-1Chapter four.

Albus felt so much better now that he had told Harry. The boy to him was like a grandson and he knew the feeling was mutual. Harry had told him before fourth year ended. He remembered it well when he had visited the boy in the hospital wing. 'Albus I'm sorry about what happened your like a grandfather to me and I love you so much I didn't mean to get Cedric killed I'm sorry'.

Poor boy another death. Which he felt was on his couldn't he have peace for just one year.

"Thank you for telling me Albus and I'll make sure it stays that way. I don't know why everyone is as homophobic as they seem. But I suppose it's times like these you learn who your real friends are"

Albus nodded he could do no more than agree with the boy. Sometimes Harry really surprised him. He knew the boy was clever when it came to magic even though Harry himself didn't know it but sometimes he understood so much.

"Remember Harry it's better to find out now rather than later who your true friends are"

Albus rose to leave as quietly as he had entered the Gryffindor common. Although he was stopped in his tracks by Harry's voice. He hoped that Harry would be ok he knew how hard it could be to lose friends over something so stupid and right now Harry needed people he could trust.

"You shouldn't hide who you are sir. You will one day live to regret your decision of hiding it. Albus isn't it time you learnt who your true friends are?"

Albus thought about that for a moment. Perhaps Harry was right.

"See you at breakfast Harry"

Harry just nodded knowing he had touched Albus and caused him to think. As Albus closed the door he realised the answer to Harry's question. Whispering to himself so no one could hear he said 'Yes Harry I believe it is'. Leaving the portrait to the Gryffindor common room Albus went back to his office. He had a surprise for his lover. Finally his secret lover would get his wishes and let the world know of their relationship. Albus knew that he had left his lover in a world of secrets and pain. They had to be so careful because Albus had feared the world would no longer trust him but now he felt he owed his lover the chance of freedom so that they could live together.

Since Albus had left Harry realised he couldn't get back to sleep. Not that it mattered much because he had to get up in a minute anyway. The very thought that today he would find out who his true friends were made Harry a little nervous. Making his way to the boys fifth year dorm he changed into a clean set of school robes.

Shit have I lost that much weight? Someone is sure to notice.

The robes Harry had bought only last year were now a couple of sizes too big for him. Realising he had no choice but to wear them he picked up a piece of parchment and a pen to write a reply to Draco.

Dearest Draco,

I would have been honoured to talk to you in person it wouldn't have been a waste of my time but I also, understand your reasoning. I accept your apology and feel that you deserve one to. I didn't exactly give you a chance to prove that not all Slytherin's were bad. I therefore am sorry and I hope for us to become friends.

I know that letter was written before the incidents of the great hall yesterday and I fear you may not want to be my friend now you know I am gay. I hope that is not true but please I would rather know the truth.

H. Potter.

Deciding that the letter sounded ok to him Harry decided he would send it in this mornings post. He made his way to the owlery and found Hedwig with no problem.

I'm so glad I left her here at the end of last year. I will have to get Dobby a present for feeding her all over the summer.

Attaching the letter to Hedwig's leg Harry handed her a treat.

"Can you take that to Draco for me in this mornings post"

Harry waited for Hedwig to nip his ear in reply. Remembering that he had to write a letter to Remus he was glad he had bought a spare piece of parchment. He had forgotten to ask Albus but he was sure one letter wouldn't make a difference. He would put a charm on it anyway so only Remus could read it.

Dearest Remy

I know I'm not meant to write to you but its important. I need to tell you before it comes out in the paper. I hope to god that you don't have a problem with this and nor your new pet as I love you both so dearly you are both fathers to me.

I don't know how to say it so I'll just be blunt Remy please don't be mad that I never told you before I only just accepted it. Well you see I'm gay. There I have told you I hope you don't mind because it would pain me to loose you both. I worry that you will react as Mione and Ron have. I told them and they both basically shouted at me I'm glad I never trusted them with my secrets I don't mind I was planning on telling everyone I was gay anyway. I don't know when it will be in the papers but its bound to be soon I can see It now 'Boy who lived gay'. I wanted to tell all those special to me first.

Hope you are ok and look after your pet and yourself love you both so much. Please be ok with it I cant loose you not now not ever.

P.S I put a few charms on this. Only you should be able to read it and anyone other than you will not be able to repeat this to anyone else. I don't want to put you in danger.

Harry placed the last charm on the letter and attached it to Hedwig's other leg. As he apologised for asking her to fly more than once today she nipped his ear showing that she understood.

She really is a clever girl my owl.

Very much like Harry Potter Severus himself had found last night a very sleepless one. Apart from the fact that he wanted to rip his skull out from his thumping headache he had also found his thoughts occupied with a certain spoilt brat. After retiring to his private chambers Severus too stubborn to take a pain relief potion had gone to bed. Only to find that what had happened in the great hall was stuck in his head. Not only was he angry at the Granger's words about male-male relationships he found Potter was stuck in his head. Eventually giving into his thoughts Severus allowed himself to analyse Potters actions.

