Chapter Eight

It was chaotic the moment, Harry flooed back to Grimmuald, he entered the kitchen and they were on him like bees on honey.

"HARRY! Where have you been?" shrieked Hermione, her face red with worry.

"Do you have any idea, how worried we've been?" declared Mrs. Weasley firmly, her hands on her hips.

"I wrote a note." insisted Harry, swallowing.

"Harry! What's in your ear?" asked Ron, pushing his best friend's hair out of the way, revealing the phoenix earring. "You got an earring!"

"Harry, you should not go running off like that! Now, sit down, you need to eat!" ordered Mrs. Weasley. "You've been running around all day, with Merlin knows whom!"

"I ate." said Harry, touching his stomach, "I'm stuffed." He had eaten in the muggle world at a really nice restaurant. He ate so much shrimp he felt as if he would turn into one.

"Nonsense! I'm sure the Leaky Cauldron's food isn't nearly nourishment enough!"

"I didn't eat there, Mrs. Weasley, really, I'm full!" He said, slowly backing up. "Now, I need to go put my stuff up. I'm sorry I worried you, but really, I'm fine."

"Who were you with?" asked Hermione, peculiarly.

"No one, you need to worry about." said Harry, flashing a look to Remus and Sirius. Sirius was watching with glee and Remus was smiling kindly behind his tea cup.

"When did you get that earring? It's as bad as Bills!" chastised Mrs. Weasley, with a tut.

"I like it!" declared Ginny, coming to his defense.

"As do I." said Sirius smiling. "It fits Harry, just perfectly." He winked at Harry, who gave him a look of sheer relief.

"It looks good - but come on mate, where did you go? We didn't see you in the alley at all!" Ron was looking lost and helpless. Harry began to feel guilty, for having ditched his best friend.

He swallowed the paining guilt, and forced a smile, "I sort of went undercover. Anyway, I'm going to get upstairs." He held up his bags. "My school supplies." Before anyone could call him back he fled the room.

He knew he ought to tell Ron and Hermione, they had a right to know, but he also didn't want complications between them, just because of his relationship with Draco. It wasn't there relationship, but Hermione had the habit of playing mummy. Oh, he loved her to death and he appreciated it, not many cared for him that deeply. But, sometimes, she took it too far.

Harry was sorting through his trunk when Ron came in and leaned against his bed. Harry could feel the stare on the back of his head. He knew that Ron was mildly hurt, "I'm sorry for ditching you. I hadn't been thinking when I went off."

"It's not that, you didn't ditch me." said Ron, softly. "I just - why can't you tell me mate?"

Harry looked up, "I don't think I can right now. I don't think I can tell anyone, it's not the right time. I'm sorry."

"Who is it?"

"I can't tell you that, yet."

"Yet? So - you will tell us?" asked Ron, looking at him with a bit of confusion.

"Sometime, I will." promised Harry, sincerely. He then smiled, "Please? Bear with me?"

"I will mate." said Ron, with a sigh. "I don't like it. But, I guess I understand that you need some privacy for a change. Even from us."

"It's not the privacy issue with you two." he insisted.

"Then what is it?"

Harry looked down at his open trunk, he would love to come clean and spill everything, about how he felt when he was with Draco. He could never stop smiling, the blond made him that happy. It was like the rain clouds had been washed away replaced by the comforting sun, twirling and dancing in all its glory. It was that sincere. Harry had never felt like that. He was happy with Ron and Hermione, but he felt as if he permanently belonged, at Draco's side, almost as if it were apart of him. So soon, to think of such - but when Harry got attached - he got attached quickly. It was almost as if all the cares of the world could not weigh against his shoulders when he was in the presence of Draco.

Did that sound odd? Yes, to Harry it most certainly did. He didn't particularly understand it, and he was too scared to say the L word in fear of it back lashing. But, he did know that something was growing and it was growing fast.

"Can I tell you when I figure it out?" asked Harry, in a soft almost pleading voice.

Ron smiled, "Yeah, you can. I'll just - stand by you, Harry. I know Hermione will too…"

Harry simply smiled, he hoped so.

000

Speculation was the word to describe the adults and teens inside of number 12 Grimmuald Place. Everyone wanted to know who Harry had been seeing, but the dark headed boy would just smile and drink his tea in response, or he would conveniently change the subject, mainly directing his chatter to Remus or Sirius.

It was days after the trip to Diagon alley, and Harry still felt as if he were on cloud nine. Letters came by daily for him; Remus or Sirius would retrieve them, and hand them over to him.

