Harry's head was swimming as he waited for Draco to appear. He had arrived to their meeting place early, in the hopes he could collect his thoughts and be cool and calm when Draco arrived, but all it did was give him more time to think.

On the one hand, he really, really wanted Draco to apologize, so they could make up. On the other, making up with Draco could just complicated things. Harry was positive that Draco had gotten so upset about Andrew because he had feelings for Harry. There was no other explanation for his behavior that Harry could think of. Part of him desperately wanted to hear Draco admit that out loud, but after all this time he had grown so fond of Andrew.

The brunette was kind, handsome, funny, smart, witty, and caring. He and Harry got along so well. He even got along with Harry's friends. There were no complications or secret meetings because they weren't necessary. Their date had been wonderful. Harry was certain if he pursued this it would lead somewhere. But where did that leave he and Draco?

Harry jerked his head up as he was pulled out of his thoughts by approaching footsteps. Moments later, Draco walked into the room. They both looked at each other in silence.

Harry broke it. "You called me here, and I came," he said. "What did you want?"

Draco took a deep breath. "Well…uh…I…you know," Draco muttered. Harry raised an eyebrow. Draco looked uncomfortably off to the side. Then, he mumbled something too low for Harry to hear.

"What was that?" Harry asked.

"I said…I'msorryforgettingangrylasttime," Draco gushed out all in one breath.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Is this the first time you've ever been forced to apologize?" he asked with a huff. "Why don't we try that again a little slower?"

Draco shot Harry a half-hearted glare. "I said…I'm sorry for getting mad at you last time," Draco answered.

"Better," Harry said. "Care to explain why you were so mad?"

Draco looked anywhere but Harry. "Not really."

Harry's eyes got wide. Did he really just say that? Two could play that game. "Then I guess we're done here."

It was Draco's turned to get wide-eyed. "What!?" he exclaimed. He moved to block Harry. "No wait. Don't go."

"If you aren't going to give me a legitimate apology and explanation then there is nothing to talk about!" Harry said. "I didn't start this—you did. You can't just get mad at me when I talk to people."

"That's not it at all," Draco said. "You can talk to whoever you want."

"Then why did you get mad?" Harry asked. Draco was silent. Harry rolled his eyes. "Look, I don't like fighting with you, but I'm not going to stand here while you waste my time. You can't just get mad at me for no reason and expect me to stick around!"

"No reason huh?" Draco exclaimed angrily. "How's this for a reason? You've gone a named my father a Death Eater to the entire world! The entire school is talking about your stupid article! Did you even stop to think about what that would do to me?"

"No," Harry said calmly. "I was telling the truth Draco. If you think this entire school didn't already know who your family was aligned with you're crazy. It wasn't a secret. You can't get mad at me for that."

"Yes I can!" Draco protested. "This isn't the kind of thing you talk about out loud. And it's still my family you've slandered!"

"Slander only applies if the information is false," Harry responded. "The things the paper says about me are slander. The things I said about Voldemort and his followers are true." Draco went to speak, but Harry kept going. "And not talking about this is exactly the problem. The public needs to acknowledge what's going on or it will only get worse! You said you don't agree with Voldemort so what's the problem!?"

"It's still my family!" Draco answered. "We've talked about this. There's more to them than what you've seen!"

"Well what I saw was your father standing and watching as Voldemort tried to murder me, so excuse me for harboring a dislike for the guy!" Harry yelled.

"Yeah well…." Draco trailed off. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I suppose that's a pretty good reason for not liking someone."

"You think?"

Draco sighed again. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry," Draco said. "But can you blame me for getting upset about that? You still said a bunch of negative things about the Malfoy's."

"And it is unfortunate that you are one of them, but that doesn't make what I said less true," Harry said.

"Fine," Draco admitted. "Maybe you have a point, but I can still be mad about someone insulting my family. True or not."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Fine, you can be mad about that," he conceded. "But you don't have any right to be mad about me and Andrew, especially since you refuse to explain why."

"You definitely threw yourself at him," Draco protested.

"Maybe," Harry said. "But I have that right. I can date whoever I want. Still doesn't explain why you're so mad about it. Unless of course, my blatant displays of gayness have offended your precious pureblood sensibilities."

"What!?" Draco exclaimed. "I don't care if you're gay." Harry raised an eyebrow. "Yeah okay most purebloods are not okay with that sort of thing because continuing the family line is really important. But it doesn't matter what people who aren't purebloods do."

