Notes: This story begins four years after my first story, Eeman, in which Harry is adopted by the Grangers, after Vernon Dursley irreparably injures Harry. I apologize if I get too trope-ish, but only a bit of an apology. I write what I would be interested in reading. Yes, there may be shipping in this story, unlike Eeman, but I am also not that into graphic descriptions. Just not my thing. I have no idea about TW as just about anything can a trigger for any given individual. For instance, dead or dying babies/children will do it for me, and I tend to avoid stories if I can with this event. I cannot tolerate wadded tissues, either, but if writers do not go into detail about them, I am fine.
Here are a few warnings:
- I tend to write medical themed stuff as I am fairly experienced, although not all presented is something I have personally experienced; the majority is, however. If not your thing, please move on. If it is your thing, please enjoy!
- Mostly Harry's POV (third person), but Hermione's third person perspective every now and then, including the first part of the first chapter.
- Drarry. They are 16, and not ready to go there yet completely. And it's not my thing. I can read slash (well, skim) if I am in the mood, but writing it? Not in this story. I've always been rather weird about sex, although I don't think I'm asexual. Demisexual is more like it. Yes, I need to label it, but not be put in a box. Maybe an open label box!
- I am not from the UK. I have visited, and greatly look forward to visiting again.
- I am not a native Farsi speaker. I will try my best to get it correct, that which I do write here. I understand far more than I can actually speak myself.
- No regular updates, but will try to get a chapter up every two weeks or so. My life is very busy and stressful presently and finding time to write is difficult.
- Cross-posting on ao3 under similar username. Please don't copy anywhere else.

Chapter 1: Sleep and other important things

July 1996

Hermione was reading. After all, what else would she be doing on a rainy morning? It was two weeks into summer hols, and it felt to her that it was imperative to study. She needed to begin outlining her studies for A-levels now that she had passed her GSCEs. In August, she planned to review for her studies for fall term at Hogwarts, but it was only the middle of July. She had time. They were awaiting their OWL results, so they could plan for which NEWT classes to take.

Hermione liked knowledge, rules, and learning how to break rules that needed to be broken. One of the many things about Britain's magical world that she disliked was the term 'muggle.' It was one of the many things she hoped to fight to change in the Magical world. Other terms were used elsewhere, and she was just not sure which would be best. She felt like she wanted call non-magical people 'regular' perhaps. She felt irregular at times being magical, although she absolutely loved it. It seemed as if this would be less offensive than 'muggle.' The cynical part of her brain tells her that everyone will complain about 'regular', as well. Perhaps it would be useless to try to change these things.

She could not keep her mind on her self-imposed work, and she knew it was really because she worried about Harry more than anything else at the moment. He was about to turn sixteen, and he seemed vaguely depressed, in her opinion. She was certain his stump caused him pain again recently because of his growth. He now towered over her. From what Sirius had said, James Potter was quite tall, and Lily was not entirely short. Harry was almost as tall as their Dad. It was so odd to have to look up at Harry's face when once upon a time he was so small.

She heard music wafting from down the hall from Harry's room. 'Step outside, summertime's in bloom / Stand up beside the fireplace' Harry's favourite song from the past year, Oasis' Don't Look Back in Anger. He has tried to explain why he likes that song so much, and she mostly understands but she cannot fully understand. Very little from her own childhood caused her anger, except, perhaps, her primary school years. It had confused her as to why many of her classmates made fun of her for volunteering answers in the classroom and valuing knowledge so much. It was just a need within herself to acquire knowledge and to share it.

At age nine, Hermione began to understand a little better. She had realized, by reading fiction, that not everyone valued the same things she did, and that was a big thought for her. She started to think outside herself a little more; she noted these things in her journal and moved on. This did not stop the occasional bullying incident at school, but she did learn to hold her own council more, and not answer all the time. Perhaps she was making the others feel stupid? This was very difficult, too, as she noted in her journal just prior to her 11th birthday. By the time she met Harry after his non-accident, she felt herself somewhat capable of having a more social-based conversation as to just recited information and facts. Spending more time with her Haleh Tina had helped as well.

