I think this is the longest one yet. It's out a little later than I wanted it to be because I lost my wifi and then lost half my document. It's also unedited for the same reason. Sorry about that guys, hope you like it anyway.

Harry felt his mouth dry when he heard Professor McGonagall's voice. He couldn't hear the words but assumed that the Professor would see what happened and Draco would be fine. When the voices faded, Harry entered the hallway, finding it empty like he expected. Harry made his way back to the common room, grateful for the short day. He couldn't believe some students. Why can't anyone see the side of Draco he could? As he walked, Harry couldn't help but hope he taught those students a lesson.

"Harry!"

Harry turned at Hermione's voice, seeing her racing towards him. He waited for her to arrive and then continued towards the common room, Hermione by his side.

"Did Ron find you?" Hermione asked after a while.

"No, why?" Harry took a glance towards Hermione and saw her brief frown.

"Nothing, never mind."

The pair fell into silence, their footsteps the only sound in the empty corridor. Usually Harry would question Hermione's reluctance to talk but he was too drained today. He could still feel the stinging in his eyes and all he wanted was to sit in front of the fire.

"Harry?"

Harry jumped at Hermione's sudden voice, too absorbed in his thoughts. "Yeah?"

"Are you," Hermione trailed off.

Harry focused his whole attention on his friend, now concerned. "Hermione, what is it?"

Hermione started to fiddle with her hands nervously. "Areyougay?" She asked hastily.

Harry's whole body seized up but he frowned, "I'm sorry," he said, not yet willing to admit what she already knew.

"Are you gay?" Hermione said again though her glare told him she knew he heard her the first time.

Harry could only stare. He didn't know how to answer, he didn't want to answer. Hermione didn't say anything, just waited for an answer. They stared silent until footsteps and voices could be heard. Harry whipped his head around and then started walking back to the common room. He didn't look to see if Hermione was following, knowing she would.

"I'm going to take that as a yes."

Harry lowered his eyes and refused to look at Hermione. Harry knew that she would be fine with it but Harry had been trained to expect the worst.

"I don't mind, you know that right."

Harry shrugged and sped up, intending to arrive at the common room before having this conversation. Hermione stayed silent, seemingly understanding his objective. They arrive at the common room quickly after that but found the conversation taking a back seat when they saw who was inside.

"Ron, where have you been?" Hermione asked.

Ron glanced their way and glared at Harry but he continued to pace the common room in silence. Neville and Ginny were there, by his side, watching him in concern. They seemed just as confused as Harry and Hermione.

"Ron?"

"Don't." The command was so loud Hermione instinctively shrunk back. Ron sounded beyond angry.

"What's wrong?" Hermione asked after a moment.

There seemed to be tension filling the room and the longer Ron stayed silent, the thicker it became. Harry shifted behind Hermione slightly, feeling this was somehow his fault. Harry was so tired after his explosion of magic earlier, he knew, without a doubt, if they had another fight, Ron would win.

Ron stopped pacing suddenly and took three sudden steps forward until he was directly in front of Harry, nose to nose. "Why?"

Harry, who had backed up slightly, frowned at him. "Why what?"

Ron exploded. Bringing his hands up, Ron shoved Harry violently away, sending Harry to the floor. There were cries of outrage from Hermione and Ginny. Neville was quickly standing between the two friends. Harry, having fallen on his wrist wrong, was sitting and rubbing it. He was staring at Ron in hurt surprise.

"Why would you date him?" Ron said, his calm voice such a contrast to his angry features.

Harry felt himself pale and his whole body became cold. Ron couldn't know, it wasn't possible. Harry thought back to earlier though, the boys weren't very subtle in their relationship. Anyone could have seen them, but why Ron? "Date who?" Harry said, trying to play dumb, hoping Ron didn't actually know.

Ron took another threatening step forward but Neville prevented him from going further. "Who, you say. Don't play dumb, I saw you!"

Harry knew it was true, it could only be true. Ron knew he was dating Draco Malfoy. Harry stayed silent, not sure what to say.

"How could you? It's Draco bloody Malfoy!"

Harry closed his eyes when he heard the common room fall silent. He wasn't sure how many people had entered and were watching the fight but he knew the news would be around the school before dinner. Harry opened his eyes and pushed himself off the ground. He scooted around Ron who looked ready to beat him and took the stairs to the dorm room. He was not ready to face the reveal yet.

"Don't run away!"

Harry quickened his pace, flying up the steps two at a time. He really didn't want to be around anyone right now, even without the whole reveal.

"Who knew that The Harry Potter would turn into a Death Eater's boy toy!"

Harry closed the door, having reached the dorm room at that moment. He threw up a silencing charm, blocking out the angry shouts from below. He felt physically sick, did Ron really think that about him?

