Say Hello, Say Goodbye

Chapter 2

"Harry! You're going to be late for breakfast if you don't get up!" Ron shouted at his friend for what felt like the hundredth time.

Harry opened his eyes and looked up at the blurry figure of his friend. Groaning he sat up and rubbed his eyes before reaching to his bedside table for his glasses. Putting them on he glared at his friend. "Why didn't you wake me sooner?"

"I've been trying! You're very hard to get up, you know?" Ron said in a huff and walked out of the room.

Harry sighed and got out of bed and rummaged through his trunk for clean clothes and went off to take a quick shower.

15 minutes later Harry walked into the Great Hall and made his way to the Gryffindor table and sat next to his friends.

"Harry! What took you so long? We've only got 15 minutes till Potions and you know it takes 10 to get to the dungeons!" Hermione said in her best Head Girl voice.

Harry rolled his eyes. "I know, Hermione! I over slept." He quickly began filling his plate with bacon and toast.

The three friends began talking quietly about what they thought they would have to do today in Potions when Hermione had a sudden thought.

"Harry, have you made a decision about what Dumbledore asked you yesterday?"

"Yes, I have. I'm going to talk to him about it after classes today. Once I get things sorted out I'll tell you guys."

As soon as Harry put the last piece of toast in his mouth all the plates vanished down to the kitchens.

"We better get going," Hermione said, picking up her bag. The two boys followed suit and they quickly made their way down to the Potions' classroom.

When the trio walked into the room they quickly noticed that all the other students plus Professor Snape were already there.

"Well, it's nice of the Golden Trio to make it to my lesson today," Professor Snape sneered. "10 points from Gryffindor each. Now go sit down; you're holding up the lesson."

Ron and Harry went to sit down at the table in the back when Professor Snape stopped them.

"Now wait a minute, Potter and Weasley. I think we'll break up the Duo and have you sit some place else. Maybe your abysmal grades will go up. Let's see. Weasley sit with Parkinson and Potter sit with Malfoy." Snape said with a smirk.

Harry saw the other Gryffindors giving him 'I'm sorry' looks and he tried his best to look like he was about to go face Voldemort without his wand but inside he was happy. It wasn't very often he got to sit with Draco in a lesson.

Harry sat down next to Draco and got his cauldron and ingredients ready. "Malfoy," he said with a slight nod of his head.

"Potter," the blond hair boy said with a sneer. "Better not make me fail." But Harry knew from the look in his eyes and the slight nod of the head that the other boy didn't mean it.

"Well, don't drop any unnecessary ingredients into the potion and you won't Malfoy."

"Now, students, as you know you will sitting your N.E.W.T. exams in a few months and it is my job to get you ready for your Potions N.E.W.T. We will be starting by going over those potions that may very well be on the exam. Today we will be doing the Growing Potion, which when given a drop at a time will allow the drinker to become several inches taller, which I might add will benefit several in this class," Snape said while staring straight at Harry.

"He's right Harry, you could use a growing potion," Draco said with a laugh.

"Very funny Malfoy. Very funny," Harry said with a glare.

"What is everyone waiting for? Come up here and get your ingredients so you can start your potions. The clock is ticking!"

"I'll go and get the ingredients while you start boiling the water," Draco said in a whisper. "Alright, shorty?"

"Ha Ha. Really cute," Harry said as he got the cauldron filled with water and over the flame.

"Don't I know it," Draco said with a smirk.

When Draco came back with their ingredients they quickly began cutting them up and putting them in to the potion making sure to stir correctly. While the students were busy doing this Professor Snape walked around the tables inspecting the cauldrons, telling the Gryffindors that this ingredient was cut wrong and that the color was off and telling the Slytherins that they were doing fine or how to fix the potion so it was correct. When he reached Harry and Draco he stood next to them and watched as they continued to add the final ingredients.

"Ok, that was the last one. Now we just stir 10 times clockwise and then take it off the fire and let it cool and then bottle it," Draco said.

Professor Snape nodded, "Very good Mr. Malfoy. Your potion is the right consistency and the right color. At least someone read the assignment before the lesson. 10 points to Slytherin. Oh and 10 points from Gryffindor for Mr. Potter being so incompetent that Mr. Malfoy had to do all the work," Snape said with an evil smirk as he walked back to the front of the room.

