In Continuation Part 9 - The Last Chapter,

In Which We Discuss Draco's Sexuality

"Way to keep a low profile," Harry laughed as he walked with Draco out of the school buildings.

"I was bored," Draco whined, looking injured. "You have no idea how dull the view of a ceiling is."

"Worse than the view of the underneath of the stairs?"

Draco looked confused.

"Never mind," said Harry, who didn't feel like explaining his family history at that moment.

There was a pregnant pause.

Harry burst out, "Draco, tell me the truth. Are you… attracted to me?"

Draco said in a monotone, "I think half the school is."

"Answer the question."

They reached the lake. Without asking, Harry crawled into the concealed shelter. Draco followed.

"Answer the question."

Draco said nothing.

"Answer the fucking question!!!"

Draco blinked, startled. "Well, if you feel that strongly…"

Harry turned to face him, irritated beyond measure. "Cut the crap! Of course I feel that strongly! Can't you see, I can't stop thinking about you, I can't take my mind off you, I can't imagine anything without you, I just can't! And you have to be such a… a…" words failed him.

Draco drawled, "The great Harry Potter does not realise what he's saying. He must be drunk."

"Shut up!!! You know that's not true. I've never even touched a drop of alcohol, unlike yourself. And I'm not 'The Great Harry Potter'. I'm just Harry."

"I wasn't actually thinking of alcohol…. There are other things one can be drunk on…"

"I don't care! Are you, or aren't you?!"

Draco rolled over to face Harry. "What do you think, Potter?" he asked, carefully.

"Ye-es."

"Genius!"

"But… why then…"

There was a measured silence. "Harry… have you heard of bisexuals?" Draco asked.

"Yes."

"Good, then I don't have to give you the facts of life speech that my father gave me when I was five."

Harry looked at him sideways.

"Well," Draco expanded, "Maybe nine or seven. Eight?"

"You're saying you're bisexual?"

"You said. I never said." Another pause. "Okay, yes."

"And you think that's something to be ashamed of?"

Draco whispered, "I'm afraid if I told you that you wouldn't want me any more."

"Oh," was all Harry could come up with.

The two boys lay there, companionably noiseless in the tranquillity of the shelter.

By and by, the sun setting behind the lake cast its dying rays of light into the hollow, haloing Draco's hair with shimmering streaks of silver and gold, making him seem to Harry like a deity utterly desirable yet simultaneously, undoubtedly achievable.

Harry held Draco as the sun disappeared below the horizon.

THE END.

And that's that.

I wanted to thank all you readers (and especially the reviewers) personally, but… there were too many of you. So thanks! Couldn't have finished this fic without all your support. And… the gratitude can drag on. I'll stop right here.

Keep rocking!!

--Sera