AN: Alrighty, darlings. Here is the seventh chapter. I want to emphasize that in this story, Harry doesn't immediately start out with Draco. You could call it a slowburn. So far, he has only been mentioned, not even shown up. But, I will spoil this for you. Next chapter, you will get a glimpse of him and what's going on with him. Now, so far this story seems mostly cheerful and light and fluffy but that isn't all. There will be angst and loss and a great big plot meant to rip your heart out. I've got so many ideas. Also, I am trying to establish the connections between everyone to make the story better. I don't want Harry to just suddenly like blokes, you know? I want to show his confusion and his exploration. Maybe I can ease some minds here by giving a few for sure pairings. Josh and Nick for sure. They are like mini Remus and Sirius, except they're mine. Sirius and Remus, of course. I just play with the idea of Tonks and Remus, mainly because I actually like Tonks. Harry and Draco, for sure, but we've just got to reach that point. There will be very light Ron and Hermione, because I love them. Also, Olivia will have multiple pairings and you will see why later. Anyways, this was really long and I am so sorry. Please, read and review!

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Harry gave a surprised jolt when the door to his room was lightly knocked on. He sighed and glanced at the ceiling, not fooled in the slightest. For all his joking and dismissal on bed arrangements, he knew that one of the misfits would be unable to leave him alone. He rolled his eyes and crawled out of the bed, padding to the door quietly. He opened it, wincing at the aged creak it gave, and peered out.

"Olivia." He whispered quietly.

Her red hair was up on a messy bun and her blue eyes were wide and gazing up at him in a rather childish way. She was wearing shorts and a tank top with sheep on the front and her outfit was complete with pink bunny slippers. She was altogether adorable and whatever refusal Harry was prepared to use evaporated in his head.

"Harry..." She murmured back.

"Where's Em?"

"She crawled in with Nick and Josh, needing a bed by a wall. I told her I didn't mind but... Well, yeah..."

"Alright, come on then." Harry mumbled and waved her in. She walked in, brushing past him. Goosebumps rose all over his skin and he sort of wished that he'd slept in a shirt.

"Thanks, Harry." Olivia said softly, sliding off her slippers. She crawled into the bed and lifted the covers over her. Harry walked over and followed her in.

"Better?" He asked as he settled. Olivia immediately sighed and curled into his side. He lifted an arm and let it sit comfortably around her waist.

"Better." She mumbled, her breath puffing against his neck.

"Night, Olivia."

"Night, Harry."

…

"Harry..."

Harry groaned and squeezed his eyes closed tighter, trying to fight whatever force was trying to wake him up. Something tickled his nose and he wrinkled it and a small giggle soon followed it. Blearily, he cracked his eyes open and saw Olivia peering down at him. He gave a chuckle that was thick with sleep and saw a spark of interest in Olivia's eyes. Or, maybe he was imagining that. Because, surely...

Okay, definitely interest.

Olivia swooped down and planted a hard kiss right on his lips, waking him up more thoroughly. He was suddenly more alert and aware than he could've hoped to have been five seconds before. His mind shut off completely and he forgot that he was supposed to be more into blokes. All he knew was that a soft caress was trailing down his chest and soft lips were determinedly working his.

It was one of those kisses that took someone by surprise and took their breath away. It didn't register with Harry that Olivia was a girl and they had already established that he didn't fancy her. He just reached up and tangled his fingers in her hair and kissed her back, applying near rough pressure. Apparently, Olivia liked his participation and shifted to get a much better angle. Harry just went with it.

Somehow, the kiss stretched on until Harry had rolled over and had her pressed back up against the mattress. Her knees were bumping his hips and her fingernails were digging into his back. Her lips were surprisingly fierce and worked eagerly and harshly, biting and melding deliciously. Harry didn't even stop to think how this might be a terrible idea. He was dizzy and his hands were clenching her hips as his rocked.

Wait... WHAT!?

Harry tore himself away, panting harshly. He rolled until he was on his back, their shoulders brushing. He stared up at the ceiling, mystified, and tried to catch his breath and reassemble his scrambled thoughts. His body screamed at him in protest, demanding he finish what he was doing, but he ignored it.

What the hell was he thinking? He couldn't snog Olivia, let alone try and hump her in the mattress. It was just...wrong. They had figured out that he didn't like her like that, hadn't they? The last time they'd kissed, he'd been sure that it'd never happen again. In fact, he'd doubted he'd ever want to do it again. However, now that line had been thoroughly blurred.

"Well, good morning to you, too." Olivia said breathlessly. And, despite his utter confusion, Harry burst out in laughter.

