Chapter 2
Running through the wall onto platform 9 3/4 was a rush, the immediate sense of ease and warmth that washed over his body was insane. He almost felt as if his skin was on fire with all the raw magical power around him. After a few seconds to adjust to his surroundings he quickly moved away from the wall not wanting to risk the chance of being hit by another person or cart making there way through the magical barrier. Spotting Ron and Hermione was fairly easy but navigating his cart through the mass of families was another thing altogether. Weaving through the families embracing each other and saying goodbye gave him a sweet sense of nostalgia and he was actually excited to be back.
The Hogwarts express gleamed under the station lights as smoke billowed out of the stacks filling the room in a layer of smoke. A huge grin was plastered on his face as his eyes searched the mass of people looking for familiar faces in the crowd. He spotted Neville a few feet away with Luna and Ginny looking to be lost in a deep conversation with their heads bowed close to one other. Guilt washed over him, he still felt bad for having ended things with her over the summer. She hadn’t taken it badly, even seemed to have seen it coming but still she hadn’t talked to him much since then.
“Come on guys we need to grab a compartment before they all fill up.” Came Hermione’s voice over the murmur of the crowd around them.
Pushing and weaving their way through the families they finally managed to board the train and get all their luggage safely aboard. He felt oddly relieved finally being inside the compartment where he first meet his two best friends, after putting their trunks away they settled into their seats waiting for the Hogwarts express to pull away from the station. Hermione was already pulling out books and rambling on about possible new professors and class work. He really wasn’t paying attention to what she was saying but instead was staring out the window watching as the last of the kids rushed to get on to the train as it gave off its final warning whistle. As they pulled away from the station the door to their compartment swung open revealing Dean and Seamus.
“Aye mates, mind if we join you? Everywhere else is either full or has first years.”
“Make yourselves comfortable, up for a game of exploding snap fellas?”
“Count us in Ron.” Dean said as they both stored their trunks away and sat down to play.
“Excited to be gettin back to Hogwarts?”
“Hopefully this year we’ll have a semi normal year without Harry er havin to save the world again.” Seamus joked elbowing Dean in the ribs and shooting Harry a wide toothy grin.
“We can only be so bloody lucky if he makes it halfway through the year without ending up in the hospital wing. With your track record mate, I’m not counting on it.” Ron laughed earning himself a disapproving look from Hermione as well as a slap on the arm.
“To be fair it’s not like I ever went looking for trouble it always just seemed to find me.” He muttered earning himself disbelieving looks from the other four.
“Harry, that’s exactly what you did every year.” Giggled Hermione. He just stared at her wide eyes until she continued on.
“I don’t think there’s been a single year that you haven’t actively pursued a life or death situation. First year with the sorcerers stone.”
“Don’t forget the detention in the forbidden forest first year as well. Or the bloody spiders second year, as well as the chamber of secrets.” Ron countered.
“Can’t forget about the flying car incident either.” Chortled Seamus.
“Alright alright I get your point guys.” He laughed.
“Let’s just drop it and not jinx this year before it’s even started.” With that being said the compartment was soon filled with easy laughter and small explosions as they continued their game of snap. As the Scottish countryside wizzed passed in a blur of green he relaxed back into his seat and closed his eyes, In just a few hours they’d be back at Hogwarts sitting at their table waiting for the feast to begin.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Harry! Wake up! We’re pulling up to Hogsmead station.”
With a start he bolted upright completely disoriented at first to his surroundings. A small chuckle could be heard coming from beside him as he fixed his glasses and stretched out his body groaning loudly earning even more laughter from his friends.
“Hurry up mate I’m starving.”
“You’re always hungry Ron, honestly you ate your weight on the train how are you still hungry.” Hermione scolded throwing a look at Ron before walking out the compartment. Ron started to say something but what cut off by Dean giving him a slight shove out the door so they could get a carriage.
Stepping out on the platform of Hogsmead station was surreal, first years starting up at the castle in wonder while older years pushed passed excited to get inside. People seemed to have crowded around the carriages stopping dead in their tracks. He didn’t realize what was going on at first until he heard a whimsical voice beside him.
“Of course a lot more students would see them now after fighting last year, maybe now people will pay attention to them.” He glanced over to see Luna had materialized out of nowhere staring off into the sky with a distant smile on her face before meeting his gaze.
“Hey Harry what the bloody hell are those things pulling the carriages?”
