As It Was *Complete*

22. Standing Ovation

Draco bit his lip. "Well I meant -"

"Your date is waiting Draco and giving me evils. You may want to crawl back before she thinks there is something going on." His blush disappeared and he paled. Astra downed the rest of her drink. "In fact," she took the envelope with their date details on and smiled. "I assume you want to spend time with Sophie today so I assume you won't be needing this. A picnic under the stars sounds like a good way to spend the evening alone. Thanks." She turned to Elijah who was biting his lip to not laugh. "Thanks for keeping me company Elijah."

"My pleasure as always. If your lonely later, let me know."

"I will do, thanks," She smiled as she waved to the table and headed for the door. She stepped outside and wasn't actually sure where to go. She spotted Dean Thomas in the middle of the village looking a little.....lost with a large coat on and a cap. Was he trying to hide? "Dean!" She called making him jump and turn to her. He waved nervously. "Heading to the castle?" He nodded. "Want some company?"

He sighed heavily and smiled. "Love some." He made his way to her and held his arm out. She looked behind her to see Draco on his feet looking in her direction with utter confusion on his face. She waved and turned back.

For a few minutes they walked not talking, both lost in their own thoughts. It was only when Dean sighed heavily that Astra was pulled from her own mind.

"How are you Dean?" She asked taking his arm as they walked off.

"I have no fucking clue, to be honest. I am still in shock that Seamus and I were paired together." Dean admitted sounding nervous.

"Did you know....that you were...gay?" She asked. "Sorry if that is personal."

"No, it's fine," he chuckled. "I mean, I didn't but I knew Seamus was gay. I have only ever had girlfriends to be honest. Never been a relationship with a guy. Never thought about it."

"So think about it," Astra shrugged.

"Believe me I have been trying," Dean said. "I just...I can't get past that friendship stage. Maybe because we have been best friends for over seven years. What if it doesn't work out?"

"What if it does?" Astra challenged.

Dean bit his lip and looked up at Astra again, his eyes softening as he did. "I just wish it wasn't announced in front of the whole year. I am sure people must be laughing at us behind our backs and the looks we will get," he moaned.

"Fuck 'em," she answered.

"Astra McKenna, what did you just say?" Dean laughed.

"Fuck 'em. If they want to belittle your life it just means they are miserable with their own pathetic existence and are probably jealous of you. You already know Seamus. Who he is and his past, his family. A relationship would be easy in one aspect because you are already in each others lives. What does Seamus say?"

Dean blushed. "He said he has always liked me that way and that he understood that this is a much bigger deal to me than it is to him, because he is already into guys. He said that he would give me all the time I need and he would not let my decision jeopardise our relationship. That he is my mate and always will be."

Astra nudged him as they walked, the castle coming into view as they walked. "He sounds like a pretty great guy. I imagine if you did try and it didn't work out, he would still be there for you."

"So what should I do?" Dean asked now, his eyes almost dancing with excitement and a smile on his face.

"Your face gives you away you know. You kind of light up when you see him. You should kiss him. Either way you would know and you could both move on either together or not."