"Talk about a good way to wake up." He muttered before he could stop himself. He glanced over cautiously and found her grinning at him.

"Sorry, I shouldn't have attacked you like that. But, damn, Potter, you look good in the morning and that laugh... Bloody hell, give me warning, yeah? I'm surprised, honestly. I didn't expect you to...reciprocate, truthfully." Olivia said, shaking her head.

"I, er, hadn't meant to. I just... Well, I mean..."

"Harry, relax, it's okay. I don't mean to confuse you anymore than you already are. Still, that was nice. We should do that more often. Now, let's go hunt down some breakfast. Up, up, up." Olivia said easily, nudging him from his reverie.

Harry rolled his eyes and decided not to worry about it that much. Olivia wasn't going to fixate on it and neither was he. Though, she was right. They should do that more often. It had been nice, though Harry shouldn't have gotten so carried away. He didn't have her consent to pin her down and take such control. It bothered him to do that even if she hadn't seemed to be protesting much at the time.

Harry picked up a shirt and tossed it on, batting Olivia's hands away as she tugged at it playfully. She slipped on her slippers and they made their way to the door. Harry opened it, vaguely wondering how early it was. He wouldn't be surprised if it was really early, seeing as the misfits were used to Karlbergs schedule. They stepped out and they both immediately froze.

A group stood at the head of the stairs in direct sight of them. Apparently, they'd all been talking about how best to wake Harry up, not knowing that Olivia was with him. Sirius, Ron, Hermione, Fred, and George all wore identical comical looks of shock. Josh, Nick, and Em all looked amused. Harry knew how they looked. Both of their lips were swollen, hair was messes, and clothes was rumpled. He didn't doubt that they had a suspicious look about them. The immediate blush heating up his cheeks didn't help much either.

"Good morning." Josh said slyly.

"Morning. Sleep well?" Olivia said smoothly.

"Yes. You?" Josh asked casually. Olivia made a show of biting her lip and looking at Harry with heavy eyes filled with what was clearly lust.

"I didn't get much sleep but I sure was tired." She sighed, smoothing out nonexistent sore muscles.

"Bummer. What about you, Harry?" Josh asked with a small smile. And, Harry considered telling the truth but really, having the others on was much more fun.

"Sore, sweaty, and in need of a shower. However, what little bit of rest I did get... Well, it was restful." Harry said with a small grin. Sirius choked and Harry drifted to the shower, closing it on peals of laughter.

After a long shower, a cold one thanks to Olivia's wake up kiss, he made his way down to the kitchen for breakfast. He heard bustling around and laughter that sounded a lot like Ron's. He was just about to enter when the door burst open and smacked him right in the nose. He stumbled and fell, clutching his face and groaning. Gentle fingers uncovered his face and he was looking right up into Josh's concerned blue eyes.

"Bloody hell, are you alright?" Josh muttered.

"Shit, Josh, what was your hurry?" Harry snapped, gingerly touching his nose and was happy to find that his nose wasn't bleeding.

"I'm sorry. I just- I had to get out of there right then." Josh hissed, narrowing his eyes. Harry frowned and stood up.

"What's wrong?"

"Nick." Josh replied.

"Nick? What's wrong with Nick? Is he okay?"

"Yes, he's fine." Josh said shortly.

"Oh... So, what's the issue then?" Harry asked in confusion. Josh huffed and scowled at his shoes.

"Nothing." Josh muttered and brushed past Harry, hopping up the stairs two at a time. Harry rubbed his nose and continued in the kitchen.

"Alright there, Harry? Your face is all blotchy." Ron observed as soon as he walked in. Harry shot him a dirty look.

"I'm fine. Nick!"

"What?" Nick asked, jolting from where he'd been talking to Remus quietly.

"What'd you do to Josh?" Harry asked him bluntly.

"Josh? What do you mean?" Nick asked, looking around the room as if searching for Josh.

"He just left." Harry informed him with raised eyebrows. Nick's eyebrows furrowed and he frowned.

"Did he? Oh. Well, I don't know." Nick said with a shrug. Harry blinked as Nick turned back to Remus, dismissing the conversation.

"You...don't...know? Well, aren't you going to go check on him?" Harry asked slowly.

"Why?" Nick asked bluntly, looking genuinely confused. Harry's face cleared and he bit the inside of his cheek to hold in a retort.

"Hey, do you mind if I borrow Josh to sleep with tonight?" Harry asked abruptly, his eyes narrowed on Nick. The pale boy just shrugged.

"Sure, sure."