“Oh there threstrals Ron. Do you honestly not pay attention in class?” Hermione looked intrigued if not a little taken back by the skeletal horse standing in front of them.
“I forgot we’d be able to see them this year, I wasn’t as prepared for them as I thought I was.” With that Hermione climbed her way into one of the free carriages making room for everyone.
“Wait you mean to tell me they’ve always been pulling the carriages?”Ron looked a little green at the thought.
“I thought it was being pulled by magic.” Ron murmured under his breath before clambering inside closely followed by Luna and himself.
The ride to the castle itself was non-eventful just filled with polite pleasantries and talk of the new school year. Before anyone knew it they were walking into the great hall. They all looked around confused at first everything seemed to be the same from the enchanted ceiling to the four house tables, but there was a much smaller fifth table in the front of the room near the teachers. A few familiar faces were already seated, he noticed Justin Fletchley and Zachariah Smith were already in a full blown animated conversation with Seamus and Dean in one corner. Dean noticed the trio standing awkwardly in the entryway of the room and started to wave them over as more and more students filled into the room and gravitated to their corresponding house table. Once seated he looked around most of the 8th year Gryffindor’s had returned he wasn’t surprised there, along with a few Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students he noticed looked familiar. He continued studying each person at their table, still not a single Slytherin was seated at there table yet. He glanced over to their table searching for the familiar white blond head but still wasn’t able to spot him. Confused he turned back to his friends trying to push the uneasy feeling away and just enjoy the the company of his friends.
Everyone was chatting happily amongst each other just catching up on how people’s summers went when Harry felt a prickling sensation in the back of his mind before a hush fell over the room. Harry spun around in his seat to see what had drawn everyone’s attention away from their conversations to be greeted with the sight of one Draco Malfoy. He was standing in the entry way his slim frame in perfectly tailored robes and he felt relieved. He was backed by Parkinson’s and Zabini looking as bored and immaculate as ever but their eyes darted around the room as if assessing if there was any danger. He was happy to see that Malfoy looked a lot healthier now than how he looked at his trial. His normally slicked back hair was now loose framing his sharp face perfectly, it made him look softer somehow. He looked good he thought before doing a double take, did he really just think Malfoy looked good? He brushed it off assuming he was just glad he seemed to have recovered. Hushed whispers and shouts broke out around the room from outrage to disbelief. Malfoy’s face was as always a unreadable mask, his head held high and shoulders pulled back as he and his entourage made their way gracefully to the table.
“Who let him come back?”
“I can’t believe he decided to show his face this year.”
“Go home terrorist!”
From somewhere in the room he heard someone shout stupefy and a red flash was headed straight towards Malfoy’s turned back. He felt his magic swell on its own accord before he even knew what he was doing he cast a wand less and silent shield charm that encompassed the three Slytherins. The stun hit the shield and harmlessly fizzled out leaving the whole room in stunned shock and confusion as to what just happened.
“There will not be any attacking of fellow students, that kind of behavior will not be tolerated and is grounds for immediate disciplinary actions.” Headmistress McGonagall’s voice thundered from the teachers table drawing everyone’s attention to her terrifying and captivating demeanor. She paused for a few seconds to let her words sink in before continuing on.
“If everyone will quiet down and take their seats the sorting ceremony will begin shortly.”
“Dray” Pansy crooned, holding onto Malfoy’s arm in what looked like a vice like grip as they took their seats a few feet away. She flashed Malfoy a flirtatious smile before carrying on.
“That was impressive and fast thinking shielding us from that stun. I didn’t even see you grab your wand.” Embarrassment flooded him, he hadn’t meant to cast such a large shield around the three of them. He only intended to protect Malfoy since he was the intended target.
“Wasn’t me.” Malfoy said bluntly before shaking her off and turned around catching him staring.
“Oh. Well then wonder who it was.” She said confusion settling into her face before turning to Zabini.
“Yes I wonder who it was.” Malfoy said dryly grey eyes still not leaving his causing him to squirm in his seat under the heat of that piercing look.
Just then the doors swung open as the first years marched there way to the front of the room being lead by Hagrid. Small exclamations could be heard as they looked around in wonder. Merlin he couldn’t seem to remember ever looking that small when he first arrived at Hogwarts but then again compared to Hagrid everyone was tiny. As the first names were called out and sorted the room was filled with cheers and applause from the houses, well that was until the first Slytherin was sorted. The poor girl looked about ready to burst into tears and her new house mates made no effort to cheer for her. They all seemed defeated by the fact there once proud house was now the pariah of the school. More students got sorted and the Gryffindor table seemed to be about to collapse under the weight of all the new children it welcomed. As the last student took there seat McGonagal waved her hand and the tables filled with various assortments of food.