The end of the summer was slowly coming to an end. Harry found himself casually staring out the window of Grimmuald Place into the sunny atmosphere. The heat had cooled off magnificently and a warm breeze fluttered into the open window, brushing against Harry's pale face.

Ron, Hermione, and Ginny would spend their time in the drawing room with him, Hermione reading and Ron going through his chocolate frog cards, and Ginny writing a letter to someone.

It was always the same, there was hardly anything to do in the dark and damp manor; Harry was beginning to get restless again. He decided if he lived through this war, he was going to buy a house in open land and open up one of the rooms, rain, snow, or shine - it would be open, simply so Harry could breathe the fresh air.

Thoughts swirled around his brain, he thought about the two best friends behind him. He couldn't say too much in front of Ginny. She was nice, and his friend, but they weren't exactly close at all; not like he was with Ron and Hermione.

Maybe, he had been a bit unfair toward them. It really wasn't in their power, while being here to do anything about writing him. He was sure; they did what they could to badger the adults. Harry would have to remember, just who was on his side.

He wondered not for the first time, how the two would take it, if he told them about Draco. He bit his lower lip. Hermione would be suspicious and Ron - well - it might turn into the fourth year all over again. Ron said he would try to be understanding, but he wasn't so sure.

Harry shuddered at the thought. No, he would just wait.

000

September 1st was upon the inhabitants of Grimmuald; Harry was awake before Ron, who was still snoring on the bed a few feet from him. He rolled out, and staggered to the bathroom, while rubbing his eyes and stifling a yawn.

When he came out, he was still in pajamas; he staggered downstairs, fingers carding through the tangles of his hair. Mrs. Weasley was at the stove, cooking and humming a tune; Remus looked tired, he had dark rings under his eyes, and his golden brown hair was tied to the base of his neck. He was wearing loose fitting clothing. His hand shook every now and then. The full moon the previous night had obviously affected him. Harry wrapped his arms around Remus' neck, in a loving embrace.

"Morning Rem."

"Morning pup. Sleep good?"

"Just fine, I'd ask you the same - but I believe I know that answer." He said, sitting next to the werewolf.

Remus smiled fondly, "I'm used to them by now - but - I think age is catching up to me."

Harry laughed, "You're not that old!" protested Harry.

"I feel it this time of the month."

Harry laughed, followed by Remus, who looked sheepish; Mr. Weasley, who had been staring at the prophet quirked his lip, calming himself, Harry asked, "Siri still sleeping?"

"Like a log."

"Want to go roll him out of the bed like one?" suggested Harry.

Remus laughed tiredly, "I would if my strength would let me."

Mrs. Weasley glanced over her shoulder, her eyes were shining.

"Ah, darn, some other time then." said Harry, pouring honey on his biscuit.

Slowly, people began to descend from their rooms. Hermione was stifling a yawn and Ginny had her hair tied up at the top of her head. She plopped down, folded her arms on the table and then rested her head, her brown eyes closing. The twins were making all kinds of ruckus. They danced around, hugging their mother, and then kissing Harry on the cheek, causing his him to flush a bright scarlet, as they wiggled their eyebrows. George winked at him, before planting a kiss on Hermione's cheek, causing her to blush just like Harry had.

When George tried to pick on Ginny, she simply swatted him in the head, and drifted back off to sleep on her makeshift pillow of arms. The morning was about as lively as one could get, thought Harry, with amusement.

Tonks came bustling in, greeting everyone, with her carefree smile. Her hair, this morning was frazzled grey, with thick coiled ringlets. She had a long witch nose, with a wart on it.

"That your true self?" teased Fred, over a heap of pancakes.

Tonks smiled, "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"I'm sure it is." mock whispered George, "It's a good thing she's a metamorphmagus, to have a look like that -"

"Terrifying."

Tonks whacked the two boys' on top of the head, and then planted a kiss on Fred's cheek, purposely brushing her large hooked nose against his cheek, causing him to laugh out loud.

George pouted, "What about me?" He said, crossing his arms. "Don't I get a kiss from the scary lady?"

Harry saw that Mrs. Weasley was trying hard not to laugh, as she kept her back to the group of entertained witches and wizards.

"You two, huh?" asked Tonks kissing him on the cheek.

"Yay! Scary witch lady kissed me!" Beamed George, his eyebrows going up and down briskly.

"What has gotten into you boys?" asked Mr. Weasley, his eyes twinkling.

"Oh nothing, we saw purdy Harry, and got into a kissing frenzy." teased Fred.

Harry looked down blushing; everyone laughed; Hermione gave him a sympathetic look, as if to say, 'I know your pain.'