Harry nodded curtly and slowly made his way over to Sirius to say good morning and reassure him that his godson hadn't had sex last night. However, his mind was miles away. Remus and Nick had went back to their in depth conversation and Nick didn't appear to care about anything else. No wonder Josh was so put out at the moment. Harry brushed that aside as he slid into the seat beside Sirius.

"Morning, pup." Sirius said with an arched brow.

"It's not what you think, Sirius, really. We didn't do anything last night." Harry reassured him, failing to specify that this morning was a different story.

"We figured that out on our own, Harry." George told him, leaning forward with a smirk.

"You really had us going there, truly. But, the ginger didn't have and love bites so that was a no go." Fred said as if it was obvious.

"You lot are so gullible." Harry said with a snort, shrugging.

"Harry!" Em said excitedly as she bounded over with a wide grin..

"Hey, Em. You look particularly excited today." Harry noted, leaning back in his chair.

"Tonks promised to show me Diagon Alley and get me a wand!" Em burst out, nearly trembling with excitement. Harry's lips twitched.

"That's brilliant!" Harry said with a small laugh.

"Mhm and Nick is coming too! We invited Josh but he refused. Do you have any idea what his problem is?" Em said, her excitement dying to concern. Harry sighed and leaned forward to rest on his elbows.

"I think it's that Nick is pretty much ignoring him. Not on purpose, obviously, but you know how Josh is."

"I don't know, Harry. I think it's something more. Last night when I laid down with them, they were very far apart and there was notable tension." Em admitted.

"Really? I- Well, I don't know." Harry said with an awkward shrug.

"You don't think-"

"What!? Oh no-"

"But, well..."

"It would make sense and-"

"I don't put it past Nick."

"Exactly. And, if you think about it-"

"Josh would be just as he is now!"

"Exactly! But-"

"What do we do!?"

"I don't know..."

Harry bit his lip and looked at Em in worry. He never noticed Fred, George, and Sirius looking between them like they were watching a tennis match. He never even considered that the conversation didn't carry one complete thought and yet, they had knew exactly what the other was thinking. He never entertained the idea that he and Em were a lot like Fred and George, the actual twins, in that moment.

"Uh, are we missing something here?" Sirius asked slowly. Harry and Em shared a look.

"You'll handle Josh and I'll handle Nick?" Em asked. Harry sighed and nodded.

"Good morning, Harry." Ginny and Hermione greeted as they walked over. Harry smiled and stood up.

"Morning, Hermione, Gin. I'll be right back." Harry said.

"What!? Mate, you just got in here." Ron shouted as he shuffled over just as Harry started leaving.

"I'll be right back!" He replied with a small laugh. He watched as Em made her way over to Nick and left. He jogged up the stairs and made to the room Josh and Nick had been forced to sleep in.

He stepped right outside the door and was about to knock when he heard something. He froze and listened harder. There was soft weeping, cries soft as the breeze and heavy as suffocation. He heard faint noises, no, it was one voice. A woman's voice that sounded sharp and cold. Harry didn't hesitate, he burst in and peered around.

He was frozen at the sight before him. A woman, hair as dark as Josh's and the vague features Josh had, stood before him. She was glaring down at him with a look of such hatred that Harry couldn't imagine anything but that look on her face. She stood tall, looming over him and was sneering. Harry had no doubt about who she was but he couldn't fathom how she had gotten in here.

"And, you think they want you around? Ha, fool! Josh, no one wants you, not me and surely not those freakish friends of yours. You're not a true misfit, you're just a rich kid with a tendency to lash out for attention. They'll realize that soon enough!"

Harry didn't understand how she was there or how she knew just how to hurt Josh but she was causing some serious issues. Harry stepped up, fully prepared to tell her to leave, when something happened. Josh's mother turned to him and was suddenly swiftly changing. Harry's stomach dropped and immediate fear dropped into his chest. Josh finally glanced up from his sobs and stared inhorror as his mother morphed into various different things as the boggart tried to pinpoint what would frighten Harry the most.

"Josh! Go get Sirius and Remus!" Harry shouted quickly, eyes stuck on the morphing creature.

Harry fully expected the dementor, just as always, but was shocked when only a few glimpses of that dreadful robe appeared. No, the boggart chose something else, something much more potent. Cedric Diggory sprawled on the floor, dead eyes vacant as they fixed on Harry. And, Harry froze, true fear gripping him and locking him in place. Still, seeing that had nothing on when Cedric spoke.

"Harry... Harry, how could you do this to me? It's all your fault. I had a family, a life, and you took it from me. Why, Harry? Why does everyone have to die around you? Why...?" Cedric's voice croaked out.