"Really?" Harry asked. "Because it was your own housemates that were mocking me and got me banned from quidditch."

Draco looked down guiltily. "Okay well just because they care doesn't mean I do," he responded quietly.

"I'm not convinced," Harry said.

"Well…maybe…," Draco mumbled. "What if I said…I was gay?" Harry's eyes widened. He hadn't believed Draco would admit it. The blond blushed as he looked anywhere but at Harry. "Would you believe me then?"

"Maybe," Harry said. "But if you're gay, and me being gay doesn't bother you, it still doesn't explain why you were mad about Andrew."

"Doesn't it?" Draco asked.

"Nope," Harry said. He could tell Draco was getting frustrated, but he had no plans to let the other boy off the hook. If he wanted something, he was going to have to say it. "But you are welcome to clarify for me."

"Are you always this difficult?" Draco asked.

"Are you?" Harry countered. Draco turned away and refused to look at Harry. "Look, one thing I know is that if I want something, I'm going to go for it. And the way I see it, if you're not willing to go for it, you must not want it bad enough. Andrew is willing to go for it." Draco finally looked up at Harry in surprise. "And so am I. And I don't plan on turning my back on him because someone—" he gave Draco a pointed look—"can't admit what they want."

Harry turned and walked towards the door, but before exiting, he stopped and looked back at Draco.

"You had a chance," he said quietly. "Weeks ago. I'm not turning my back on a good guy just because you didn't take it."

Harry didn't stop to see Draco's reaction. He just turned and walked away. He avoided contact with everyone as he made his way to his dorm room. His head was spinning. Finally, he had gotten confirmation about his suspicions. And yet, Draco still refused to admit out loud what he felt.

Harry knew that he had done the right thing. There was no point fighting for someone who wouldn't return the favor. And it was certainly wrong to lead somebody on and then drop them when your first choice came crawling back. But it didn't feel right. He wasn't sure what to do, but he did know who he wanted to speak to.

Harry pulled the curtains around his bed closed and pulled out his two-way mirror. "Sirius," he asked, almost a whisper. All of a sudden, he was becoming overcome with emotion. "Sirius are you there?"

"Ye—" Sirius began, but was cut off. Harry saw various images in the mirror, and realized his godfather must have dropped it. "Ye—shit, hold on." Harry heard a variety of noises on the other side, and what sounded like another voice. He had just come to the conclusion that he must have interrupted Sirius and Remus when both of their faces appeared in the mirror. "Uh, hey Harry. How…uh…how's everything."

Harry smiled in amusement at his family, though his eyes were watery with held back tears.

"Sorry to interrupt," he said quietly. Both of their faces grew concerned at his solemn expression.

"You okay kid?" Sirius asked.

"Not really," he replied. He took a deep breath, while his family wait patiently for him to continue. "I talked to Draco today."

"First time since you two fought?" Remus asked.

"Yeah."

"I don't guess he was too pleased with your Quibbler interview?" Sirius asked. "Brilliant by the way."

"Thanks," Harry said. "And no he wasn't. He was also angry about my date with Andrew."

"Did he admit why this time?" Sirius asked.

Harry sighed, and before he could stop them, he felt tears sliding down his face. He wasn't sure if it was from sadness, frustration, or a bit of both.

"Well that's the annoying part," Harry whined. "I got him to admit I have a right to be angry with his family. And I got him to admit that he is also gay, but he still refuses to say out loud why me being with Andrew is a problem for him."

"I'm sorry Harry," Remus said. "Believe me, both Sirius and I understand that dilemma."

"And I mean, I've grown fond on Andrew," Harry said. "I'm not just going to walk away because Draco finally grew a pair, but it still hurts that he won't just tell me how he feels."

"We know," Sirius said.

"And we wish we could tell you it gets better," Remus said. "It will likely always bother you that he wouldn't admit it."

"And you will always wonder what could have been," Sirius said. "But if your feelings for him fade, eventually it will hurt less."

"And if my feelings don't fade?" Harry asked.

"If that is the case, then you can just hope that he does find the courage to admit it someday," Remus said sympathetically.

"But things seem to be going good with Andrew," Sirius added.

"They are yes," Harry admitted. "I like him a lot."

"Just not as much as Draco?" Remus asked. Harry nodded and wiped away a few more tears that had managed to escape. "You can't force yourself to love someone you don't. You can only hope it gets better, and do what feels right to you." Sirius nodded next to him.

"Thanks guys," Harry said.

"We're sorry we can't be more help," Sirius said.

