Author Note: I didn't even get to finish half of what I had planned for this chapter! Now I have to push that back to the next, and then push more stuff back, and...well you get it. This story might end up being a few chapters longer than I had originally planned. Darn right? lol

In other news, trouble is afoot!

The following morning was a bit awkward. Harry stayed in his room until the last minute to avoid any confrontations. Eventually, though, he had to make his way downstairs. It was a tense journey to the train station. Hermione sat on one side of him and Ginny on the other, but neither said a word. Ron stayed as far away as possible and the twins kept shooting both of them weird looks.

When they finally made it to the platform, Hermione grabbed Harry's arm and said, "Let's go." Harry let her drag him onto the train and into an empty compartment. As soon as they were inside, she shut the door.

"Are you alright?" Hermione asked.

"Not really," Harry admitted. "How much do you know?"

"Just that you fought," Hermione answered. "Ron tried to explain himself after you left, but he was about to tell everyone you were gay, which isn't his right. So I interrupted him and yelled at him for trying to tell others about private matters, and he got mad at me too. He wouldn't be in the room alone with me so that I could ask. But the good news is that the others got the message and didn't ask either."

Harry sat down and rubbed his face. "I suppose you want answers from me then?"

Hermione sat across from Harry and grabbed his hand. "Do I want to know what happened? Yes. Will I force it out of you if you aren't ready? No. Just know if you need to talk I am here. I know enough about what's been going on to deduce the gist of your argument. Ron's a git."

Harry sighed. "Thanks Hermione." Hermione gave him a soft smile, which was followed by a knock on the door. They turned to see Ginny and Neville on the other side. Harry motioned for them to come in a Ginny opened the door.

"Everything alright in here?" she asked.

"Oh, everything's fine," Harry answered. "We've just come to the conclusion that Ron is a git."

"Well, that's not exactly news," Ginny countered. She and Neville sat down after shutting the door. "I don't know what your argument was about, but I don't need to know that to know Ron was probably wrong."

"So…are you and Ron not friends anymore?" Neville asked.

"It looks that way," Harry said.

"Wow," Neville said in shock. "I'm sorry Harry."

"Yeah me to," Harry said quietly. "But if I'm being honest it's been coming for a while." He put his head back against the seat. "Ever since I fought with him and Hermione over the summer things have been off. Finding out I'm gay just made things worse." If Harry's announcement shocked Ginny, she didn't let it show. Nor she did say anything.

"I'm sure he'll come around," Neville said.

"I don't think so," Harry said. "Not this time. And honestly, I'm not sure I'd forgive him if he did."

They talked quietly for some time. The three others filling Neville in on their Christmas and their sudden departure. Neville reciprocated, but he didn't have much to say about his break. Eventually, Harry stood up and announced he was going to stretch his legs. He made it past three compartments before he ran into the twins and Lee Jordan.

"Hey Harry hang back a minute!" Fred called out. Harry reluctantly entered the compartment.

"We just wanted to say that even though we aren't certain what exactly you and Ron were fighting about, we know enough to know he was wrong," George said.

"Yeah mate," Fred chimed in. "We wanted to let you know we are on your side."

Harry gazed out the window. "Ron's your brother," Harry said. "This is between me and him. I didn't intend for it to affect his family."

"We don't plan on abandoning him," Fred said.

"Though we did debate kicking him off the train," George said.

"But what he did tell us about your fight Hermione said was bullshit," Fred explained.

Harry sighed. "I appreciate the support," he said. "But bothering Ron will only make things worse. I just want to move on."

"If you say so mate," Fred said. "But if it comes down to it, we're on your side." George nodded, so Harry thanked them and made a hasty exit. He decided to just head back to his own compartment. He didn't want to chance running into Ron and certainly wasn't in the mood to speak to anyone else.

He left so quickly he didn't bother to watch where he was going. He hadn't made it two steps down the corridor before barreling into something, or he should say someone, solid.

"Shit," Harry said as his hands shot out to steady the person he had just attempted to knock over. "I'm so sorry—" Harry broke off as he looked up to meet a pair of startled brown eyes, under a soft bed of brown hair. Harry recognized him immediately. "Andrew? Right?"

Andrew looked startled that Harry knew his name. "Um, yes."

"I'm so sorry for running into you," Harry said earnestly. "I wasn't watching where I was going. Are you alright?"

"Yea," Andrew said a bit nervously. "I mean yes. I'm fine…uh, Potter."

