- Secrets of the Forbidden Broomcloset -

Authoress Ramble: I'm so slow with updates. Actually, what inspired me to finish this chapter tonight was a Google search ... I saw that my story was recommended on some fansites .. I was so flattered. ) I'm glad that I can bring people enjoyment with my stories. That's the best part, really, is knowing that I've made so many people smile with this.

Warnings: This story has been rated for repeated use of language and sexual content (none now). Also, it is slash, though I don't feel that should influence the rating ... read as your morals and inhibitions permit.

Disclaimer: Obviously Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger et cetera, et cetera, all belong to J.K. Rowling, the rich genius authoress of the entire Harry Potter series, and also her publishers, et cetera, et cetera, though all original plot lines independent of her novels and her characters belong to me as they were derived from my own twisted mind, et cetera, et cetera, so please do not sue me as I am but a poor, lonely, slash-loving girl authoress, et cetera, et cetera.

Semi-Important Note If You're Confused: Today is Wednesday evening in the story.

Dedicated to my biggest fan, Juu D

Harry held in his breath, inhaling unsteadily through his nose as he tried desperately to either make sense of the swell of panic in his chest or end the embrace, whichever happened to come first. The half silky, half scratchy feel of the blonde's hair swung against his cheek, and he felt, briefly, fingers pressing into his back, making waves in the fabric of his shirt ...

... he tried to think. When he had hugged Hermione, had she pulled her fingers against his clothing? Was that a typical aspect of a hug, was that appropriate, was that even normal? Was it something important enough to even consider?

And then he moved, and suddenly his opposite cheek was brushing against skin instead of air. The curtain of pale silk had shifted to his nose, and was it ending? He felt the hand move again, pressing harder into his back and then...

He opened his mouth and suddenly, loudly, sneezed.

He felt a rush of clothing and hair move about him, and when he raised his head, he saw Draco in front of him, staring at him with wide, shocked grey eyes, his mouth half-open and curved downward.

What the hell, Potter? Malfoy blurted, though it seemed to Harry as though his speech was slower, more hesitant than usual, as though trying to recover from something deeply startling.

he heard himself say pathetically. He could feel the blood flowing into his cheeks, but why was he blushing? He had no reason to blush. This was Malfoy, he could vomit on him and still find some way to feel good about it, couldn't he? Yes, yes, he could. He would explain that. I mean, I .. your ..My what? Malfoy said bluntly, wrapping his arms compulsively around himself.

Well .. it was your fault! Harry suddenly exclaimed, taking a sudden step back. It was .. it was your hair that made me do it! It's .. it's .. long, you know! Malfoy said smugly, though he was still holding himself, oddly keeping his distance. Or maybe you have some disgusting, miserable illness that made you sneeze, and now I'm bound to catch it.I don't have an illness, Harry snapped ruefully.

Oh really? Malfoy sniffed. Well, either way I think I'll need to throw away this sweater. Burn it, perhaps .. oh! Is Weasley in any need of used, possibly contaminated hand-me-downs?

Harry stiffened, feeling his old anger burning new.

I'll ask, but I don't think that's his type of sweater.What do you mean? the blonde said, frowning a bit, then perking up suddenly. Oh, I see. It's a bit expensive for him, isn't it? Everyone would know it was trashed by someone with a respectable income.That isn't what I mean! Harry seethed. I mean .. I don't think that Ron is .. gay!Excuse me? Draco yelped, his grey eyes narrowing as his arms fell to his sides, his hands curling into fists.

It's a gay sweater! Harry repeated shrilly.

This is not a gay sweater, Draco hissed, clutching protectively at his chest. This is an expensive, well-tailored sweater. I suppose I can't expect someone like you to be able to see the difference.I don't know, Malfoy. I think that article was right on the mark, Harry began heatedly. I mean, look at you. The sweaters, the nail-painting, the female best friend? All you need to complete the stereotype is some equally feminine guy to shag you!I am not gay, Potter, he spoke, his voice quivering with anger.

Well, I think you are gay! Harry retaliated quickly.

In that case, I think you're gay as well, Potter! Malfoy yelped.

It doesn't matter, as your opinion means nothing to me! the brunette nearly screamed, his green eyes blazing unnaturally. I don't give a fuck what you think of me! Draco snapped, crossing his arms suddenly and giving Harry a bitter glare. In response, his target frowned cruelly, crossing his arms as well and locking narrowed eyes with the silver before him. For a long moment, neither moved, their stare unbroken.

At last, Draco took in a deep breath, forgetting to exhale before the words spilled from his mouth.

Do you really think I'm homosexual, Potter? he mumbled, though harshly. He bit his lip slightly, uncrossing his arms in order to glance nervously at his fingernails.

Excuse me? came the cold response. The blonde quietly cleared his throat.

I said, he continued sourly, Do you honestly find me .. that .. you know?That what? Harry spat, drawing his arms closer, if possible, to his chest.

Gay, flaming gay! Draco exploded, taking a sudden step toward him as he threw out his arms. Merlin, Potter, are you completely incapable of following a conversation?