What am I going to do? Ron hates me. He's my best friend, my first friend. I can't lose him.

Harry started pacing the room. He was pulling at his hair, tears were falling. He barely noticed, too focused on his internal thoughts.

What am I going to do?

Draco walked back to the common room in a rage. McGonagall had lectured him for over an hour before sending him away with a week worth of detention. Professor Snape had turned up near the end and tried to reason with the woman but she was adamant that he started the fight. It was unfortunate that there were two Ravenclaw students and only one of him. The only positive was the older students were also issued detentions, with Professor Snape. It may have only been for the one night but Professor Snape would make them suffer for it.

"Oi, Draco!"

Draco turned at the voice, seeing his best friend, Blaise trying to catch up to him. Draco stopped walking, letting him catch up.

"It is true?"

Still focused on his unfair detention, Draco didn't even consider another topic Blaise could be speaking about. "Of course it is," Draco said, rolling his eyes, "it's so typical."

"It is?"

Draco turned to his friend, amazed that he was being so obtuse. "Of course it is, where have you been?"

"Where have I... Draco you're not making any sense."

"What? Of course I am, why are you acting like you have no idea what I'm talking about?"

Blaise stared at him with wide eyes, "maybe because you've managed to keep it a secret for who knows how long."

"Kept what a secret? I only just received the detention. How could I keep it a secret and why would I want to?"

"Detention? You received a detention? Why?"

Draco stared at his friend, taking in his confusion and realised they were talking about two very different things. Draco opened his mouth, intending to end the confusion when Blaise did it for him.

"You know what; I don't even care about that right now. What I want to know is when did you start screwing Gryffindor Golden boys?"

Draco's eyes widened and he remembered seeing Ron Weasley and suspecting that the secret of his relationship with Harry had been revealed, that was quick, Draco thought, he didn't think the whole school would know at least until dinner. "Oh, that," he said out loud.

"Yes, that, care to share?"

"Not particularly," Draco shrugged, continuing his walk to the common room. Blaise followed behind, though, Draco didn't expect any differently.

"Too bad, spill. The rumour mill is saying that you seduced him."

"I did not!" Draco whipped around to face his friend and saw his smirk.

"I know that," he said.

Draco just rolled his eyes and continued forward, "how did you hear anyway?" Draco couldn't understand how the information could be shared around the whole school in just over an hour.

"All the Gryffindor are talking about it. Apparently Weasley completely blew up at Potter right in the middle of the common room. Apparently Weasley attacked Potter, injuring him in the process."

"What?" Draco stopped walking again and grabbed Blaise's arm.

"I think it's all exaggerated..." Blaise trailed off when he saw the frantic look in Draco's eyes.

"How hurt?" Draco, on some level, registered the surprise that came across Blaise's face but he was more worried about how hurt Harry was and not just physically.

"I don't know," Blaise said after a short pause, "I only know what I overheard and that was all second-hand information. Apparently there were only a few students, other than the golden trio, that actually witnessed the event."

Draco didn't wait for Blaise to finish, already striding towards the Gryffindor common room. Blaise raced after him,intending show his support. They walked towards the common room in silence.

Harry wasn't sure how long he'd been hiding away in the dorm room. He didn't ever want to leave. That way he would never have to face anyone. Unfortunately, it was close to the end of the day and the other sixth year boys would need to get into the dorm. Harry, after a few false starts, squared his shoulders and went to open the door. He knew that his eyes were still red from crying but Harry had managed to clean himself up as much as possible in the bathroom. After hesitating briefly, Harry opened the door, coming face to face with Neville.

"Finally," Neville said with a sad smile.

Harry blushed and looked down, "sorry, you probably needed to get inside." Harry tried to move to the side but Neville stopped him, holding his arms softly.

"Only to check on you," Neville said, lowering his head to look Harry in the eyes.

Harry shrugged, avoiding Neville's eyes. "I'm fine," he said.

Harry didn't see Neville's concerned glanced but he did feel Neville tighten his hands around his arms. "Okay," Neville said, "but when you're not fine, my shoulder is here." Neville released his arms and backed away.

Harry sent Neville a grateful smile and moved down the stairs. Neville followed and Harry couldn't describe how safe his presences made him feel. Harry could hear the murmur of voices in the common room but as soon as Harry entered, the room was silenced. Harry held his head high, walking to the entrance. He didn't let the glares bother him, he just continued until he was outside. Seeing no one around, he let his brave face fall for a moment, his shoulders slumping. Neville placed a hand on his back but didn't say anything. Harry was grateful for that, needing a moment to collect himself.

"Come on," Neville said after a while, "does your wrist need treatment?"

