclaimed, embarrassed that Ron had heard him talking to himself.

Ron came completely inside, before whispering to Harry. "Nothing I haven't seen before. But it's okay, talking to yourself is only a sign of madness, and that's nothing to worry about considering I already know you're completely mad."

Harry smiled. "Thanks Ron, you're a true friend."

"Of course I am. Now I was thinking, we need to sort Hermione out! If she's planning on acting all weird today, she's not going to put it past us. I've got to the point where I don't care how bad she's feeling, because there is no reason for it! You agree with that don't you Harry? There isn't a plausible reason is there?" Ron asked, obviously hoping for Harry to agree.

Harry sighed, thinking. "I think you're actually right. She's had plenty of time to dwell, and besides- it's not good for her. Come on, let's go." Harry said as they exited, determination keeping them silent until they reached the common room. Luckily for them Hermione was sitting by herself, shrouded by books, not taking any notice of anything around her.

"Hermione," Harry said, placing a hand lightly on her shoulder. She startled, then looked up at him. "I think we need to talk, is it okay if we do so in your room?" He smiled lightly.

Hermione blinked, then realised there was no use refusing. "Of course." She said, standing up and leading the boys into her room. "What do you want to talk about?"

Harry and Ron looked at each other, both remembering the room very well. "Hermione, something's bothering you, no doubt the other night, and we just want you to know that we're here if you want to talk about it." Harry said carefully, sitting down next to her.

"Yeah, and I can't stand it that you're acting weird, I miss you already!" Ron said with a smile, sitting down on the other side of her.

Hermione looked at Ron and then Harry, and then covered her face with her hands as she began to sob. "I'm sorry, I know I've been acting terribly, but I just can't understand why I did what I did. It's got nothing to do with the two of you, just with me, and... oh... I don't know, I just don't know what to think of myself anymore, I never thought I was capable of anything of the sort."

Harry put his arm around Hermione's shoulders as Ron put his arm around her waist. "It's alright 'Mione, we all do things that sometimes we regret, but try not to let this get the best of you, Ron and I haven't because we realised friendship is much more important than feeling embarrassed. Ron and I are here for you." Harry said, smiling lightly when he felt Hermione's arm around his waist.

"Thanks." She sniffed. "But are you sure you're okay? You two did do a few... er... things you normally wouldn't." She said, a slight hint of a smile on her face.

Ron and Harry both laughed. "I think we'll manage." Harry said, still laughing.

"Barely." Ron added, still smiling.

"Well you better, because I'm going to need the two of you!" Hermione appeared to have regained her composure, then pulled her wand from her sleeve and cast a refreshment charm on herself. "That feels better."

"We can't just say that that night never happened, but lets try to put it down to a night of... err...?" Harry frowned, not knowing what to call it.

"A night of exceptions." Hermione finished. "How does that sound?"

Ron nodded. "That sounds pretty good. Better than a night of confessions any day."

"Confessions?" Harry said with a confused expression. "Where'd you pull that one from?"

"Don't you remember? You were the one who said it too! Something about confessing that you wanted to... erm.... you know, with Hermione." Ron said, blushing slightly.

Harry pondered this for a moment. "Oh yeah! I remember. I think exceptions is a lot better than confessions."

"Well it sounds like we've sorted this mess out, and I know for a fact the two of you haven't studied in two days so I say we go out there and catch up." Hermione said with enthusiasm, a smile on her face for the first time since that fateful night.

Harry and Ron sighed, but nevertheless agreed.

~

Catching up was a bit of an understatement, but what else could be expected under the watchful eye of Hermione Granger? She sat, hawk like, her eyes narrowed as she watched Harry and Ron working. For her studying and supervising her friends study was a means of venting her anger, anxiousness and regret, but for Harry and Ron it was pure hell.

However much it felt like torture, the two Gryffindor boys knew it was for their own good, that Hermione meant no real harm. It was simply in her nature to behave in the manner she was, even after recovering from a pretty nasty shock. Of course the shock was pretty much self induced, but she had vowed never to act in such a way again- and that was the only thing that allowed her to act her normal self again.

