Title - Getting Away 2/14

Author - Lena

Pairing - Harry/Ron, Harry/various OC's (slash and het), Ron/OC (slash)

Rating - this chapter - PG-13

Feedback - [email protected]

For warnings, disclaimers, etc. please see chapter 0/14

Chapter Two - Missing Him

Over the next few days, Harry would barely get out of bed. Hermione came by and tried to cajole him. Nobody and nothing seemed to work. There was no word from Ron. Hermione said she would call him, but Harry told her no. He denied that the reason he was upset was because he missed Ron.

“But, Harry! I know he misses you, too,” said Hermione.

“No, he doesn’t. And I don’t miss him either!” Harry shouted.

Hermione sighed. She had a similar argument with Harry in fourth year. Harry was as bad a liar as he ever was.

Harry was angry, wanting to make Ron contact him first. He had not even contacted his parents. It had been nearly three weeks since Harry got home.

*****

On Friday evening, Harry was lying in the dark on his bed, sulking, when two loud cracks startled him. Fred and George appeared at the end of the bed.

“Oi! Harry! Get your skinny arse out of bed!” Whether it was Fred and George, Harry was not sure. He didn’t answer.

Fred grabbed one arm and George, the other arm, as Harry tried to squirm out of their clutches, but to no avail.

“Come on, Harry. You are going out with the big boys tonight,” said Fred or George.

“No, I don’t want to.” Harry still struggled against them, but he had never been strong enough against them.

“We don’t care what you want!” said the twins together.

They dragged Harry down the hall to the loo, quickly stripped off his clothes and threw him in the shower. They stood looking at him, until Harry, thoroughly disgusted, yelled at them to get out and turned on the water.

Fred and George waited outside the door of the loo until Harry was finished, then escorted him to his bedroom. They stood outside the door until Harry finished dressing. Harry put on a plain blue button-down shirt and a pair of jeans. He stuffed his feet in a pair of white trainers and ran his fingers through his hair.

When he opened the door, Fred and George were waiting.

“Not bad..,” said George, as Fred unbutton the two top buttons of Harry’s shirt to show more skin.

“But that is better..,” said Fred. They turned and wink at each other, before grabbing Harry’s hands.

They walked downstairs and Harry saw that Bill and Charlie were sitting, seeming to be waiting for something.

Bill got up and said, “Good work! Let us go out!”

Harry said in shock, “What? You’re all part of this plot?”

Charlie grinned. “Well, since I was in town and you’re down in the dumps, why not?”

Harry sighed, “’Cause I don’t want to. I want to stay in my warm bed!” He frowned sulkily.

Bill chimed in, “Too bad! Come on, let’s go!”

*****

They Apparated down an alley in the back of a nightclub in Diagon Alley. There was a large man sitting on a stool next to a door a few feet away. Fred and George, still gripping Harry, approached the door. The large man nodded at them and all five entered, first Bill, then Charlie. Then Fred and George pushed Harry through before they then went in.

The nightclub was dark and noisy. Bill, Charlie, Fred, George and Harry weaved through the crowd, until they found an empty table, near the dance floor. George and Harry sat down on the tall stools, as Fred beckoned a server over. Bill and Charlie pulled two chairs from another table so they could sit as well. They ordered drinks and watched the action on the dance floor.

Harry had never been in this particular nightclub before and he didn’t feel like being there. He gulped his drink and ordered another. He noticed that not only were there guys and girls dancing together, but there was guys dancing with guys and girls dancing with girls.

“Everyone is sort of dancing together,” Harry said aloud.

Bill looked at him and said, “Yeah, this is a mixed club. Does it bother you?”

“No! No!” Harry said quickly. “I just noticed.”

Bill smirked at him and Harry looked away, back to the dance floor. He ordered yet another drink.

George said, “Fred…check her out…” He nodded towards a tall, buxom blonde at the bar. The four others looked, then Fred turned back to George.

“Go for it…see if she has a friend. I will watch out for baby brother’s mate, here.” George said.

Charlie said, “Hey, we got Harry’s back, too, just in case you two find somewhere else to go tonight!”

George said, “Maybe…maybe…”

Harry scowled at George. Fred and George got up and sauntered over to the bar.

