Hey, sorry I didn't update in a while. But, I'm back, and I hope you liked this chapter :)

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Alec's POV:

The rest of February and March flew by in a blur.

It was getting closer and closer to the end of the year, which only meant one thing for Alec, as well as the rest of the 7th year: N.E.W.T.'s. And seeing as this was the final step in their school career to help them pursue certain careers (and, not to mention, these tests were nastily exhausting), everyone was cracking down on their books, sooner than later.

Of course, all the other years had to take their finals, and the 5th years had to take their O.W.L.'s. Even Jace had to take it, because though Triwizard Champions were excused from all other exams so as to have more time preparing for the tasks, the O.W.L.'s were mandatory to decide which classes each student would be eligible for come their 6th year. Of course the test would be pushed back for him, but now he had to study for the test as well as prepare for the third and final task. And he didn't mind reminding you of that. As soon as anyone complained about their exams and how they have no time, he was there to one up you on the too-busy-and-stressed-to-do-anything-else scale.

Not to mention, all the teachers seemed to think that the nearing exams meant that they should increase the amount of work assigned. The students barely had a moment to breathe. When they weren't doing essays, they were practicing spells; when they weren't practicing spells, they were finishing worksheets from class; when they weren't doing worksheets, they were studying. They were drowning in papers, broken quills, notes, and text books.

Alec and Magnus barely had time to spend together, so they resolved to helping each other study or just working side-by-side in the library. At first, Magnus would take any opportunity he could to distract Alec, or so it seemed that way to Alec. Alec would finally have a moment to himself and Magnus would rest his head on Alec's shoulder, come up and wrap his arms around Alec, complain about being bored or tired, throw small pieces of paper at Alec, saying that he only wanted to see Alec's eyes again…; basically he would do anything he could to get Alec's attention. Alec, however, was determined not to give in. He knew Magnus didn't want to do his work, that he thought they still had plenty of time. But if Alec gave in, he knew he would regret it later. So, he did his best to ignore Magnus.

Needless to say, it didn't always work.

However, as the weeks passed by, Magnus seemed to realize that he was running out of time. The distractions became fewer and fewer, so the two used any brief moment they had to spend with each other. But still, it wasn't enough. Alec couldn't wait until testing was over.

Thankfully, it wasn't nearly the time when people would start studying during meals, though Alec knew the time would creep up on them before they realized it. Everyone cherished those few moments of peace they had during meals, although a lot of it was spent complaining and feeling envy towards the years that didn't have so much work. They had no idea how lucky they were.

Over the last two months or so, Alec had practically forgotten the encounter with Camille and Sebastian. But he would soon be reminded of it.

It was on one Sunday morning when it was brought to the front of his mind again, all with the help of one newspaper headline.

Alec walked down the corridors to the Great Hall more awake then he had been the past week. He had finished all of his homework the day before and decided to save the studying for today in favor of going to bed a little early. Not to mention, he had slept in as well. He was pretty sure he would be one of the last to arrive for breakfast, and he knew he missed the owl post. Oh well, his mail always went to Izzy when he wasn't there.

Almost as soon as he stepped through the door his sister rushed up to him. As soon as Alec saw her, he knew something was wrong.

"Alec, um, there's something you should know," she said nervously, walking backwards in front of him, clearly trying to slow him down.

"What is it, Izzy?" Alec asked, as his mind immediately went to the worst. "Did something happen to Max? To our parents?"

"No, not that," she said quickly. "But I just thought you should know a little beforehand. I mean, I'm sure it will all be fine, and you really shouldn't over react because it's not the end of the world."

"Izzy, what happened?" By then they had arrived at their table, and Izzy's eyes were filled with an unspoken apology.

"You didn't tell him, did you Izzy?" Simon asked. "Well, there's no point in hiding it. Take a look for yourself."

He passed over the folded Sunday edition of the Daily Prophet and Alec's eyes widened as they landed on the headline.

