The remaining few weeks before Valentine's Day were touch and go for Harry. He couldn't help the bitterness at being banned from quidditch, which he knew Umbridge had done solely because he was gay. The good news was that most of the taunting had stopped. Nott and Zabini had not walked away from their fight looking good.

Harry tried to focus on his studies and D.A. lessons, but he couldn't help the butterflies in his stomach as his date approached. He and Andrew had been getting along great. Andrew was half-blood, so he understood the muggle world as well as the wizarding. It meant that there was a great deal of things he and Harry could talk about. But while Harry was growing fond of the brunette, he still couldn't quite get a particular blond out of his head.

He and Draco had been avoiding one another since their last fight. Part of Harry wanted to talk to him—to make up and hear Draco out. But he had promised he wouldn't just use Andrew, so he was determined to see things through. As it was, he was certain Andrew could be a good friend. He was hoping their date would determine if the Ravenclaw could be more. And he was really hoping that whatever conclusion he came to was the same one Andrew did. He really didn't want to have to turn someone down like he had Cho.

"You ready mate?" Neville asked as they got dressed that morning.

"Yes?"

"That didn't sound convincing," Neville said with a chuckle.

"I am both excited and nervous," Harry said. "And nauseous. Definitely nauseous."

Neville laughed and patted him on the back. "If the past couple of weeks are anything to go by, Andrew is definitely interested. I wouldn't worry about it."

"Andrew's interest is only half the battle," Harry said.

"Still don't want to say who it is you really like?" Neville asked.

"That's the last thing I want to think about today," Harry said as they made their way to the common room. Hermione was waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs.

"Oh good!" she exclaimed. "I was hoping you hadn't already left!"

"Why?" Harry asked. "Everything alright?"

"Yes," Hermione answered. "I know you have your date today, but would you mind meeting me at the Three Broomsticks around 1?"

"Uh, yeah sure," Harry said. "Can I bring Andrew?"

"If you want," Hermione said. "Good luck on your date!"

"Thanks," Harry said. He looked at both of them. "See you guys later then."

"Good luck Harry," Neville said.

With that, Harry put on his brave face and made his way downstairs. He had told Andrew to meet him right inside the castle doors. As he got nearer, he took some deep breaths. You can do this, he thought to himself. You've been talking to him for weeks. This is no different. Harry wasn't entirely sure he believed himself, but when he rounded the corner and saw Andrew waiting for him he couldn't hold back a smile. The brunette really was very handsome, and it helped that he appeared as nervous as Harry felt.

He looked up as Harry approached and smiled. "Good morning Harry!" he said cheerfully.

"Good morning Andrew," Harry responded, biting back his nerves. "Ready to go?"

"Ready if you are," he responded.

Harry gestured towards the door. As Andrew starting walking, Harry placed his hand on the brunette's back, something he had seen other boys in relationships do. Andrew didn't move away, and Harry thought he saw the other boy smile.

"So…" Harry began, unsure where to start. The easy conversation they had been having suddenly seemed much harder. "Um…where should we go first?" Harry cursed himself for not asking Sirius for advice the night before.

"I'm not sure," Andrew responded. "Somewhere with breakfast?"

"I could go for that," Harry answered. "Any ideas?" Harry ran a hand through his hair. "I'm…uh…not exactly sure where one goes on a date."

Andrew chuckled. "I'm no expert either," he said. "I know other guys have taken girls to Madam Puddifoot's tea shop, but I'm not certain that would be the best place for us."

"I've never even heard of it," Harry admitted.

"Count yourself lucky," Andrew replied with a snort. "From what I've gathered, it is a very…frilly…pink place. I wouldn't be surprised if it was completely decked out for Valentine's. That's the kind of thing they would do."

"It also sounds like a place that would be rather crowded today," Harry said. "Isn't there another little tea shop down past the apothecary?"

"Yeah, I think there is," Andrew replied. "Have you ever been to it?"

"No," Harry said. "But we could give it a shot if you want?"

"Sure!" Andrew answered. "The worst that happens is that it's bad tea right?"

"Let's hope," Harry said with a chuckle. "Bad luck tends to follow me."

"Well, good luck tends to follow me," Andrew said. "Maybe it will rub off."

"One can hope," Harry said. The two walked in comfortable silence for a few minutes. Harry thought that his date's cheerfulness and positivity was uplifting and contagious. He also enjoyed that neither felt the need to interject each moment with conversation. They could simply enjoy each other's company.

