March of 1997

Coming Out to the Parents

"Mom, Dad, I need to tell you something and I'm scared about how you'll react." A newly turned sixteen year old, Harry James Potter spoke up one day after dinner. His birthday was yesterday and now the little family was just enjoying each other's company. They were sitting in the living room while relaxing in front of their television set that Lily had insisted they get. She wanted her son to grow up comfortable with both the Muggle and Magic worlds. It was now turned to Harry's favorite show, Merlin.

"Yes son, what is it?" James asked him. He turned to face his son.

"Is everything okay, Harry? You know you can tell us anything. Your father and I never want you to be afraid or uncomfortable with sharing your thoughts or feelings with us. We love you, Harry and we just want you to trust us." Lily told her only son. She was starting to get concerned by his timid tone. Harry was never that way. He was usually open and honest with them especially if he had something to say.

"I'm gay." Harry said holding his breath waiting for his parents to reply.

"Son, I've known since you were young about 4 years old. You always insisting on holding Ron, Neville, or even Draco's hand up until you were around 10. But, You always stayed away from any girl. You also never showed any interest in girls." Lily told him as she laughed quietly, just remembering a younger Harry.

"It doesn't matter to us if you're gay or straight. You are still our son and we will always love you. Furthermore, I will fight whoever I need to in order for you to have to right to love whoever you want. You're my son and I want you to be happy." James said while giving his son a hug.

"Really, that's it. You guys are okay with this." Harry asked them. He hadn't really been expecting such a easy coming out not after the horror stories he had heard and read. This was just another reason why he loved his parents.

Telling Other People

It had been 3 days since he had told his parents that he was gay. Every Friday night, they had what Lily called a Family and Friends dinner. Lily had invited Sirius, Remus Severus who she was still very close. Usually more people showed up but Harry wanted to keep it small. He was nervous though. Tonight was going to be the night that he would come out to them. He loved Padfoot and Moony and considered them to be uncles.

Just then the doorbell rang interrupting him from his thoughts. He hurried downstairs in order to greet the arrivals. Once everyone had arrived and dinner was on the table. Harry sat down next to his mother and Professor Snape.

"Before we begin dinner, there is something I would like to say." Harry stood up from his seat and said. He could feel 3 curious sets of eyes on him but he was determined to go on.

"I'm gay!" He announced as he sat down again and drank from his glass. He wasn't particulary thirsty but he needed something to do with his hands in order to avoid from shaking with nervousness.

"I win. Pay up." He heard Professor Snape say from beside him. Moony muttered something about never going against a Slytherin and handed over some coins.

"What is going on?" Harry asked confused.

"Not so fast, Snape. You bet that Harry would come out on his birthday and that was a week ago."He heard his godfather, Padfoot say.

"Close enough, anyway I still won." Snape replied.

"Actually, I did." He heard his mom say from beside him.

"Has everyone lost their minds? What bet?" Harry asked confused.

"Oh, sorry about that, Harry. We all had a bet going." Padfoot explained to him.

"Congratulations, kid. Anyways though, Harry, we already knew you were gay. You're not exactly subtle when it comes to crushes, you take after your dad in that aspect." Moony told him as he stood up and walked over to Harry in order to pull him into a hug.

"Your mom won because she bet that you would tell your parents first and you would do it shortly after your birthday. Snape was close since he bet you would come out on your birthday. I lost a while ago and Padfoot was a couple months off betting on a Christmas reveal." His father explained.

"Damn kid, couldn't you have held off for 4 more months." Padfoot asked him as he shook his head.

He just gaped at the adults in his life before cracking a smile.

Now it was time to tell his friends.