Harry stepped back, his heart racing as his eyes stayed wide on the dead boy in front of him. His breath came out in short gasps and he tried hard to fight the panic gripping him. But, the boggart knew just what would render him frozen in fear. He vaguely noticed that Josh was running out of the room when Cedric popped and suddenly, Sirius was standing before him, his grey eyes suspiciously empty.

"Look what you do to us all, Harry. It's your fault. You took away my friends, your parents, and nearly got me killed. You'll manage to soon, after all, everyone dies around you. You kill everything you love. Why, Harry?"

And, despite the fact that Harry knew Sirius would never say that to him, Harry felt a part of himself break. It was true, after all, wasn't it? Everyone was always in danger because of him. Soon, his parents stood in front of him, condemning him. He could feel tears in his eyes falling over his cheeks and he couldn't do a damn thing but watch as the ones he loved spoke the truth. He could hear people rushing up the steps but didn't tear his eyes away. His mum and dad were still blaming him and he was believing them. He heard a few gasps behind him but paid no heed to it.

And then, people started popping by, faster and faster. All he saw was their pale skin and dead eyes that screamed death. Each and everyone was someone he loved and they were all croaking out a chorus of "Why?" that ripped him apart. Mrs. Weasley, the twins, Ron, Ginny, Hermione, Remus, Dumbledore, Tonks... They all blamed him. And, suddenly, Em stood right in front of him, glaring at him.

"What did you do, Harry? How could you condemn us to this life? We were fine, we were safe, we were happy, without you. Look what you've done. We're dead now and it's all your-"

"Riddikulus!" A voice shouted. Em was suddenly gone and replaced by a full moon that was just as quickly turned into a balloon.

A gentle hand gripped his shoulder but he didn't even notice. He stared blankly at that spot, unable to tear himself away. His mind worked sluggishly and he felt like he had been dumped in a pit of tar that he had to swim to the surface of. He was pulled away forcefully and he could feel warm breath on his ear and cheek but all noise had turned into a background buzz. He just sluggishly followed where the strong arm on his shoulder guided him to.

He didn't really start to come around until a bit later. He found himself in the kitchen and vaguely wondered how he even got there. He was surrounded by everyone peering at him in worry. He had a warm mug of tea in his hands and there was some wrapped chocolate on his knee. He realized in shock that he was mechanically chewing some chocolate.

"Harry..." Sirius whispered from where he was kneeling right in front of Harry. He looked really worried and Harry figured he knew why. He was still crying, just blunt tears pouring from his eyes.

"Sirius," He croaked. "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry."

"No, no, pup. It's okay, shh... We don't blame you. Hush, come here." Sirius said in a strained voice, his face pained. Sirius sat the tea and chocolate aside and pulled Harry into a hard hug.

"Everyone always dies around me and I'm sorry. I'm not safe and no one should be around me. They're all dead, dead, and it's my fault. It's my fault. I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so-"

Harry knew he was babbling but he couldn't stop the words from flowing from his lips. Fortunately, Sirius seemed to understand that and nudged his head until his mouth was pressed into Sirius' shoulder and his forehead rested into the crook of Sirius' neck. It shut him up nicely and he melted into the position, squeezing his eyes closed tight.

He wasn't sure how long he stayed like that but it helped him calm down from his hysteria. When he was finally recovered and thinking properly, he slowly peeled himself away. He peered around in more clarity than before and noted more details. Everyone looked at him in worry and Em was even crying. He couldn't even feel embarrassed as he scrubbed his face. He also noted that Josh was holding Nick close to himself, his grip obviously tight but Nick didn't appear to be complaining. Harry cleared his throat and stood up.

"Are you alright, Josh?" Harry asked hoarsely.

"Yeah. I feel better now that I know it's not my real mum." Josh admitted. "And you?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'll be alright, I'm sure." Harry said as casually as he could, waving as if swatting a fly.

"Harry, are you sure-"

"Yes, Sirius, I'm fine. Though, that was really draining. I'm... I'm quite tired and didn't get much sleep last night. I'm going to go take a nap." Harry cut his godfather off and gave a weak smile.

"Harry-"

He didn't stick around and wait for Sirius to finish. He hurried up the steps and rushed to his room. He slammed the door and practically flew to the bed, refusing to move until he took a nap for real. He didn't doubt that it would be filled with nightmares but bloody hell, he was tired, exhausted even, from that damn boggart. He hadn't been lying, it was draining. So, he rolled over and fell asleep.