Harry could feel himself getting dizzy from the alcohol already. He hadn’t eaten much that day and he realized he was starved.

Harry watched the crowd on the floor again and noticed two men dancing close together. They had their arms around each other and their lower bodies were pressed against each other. Harry could feel his groin tremble. He stared at them and then Ron’s face popped into Harry’s head.

Harry shook his head trying to get Ron out of there. Harry adjusted himself in his seat trying to get rid of his now obvious hard-on. He gulped down his drink again.

“Harry…” Harry jerked his head towards the voice. All he could really see was a shock of long red hair.

“Ron?” Harry said in a confused tone.

“Uh, no…are you all right, Harry?” Finally, the red hair came into focus and Harry realized it was Bill.

“Oh, yeah, Bill, I’m fine.” Bill smirked at him again, nodding towards the men on the dance floor.

“Why don’t you go ask someone to dance? I mean, since Ron’s not here,” laughed Bill.

Harry spluttered. “What?”

Charlie chortled and Harry looked towards him embarrassed.

“Oh, come on, Harry! I don’t know if the rest of family is that dense, but it is obvious to me and the rest of his brothers, that you and Ron like each other. I don’t mean, just as mates, mate.” Bill said laughingly.

The bulge in his jeans totally belied what Harry wanted to say. He wanted to deny that he had been watching those men. He wanted to deny that he felt more for Ron than friendship. He wanted to deny everything, but he couldn’t. So Harry decided to be honest with Bill and Charlie for just a moment. He was glad he had a drink in his hand.

“Don’t laugh, okay? But I’m really confused right now.” Harry said.

“We won’t laugh.” Bill smiled and Charlie put his hand on Harry’s arm.

“Go ahead, Harry, come on, tell us what is going on.” Charlie said.

“I like girls…a lot…but I…I…” Harry could not say it. Just could not say it. But he knew he was going to say more than he meant because he was drunk.

“You love Ron,” whispered Charlie.

Harry looked away, then said, “I just don’t understand myself. How can I like men and women that way? It’s not even equal, you know? It’s that I love being with women, you know? I love women, I really do, but…” Harry stopped. He did not even understand it himself, so how could he explain it to Bill and Charlie?

“Are you bisexual?” asked Charlie.

Harry thought for a moment. This had been a passing thought during his and Ron’s vacation. And Ron certainly thought this was the case. “I think I might be, but that doesn’t make me less confused. In fact, I think it makes it worse.”

“Why?” asked Charlie.

“’Cause, I think it would be easier if I just like one or the other. Not getting mixed up with my different feelings for…well, everybody. I wish I just liked girls and that was the end of it…but…” Harry took another swig of his drink.

‘But, what?” asked Bill.

“Your brother..,” Harry started. Fred and George came up at that moment with the tall blonde and another woman with dark hair.

Fred made introductions all around and the four of them sat down at the table, which now was very crowded. Harry wanted to go home. He knew Fred and George would not be able to show these girls a good time with Harry hanging around. Bill and Charlie wanted to stay, he was sure, as well.

“Hey, guys, I am going to go.” Harry said.

Fred exclaimed, “Don’t go!”

“No, I need to.” Harry got up and smoothed out the front of his jeans, trying to be inconspicuous.

The twins did not say anything more, but Bill said, “Honestly, Harry, don’t go.“

“I really want to.” Harry got up and started to walk away from the table and started to go. He felt there was someone following him, but he waited until he got to the door. He turned and he saw Bill weaving his way through the crowd. Harry waved at him and he left the club.

Harry knew he shouldn’t Apparate being as drunk as he was. His vision was still a bit bleary, but he was glad he wasn’t stumbling as he walked.

He heard Bill call, “Harry, wait!”

Harry sighed and stopped in the street. He turned around.

Bill walked up and said, “Harry, are you going to be okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Harry insisted.

Bill said, “I really don’t think you are. Can I make sure you get back to the Burrow?”

“I don’t want you to miss the fun.” Harry said.

“I won’t.” Bill insisted.

“No, it’s okay, honest.” Harry said.

“Can we, at least, talk tomorrow?” asked Bill.

“Yes. We can.” Harry smiled and said, nodding his head.

“Okay, Harry, take care of yourself.” Bill said.