Draco and Harry just looked at each other. "He was standing right there as you put stuff in the potion!" Draco said in furious whisper.

Harry sighed. " Don't worry about it, Draco," Harry whispered back. "I'm used to it."

"Everyone begin bottling your potions and make sure to label them clearly!" The students began to quickly pour their potions into bottles and clean out their cauldrons.

Harry gave Draco one more nod before walking toward his friends. "I'm so sorry, Harry. Having to sit with Malfoy of all people," Hermione said as they began to exit the room.

Harry shrugged his shoulders. "It was alright. How was working with Parkinson, Ron?"

"Ugh, it was awful. She was a nightmare."

"I feel for you mate," Harry said as he placed a hand on Ron's shoulder.

"Come on guys we have to get to Charms," Hermione said as she practically dragged them to the Charms classroom.

After Charms they went to the Great Hall for lunch. While he was eating, Harry could feel eyes staring at him and he looked around and noticed the headmaster's blue eyes on him. He could tell that the headmaster was wondering if he had made a decision yet. He gave the older wizard a small smile and a slight nod of the head. He could see the man relax slightly at this. He knew he would have to tell him his decision soon.

"Harry? Earth to Harry. Can you read me?" Hermione joked.

"Huh, what are you talking about, Hermione?" Ron asked, confusion written on his face.

"It's a Muggle thing, Ron."

Harry gave a shake of his head and turned back to his friends. "What did you say Hermione?"

"I was just wondering what you were thinking about. You have been staring at the Head Table for a while now."

"Oh, Dumbledore was staring at me. I have a feeling he was wondering whether or not I've decided what to do that's all."

"Well, you're going to have to tell him soon Harry," Hermione said in her know-it-all voice.

"I know. I'm going to go to his office after lessons today."

"Good," Hermione said with a satisfied nod. The trio went back to eating. A few minutes later a barn owl landed right next to Harry's plate with a piece of parchment tied to its leg. Harry quickly untied the letter and read it.

H

Meet me at the entrance to Dumbledore's office after lessons, alright?

D.

Harry quickly folded the note and put it in his bag, hoping his friends hadn't read it. He looked up and noticed that they were staring at him.

"Just a letter from Sirius. Letting me know that they got all the paper work down for his reclaim of Black Manor now that he's free."

Hermione looked confused. "I thought they had all that straightened out already. Sirius was here last week remember? He told us then."

Harry gulped quietly. "Well, there were a few more papers he had to sign that he had forgotten about."

Ron and Hermione nodded and let it drop, but he could tell that Hermione wasn't completely convinced.

10 minutes later they picked up their bags and proceeded to History of Magic, their last lesson of the day.

When it was over, Harry shook himself from the daze he always went into during that lesson and proceeded to the Headmaster's office.

Arriving at the stone gargoyle that guarded the headmaster's office he noticed that Draco hadn't got there yet. He waited there for a few minutes before he finally showed up.

"Sorry, I had a hard time getting away from Crabbe and Goyle," Draco said as he came up and gave him small peck on the mouth.

Harry smiled. "It's alright. I have to say I'm a little nervous about this."

Draco took Harry's hand in his and smiled. "Don't be. Besides I doubt he will be doing the spell today, he has to get the potion made first."

"Yeah, you're right. I shouldn't be nervous about this." Harry went up to the gargoyle and spoke the password. "Canary Creams." The boys moved back when the gargoyle swung aside revealing the staircase that led to the Headmaster's office. Draco looked over at Harry with wide eyes before the two began to climb the stairs.

When they got to the top of the stairs Harry reached out and knocked loudly on the door.

A tired voice answered. "Come in!"

Harry and Draco looked at each other concerned, they had never heard the Headmaster's voice sounding so tired and well...old. Harry opened the door and entered the room.

Dumbledore's face lit up and his eyes twinkled when he saw the two boys. "Harry, Draco good to see you."

"Hello, Professor," Harry answered. "I've talked it over with Draco and we've come to a decision."

Dumbledore straightened up and looked serious. "And what is your decision, Harry?"