LIGHTWOOD NAME DISGRACED BY ELDEST SON

The headline was followed by an image of Alec and Magnus kissing by the Black Lake.

Now, you might be wondering why this would make the headline in the Daily Prophet. Well, while the students at Hogwarts were completely accepting of differing sexualities, the rest of the Wizarding World held the same ideas and morals of the past. They were a little slow to accept, even as the Muggle World was becoming more accepting by the day. And, to see the son of such a well known and respected family was nothing less than the headline said: a disgrace.

The Lightwood family was a rich and powerful one. With both parents working in the Ministry of Magic, the family had a lot of influence in the runnings of the government. And Alec knew what this news would mean for his parents. They would lose some of their influence, fewer officials will listen to them; their name would lose the respect it had spent centuries building. And his parents would blame Alec for it all, not even taking into account the support they would gain from the LGBT community in the Wizarding World.

All Alec could think about as he stared at the paper was what his parents would think. This was not what he wanted. He had planned to come out to them eventually, of course, but in his own time.

He never imagined they would find out by a newspaper. Oh God, what if they were interviewed about this? What would they think of him now? Alec knew they shared the same ideas as the rest of the Wizarding World, despite what Magnus told him, but he had hoped that, if he approached the conversation right, they would accept him… eventually.

Now, having to learn that type of thing about your own children through a newspaper or from reporters, along with the rest of the civilization, he didn't know what they would do or say. His world was crashing down around him, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

"H-how…why…who?" Alec asked, not quite able to get a full question out.

"It get's worse," Jace said softly, opening the paper to the page with the full article. It read:

LIGHTWOOD NAME DISGRACED BY ELDEST SON

The Lightwood family is well known for their hard work, their intelligence, and their bravery. They are widely respected in the community and seem to have their lives all worked out to perfection. Robert Lightwood and his wife, Marse Lightwood, heads of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, have worked to the top and deliver nothing but the best. They have strong influence over their colleges in theirs and other departments. Everyone knows how trusty worthy they are, and everyone knows how talented their kids are as well. They are expected to be just as, if not more, successful as their parents. Until now.

It may be hard to believe, but it seems the Lightwood family is not as perfect as they come off. Their eldest son, seventeen year old Alexander Lightwood, is a homosexual.

As seen in the picture above, provided by a source that prefers to remain anonymous, Alexander Lightwood, best friend of Triwizard contestant, Jace Herondale, has been having an affair with a fellow student, a student of the same sex. In the picture above, he can be seen kissing said student.

But what does this mean for the Lightwood family? As you know, this is widely unacceptable behavior. This could affect their reputation in the Ministry. Many of the other heads, including the Minister himself, have publicly announced their distaste towards homosexuals. Several of these heads have close associations with the Lightwoods. It seems the Lightwood influence might not be as strong as it once was.

When asked about the matter, Robert Lightwood said, "We knew nothing of this, and we know our children. These are just rumors, and that image is a fake. My son would never do such a thing. He knows better than to be a fag."

But it seems that this picture is not a fake. the information comes from a very credible source, one also from a powerful family. So, why did Alexander start dating another male if, as assumed by his parents, he is not gay? Was he just trying to rebel against his parents, to spite them? These are his teenage years, after all. One can only hope that this matter is cleared up and Alexander is not really a homosexual, for it could cost his parent's their jobs.

Alec couldn't find anything to say. He just fell into his spot at the table, speechless. Izzy sat down next to him and wrapped her arms around her brother.

Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, Alec, are you okay?" Magnus asked.

When Alec didn't say anything, Magnus slipped into the open spot next to him and Jace handed him the newspaper.

"Oh my god, Alec," Magnus said. Alec could see a mix of emotions in his cat-like eyes; anger, shock, and sadness, all jumbled up together, making quick flashes.

"Who would even do such a thing?" Izzy asked.