Thinking about social things, their friends would be arriving in just a few short hours to spend the afternoon. Draco had owled earlier insisting they must watch a movie, since he did not get to watch them in his home (simply because it would be too difficult to get electronics to work within Malfoy Manor, although sometimes his father claimed it was not befitting a Malfoy. He did not enforce this much anymore with Draco, for the most part. Draco was quite relieved and ever so happy that he took part in the destruction of the Horcruxes. It seemed to change the brains of all the former Death Eaters for the better.) Harry was looking forward to the group's arrival, as she was, but he had been exhausted this morning. He had truly looked as if he had not slept for eight hours the night before. At breakfast, he was falling asleep at the table.

Hermione always tried now to keep a balance of reading versus time with family and friends, and sleep. It was difficult at times. There is a drive in her mind that says to keep reading and acquiring more knowledge, but she also knows that this is not always ideal. It was important to keep her social life in order. In the future, her plans include changing things for the better for the Magical World, so knowing how to interact with her peers was quite important indeed.

Several months previously, she wrote the following in her journal:

'I may go into Magical Law but am not sure if I would be most useful there or not. I have considered going into Healing/Medicine like Harry and Mum, but I do not think that quite suits me, either. Perhaps I should become Headmaster of Hogwarts, someday. Perhaps that is where I could be most effective. Minerva already has me coordinating efforts to bring the Houses closer together in unity. I believe that we should do away with Houses altogether, but the school governors are not particularly happy with that idea at the present time.'

Now she wrote:

'I will be seventeen in two months' time. I will be of age in the magical world, and I am quite certain I am done physically growing. At last, I will be able to use my magic at home for more than simply spelling my latest (and by far best) brace onto my leg. Healer Hannah came up with a new one for me last year and I can move even more naturally now than when I was younger, because it is much more imbued with magic than my old one. Although to be honest, I am not still entirely happy that I need the brace at all. I know that it helps me, and I cannot reverse the original injuries to my leg, but the emotional part of my brain still wishes that I did not need it. Logically, I know well that I do need it and I accept that. I assume I will accept it eventually as my emotional brain continues to mature.'

After a while, she sauntered down to the kitchen (with her new brace, she could saunter, which she took some pride in), while deciding what she ought to offer in terms of (film viewing appropriate) refreshments, the Floo roared to life. Ron and Ginny stepped through, looking the Flooing professionals they were, having done it their entire lives.

"Ron, Ginny, I'm happy you could come!" she exclaimed, quite happy they had arrived as she realized she had been feeling rather lonely, another surprising thing. "I'm going to make popcorn."

"Blimey, Mione." Ron rubbed his stomach. "You know what I like. Admit it, you love me." Hermione kept her blushing to a minimum, as she did rather like him that way, but she was also fairly certain she was bisexual as she also had a crush on Pansy Parkinson. So much to think about, and too many emotions! Now she had the topic for her next journal entry.

"Where's Harry?" Ginny asked.

"He's sleeping," she replied in a very serious voice to imply that Ginny was not to run down the hall to wake him yet.

"I'm not going to wake him," Ginny argued indignantly, flashing at Hermione with her eyes. Ginny had a crush on Harry, but Hermione knew that Harry thought of Ginny as more like a sister. She could not quite tell if Ginny knew this or not. Admittedly, Ginny was highly intelligent and joined their study group sometimes along with Luna. Luna, a Ravenclaw, was not happy with her housemates, and Ginny had shared the wish that she had been sorted into Ravenclaw with Luna, although she knew she was truly a Gryffindor. She wished she could help protect her friend. Hermione appreciated this about Ginny.

Luna came through the Floo then, as Ginny had invited her along. They had known each other for years, and Luna had slowly started becoming a part of the group. Neville liked Luna, Hermione had observed, but Hermione could not see the two together in a romantic sense, honestly. Soon after, Neville himself came through, followed by Draco and Pansy.

"Where's Harry?" Draco asked, while sweeping his shoulder length blond hair back behind his ears. He had been growing his out, while Hermione had cut hers to a bob the week prior. Her curls were not too out of control with Sleakeazy's, and she loved it for a change. It was cooler on her neck without having to put her hair up.

"Sleeping," she stated bluntly. "We should wake him."