"What? It's true!" crowed George. "We walked in, and saw a cute boy sitting there-"

"Which preference are you?" retorted Hermione, trying to get the limelight away from her best friend.

Mrs. Weasley grunted, "I don't want to hear this!"

Mr. Weasley rolled his eyes, and sipped at his coffee, pretending to be reading the Daily Prophet.

"Who said you had to choose?" asked Fred, incredulously.

"Really! We like the best of both worlds." declared George.

Mrs. Weasley shook her head quickly, and busied herself with getting snacks ready for the train ride to Hogwarts.

Harry chuckled softly, and rubbed his blazing cheeks, next to a much more awake Remus. Hermione shook her head, and finished drinking her coffee. Other random chatter was exchanged, but this chatter did not include gender preferences, kisses, or anything else that would cause someone to go red in the cheeks.

"Harry, when you go up to get dressed, wake Ron up." Mrs. Weasley told him.

Harry smiled, and licked his fingers of the honey, before sliding out of his seat, "I'll try." He flashed everyone a smile, before heading out, only to hear hoots and hollers from Fred and George. Harry just shook his head, for the thousandth time.

They could really embarrass you and perk your day up all at the same time. He took the steps two at a time. Ron was face down in the pillow, snoring. The raven-haired boy smirked, and on the count of three he ran and jumped, landing on top of Ron, who yelped like a puppy, and jerked up to see Harry, on his bed, with a flashy smile across his face.

"Ulgh, Harry!" He complained, and tried to turn over but Harry shook his shoulders.

"C'mon, wake up!" Harry added an extra whine to his voice, as Ron murmured something incoherently into the pillow.

"Harry, please…" Protested the redhead.

"No, please, Harry! You must wakey wakey." Harry laughed, and shook against Ron's side.

Ron groaned, and raised his hand, trying desperately to bat Harry away, "Harry - please - five more minutes."

"Nope."

"Ulgh." Ron shifted until he was on his back. Harry slid off Ron and to the side of him. He was glowing with a smile. "Bloody hell, Harry you're much too lively at this time of the morning."

Harry laughed out loud and then lay down next to his best friend, "Come on, before your mum gets the idea to send the twins up here-"

Ron's grunted, "I'm up, I'm up! Don't have to tell me that twice." He arose; red hair messed up all over the place.

Harry laughed and ruffled it playfully, "Come on!"

Ron then smiled, lay back down, and turned his head to Harry, "I'm glad you're happy again. These last few days have been much better."

Harry gave him a sideways smile, "Yeah, they have been. I'm sorry for getting steamed at you and Hermione. I know it's not your guys' fault." He sighed, "I was just - irritated and frustrated. I need to remember, that when there isn't anyone else, there's always you two."

Hermione had been leaning against the door the entire time, her arms crossed, and she looked as if she were about in tears.

Harry arched an eyebrow, "Going to join us?"

Hermione laughed and ran over, and jumped in an uncharacteristic way, causing Ron to groan, when she landed between both him and Harry.

"That was my side-" He said, with a sideways grin.

"Poor baby!"

"Three in the bed and the little one says, roll over." sang Harry, teasingly.

"Humph, I'd be the first one off!" commented Ron, with a grin.

Hermione sniggered, and hugged Harry around the neck, "We still feel really bad, Harry."

"Don't be." said Harry honestly. "It was beyond your control. I should have seen that. Believe me; I've made plenty of mistakes this summer."

"You know, we haven't really been able to talk much this time around." said Hermione pressing her back against Ron's propped up knee. Harry's back was against the head board, next to Ron whose head was still on the pillow. "

"It's not our faults." said Ron, glancing over at the door. "Ginny, Fred, and George are always sitting with us."

"It's not their faults either." reminded Harry. "They're all just as bored as we are."

"I know, well, we'll be at the castle soon enough." said Hermione, "I guess, you'll miss Remus and Sirius. You got really close to them." she said, softly.

Harry glanced over, he didn't see jealousy, like he had thought he would, instead, he saw understanding and a flicker of emotion. "Yeah, we did. They haven't told me anything about the Order, I dare not ask, in fear of getting them in trouble."

"All I know, is guard work is the keyword." stated Hermione.

"And a weapon." Put in Ron. "Remember? Sirius slipped."

"Sirius said if I asked he wouldn't deny me the truth..."

"But, he'd be put in jeopardy by Dumbledore and the rest of the order." Hermione told him. "They're still kind of wary."

"I know that's why I haven't pressed for answers." said Harry, checking his fingernails for dirt.