"Call me Harry," Harry insisted as he finally removed his hands from Andrew's shoulders, now certain he was okay. "And I'm sorry again. My head was in the clouds."

"Does that mean you're as looney as they say?" Andrew asked.

Harry was taken aback, but then he noticed the small smile on Andrew's face and the laughter he was trying to hold in. Suddenly, Harry realized the other boy was joking with him. "Absolutely," he replied. "Complete nutter actually." At this, Andrew finally let go his laughter.

"Obviously," he replied. He looked down at his hands before looking back at Harry. "Uh…I guess I should head back to my compartment. My friends are probably wondering where I've gone."

"Oh, of course!" Harry said, realizing he was blocking the path. "I'm sorry. Didn't mean to keep you here."

"It was no trouble," Andrew responded making his way past Harry.

"See you around?" Harry asked hesitantly.

Andrew looked at him in silence for a moment, before smiling and saying "Sure…Harry."

Harry felt a bit lighter as he headed back to his compartment. As he arrived, he saw Draco standing outside a compartment a little past his, just staring at him. Harry gave him a small smile, but Draco walked inside without returning it. Harry shrugged, and returned to his friends.

The next day saw Harry fending off the majority of the D.A. If he was being honest, so much had happened over break he had not given any thought to the next meeting.

"Pay attention to your coins," Harry kept saying. "We'll do something later this week."

The first day flew by quickly. It was hard to avoid Ron completely given they shared a dorm room and all of their classes, but Harry did his best. The last thing he wanted was to start trouble. Confused and curious looks were sent his way every time he and Ron were in the same room and studiously avoided each other. Well, Harry avoided. Ron sent glares, which Harry, Hermione, and Neville ignored.

Harry could feel Ron's eyes on him as the three of them walked into transfiguration. Harry was looking anywhere but at his former best friend. In doing so, he met a now familiar pair of brown eyes. With Ron's eyes on his back, Harry let out a genuine grin.

"Hey Andrew," Harry said. "Long time no see."

Andrew laughed, and Harry thought he saw a light blush on the other boy's cheeks. Perhaps Cho knew what she was talking about.

"Hey Harry," Andrew said. "Good first day?"

"It's not the worst," Harry answered, taking a seat at the table next to Andrew's. "You?"

"Pretty good," Andrew responded.

Their conversation abruptly ended as Professor McGonagall began class. Hermione raised an eyebrow at Harry, and he motioned that he would explain after class. Yet, when class finally ended, and idea struck Harry.

"Hey Hermione, do you have an extra coin on you?" Harry asked. Hermione fished one out of her bag and gave it to him with a question on her lips, but Harry cut her off. "You guys go on ahead. I'll catch up in a moment and explain." Harry turned towards the small group of Ravenclaws. "Hey Andrew!" The boy turned around. When he saw Harry coming towards him, he stopped and let his own group of friends keep walking.

"Yeah Harry?" Andrew asked.

"I was wondering," Harry said quietly, looking around to make sure no one was in earshot. "We have a little group going. You know, to supplement certain underwhelming classes."

"My friends and I had heard rumors," Andrew admitted. "But no one ever told us directly."

"Well here's the direct information," Harry said. He handed the other boy the coin. "When the date changes that will tell you when to meet. Ask Cho for directions."

"Wow, thanks Harry!" Andrew said excitedly. "I can't wait."

"If you think your friends can keep a secret, you are welcome to bring them with you," Harry added. The brunette nodded, and Harry smiled at him. "I have to go, but I'll see you around yeah?"

"Absolutely," Andrew agreed. Once more, Harry walked away with a bit of a bounce in his step.

"What was that about?" Hermione asked when Harry had caught up with them.

Harry looked around for the second time that day to make sure no one was listening. "Well, when I finally told Cho that I was gay, she was kind enough to mention that she thought a certain Ravenclaw in my year might have the same inclinations," he explained. "Now maybe I'm just reading into things and Andrew Brown is just extremely friendly, but I'm starting to think she was right."

"So you invited him to join the D.A.?" Neville asked. Harry nodded.

"That was dangerous Harry," Hermione said. "How do you know we can trust him?"

"I just had a gut feeling okay Hermione," Harry said. "Besides, he said he had already heard rumors. He just had never received a formal initiation. Besides, Cho is the one who put me onto him. I don't think she would have done that if he weren't trustworthy."

"I'm just saying, you are taking a big risk for a pretty face," Hermione. Harry rolled his eyes, but said nothing.