"He is alright?" Draco asked, trying to keep the concern out of his eyes, although Hermione noticed. An idea blossomed suddenly in her mind that perhaps Draco has feelings for Harry beyond friendship. She had to try to keep from gasping. Pansy smirked at her, knowing what she was thinking.

"Let's go see for ourselves," she suggested, trying to recover.

-Break -

Harry was in his bedroom flopped back on his bed. The duvet was bunched up under him, but it was not worth the bother to straighten it.

He knew he ought to be studying, but . . . but he felt so tired. He would turn 16 in two weeks, and just wanted to sleep. He was aware that he was growing quickly, and most likely that was why he was tired, but he should have been planning strategies for the Quidditch team and the try-outs. He should also start on his A-levels, and their OWL marks should arrive any time.

He shook his head and realized he should just sleep. He would feel better after some sleep. Rather abruptly, having made this decision, he pulled up the left leg of his jeans to his hip, and released his prosthetic, letting it clunk to the floor. Ah, it was so much better! His residual limb had been sore again recently, but again, most likely caused by his growth. He turned off the music playing on his bedside table, and after crawling under the duvet, he was asleep almost immediately. He did not remember any dreams.

Harry woke a few hours later to what sounded like several of his friends outside his bedroom door. Did he sleep that long? He opened his eyes and tried to work out who was out there. Ron, Draco, Neville, Luna, and Ginny were all speaking up. Was that Pansy, too? He had not realized Pansy was coming as well – Draco must have brought her along. Hermione's laugh. Good, Mione was relaxed. Lazily, refusing to become anxious, he plucked his glasses from the bedside table, and as if that were a cue, Hermione opened the door a crack.

"Wake up, sleepyhead! Are you decent?" she inquired with another laugh. "Your inquiring fans want to know." He rolled his eyes while nodding and sat up. She laughed again. Even he could see that she was honestly happy to have everyone here.

"Harry, we should like to watch a film," Draco announced as they all drifted into the room and sat around the sides of his bed. Luna moved his leg so no one would trip over it.

"Yeah?" Harry asked. The pain in his residual limb had subsided a bit during sleep, he noticed. He yawned, trying to fully comprehend what was happening.

"Harry, mate," Ron said, "Wake up!" It was still raining outdoors, he saw as he glanced toward the window. It was windy and drops of rain splattered across the pane.

"Since it is obviously raining, I think a nice film," Draco repeats. "I've only seen films here, but perhaps for your birthday, we shall go to the muggle cinema." Although Draco spent much time around them, he still had a way of speaking that might rub others the wrong way if they did not know him as they did.

"We shall see what movies will be out then," Hermione chimed in. She liked the idea very much – Harry saw the wheels turning in her mind.

"Alright," he agreed. He would not mind a cinema birthday, although he hoped he would get a chance to fly on his birthday as well. Sirius had said that he would try to create a hidden Quidditch pitch in the back garden of the Shayani-Granger home, hidden from non-Magical people, except that their Dad would be able to see it. Being married to their Mum had allowed him to see most magic now if he was aware of it. Perhaps their friends could enjoy it as well.

"I want to see that princess film Ron has talked about," Ginny said, her voice quite determined. Harry loved her determination, but he got the feeling that she wanted him to love her in a romantic sense, but he did not feel that way about her. He would need talk to her soon.

"I liked that film, too," Neville said.

"I would like to see it. It seems it could be a work of genius," Luna agreed.

"I will finally know what you are talking about," Draco said. It had been a night with Ron and Neville last summer that Harry had watched it with them, mostly for lack of anything else to do one night.

"I want to know what the fuss is all about," Pansy said, attempting to sound bored, but failed.

"Alright," Harry agreed.

"Really, you ought to read the book, first, " Hermione began saying to the group. Ron groaned, and the others chuckled.

Because the need for the loo was growing urgent, Harry began pushing with good humour at his nearest friends. He was pinned down under the blue duvet by the arses of his sister and six friends.

"Mates, if you would let me out of bed, we can watch the film soon, right?"

"Sorry, Harry," Neville said with an apologetic expression, while Luna gave Harry a very calm smile and stood.

