Shortly after I had posted chapter 4, and while I was getting ready to revise and post chapter 5, I got dumped. It was a relationship that had barely got started, but I had really had high hopes for it, so I was upset for at least a couple of weeks. Meanwhile, it was impossible to work on chapter 5, which has such an upbeat and happy mood, because I knew I would ruin it. When my darling beta, Rosina_Alcona, started asking where the chapter was already, I decided to show her what I might do to it if I tried to work on it before I could cheer up. The result was surprisingly cathartic. I'm fine now, by the way. :-)
Saturday dawned bright, clear and stunning.
Harry blinked at the early morning, surprised to find he had left his curtains open, which now allowed the sun to stream across his face. The air from the open window smelled moist and cool, meaning it must have rained hard after Harry had fallen asleep. Any trace of cloud was gone, however; the entire sky shone a pale robin's-egg shade. Harry inhaled deeply, more alert and refreshed than he had felt in a long time. It had been at least a week since he had slept this well.
As if from nowhere, Hedwig swooped into the room. Harry wondered what she might have for him that couldn't wait until breakfast. He blinked and picked up his glasses, so he could read the letter she had dropped on his lap.
A response from Draco already? Harry tore the envelope open hungrily.
Dear Harry, Draco had written.
Harry's heart leapt: Draco was using his first name!
I have a confession to make. I was not entirely truthful in my last letter. I think I am gay. I've known it for a while now. That's why I kissed you on Thursday. I've been thinking about you ever since the Rematch, and then once we were in Potions together ... well, I just couldn't take it anymore.
Harry's heart was beating very fast. Draco felt exactly the same way he did! A giant grin had spread across his face.
He read on:
I've been thinking, though, and I just don't see where this could go anywhere. You and I are so different - we have different morals, different interests, different paths in life. It would never work. I'm sorry. I really had fun while it lasted.
See you around,
Draco
If Harry's heart had sunk after reading Draco's previous letter, then this time it plummeted to the ground, shattering into millions of tiny pieces. He had no idea how a single sheet of parchment could crush him so completely.
He shut the window, drew the curtains and buried his head under his pillow.
When he missed Potions for a second time the following Thursday, Hermione finally stormed up to the boys' dormitory, dragged him out of bed by his ankle, and force-fed him chocolate until he had enough strength to fend her off and head for the bath.
His dormmates breathed a sigh of relief. The stench of unwashed Harry had become unbearable.