"You should be a guard in a prison 'Mione, you'd sure know how to torture the prisoners." Ron said as he sat at the dinner table, stuffing mashed potato into his mouth.

Harry laughed, almost choking on his pumpkin juice. "I can picture that!" He exclaimed, elbowing Hermione in the side.

"Shut up, I'm not that bad. It's just that the two of you have no discipline. You're too easily distracted and too willing to be distracted." She said after glaring at Harry, eating her food a lot more gracefully than Harry and Ron.

"You're just in denial 'Mione." Ron said as he shook his head. "It's a shame too, it's about time they got rid of those Dementors."

"Are you saying I'm worse than a Dementor?" Hermione's eyes widened as she looked at Ron with mild shock.

"At times." Ron grinned, sending a chaste glance towards Harry, who was chuckling along with him.

Hermione shook her head, clicking her tongue. "I'll never understand you boys."

"Just like we'll never understand you, will we Ron?" Harry asked his best friend with a grin.

"We'll never understand." Ron agreed. "So Harry, pretty soon it's just going to be you and Sirius living in that big, old and ugly house, are you looking froward to it?" He changed the subject conveniently.

Harry shrugged. "It'll be great to be living with Sirius and not the Dursley's, but even I can't deny it's going to get pretty boring. I hope you'll both be coming to visit me!"

"Of course we will Harry, although Ron more so than myself considering he's not going to university. You know, it's probably not too late to apply..." Harry cut Hermione off.

"Yes Hermione, it is too late to apply. I really couldn't stand studying for another four years; I need a break just like Ron does too. It's really good that you want to go, and you know I'm proud of you," Harry grinned, "but it's just not for everyone. I'm sure you understand that."

Hermione sighed. "I know Harry, I'm just afraid you're going to get too used to the simple life and never doing anything that you really want to."

"I promise you that wont be happening 'Mione, I've got too much determination to let that happen. I just need some time to myself, that's all." Harry sipped his pumpkin juice. "So what do you say a week into our freedom you come and visit me at Grimmauld place? Please?" He smiled sweetly.

"Yes, you know I'll be there. But come on, I think for now we have a little more study to finish." She stood up, and Ron groaned.

"A little? I don't like the sound of that coming from you." He pouted.

"Neither do I." Harry agreed, swallowing the last of his juice and standing up, but paused when he felt Hermione's hand on his shoulder.

"What's that on your neck?" She said sharply, moving her face close. "That definitely wasn't there yesterday!" Hermione exclaimed, a hint of a smile on her face.

Harry gulped. "Oh... ahh... I'm sure you must have missed it." He said, covering his neck with his hand. "Not here 'Mione." He said in a whisper, nodding his head towards the door.

Hermione's smile faltered slightly before she silently agreed, and they left until they found an empty hallway.

"Did you really get that the other night, Harry? Or is there something you're not telling me." She looked sharply towards Ron, where her eyes widened. "You've got one too!" She said, astounded, her jaw wide open, her eyes darting from Harry to Ron and back again.

Harry and Ron looked at each other, suddenly realising that they had just about no choice about telling Hermione about what they had done. But before they even got another word out, Hermione spoke again.

"Oh... I just realised..." She said, frowning, biting her lower lip.

"Hermione, it's not what it seems..." Ron started, panicking slightly. Hermione held up her hand.

"Yes Ron, it is what is seems." She looked at the floor as Ron looked at Harry with absolute panic. Hermione looked at them both. "I am so sorry, I shouldn't have made you do that." She said finally, "I can see that there are some unresolved issues, which I caused, as those marks are obviously memories. Here, let me relieve you of them." She said, pulling her wand out.

