A/N: I am, without a doubt, stunned and humbled at the response this story has had so far. Thank you so much to everyone who has given it a chance! I also really quickly want to say thank you to greeneyedgirly who just... ugh... owns my heart right now, also mauralee88, VAVikingGirl, CarminMoon and Britt01 who have all followed my work for literally years. These girls are all sorts of awesome. I know this chapter is short, so I'm out. Will post more soon.


April 1996

"You should be more careful," Hermione admonished as Harry watched with precise detail how much honey Malfoy was pouring on his porridge. "People are starting to notice you staring at him. And they're coming to the wrong conclusion."

"Really? What conclusion is that?" Harry said, mindlessly shovelling cornflakes into his mouth, his eyes focused on a blond head across the Great Hall.

"That… you fancy him," Hermione hissed.

Both Harry and Ron started to choke on their breakfast at the same time.

"People think Harry's gay?" Ron said incredulously.

"Well, yes," Hermione said. "And no one can blame them with the way you keep staring!"

"I don't fancy Malfoy," Harry said emphatically.

His best friends seemed to accept this confession. He did, however, know that the time to tell them was fast approaching. He didn't want to keep secrets from them but the correct timing for this particular subject was going to be crucial.

The common room was nearly deserted, only a few fifth years remaining when Harry pulled his friends down to sit with him in front of the fire, looking into the flames where Sirius had once appeared.

"I need to tell you something," Harry said, studying the fire and ignoring their eyes.

"Oh no," Ron muttered, then "Ouch!" as Hermione elbowed him in the ribs.

"See… the thing is… I like boys."

"Oh," Hermione squeaked.

"Bloody hell, mate. Wait."

"What?"

"Does that mean… you really do fancy Malfoy?"

Harry snorted, then choked. "No. No, Ron, I really, really don't."

"Oh. Good. Because, you know you're my best mate and everything, but I'd probably have to hit you if you did."

"Ronald!"

"Oh, give it up. He knows I'm only joking."

Harry chanced a look at his best friends. They were both smiling.

"So, you're okay with this?"

"Of course we are," Hermione said.

"Is there anyone that you like? 'Cos I reckon, since it's you, you'd have a chance…"

Harry tried his hardest to fight the blush staining his cheeks, and failed. "No one at school. No."

"Out of school?" Hermione teased with a sparkle in her eyes.

"I'm not telling you."

"Aww!" she cried. "Oh, please tell me?"

"No," Harry said, standing now. "I'm going to bed. Goodnight."

"Night," Hermione called.

His heart was still racing as he changed into his pyjamas and slid beneath the sheets, pulling the curtains around his bed closed. It could have been worse, he decided. It could have been a lot worse.