"I don't kn-" Magnus paused, as if realizing something suddenly. His eyes darkened and only one emotion was left raging in his eyes; anger. "I should have known."

"Magnus, wait, do you know who did this?" Jace asked seriously.

"Camille," he growled in response.

"Wait-Camille? But how did she-" Izzy asked.

"That day by the lake," Magnus responded. "Camille came by with Sebastian and she she was giving him a tour…" he explained. "That's why she was really there! She must've had a camera on her and put a spell on it so we wouldn't hear it when she took the picture. God, I should have known!"

"Magnus, this isn't your fault," Alec reassured his boyfriend.

"I still should have…" Magnus replied.

"No," Alec cut him off. "There was nothing you could have done. This is not your fault."

"He's right, Magnus, this isn't your fault. It's Camille's," Izzy commented. "That bitch! I swear, when I see her…"

"Well, how are you guys this morning," a voice said from behind Alec. "Interesting stuff in the paper today, did you see?"

"What do you want from me Camille?" Alec growled, standing up to look at her.

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean," he said, grabbing the newspaper and holding it up to her. "Why did you do this? What have I ever done to you?" By then Magnus, Izzy, Simon and Jace had all joined him and were standing around him.

"Oh, that? That wasn't me," Camille replied sweetly. "I mean, you guys were at it for a long time, anyone could have walked by and taken that picture."

"Do you think were idiots?" Magnus tested. "We all know you did it."

"You have no proof," she shrugged

"I've had enough of her," Izzy said. "Should I?" she asked her brother.

"No, Izzy," Alec said.

"The fag's right," Camille commented. "The slut wouldn't want to chip a nail."

SMACK

Izzy had slapped her. No one saw it coming. Alec, Simon, Magnus, and Jace were looking at her in shock, and Camille was glaring daggers at her, her face marked with a bright red shape of a hand.

"That was for my brother," she said. And then…

SMACK

"And no one calls me a slut, you bitch." Izzy finished with a satisfied smirk.

"Oh, so you play dirty, I see," Camille said, and she pounced on Izzy.

A crowd had gathered to watch and now they got to watch as the two girls wrestled on the ground, pulling each other's hair, as Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Jace tried to break the two up in vain.

"GIRLS! MY OFFICE! NOW!" A voice called over the crowd. It was the Ghost-studies professor, but Alec never had her class, and he couldn't quit remember her name.

Izzy and Camille separate and got off the ground, their hair in a mess. Both girls crossed their arms and headed towards the professor.

The crowd dispersed, Simon going to follow Izzy and wait outside the professor's office. Alec remained standing there for a moment, trying to get over the moment, before he too sat down. Despite everything else that happened, Alec couldn't help but feel happy that Camille finally got what she deserved.

"How are you doing Alec?" Magnus asked, his voice full of concern.

"I don't know," he answered. "I mean, there's nothing I can do. What's done is done. i'm actually kind of relieved that it is out and over with but… I just wish I could have had more time. I wish I could have told them myself, in my own time. And, now I'm worried about what my parents will say. You saw what my dad said. he hates the idea of me being gay."

"Alec, no matter what happens, I'll be here for you," Magnus said.

"Same here, mate," Jace chimed in.

"I know," Alec sighed. "Thank you."

"For what?" Magnus and Jace asked at the same time.

"For always being there when I most need it. I can always count on you."

"Of course," Magnus said.

"It's what I'm here for," Jace added. "I know you'd do the same for me."

"Yeah," Alec confirmed.

"And you know Izzy and Max will still love you, no matter what your parents think."

"Everything will be fine, we'll make sure of it," Magnus concluded.

"Are you sure?" Alec asked him.

"I promise it," Magnus said, grabbing Alec's hand, intertwining their fingers. "We'll get through this. Together."

And Alec believed him. For once in his life, he believed everything would be alright.

Review? Please? Let me know what you think and if you have any questions I'll answer them in the next chapter :)

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