…

When he woke up, it was a slow process. He didn't wake up so much as he had sudden awareness. He realized that he was squished between the wall and someone very warm. Someone very warm and firm, not at all like Olivia. Harry blearily creaked open his eyes and got an eyeful of a chest and collarbones. Harry blinked in surprise, vaguely noting that the chest was broad and fit. He leaned his head back and relaxed when he saw Josh peering down at him.

"Finally decided to wake up, then?" Josh asked quietly. Harry hummed, his voice gravelly.

"Yeah. Just a question but why are you in my bed?" Harry asked thickly. Josh snickered.

"I wanted to take a nap, too."

"So, you just decided to hop in the bed with me?"

"Yes. I- Well, I don't really want to be alone here." Josh admitted. Harry was immediately concerned.

"Hey, are you okay?" Harry murmured, shifting closer.

"Yeah, it helps to know that it wasn't my real mum. Quite frankly, I'm shocked to find out that she's my biggest fear." Josh said, going for casual.

"Yeah, well, I don't think it was her specifically but more what she was saying." Harry said.

"That's true." Josh allowed.

They fell silent for a little bit and it was altogether rather comfortable. Harry couldn't help but note that Josh was incredibly warm and firm, something that was apparently appealing to him deep down. It felt nice to be wrapped up and...well, snuggled the way Josh was cuddling up to him. Harry reached up and started running his fingers through Josh's hair, pulling a near purr from the other boy.

"You don't really believe what she said, do you?" Harry asked suddenly. Josh tensed.

"I mean... Well, sometimes, yeah." Josh stammered. Harry leaned his head back and frowned up at him.

"That's not really fair, is it? I mean, I'm not really a misfit. I'm just Harry, who happens to be a wizard with an affinity to trouble."

"I don't know. Sometimes, I feel like I'm just a joke. I'm the clown, the punch line. I'm the rebel no one wants. Maybe I am a misfit but not in the right way."

"Oh, Josh, you don't really believe that, do you? You're the first misfit that ever made me feel like I belonged. You're a great bloke and a true misfit if I've ever seen one. So, your family is a bunch of snobs. You aren't. And, that's the point."

"But, it's not the same. My family-"

"Isn't all peaches and pie. Josh, you're parents miss your birthday every single year on purpose. Don't downplay your problems in the face of other's problems. We all have issues, all of us, and we shouldn't compare them." Harry interrupted him. Josh sighed heavily and scooted down until he was curled into Harry's side with his head resting on Harry's stomach, allowing Harry a better angle to his hair.

"You're a good bloke, Harry." Jo's commented.

"I'm aware." Harry said seriously and Josh glanced up in time to catch his cheeky grin.

"I take it back."

"No, you don't."

"You're right." Josh sighed. "Harry, can I ask you something?"

"Of course." Harry said.

"You and Olivia didn't really...did you?" Josh murmured. Harry gave a jolt of surprise and felt his tongue get tied.

"No, no! We didn't, we just... She slept, I slept, that's all. Besides, she says she refuses to... How did she put it? Oh, yes...she refuses to deflower me." Harry reassured him quickly. Josh hummed thoughtfully.

"Do you want her to deflower you?" Josh asked.

"Er...no? I mean, shit, Josh, I don't know. I don't have an overwhelming desire to shag her, no." Harry huffed.

"So, what did you do, then? Because, you two were looking rather disheveled this morning."

"Apparently, I'm sexy when I wake up. She got an urge to snog me and you know how Olivia handles her urges." Harry muttered.

"Goes right for it." Josh put in wisely.

"Exactly. So, that happened. We snogged, that's all."

"Morning kisses. They're nice, aren't they?" Josh asked lightly, sighing wistfully. Harry rolled his eyes.

"Okay, there is clearly something else you want to ask me. Go on, then."

"Just... How do you know if you're in love with someone?" Josh blurted out. Harry blinked.

"I, uh, I don't know. I've never- I mean, I love people but I've never been in love. Why?"

"On a completely unrelated topic, Nick's a pretty great bloke, isn't he?" Josh said softly. Harry snorted.

"He's brilliant. Finally found out you fancy him, then?" Harry said, tugging on Josh's hair teasingly.

"No, Harry, I'm in love with him." Josh hissed, lifting his head to meet Harry's eyes.

"Oh? Well, congratulations." Harry said awkwardly.

"No, not congratulations, Harry! This is bad. Terrible, really." Josh snapped.

"Why?" Harry asked in confusion. Josh groaned in exasperation.

"Okay, one, because I don't fall in love. Two, because Nick refuses to entertain the idea that I want more than just a few shags. And three, because...because I don't think it'd end well." Josh insisted before deflating with a weary sigh.

"Is that why you're acting so odd around him?" Harry asked. Josh scoffed.

