Chapter 7
That night was probably the most awkward of Harry's life, and that included the Yule Ball.
He'd spent the rest of the afternoon sitting with his friends in their new common room. He supposed he should feel happy and comforted but he felt as though he was drowning in their laughter and cheering, as though a weight was pulling him down.
The room was empty when he got there, thank god. Without much thought he quickly changed into his pyjamas. Knowing he wouldn't sleep tonight he rooted in his trunk for his sleep draft and downed it in one, hoping for a dreamless slumber.
It was dark when Harry's eyes fluttered open, the open curtains allowed the white light from the moon to shine in. Malfoy sat on the window seat, staring out into the outside of the castle, but he was not alone. On his lap sat a black and white cat Harry had never seen before. Another thing Harry had never seen before was the tenderness and care Malfoy showed as he slowly caressed its soft fur. Without meaning to, Harry's eyes closed once more and he drifted off into the night.
He awoke in the morning to a soft voice calling his name.
"Potter? Uh Potter...you'll have to get up now if you don't want to be late for class."
He sat up straight and reached for his glasses.
"Uh thanks?" He said, confused.
"No problem." Malfoy muttered.
Shit. This was awkward. Why did he feel like he'd just been incredibly rude?
He was going to have to break the ice.
He noticed the cat from last night sleeping on the bed next to him.
"Is that your cat then?"
Malfoy looked at him indignantly.
"Yes. I didn't steal her, I'm not a thief."
Bloody hell, he was only asking.
"I didn't say you were?"
Another pause.
"What's her name?"
"Duri."
"That's nice," Harry nodded "did you-"
"You'll be late if you don't get ready now, goodbye."
And Malfoy sauntered out.
It could have gone worse, Harry thought.