“Finally I thought the sorting would never end, I’m starving.” Exclaimed Ron as he started piling his plate full of food. Hermione shot him a disapproving if not grossed out look before helping herself to the wonderful smelling food that appeared in front of her. The room quieted down a little as students ate their fill, occasional laughter could be heard echoing around the room as people chatted away. Talk of quidditch dragged him away from his own meal and soon he was involved in a heated discussion about the best teams and new up and coming players. He felt glad being able to fall back into the normal banter with his classmates.
“Hey Harry is it true you and Ginny aren’t together anymore?” God why did Justin have to bring this up now he thought to himself before turning to fully face Justin. He was looking at him expectantly with this odd expression on his face he couldn’t quite place. Before he could respond Ron intervened red faced and angry.
“Oi bugger off justin and mind your own business. Not like she’d be interested in you anyway.”
“I wasn’t asking because I’m interested in her Ron.” Justin looked him up and down as if to prove his point to Ron, a wide toothy grin spread across his face. Harry squirmed in his seat uncomfortable with the intensity of Justin’s gaze. Ron just sat their mouth hanging open like a fish, eyes darting between Harry and Justin. Hermione was chuckling beside him rather quietly to herself at the whole interaction. Harry caught her attention and gave her a confused look that just seemed to make her laugh even harder. She just shook her head and placed a hand on his shoulder before turning back to her plate of food.
Harry risked glancing over at Malfoy, he and Zabini where both lookin his way. Draco’s face was expressionless while Zabini seemed to be holding in laughter his shoulders shaking slightly with the effort. Zabini leaned forward and whispered something into Malfoy’s ear causing him to blush and turn to face his friend. Hushed angry whisperers barely reached his ears, it seemed Zabini was getting yelled at but he didn’t seem to care as he exploded into a loud laughing fit. Malfoy now noticeably fuming turned away from Zabini and starting drinking his tea, his long slender fingers holding the cup delicately. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from the other boy, questions swirling around in his head. Zabini nudged Malfoy and jerked his chin in Harry’s direction causing Malfoy to see he was still watching them. Embarrassed at being caught staring Harry looked away but not before Malfoy flashed him a wink over the lip of his cup. Taken aback he wondered if he saw that correctly before he was drawn back into conversation with his friends. He was perplexed, did he really just see Malfoy of all people just wink at him? He thought he did but wasn’t sure. And what did Zabini whisper to him to have caused that reaction from Malfoy? Before he could think too much into it Headmistress McGonagal stood up and cleared her throat, all the food vanished from the surrounding tables.
“I’d like to welcome everyone back to another year at Hogwarts and hope everyone enjoyed the welcome feast. I’d like to go over a few things before dismissing you all to your respective dormitories. As you can see we’ve added a fifth table this year for our returning 8th years, if you all would be so kind to wait behind until everyone else leaves I’ll escort you personally to your new dormitory and inform you of the new rules as well as sleeping arrangements.” With this being said the whole room exploded into excited chatter. The headmistress waited for a few seconds before calling attention back to herself and continuing on. The announcements were pretty standard and soon everyone was being escorted to there respective house dorms. while the 8th years stood around waiting for there turn.
“If you’d please follow me I’ll show you to your new dorm.” Without another word the Headmistress walked out of the great hall. The group came to a stop on the 3rd floor corridor that once held the sorcerers stone unbeknownst to most of his classmates. Hanging on the door was a old worn painting containing a wrinkled old woman sitting in a rocking chair with a book in her lap.
“Password this week is welcome back. It will change weekly so check the notification board Monday before leaving your common room please. After Monday it will change monthly on the first day of the month. I expect everyone to have the password memorized.” She gave Neville a slight glance as she said this.
“Your new roommates are posted there as well, there will be two to a room since your class this year is smaller then average. Your newly assigned roommate will be another student from a different house. This being said switching roommates is not allowed, also this is to help with the school unity we are putting into effect this year. I expect everyone to follow the rules that have been posted. As you are all overage, curfew has been lifted for you but i expect everyone to act accordingly. I hope everyone enjoys the rest of your evening, please don’t be up to late you have a long day ahead of you tomorrow.” Without another word headmistress McGonagal turned on her heels and started back down the stairs the way they came.