Harry had to bite back laughter, realising right then and there that Hermione obviously thought she had told them to do it on their night of exceptions but was nevertheless happy to be rid of the hickey that Ron had given him just last night. He'd figured yesterday that Hermione had been feeling particularly bad because he and Ron had been so accepting of the situation, where she had expected them to be completely uncivil which threw her a little off balance. Harry supposed that this made up for that, that she assumed they weren't as ok as they made out. That and Harry knew he and Ron would have to be more careful.

The last thought caused Harry's eyes to bulge just as Hermione cast the charm on his neck.

"Oh Harry you can't pretend to me that that hurt, I know for a fact that it doesn't." Hermione said, shaking her head. If only she knew why Harry had that expression.

But Harry was too busy thinking madly. Did that mean that he intended on being with Ron again? He didn't know, although he did know that he probably would do it again because he couldn't deny himself the pleasure. He looked at Ron and found that he and Hermione were too busy arguing over something or other. Harry sighed with relief- at least he wouldn't be pestered for his funny behaviour.

"Well now that that is settled," Harry began with a small smile, "I think we should get out of here and back into the common room where it's nice and warm."

"Agreed." Ron said, apparently happy to forget about his argument with Hermione.

~

The following week found them almost halfway through their arduous NEWTS, or at least past the most boring ones. During this week the written examinations had been scheduled so that they had one a day, and apparently this was supposed to be a good thing. But not to Harry and Ron.

"I don't see why we have to draw them out, I mean it's bad enough as it is." He said, lying in bed with his arms behind his head. "I know lots of people would argue that having two in one day is worse, but then they'd be over in three days and not five!"

Harry shrugged, looking at Ron. "I don't know. I mean yesterday was pretty tiring, I don't know how I would have felt having to do another exam, although I admit I would prefer if they were over quicker. Don't forget we've still got next week too."

"And today. We better get up soon, I don't fancy being late." He pulled himself out of Harry's bed, found his clothes and pulled them on. "I must say I feel a lot calmer after we do this though."

Harry chuckled. "I know what you're saying! On Monday and Tuesday I was jittery and nervous and everything, but yesterday and now today I'm feeling fine. And I know its not because I'm getting used to these bloody exams- I'll never get used to them no matter how many I do."

"That and it means we get twice the pleasure." Ron smirked as he pulled on his T-shirt.

"Too right." Harry agreed, also getting out of bed.

As it was, they hadn't missed a night together since the very first night. No matter how hard they tried they always ended up in each other's bed, seeking pleasure and attaining it, and never feeling even an ounce of regret. By now it felt completely normal to wake up naked beside each other, and it had definitely become a much-anticipated routine. Hermione of course knew nothing for once, and that's how the boys wanted it.

So far they'd endured History of Magic, Potions and Divination, but today was Defence against the dark arts, Harry's favourite subject. Tomorrow would be the Herbology exam, but for the moment Harry and Ron thought it best not to think about that yet.

Harry was as prepared as he knew he could be, but knew deep down that he had nothing to worry about. He was confident in his abilities with this subject, just like he was confident that Hermione would never find out about what he and Ron were getting up to at night and now in the mornings.

As predicted, Harry thought he went okay in his exam. Ron was a pain though, although not in the same way that Hermione was. While Ron whinged and complained that he knew he'd made too many mistakes, Hermione was cross-examining the exam and re-answering questions- out loud. Harry kept asking himself why it was they were allowed to keep the question booklets.

"Do you think you'll get a job after we finish here?" Ron asked Harry after Harry had scalded him about dwelling on the exam.

Harry shrugged. "I guess I'll have to, although I'm really glad I wont have to pay for accommodation, that'll help. You're just going to stay at home till you go to Uni aren't you Ron?"

"Probably, I don't think Mum and Dad'll kick me out just yet. That or, if I get really desperate, I could ask Fred and George. But I don't know if I it would be a good idea staying with them, and they'd make me pay." Ron wrinkled his nose, idly pulling at a loose thread on the couch he was sitting on.

"You know, you could always come and stay at Grimmauld place, it's not like there's not enough room. You could have your pick of beds." Harry said, and couldn't help but chance a smirk even in front of Hermione.