Everyone moved off the bed while Ron leapt off and fell to the floor. Ginny laughed much too hard at her brother's misfortune but helped him up. Hermione suggested they all go back to the kitchen to make popcorn and gather other things for their 'party.' Draco casually asked Harry if he might need pain potion, as he did often at Hogwarts. Potions, which, incidentally, still did not taste good, even with Mum preparing them whenever they were at home. She was experimenting with adding sweet muggle flavourings, but even the non-magical ingredients seemed to change the composition and did not work quite as effectively.)

He replied in the negative, because if he did not wear his prosthetic any longer that day, he would be fine. He reached for his crutches after throwing off the duvet and Draco headed off to the kitchen with a wave.

After the loo, Harry went to the kitchen where his sister and friends were gathered. Hermione was popping corn on the stove, and the rest were chatting, although Ron was perusing the contents of the refrigerator. He joined the group, happy that this was his life now, but still felt as if something was not quite right. It was just a vague feeling. Yes, he knew he was growing, maturing (eye roll here), and his leg was giving him pain again, but really, all seemed relatively normal. He slid in next to Hermione and whispered to her that he needed to talk later, alone. She nodded in agreement, and loudly asked Ron to get out the fridge, please, and carry the popcorn. Draco decided that he would like some fruit so agreed to carry the fruit bowl. The others carried beverages for everyone.

_

As soon as the film had ended, Ginny bolted up from the couch and turned to them all,

"That was really fun and all, but why did Buttercup have to be rescued? She should have tried to rescue herself. Westley shouldn't have had to be brought back from being almost dead just to rescue her. Although she didn't have magic, and she was in a difficult situation -," she broke off, to think it through. Hermione picked up on this immediately.

"I agree. In stories, it seems women are often the ones being rescued. It is not particularly fair, and I should have liked to see Buttercup become the pirate. Women are still not encouraged enough to go after everything in life. "

"I agree. I quite liked the eels, however," Luna murmured. "I do wonder where we might find some."

"Buttercup was beautiful," Pansy said dreamily. "I'd like a dress like hers. Muggle things are not bad, after all, are they? Dray, why were we told Muggle things were awful?"

Harry gaped while the others argued. This movie had helped convince Pansy after all of this time? Maybe he would get along with her better than last few years had led him to believe.

"You should talk to our dad, Pansy," Ginny suggested. "He loves Muggle things, although not dresses as much. When Harry and Hermione visit, he always wants to talk to them about electronics and how they work."

At that moment, there was a tap at the window. There were two unknown owls sitting on the sill, each with official-looking parchment tied to their legs.

"Our OWLs!" Hermione shrieked. She went to the window and pointed to the small back room where their 'owlery' was located. The owls seemed to understand and moved to follow the directions.

"We must return home, Pansy," Draco said in alarm. "Our parents will be expecting us." Harry hated to see him leave.

"Of course," Pansy said. "Thank you, Hermione, Harry, for hosting us. I would quite enjoy viewing another film soon!"

"You're welcome! Come to Harry's birthday if you like," Hermione said, flushing a bit.

"I shall. See you later!" Pansy blew a kiss in her direction and set off for the kitchen. Hermione completely blushed now.

"Come back soon, Draco," Harry said softly as Draco started after her. He did not think Draco heard him with Neville and Ron panicking in the background, but he had. Draco's eyes sparked in curiosity and amusement.

"Tomorrow I have something to do with Mother, but the morning after?"

"Yeah," Harry replied in a stunned voice. Draco grinned at him and then followed Pansy to the kitchen.

"Yes, we do need to talk later, Harry," Hermione whispered in his ear, while Luna and Ginny were attempting to calm Neville and Ron down.

"Gran will want me home if my OWLs have arrived, too," Neville was moaning, "but I don't want to open them in front of her." Luna patted his shoulder.

"I'll go with you and say hello to your Gran. She likes me. You studied so I shouldn't think you'd get low marks. Were there questions about nargles? "

Hermione snorted, but Luna was patient.

"No, there weren't, but I'd like it if you would accompany me home," Neville replied, looking relieved.

"And I will take Ron home. We'll owl soon!" Ginny said.

"Yes, do!" Harry and Hermione practically shouted together.

"I think we all did well, even you, Ron," Hermione said fondly in a minimally lower voice, patted him on the shoulder, and sent them all to the kitchen for the floo.