Harry glanced down at the wrist he sprained earlier and shook his head.

"Okay, let's get some food from the kitchens then."

Harry nodded and let Neville lead him in that direction. Harry was so grateful for Neville's friendship. "Why don't you hate me?" The words slipped out before he could prevent them and he hoped they were too quiet for Neville to hear. That wasn't the case.

"Why should I hate you because you're dating someone?"

"I'm dating Draco Malfoy, he bullied you."

Neville paused for a moment and Harry worried that he pushed Neville away by bringing that up. "I trust you," Neville said eventually. "You wouldn't date Malfoy if he was still a bully."

Harry stopped walking, amazed at the kindness and trust his friend showed. "Thank you, I thought everyone would hate me."

"I don't hate you Harry; I will never let you down, I promise."

Harry smiled, "I know."

The pair started walking again, turning the corner to the kitchens and saw Ron coming out of the kitchens with Hermione by his side. Harry froze and Neville stepped slightly in front of him, gripping Harry's arm in silent support. Ron looked like he was sulking and Hermione had a firm grip of his arm which tightened when she caught sight of Harry.

Harry opened his mouth to say, well, he wasn't sure what he was going to say but it didn't matter because at that moment two more people turned the corner. The situation couldn't have become worse.

Draco was calming down slightly. He realised quickly that he couldn't enter the Gryffindor common room easily so he managed to track down a young Gryffindor student who reluctantly told him that Harry was uninured except for his wrist. Draco managed to calm himself after that and started to head to the kitchens, hungry after missing lunch.

"You better inform you father before the paper does," Blaise said. He'd been silent while Draco was gaining information on his boyfriend but decided to speak now that they knew Harry was okay.

Draco winced at the reminder; he wasn't looking forward to that conversation. "I'll get around to it," Draco said to Blaise who let the subject drop.

The corridors were almost empty; dinner was fast approaching, so when they turned the final corner to the kitchens, they were surprised to see the four Gryffindor students.

Draco immediately spotted Harry slightly behind Longbottom who was holding Harry's arm. Draco was slightly surprised to feel the jealousy surge up at the sight but he squashed it for the moment. Weasley and Granger were facing the other two and Weasley seemed to be sulking. He was staring at the ground and was only just starting to look up. When Weasley caught sight of Harry and then the Slytherins, a fire lit in his eyes.

Well, this doesn't look good, Draco thought. He felt Blaise shift beside him and knew his thoughts mirrored his friends.

"What are you lot doing here?" Weasley said.

Draco saw Granger's hands tighten around Weasley's arm and Weasley winced at the pressure but he ignored her. Draco ignored them both and faced Harry. "Are you okay, I've been hearing a few rumours about you being hurt."

Harry flicked his eyes up to look at Draco, then to Longbottom and then Weasley. He just shrugged, lowering his eyes to the floor. "I'm fine."

Draco felt a little hurt at the response, hoping for a little more information but his focus turned back to Weasley when he snorted.

"Since when do you care?" Weasley glared at Draco who held his head high.

"Since we became friends," Draco made sure to keep his voice calm and unconcerned. He saw Harry look up at him quickly and saw the slight hurt. Damn, I didn't mean to imply our relationship was only a friendship.

"So, you two aren't dating?" Weasley asked.

"I didn't say that." Draco wasn't going to let Weasley think they were only friends.

Draco turned away from Weasley who was slowly turning red and focused on Harry. His eyes were flickering between Draco and Weasley and he was becoming more nervous. Weasley seemed to notice his focus and also turned to Harry. Draco watched Harry stiffen at the attention and he shifted further behind Longbottom. Draco pushed the jealousy away again.

"So you prefer being friends with him rather than with me?"

Harry didn't move and Draco started to feel a bit of doubt.

"Well, do you?"

Draco didn't let Harry continue, not wanting to hear the answer. "Well, as fun as this has been, I'm going to dinner. It seems the kitchens are going to be a little crowded tonight." Draco turned around, retreating down the corridor. He didn't turn around, ignoring the different looks he was receiving from the Gryffindor students and wishing this whole day was just a dream.

Harry watched Draco leave, not sure how to feel.

"Well, are you going to answer?"

Harry turned his attention to Ron again. He didn't want to be mad at Ron but there was no way to prevent his reaction. "At this moment, I prefer Draco's. Draco doesn't make me choose." Harry brushed past Ron and entered the kitchens Neville right behind him. Harry turned to him and opened his mouth to speak but he couldn't push his words past the lump in his throat.

Neville seemed to understand and just pulled Harry close, "I told you," Neville said, "my shoulder is always available."

Harry let out a choked laugh and leaned against his friend, wishing the day would just end.

(w.c 2,808)

WolfWinks –xx-