Harry looked over at Draco before turning back to Dumbledore. "I've decided to do it."

Dumbledore visibly relaxed and he smiled, looking as though years were wiped away from his tired face. "Thank you, Harry. And you, Draco."

Harry nodded, smiling. "So...what exactly happens now?" he asked uncertainly.

"Well, you would first take the Gravis Potion, which as I said before would give you a uterus, a place for the baby to grow. Then about an hour after you have taken the potion I will perform the spell that will transfer some of my essence into you, and that will hopefully create a baby. We should know within a few days if it indeed worked."

"And if it didn't?" Draco asked.

"Then, if Harry agrees, we try again."

Draco nodded, but from the look in his eyes Harry could tell the questions had only just begun. "Will this procedure be painful for Harry?"

"Well, the potion will cause mild discomfort but it shouldn't be anything Harry can't handle. The spell shouldn't cause any at all."

Harry took Draco's hand. "Love, relax. It shouldn't be anything too bad. I mean, it can't be worse then the Cruciatus curse."

Draco sighed. "No, I suppose not. I just don't want you going through anymore unnecessary pain after everything that's happened."

"Don't worry, Mr. Malfoy, I will do all I can to make sure Harry will be as comfortable as possible during the procedure and the coming months. As I am sure you will be doing as well, Draco?"

"Of course," Draco said.

"So when will the potion be ready, Professor?"

"Yes, that. Well, now that I know you have agreed I can ask Professor Snape to make the potion. It shouldn't take longer than a few days I would think. Most of the ingredients are common enough that he should have them available in his private stores."

Harry and Draco had their jaws open in shock. "Professor Snape! He's going to make the potion? Are you going to tell him who it's for? He'll try and poison me if he knows it's for me!" Harry said exasperated.

"Oh, don't be silly, Harry. He will do no such thing. But I will have to tell him who it's for. I'll make sure to tell him to go easy on you," Dumbledore said with a wink. "Now, I do believe you will want to be notifying certain people about your decisions, Harry?"

"Oh, yes. I'll need to tell Sirius and Remus and Hermione about this. When is the next Hogsmeade weekend, Professor? I can have them meet us at the Shrieking Shack then."

"The next Hogsmeade weekend happens to be this Saturday so you can write to them and have them meet you then."

"Alright, I'll do that. Thank you, Professor," Harry said.

"No, thank you Harry. I will contact the two of you when the potion is ready."

The two boys nodded and they got up to leave the office. Once they were out in the hall Draco turned toward his boyfriend. "So what are you going to tell them?"

Harry sighed heavily. "Well, I figured I would ask Sirius and Remus to meet Hermione, Ron, you and I at the Shrieking Shack and first tell them about you and I being a couple and then depending on how everyone reacts we'll tell them about the upcoming pregnancy."

"You mean depending on Ron's reaction?" Draco asked tentatively.

"Right."

"Well, are you sure having me there won't be a problem for the Weasel? It could just cause more problems in telling him."

"Draco, how many times do I have to ask you to please call him Ron or at least Weasley?" Harry said exasperated.

Draco sighed. "I know. I know. But if he treats you like I have a feeling he will when he finds out about the two of us dating then I reserve the right to call him the Weasel, alright?"

Harry chuckled. "Alright, Draco, but hopefully it won't be necessary."

"For your sake I hope so too," Draco said quietly. "Now, it's getting close to dinner and if you want to send that letter to Sirius and Remus you should go do that now."

"You're right. I don't want to risk being late again and having to answer a bunch of questions. Do you want to meet again tonight?"

Draco shook his head. "Better not, I have that essay for Binns that's due on Friday and I haven't even started it yet."

"Draco! This is Wednesday, I've at least started it! But you're right, I need to finish it as well. And with the talk with everyone this weekend, I'll need something to keep my mind occupied."

"Hey, I've had other things on my mind," Draco said with a wink. "And don't stress too much about Saturday, it'll all work out, you'll see." Draco then pulled the smaller boy into his arms.

"I hope so," Harry said as he rested his head on the other's shoulder.

Draco pulled back and gave Harry a kiss before pulling away all together. "You better get going and I'll see you tomorrow, ok?"