"Hermione, bloody hell! Naturally, you did well. I didn't mean to rhyme. That movie . . . " Ron trailed off as Ginny pulled him along.

Harry, still sitting rather slumped in a chair, his leg hanging over the side, finally straightened up. Trying to push off his worry over Draco, and what he would say to him morning after next, he sat for a moment. He and Hermione needed to see how many Os and Es they earned on the OWLs. They had each taken ten exams, as they had taken the same classes. Yes, focus on this instead. He stood and hopped over to where his crutches had been relocated to the corner of the room nearby. He could not wait until next year when he would finally be 17 and permitted to use more than basic spells at home. He would be able to summon his crutches or even his prosthetic if he wanted to.

He was aware that it sounded rather lazy, and he was anything but lazy.

"Bloody hell," he said, channelling his inner Ron (which perhaps he should not do. They had practiced legilimency and occlumency with each other during extracurricular classes Dumbledore offered occasionally when he was in the castle.) Why was he so exhausted all the time? He was not even sure he could muster up the energy to go flying right now if offered the chance. Would he even be able to captain the Quidditch team?

This year he would have to replace several former teammates, including the Weasley twins, as they had graduated. Ron was already Keeper, and of course, Harry himself would remain the Seeker. Ginny had already informed him that she would indeed be a Chaser. He had no problems with that as Ginny had been on the team the previous term as the substitute player. She was a good chaser, and she was a good seeker. The one game Harry had been unable to play earlier in the year, she filled in well against Ravenclaw. He had been in the hospital wing being fussed over by Madam Pomfrey, his mum, and his sister, recovering from a fall from his broom. It was not even a long fall, really. He had fractured a few ribs, which healed in just a few hours with help from Madam Pomfrey, although she had made him stay overnight in the Hospital wing.

Could that be why he was so tired? Besides just growing? He had recovered just fine, it had seemed, and it was several months ago. He had taken all of his exams, magical and muggle, since then. Except come to think about it, sometimes his ribs still hurt at times when he did not expect it.

Perhaps he could start teaching himself wandless magic this summer. He did not think he would get into trouble with the ministry for that. Besides, he seemed to possess a lot of raw power. Surely he could do wandless magic!

Harry met Hermione in the hall outside their so-called owlery.

"Ready?" Hermione asked eagerly.

"Yes," Harry breathed out. What if he had failed? He was still the number three student in their year, as far as he knew. He had held that spot for five years now. After his childhood of studying not being encouraged, he still enjoyed doing well.

They both gave the unknown owls treats after untying the scrolls, which made their own owls rather jealous, so naturally they gave treats to Hedwig and Bana as well.

"Should we open them now or wait for Mum and Dad?" Hermione asked with somewhat terrifying speed.

"You'll explode if we don't open them," Harry said, lifting an eyebrow at her.

"Let's go to my room, then, it's closer," she said as she rushed down the hall, holding both scrolls. He knew that if she could run, she would at this moment. She had a really cool brace that was not really visible due to magic, but she still could not run. Perhaps the next one. He tried not to envy her.

In her room, they both sat side by side on the bed covered in a purple duvet, as Hermione found the colour calming.

"You first," Harry suggested. He could wait, although curiosity started to get the best of him, and he rubbed his thumb over his scroll while Hermione opened hers.

"Harry, look," she said breathlessly.

"You have all Outstandings! Of course, you did, Hermione, you study so much. More than me."

"I didn't – I mean, I didn't expect to get Os on all of them. The Runes exam was difficult!"

"Yeah, it was. I wonder what I have. I am not that good at Runes." Harry opened his scroll slowly, in his nervousness his hands shaking. He read down the list, having trouble believing his eyes. Outstanding in eight subjects! The other two, including Runes, he earned Es! He had well passed every subject. He could pick out his favourites that would be useful for becoming a Healer to study for his NEWTs. Potions, Charms, Herbology, Arithmancy, and Defence Against the Dark Arts, most likely. He did not want to take too many NEWT subjects as he also had his A-level studies to work on, too. Remus would assist them with this and with their A-Levels. Madam Pomfrey now offered a basic Healing class as well, but not on the NEWT level. If he had the time, he wished to take it.