The brunette, still a safe distance away from him, snorted loudly.

You call this conversation? he scoffed, rolling his eyes obviously behind his glasses.

Anything involving speech without us attempting to murder one another is a conversation to me, Potter, Draco said irritably. He was beginning to feel distinctly uncomfortable in his own skin, torn between making a quick exit and staying around to strangle a few honest words out of Potter. The brunette seemed to be making the second option all the more tempting by putting up such an insufferable act. Who wouldn't want to throttle him when he looked like this, with his arms crossed so confidently?

It made him want to give him a black eye, really. His stubbornness always had - but first, more important things. He would kill Potter later, once he had just one more inkling of truth to obsess over.

Potter said numbly in response. Draco pursed his lips, holding in a quick reply in the hopes that he might say more. After all, if Potter had said all that he had to say, he'd have gone up to bed, wouldn't he? He'd been dying to escape him all through the study session.

he grunted at last, defeated by the silence. Harry raised an eyebrow at him passively.

he mocked in return, tilting his head slightly to the side.

Oh, yes, he would have to kill him now. He'd attack him in just a few minutes - he had just a few more questions to ask. He'd get him after he got his answer.

Do you honestly find me homosexual, Potter? he began hurriedly, an explained passion flowing through his veins. Because I would take such an insult very seriously, you know. I might just have to set you on fire in bed or something for an insult like that.

He crossed him arms again, very pleased with himself to have asked in such a way as to still appear infuriated.

I see, Harry spoke dryly. Well, Malfoy, I assume what you're trying to say is that I don't know you well enough to judge.I .. ehrm .. Draco began. Just answer, damn you! And, therefore, Harry said slowly, each syllable rolling perfectly off his tongue, The only way I could really know is to ask. Are you gay, Malfoy?

Oh, fuck. He should have known not to ask Potter. There was a reason he loathed him after all, a very good reason, and that was that he always seemed to slip between his fingers, whether through his insults or anything else.

I .. he began shakily. He felt sickened again, as though some part of him had ventured into strange, forbidden territory. What the fuck was he thinking? Of course he wasn't! Potter always had to go and make everything so fucking complicated. Harry repeated, and for a second Draco saw his arms loosen and his eyes blink, but was a bit too panicked to truly notice.

he snapped defiantly. I mean .. yes! I mean .. fuck, no! No, I am not gay! I'm perfectly straight! Harry said, the corners of his mouth shifting, though whether into a smirk or frown Draco could not tell. Well, then. Okay. the blonde repeated, his voice a strained mix of desperation and fury. What do you mean, okay'? That's all you have to say to me?

Harry blinked, breathing in deeply and shrugging.

There are always moments in life in which you are shocked at your own stupidity. Draco, suddenly, was feeling this way, disgusted and confused. How had he allowed himself to get to this moment? He could feel the panic rising in his throat, yet somehow found it right to continue on the same unyielding path. He could always tell himself that there had been no turning back, anyhow.

Well, you know my sexuality now, Draco began, hearing the intensity of his own voice echo in his mind, the edge of it unusually cruel. Why don't you tell me yours?I don't think that's any of your concern, Malfoy, Harry spat noncommittally.

the blonde snapped. You should take a good look at yourself sometime, Potter. You may dress like the typical male slob, but you're curiously celibate for an adolescent.What is that supposed to mean? Harry hissed. You have no way of knowing who I've dated!Let's face it, Potter, Draco mock-sighed. Your little failed experiment in Ravenclaw hardly constitutes your being a normal, wanton heterosexual.You have no right to talk about my relationship with--You have to try something to know for certain how much you really don't like it, Potter, Draco continued, and suddenly, his old smirk was spreading again across his face, renewed. You fit the pattern. One pretty girl and then, suspiciously .. nothing.You sure know a lot about being gay, Harry replied quickly. At least, for someone so perfectly straight themselves.My sexuality is an unfortunate truth, isn't it, Potter? Draco grinned. If I were homosexual, you'd be in good company.More hugs, I suppose? Harry spoke sarcastically.

Just imagine all the places on my body, the blonde smiled, leaning slightly forward, That you could sneeze on.Oh .. fuck you, Malfoy! the brunette snapped. He narrowed his green eyes, looking close to rolling them again.

I think you should keep the sweater, Potter, Draco said brazenly, stepping forward and closing much of the space between them. He gripped it along its bottom, pulling it quickly over his torso and shaking his silky hair out once it slipped over his head. He shoved it forward, letting it dangle between them in one hand.

Harry eyed it with distaste, raising an eyebrow as he leveled his eyes with those of Draco.

For further exploration, the blonde grinned tactlessly.

We'll see, Malfoy, Harry said, shifting slightly so that their eyes met almost instantly, and the blonde saw that he was, beyond all things, smirking himself.

That wasn't right. Potter wasn't supposed to be smirking at this - he was supposed to be outraged and indignant and insulted, still standing five feet away from him with his arms firmly crossed. The panic sinking his stomach told him how wrong this was.

I'd have to throw it out anyway, he continued quickly. Better this than being burned in the Slytherin common room fire.

