How Can It Be. . ?

A/N: This is my first story so please bear with me. I would like to thank my beta David; he was amazing with it and had it back to me very quickly. Thanks David.

Chapter 1:

It was a stormy morning. Thunder rolled overhead as Harry Potter entered the Great Hall. He joined Ron and Hermione at the Gryffindor table.

"Where have you been?" Ron asked, as Harry reached for some toast.

"Went for a walk." Harry replied.

"In this weather? Harry, what's going on?" Hermione's concern was evident in her tone.

"Nothing, 'Mione, I just..." He trailed off, watching the doors of the Great Hall. His eyes following the person that entered all the way to the Slytherin table. Ron followed his gaze.

"Why are you staring at Malfoy? What do you think he's up to now?" Ron questioned. He and Hermione had previously agreed not to mention this 'unhealthy' obsession to whatever Malfoy was up to. But they had been talking last night.

. . .

"He's getting obsessed, 'Mione!" Ron exclaimed.

"I know, Ron. I'm worried about him but what can we do? You know what he's like," Hermione responded reasonably.

"Snap him out of it!" Ron replied haughtily.

"How, Ron? We don't even know what he thinks Malfoy is up to," Hermione answered.

"We can find out. Follow Harry see where he goes. Or... or tell Dumbledore that Harry is getting obsessed again. He'll know what to do," Ron said.

"Ron!!!" Hermione screeched, attracting several eyes. She flushed and lowered her voice as she continued, "Harry would never forgive us if we followed him and Dumbledore probably already knows. He never misses anything, you know that."

"We have to do something!"

. . .

"What?!" Harry said staring at Ron.

"What do you think Malfoy is up to now?" Ron said again.

"Nothing. Why would you ask?" Harry questioned.

"Because you're getting obsessed with him. You're disappearing. When you do appear you barely talk to us," Hermione explained. Harry looked shocked and then suddenly got up and ran from the hall.

. . .

"They've noticed something," Harry moaned into his hands some twenty minutes later. He felt a hand touch his shoulder.

"I think it's time they knew, Harry. They're your best friends." Harry looked up at Draco Malfoy. He grabbed Draco's hand and pulled him close.

"I know. I'll tell them gently though and I would avoid Ron at all costs if I were you," Harry whispered before kissing Draco softly.

"When are you going to tell them?" Draco whispered back when they pulled apart.

"Now," Harry replied confidently. He gave Draco a quick kiss and went to leave.

"I love you," Draco called as Harry opened the door to the Room of Requirement. Harry paused and turned around to look at Draco.

"I love you too," he replied then left. He made his way to the Gryffindor common room where he found Ron and Hermione having an urgent, whispered conversation. They stopped as soon as they saw him.

"Harry!" Hermione called. "Where have you been?"

"Erm...actually that's what I wanted to talk to you about. Can we go somewhere a bit quieter?" he said. Ron and Hermione exchanged looks but got up and followed Harry. He led them to an empty classroom and opened the door for them. He shut it with a snap.

"Erm...there's no easy way to say this so I'm just going to say it." He stuttered. Ron and Hermione looked worried but didn't say anything.

"I'm...er...I've been seeing someone...er...and I don't think you will...er... agree but before I tell you who it is I want you to realise that I am so happy with them and I love them and...erm...he loves me," Harry muttered. Ron's mouth gaped open while Hermione looked totally unfazed by the practical announcement that Harry was gay. She elbowed Ron in the ribs.

"So who is he?" Hermione said in a matter-of-fact tone.

Harry had the foresight to put his hand in his pocket before saying, "Draco Malfoy". Ron was still for a moment or two then seemed to recover from the initial shock and pounced at Harry. Harry quickly performed the shield charm which held Ron up so Harry could escape from the room. He ran along the corridors not knowing where he was going and not paying much attention either when he ran straight into Professor Dumbledore.

"Harry?" Dumbledore sounded confused. Harry nodded, accepted his Professor's hand and got up rubbing his head. He focused on Dumbledore's face. He felt the familiar piercing of those blue eyes.

"Sorry, sir," Harry grumbled.

"Harry, would you come to my office please?" Dumbledore sounded concerned. Together, Harry and Dumbledore made their way to the office, silently.

A/N: See that button down there vvv? Click on it. Go on, you know you want to. Please? Don't worry it doesn't bite, neither do I. Please be painfully honest when you review. I really would like the feedback. Thanks again to my beta David.