"Right, I'll see you tomorrow." The two boys left in opposite directions, one towards the Slytherin Common Room and the other towards the Owlery.

When Harry reached the Owlery, Hedwig flew down and landed on his shoulder giving a questioning hoot. Harry laughed at this. "Yes, Hedwig, I'll be using you this time. I need to send a letter to Sirius."

Walking over to the desk, Harry proceeded to write a letter to his father's two best friends.

Sirius and Remus,

This Saturday is a Hogsmeade weekend and I need you two to meet me at the Shrieking Shack. There's nothing wrong so don't worry. I just need to explain some things to you guys and Ron and Hermione. Say 1:00pm?

Hope to see you then. I've asked Hedwig to wait for a reply.

Love,

Harry

When he finished, Harry quickly tied the letter to Hedwig's leg. "Ok, girl, take this to Sirius and wait for a reply." Hedwig gave a hoot and flew off. Harry exited the Owlery and headed down to the Great Hall but before he could get there he ran into a tall body.

"Potter, watch where you're going! Shouldn't you be stuffing your face in the Great Hall with the rest of the Gryffindors by now?"

"Sorry, Professor. I am headed there now, sir."

"Very well, Potter." With that Harry started back down the hall but was stopped by Snape's voice, "Oh and Potter? 10 points from Gryffindor for your inability to not run into someone."

Harry was fuming but he continued to walk as if he didn't hear his professor not wanting to give Snape the satisfaction of knowing he made him angry. When he reached the Great Hall he walked to the Gryffindor table and sat down next to his friends. He noticed Hermione giving him the look that meant she was going to question him.

"Before you say anything Hermione, I was sending a letter to Sirius," he said.

"I wasn't going to ask you where you were, Harry."

Harry looked sheepish. "Sorry, Hermione."

"It's alright. I was just wondering what happened with Dumbledore. You did go and talk to him right?"

"Yes, I did. And it went well, considering. I'm not going to explain anything now though." Noticing they were about to protest he held up his hand. "I'm just going to ask that you wait until Saturday because I need to explain this to Sirius and Remus as well and I only want to do it once. I asked them to meet us at the Shrieking Shack at 1pm."

Ron and Hermione looked over at each other, considering his request. After a moment, they turned back to him and nodded. "Alright, Harry we'll wait until Saturday," Ron said.

Harry let out the breath he hadn't even realized he had been holding. He had been worried they wouldn't want to wait, knowing how curious they were. "Thanks guys."

"No problem, but is what Dumbledore wanted this big that you need to include Sirius and Remus?"

Harry nodded. "Yes it is. This is permanently going to change my life."

"Wow, that is big. Are you sure you can handle it?"

Harry rolled his eyes. "Yes Hermione. But I am going to need your help. Both of you," nodding toward Ron.

Ron smiled. "Anything for you, mate"

'Let's hope you still feel that way when I explain things, Ron.' Harry thought to himself. With that the three friends began eating their dinner.

The rest of the week went by quickly and before Harry knew it was Saturday morning and his nervousness increased tenfold. He was currently pacing the length of the common room waiting for Hermione to come down so they could leave.

"Harry, calm down! What you have to tell us can't be that bad!" Ron said, exasperated from Harry's constant pacing.

Harry stopped and looked up at his friend. "Yeah I suppose you're right. I'm being silly." He sat down on one of the couches and leaned back. "I'm just really nervous, like I said yesterday, this is a big announcement I'm going to make."

"What announcement?" Both Harry and Ron jumped at the addition of the new voice. They turned around and saw Ginny and her boyfriend Colin leaning against the back of the couch.

Harry took a couple of deep breaths in order to calm himself. "Nothing Ginny. Just something I have to come clean about to Ron, Hermione, Sirius and Remus."

Ginny and Colin gave him weird looks but they could tell that Harry didn't want to talk about it so they left the two boys alone. Just as Harry began pacing again Hermione came down from her dorm room.

"Finally! Now let's leave before Harry has a heart attack from nerves," Ron said, grabbing Hermione's hand and began pulling her toward the entrance.

Hermione yanked her hand from Ron's and glared at him. "I can walk for myself, Ron!" She straightened her robes before looking over at Harry. "Now, why are you so nervous, it's not like you're going to tell us your pregnant!"

