Chapter Text
The tapping, he heard it in his sleep now too. When will it stop? Harry Potter slowly opens his eyes, nope not in his sleep there is an owl at his bedroom window tapping. Why couldn’t they just leave him be. He did what he was born to do. So many owls a day, inviting him to balls in his honor, or people throwing themselves at him. It’s been two years you would think people would have moved on to something else.
He couldn’t even go out without them following his every step. Throwing off the covers and swinging his legs off the bed. His toes curl into the rug as he stretched, his bones cracking at the movement. Ignoring the owl at his window with a flick of his hand the curtains close as he walks to the bathroom.
Harry looked at himself in the mirror. His raven hair hung in his green eyes, which have purple dark circles under them. Never enough sleep, or dreamless sleep, since the end of the war two years ago he has been plagued by nightmares. Not that he didn’t have them before then, now it’s reminders of who all lost their lives to the war. With another flick of his wrist the shower turns on, Harry slips off his shorts and looks at himself. He is never going to be the strongest or the smartest, he was lucky to be alive actually. He knew being an auror wasn’t what he wanted to be. Follow in his father's footsteps, follow a man he has never met.
Harry wanted to do something that he enjoyed, he didn’t care if he made money from it. It’s not like he doesn’t have enough to live off of anyways. What he loved to do was write. When he was on the search for the horcruxes he began to write. This is what he could do to relax, it was something that made him happy. Making up stories of his adventure, sometimes adventures he made up in his mind. Or about love... that seemed to be his favorite. Writing about a life he would love to have if he would survive the war. What is perfect about writing stories if he writes something that he doesn’t like he could change it... Not like in real life.
Stepping into the too hot water Harry leans with both palms on the tile, head bowed the water just flowing over him. If he could change the ending his parents would be here, so would Sirius, Remus, Severus, Fred. Harry would like girls, that is something that he would rewrite, so he could be with Ginny. She was too smart and knew that Harry didn’t like girls before he knew. He could have the family he always wanted.
Ginny wasn’t too heartbroken about them not being together. She knew herself that she didn’t want to be with Harry, she knew that she liked girls... well one girl in particular.
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“Ginny, why... why are you doing this... I want to be with you I... L...Love you...” Harry looked at the beautiful girl in front of him. Knowing that he loved her, but not the way that she wanted him to love her... or so he thought. Giving him a watery smile. He wished that he could just be normal for once, and to be happy. Would he be happy with Ginny? Shaking his head, he looked into her eyes.
“You and I both know that we love each other Harry, but we are not in love with each other. I love you just as I love all my brothers. Just as you love me as a sister. Harry, I know that you are gay. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, I know it’s scary I feel the same way. I.. I am in love with someone else, she is beautiful, and amazing and unique!” Harry does a perfect fish impression, Ginny is a lesbian, and she knows that Harry is gay.. ‘Am I gay?’ He knew the answer to that question.
Grabbing her hand across the kitchen table at The Burrow. “I’m happy that you are in love. She is going to be a lucky girl, to have someone as brilliant as you.” Ginny picks up his hand and kisses it. So much for his big happy family. You should have known better Harry.
“You will find someone too Harry.” He laughs, no one would want him for him. They would want him for his name, his status, the money at Gringotts. Giving her hand a squeeze, he stands and moves around the table to her. Placing a hand on her cheek his thumb rubbing back and forth.
“Maybe one day...” He places a kiss on her forehead and he walks to the fireplace. Grabbing a handful of floo powder he threw it into the flames stepping inside the green flames he yells “Number 12 Grimmauld Place.”
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“Harry... Mate? You here?” Ron’s voice echoes through the house. Sighing Harry turns off the shower, casting a few drying spells he throws on an old pair of jeans and a black t shirt. Taking a deep breath not really wanting to see anyone today. He is glad that they are home safe though.
“I’ll be right down.” Padding down the stairs he saw it wasn’t just Ron, Hermione was with him. Too late to pretend that he is not home. Not that he doesn't love his two best friends, he is just not in the right mind to want to be happy or even pretend to be happy.