The brat was late. He was trying to hide a limp. He was skinnier than I have ever seen him. The weasel and miss know it all were disowning him as a best friend because he was gay. Wait there was something I had seen in his eyes when Granger was threatening to kill him. He had wanted to die. Harry had wanted Granger to kill him. Wait since when did I call Potter by his first name?

Severus awoke instantly but then who wouldn't with a cup of freezing cold water splashed over your face. He was so going to kill Albus and his stupid games. Sending a spell back up to Albus he smiled to himself as he heard two loud thumps. Not many people knew that Severus' chambers in the dungeons were directly underneath Albus' office.

Wait two thumps. Was Daniel here? I thought they kept it a secret. Students are sure to notice a stranger around school.

Jumping out of bed Severus took a quick shower. Contrary to popular belief that Severus never washed his hair he did every day. Grabbing his work robes he put them on before rushing up to Albus' office.

"Enter Severus"

That damn old meddling fool couldn't sneak up on him even with an invisibility charm. Not that I have tested him of course.

Entering the office Severus found he was correct. Daniel was here. He could see with the man sitting in Albus' lap.

Talk about taking a chance.

He knew of course that Daniel had stayed before especially over school holidays and their anniversary but this was taking a chance. He was one of the very few professors who knew of this relationship. Albus and Daniel had been together and married for 50 years. There wasn't much of an age gap between the two Daniel was 10 years younger than Albus at the age of 120.

"I thought I heard two loud thumps when I transfigured your bed into a feather. Thank you for the lovely wake up Albus"

The two love birds laughed at the man before them he truly wasn't a morning person and Severus himself would be more than pleased to admit it. They watched as Severus slowly walked over and took a seat in the chair opposite them. Both knowing that Severus' disguise of a sigh was actually one of laughter.

"I thought that was you. I also, know you're here worried that students will notice a stranger round school. Well as of now I believe that the world will soon know my secret. Here have a look I gave them the picture myself"

Albus handed the paper to Severus who sat down in shock. So Albus was finally proud enough to admit he was gay and come out to the world. He had married 50 years ago and kept it a secret for so long. It seemed that he didn't leave much information out of the story including the fact that Daniel was now moving into Hogwarts school with Albus.

"I'm happy for you Albus, both of you. I just hope the students react better than they did when Har…Potters secret was discovered"

Albus smiled lightly at the pause Severus took before realising that he was about to call Harry by his first name. So it seemed Severus was beginning to see that Harry is actually a decent enough boy. Daniel smiled knowingly at Severus not much got passed either of these two men. Especially since Albus and Daniel told each other everything and Severus happened to be a common topic for discussion.

"Thank you Severus it means a lot to us." Daniel smiled "Right I'm off to work see you later Severus."

Severus watched as Daniel gave Albus a quick kiss and a whispered love you before apparating to work.. He knew that Daniel worked for the ministry along side Tonks. Both also, happened to work for the Order and were trying to opt for a new minister of magic. Albus of course wanted the new minister to be his lover but he knew that he would be happy for any order member to get the job

"I believe its time for breakfast Severus lets go"

Harry had of course been avoiding the whole of Gryffindor as much as possible. He didn't care about the rest of the houses but he had to live with the Gryffindor's and sit with them at the table in the great hall. Realising Harry was one of the last people to enter the great hall he slowly made his way towards the Gryffindor table unsure of where to sit.

"Harry come sit here"

Harry looked towards who had called him Fred?

Ronald Wesleys brother mind you that made sense they were always nice to Harry and accepted him for who he was not his fame. Maybe just maybe more people would accept him than he originally believed.

Nodding Harry sat down without realising it he looked around to see most of the hall starring at Ron and Mione in death glares.

"Don't worry about my brother Harry mate no one is really bothered about your sexuality."

"Hey thanks Fred that means a lot to me. I really thought that everyone would agree with Ron and Mione you know?"

"Yeah I know Harry but me and George are with you all the way" Harry nodded his thanks. "Hey look Post is here"

Harry himself didn't expect to get anything so he took a glance around the hall to find that people were watching him but unlike last night they were looking sorry for him. Looking over at Draco he saw Hedwig drop the letter in his lap and he began reading. Smiling to himself he preyed Draco didn't care about Harry being gay.

"Harry earth to Harry you have a letter"

Harry was pulled out of his trance by Dean who was smiling at him so it seemed not many people were bothered. Taking his letter he recognised the writing to be Albus'. What was Albus writing to him for they had only spoken yesterday.

Dearest Harry,

I know you don't get wizards papers and so I have wrote this letter to explain what all the students are acting shocked about. After speaking to you yesterday I thought about what you said and I agree it is time I learnt who my real friends are.

I announced yesterday in an article that I was gay and have been with my lover Daniel Smith, who I hope you will one day meet, for the last 50 odd years. Thank you for helping me realise that it is time I told the world the truth.

I know you will be fine Harry and I wouldn't be so sure that Draco hates you just because you are gay I have a suspicion that he will more than happy to be your friend for who you are and not for a lie.

Once again thank you. All my love Albus.