Ron fought back a smile. "That's not a bad idea, would Sirius mind though? He'll have enough to deal with just having you there."

This time Harry did laugh. "What are you implying? But I doubt he'll care, I think he likes being around people these days. I'll be sure to ask him if you want me to."

"Do you really think that it's a good idea for the two of you to live together?" Hermione interjected, her eye's never leaving her Herbology textbook.

Harry frowned at her. "Why not? Being here is like living together, in fact we are living together! I don't see how it could be much different."

"You think that now, but I'd like to hear you say that six months from now." She said, finally raising her eyes.

Harry was silent for a moment, before a small smile formed on his face. "Hermione, if you wanted me to ask you to come too then all you had to do was ask! No guarantee's, but I'll ask Sirius."

Hermione smiled at him. "Harry, I'm not that subtle. I'd ask you straight out if that's what my intentions really were. Although actually, now that I think about it, I think you two really might be able to handle it. It's not like you haven't dealt with worse, is it?" She raised an eyebrow before turning her eyes back to the book.

Harry and Ron looked at each other. "I think we should leave it there." Ron said, his eyes slightly wider than usual.

Harry just yawned loudly. "There's no use me studying now, if I don't know it already then I definitely wont know it by tomorrow. I think I might just go to bed. Are you coming Ron?" Harry asked casually, standing up and stretching.

Ron sighed. "Yeah, I think I will. You should get some sleep too 'Mione, you already know all that stuff anyway." He smiled at her.

"I know, and yes I will, goodnight." She said as she got up.

"Night." Ron and Harry both said before heading up to their dorm and Hermione to hers.

After checking that everyone was either asleep or not there, Harry didn't even deem it strange to follow Ron into his bed. As if naturally they both took off their clothes until they stood in their underwear and got into bed, wasting no time in moving close and kissing each other deeply.

Harry pulled away. "I can't believe how close Hermione came to asking awkward questions, we got lucky I think."

"I reckon. Lets not do that again, all right? If there's no evidence then there's no questions, and I think that's got to be a good thing." Ron said as Harry kissed him, running his hand down Ron's back and in and under his boxer shorts.

"Hmm..." Harry hummed into their kiss. "I agree." He said, pulling away as he moved himself down in an effort to remove Ron's final article of clothing. "But enough talking."

Ron silently agreed, pushing Harry onto his back as they finally became naked. He smiled lightly to himself when Harry's arms wrapped around him, his hands settling in the small of his back as they both moved their hips and rubbed their cocks together. Ron also liked the fact that Harry always wrapped his legs around his own, pulling them impossibly closer together, increasing the contact between their bodies. It always had a positive effect.

Harry groaned out loud, thankful for the silencing charm around the bed. He could feel Ron's hot breath on his neck, smell the cleanliness of his hair and feel his hard body against his own. He pressed his hips up, feeling the stickiness increasing, as they both grew continually closer to their releases, until finally he couldn't contain himself anymore.

Both breathing heavily, it became routine for the owner of the bed to do the cleaning, and so Ron reached for his wand cast the charm. Slumping back down on the bed, he conjured up the energy to pull the blankets up and over himself and Harry before almost surrendering to sleep. But not before lifting his arm and allowing Harry to rest his head on his shoulder.

"Just think- we don't have to give this up after next week if we live together. I think I'm getting too used to this, I haven't touched myself in what feels like forever." Harry said, his voice husky with sleep.

"I haven't either. And I can't wait to live together, I just wish we didn't have to sneak around so much..." His voice trailed off as he yawned, quickly falling asleep.

"Hmm..." Harry hummed, already asleep.

~

As quickly as they had come, the exams passed. A wave of relief swept over the entire school, although that didn't last long as a mixture of anticipation and sadness began to hang precariously over the heads of all the seventh years'. There were exactly three nights left, the final being a student graduation night that they were to spend with their professors, which included a formal dinner and dress. Ron was particularly thankful of his new dress robes.

