A/N: Well hello, again. I bet you didn't expect another chapter so quickly! I actually had the interview already written, since I first posted the little 'teaser' in chapter 8, so after Lexi posted her chapter, I just couldn't resist writing Harry's reply!

Also, I felt like since you had such a long wait for the last chapter, a super fast update would be nice! Don't expect it all the time, though! ;)

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and it's characters aren't ours. As much as we wish we could take credit for them...

Draco,

I guess I have already taken the liberty of using your first name. It just...feels more personal than "Malfoy", so there were a couple instances where it felt more pertinent. I'm sorry for not asking whether it was alright or not.

I will do my utmost not to be confused by the disorder of our...order...(um?)
Your reaction to my confession was relatively tame compared to the ones I've gotten so far. Of course, you're not actually with me, so I suppose physical violence or yelling aren't really options for you. I appreciate your concerns about Ron, though. I'm sure you're right—after all, he always does come around eventually...
I appreciate your offer to talk, too, but I think talking about this, especially to you, is outside my comfort zone at the moment, surprisingly enough, considering the things I do talk to you about...

I can't say that I'd have wanted you to call me an idiot in school, but you have to admit, there was something very stimulating about our tiffs. Some days I think I even enjoyed sparring with you, even if you did absolutely piss me off. I'm just glad you're as unimpressed by me now as you were when we were at school!

Perhaps you're right that Dumbledore cared for me—I'd certainly like to think you are. I'm sure he did care, in some ways. Actually, no, I know he did care about me. I just would love to know how much he considered me a pawn in his game, too.

Thank you for your concern about Hermione. That's the second time you've willingly and freely offered up advice for her, even just via me, and I know you don't have to worry about her. I appreciate it.
Me, well, I'm not the best with people in general, so it just takes me longer to believe they don't intend to hurt me, or the people I care about. You and your mother seem to be the exception to this "trust rule," though.
Would I consider 'becoming' a Muggle? No. I was one, for all intents and purposes, once. This world, as crazy as it is, took me away from a worse life. My family is here, all my friends, everyone I care about. I couldn't turn my back on that.

Pertaining to the loyalty in our relationship—it's definitely different. We don't have a history of friendship that the loyalty we feel is based on, nor have we bribed each other (as if that would ever work on either of us...). I do believe that we have a mutual respect for each other, though, and we seem to have a history of saving each other's lives, recently. I think the loyalty I feel for you is based on a shared history, shared experiences, as well as this new relationship we're building. You've been one of the constants in my life since we were 11. That's gotta inspire some loyalty, right?

About the 'fawning'...you do deserve dignity. To be honest, I've always respected you for some things—like the way that no matter happened, whatever you were going through, you always maintained your dignity in public. If you lost that now...you know what, just don't lose that, okay? Okay.

Lewis Carrol was popular for Wizarding children? I find that...incredible! I read his books a few summers ago when I was stuck at my aunt and uncle's for months on end. They provide an amazing ecape—the chance to enter a world that's completely foreign, but magical in an entirely new way. I guess I can see the appeal, for anyone. I don't understand how you could consider it pointless! I'm sure there've been times when you wanted an escape as a kid. "Alice in Wonderland" and books like that could have given you just that!

I...uh...can't honestly say that I wasn't involved with Buckbeak's escape, so I'll just stay silent, shall I? Yeah, that's probably best.
I'm sure that's exactly what it is, you've hit the nail on the head. I was definitely jealous of the attention Pansy was giving you. It definitely couldn't have been resentment that you had just managed to single-handedly (haha!) get a creature sentenced to death.
Draco Malfoy, if you say ANYTHING about me to Pansy Parkinson, I will come over there with a particularly nasty hex, just for you. Ugh, I'm shuddering.