He shot a look at both Ron and Hermione before they all excitedly clambered through the portrait along with the rest of their classmates. He couldn’t believe his eyes the room had changed from last time he was inside. It seemed every house had a designated area fitted with their house colors. Warm reds and oranges were by one fireplace with comfy looking chairs and plush beanbags. Multiple bookcases with numerous small tables and chairs were placed in the far corner obviously meant for the Ravenclaws. Green high back chairs were placed strategically around the other fireplace and low hanging plants encompassed another corner with yellow overstuffed sofas. There were two staircases leading up on either side of the room for there respective dorms.
“Oi let’s see who we’re rooming with. Hopefully we get someone from Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw.” Ron jested turning to locate the room mate sheet posted on the board and pushing his way through his class mates to see the list. Hermione was following Ron’s lead while he hung back waiting for people to get out of the way. It didn’t take long but his two friends were back by his side in no time chatting about there new roommates.
“It looks like I’m rooming with Pansy.”
“that’s rotten luck Mione. I’m with Justin at least I won’t have to sleep with one eye open like you will babe.”
“Who did you get Harry?” Hermione questioned after giving Ron a well deserved slap on the arm.
“Boy wonder is with me Granger.” Came an all to familiar drawl causing him to whirl around losing his balance and tumbling straight into Malfoy.
Malfoy caught him easily enough before they both could topple over. He was surprised to notice that Malfoy was quite fit. just by looking at him you wouldn’t notice but he could feel the muscles hidden under Malfoy’s shirt. Strong arms wrapped around him and slightly pulled him closer.
“Can’t have the golden boy falling over me now can we?” Malfoy purred quietly into his ear just so he was the only one who could hear. He jerked back slightly looking up at Malfoy’s smug face in bewilderment. This action caused Malfoy to actually smile down at him and let out a small laugh. He realized he’d never heard him laugh before and it dazzled him. Malfoy just continued staring down at him with an amused expression on his face while he tried and failed to regain his composure. Wow he thought, he never realized how tall Malfoy was before or just how pretty he was. Looking into his pale grey eyes they seemed to twinkle with amusement before the former Slytherin let go of him.
“Oi ferret face what you doing lurking about like that!”
“Just doing the same as everyone else Weasley, checking to see who I’m rooming with.” He leered voice now cold as stone as he looked down at Ron. The sudden change in Malfoy’s demeanor struck him, how could he seem so unfazed and practically playful with him but nasty the next second with Ron?
“Also can’t go letting the golden boy get injured the first day of school? Wouldn’t look good for me now would it.”
“Get lost Malfoy.”
“I’ll see you up there Potter, just don’t go bringing the filth in with you.” This caused Ron to puff up his face alarmingly close to matching the red of his hair. Hermione had to grab onto Ron’s arm before he could do anything stupid.
“Well umm I guess I’ll see you up there then.” He finally managed to croak out after Malfoy had already started walking away. He wanted to hit himself why did his mouth suddenly feel dry and what was with his suddenly being dazzled by Malfoy?
“What was that all about mate?” Ron yelled at him furious. He himself had no idea what even had happened so he just shrugged his shoulders and politely excused himself to go find his new room and confront his new roommate.
He walked up the unfamiliar stairs and down the hallway passing the new dorm rooms until he finally reached the correct door. He had to steady himself outside the room, behind the door in front of him was his new home for the next year. This was either going to go terribly bad or good. All he had to do was open the door. Talking a deep breath he finally found the strength to grasp the handle and the door swung open.
Malfoy was already in what looked like silk dark green pajamas. He snorted under his breath, of course Malfoy would have overly expensive sleep wear.
“Just going to stand in the doorway and stare or you coming in?” He took one last deep breath and stepped inside his new room letting the door fall shut behind him with a soft click. There shared room was the same size as his old dorm room was in the Gryffindor tower. He looked around in amazement, they really outdid themselves making this new 8th year dorm. The room had two beds instead of the four he was used to. His trunk sat at the end of a bed that had deep burgundy curtains while Malfoy had dark green around his own bed. The room had a decent sized fire place with two comfortable looking chairs on the opposite wall of the beds. It was already roaring away filling the stone walled room in a warmth that would have been hard to find without. He noticed a slightly cracked open door closest to Malfoy’s bed that was most likely the shared bathroom. Walking over to his truck he let out a small groan at the thought of needing to unpack.