Later, in their double-potions, Harry saw Draco for the first time since the train. They had not had time to meet, but it was only the first day back. He tried to subtly get Draco's attention, but the boy refused to look at him. Harry was slightly worried, but he didn't have a chance to discuss it with the blond as there were too many people around.

After dinner, he joined Hermione and Neville in the library to complete the stacks of homework they had already received.

"I'm going to make myself a study schedule for now until exam time," Hermione announced. "Would you guys like me to make one for each of you?"

"That sounds great Hermione!" Neville exclaimed, always happy for the help.

"You're welcome to it," Harry said with a laugh. "But I can't promise I'll keep to it." Neville joined in on the laughter as Hermione shot him a glare. "Speaking of schedules, when should our next D.A. meeting be?"

"What about Thursday?" Hermione suggested. "I think that's our easiest day for classes, so we should have time for both a meeting and homework!"

"Joy," Harry said dryly, has Neville stifled even more laughter. Harry went ahead and changed the date on his galleon to let the rest of the members know when to meet.

Later that evening, Neville and Harry made their way to their dorm room. Ron, Seamus, and Dean were all in the common room, but Harry ignored them. Seamus and Dean stared between Harry and Ron as the two of them adamantly ignored one another. As Harry made it into the dorm room, he fell to his knees as his scar suddenly burned viciously.

He could hear maniacal laughter…he had never felt so happy…so jubilant…the best news…

"Harry? HARRY!"

Someone had hit him in the face. The laughter in his ears died down, and when his eyes could focus he finally saw Neville's worried face staring back at him. His scar was still throbbing, but he could feel the eyes' of the other's on his back.

"Sorry," he gasped out.

"Was it You-Know-Who?" Neville asked in a whisper.

"Yeah," Harry answered. "He's happy. Really happy."

"About what?"

"I don't know," Harry admitted. "But I'm not sure I want to find out."

It didn't take long for him to get an answer. He filled Hermione in as they made their way to the Great Hall for breakfast. There, they found out the reason for Voldemort's glee: a mass Azkaban breakout.

"Well that certainly explains what he was happy about," Hermione remarked. Harry wasn't listening. He was torn between getting angry at the ministry for trying to pin the breakout on Sirius, and worrying about his best friend. One of the biggest names on the list was none other than Bellatrix Lestrange.

"Are you alright?" he asked Neville quietly, as the other boy just stared at the paper.

"I don't know," Neville answered.

"I've got your back Neville," Harry said. "Whatever you need." Neville nodded silently. "And whatever happens, we'll make sure you are ready." His friend looked him in the eyes, and Harry could see the resolve fall into place.

"Yes we will."

Harry spent most of the day keeping an eye out for a certain blond. He finally saw them as they were eating supper. Harry made eye contact, and tilted his head just the smallest amount towards the door. To his delight, Draco did not ignore him this time, but gave the smallest of nods back. Harry told his friends he would meet up later, and quickly dodged Angelina as she reminded him of practice later that week. He made his way to the usual meeting spot, and waited for Draco to join him. He had to wait about five minutes.

"I thought you weren't going to come," Harry remarked when Draco finally arrived.

"I almost didn't," Draco said quietly.

Harry raised a brow. "Why?' he asked. "Is everything okay? I thought I was supposed to make up for not saying goodbye?"

"You seemed to have other things on your mind," Draco remarked dryly.

"Uh…I would supply a witty remark, but I don't know what you are referring to," Harry said. At that, Draco seemed to soften.

"It's nothing," he said with a sigh. "I'm sorry. I'm just a little tense at the moment."

"Does this have anything to do with the Azkaban break out?" Harry asked, leaning against the wall.

"Yeah," Draco answered quietly.

"We're not exactly happy about that either," Harry said. "Much less happy about the fact that they are blaming my godfather."

"Well at least you know he's innocent!" Draco exclaimed. "I have to associate with these people, knowing exactly what they've done. I bet my Aunt Bella will even live with us! I'm just lucky it happen after the holidays."

"Aunt Bella!?" Harry asked in shock.

"Bellatrix Lestrange was originally Bellatrix Black," Draco explained. "You know, my mother's sister?"

"Your mom was a Black?" Harry asked. "You're related to Sirius?"

Draco rolled his eyes. "He and my mom are cousins."

"Wow," Harry said. "I didn't know that."

"Yeah well, now you do," Draco said sourly. "And lucky me."

"Sorry," Harry said. "I wish I could help."