Seriously? You're insulting my vocabulary, of all things? I thought we had moved on to bigger and better things than that. Tsk.
I'm pleased, though, that you accepted my apology over your 'sensibilities'. Heaven knows I would have lost sleep if you hadn't deigned to forgive me. (I am seriously concerned about us, sometimes.) I'm absolutely fluttering at being called a complete prat by the great Draco Malfoy, King of all Prats! It's always been one of my heart's innermost desires! Especially now that I know what honour the title holds among Purebloods!
You shall have to let me know if your pillow was sympathetic to your lamentations, my dear Draco.

And back to the land of the sane-or, relatively sane, anyways. Forgive me for asking this, especially since I said above that I didn't have any questions for you, but I'm curious. If being/having a Malfoy heir is so important, how are you going to manage that? I mean, if you're gay, it's not like you can just get married and have a child. I mean, you could, but... I'm sorry, it's really none of my business, I guess I just want to understand.

Honestly, Draco, those first few times in first year when I was on the receiving end of your sneer (and yes, a sneer can be good—that just means it's a particularly well-done sneer. Obviously.) I wasn't immune. I'd glare back at you for all I was worth, but I was a bit hurt. Silly, I know, since it was me who turned down your friendship in the first place, but I learned very quickly not to let it get to me.

My...'relationship' with Cho could probably be accurately described as an experiment. I had decided I fancied her because that's how boys were supposed to feel about girls, and all my roommates were starting to talk about girls as if they were the best thing since sliced bread. I would've done just about anything to be 'normal', too. With Cho, I had a couple of dates, and an incredibly off-putting kiss. That 'relationship' didn't go far.
Ginny...Gin was different. I've grown up with her, and she's always been a bit in love with me. It's hard to ignore that. So I thought I loved her. I did love her in some ways—still do. My relationship with her wasn't really an 'experiment' as much as something I thought was right, something I thought I wanted. Ugh, this sounds so clinical. You know what I mean, though, right? I don't really want to get more detailed.
I...actually haven't really thought about experimenting now. It just...didn't seem like an option. I mean, I've had so much to do in the last year, in the last few months, even, that experimenting doesn't seem to be too high on my 'to-do' list. You're a mystery to me, Draco, are you...concerned about me? That's incredible.

I did see the Prophet's follow-up story today, actually. I'm kind of surprised they actually printed it. But I'm pleased that "somebody" called them out on it, too. Sounds like it was more than one somebody, though. I know it got Hermione's hackles raised, she told me that she went in and gave the editor a good what-for, and apparently saw some people at the office she wasn't expecting to. She interrupted my tea with your mother to tell me about it, in fact. So thank you, to the mysterious Somebody wherever or whoever he may be.

A relationship between us would be...intense. You're making fun of me, but I said "almost entertaining" because I don't think I'd survive a break-up between the two of us. I think we're both the kind of people who go all or nothing, so our relationship would be...well. An end to that relationship would ruin whatever friendship we have, and I couldn't go back to being your enemy, or rival. Like I said earlier, you're one of the constants in my life. You help me keep a tight hold on reality. Without that...I'd be a bit lost, I think. I guess, in a strange, twisted way, I need my relationship with you, in whatever form it takes. I guess I'm exaggerating a little, I mean I don't think I'd die without you in my life, but I don't think I'd know what to do without you around. And in a way, whatever this friendship-thing we're in right now is something I wouldn't want to be rid of.

Whoa. Draco Malfoy's apologizing? Everyone take note! I think I need to mark today on my calendar...this must be a first.
I think it's healthy for there to be some people who can see through the image you project to the rest of the world—it keeps you human. And Luna, well, she's a bit special that way, isn't she? She always seems to be able to tell what it is the people around her need to hear. She's wonderful. Anyway, Draco, it can't be healthy to be "as cold as ice." You'll freeze that heart of yours, and then where would you be? Definitely not making comments about "wands being the windows to our souls" or telling stupid 'Saviours' to "be careful."

I suppose you're right about me in Slytherin. I can't predict every eventuality, and even if I could, I don't think I'd want to change Houses. I love my Gryffindor friends and wouldn't want to give them up. And you're right-the ministry would probably have vilified me when I refused to work with them, and then where would I be?

