Surprise! I updated this 20 million months later! I bet you forgot what happened. I almost forgot too, until I had a dream where I was like "I should update my fanfiction story" (seriously). And then I wrote most of this chapter over the last 2 days.

So if you are wondering where this is going there will be one more flashback chapter (the next chapter) and then we will fly back to Lima Ohio and catch up there and if everything stays on track, there will be 7 ish more chapters to this story. (In case you are wondering). Hopefully I'll try to update a few more times this summer, if I'm not busy.

Anyway enjoy this chapter and tell me what you think! Sorry for not updating in forever again! And thanks to all who are still sticking with me!

The Incident (part 2)

About 2 years earlier

The next 3 weeks after Ethan told Albus his secret were pretty normal. Albus continued to go to classes until it was Christmas break, then he spent some time with his family until it was time to go back to school again.

It was only 2 days back from Christmas break when Albus began to notice people were acting a bit strange.

One day as Albus was walking to his potions class, he noticed a few Slytherin boys snickering as staring at him. At first, Albus just brushed it off, but later that day, he noticed the same group of boys looking at him funny and whispering to each other as he walked past them.

Then as he was heading back to the Common Room by himself later that evening, the group of Slytherin boys started to creep up behind him.

"Hey Potter. So I've heard you've been unable to keep your tongue to yourself."

Albus pretended he ignored them and keep walking; a little faster this time.

Another boy taunted from behind again. "So Potter how come you aren't walking back with Ethan? Having a little domestic fight are you?"

"Yeah I though you two were madly in love, snogging each other in the Common Room every night."

A warmth crept up the back of Albus' neck and his heart started to pound furiously. How could they know what happened? No this is not possible.

Albus immediately then started to run. The Slytherin boys started to yell at him but didn't proceed any further. Albus finally reached the Gryffindor Common room and said the password, then quickly entered the portal.

Albus slowly paced around the Common Room, taking deep breathes and swearing to himself silently. How would they know what happened? Who could have told them about the kiss? None of them could have been there at the time. And why would they assume he was dating him? The prospect of them knowing these things frightened him. What happened between Ethan and him was private and never should have gotten out.

The next day, the taunting continued once more. In between classes, during classes and even at lunch the Slytherin boys continued to tease him, as well as Ethan. At lunch one time while Albus was sitting next to Ethan in the Great Hall, an older boy from Slytherin came up behind the two of them, grabbed their necks and slammed their heads into their plates of food. Albus gasped as he slowly raised his head back up, with

"Gay," he chuckled and walked off.

Rose, who was sitting across from them, stared at them with her mouth gaped open. "Oh my God, are you okay?" she asked as she grabbed her wand and immediately cast a spell that clean the mushed up food off their faces.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Albus mumbled looking across to Ethan but as soon as he turned his head, Ethan had already gotten up and started to follow the Slytherin boy. Albus' eyes widened and Rose's eyes widened too.

Ethan immediately grabbed one the boy's arm and yelled at him.

"Excuse me, what do you think that you're doing?" Ethan slim frame straightened suddenly.

The Slytherin boy smirked, "What do you mean? I was just doing what I think you and your little Potter boy deserved."

"And what exactly did we do that deserved a face full of food?"

"You know exactly what you are doing…fag."

Ethan sharply drew his breathe and pulled his wand out. The Slytherin boy immediately followed suit.

"Isn't that what you are? A fag? A little wimpy gay boy? Both you and Potter over there, snogging each…"

"You know what," Ethan said raising his voice the loudest Albus ever had heard him. Almost everyone in the Great Hall was watching the two of them now. "Maybe I am gay. No, scratch that, I am gay. Yes I just said it, I'm gay. But you know what? I do not give a house elf's shit about what you think. And I want you and your gutless friends to just leave me and Albus alone. Especially Albus because he has nothing to do with this. "

"Not from what I've heard," the Slytherin boy said and immediately hexed him.