The final exam hadn't been a particularly difficult one, since it wasn't really all that hard to report an assortment of plants and harvest and preserve their leaves or fruit. The main thing was to remember to wear dragon hide gloves, then you'd be pretty much okay. However academically simple it was, the task was physically draining as it went for three hours and included a few plants that had minds of their own. But this didn't dull the need for a celebration.

It appeared that Harry and Ron didn't learn from their prior experience with alcohol, and were very enthusiastically drinking and socialising. Hermione on the other hand was not at all approving, choosing instead to have an early night. She really didn't want to repeat what had happened not all that long ago.

Before they knew it, Harry and Ron were pretty much drunk with almost every other seventh year Gryffindor. But soon something else was beginning to dominate their thoughts, and it certainly didn't include drinking more. Ron sent a quick glance towards Harry, who returned it, before both announced that they'd had enough and should get to bed.

After saying their farewells, they clamoured up the stairs and into their dorm, before stumbling into Harry's bed, which was the closest, grasping onto each other in a mad frenzy.

But it was Harry who pulled away. "I'm feeling a bit more daring tonight, how about a change of scenery Ron?" He asked, his eyes ablaze.

Ron grinned. "Sounds good. Where are we going?"

Harry paused, swaying slightly, to think. "I dunno, hadn't thought that far yet."

Ron chuckled. "Well hurry up, I'm not planning on waiting all night for you."

"I know, I know." Harry nodded, wracking his brain. "Oh I know, what about the Prefects bathroom? That could be interesting!"

Ron appeared to consider this. "Alright, sounds good. Quick lets hurry, I feel like I'm being suffocated!" Ron groaned, tempted to touch himself. He was halted when Harry kissed him.

"None of that till we get there alright? Come on, we're going under my cloak." Harry pulled his invisibility cloak out, and put it over himself and Ron, who wrapped his arms around his waist. Harry smiled lightly to himself.

They made their way down the stairs and out into the common room. There was still a pretty good crowd out there, thankfully none who could see beyond the cloak though. Since everyone was preoccupied, Harry and Ron were able to open the door without being noticed and exit silently. They remained silent and invisible until they reached the bathroom, where Ron said the password.

Thankfully the bathroom was empty.

Harry pulled the cloak off and pushed Ron against the door, kissing him furiously, his hands already pulling the clothes off of his friend. Ron met and matched his every move, also working to remove Harry's clothes. Soon they were pressing against each other, their naked bodies making complete contact, their kisses increasingly heated.

Ron pulled away. "Hmm, this is the first change of position we've had." He said with a smirk.

"I know. I wonder how it feels underwater?" Harry raised an eyebrow, looking towards the pool-sized bathtub.

"Guess we'll find out." Ron said as he and Harry began stumbling over to the bath. Soon it was filled and they submerged themselves within the hot soapy water. "This is so good." Ron groaned, before dunking himself under the soapy water.

The warmth was intoxicating; Harry had to think with a smirk, not that the whisky had contributed to that feeling at all. He allowed Ron to push him to the side of the bath, pressing his back against the smooth tiles. It didn't honestly feel much different underwater, but then suddenly Harry got an idea.

"Let's get out." He said breathily.

Ron looked at Harry. "Why?"

"Cause I thought of something better." Harry smirked, then glanced towards the wall, which doubled as a huge shower. There was a button to tap with your wand to turn the spray on, and also there was a continuous down pour of water running freely down the wall like a cascading waterfall.

Ron shrugged, although obviously curious. "Let's see what this bright idea of yours is then." He said as they got out of the bath into the warm air. Thankfully the place was heated.

As soon as the shower was on, Harry was on Ron again. He pushed him up against the wall with the water falling down it, the shower completely spraying them both. Harry kissed Ron, his hands on his hips, pulling their groins together, before moving his mouth to the side of Ron's jaw. Harry moved down to his neck, smirking at what Ron must be thinking.

