See chapter one for warnings, disclaimers, etc.

Title: Missed Chances - 5/5
Author: Lena

Summary Pg. 856. Harry was sitting the edge of the lake, grieving for Sirius. After a long while, he heads back to the castle. Ron is still recuperating from his injuries at the Ministry of Magic and is in the hospital wing.

Harry rubbed his eyes again. He was devastated about losing Sirius. Harry brooded about all the people he had lost. It just wasn't fair.

As he traipsed slowly to the castle, thinking about Sirius, a fleeting face flashed before him. It was someone who wasn’t gone. Someone who would care about Harry, no matter what.

Harry stood stock still, horrified at the time that had been wasted. If something had happened to him, as well, in the Ministry of Magic...Ron! How could he have been so stupid!

Harry started running as fast as he could. Drops of perspiration ran down his forehead and mixed with the tears that were still squeezing out of his eyes.

He got to the door of the castle, out of breath. He clutched his side, but continued running to the hospital wing.

Harry knew that Cho had been an infatuation, a crush, but it was over. He felt nothing for her now.

Ron...Ron was the one who would always be there for him. He had known it for months, but chose to ignore his feelings, while he had forced Ron to hide his. Why had he done that? Sure, he had been confused about his feelings for both Cho and Ron, but the excuses he made to himself about Ron, now made no sense, and didn't matter anyway.

Instead of being concerned about Ron's feelings, Harry had been more amused by Ron’s reactions to his teasing and touches. Harry wondered how he could’ve been so cruel to Ron. He had spent the last few months mooning over Cho, when the person he really loved had been right in front of him.

He nearly skidded past the door of the hospital wing. Harry stopped for a moment to wipe his face on his sleeve again, then took a deep breath to stop his trembling. He walked with confidence to Ron's bed, where he was sitting up in bed playing chess by himself.

Ron looked up, saw Harry walking towards him, and smiled, "Hi, Harry!"

Harry didn't smile back. Ron shivered a little, looking nervous.

Harry got to the edge of the bed and said, "Ron, I am so sorry for wasting time. I...love you." Ron's mouth fell open.

Harry continued, "I was a stupid prat. Forgive me?" Ron made a choking noise and he squeezed a chess pawn in his hand until it squealed. The rest of the chess pieces ran off the board and hid in the covers.

“Say something, Ron.” Harry didn’t look around, but he knew everyone in the wing, including Hermione, were staring at them.

Ron just gawked at Harry. He finally said, “I need to go to the loo.” Harry hoped that was code for ‘we need to talk’.

Ron pushed the covers away and got up, sending chess pieces scattering to the floor and running in all directions. The loo was in the hall outside the hospital wing’s main door, so Ron headed in that direction with Harry following.

Harry hoped Ron wasn't going to reject him. Harry knew there was a good chance, as he had been such a fool and he deserved it.

They reached the door. Ron opened it and held it for Harry. Harry closed it behind him and leaned back against it. Ron turned on his heel towards Harry. Ron stared at him for what felt like a very long time.

Ron finally said, "What makes you think, I love you...anymore?"

Harry stammered, "I...I...don‘t...I've been an idiot. I'm sorry."

Through gritted teeth, Ron said, "I have spent months trying to get over you."

"I know, I‘m sorry!" Harry pleaded.

Ron yelled, "Sorry?"

Harry whined, "I was all confused and...” Harry stopped.

Ron said sarcastically, “Yeah, right.”

Harry whispered, “I was...I’m sorry...I hurt your feelings.”

Ron turned pink and screeched, “SHUT UP!”

The conversation was not going how Harry had hoped. Harry said stiffly, "I'm not going to argue with you."

Ron smirked and said with arrogance, "Well, what are you going to do about it?”

Harry pressed his lips together and his eyes narrowed in anger. He looked Ron right in the eyes.

Harry grabbed Ron’s arms and yanked him forward. In one swift move, Harry put his hands around Ron’s neck, and nearly choking him, pulled his face down to his own. Bumping noses, Harry pressed his lips to Ron’s and gave him a long firm kiss.

Ron made gasping noises and his arms were flailing about his body, but he didn't push away. Harry could feel his glasses knock askew. Harry finally pulled his face away from Ron. He didn't look at Ron as he moved his arms around the back of Ron’s neck. Harry leaned into Ron, touching his forehead against Ron's shoulder.

Ron was breathless, and Harry felt Ron’s arms wrap around his waist. Ron rested his chin on Harry’s shoulder and he felt Ron’s body start to relax.

They stood quietly until both seemed to melt into each other. Ron finally whispered, “Harry, I love you.”

Harry’s heart flip-flopped from the relief that simple sentence gave him. He closed his eyes and hugged Ron tighter. Harry had wasted time, yes, but Ron was here, now.