"Harry! Eight Os? Two Es? That is brilliant! I knew you could do it! You always doubt yourself," Hermione said, her face shining enough for them both, her short curly dark brown hair bobbing around her shoulders. Harry had to remind himself to breathe but ran his hand through his hair as he was wont to do.

"I do wonder what the others got. We all studied together for our non-elective subjects. I am quite sure that Ron did well, even if he is worried. I know that studying is not truly something he wants to do, although with his chess skills, his sense of strategy is admirable. He likes it when I have a plan for studying in place for him once he started thinking of studying as strategy." Others would have taken this out of context, but Harry knew that Hermione liked to help others in whatever ways she could, but not all others saw her in that light.

Ron's owl arrived thirty minutes later. They were invited to the Burrow for an impromptu party for Ron, as he had gotten five Outstandings and four Exceeds Expectations. He had tied the twins for Os, but they had a few subjects they had received As on. Ron had certainly never expected to get better marks than Fred and George! They would have food for an early evening meal and a celebratory cake, just like they had done when Fred and George had officially opened their joke business with Sirius's financial backing two weeks before.

Both of their parents were working late tonight, so they were on their own anyway. Hermione left a note on the table just in case there was a question, and Harry decided on taking pain potion and wearing his prosthetic as it was easier to floo with it. He stumbled out of the floo anyway upon his arrival, and Ron caught him before he fell.

_

" I don't think I like girls, Mione," he stated, looking at her straight in the eyes, from where he sat on his bed in pyjamas, and she was seated on his desk chair, also wearing her own pyjamas. He had learned to how to read Hermione as they had both grown older. She had certain expressions she used when she was trying to concentrate specifically on emotional matters that were not her own.

"I mean, I don't like girls in THAT way, you know – " he stopped speaking, and pinched his eyes shut because now he did not want her looking at him like that. Whatever it was that he seemed to expect from her. It was too much.

"Harry, joonam, it's fine! Look at me," Hermione said, now standing at his side. He allowed his eyes to open, and Hermione was smiling, but not in mirth as maybe he had expected. He felt comforted as she put an arm around his shoulders.

"I'm gay." He had finally said the words aloud after thinking about this moment for a while now. He had gone out with a few girls briefly the previous year, figuring he ought to give dating a try, but though he enjoyed the few dates for the fun, interesting experiences and conversation they had provided, he had realized that he was simply not INTO them.

"I'm proud of you for coming out. Just so you know, I think I'm bisexual," Hermione said, patting his shoulder, and settling comfortably beside him.

"How do you know that?" Harry asked eagerly. How exactly does one know their sexual orientation? His own personal thoughts and feelings were mixed up in his anxiety too much of the time.

"You know I read a lot, Harry," she said. "It makes sense with whom I have been attracted."

"Yeah?" He thought it over and remembered her crush on Viktor Krumm after they saw him play at the Quidditch World Cup. Harry realized that maybe Hermione liked Pansy in that way, too, and it might be returned, if he had watched them close enough earlier in the day. Of course, Harry knew that Ron was in love with Hermione, but Ron felt like he did not have a chance at anything with her. Maybe he would have a chat with Ron, and hint that Hermione did indeed like him, to give him a little more confidence.

"Yes, and I am attempting to consider all of my options. There will be a Yule Ball this year before we come home for winter hols," Hermione replied earnestly.

"I suppose Minerva asked you to plan it," he murmured as he thought about whom he wanted to ask. First, to ask him out on a date. A real date.

"Naturally. Hogwarts used to have regular balls and dances, but not in many years. Minerva decided they should be added back into Hogwarts' life for students as additional social opportunities. There will be voluntary ballroom dancing lessons offered in autumn. Minerva and Sirius will be leading them."

"Sirius? He's into rock and all that," Harry scoffed. He had seen Sirius dance, and while decent, he could not imagine him ballroom dancing at all.
Harry himself found dancing in general difficult if there was too much intricate footwork he would not do.

"Remember, he grew up in the Black family. He learned how to formally dance," Hermione said.

Harry snorted. That was most likely true, and Mione would know it. "How did Minerva rope him into it?"

"He doesn't know about it yet. Minerva will inform him when the new term starts."