"Not only that but yes! Plus, the prat is so wrapped up in this world and he's been ignoring me. It's conflicting, really. I want to be around him all the time but at the same time, I'm scared as hell to be near him. And then, he goes and takes the option away from me. I mean, just who does he think he is?" Josh said with a pout gracing his features. Harry bit back a laugh.

"So, whatever will you do?" Harry asked.

"I'll move on and forget him, of course. Maybe I'll go out and find a replacement for a bit. Or, maybe I can have one right now to just get my mind off of him." Josh said with a wink.

"Are you coming onto me after you just admitted to loving one of our friends?" Harry deadpanned. Josh had the audacity to look smug.

"Yep." He said, popping the 'p' obnoxiously.

"You," Harry began, flicking him on the forehead, "are a true git. That's terrible. One, I'll never allow you to do that, with me or anyone else. And two, you can't just move on. You have to face it."

"Ah, no dice. That sounds like a terrible idea."

"I think it's smart, actually. Say he returns the feelings. Wouldn't that be a better outcome?"

"But, he doesn't." Josh said simply. Harry burst out laughing until he saw that Josh was serious and his laughter eventually filtered out.

"Bloody hell, you're not joking. You really think he doesn't feel that way towards you." Harry said in awe.

"He doesn't." Josh repeated stubbornly.

"Josh, mate, Nick is besotted with you. It's sickening, really. He's just as smitten as you but he's scared of being hurt. You know how he is."

"...Really?" Josh asked in disbelief. Harry reached up and face palmed.

"You are an idiot." Harry announced.

"Harry, I'm serious. You really think he does?" Josh said earnestly, sounding more hopeful than Harry had ever heard him. Harry's heart clenched.

"Of course I do. He'd be an idiot not to give you a chance." Harry mumbled. Josh brightened.

"You'll be my rebound if he doesn't reciprocate?" Josh asked abruptly. Harry chuckled.

"Sure."

"You'll let me deflower you?" Josh asked eagerly.

"We'll see." Harry snorted, rolling his eyes.

"Brilliant! I've got to go tell him now!" Josh said, popping up into a sitting position. Harry sat up as well and blinked at the sight that met him. A big, black, shaggy dog sat on the end of the bed, watching them.

"Oh yeah, Harry, why didn't you ever tell me you had a dog? I miss Jefferson so I let this big boy in." Josh said, reaching out to pat Sirius on the head.

And, Harry lost it. He burst out in uproarious laughter. The fact that Josh had just applied the phrase 'big boy' to Sirius was amusing in itself. However, it did help that Josh was on outs with Sirius when he said it. The fact was that Sirius was peeved when Josh flirted with Remus, despite the major age gap and unlikeliness of that situation. And, Josh enjoyed messing with Sirius for some reason. Seeing them like this, well, it was hilarious.

"We- Ha! We don't have a dog!" Harry choked out between laughter.

"What!?" Josh asked in shock, yanking his hand back.

"That's- It's Sirius! He's an animagus. It means he can shift into an animal." Harry snickered.

"What!? No way!" Josh burst out, staring at dog Sirius in shock. Sirius stood up on all four paws and hopped onto the floor. Mid jump, he popped back to himself.

"Yes way." Sirius said smugly. Josh's jaw dropped.

"Woah... That's...awesome! How do you do that? Can you be anything or do you have to be a dog? What's it like being a dog? Are you colorblind? Do we have scents?" Josh prattled on, scrambling and gazing at Sirius in obvious adoration, apparently forgetting that he and Sirius weren't getting on.

"I- Well..." Sirius trailed off, brow furrowing and a frown crossing his features. His eyes cut over to Harry, clearly wanting to speak to him.

"Hey, Josh, don't you have a nerd to go confess your love to?" Harry asked lightly. Josh blinked and tore his gaze away from Sirius.

"Oh, right. You're coming, yeah?"

"Yeah, I'll be down soon, I promise." Harry reassured him, waving Josh on. And, Josh's face lit up with understanding as he looked between Sirius and Harry.

"Oh! You two want to talk!" Josh said bluntly, laughing slightly. "I'll leave you to it, then."

With that, Josh hopped out of the bed, gently kissing Harry's forehead before standing fully. He smiled at Sirius as he left, apparently over whatever egotistical spat they were having in favor of knowledge of what it was like to be a dog. The door shut with a click and Harry stood, running a hand through his hair. Sirius had his lips pursed and looked deep in thought.

"He's a lot like me when I was younger." Sirius commented. Harry laughed.

"He's brilliant, really."

"You two seem awfully comfortable with each other."