Ethan flew back onto the ground and everyone gasped. Ethan screeched and Albus noticed that a tail was slowly growing from under his robe. The Slytherin boy walked up to him one last time and kicked him in the face for good measure, then smirked once more. Albus and Rose quickly rushed up to Ethan and at the same Slytherin boy quickly rushed away.

"Oh my God Ethan we need to get you to Madame Pomfrey," Rose said horrified. Ethan just groaned back. I can't believe he did that to you." Albus just stared at him, still in shock over what he did.

Suddenly one of the Professors, Professor Nix, trotted over towards the three of them. "What going on here…oh my goodness is that a tail?"

"Yes can you get him to Madame Pomfrey now? He's in great pain from the extension of his tail bone and he needs some medicine and someone to fix this."

The Professor nodded and helped Ethan up slowly and the three of them headed over to the hospital wing. Ethan moaned in pain as he walked slowly, leaning on Professor Nix for support, and seemed quite delirious to his surroundings.

Albus felt sick to his stomach as he headed there. He couldn't believe that Ethan just said all that and stood up to the Slytherin boy. After the last few weeks of keeping this secret, Ethan just decided to come out and say the truth, in front of hundreds of people and the older Slytherin bully. Whether they heard him or not was a different story, but Albus was quite sure that many people heard what happened.

Except before what had happened just now, there were kids who knew about what happened between him and Ethan. And it puzzled and frightened him. He saw how Ethan was treated just now, and he was afraid he'd experienced this terrible treatment as well.

On the way to the hospital wing, Professor Nix asked what had happened, since he missed the whole incident. Rose explain very thoroughly and angrily, while Albus, still in shock, nodded occasionally at the appropriate times.

"I just don't understand why he did that to him," Rose ranted. "It makes absolutely no sense why someone would hurt another based on their sexuality. What makes Ethan any different from anyone else? I mean I had no clue he was gay until 5 minutes ago but that doesn't change my opinion of him at all. He is a really lovely and kind person. And why should it make any difference to that thug from Slytherin. Also I don't understand what Albus has to do with this? Albus do you know why he slammed your head into your plate? Albus? Al…are you even listening?"

Albus blinked a few times and turned to his cousin. "Yeah, but it's just a lot to process right now. And I don't know why I was involved," Albus replied as convincingly as he could.

"Whatboouttme?" Ethan's small voice said from behind the Professor.

"Nothing. Just don't talk. It will make your headache worst," Rose sharply told him. Ethan mumbled then winced as he continued to walk silently.

Professor Nix nodded. "Well, I guess once we get Ethan to Madame Pomfrey, I'll go talk to those boys. They will definitely be punished in some way."

"Good," Rose said loudly. "Those jerks deserve whatever you give to them." Albus nodded silently but his focus was on Ethan pale and pained face. His blonde hair was tousled wildly and he saw tears forming behind his normally bright blue eyes. It saddened him to see his friend like this. But what really was affecting him was the fact that somehow these Slytherin boys knew about what had happen. He was perplexed and he couldn't think of how they knew about this. Anger was bubbling inside him and he wished he could let it all out, but after seeing Ethan like this, he knew better than that.

So for now Albus walked to the hospital wing in silence, while Rose continued to rant about how horrible the Slytherin boys were and how she wished people could grow up and not pick on other people who have nothing to do with their lives.

By the next day, Ethan was all better and out of the hospital wing. However, even though physically he was okay (other than a bruise on his forehead) mentally he was still quite shaken up, even though he tried his best to act like everything was okay. Albus could see the misery behind his eyes. He was definitely not the same person as he was just 2 days before, and it almost seemed like a Dementor had sucked all the joy away from him.

One night, the two of them were sitting in the common room together. It was late and it was once again empty, except for the two of them. Tension filled the air, as Albus had not spoken to Ethan all day, except for a homework question or two during class. Albus was pretending like he was reading his textbook for Defense Against the Dark Arts, but really he just wanted to talk to Ethan about what happened. Albus shut the book and turned to Ethan who was sitting across from him.

"Look, can we talk about what happened," Albus asked him quietly.

