"What the ruddy fuck was that?!" Ron croaked. Harry turned to look at his best friend, and had to try not to laugh at the thunderstruck look on his face. Harry was over the moon at his new discovery and couldn't wait to explain it to Ron.

"What is going on here? Why aren't you all in class?" McGonagall swooped in to a screeching halt and this time it was Draco who snickered. McGonagall and Ron matched. "Potter, Malfoy come this way." McGonagall managed, not at all her usual, put together self. The sea of gawking students parted before them, the clearing that now contained only Ron and Hermione.

Three hours later

"Let me get this straight, Malfoy's had it bad for you since sixth year, you've been on the edge of this...this...idea from fifth so he just decides 'Fuck it!' and kisses you for the world to see. So what do you do? You fucking kiss him back!" Ron is pacing in their dorm room, Seamus, Dean, and Neville having decided to clear out after witnessing what was quickly becoming one of the most told rumors in Hogwarts History.

"Yeah I think that just about covers it," Harry said noncommittally. "And Ron? You're going to have to face it. I'm gay. Gay gay gaygaygagaity. You really can't have much doubt about something like that. And don't-" Harry held up his hand at Ron's foiled interjection, "Don't say he's my worst enemy because he's not. Not even before the whole kissing thing. I had forgiven him Ron. Moved on. I have other things in my life to worry about than one schoolboy grudge who saved my life at Malfoy Manor. Whose mum saved my ass in the Forest when I wasn't dead. I had started having some concrete doubts even when I pulled him out of that fire. Ron, I'm not joking and this isn't an experiment, not really. This is who I am now. Take me or leave me."

Ron gaped speechlessly at him a little more before spluttering, "Fine. You do that just please, try not to ...kiss...him... in front of me. I just don't think I can do that much yet."

"Fair enough," Harry grinned.

Meanwhile, Draco was having a very similar conversation with his godfather and Blaise. A long period of silence followed his speech, during which Snape got up and walked to the window, and gave a heavy, poorly concealed sigh.

Blaise continued to stare at Draco like he had grown three extra singing heads. Draco waited. He had spent sixth year locked in the Room of Requirement figuring this out, the least h could do was give two of the most important people in his life the time they needed to come to grips with this.

"Draco," Snape finally turned from the window with a sigh, wiping his face with a hand. "I respect that this is an important time for you. I get it. But, do you think it was wise to... come out so soon after the Dark Lord fell? The last of the Death Eaters are being rounded up by the Ministry, but everyone is still on edge and the son of a known Death Eater falling in love with the boy who just killed the Dark Lord seems too convenient, people may take this as a sign of plotting and take action against you. I'm bot saying what you feel isn't real just, perhaps you and Potter should talk over what you want to do."

"I understand, I just felt the need for a new beginning, like the best way to move on with my life is to start rebuilding it." Draco replied "I just thought-"

"Who are you talking to you fag?!" Blaise erupted from his chair. Draco gave a little start at the sudden outburst. " You keep talking to nobody and during your little rant you were glancing at nothing! I'm getting out of here." Blaise stood and strode to the door. "Oh, and, don't come near me, I don't want your filth near me." Blaise spat on the floor before letting the door slam behind him. Tears filled Draco's eyes before they brushed them away impatiently, Malfoy's never cry. He turned back to Snape, but he was gone, his image shattered with the slam of the door.