The difference in the boys was obvious the next day. Hermione noticed instantly how much closer the pair had become. When they sat down to breakfast Harry and Ron sat next to each other opposite Hermione and when Hermione dropped her fork and bent down to get it, she noticed that the boys were holding hands under the table.
They didn't notice until break time that people were staring at them. When they wandered about the grounds together several people whispered and pointed only looking away when one of the golden trio caught their eye.
"Malfoy was true to his word then." Harry muttered bitterly, pulling his cloak and scarf tighter around him.
"He's a stupid prat and he'll pay for this." Ron growled as he watched several girls giggling behind their hands and pointing at the trio.
"He's not worth it, Ron." Harry replied sitting underneath the yew tree were they had spent many a summer day doing homework. Hermione and Ron sat either side of him.
"No, Ron's right. Malfoy deserves a taste of his own medicine." Hermione narrowed her eyes and glanced at them darkly. "I mean he knows exactly what you're going through."
"What's that supposed to mean, Hermione?" Asked Harry, seeking Ron's hand under the cover of their cloaks.
"I'll meet you guy's in Charms, ok? I gotta do something." Hermione said suddenly standing up.
"Hermione?" Harry called after her.
"Don't worry, I'll see you later." She waved to them, before running up the slope back towards the castle.
"What was that about?" Ron asked turning to look at Harry.
"Dunno," said Harry, frowning and giving Ron's hand a quick squeeze.
Half an hour later they had found a desk right at the back of the Charms classroom but Hermione still hadn't turned up.
"Where can she be?" Ron craned his neck to see over the other Gryffindor's to see if Hermione was at the door.
"Settle down class," Professor Flitwick squeaked, entering the classroom, followed by Hermione who quickly darted over to the desk where the boys were sat.
"What were you doing Hermione?" Harry hissed as Professor Flitwick began the lesson.
"You'll see." Hermione smiled mischievously.
When the bell rang for lunch and hour and a half later, Harry, Ron and Hermione were three of the first to enter the Great Hall, but they knew instantly that a different topic of conversation had spread throughout the school. At the Slytherin table Pansy Parkinson was sat crying with her head on Goyle's shoulder. Goyle looked extremely uncomfortable but didn't dare move.
Malfoy strutted into the hall just behind the trio and wandered towards the Slytherin table. Pansy spotted him and stood up, her face contorted with rage.
"You pig, Draco!" She shouted loud enough for the whole hall to hear. "Why didn't you tell me? Why did you lead me on?"
"Pansy? What are you about?" Asked Draco calmly as though he couldn't care less.
"I just heard the news. I know what you've been up to!" Pansy screeched. "You and Blaise Zabini! I know what you've been doing you gay git!"
Malfoy paled. Or at least he lost what little colour he had.
"What?" Malfoy opened his mouth. Further along the Slytherin table Blaise Zabini blushed furiously, removing any doubt that the rumours were true. "That's stupid Pansy."
"I HATE YOU!" Pansy screamed and ran out of the hall, leaving Draco and Zabini to suffer the stares of the school.
"What did you do?" Harry asked wide eyed and staring at Hermione.
"Not that. Honestly. I mean, I knew he was gay… but I didn't tell anyone." Hermione said quickly, going almost as pale as Malfoy. "I only threatened him."
"Someone over heard you Hermione." Ron said quietly. "They must have done."
The three of them sat down at the Gryffindor table, glancing at Malfoy now and then. It appeared the Blaise was trying to talk to him and Malfoy was ignoring his so called 'boy-friend'.
Later that evening when everyone had gone to bed Harry and Ron remained sitting in the common room on the hearth watching the fire die. Harry was gently massaging Ron's bandaged hand as they basked in the warmth. The scar on Harry's cheek was fading now, though it was likely to stay with him for the rest of his life.
"Another one to add to my collection." Harry joked. Ron smiled and glanced at Harry's lightning bolt scar, which was outlined by the fire light.
"Does it hurt?" Asked Ron. Harry shook his head.
"Not really." He stopped his massaging and linked his fingers through Ron's bandaged ones.
"You know what I could do with right now?" Ron said dreamily, licking his lips.
"Chocolate frogs?" Harry guessed, knowing Ron's mind was in his stomach.
"That's scary. That's exactly what I was going to say." Ron looked at Harry and Harry just laughed.
"I love chocolate frogs." Ron murmured. Harry watched his friend carefully.
"I love chocolate frogs too, but it's not the only thing I love." Harry whispered.
"What else do you love?" Ron asked glancing up.
"Guess…"
"I don't know…" Ron mumbled turning red and averting his gaze.
"Guess." Urged Harry.
"Me? Maybe…" Ron said almost inaudibly.
"Yeah," Harry smiled. "I love you."
"Really?" Ron stared straight into Harry's eyes. "I love you too."
The pair were inches from each other, noses almost touching. Ron suddenly realised what was about to happen and lost his nerve looking back at the fire. Harry smiled to himself. Poor old Ron. Harry could wait until his best friend was ready.