Harry walked down the nearly deserted Diagon Alley and stopped in front of Florish and Blotts. He sat on the step at the door. He could not think and he could not stop thinking. He just wanted Ron, that he knew. And now it was too late. Even though he hoped someday…

*****

He felt a pinch on his leg and jerked awake.

“Hey, you can’t sleep here! Get up!”

Harry opened his eyes and blinked at the sunlight in his face. He realized he had fallen asleep on the steps of Florish and Blotts. The owner was poking him in the leg with a cane. Harry got up, stumbling a bit from sleep. He was not drunk anymore, so he knew he could Apparate.

“Sorry. Fell asleep.” Harry walked away to find a place to Apparate down the street. He blinked again in the sunlight, not believing that he had fallen asleep on some steps. He shook his head at himself.

He went down a small alley and quickly Apparated to the Burrow.

He landed in the kitchen, where Mrs. Weasley was washing dishes from breakfast.

“Harry, dear, if you are not going to be home at night, you need to let me know.” Harry felt a little guilty, but knew he needed to move out. He had been wanting to, but kept putting it off, because he knew it would upset her.

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Weasley.” He turned and went upstairs, though he was hungry.

*****

Harry heard a loud crack in his room and opened his eyes. It was Bill.

“We have to talk, Harry.” Bill insisted.

“’Kay.” Harry said sleepily.

Bill opened the curtains and let the sun shine through. Harry flung an arm over his eyes.

“I have someone I want to introduce you to.” Bill said.

“I don’t want to go out with anyone.” Harry said unhappily.

Bill grabbed Harry’s arm and forcibly pulled Harry up into a sitting position.

“Bill…” Harry said, softly.

“You don’t have to meet her now! But I think she would be good for you to meet and yes, go out with.” Harry could see Bill was getting irritated with him.

“Why?” Harry whined anyway.

“You are going to have to figure that out yourself. Next time you are in Diagon Alley, let me know.” Bill said, letting go of Harry’s hands.

Harry sighed for what must have been the eightieth time in the past week.

“Fine.” He would say anything to get Bill to leave.

Bill raised his eyebrows at him. “Look, I know you must be confused and miss Ron, but you can’t stay like this. Harry, whether you wind up with Ron or not, you’ve got to figure it out yourself.”

“Why?” Harry asked.

“Harry…because you won’t be truly happy until you do.”

Harry sighed.

Bill came closer and sat next to him on the bed. “Look, Harry, I understand more than you think I do.”

Harry looked up at him. “What do you mean?” Harry was always glad that Ron had grown his hair long like Bill’s. Harry always had a little crush on Bill, especially when he had first met him the summer before his fifth year.

“Harry, although I guess I wouldn’t consider myself bisexual…I date women exclusively now that I’m older…when I was a little younger than you and Ron, I had a few relationships with men.” Bill said quietly.

Harry looked up shocked. “But Bill…you dated Fleur and others…”

“So? But I understand how nice having a relationship with a man is. You can talk to them differently than a girl. Do you understand what I mean?” Bill asked.

“Yeah, I think so.” Harry said. He was aware that Bill was very close to him, and he hoped that his uncontrollable cock would lay down properly.

“It’s okay, Harry.” Bill said.

At first Harry thought he had seen his growing cock, but then he realized Bill meant Harry’s sexuality.

Bill patted his arm and got up. “You are going to meet that someone I think will help you, Harry.”

Harry smiled at him, glad to have someone to talk to about this, though they hadn’t really talked specifically about it. “Okay, I will.”

*****

He sat down at the breakfast table one morning with Mrs. Weasley nervously, trying to think of a way to tell her he wanted to leave.

She set his bowl of porridge down on the table.

Harry picked up his spoon and moved it around the porridge. He finally said, “Mrs. Weasley?”

“Yes, Harry?” Mrs. Weasley said.

“I need to tell you…” Harry started.

Mrs. Weasley looked at him and sat down next to him.

“I want to get my own place.” Harry blurted out.

Mrs. Weasley looked down at her hands and said, “Why, Harry?”

“I think it’s time. I know you like me here, but I would like my own little house to take care of.” Harry said.

Mrs. Weasley put her hand in her pocket and brought out a handkerchief. She blew her nose.