Ethan looked up from his book that he was reading, "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea." Albus could hear a hint of anger behind his voice, and that worried him a bit.

"Okay well first I think you were so,so brave to stand up to that Slytherin guy like that. I could have never have done that."

"And you didn't," Ethan said sharply. Albus was slightly taken aback at him, but decide to continue talking.

"And…and I'm sorry about that. It's just I was afraid…"

"Afraid of being called a fag?"

There was an awkward pause as Albus stared at Ethan, once again shocked.

"Well maybe…I don't know. I honestly don't know," Albus said a little louder. "I was just a bit stunned that's all. But I just want you to know that I'm so grateful that you stood up to them for us."

"Us?" Ethan said piercingly. "I was standing up for myself because I didn't want them to think I was a weak being who could easily be pushed around."

"But you told them to leave me out of it," Albus said.

"Only because there didn't need to be more drama and I didn't want any more people to get hurt."

"You didn't want me to get hurt?"

Ethan glanced at him straightforwardly, "I wouldn't wish for anyone to have to go through all the crap I'm going to have to go through now."

"What do you mean?"

"You think they are going to bug me once and leave me alone forever? Albus, this is only the beginning of the crap that I'm going to have to face. Everyone knows I'm gay now. It's the talk of the school, what happened yesterday. Everyone keeps looking at me weird, like all of a sudden I'm a different person. I'm pretty sure there has never been an openly out gay student in Hogwarts ever. And of course, that person happens to be me and now."

"Ethan, you know not everyone in the school is going to hate you…"

"But there are people who hate me. And I don't even know why. It's not like I did anything to them. Like that group of year 5 and 6 Slytherin boys. And even though that one guy got detention for a week because of what he did to me, do you think once he finishes detention, he will suddenly change and start treating me like I'm royalty or something? No, he will probably continue to taunt me and threaten me every single day and no one will do much about it, because I go to a school with magic, so verbal and physical threats and beatings are nothing compared to what people here can actually do. I've been already taunted for being a Mudblood and for being shorter than the average boy, but I'm not sure if I can keep on acting like these things don't hurt me. " A tear rolled down from his eye, and Ethan quickly wiped it away

Albus was stunned. He had never seen Ethan get so emotional while talking before. He immediately got up from the chair he was sitting on and went and sat down next to him on the couch.

"Ethan it's okay, you can stand up to them," Albus said while rubbing his back. "Look what you did in the Great Hall, if you just keep doing that…"

"The thing is I can't though. I did it once already and came out to the entire school while doing it and it was the hardest thing I have ever done."

"And the bravest thing I have ever witnessed," Albus said softly grabbing Ethan's hand unintentionally. Ethan turned at looked at him and Albus realized what he was doing and quickly released his hand from Ethan's.

"Sorry," Albus murmured. Ethan simply nodded and looked down at his lap.

"There's one more thing Albus. You know ever since we came back from Christmas break, that's when they started taunting me for being gay. Did…did you tell someone about..."

"No, I swear on Dumbledore's grave that I didn't tell anyone. They have all been calling me names too you know."

"Dumbledore's grave? Since when did that become a saying?" Ethan said, smiling slightly.

Albus almost smiled too. He was glad that somehow cheered him up. "Seriously, though, trust me, I didn't tell anyone."

"You are one of the only people I trust, you know, I was just making sure."

"But then who did? No one else was there, at least I don't remember seeing anyone …"

"I don't know. I really have no idea," Ethan said sadly.