“You look like shit.” Ron said as Harry walked into the room. It’s nice to know things hasn’t changed since he came back from Australia.
“Ronald!” Hermione scolds, pulling Harry into a hug. He didn’t know that is what he needed at that moment. Tears pooled in his eyes as she holds him.
“Oh Harry...” Pulling away he wipes the tears quickly away. He hated to breakdown, he has done that too many times now..
“It’s okay Mione, just tired I... I haven’t been sleeping well. Tea?” They both shook their head. Sitting down on the couch Harry motions them to join him. “So, what is this all about?” Raising and eye brow as he crossed his arms.
Ron and Hermione share looks between each other. “Mate, Mum said that she hasn’t seen you in a month. I know that you and Ginny broke up, but I think we all know that, well that it’s a good thing seeing as... Well as you like blokes.” Harry’s eyes widen... Did everyone know but himself...
“Ron...” Hermione whispers. “We don’t care that you like men Harry, we have known for a while, and Ginny we have known about her too...” Harry just stared at his two friends, the two people that know him better than anyone. “We are here to tell you that you are going on holiday...” Harry laughs, do they really think that going on a holiday is going to help him with the nightmares. Will going on holiday bring back every one that he loved.
“I don’t think going on holiday is going to help Hermione. What I am supposed to just leave, I have no clue where to go. I... I have never had this freedom before... What about the press won’t they eat me up if I leave my house? I mean I get so many owls a day. I... I think I might be going mad if I stay here much longer but I don’t see how going on a holiday would help... Two years Ron it’s been two years... Why haven’t they gotten sick of me yet.” Ron smiles, why is he smiling this is not a happy thing, maybe he is just happy because he has someone who loves him... and often from the bite mark that is peeking through the collar of his shirt.
“You are going to go to Romania. Charlie is all ready for you, we have been in contact with him. The press can’t get there... They wouldn’t want to because of all the dragons. We have talked to him about how much you needed this... He couldn’t say yes fast enough. You leave on Sunday... So, you have what today and tomorrow.” Ron said placing a journal that Harry is assuming is a portkey. The journal was brown leather with a gold lock. Harry’s fingers were itching to touch it, something about it called to him.
“Is this my port key then?” Looking back up at his friends.
“No that is a gift from us,” Hermione speaks up. “This is where you can start a story while you are on holiday. It never runs out of paper.” Hermione pulls out an old broken pocket watch. “This is your port key. It leaves Sunday at 10, which would be 12 in Romania. Please Harry say that you will go... Since Ron and I went to Australia, we have felt better. Getting away from the reminders, just being free for once in a long time. Please, please promise us that you will at least think about it?” Hermione grabs his hand Ron grabs the other. Looking into the eyes of his best friends he knows he should at least think about it.
“Fine... fine.. I will think about it. I don’t know how much good it will do but... Thank you, guys... this means so much to me.” Harry stands and hugs both of them, he doesn’t know what he would do without them.
“Anything for you Harry, we will always be there for you... To make sure that you take care of yourself. We are family that is what we do...” Hermione kisses his cheek. “Alright we need to get going you were the first stop today. We have to get to The Burrow, we just got back and Molly isn’t going to be happy that she wasn’t our first stop. Floo us later Harry...”
“Yeah Mate... Please think about it... Charlie is excited to see you... You know you guys always gotten along with each other on holidays. You are one of the few people he talks to.” Harry felt something in his stomach when Ron said that Charlie was excited to see him. See, no one knew much about Charlie Weasley. He was a tall strong beautiful and silent type. Very tall, very strong, very beautiful and very silent type. Harry tries to push those images out of his head. Charlie told him when he was in the last time that there was a guy... Grady he thinks was his name, he was in love with him... Shame Charlie has always been the one that Harry felt drawn too. The one he felt was most like him.
“I will do... I’ll talk to you soon. I’m glad you guys are back.” They both waved one last time before they stepped into the floo.