"It helps just being able to talk about it," Harry assured. He sighed. "Today exhausted me. I think I'm going to call it a night."

"Night kid," Sirius said.

"We're always here when you need us," Remus added. "We love you."

"Love you too."

Harry found himself standing in a dark room. The hands clenched in front of him were not his.

"I have been badly advised, it seems," said Harry, in a voice Harry recognized as someone else's—someone he'd rather not be. Harry observed through eyes that were not his as Voldemort spoke with Rookwood, praised him for his useful information. When the voice that was not his sent Rookwood to find Avery, Harry knew he had overstayed his welcome. And when those eyes turned, and caught the face whiter than a skull with red eyes reflected in the wall, he couldn't take any more…

Harry jolted out of bed with a start. He gasped as he tried to regain his breath. He was shaking, and he was a bit afraid if he was being honest. He had never been so conscious of his own self in one of his visions. He realized he had not taken time to clear his mind before going to bed. Suddenly, he remembered his revelation over Christmas.

"The weapon is in the Department of Mysteries," Harry muttered. With everything that had been happening, he had completely forgotten his discovery of the mysterious door. And whatever was beyond it, it certainly sounded like Voldemort knew how to reach it after Rookwood's advice. Harry wasn't sure what this meant, but he knew he had to tell Snape.

It took him several days to pass on a message to his potion's master, who was apparently just as busy as he had promised he'd be over Christmas. So it was several days later before he was trudging down to Snape's office for another occlumency lesson.

"I suppose you have had another vision?" Snape asked after Harry had entered.

"Yes," Harry said. "A few nights ago I forgot to clear my mind and I saw Voldemort—well, I was Voldemort. But he was speaking to a man named Rookwood. Apparently another man named Avery gave him some bad advice and Rookwood just gave him the correct advice." Harry looked up at his professor. "Sir, whatever is in the Department of Mysteries, Voldemort is one step closer to getting it."

Snape narrowed his eyes. "How do you know about the Department of Mysteries? "

"I had a revelation when we last met over Christmas," Harry admitted. "But with everything going on, I haven't had time to think about it until a few days ago."

"Good," Snape responded. "You shouldn't be thinking of it at all. You shouldn't even know about it."

"Well I do," Harry protested. "What's in it?"

"That's none of your concern Potter," Snape replied coolly.

"Really?" Harry asked. "Because considering I'm the person he is trying to kill most, I would think if it's anyone's concern it is mine!"

Snape sighed. "That is not my decision to make," he responded quietly. "And nothing you say will change my mind," he added as Harry tried to protest again. "Is there anything else I need to know?"

"I was more conscious this time if that makes sense," Harry said, knowing his professor was too stubborn to budge. "I knew immediately that I was seeing through Voldemort's eyes. Normally it takes me a while to catch on."

"Hmm," Snape said. "This could be both good and bad. Bad, if the Dark Lord is also becoming more aware. Good because if you have more control you may be better able to shut it out." He stood and got into position. "Ready yourself." Harry also stood and prepared for an attack. "Legilimens!"

They went at this for several minutes. Harry had thought he was making progress, but tonight Snape's attacks were relentless. All of a sudden, Harry realized he could see Snape almost through his memories. He focused harder on Snape and his professor grew clearer. Suddenly, almost without meaning too, Harry raised his own wand and shouted, "Protego!"

He saw Snape stagger back losing his wand. He saw memories in his mind that were not his own. A tall dark-haired man screaming at a women cowering, while a small dark-haired boy cried…students laughing at a scrawny boy in the hallways…

"ENOUGH!" Snape yelled. Harry staggered backwards. He gasped for breath and refused to meet his Professor's eyes. Had you asked him last year, he would have told you he would kill for ammunition against Snape. Now, he just felt bad.

"I'm…I'm sorry sir" he stuttered. "I didn't mean for that to happen."

"Perhaps," Snape said coldly. When Harry looked up, Snape was angrily staring at the wall. "Still, it was effective. However, such a tactic would only work in a situation such as this one—where the attacker stands before you. The Dark Lord will likely attack from far away."

"Yes sir," Harry replied. "I'm sor—"

"Enough," Snape said. "You were instructed to protect yourself. You did. Now get ready to try again."

With great apprehension, Harry readied himself again. Despite the progress he and Snape had made recently, he was sure he was about to pay for what he had just seen. However, he never got the chance to find out—they were interrupted by a woman's scream. They exchanged confused glances, and headed upstairs.