2 weeks later

Albus couldn't believe it. He was still in denial, as he stood at the Entrance Hall watching Ethan grab the last bit of his possessions and put them together. He couldn't accept that he was leaving to go to another wizarding school in France because he couldn't take it anymore here. Ethan wasn't the same person as he was before and Albus could see that roaming through the halls of Hogwarts how frightened he was walking past certain people. He had become very tired lately as well, and he knew that it was taking an emotional toll on him. It angered him greatly and he wished that there was something he could do to stop it. He didn't want to lose the only true friend he had ever had, and it disheartened him.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Albus asked him again. "No one has hurt you since what happened in the Great Hall and…"

"Albus," Ethan said calmly. "I already told the Headmaster and my parents that I want to be transferred to another school. It's a little too late now. And yes, no one has hurt me physically, but I've been teased constantly every day by those shithead Slytherin's, and sure I just ignore it or try to say something witty back but I just can't do this for the rest of the year anymore. I just want to go someplace where I don't have to worry as much about what people will say, and maybe not come out at the wrong time. I want to have control over it this time."

"But you chose to do what you did in the Great Hall…"

"After they kept accusing me of being gay, I didn't really have a choice. Well maybe I did…but in that moment I felt like that was the only thing I could do. Just tell people who I really was."

"And you absolutely shouldn't regret it at all," Albus said moving closer to him. "You stood up to him something that I was afraid to do at that time. You were brave and courageous, you showed everyone what it means to be a Gryffindor. What a Gryffindor is really like."

Ethan smiled shyly. "You remember when we first met, how you saved me from those Slytherin bullies, who I think were mostly the same guys who are after me now?"

Albus nodded, "Of course!"

"Well that was where I first learned about bravery and standing up. From you saving me."

Albus immediately wrapped his arms around Ethan and hugged him as tight as he could. "Please don't leave. I know things are harder here but…"

"I'm sorry," Ethan whispered, his voice cracking a bit. "I just need to get away from here for a while that's all. Maybe I'll come back." Albus could hear the doubtful tone in his voice.

Albus could feel the warmth of Ethan's body against his. It felt nice and comforted him. The smell of fresh soap from Ethan's hair tickled his nostrils and his presence made him feel like things would be okay, that he wouldn't be losing his best friend.

Ethan pulled away however. "I have to go now, before it's too late."

Albus looked around. "Where is everyone else? Shouldn't the Headmaster be here at least?"

"I think he's outside waiting for me and besides, I think the only person who wants to say goodbye to me is you. You were my only good friend you know. Your siblings and cousins are nice and all, but we were never super close," Ethan admitted.

Ethan picked up his bags and headed towards the door. Albus followed right behind him, his hands awkwardly shoved in his robe pockets, dreading every moment.

Ethan turned and faced him, "I guess this is goodbye then."

Albus just stared at him, still not accepting this moment. "Yeah I guess it is," he answered.

Ethan put down one of his bags and reached for Albus' hand in his pocket. He gently grabbed it and intertwined it with his.

"I still love you, you know. I will never forget you Albus." Ethan spoke quietly.

Albus looked at their hands together and nodded, lost for words. Ethan squeezed his hand for a second then let go.

"I'll miss you Ethan," was all Albus finally managed to say.

Ethan sadly looked at him. "Me too. But I know you'll be able to find another friend. And not one of those frauds who are befriending you to try to meet Harry Potter. A real friend, who loves you for you, and not for who you are connected to."

"If you say so."

"I know so."

"Goodbye, Albus. Do well on your O.W.L.S for me okay?"

Albus smiled in spite of himself, "Okay. Bye Ethan."

Ethan smiled and knocked on the door as it opened up for him. He looked at Albus one last time, then walked out of Hogwarts for the last time.

Albus turned around immediately and decided to go back to the Gryffindor Common Room. There were so many feelings he had right now, sadness, anger and confusion. But has he was walking he realized something that he didn't think of before.

He remembered one of the Slytherin guys in the posse. Not the leader who hexed Ethan, but another one who was named Blake, as he could recall. He was definitely one of James' good friends, and he knew that he moved around a lot with James also.

Everything clicked all of a sudden. He knew who spread the rumours. He knew there was only one person who could have saw them kiss and who could have told the group of Slytherin guys.

It was James.

James caused all this.

Albus clenched his fists up tightly and walked faster towards the Common Room.

There was only one person he was going to talk to as soon as he got there.

It was his brother James. And it wasn't going to be pretty.