“Trust me Potter we’ll be in to much of a rush in the morning to unpack then.” Malfoy said as if he could read his mind. Which probably wasn’t to far off since he was a skilled legamentis he thought to himself.
“So umm…..I was wondering……. Ummmm.” He stammered word’s suddenly lost to him as he crouched at the edge of his bed fumbling around inside his trunk for his sleep clothes. Why did he have to be so awkward about this? Why couldn’t he just talk it’s not like this was the hardest thing he has ever done.
“Spit it out Potter. Some of us need our beauty sleep, can’t be up all night while you stutter on.”
“I was wondering what the hell that was about downstairs.”
“Oh you mean catching you after you fell into me? I was merely just repaying the favor after you shielded me at dinner.” There was that twinkle again in Malfoy’s eyes. He had a sneaking suspicion that Malfoy new exactly what he meant but wouldn’t say anything unless asked directly. Unfortunately for him, he just wasn’t that bold yet and this new Malfoy was giving him whiplash.
“Umm yeah that.” He managed to get out not being able to say what he really wanted to. Maybe he had been imagining it all. The wink. The way Malfoy held him in his arm when he tripped. Merlin what was wrong with him?
“Just you seem different this year is all I wasn’t expecting it.”
“Not like I have to keep playing a part now right? I’m not trying to please my father anymore Potter. Why, do you have a problem with that?” Malfoy looked at him with those piercing grey eyes one perfect eyebrow lifted up in question.
He didn’t know how to respond so he just shrugged his shoulders and made his way towards the bathroom. Merlin this is going to be a strange and awkward year if all there interactions were like this. Why did Malfoy have to speak like everything he said was layered with hidden meanings. It was like his facial expressions were where the real conversation took place. Was this how all Slytherins acted he wondered? Once inside the bathroom he closed the door and let out a deep breath. The bathroom was small with one sink that was surprisingly fully stocked with skincare and hair products. Holy shit Malfoy had more things than Ginny or Hermione owned combined, no wonder his hair and skin always looked flawless. He quickly changed into his sleep clothes and brushed his teeth. If he didn’t have this conversation tonight he knew he would keep putting it off so with a few minutes to gather his courage he sighed before leaving the bathroom. Malfoy’s curtains were closed around his bed hiding the boy from his sight. The only light came from a small fire in the fireplace.
“Hey you still awake Malfoy?”
“No, what do you want Potter?”
“Well I was wondering if we could start over maybe? Since we’re rooming together we should try and getalongandmaybefriends?” He barely managed got the words out they were all a rush and jumbled mess. He stood there for a few agonizing seconds before he heard a russel coming from behind the emerald curtains. Malfoy peeked out and looked at him with an amused look. He could feel his own face heat up with a blush and he quickly looked down at his feet not wanting Malfoy to notice the very prominent blush that was spreading across his cheeks.
“Did you just ask to be my friend Potter?” Malfoy looked at him questionably before pulling the curtains all the way back.
“Well I mean the war is over now and, after everything that’s happened I think we should try and start over. If that’s not something you’d be interested in then just forget I even asked, okay?” He was so stupid for even asking that, Merlin was he ever stupid. Why would Malfoy ever want to be his friend after all these years of them fighting. He snuck a glance over at the boy still sitting in his bed with a dumbfounded look. Malfoy stared at him for what felt like forever before slowly getting out of bed and walking over to stand in front of him. He took a deep breath not knowing what was about to happen, he wished in this moment he payed more attention to Snapes ligamentes lessons. To his ever mounting surprise Malfoy extended his hand like he did all those years ago in first year.
“Hello my name is Draco Malfoy, my friends call me Draco.” He stood there with his hand outstretched waiting, he seemed a little nervous as his long pale fingers trembled just a bit. Draco looked expectantly at him waiting for him to respond, but unlike all those years ago he eagerly took Draco’s outstretched hand in his. It was surprisingly soft and cool to the touch but that didn’t bother him in the slightest.
“Hi Draco, I’m Harry Potter. Please call me Harry.” A small smile spread over his face they only stood there for a few seconds before Draco cleared his throat and pulled away. Turning his back to him before he climbed back into his bed.
“Goodnight Harry.” He heard being said softly as Draco closed the drape around his bed. Harry smiled to himself, maybe just maybe this would be a good year.