He could not help but laugh. Sirius would not like it at all. Unless he roped Remus into it as well. Sirius might go for that and mentioned it to Hermione.

"I may warn Remus in August," she said thoughtfully. Harry laughed some more. It felt good, as he had been entirely too anxious in thinking about coming out to Hermione. He knew he should not have been so anxious. He has spent the last four years watching his godfather and Remus rekindle their relationship. Last year, they married one another.

Harry was still anxious. He knew anxiety would always be a part of himself, but he needed to let go of the destructive self-talk. He spoke with his mind healer only a few times a year if he needed it. They had even talked about his sexual preferences the last time they met.

"Mione, you didn't seem surprised that I think I'm gay. No, I know I'm gay."

"Harry, I know sometimes I can be a little too focused on studying, but I know you really like Draco as perhaps more than a friend. I have noticed you looking at him. I believe you would like him to be your boyfriend, correct?"

He could not help himself: his face flushed bright red.

"Anyway, I couldn't help but notice how uninterested you are in being more than friends with girls," Hermione continued with a grin. "Draco has noticed, too. He's been in love with you for years for some reason."

"Really? Are you quite sure? He hasn't said anything." Harry frowned a bit, feeling his anxiety rise. Hermione smiled wider than she had in some time.

"Of course! We've been friends with him for nearly five years, Harry joon," she said, patting his back. "Ask him to the Ball." Harry felt the blood drain from his face. Did they not need to date before he asked?

"Sorry, Harry," Hermione said quickly. "You should most definitely go out with him first!"

"What if our relationship doesn't work out? Will we still be friends?" Harry heard the panic creeping into his voice but did not know how to stop it at this point. He pulled up his right knee to his chin as he was wont to do when feeling angst and started taking deep breaths. Or tried to. Hermione rubbed his back quietly, letting him think. Sometimes he just thought too much.

"Yeah, we will," Harry said aloud after a few minutes had passed. "We will be fine."

"You will," Hermione agreed.

"Who are you going to ask to the Ball?"

"I don't know yet!" she replied. "So many choices."

"Ask Ron. He loves you." It just slipped out of his mouth.

"He does, doesn't he? I just don't want to commit to any one person yet."

"You don't need to, Mione, it's just for the Ball," Harry said reaching now for her shoulder. "Anyway, you've got time to decide."

"Yes," she said, cuddling into his side, seeking comfort. It had been a very long day.

_

The following morning, they enjoyed breakfast together as a family. The previous night had been late ones for their parents. Tara had been on call all night and had just returned home. Tim had kept his dental surgery open late the night before due to a dental emergency but got up to assist Harry with the preparation of breakfast this morning, nonetheless.

"We got our OWLs yesterday, Dad!" Harry said, looking up from where he was preparing scrambled eggs over the gas cooker. After an additional owl missive from Neville, Harry had actually had a good night of sleep, and everything seemed cheerier to him this morning. Neville had done well, too. He had received seven Outstandings and two Exceeds Expectations. One of his Os was in Potions, much to his astonishment. It had not been a strong subject for Neville at the beginning of their Hogwarts school years.

"You got them, then?" Dad asked to clarify. "You must have done well since you are so chipper this morning."

"Yeah, I did really well, Dad," Harry replied, motioning with the spatula. "I passed all ten subjects and earned eight Os!"

"And Mione?" Dad asked, wondering if his little girl was just as happy as Harry seemed to be.

"She will tell you about it." Harry grinned. "It's just a big worry off our backs."

"I'll pretend to be surprised when she comes in," Dad said, and hugged Harry with an arm around Harry's shoulders.

"Dad, I like guys," he blurted out as he turned off the heat under the eggs. His adoptive dad had always been so caring and kind, so he hoped that he would not get upset with him, like Uncle Vernon would have (no, no, do not think about him, he tried to kill you! Think of something else.)

His Dad's arm tightened across his shoulders and gave him a squeeze.

"Thank you for telling me son," his dad said, not sounding very surprised at all. Harry spun around as fast as he could with one leg, one crutch, and a spatula.

"Did you know already?" he asked, slightly panicked yet again.

"No, not for certain, but I have wondered sometimes. That's all." His dad drew him in for a hug. "You will always have our support."

"Thank you, Dad."