"It's not what you're implying. He's just a mate." Harry said, smiling easily.

"Right." Sirius murmured, his eyes lifting and landing on Harry heavily. Harry shifted, knowing he wasn't going to like what Sirius said next. "Harry, you know that boggart was lying."

"Sirius..." Harry sighed, hating that he was right.

"No, pup, I seen you. It seemed like you believed it and you shouldn't." Sirius insisted.

"Okay, Sirius." Harry said simply, averting his eyes. Sirius sighed heavily and threw an arm around Harry's shoulders, seeming weary.

"Come on, Harry, we've got an idiot to watch confess his love."

.

.

.

Harry couldn't recall ever thinking that it was possible for his life to get any more complicated than it had been. He was wrong, apparently. Throw in a group of muggles into the mix that was his life and everything just sort of spiraled out of control. To put it simply, too much was going on for him to keep track of. The sad thing was that it was literally only the second day.

Harry stood back against the wall as Josh paced, his arms crossed and frustration making his eyebrows furrow. Grimmauld place was deserted at this point, something that had surprised Harry, Sirius, and Josh greatly. Josh had burst in and tried to declare his love at the top of his lungs, only to have Mr. and Mrs. Weasley as his only audience. Everyone had cleared out, leaving them with the message.

Mad-eye, apparently, got an urgent owl from Dumbledore and had to leave quickly. The rest, though, as in Remus, Tonks, and the kids, all of them, had decided to take that trip to Diagon Alley. Harry thought that maybe Tonks and Remus were regretting that right about now.

Harry, Sirius, and Josh had been put to work to keep trying to clean the horrid place. Josh had petulantly declared that he wasn't confessing his love a second time and Harry couldn't convince him otherwise. And, Harry was left wondering just how he got to the point he was at. It seemed like just yesterday that he was just a normal scrawny kid with normal thoughts. Or, as normal as one could be with Voldemort in his head.

Harry had been with the misfits all of a month but apparently that was all it took. They'd marched in his life and hadn't left and now he wasn't willing to let them go. He was there for the long haul, through everything, even the petty teenager situations that seemed insignificant when paired with an evil dark lord. He found he didn't really mind, though.

All he'd ever wanted since he learned that Voldemort was on him like a hound after a scent was to be normal. Just a normal kid with a normal life and family. Of course, he didn't have that choice and he had to do what he could with what was left. And, the misfits had gone and given him even more.

Suddenly, he was confused about his sexuality. It really shouldn't have been relief that he felt at that. But, to be honest, he'd never even expected to be able to have any relationships, let alone be able to question his preferences. He was taught new things and was able to express himself in ways that he had previously shied away from. It felt good and it felt right. He was just glad that his new life could mesh with his old. He had worried that it wouldn't have been able to.

For the first time, he was actually truly content. It was odd that he'd find such peace among chaos. So, maybe he was a true misfit after all. He did so much backwards, clearly he was. Harry cracked a smile at that thought and glanced over to Josh who was swinging a dripping sponge and grumbling under his breath. A certain fondness filled Harry up and he stood up, smiling widely.

"Josh." He spoke up.

"Hmm?" Josh mumbled, still pacing.

"Think fast." Harry ordered and picked up a sopping sponge from the pail at his feet. Josh looked up in confusion but Harry only got a tiny glimpse of the expression before the wet sponge he chunked collided with his face.

The sponge stuck there for a moment before squelching and sliding off of Josh's face. Josh wore a very blank expression, his eyes closed and his lips pursed. Harry grinned, waiting for some verdict, and Josh sputtered as suds flew from his lips. Harry started snickering, too amused to even pay Josh any mind. However, his laughter cut off when a thick wet sponge smacked into the side of his head.

"Ha! That's what you get, prat!" Josh crowed, laughing loudly.

It was war.

Water flew everywhere and sponges were sent soaring through the air with the clear intent to connect sharply on its target. Laughter floated through the air and both boys ducked and dodged behind furniture. Harry gave war cries and Josh's uproarious laughter bounced around the room. They made a very big mess as they battled but in their minds, it was completely worth it. They were in the moment.

So in that moment, they were, that they didn't notice as the fireplace flared to life and multiple people started stepping and stumbling out. Harry growled and squeezed his sponge right over Josh's perfect hair. Josh shrieked, rather like a girl, and grasped Harry's pail on the ground. Before either of them knew it, Josh had overturned the pail on Harry's head.

They both froze. Harry let the sponge fall from his fingertips and it landed on the floor with a dull squelching thud. Very slowly, Harry spit out soapy water and blinked open his eyes. A contact was misty but he didn't pay it any mind. Josh looked up at him, his mouth a perfect circle.