Harry visibly paled and chuckled nervously. "Now, what gave you that idea...wait...you know that it's possible?"

Hermione nodded, "Yes, I read it in a book about wizarding relationships. It said that wizards use a common pregnancy potion in order to become pregnant and from there it works the same as it would for a witch." Hermione was about to ask why he wanted to know when she caught the disgusted look on Ron's face. "Ron, what's wrong?"

"I can't believe you're talking about this like its completely natural for a guy to be pregnant, Hermione! The whole idea is revolting! Not to mention being gay!"

Harry was shocked, he knew his friend was less than thrilled with the idea but he didn't think he was that against it and from looking at Hermione's face he could tell she was shocked as well.

"Ron! What if one of your brothers told you he was gay would you react like this to them? Your own family?"

"Funny you should say that Hermione. One of them is....and he got booted from the family for it."

Both Harry and Hermione were shocked. "What?" they both asked at once.

"Percy," Harry was shocked at the venom in his friend's voice. "My dad told us to tell everyone that Percy left because of differences with the Ministry 2 years ago but really it was only part of the problem. He told us one day that summer that he was gay and with a boy and it ended having a nasty row with dad over it. Mum was devastated when Percy left, she just doesn't see what's so wrong with it. Her and dad have had numerous fights about it. I know that she has tried to see Percy a few times but he won't let her, thinking she just wants to start a fight about it. I always knew there was something more off about him then just a love for the rules. Never would have guessed this though."

After a few minutes, Hermione got her voice back. "What about the rest of your brothers and Ginny? What do they think?"

"Bill agrees with dad and I. Fred, George, Ginny and Charlie have never really said one way or the other."

"No, wonder! They are probably afraid of getting kicked out of the family if they said one word against you!"

Harry decided to put a stop to the fight because he knew if he left them alone they would be fighting all day and they needed to be going if they were to get their Christmas shopping done before meeting Sirius and Remus. "Guys?" Harry said hoping to get their attention. "Guys!" He said a little more loudly. When they turned toward him he lowered his voice. "We need to get going if we want to do everything and then meet Sirius and Remus on time."

Ron opened his mouth like he was going to say something but Hermione beat him to it. "Oh, right, sorry Harry. Let's get going Ron." She began walking towards the entrance and the boys quickly followed her.

10 minutes later the trio were walking through Hogsmeade. They stopped in front of Honeydukes and Harry turned toward his friends. "Ok, we all want to go shopping so how about we meet at The Three Broomsticks at 12:30 that way we can still have a Butterbeer before we go to The Shrieking Shack."

Ron and Hermione nodded and the three friends went their separate ways. Harry first made his way into Honeydukes to buy some Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans for Ron and a few for himself. Then he went into another shop and bought things for Sirius and Remus. Then he went into the bookshop and bought Hermione a book he didn't think she had. All that was left was a gift for Draco. He needed a gift that screamed how he loved Draco. Harry looked around at the shops and spotted a small jewelry shop at the end of the street. He walked in and looked through the necklaces and rings but he couldn't find what he was looking for. He made his way through the glass cases and at the last one there was a dragon charm. He instantly knew it was his gift for Draco.

"Lovely, pendent isn't it?" A voice from above Harry said.

Harry's head snapped up. "Yes, it is. It's perfect for my friend. How much?"

The salesman smiled and looked through a clipboard for the price. "Ok, here it is. That dragon pendent is priced at 20 galleons."

Harry smiled and reached into his coin bag extracting a handful of galleons, counting 20 galleons and handing it to the man. The man placed the pendent in a box and handed it to Harry.

When Harry exited the shop he looked at his watch and noticed it was time for him to go meet Hermione and Ron. A couple of minutes later Harry came to The Three Broomsticks and entered. He quickly found his two friends sitting in a booth in the back. Winding his way through the tables he dropped his packages by the table and sat down. "Hi guys," he said cheerily.

Ron and Hermione smiled at him though Harry could tell Ron's was a little forced. "Did you find everything you needed, Harry?" asked Hermione.

"Yeah, though a few of them took me a bit of hunting to find."