That did the trick. The smirk faded instantly, the green eyes darkening like clouds moving to block out an emerald sun. In turn, his stomach unclenched, his breath returning.

In that case, it might make Crookshank's litter box more comfortable, Harry snapped. He snatched the bundle from Draco's pale hand, holding it out at his side like a dripping piece of garbage. Good night, Malfoy.I .. ehrm .. he began, but Harry had already turned his back, was already fleeing up the stairs.

Fine, Potter, he said unhappily to himself. Good bloody night.

When Draco returned to his own dormitory room that night, his arms wrapped tightly around himself as he shivered in the damp air, he found much to his displeasure that Pansy had waited up for him. She was seated on the floor, her back resting against the front of his door, books and half-written papers scattered around her in the narrow hallway.

He sighed deeply when he saw her, scoffing at her gentle snoring. With the fluidity of habit, he pricked his finger and pressed it into the door, walking through it and waiting for the pleasant sound of Pansy's head knocking against his floor as she fell backwards.

Crack.

Ahhh! Ah .. mm .. ouch.Go to your own dormitory, Pansy, Draco spoke loudly. she said softly, blinking her eyes open and immediately recognizing Draco's decorated ceiling. Oh, mm .. darling! You're back, dearie.I mean it! she mumbled, sitting up and rubbing the back of her head sorely. That was a bit mean of you, you know, I was just waiting for you.You're edging into my personal business, the blonde hissed. You're just being a nosy gossip, now get out! I am going to bed!I'm a concerned friend, precious, Pansy corrected immediately, smirking despite her sleepy eyes. And you know I'm not going anywhere without knowing what happened with Potter.Let me tell you, it was great. We really hit it off, and then we went upstairs and made sweet love in the Weasel's bed, after we broke his from all the pounding.Ooo, kinky, the Weasel's bed, she purred. You know, this one time, I was in my parent's bedroom... Draco screamed. It was a joke, a fucking joke, now get out! Nothing happened with Potter!You don't get so worked up over nothing, precious, she reminded him, reaching her arms into the air and stretching tiredly.

I'm worked up over Potter, Draco mumbled loudly. He's nothing.Sure, darling, Pansy replied cunningly, standing and walking toward her friend, who had turned his back to her, resting his hands on the bed so that he stood hunched over, his hair hanging over his face. Come on now, sugar, we both know you want to talk about it. You always want to talk when you're so completely pissed off.I really just want to sleep, Panse.Just tell me what happened, dear, she insisted soothingly. Your best friend Panse will help you work it all out.

Draco sighed loudly, resigning to the hand that began to make comforting circles on his back.

he began in an exhausted tone, I helped him with his Potions work, and then the other two went up to bed, and he stayed and forced me to hug him, and he sneezed on me and I called him a homosexual. And then I asked him if he found me to be truly gay, and he asked me if I were gay and I said I was straight but accused him of being gay and then took off my sweater and left it with him and ... oh god it's fucked up when you say it all together.Shhh, dear, Pansy said silkily. It'll all work out in the end, just you wait and see. Pansy will take care of everything for you, won't she? Draco purred. Whereas he had been holding himself up on his hands, they suddenly gave out, and he collapsed onto the top of the bed, breathing evenly and deeply.

Pansy continued making the large circles on his back, her voice even and nearly hypnotic.

Just relax, love. Potter is probably wanking off to that sweater right now, don't you think?Mm .. Potter .. gay .. Cwook .. snakes ..Yes, yes, that's right, Pansy spoke slowly. Just relax, darling .. let yourself go ..

Draco continued to breathe in deeply, his fingers curling into his bedspread. Pansy smiled as she looked down on him, shifting her wand from where she had been hiding it expertly under her hand, her fingertips aligned with the tip of the wand, to a more normal position. She made a gentle curve, and the rest of the blonde's body lifted from the floor, levitating over the bed. With another quick loop, his body dropped gently onto it.

Enjoy your last few nights of sleeping alone, precious, she said softly to herself, pocketing her wand and walking to the door.

Harry: The Quidditch match is only .. what? Three days away now?

Draco: I wouldn't get your hopes up, Potter. If Rose here has any sense as an she'll write me in character - meaning I'll find out about Pansy's plan and then kick her ass. And then laugh ... that would be a great ending, ehh?

Ms. Rose: Pssh! This story will never end.

Harry: I have a feeling that some people wouldn't mind that.

Draco: I bloody would! Waiting for this story to end is like waiting for your next party when you already have a damn hangover.

Harry: Parties are good things, Draco.

Draco: Yeah, until they make you pray to the porcelain gods - much like this story forces me to do!

Ms. Rose: Oh, hush. Twenty bucks says you'll print out the sex scene and hide it under your mattress along with all those dirty Quidditch magazines.

Harry: You're on!

Draco: Those are Harry's! Not mine! I would never associate myself with such perverse -

Ms. Rose: Why would Harry's possessions be in your bed, then?

Draco: Not in my bed .. under it.

Harry: I think it's more like both, actually.

Ms. Rose: As long as you all wash your own sheets ..