After a few minutes, they found the small tea shop. It looked pleasant enough. Harry, striving to be a gentleman, opened the door for his date and offered an "After you."

"Thanks," his date replied.

Inside, the shop was small, but cozy. It had a few Valentine's decorations, but nothing overboard. It was nice and warm, and the chairs looked comfy. Harry and Andrew selected a small table near the fire, and an older gentleman came and took their tea order. They each ordered a small pastry as well.

"So far so good," Andrew commented.

"It's got the looks," Harry agreed. "Let's see how the fare equals up."

The fare did indeed equal up. The tea was perfect and the pastries delightful. Harry and Andrew spent several minutes pleasantly complimenting the shop. One could only say so much on the subject however, and eventually Andrew changed the subject.

"So…not to bring down the mood, but I heard what happened with Umbridge and the quidditch team," Andrew said hesitantly. "I'm so sorry Harry. That woman is so awful. She had no right."

Harry sighed. "Yes she is, and no she didn't. But I have to say I am a bit used to it by now."

"No one should have to get used to such unfairness," Andrew said. He placed his hand over Harry's, and Harry thought it felt quite nice. He didn't pull away.

"No," Harry agreed. "But I am. Besides, I kind of asked for it. I knew there would be people who didn't agree with my lifestyle, and yet I boldly professed it to the entire school anyway." Suddenly, Harry was hit with a startling realization. "Merlin's beard." He looked at Andrew earnestly. "Andrew I'm so sorry. I just realized I outed you too!"

Andrew gave Harry a rueful smile and a small laugh. "Don't sweat it," he assured. "It wasn't exactly a secret. I mean, I wasn't going around bragging about it, but everyone who mattered to me already knew." He squeezed Harry's hand. "I don't hold it against you. I'd rather be here on this date with you than have my sexuality be a secret."

Harry exhaled in relief. "I'm glad to hear it," he said. "But I'm still sorry."

"That's because you're a good person," Andrew said. "It's one of the things I like about you."

Harry blushed. He wasn't sure how to respond, so he changed the subject. "So, do you follow quidditch closely?"

"I do!" Andrew answered. "I can't play it to save my life, but I really enjoy watching!"

"Yeah?" Harry asked. "Have you ever tried playing?"

"Oh yes," Andrew said. "With my magical cousins. I'm terrible." He laughed. "I still play, but just with them. I wouldn't dream of showing all of Hogwart's quidditch enthusiasts how bad I am. But I will watch the talented students play!"

"It's going to be strange," Harry said. "Watching from the sidelines. I've been on the team since first year, so I've never had that experience."

"I know this isn't a comfort," Andrew said. "But you are welcome to sit next to me. Perhaps I can help lift your mood?"

"I'm not sure how well it would work," Harry said. "But I'll happily give it a try, if simply for the joy of spending more time with you." It was Andrew's turn to blush.

"I'll admit, I'd rather watch you play," Andrew said. "You're the best! Don't get me wrong, I support Ravenclaw all the way, and Cho is amazing! But no one compares to you!"

"Wow!" Harry exclaimed. "Thanks Andrew! Hey, I've been banned from playing, but not flying. Maybe we can fly together sometime?"

"We can try," Andrew said. "But I promise I'm no good. However, if you ever want someone to show off too I am more than happy to be your captive audience."

"Oh yeah?"

"Absolutely," Andrew affirmed. "It helps that I find quidditch players incredibly sexy," he added with a smirk.

Harry blushed a dark crimson. He busied himself drinking his tea so he wouldn't have to respond. Andrew looked rather smug at being able to get Harry to react in such a way. At the same time, Harry couldn't help but think back to the time he and Draco had spoken after the last quidditch match. Draco had started to say something that began with "incredibly se—" before cutting himself off. Is this what he was going to say?

Harry shook his head to clear his thoughts, and looked up at his date, who had been watching him. "What do you say we check out some shops?" he asked.

"Works for me," Andrew answered.

"Oh," Harry exclaimed as he paid for their breakfast. "By the way, Hermione asked me to meet her at the three broomsticks at one. I'm not sure what it's for, but you are welcome to come. We can eat lunch there if you want."

"That sounds fine," Andrew said. "I wouldn't mind meeting some of your friends." Harry shared a smile with his date, grateful for his optimistic attitude.

