Harry managed to make his landing in the Weasley's kitchen more graceful than usual. He was pleased to see that he had guessed correctly that no one was in the house, as Mrs. Weasley had yet to start preparing lunch. Harry heaved his trunk up the stairs into Ron's room and greeted Hedwig, who carried a response from Sirius.

Dear Harry,

Sounds like you're having fun shopping these couple of days. I wouldn't worry about how Ron and Hermione will react to you having nicer things; they should be happy for you. Good luck if you tell H., and think about the other.

Love,

Sirius


Harry smiled and tucked the letter in his trunk, and headed back downstairs, where Ron's mum was now busily fixing sandwiches.

Mrs. Weasley!

Oh, Harry! Hello! I hope you weren't too lonely in Diagon Alley.

Oh, no, not at all. Had a great time, actually. So where's everyone at?

Mrs. Weasley's smile was patient. Well, Hermione's only watching, but the rest are up in the air. Charlie's visiting, you know, and I think they were counting on you getting here sooner to be the other Seeker.

Harry flushed. I had to go pick up these, he said as he gestured to his new glasses, plus pack everything up.

Oh, no, dear, it's not a problem, and those glasses are quite nice. Do you want to just take these sandwiches down to the field? You can all eat out there.

Harry smiled. Sure thing. Let me just fetch my Firebolt.

Harry set off, Firebolt in one hand and picnic basket in the other, feeling like all was right with the world. He came up on the field where the others were practising Quidditch, and stepped behind Hermione, who was following Ron with her eyes.

Take a picture, it'll last longer, he whispered.

Hermione exclaimed. We've been waiting for you. I'll just call them dow–

No, no, wait, Harry protested. It's not often I get to just watch a game. Plus, this way we get first dibs on the food, he added, holding up the picnic hamper.

Hermione smiled and grabbed a sandwich as Harry settled beside her. So. How was your summer?

Harry sighed. The last two days have been fun, at least. I got most of my homework done in the first two weeks, and I did get to see Sirius.

Really? How in the world?

The old neighbor woman I used to have to stay with, Mrs. Figg, is actually a witch only a couple of years older than Sirius who takes an ageing potion and is supposed to watch me – Arabella Figg. So Sirius was able to see me there. I spent most of one night there, eating and... well, Sirius helped me to, ah, figure out a few things.

Hermione smiled brightly. That's wonderful! And I take it you enjoyed your shopping expedition? She gestured to Harry's attire. I mean, I love you like a brother, Harry, so don't take this the wrong way, but... you look hot!

Harry smiled. Thanks. Yeah, I did have fun, weirdly enough. I even bought extra books, you'd be proud. I had to get all-new robes and I decided to go into Muggle London and get some clothes that actually fit for a change.

And rather expensive ones at that, Hermione added, pointedly glancing at the cK logo on the jeans.

Harry sighed. I'd appreciate it if you didn't share that knowledge with Ron. He's so prickly sometimes, I'm not even sure how he'll react to the fact I got new stuff.

He should be happy for you, you've never really had anything just for you before! But, I do know what you mean. Mum's the word. I like the glasses by the way.

Harry's smile was genuine then. I got contacts, too, but I decided to wait on them, for now. Seemed kind of prudent.

Hermione nodded, and there was a slight lull in the conversation. Then she spoke again. So. What else is there? There's something else you want to tell me, and you're holding back.

I should've known I couldn't fool you, Harry sighed. Look, this goes no farther than the two of us, and... I hope you won't freak out, or think less of me, but... I can't change the way I am, okay?

Hermione was looking worried by now. What is it, Harry?

Harry turned and looked at her front on. I'm gay.

Oh! Is that all?



Hermione smiled. I guess I mean, it just doesn't matter to me at all. One of my uncles is gay, you know. But I can see why you don't want to tell anyone yet. Ron would think that you were hitting on him constantly, and – wait, you don't like Ron, do you? Now her voice was slightly alarmed.

No, no, Harry reassured her. I love Ron like a brother, and that's definitely all. Actually I don't like anyone right now – I went through what I could remember of the male population of Hogwarts and couldn't come up with a soul. But – people change over the summer, so we'll see.

Yes, they do change – like you did, Harry! Hermione laughed. I'll keep the secret, okay, but you have to talk to me about guys now!

Harry grinned. You're a great friend, Hermione.

You aren't bad yourself, Harry. Now I really can't wait to see the kind of clothes you bought yourself in London!

The two laughed and then sat in companionable silence watching the game in front of them. Charlie was about to grasp the Snitch when Harry pulled out his wand and Accio Snitch! The Snitch flew into Harry's hand, and the Weasleys all turned, dumbfounded, to stare at the ground. Ron recovered first and sped towards the two figures on the ground.

Harry! How long have you been here? You should've come up, we needed you.

Hey, Ron! I was eating some of these sandwiches. Besides, I still caught the Snitch, right?

The other Weasleys landed then and the sandwiches were passed out. Harry found himself wedged uncomfortably between George and Ginny, and Fred was on Ginny's opposite side. The group chattered easily about their summers, the game they had just played, and Fred and George's burgeoning mail-order business and their mysterious investor. It was midway through the meal when Harry became aware that Fred and George were slowly pressing in on he and Ginny, forcing them closer together. He recognized the winks exchanged between the two of them and Ron and groaned inwardly.

Great, he thought, just great. They've all gone off on their own and decided to set me up with Ginny. Probably thinking it'll keep my mind off things or something to that effect. If Harry could have seen his own expression, he would have labeled it as a mix between terrified, disgusted, and completely disinterested, but only two of the circle recognized it. Hermione cast him a covert sympathetic glance, and Harry could take no more. He hurriedly finished the last of the sandwich in his hand and jumped up.