Throwing himself down on the couch he picks up the pocket watch. Feeling the cool metal in his hands, should he go... Would this be a smart thing to do... It would be nice to get away from everything, even just for a little while. Knowing he would need a few things if he did decide to go on this holiday. He would have to go to Diagon Alley to get his supplies... Rolling his eyes he summoned his robe. Hopefully he could hide from the public today, since it was still a little early.
Grabbing a handful of floo powder he disappeared in the green flames.
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Falling out of the fire place in the Leaky Cauldron, Harry brushes the ash off of him. Thank goodness he has gotten better at the floo travel.
Looking up he felt like all eyes were on him. Taking a deep breath, the walked forward, trying not to make eye contact with anyone. That was until he heard his name.
“Harry!” Looking up he knew that voice. There sat Ginny with her girlfriend Luna. So much for not being noticed today.
“Hey guys!” Harry smiled as he walked up to their table. Ginny stands up and give him a big hug almost bone breaking hard. Then Luna stood up and hugged him a lot gentler.
“Join us for breakfast! Please!” Ginny said grabbing onto Luna’s hand. It should make Harry jealous shouldn’t it.. His ex girlfriend with someone else, but it is not.
“Okay I guess I can. How have you guys been?” Harry makes himself comfortable at the table looking around to make sure the press wasn’t nearby.
“We are great! How are you Mum said she hasn’t talked to you in a while.. Said that you have been stuck at home... Harry, you know you need to get out...” Ginny is looking and sounding very much like her mother right now.
“I’m actually thinking of going on holiday... Your brother said that I could come stay with him.” Harry bit his lip and looked down. He felt his face flush with the mention of Charlie.
“Oh Harry that is wonderful..” Luna said smiling at him. “You will meet your husband there.” Harry knowing Luna and her abilities he didn’t question it.. It was scary how she was right all of the time. Maybe he should go on this trip. A dragon trainer as a husband, his thoughts go back to Charlie.
“I don’t know Luna... Not saying I don’t believe you but. I just want someone who wants me for me, not because of my name or how much money I have... I just want to be Harry Potter... What guy is going to want me just for me. Not just for status or money.” Both of the girls grab onto his hands.
“There is someone Harry.. I promise.” Luna said in her dreamy tone. “When have I ever lied to you. You will find him and he will love you... Just you..” Harry felt his lips curl into a smile, hoping that Luna wasn’t wrong for the first time.
They ate their breakfast talking and laughing about everything. Ginny told him that they would write him while he was gone. Pulling him into one last hug.
“Harry, you are an amazing person... Luna is right I know she is right. Now take care of yourself. I love you... Be safe.” Kissing his cheek Luna and Ginny walked out of The Leaky Cauldron.
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So, what do people normally take on vacations... Remembering what the Dursley's would take. Camera, snacks, sun screen, bathing suits. Harry shook his head and closed his eyes. That is the last thing he wants to think about is his Aunt and Uncle in bathing suits.
A camera would be nice. He could take shots of the dragons. Maybe do some research on Dragons... Maybe even start a story about a very handsome Dragon trainer. Rolling his eyes, he walks out into the busy alley thinking he is going to go to the joke shop to see George before he starts his shopping.
After a full day of shopping Harry threw everything down in the living room. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. Looking at everything that he bought. Kind of late now after buying all of this stuff. Harry ate dinner out that night before he came home. Once he lied down on the couch, he knew he wasn’t going to move.
Waking up to the floo dinging Harry sits straight up. His body tenses, he should have not slept on the couch last night.
“Come on through.” Harry knew it had to be Ron or Hermione this early in the morning. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes in walks Hermione holding something. Her eyes showed that something was wrong. What else could they have done... He wasn’t even out in town that long, didn’t talk to anyone besides Luna and Ginny and he knew he was somewhat alone.
“Harry, you should probably read this.. I.. I didn’t want you to read it alone.” Harry took the paper from Hermione’s trembling hand.
On the front page in bold type.