Harry watched from the sidelines as Umbridge publicly sacked Trelawney. He had never like his divination professor, but no one deserved this. He watched as Dumbledore asserted his authority in keeping Trelawney at Hogwarts and appointing Firenze as the new teacher. He felt a small sense of satisfaction watching Umbridge's reaction, but it didn't quite mask the resentment he still felt towards Dumbledore.

In the long run, the new staff appointment did nothing to make divination easier to understand. And as the year moved forward, the stress over O.W.L.s grew heavier. Between classes, homework, and the D.A., Harry barely had time to think, much less date.

He continued to pursue Andrew, but they had not truly spent time together since Hogsmeade. Quick chats between and before classes. Small flirtations during D.A. meetings. The occasional lunch with either of their friends.

More than once, Harry had caught Draco staring at the two of them, after which the blond would blush fiercely and turn away. Harry could not shake the feelings he still had for Draco, nor the regret that the blond would not admit his feelings, but he also knew there was nothing he could do about it except try to move on.

Finally, Harry decided that schoolwork be damned, he was going to go on another date with Andrew. Hermione suggest a study date, and Harry acquiesced as it at least sounded productive. It was easier to budget time for a date when one could pretend it served a larger purpose. So, one bright Saturday morning, Harry and Andrew made their way to a nice shady area by the lake. They were loaded down with both books and snacks. The idea was they could have a nice picnic while they studied—or pretended too.

Surprisingly, they made it work. Andrew suggested a sort of reward system. They would study/work on an assignment for ten minutes, and then they were allowed to relax for the next ten. This worked for about an hour. The two boys would quietly work, doing no more than stealing quick glances at one another. Then, they would reward themselves by flirting and enjoying their picnic. They had started a foot or two away from one another, with books and parchment sprawled out between, but as the time went on, they ended up closer and closer.

They were nearly shoulder to shoulder, but Harry had not noticed. He had become absorbed in his essay. Not that it was particularly interesting, but he had suddenly come across the information he needed in a book, and was on such a role he was almost finished. He was so in his own head, he had not noticed that Andrew had stopped working and was staring at him.

"Yes!" he exclaimed as he finished. "One more down!" He turned to notice Andrew's small smile. "What?"

"The ten minutes of work ended about five minutes ago," Andrew answered with a laugh. "But you were so focused that I didn't want to interrupt your rhythm."

Harry looked at the watch on Andrew's wrist and noticed that the brunette was right. He had gone over the allotted study time.

"Well I guess that means I deserve a better reward," Harry said with a smile. Andrew returned the smile and leaned in closer. Harry had planned to say something else, but he suddenly forgot what it was. He realized how close he was to the other boy.

He briefly remembered when Cho had attempted to kiss him, and how wrong it had all felt. But here, in this moment, it felt right. He looked into the other boy's eyes, and when he didn't see any hesitation reflected back to him, he closed his eyes, and leaned in.

Having never been kissed before, Harry didn't have any experience or knowledge to compare or judge his first one with. But it felt pretty darn good if he said so himself. Andrew's lips were soft, and Harry felt the butterflies in his stomach flutter.

He pulled away and looked at the brunette. Andrew smiled at him shyly through his blush, and Harry did the same. Neither of them knew where to go from there. The rest of the date consisted of small, shy smiles, quick touches and quiet, simple conversation. It didn't feel awkward, but Harry wondered what one was supposed to do after a kiss.

Eventually, they packed up and headed back to the castle. Harry took some of his Gryffindor courage and grabbed the other boy's hand. When he felt Andrew give his own a squeeze, and saw the boy's smile, he knew he had made the right choice. Right before they were about to part ways in the castle, Harry noticed that the hallway was empty from any prying eyes. Taking another dose of courage, he gave the brunette another small peck on the lips.

"See you later Andrew," he said with a blush.

"Later Harry," Andrew returned.

With that, Harry turned and walked away. Once he was out of sight of the brunette, he stopped to lean against a wall and collect his thoughts. He brought his hand up to touch his lips. He had done it! He had had his first kiss!

He felt elated. His first kiss had gone off smoothly, without a hitch. And yet, standing there in the hallway, he couldn't help but wonder what Draco's lips would feel like.

Author's Note: Don't fret friends! Handrew (what an awful ship name) is nearing competition! I see Drarry in the future!

That being said, things are crazy right now. I just finished writing this chapter today because last weekend I had things to grade, and today I have things to grade, and next weekend I have more things. So if the next few chapters end up being a bit late, that is why!