Midnight Musings

Seamus padded across the hardwood floor of the 5th year Gryffindor dorm room, pausing as he reached a bed with closed curtains. Running fingers through ragged sandy blond hair, he reached shaking fingers on the opposite hand to slide open the scarlet curtains. To his surprise, the bed's occupant was sitting up in the bed, a piece of paper in his lap and a Muggle flashlight in his hand.

"Harry?" Seamus whispered softly. Harry Potter jumped almost a foot in the air, and glanced uneasily up at his intruder. His green eyes softened when he saw Seamus.

"Hey," he whispered back. He pushed back his blanket and offered the space next to him. Displaying a dazzling smile, Seamus crawled into the spot, snuggling into Harry's side. The two Gryffindors didn't speak as Harry went back to reading his paper.

"Mmm," Seamus murmured, inhaling the clean scent that was decidedly Harry. He craned his neck curiously to see Harry's paper. "What is that?"

"A newspaper clipping," Harry replied shortly. Seamus' eyes widened in surprise at the sharp tone.

"Oh," he responded.

"The Dursleys were killed last week," Harry spoke again, a few moments later. Seamus felt his heart contract at his tone. "I never liked the Muggles, but they were the only family I ever had. And its hard to be an orphan, even one as loved and well-known as me."

"You lose a sense of identity." Seamus said. Harry turned sharply at the words.

"H-how did you know that?"

Seamus shrugged, his eyes falling shut. "I'm an orphan, too. My parents died when I was a baby. My mum was an Auror, and well..."

"He felt they were a threat?"

"Mmhmm." Seamus nodded, slowly. "I live with my Uncle, my mum's brother. Unlike with you, they've always loved me. I've always just called them mum and dad. That's all they've ever been."

"Oh," Harry nodded, in slight understanding. Maybe it was fate that the two Gryffindors were becoming close friends. Since the beginning of 5th year, when Harry'd fallen sick, and Seamus had volunteered to keep watch, they'd become almost inseparable. Ron and Hermione barely even noticed, as they were finally wrapped up in each other.

"So, I understand, Harry." Harry smiled at the reassuring words, and on impulse, leaned over and pressed his lips to Seamus' cheek.

"Thanks," he whispered. Seamus' cheeks burned red, but he smiled, leaning in closer to Harry.

"This changes things now," Seamus whispered after a long silence. Harry glanced questioningly at him, and Seamus continued. "I've been wanting to touch you for so long, and I mean *really* touch," he added. Harry dropped his newspaper clipping and turned to fully face him.

"I-I think I understand," Harry spoke quietly. "I think I'm starting to fall in love with you, but..."

"I know, I know," Seamus sighed. "You don't want to be tied down to someone like me--I know what my reputation is. Besides, why would the Boy-Who-Lived want to come out of the closet for *me*?"

Harry frowned, and picked up his pillow, and carefully hit him on the head with it. "Enough of the pity party," he snapped. "That's not what I was going to say. Why would I care about your reputation?"

"I don't know," Seamus shrugged, rubbing his head. He avoided looking at Harry, until he felt a cool hand touch his cheek. Carefully, Harry tilted Seamus' head.

"I would be *honored* to show myself out of the closet with you, Finnigan. I hope you believe that." After he spoke, Harry touched his lips to Seamus'. It was slow, and hesitant, and neither knew very well what to do. Hesitating for only an extra second, Seamus deepened the kiss, and felt his world tilt, exploding in cliché hearts and flowers.

"I think I do," Seamus grinned when they broke for air. "Of course, who can resist *my* kiss?"

Rolling his eyes, Harry settled back on his bed, and pulled Seamus down next to him. All previous thoughts were forgotten as sleep claimed them.