They were all just sitting there, Harry glanced at the clock, they had time. Should he? He asked himself. They were all together, all content - could Harry really come up with the words to tell them?

"Harry?" said Hermione, breaking into his thoughts.

Ron was sitting up propped on his elbows, staring at his best friend, "Mate? What's wrong?"

Harry looked at them, "Oh, nothing - I just - I-" But the words failed him. He looked down, "Nothing-"

"Harry? Whatever it is - you can tell us." said Hermione, placing her hand on top of his.

He smiled and brushed against it and clasped her fingers between both of his. He looked up, "Well - the person I've been seeing-"

"Who?" asked Ron, "Come on, Harry! Please, we've wanted to know for so long. You said you'd tell us when you figure it out."

"I know, and I have sort of have." said Harry, firmly. "It's just - it's complicated. It's someone you'd never think of- it's someone - you would be stunned and maybe even appalled by..."

Ron and Hermione exchanged looks, and then back at Harry. Sitting fully up now, Ron rubbed his eyes, to get rid of the sleep, "Harry, just - tell us."

"You'll freak out, I know that." said Harry, looking pained.

"No I won't." insisted Ron. "I swear."

"I - just - I don't want it to end up fourth year all over again."

Ron winced visibly. Hermione was looking at him, with a dawning expression upon her face, but he wasn't looking at her. "Harry." began Ron, touching him on the arm, "That was a stupid mistake on my part - my idiotic brain going all haywire. Probably from the lack of sugar; but, I am sorry for that. If you think you can't tell me something because I'll freak out, you're wrong."

"But, this isn't normal." whispered Harry, looking away.

"I know." breathed Hermione, her eyes sparkling with realization. "How?"

Harry looked up at her; Ron made a disgruntled noise in his throat, "Who?"

"I was in the trophy room-" began Harry, once again. "I was crying-"

"Oh, Harry-" whispered Hermione, her eyes softening.

"He came in. I didn't know it was him. I was too distraught."

"Who?" asked Ron, with a frown. "Who, who, who?"

"What happened then?"

Unconsciously playing with his phoenix earring, Harry bit his lower lip, "He - held me."

"Whoooo?" stressed Ron, with a pout.

"Awwe." Hermione smiled, "Did he? That's why..." she said, recalling the end of last year, when Draco had shut Pansy up. "Oh, Harry!"

"Apparently, he used his father's ties or something, he has yet to tell me to get me off-"

Hermione's mouth opened, "He - he did?"

Harry nodded, "Yeah."

"Argggh! So not fair! Come on, whom, is it Harry!!" Whined Ron, childishly.

Harry began to play with his hands unconsciously; he didn't think he could look up at Ron, "Draco." He whispered.

Ron stopped whining, he looked over, face slightly flushed. Hermione looked expectantly at Ron afraid of what he might do.

The silence was thick; it swept over the trio like sand pouring from an hour glass. Ron's face had many different expressions, there were so many it was hard to make them out, and when Harry finally got the nerve to look up, he saw that Ron was giving him a pained look, as if he had swallowed a razor.

"Oh Merlin. How - the bloody- never mind you just told us-" His voice was faint.

Harry grimaced, feeling his stomach churning, "I didn't - know how to tell you."

"I- bloody hell!" Ron threw his hands up. He opened his mouth to say something, but that something never came out, because Mrs. Weasley banged upon their door.

"Boys! Are you even remotely ready yet? You have twenty minutes before we leave!"

The trio moved instantly. Hermione hugged Harry, glared at Ron as if trying to get something through his head before turning and leaving so that they could get dressed.

It was quiet between the two as they dressed, that the silence began to strangle against Harry's breathing. He buttoned his black jeans and then slid on a black sleeveless shirt and a white short sleeved button up; he buttoned the bottom three and then tucked it in, and adding a black and silver leather belt. He pulled his hair back this time, to the base of his neck, and changed his earring to a silver cross with a black gem in the middle.

Not looking at Ron he sank down and slid on a pair of zip up boots, which were black leather. He felt the bed sink and Ron's scent washed over him.

Harry fiddled with his boots and the bottom of his jeans for no good reason, when Ron tugged at the tail of Harry's hair.

With his heart hammering, and his stomach rolling over like a dog would a bone, he forced his green eyes to look up and lock with Ron's blue ones. He looked curious, nothing more. "Do I have to like him?" Harry laughed, lowered his head and then leaned into Ron hugging him tightly, in response. Ron sighed, and shook his head, "The things I do for you."

Quick A.N.: I just want to thank all the thoughtful readers, seriously, the reviews are amazing. :) and they mean a lot.