I think I'll just, ah, do some flying now, while you all finish. With that, he scrambled on his broom and kicked off. He heard them talking as he flew away.

Well, honestly!

No appreciation –

Then Hermione cut in. Leave it, guys. Just leave it, and Harry was soon out of earshot. It was five minutes or more before he became aware that someone else was flying near by. He turned to see Charlie Weasley.

Sorry about that down there. Fred and George generally don't think.

Harry shrugged uncomfortably.

Charlie laughed hollowly. I've only seen an expression like that on a guy's face while sitting near a pretty girl once before – on my brother Bill's. He stopped, peering curiously at Harry. You know, then, at least, but you don't want everyone to know right now? Understandable.

Charlie, wha- what are you...?

Charlie smiled. You are, aren't you? Gay, I mean.

Harry could only stare as his jaw dropped.

S'okay. Like I said, Bill is too. I think he'd be willing to give you a bit of advice, if you want.

But, ah, wouldn't everyone wonder why Bill was writing me?

Charlie waved his hand negligently. You can go through me. Listen, I won't tell a soul, but please tell me you don't have any, er, designs on any of my brothers...

Harry smiled. No, definitely not.

Charlie smiled in relief, and the others soon joined them as they spent the afternoon flying.


It was after dinner before Harry, Hermione, and Ron were alone. Harry began without preamble, what's really going on out there, with Voldemort? Sirius won't tell me a thing.

Ron and Hermione exchanged glances. That's the thing, Hermione started, it's like... it's like nothing happened. Nothing's going on.

Ron's brow furrowed as he continued. Dad say they figure You-Know-Who is marshaling his forces, making plans. Your scar hasn't been hurting, has it? he added quickly, his voice worried.

No, no, it hasn't. I just wondered, since Sirius tends to be a bit overprotective. That night at Mrs. Figg's, I swear he put up at least a dozen wards....

What? Mrs. Figg's? Ron was thoroughly confused.

Oh, that's right, you were flying when I was telling Hermione. Mrs. Figg, that only neighbor lady, is really a witch, just a few years older than Sirius – she takes an aging potion – so I was able to see Sirius one night a few weeks ago.

Ron responded. So how was your trip to Diagon Alley? Sorry we couldn't meet you, but...

Harry wondered again why, exactly, he had gotten those two days of shopping, but he wasn't going to complain. Great, actually. I went into Muggle London even and got new clothes. Burned Dudley's old ones, he grinned, and Ron laughed.

I like the new glasses, but....

Why change? Harry shrugged. They've been broken far too many times, plus the frames were getting a bit small.

That night before bed, Ron commented on Harry's new pajamas – flannel pants and a ribbed white cotton undershirt. New everything, huh?

Harry shrugged, trying to downplay it. Had to. I've grown seven inches in the past six months. Not that you haven't too. Indeed, Ron was measuring 6'2 and barely slowing down, although Harry was the more muscular of the two.

Ron shrugged and grinned sheepishly. You're right. So, do you think I have any chance of making Keeper?

The two boys talked Quidditch late into the night before they finally fell asleep.


It was a couple of days later when Charlie slipped a letter into Harry's hand during lunch. Harry quickly stuffed it into his pants pocket and smiled his thanks. As soon as the meal was over, Harry sprinted upstairs. Ron and Hermione had planned to going for a walk together, anyway, so Harry was assured of his privacy. Slightly nervous, he unfolded the parchment and began to read.

Harry,

Charlie tells me that you and I share the same sexual preference. Good for you for realising it so soon – I went through miserable date after miserable date with (supposedly) the cutest witches until the last half of my seventh year at Hogwarts. So. Don't let anyone tell you that you are sick, ill, wrong, or any other adjective. I can understand your reluctance to tell Ron, much less the rest of my family; Charlie and Dad are the only two that know about me. Still, Ron's your best friend; you need to tell him at some point.

Wizarding Britain, the younger set at least, is getting more accepting, but mainly in large settlements – Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade. If you need support while at Hogwarts, work the phrase flying crooked by the lake into a conversation – faculty contact is Flitwick – let them reply, then follow up with the hedges make a prickly landing.

Feel free to write with any questions; I'm going to send you a book via Charlie as well.

Be well,

Bill


Harry grinned. Here was a way, maybe, to meet others like him. He pulled out the other book he had bought at Flourish and Blotts and nestled it inside one of his new DADA texts, and sat back to read the afternoon away. It was late afternoon, nearly time for supper, when Hermione came bounding in the door.

Harry? Charlie pulled Ron aside and told me to come find you, the Weasley Clan had to plan something. What're you reading?

Harry reddened and slammed the book shut. Nothing. And Charlie probably thought I'd like to talk to you. He knows, by the way.

Ah. I wondered. Any advice from him?

Nope, but he wrote to Bill and he had some. Harry grinned meaningfully.

Oh! But I didn't think...

Harry shook his head. They don't know; only Charlie and Mr. Weasley do.

That makes sense then. So... I was wondering if you'd like me to throw Ginny off your scent somewhat. Don't worry, I won't tell her, I just thought I could, you know, suggest that I maybe thought you were.

Harry thought for a moment, then shook his head. No good. She'd mention it to Ron or the twins. I'm just going to have to put up with it I think.

Hermione frowned, then nodded. You're right. I wish I could do something, though. It just makes you uncomfortable and gives Ginny false hope.

The two chatted about the Magical Medicine course, and Muggle Studies, when two owls flew in the window, both bearing envelopes with the Hogwarts crest. Hermione opened hers first. Oh! I'm a prefect! Wait until I tell Ron!

Harry grinned and opened his more slowly. Then his jaw dropped. Apparently, so'm I. Well. Hermione, don't tell Ron or the others about me just yet, please?

Secrets, secrets, Harry, Hermione teased. Not a problem.