The two spent the next few hours perusing the shops. They had lots of fun testing out the products at Zonko's. They also enjoyed their time at Honeydukes. He and Andrew had very similar tastes in sweets, and if Harry is being honest they likely purchased way too much. As 1 p.m. approached, Harry and his date made their way to the Three Broomsticks to meet Hermione. They walked in and saw her sitting in the back corner with two of the most unlikely people: Rita Skeeter and Luna Lovegood. Harry and Andrew exchanged confused looks before Harry shrugged and led the way to the table.

"Afternoon Hermione, Luna," Harry said. He eye-balled the former Daily Prophet reporter. "Rita." He turned back to his friends. "Guys this is Andrew. Andrew meet Hermione and Luna."

"Hey guys," Andrew said as he and Harry took their seats.

"Ooohh, this your boyfriend Harry?" Rita asked.

"That's none of your business," Hermione interjected. "And that's not why you are here."

"Why are we all here exactly?" Harry asked as Andrew flagged down a server to take their lunch orders.

"Well, I've been thinking," Hermione answered after Harry and Andrew had finished ordering. "There are still a lot of people who don't believe You-Know-Who is back. There are still a lot of people who don't believe you."

"I am aware," Harry said. "So what are you suggesting?"

"And what does this have to do with me?" Rita asked. "He's quite the looker Harry."

"Again, not your business," Hermione retorted. "And you are here to write Harry's story."

"The Daily Prophet won't publish anything he says," Rita protested.

"We're not sending it to the Daily Prophet," Hermione replied. She looked at Luna. "We're sending it to the Quibbler."

"That joke?" Rita exclaimed. "Even less people will believe him."

"My father said he would be more than happy to publish your story Harry," Luna said as if Rita had not spoken. "He doesn't trust the Daily Prophet anyway."

"So," Hermione explained. "Harry you can tell your story to Rita. Rita can write it down, and Luna will get it published in the Quibbler. And," she said interrupting Rita who was about to protest, "when Harry is proven right, you get to be the one who takes the credit for breaking the story first."

Rita contemplated this for a moment and then nodded. "Well, seeing as you won't let me write anything else, I suppose I have nothing to lose." She pulled out her notepad and quick quotes quill. "Ready Harry dear?"

Harry looked at Hermione. "In all of this thinking and planning, did you ever stop and think that maybe you should ask me if all of this is okay before you ambushed me? And on a date no less?"

Hermione looked taken aback. "Well…I just thought you would want to get people to believe you."

"Of course I do," Harry said. "But you're asking me to relive something that was extremely traumatic for me without any preparation whatsoever. Don't you think I would have liked an advance warning?"

"I'm sorry Harry," Hermione said. "I was so busy trying to get everything in place, I just assumed you would be okay with it."

"Seems you and Ron have more in common than I thought," Harry muttered under his breath.

"What was that?" Hermione asked.

"Nothing," Harry responded. He turned to Andrew, who had been quietly eating his lunch. "I'm sorry about all of this."

Andrew, having heard what Harry muttered, looked at Harry in sympathy. "You have nothing to apologize for." He shot a glance at Hermione before looking back at Harry. "Do you want me to leave?"

"Only if you want to," Harry said. "My story isn't pleasant, but it's about to be common knowledge anyway. If you want to stay, we can hang out some more after if you want?"

"I'll stay then," Andrew said with a smile.

Underneath the table, Harry felt Andrew's hand grab his own and give it a tight squeeze. Harry felt warmed that Andrew would want to offer him comfort. With that extra boost, he took a deep breath, and began his story.

As much trepidation that Harry had felt when Hermione revealed her plan to him, he felt a great weight lifted after finally telling the entire story of that night in the cemetery. He was still peeved at Hermione for springing this on him, and planned to call her out about it. He had learned from Ron that keeping silent wouldn't end well.

Luna had said she thought her father would publish the story in about two months time. The next one had a very important piece about "crumple-horned snorkacks" that couldn't possibly be pushed back. On an even better note, Harry and Andrew spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying each other's company as they perused the various shops. Harry found that he and the brunette had quite a lot in common. He enjoyed the brunette's company, and he also enjoyed how the other boy made him feel. By the end of the day, he was rather excited to see where this relationship would go.

When classes resumed on Monday, things between them went on exactly as before, if a bit more enthusiastically. And just as Andrew had promised, he and Harry sat side-by-side during the Hufflepuff vs. Gryffindor match. It was an utter disaster without Harry and the twins. Ginny was indeed very good, but Ron was even more dreadful than before. Despite their argument, Harry still felt bad for him. He felt even worse sitting on the sidelines not being able to help the team.