"Harry!" Ron exclaimed just as Harry thought he would. "I thought we agreed not to do that." He said, although not really trying to cease the kisses to his neck.

"I'm not giving you a hickey." Harry said simply, not bothering to pause his actions, deciding to instead run his tongue along the skin on his neck. Harry swore he felt Ron groaning at the actions that were so new, so not what they had previously administered to each other. Since the beginning it had been all about obtaining release, and that's all. And that's what it still was, only Harry realised that if they could do what they had been, then they may as well try to make it as pleasurable as possible- and that's what he intended on doing tonight.

Ron had to reach out a hand and grasp onto a protruding soap holder for balance, his other hand on Harry's shoulder as Harry moved further down his body, his tongue here, there and everywhere. He drew a sharp breath when Harry's tongue ran completely over one of his nipples, the sensation more than exciting.

"Where's your something better?" Ron managed to ask, creaking open an eye to look down at Harry. He was mildly surprised to see Harry look up at him with reddened cheeks, a smile on his face.

"Watch and I'll show you." Harry said as the opened his mouth and lowered it over the head of Ron's cock. He watched as Ron's eyes widened before they shut again, Ron pushing into his mouth. Harry felt like grinning.

"Oh God..." Ron muttered, breathing deeply willing himself not to just come on the spot. The combined heat of the water cascading down his body and Harry's mouth on his cock was overwhelming, Ron barely managing to keep himself standing and balanced.

Harry could barely wipe the grin off his face; tonight was the first time he'd ever heard Ron be so vocal, and it was -he realised- a pleasing sensation to know that he was the cause of it. Harry knew what it was like to experience what he was doing to Ron, meaning that he knew what felt good and what didn't. He was holding onto Ron's hips with a bit of force, but he knew it didn't matter, and was making sure to take as much of Ron as possible into his mouth to ensure the most pleasure.

It didn't take long before Harry could taste something new, slightly bitter, and he knew that Ron wasn't going to last much longer. With a particularly hard suck Harry drew his mouth away and pressed back onto him just as Ron climaxed almost violently. Harry winced when suddenly a thick liquid was quickly filling his mouth, its taste not exactly what he'd call pleasant, but tolerable. He swallowed it, not really knowing what else to do at the time, and pulled away only to catch Ron as his knees gave way.

Ron couldn't help it- his knees just gave way. He fell to feel Harry's arms around him, and opened his eyes to see a smiling face. Ron shut his eyes and took a deep breath.

"Wow..." He breathed, his arms around Harry's neck and his cheek pressing to Harry's own. He felt completely exhausted.

"Was that something better?" Harry asked Ron, pulling away from him to sit beside him, the shower still running over them. His cock was throbbing harshly, almost painful.

Ron nodded lazily. "I reckon."

Harry smiled, watching as Ron sat there with a satisfied expression on his face. He shifted uncomfortably, resisting the urge to pleasure himself. He too shut his eyes, trying to relax himself, but was too temped. His hand twitched, knowing where it wanted to be, and then slowly wrapped itself around his cock. Harry shuddered, drawing his hand up then back down again, but then his whole body jolted with a new sensation.

Opening his eyes with a start, Harry looked wide-eyed down at his crutch where Ron was leaning over him, his mouth descending upon his cock. Harry sucked in a sharp breath and let go of himself, feeling the roughness of Ron's tongue caress his most sensitive organ. Leaning back against the shower recess, Harry took hold of Ron's hair, almost guiding him to where he wanted him to be. Harry tried hard not to lift his hips towards the sensations.

It didn't take Harry long to peak, and he too assumed the position Ron had, his back against the wall, breathing deeply. That was definitely better than what they had previously been doing, Harry had to think idly. When he finally opened his eyes, he turned to find Ron looking at him almost anxiously.

"What?" Harry breathed out, too tired to do much more.

Ron shrugged. "Nothing, except was that... err... you know?"

Harry chuckled lightly. "You were brilliant."