"Harry, I am-"

"I'm going to drown you, Reddick." Harry promised and lunged.

They went down in a tumble of sopping, clingy clothes and slippery limbs. Harry tried for the upper hand, he really did, but Josh was taller and broader and therefore, he had a slight advantage. Josh straddled his waist and pinned his wrists down.

"Ha! Admit it, Potter, I win!" Josh said smugly.

"No, you didn't, you big lug. Get off of me." Harry snapped, scowling petulantly up at him. Josh cocked an eyebrow and shook his head like a dog might, spraying Harry with water.

"Admit defeat!"

"Never!"

"Stubborn."

"Prat."

"Aw, don't be like that. It's fine, really. All that matters is that I won, yeah?" Josh teased.

"You didn't. Now, get up." Harry huffed. Josh hummed lightly and tilted his head.

"I don't know, Harry. I've got you right where I want you." Josh said playfully.

"So you think. Last time I checked, I'm not Nick."

"Ouch, that really hurts. Hey, you did promise to soothe my wounds if the sentiment wasn't returned."

"You're a horny git, you know that?" Harry muttered, wriggling as he tried to throw Josh off. Josh gave a short laugh and dipped down, pressing a small kiss to Harry's jaw. Harry instinctively tilted his head back to allow Josh a better angle.

"Not really. If I was, I'd be all over you. As it stands, I happen to be in love, so... However, if we'd have met a year ago... Well, you wouldn't have ever been able to resist me." Josh said with a serious nod.

"Right, okay. Get up now." Harry snorted. Josh winked and hopped off, his shoes slopping. Josh winced and pulled Harry to his feet.

"Bloody hell, you're soaked." Josh noted.

"No, really?" Harry deadpanned.

"Hey, don't catch that tone with me. What are we going to do? We'll be in trouble for sure."

"Yes, good point. Ah... You know what we need?"

"What?"

"Actually, it's more of a who. Don't tell them I ever said this...but the twins would be great help right now."

"Wait... Sexy thing one and sexy thing two?" Josh asked, his eyebrows shooting up.

"I mean, if you're into that sort of thing." Harry said, shrugging. Josh hummed.

"Well, actually..."

"Really, Josh, with the one track mind thing? Please, stop." Harry grumbled and turned around. "Oh! Speak of the devils."

"What?" Josh asked, whirling around, too.

Crowded in front of the fireplace was everyone that had taken the trip to Diagon Alley, minus Tonks. Hermione and Ginny were carrying a few bags and staring at them as in amusement. Ron had a perplexed look on his face as if he couldn't process something. The twins were grinning, eyes glinting in mischief. Remus and Nick both looked uncomfortable, averting their eyes. Olivia and Em were just watching in what appeared to be envy.

"That looked fun." Olivia commented.

"You have no idea." Harry said with a grin.

"And, you need our help?" Fred asked.

"How may we be of service?" George chirped and both blokes bowed at the waist.

"Well, you are of age now. A simple drying spell would solve this." Harry hedged, biting his lip.

"Give them the doe eyes." Josh whispered in his ear. Harry glanced at him incredulously.

"What?"

"The doe eyes. You know. When you're being earnest or sincere or hopeful, your eyes get all wide and glistening. Just do it." Josh hissed.

"Er..."

Harry tried the doe eyes, unsure if he was succeeding or not. To be honest, he wasn't even aware he had the ability. Fred and George stared between them intently before sharing calculating looks. It might have been one of the most stressful silences he had ever been witness to. Finally the twins removed their wands and dried the place up. The mess vanished as if it hadn't ever been there.

"Brilliant." Josh breathed, his face splitting with a boyish grin, complete with a dimple.

"So, Josh... Who are you in love with?" Em spoke up, her tone knowing. Josh's smile evaporated.

"What?"

"We heard you talking to Harry. You said you were in love. Who's the poor bastard?" Olivia said. As if unable to help himself, Josh chanced a look at Nick before quickly looking away.

"I- Uh, no one. I just... I was joking." Josh stuttered.

"Really? I was under the impression that-"

"So! How was the magical world!?" Josh cut Olivia off loudly. Like a spell, the silence was broken as everyone started up talking. Harry stepped back and watched as Ron and Hermione edged to stand at his sides.

"You okay, mate?" Ron asked.

"Yeah." Harry answered as he watched everyone interact. And, it was the truth.

"Us too." Hermione whispered.

"Strange, isn't it?" Harry asked. Ron and Hermione shared a look before answering in unison.

"Yeah, it is."