Andrew did his best to cheer him up. And while nothing could completely distract him from his disappointment, being able to hold Andrew's hand, listen to his witty and on point commentary, and even share a few good laughs did bolster his spirits a bit. Harry found that he was growing ever fonder of Andrew by the day.

Finally, the day of the publication arrived. Luna stopped by the Gryffindor table to deliver his copy and although he was ultimately pleased with how it turned out, he finally remembered he had a bone to pick with Hermione.

"I really hope this works," Harry remarked as he scanned through the article. "But you still shouldn't have ambushed me like that."

"I'm sorry Harry," Hermione said. "I genuinely didn't think it would be an issue."

"Yeah well given how upset I've been about all the times you, Ron, and basically every adult in my life have kept things from me and manipulated me these past few months, I would think it would have been the first thing that crossed your mind."

Hermione wouldn't meet his eyes. "I am really sorry Harry," she said quietly. "I was just so focused on the idea that this would help."

Harry sighed. "Yeah well next time you have a plan that involves me, do me a favor and tell me first yeah?"

"Absolutely!" Hermione exclaimed.

The conversation ended, as those around Harry became aware of the Quibbler article. Harry did not realize how loud they were being until none other than Umbridge appeared behind them. Harry's anger at Hermione evaporated as soon as he saw Umbridge's fury to the article. Harry thought it was well worth being banned from Hogsmeade and another week's detention.

It also helped when Andrew sought him out at lunchtime to compliment him.

"Hearing the story from you was impactful," Andrew said. "It takes a lot of courage to talk about something like that, and then to be willing to share it with the world. You should be proud of yourself Harry."

"Thanks Andrew," Harry said. He felt himself fill with warmth at Andrew's praise. "I'm just glad it didn't scare you off!"

Andrew laughed. "Your exploits aren't exactly a secret Mr. Boy Who Lived," he said. "If all of that didn't scare me off I'm not sure anything will."

Harry laughed as well. "Good," he replied. "That takes a weight off!" He made room at the table. "Join me for lunch?"

"I thought you would never ask," Andrew said with a smile and sat down next to him. Harry was pleased. Andrew got along well with his friends. They had a very, very pleasant lunch that involved good conversation, laughter, and a good deal of touching on Harry and Andrew's parts. The first time Harry and Andrew's thighs had brushed against one another, Harry had blushed and moved his leg away. But then he noticed Andrew sliding just the tiniest bit closer. He reacted in kind. As lunch went on, their hands touched, their thighs, their shoulders. It was all perfectly innocent, but heat swelled in Harry's chest nonetheless.

It was with much regret that Harry said his goodbyes when lunch ended and the two boys had to head towards separate classes. Harry walked away with a bounce in his step, until his good mood was interrupted when a familiar blond practically knocked him over walking past him. As it was, Draco had succeeded in knocking the book Harry was carrying out of his hand.

"Watch it Potter," Draco spat out as he walked past.

"Bugger off Malfoy," Harry spat back. But when he went to pick up his book, he noticed a folded piece of paper underneath it. He quickly slid it into his book before anyone noticed. He joined his friends in complaining about Draco, but once they were seated he surreptitiously pulled out the message to read it.

Can we talk? I know our last one didn't go so well, but I really need to speak with you. We have a lot to discuss. Usual place. Usual time.

Harry folded up the paper and pretended to listen to the current lecture. Meanwhile, he head was spinning. Did he want to talk to Draco after the last time? What if the blond apologized and they made up? It was what he had originally wanted, but now with things going so good with Andrew, did he still want that?

Harry couldn't deny he still had feelings for Draco. By the end of the lesson, he had decided he would go to the meeting. He would never be able to live with himself if he didn't go. He would always wonder what Draco wanted. It was best to know what the blond was thinking. Harry thought this was all very confusing.

The saying was keep your friends close and your enemies closer, but Harry wasn't even sure which one Draco was anymore.

Author's note: I know there are some people who may not be exactly pleased with the way the story is panning out. I'll admit, when I first began writing, I had a very clear plan for the first few chapters, but everything after that was hazy. However, since then I have figured out where I intend to take this story. I have a set plan and I'm sticking to it! I hope you guys stick with me as well and that you enjoy what happens!