Albus's eyes widened. He had been so close to revealing his darkest secret. Of course, everyone knew he was gay. They just didn't know whom he was gay for. If anyone found out, it would be the end of him.
Poppy pulled out the stopper from the next vial. "This is a cleansing potion. We have to wash the cuts, and flush out the potion."
Malfoy nodded and braced himself. The potion was freezing cold, and made his skin break out in goosebumps. He clenched his fists and watched as the Veritaserum-infected blood diffused back into two separate liquids.
Pleased that it was working, Madame Pomfrey wiped away the potion, and threw the cloth into a nearby wastebasket.
She got out a new towel, poured some potion on it, and turned to Potter.
He groaned when the cloth touched his skin. The clear liquid drained from his blood, and Poppy wiped it away.
After washing out the cuts with water Madame Pomfrey instructed the boys to tell her a lie.
Malfoy told her he had a crush on Potter, then proceeded to laugh uncontrollably.
Albus opened his mouth. Then shut it again. Then opened it. Then shut it. He lowered his head slightly, looking miserable.
"I can't do this.."
"That, Mr. Potter, is most likely because your cut was so deep. The rest of the potion will be flushed out of your system within a few days. Until then, I would advise you to stay away from your enemies."
She chuckled lightly to herself and set about cleaning. Albus stayed on his bed, staring at his feet. After a minute, Malfoy finally stopped laughing. He lifted his gaze from his toes to steel-gray eyes.
"So, you're all cured?" Potter asked.
And because he was still under the effects of Veritaserum, Malfoy said, "Absolutely not."