"You could stop flirting with Ravenclaws that would help," Draco muttered too low for Harry to hear.

"I'm sorry?" Harry asked. "I didn't catch that."

"Nothing," Draco muttered.

"It didn't sound like nothing," Harry retorted.

"I said maybe if you weren't busy flaunting yourself to nobody Ravenclaws you could find a way to help!" Draco exclaimed.

"What!?" Harry asked, truly baffled. "What are you talking about?"

"You know what," Draco said, refusing to meet Harry's eyes.

Harry's eyes widened when he realized what Draco had to be talking about. "Are you mad that I was talking to Andrew Brown?" Draco glared at him. "Why would you be mad about that?"

"You were practically throwing yourself at him," Draco protested.

"Throwing myself at him!" Harry exclaimed. "I accidently ran into the bloke! I apologized! How is that in any way flaunting?"

"You couldn't have possibly been more obvious," Draco insisted.

"About what?" Harry asked.

"You know what," Draco continued. "You may have well just snogged him right there in the middle of the train."

"Snog—are you implying what I think you are?" Harry asked in disbelief. Draco was silent. "You are! You're mad because you think I'm gay?"

"Of course not," Draco protested. "Contrary to your presumptions about purebloods, some of us are not so uptight about those things."

"Well if you're not mad that I'm gay, why does it bother you that I was talking to Andrew?" Harry asked.

"So you admit you are gay?" Draco asked.

Harry blushed. Shit. "Well…yes, but I assumed you had already worked that out for yourself," Harry said. "But you haven't answered the question. Why would me talking to Andrew bother you?"

"Well…it's just…inappropriate?" Draco stuttered.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Is that really what you're going to go with?"

"Yes," Draco said with false confidence.

"Fine," Harry said. "I guess I'll just stop bothering you if I'm so inappropriate." Before Draco could respond, Harry swept from the room. His head was spinning. Draco had to be upset because he had feelings for Harry…right? If he isn't upset with me just being gay, then that is the only other thing it can be right?

Well, if he won't say it out loud, I won't waste my time, Harry thought.

The very next day, it just so happened that right after Harry had just overheard Lavender and Parvati remarking on the fact that the next Hogsmeade trip fell on Valentine's Day that he saw none other than Andrew Brown standing with his friends in the same corridor as Draco Malfoy. He and Draco made eye contact and a surge of anger ran through Harry.

Draco could have Harry, if only he just admitted what he was truly angry about. Instead he tried to make Harry ashamed of his completely innocent actions. Well Harry would show Draco what throwing himself at someone looked like. Filling himself with all of that famous Gryffindor courage and recklessness, he did what was probably the stupidest thing he had ever done, and that was saying a lot. After shooting a pointed glare at Draco, he marched himself over to Andrew.

"Hey Andrew!" Harry said enthusiastically.

"Oh hi Harry!" Andrew responded, as his friends look on. "How are you?"

"I'm great!" Harry said. "I was just thinking about the next Hogsmeade trip, which is apparently on Valentine's Day."

"Yeah we were just talking about that earlier," Andrew said.

Feeling the eyes of Draco on his back, Harry pushed on. "Well, I was just wondering if you would like to go with me?"

Andrew's eyes grew wide, as did the eyes of his friends. "Would…would that be a date?" Andrew asked.

"Yes," Harry said with confidence he didn't quite feel. "Yes it would."

Andrew blushed. He appeared to be in shock for a moment. It took one of his friends nudging him to remind the brunette he had been asked a question. "Oh—sorry! I mean…yes," he stuttered out. "Yes I would love to go with you!"

"Great!" Harry exclaimed. He could see Hermione and Neville standing in shock off to the side, and he suddenly realized that the entire hallway was staring at him. "Well, I'll…see you around then?"

"Yea," Andrew responded. "Yes. Absolutely."

Harry gave Andrew a small smile and gestured to his friends to walk away with him. He waited until they were in a different corridor before speeding up, now uncomfortable with all the attention.

"What was that about?" Hermione asked.

"I'd rather not talk about it at the moment," Harry said breathlessly.

"But—" Hermione protested.

"Look Hermione, I had one of those moments where I acted on impulse and didn't stop to think about it so can we please talk about this later once I've had a moment to process?"

Harry was sure he others could hear his heart beating. He wasn't sure what was about to happen now, but at least the one comfort was that he had a date out of it.

Author's Note: Don't hate me! What's a love story without a love rival and a little tension?