It’s only Boy on Boy for The Boy Who Lived. Yesterday Harry Potter had tea with his ex-girlfriend Ginny Weasley and Weasley’s girlfriend Luna Lovegood. Sorry ladies, Harry Potter you have broken many hearts today. But boys that gives you a chance now! We did catch The Chosen one walking into Weasley Wizard Wheezes maybe it’s another Weasley that has Harry’s heart.
Harry threw the paper down Harry put his face in his hands. This can’t be happening; this is not how he wanted to come out to the world. He wasn’t even ready to come out into the wizarding world.
“Harry... It will be alright... We can get through this, we have been through worst things than this.” Harry raked his hands through his hair and sighed. He wanted to scream.
“Why... though... why do I have to do deal with this. Coming out isn’t something that a person should just put in the paper. It should be discussed with family first. Mr. And Mrs. Weasley didn’t know.. Well until now.. They are the closest thing I have to parents and look how they had to find out. Now I have to worry about girls and blokes wanting me. I mean they did before but now that they know. It’s going to be worse. Maybe... Maybe it is a good thing I am going to Romania tomorrow.” Hermione pulls him into a hug.
“I’m happy that you are actually going to go, this is going to be good. I promise Harry get out of here forget about everything just work on you.. Write your stories, soak up sun. Watch Charlie handle dragons, with is muscles and tattoos.” Harry blushed as Hermione spoke.
“Mione you better not let Ron hear you talk about his brother like that.” Pulling away he pulls one of her curls.
“Oh Ron knows how much I love him... Or he should know after everything...” Hermione blushes again, Harry hopes one day he could have a relationship like Ron and Hermione have.
“I guess I should get dressed and go over to The Burrow... I’m guessing that everyone is there...” Hermione bit her lip and nodded. Brilliant. Harry ran up the stairs two at a time. Taking a quick shower and walked back down stairs wearing a purple Pride of Portree quidditch t-shirt and jeans.
“Alright let’s get this over with.” Harry said with a sigh. He knows that they will love him no matter what... right... that is what they always said. Hermione grabs his head as if she knew what he thinking.
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Making a not so graceful entrance into The Burrow Harry dust off his clothes and looks up into the eyes of Molly Weasley. Almost running to him, she pulls him into a hug.
“Oh Harry! I’m so sorry that... that they did this to you. This is not how a person should live. No matter what we love you Harry. Now let’s get some food in you, Charlie actually told me that he was letting you come spend some time with him at the sanctuary. I think that is a wonderful idea dear.” She said as she ushered him into the kitchen where a sleepy Ron sat at the table which was covered in breakfast foods.
“Morning..” Ron grumbled taking a bit out of a sausage.
“Morning,” Harry sat down and looked at the empty plate in front of him, he wasn’t hungry. He hasn’t been hungry in a long time. Hermione sits across from him. Filling his plate up with eggs, toast sausage and bacon. “Mione I'm not hungry.” Harry looked up at her, her eyebrows raised as to say don’t argue with me.
“You need to eat. I’m pretty sure you haven’t been eating. Eat, or would you rather Molly be the one to tell you?” Hermione's tone was not a playful one. Taking a deep breath Harry picked up his fork and started to dig into his breakfast.
“Mate we could go flying today. I haven’t done it in a while and I figured that you wouldn’t mind.” Harry smiled at his best friend, why does he still doubt how well his friends know him.
“That sounds great Ron. After breakfast?” Ron nodded in agreement and they sat and ate as they talked about their trip to Australia, all the different places that they visited and the food they ate.
Harry spent the whole day at The Burrow. Flying, talking, eating.
When it was getting late after pudding and tea, Harry stretched and got up from the couch.
“Harry make sure that you write. We will worry about you... Just have fun! I’m sure that Charlie will take good care of you.” Hermione hugs him and kisses his now flushed cheek thinking about how Charlie could take care of him.
“Give Charlie our love... I’m glad that you are going... We will miss you mate.” Ron give him a quick hug and a slap on the back. Harry looks at his friends, he wasn’t sure how this was going to go but he is sure that it couldn’t be worse than how it’s going now.