Draco. You do realize I defeated said wizard with the disarming spell, right? A spell we learned in second year? That doesn't really speak well to my abilities. You have so much more experience with magic that it's something that comes naturally to you. When you're threatened, it's first instinct to reach for your wand, right? That had to be trained into me. My reaction is to defend myself physically. If you want something that's across the room from you, you summon it. I stand up and walk across the room. You have a distinct advantage because of this. Magic is just...normal for you. For me, it's still a wonderment.
About sides...I said "if we were on opposite sides" because I don't think we were on opposite sides. That being said, I don't think you were completely on my side, either. I'm almost one hundred percent certain you weren't where you wanted to be, or where you belonged, though. You said before that Voldemort was able to make you do what he wanted you to by holding the threat of danger to your family over your head. You were never a willing participant. Perhaps at first, when all you knew of Voldemort were legends and stories, you thought he was great, but actually living through that? If he hadn't been threatening you, what would you have done? Probably not get involved, right? In my books, that's helping me, because you wouldn't have been in the fight at all. And anyways, you helped me when I needed it. To me, that means you were on my side when it counted.

No, really, I mean it, I don't think Voldemort was truly evil at his core! I think that once he got into the...things he did, and started experimenting, it corrupted him. The things he did to himself...I don't think anyone could go through that with their sanity intact. I think the major difference between the two of us is that I have people who love me, and I'm happy. I would never consider putting myself through the ordeals he did. If he had had people who genuinely cared about his well-being, like I do, would he have done things differently? Thank you, though, for your faith in me.

I think I might have to recruit a Hufflepuff. I've been thinking about writing to Hannah for a while, you mentioning her makes me think I should. Although it's definitely too late for her "finding" expertise, unfortunately!

Well! I apologize profusely for daring to attempt to overcome prejudices and be friendly! Friendly former rivals? Really? This seems to be getting worse and worse. Maybe we can call each other FFR's!

Acceptance is the least I can do, FFR,
Always and forever,
Harry

(PS. I'm never an idiot, you prat!)

(PPS. Being a prat is something you do naturally, there's no need to promise that, it's a given!)

(PPPS. I'm actually hoping there will never be a time when you don't call me an idiot. x)

The Daily Prophet
July 17, 1998

HARRY POTTER GAY?—THE GRAND REVEAL!

Harry Potter recently came to the editor here at the Daily Prophet bearing the news that the Elder Wand—the all-powerful wand believed to be created by Death itself, which has been in his possession since the end of the Battle for Hogwarts—has been destroyed. While I had our elusive Hero in my office I snagged the opportunity that presented itself and asked him for a quick interview on behalf of my readers! I must say, dear readers, this humble editor learned much more that night than she had bargained for! The Prophet published a teaser on Monday, but this is the grand reveal! What follows is the transcribed conversation from that night.

I: So you snapped the Elder Wand. What made you decide that was the right thing to do? And why did you do it?

HP: Honestly, the idea of an all-powerful wand is a frightening one. If Voldemort had actually been the master of the wand our world would have been in a great deal of trouble. The idea of a Dark Lord with an undefeatable wand is terrifying. On top of that, I don't much fancy the idea of some upstart Death-Eater wannabe trying to kill me while I sleep to get his hands on the Elder Wand. I debated for a long time between locking the wand up and snapping it, and after getting some advice from some close friends I decided that snapping it was the best plan.

'Close friends' being Mr. Ronald Weasley and Miss Hermione Granger, of course.

Of course. As well as a more...unlikely friend I've recently made, but whose judgement I trust fully.

Okay, you've got me curious. An unlikely friend?

I think I'll keep that one to myself for now, but yes, he's not someone I ever saw myself being friends with, but I'm glad it happened. Although he's not likely to approve of me calling him a 'friend'. –Harry smiles-

Oh come on, that sounds delightfully mysterious! A secret friend who's not a friend?

