Changes and Secrets

Chapter 13 - Revelation and Theories

I think I'm alive? Anyways, new chappie after however many months its been. It's short and it sucks but whatever. It's been a long past few months.

O.o

Harry rubbed the back of his neck, wondering if he should speak first or not. Ron answered that question for him, however, when he began to speak.

"Harry, I'm sorry. I focused completely on myself and didn't think about how hard this has been for you. When you needed me the most, I abandoned you. Please forgive me." Harry smiled at Ron. "And I'm sorry. I should have told you earlier and not allowed my fear of your reaction to govern my actions," he said.

Ron smiled at Harry and extended his arm for a hug. Harry's grin grew as he hugged the ginger, reveling in having his best friend back. When the boys finally separated, it was with goofy smiles and chuckles.

"So, how are things going with you and Blaise?" Harry asked, dying for information on his newest ship. Ron smiled and made a few motions with his hands, which Harry interpreted as "We're doing well, and I'm learning a lot." "I can tell," Harry replied verbally. He could read a fair amount of sign language by now, but still couldn't do it.

Ron laughed and signed something back. "Slower, please," Harry requested, having missed about half of the question. "How are you and Remus?" Ron signed again. Harry smirked, then made a fist with his left hand, smacked the top of it with his right hand, then brought his right index finger up to his lips before bringing his open hand back down on top of his left fist. "Fully committed," he had signed.

Ron's eyes sparkled in excitement before his brows furrowed. He started to sign something, faltered, shook his head, and spoke.

"Don't werewolves have mates, though?" he asked. Harry flushed bright red and rubbed the back of his neck, looking at the carpet. "Wait..." Ron said. "Are you and Remus mates!?" he asked, excitement evident in his voice. Harry smiled shyly and nodded. Ron visibly struggled to not fanboy, causing Harry to chuckle.

"We're taking things slow, though," he said. Ron nodded. "Makes sense," he said. "Blaise and I are trying to do that as well." Harry raised an eyebrow. "Trying?" he asked. Ron laughed. "Yeah, Blaise is a little more forward than I am, but he's trying to hold himself back for me. It's honestly really cute," he said. Harry smiled.

"Well, I'm glad things are working out for you both," he said. Ron grinned. "Right back at you," he said. "Now personally, I'm famished. Wanna head to dinner?" Harry just stood and laughed. "Boys and food," he said. "That's all you think about."

Ron reached over and smacked Harry's bicep. "Don't forget about Quidditch," he said, poking a bit of fun at himself. Harry's laughter doubled with Ron's as they headed down the stairs to the Common Room. However, Harry stopped them about halfway down. "Do you think I should tell 'Mione?" he asked. Ron bit his lip, then nodded.

"She'll be more understanding, but she still doesn't like secrets," he reasoned. Harry nodded before continuing down the steps. As Harry expected, the Common Room was empty except for a few first years in a corner and Hermione curled up in a chair, nose stuck in a large tome that was presumably about werewolves.

Harry looked at Ron, who looked back at him. A soft smile of encouragement sent his way, Harry approached the reading witch. "'Mione?" he said, hesitantly. "'M reading," she replied, obviously distracted. "'Mione, this is important," Harry said, hands beginning to shake a little. He shoved his hands in his pockets. "Can it wait?"she asked, looking up. She was obviously annoyed. Harry bit his lip. "Not really," he replied.

Hermione evidently caught the apprehension on Harry's face, and marked her place in the book. Setting it down on the table beside her, she devoted all her attention to the raven-haired wizard. "What's wrong?" she asked. Harry sighed and shook his head.