The trio continued talking as they drank their Butterbeers until Harry noticed it was getting close to 1pm. "Come on guys, we need to get going." They picked up their packages and paid for their drinks before setting out into the cold December air. A few minutes later they reached The Shrieking Shack and they each entered through a side door so no one would notice their entrance into a supposed hunted building. Harry was the last through the door and before he even entered the room they were to meet in he heard Ron shout.

"Malfoy! What are you doing in here?" he sneered.

Harry ran into the room and saw Ron standing just millimeters from Draco's face and Hermione trying to pull Ron away. Sirius and Remus hadn't arrived yet. Harry could tell Draco was trying to get himself in check for Harry's sake by the way he clutched his wand and he couldn't be more prouder.

'Oh, great. I was hoping they would be here by now!' Harry thought to himself. "Ron! Relax! I asked him to be here. He's part of what I wanted to tell everyone."

Ron whirled around to face Harry with a look of complete disbelieve. "What? Why would you ask HIM to be here? What could he possibly have to do with what you have to tell us?"

Harry quickly moved his eyes to Draco's and the blond gave him a slight nod of greeting and to let him know he was ok before moving them back to Ron. "You'll find out once Sirius and Remus get here and Draco has everything to do with what I have to say."

Hermione's eyes widened and she looked from Harry to Draco before beaming at Harry. "Oh Merlin, Harry! Are you two...?" She asked gesturing to Draco and him.

Harry smiled, he should have known she would figure that part out. "Yes, Hermione."

Hermione gave a squeal that shocked all of them and launched herself at Harry, "Oh Harry. I'm so happy for you. But...Malfoy?"

Harry laughed as he hugged her back. "Thanks Hermione. And yes, Malfoy. I know what I'm doing...he's one of the good guys."

Hermione nodded and she was about to go over to Draco when Sirius and Remus entered through one of the side tunnels.

Sirius looked between the three teens confused. "So, what did we miss?"

"No, wait," Ron said. "I want to know what the hell Hermione was talking about, Harry?"

Harry gulped. "Ok," he said taking a deep breath, "Everyone should sit down." Harry took a seat on one of the couches and Draco immediately took the seat next to him, Harry smiled at him. Once everyone was settled he began to talk. "Ok, Ron, everyone else knows this but....there is only one way to say this...Ron, I'm gay." Harry closed his eyes and waited for the yelling that was sure to come his way. When the silence that followed stretched to 5 minutes he opened his eyes to see Ron's eyes bulged out and his skin an angry purple that reminded him of his Uncle Vernon. He felt Draco's hand slip over his in a gentle reassurance that he was there. "Ron? Are you going to say anything?" he asked timidly.

He saw Ron take a few angry breathes before talking. "You're gay?" He waited for Harry's nod before continuing. "I can't believe this Harry! I never knew you were like...this!" He spat. Ron stood up and began pacing. "I knew it was a little odd that you hadn't had a crush on a girl since Cho but I figured it was because of the whole Voldemort thing. Maybe...maybe you just haven't been around girls in so long that anything is looking good. Give me a few days and I'll round up a few that will go out with you." It seemed to Harry that Ron was almost desperate to not have his best friend be gay.

"No, Ron. No amount of girls you 'round up' will fix this. I'm gay. You can either accept it or not."

Ron shook his head violently. "No, my best friend can't be gay. It's wrong."

"Why, Ron? Why is it wrong?" Hermione asked. None of the others had spoken since the arrival of Sirius and Remus.

Ron turned around and faced Hermione. "Because it is! It's not right, a guy is supposed to be with a girl and that's that!"

"Says who Ron?" Remus asked in a gentle voice.

"My dad," Ron said quietly. "He says that it's wrong. That it's not supposed to be that way. My best friend isn't supposed to be like that."

Harry took a deep breath and stood up to face Ron. "It's not wrong, Ron. It took me forever and a day and a lot of talks with Sirius and Remus for me to accept that I am gay but I'm ok with it now." Harry went to put his hand on Ron's shoulder but Ron stepped out of reach immediately.

"Don't touch me, freak." But as soon as the words were out of his mouth Ron gasped in shock. "I...I'm sorry Harry. I...I have to go." Before the others could react he was out the room.