Harry knew she would get upset, but she was actually taking it better than he had thought she would.

“Well, Harry, I know you are growing up, just like Ron and all my children. I wish you would stay, but I know you need to find your own place.” Mrs. Weasley sniffled.

“Thank you, Mrs. Weasley.” Harry said softly.

“Would you just come home for dinner once in a while?” Mrs. Weasley asked.

“Of course, Mrs. Weasley!” Harry smiled. It did please him that Mrs. Weasley made him think this was his home, too and that he wasn’t just a visitor.

Mrs. Weasley smiled and patted Harry’s arm.

Harry reached over and hugged her. She sighed and hugged him back.

****

Harry looked at only a few houses but he fell in love with a small one just a few miles from the Burrow. He bought it from a wizard family who had out-grown it. It had two bedrooms, a kitchen, a small dining room, one bathroom, and a living room. It was the back and front yards that he liked the best, though. The back yard had a patio with some grass surrounding it. The front yard was filled with green grass and a tree in the middle. He wished it had a fence around the front yard.

*****

Harry packed his things in his trunk. He looked around Percy’s old room, then walked out the door. He stood at the bottom of the stairs and looked up. He walked up the stairs to Ron’s room. He walked in and smiled at the bright orange of everything in the room. He shut the door behind him and walked downstairs.

He picked up Hedwig‘s cage, then called out “Accio Trunk!” The trunk followed him downstairs and he said good bye to Mr. And Mrs. Weasley.

*****

He put Hedwig’s cage in the corner. He looked around his new house. He sat on the couch and leaned back. He was glad he did this.

He knew he would still go over for dinners at the Weasleys but he was glad to have his own home. It was about time. And it was about time that he contacted Ron. If Ron did not want to talk to him, he would have to tell Harry himself. Harry Apparated to the Ministry of Magic and walked down the street to a telephone.

*****

The phone rang three times before it was answered.

“Hello?” The other voice said.

“Hi, this is Harry. Is Ron, there?” Harry asked.

“Oh, hi, Harry. Yeah, let me get him.” Harry could hear Ryan call for Ron, then hear Ron pick up the phone.

“Hello?” Ron said.

“Hi, Ron. It’s Harry.” Harry said.

“How’s it going?” Ron asked.

Harry was a little miffed at Ron’s reaction. “Things are fine. I have a new place. Your mum was a bit upset when I left, but it’s okay.”

“Your own place. That’s cool, Harry.” Ron said impassively.

“When are you coming to visit?” Harry asked.

“Oh, in about a month, I think.” Ron said.

“That’s good. Everyone wants to see you.” Harry said.

“What about you?” Ron asked.

Harry was silent in shock. Then he said, ‘Of course. Why do you say that?”

Ron said, “Just wondering.”

“Ron?” Harry said softly.

“It’s nothing, Harry. I want to come back to visit.” Ron said distractedly.

“Well, you don’t sound that happy about it.” Harry said, snappily.

“Harry.” Ron sighed loudly. “Look, I meant what I said when you left, but you know, things change.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Harry said irritated.

“I’m happy with Ryan.” Ron insisted.

“Yeah, I know, so what’s your point?” Harry was angry now. It was almost as if, Ron was trying to keep Harry from saying something that would require Ron to say something back. Then it occurred to Harry that Ryan was sitting right there. Was Ron trying to prove something to Ryan?

Harry decided to backpedal his anger. “Ron, I know. I hope though that we can still be mates.”

“Yeah, okay. I need to get off the phone?” Ron said.

“Okay. Let us know when you’re coming? I will let your mum and dad know.” Harry said.

“Yeah. Talk to you later, Harry.” Ron said.

Harry stood with the phone in his hand.

Harry placed the phone on the receiver and left the phone booth. He was very disappointed in his conversation with Ron. They were going to visit, and Harry was excited about that, but Ron did not seem all that excited himself. Ron seemed to be saying things for Ryan’s benefit and Harry did not like that at all.

Harry was depressed about it. He wanted Ron and him to be close again. Even if they could not be together. He was confused about his sexuality, but he knew he did love Ron. Whether he liked other men or not, it was Ron that mattered most to him. That would never change.