-laughs- Well, I consider him a friend. He's just not likely to agree to the term.

Well if that's all we're going to get on that let's move on. Now that this is all over, what's next then, for the great Harry Potter?

-Harry sighs- Well, now that the trials are over and most of the Death Eaters left are behind bars, I'd love to just sleep for the next few months and not worry about a thing, but I don't really see that happening, somehow. -grins- No, I've got plans to help finish up the reconstruction of Hogwarts, then hopefully finish my last year of school and take my NEWTs. Beyond that, I have no idea. I always thought I would be an Auror, but to be honest, that doesn't really appeal anymore.

What are you thinking about doing after school, then? Politics?

God, no! That's probably the last thing I'd ever want to do. No, I'd like to do something to help people, I just haven't fully decided what, yet.

And what about your love life, Harry? Last we knew you were with Miss Ginevra Weasley. Is that still going on?

I guess I should have expected this question when we sat down. I'm afraid I don't have much of a love-life at the moment. Ginny and I separated recently, so no, that's not still going on.

I'm sorry to hear that!

Oh, no, please don't be! Gin and I both agreed it was for the best, and we're still good friends. We both think we'll be happier this way.

Can we pry? What caused the big break-up?

Well, originally we broke up because we had different expectations for our relationship, and neither of us were entirely happy with where it was going.

You said 'originally.' Is that not still the reason?

Good catch. No, it's still a part of the reason, but our situation is more complicated than that. See, during school I was worried about far more than discovering myself, so now that the war is over I've gotten the chance to decide what it is I really want, and a relationship with Ginny just isn't it.

If I might be so bold, what is it you really want on the love-front, then?

I'm not sure I'm completely ready for this talk, so maybe we should just leave it at that. Ginny knows the true reasons why, and has accepted them, and that's what matters.

Oh, you can't leave us there, Harry! Give us something!

I didn't intend to talk about this when I came in here, I just wanted to make sure people knew the Elder Wand was gone, I didn't want to get into relationships at all.

I understand, of course. Is there a new girl on the horizon, then?

-sighs- No, there's not a new girl on the horizon. I don't really have any interest in dating at the moment, and I'd really rather not get into, thanks.

Of course, of course. Maybe you could give us a quick overview of what kind of things in a girl catches the eye of Harry Potter?

Oh for...I'm gay! I have no interest in another girlfriend, or a relationship with a girl at all!

Dear readers, let me tell you, at this point there was quite an embarrassingly long pause on both our ends, while I attempted to take that one in and while he scowled at me and waited for a reaction. It took us quite a while to get the interview back on track! I won't transcribe the sputtering and awkward laughs, and I'll just jump right back to the interview!

Okay, wow, that was quite a surprise! Tell me, then, are there any young men that have caught your attention?

-laughs- Of course, we're going this direction, too. I'm not actively looking for someone to be with, so I'm afraid I'm pretty boring on the relationship front. That being said, there is someone who's becoming pretty important to me, but I'm not sure the feeling's mutual.

And what is this gentleman's name? What's he like? Come on, Harry, give us something juicy!

You mean more juicy than my whole public coming-out? I don't think I can beat that. But regardless, I'm not saying anything about him. Especially since there's not anything to tell, at the moment.

I suppose that's fair. Thank you for sharing as much as you have!

-laughs- It was no problem.

So you heard it here first, folks. Harry Potter has finally fully made it out of the metaphorical 'cupboard' of his childhood. Gentlemen, now's your chance! You have a shot at Harry Potter's heart! Ladies, I know it hurts, but on the up side, we still have the strapping Neville Longbottom to long for! Until next time, dear readers.

-Daily Prophet editor, Catherine Berends.

AN: ! That was. Ok. Well. I think I'm a little bit broken.
I'll try for a new chapter ASAP, but I'm about to head into assignment territory... We'll see how it goes. -Lexi