Ron breathed a sigh of relief that Harry heard, leaning back against the wall. He didn't feel like he'd been drinking anymore, in fact he felt completely sober. Ron looked back at Harry again, smiling lightly to himself.

"Are you almost ready to get going? I can't wait to get into bed and go to sleep." Harry said, startling Ron slightly.

"Yeah I'm right, let's go." Ron said, getting to his feet. He turned to find Harry still sitting on the floor. "Aren't you coming?" He asked with a smirk.

Harry grinned up at him. "Give me a hand up will you?" Harry reached out and grasped Ron's hand, who pulled him to his feet. "Thanks." Harry said, before moving towards the corner where there was a stand full of fresh, fluffy towels.

Once they were dry Harry and Ron got dressed, then positioned themselves underneath the invisibility cloak and exited the Prefects bathroom. It was a slow journey back, owing to the fact they had to creep past Filch and his cat, which seemed to sense their presence and followed them a little way.

Soon they were in their dorm, but didn't really know what to do. Would they still sleep in the same bed, or would they retire to their own since they'd already done what was usually involved when sleeping in the same bed? Harry and Ron looked at each other with slight unease.

"You can still come with me, if you want." Harry said, a little uneasily.

Ron thought for a moment. It was good to sleep in the same bed as someone and not only that but they usually had fun in the mornings too, and if he were to stay in Harry's bed then that would solve the problem of getting out of bed in the morning.

"Okay." Ron said, following Harry. The undressed down to their boxer shorts and got into bed; tonight would be the first night that they didn't sleep naked.

Harry was pleased that Ron had agreed to come and stay in his bed, because he slept a lot better when Ron was with him. He hadn't had a nightmare since that first drunken night, which Harry was very grateful for, and his thought's concerning Voldemort were practically inexistent. He sighed with contentment as he moved in close to Ron, wrapping an arm around him.

"Tonight was pretty interesting, wasn't it?" Harry asked sleepily.

"Definitely." Ron yawned. Harry, without thinking, lent up and kissed him on the lips.

Ron kissed Harry back, but then wondered why he was doing it. Weren't they only doing that sort of stuff for pleasure? They certainly weren't going to be doing anything now, they were both too tired, and so what was with the kissing? Ron pulled away.

"Why'd you do that?" He asked, sitting up slightly. He didn't know what was making him feel so concerned.

Harry frowned, looking mildly confused. "I don't know, I just did."

"I thought we said it was just for... you know what it's for." Ron said, his eyebrows furrowed. He was now feeling uncomfortable.

"It is." Harry said, also sitting up. Why was Ron overreacting?

"Well why'd you just kiss me?" Ron persisted, suddenly realising what it was they were really beginning to argue about.

"I told you- I don't know! Look, if you going to act like this you can go." Harry said, more harshly than he'd wanted to. "I don't know what else to say to you." He was feeling embarrassed, and didn't want Ron to think he was queer, which he wasn't.

"You don't need to say anything else, because I'm going." Ron said as he pulled himself out of Harry's bed, picked up his clothes and without another glance padded away towards his own bed.

What was he doing? Ron hardly knew himself. Harry kissing him had scared him, but why? It wasn't like they hadn't done it before, in fact he was becoming quite accustomed to the feel of Harry in general, so why the sudden shock? Ron even had to admit to himself that it felt a little funny lying in bed by himself, having not done so for a good couple of weeks. He knew he wouldn't be able to sleep, because his mind just wouldn't let him rest.

Harry's mind was whirling too, although Ron didn't know this. Harry was feeling hurt more than anything, wondering why Ron had suddenly decided to vent his anger on him for something that they'd been doing for two weeks. It wasn't like Harry was the only participant; Ron had been more than willing! It was true that they weren't doing what they were doing because they wanted to be together, merely for sexual gratification, and so what if Harry kissed Ron? Compared to many things a kiss was insignificant.

But it appeared that it was crucial, the unpretentious kiss, for the kiss had the power to begin a dispute between two friends.

~