Author's Remarks- Finally I am back to writing! Sorry for the long delay. I have not given up this fic. Life has been hectic and I took a year sabbatical from writing, but now I am back and hope to update every month or every other month at the latest. For any updates on my fic, I will give expected publish times and details on my profile page.
Any questions or reviews are still always appreciated. They inspire my to write more often.

Chapter 9: Wake-up calls

Draco was shocked to say the least of the upcoming…project. He would be sharing a room alone with Harry Potter! His heart speed up at the very thought. He tried to keep a straight face for the remainder of class, but it was difficult, especially when Blaise shot him a knowing look. Could this be his opportunity to patch things up with Harry and move beyond the past?

His mind was unable to focus properly for the next several minutes. He caught bits and pieces of what Professor McLaine, but most was a blur. He caught on to the fact that the new rooming would start in 2 days, giving the students time to make any needed arrangements with classes since they would not be able to do magical assignments in their new 'dorms.'

'Wait!' he thought in shock. 'Did she just say no magic at all outside of the classroom?' This concept frightened Draco, although he would never admit it to a single soul. How was he, a Malfoy, suppose to eat, have clean pressed cloths or anything else without house elves or magic? Was this professor insane? He wasn't a Muggle so why should he have to live like one?

His thoughts were a mix of indignation and frustration at this point. He wanted to stand up and say something and put this new Muggle-loving professor in her place. Smartly, he restrained himself. It would do him no good anymore to act like his old self, he was trying to turn over a new leaf after all. Luckily for both him and Professor Denise McLaine, class was over before he could wrap his head around all his thoughts and react to them.

Everyone who left class that day had something to say. Whispers were past amongst friends and some insults were thrown between the Slytherin and Gryffindor. Some were excited, others were upset. Many were not happy with the pairings. Draco reacted to none of it, he just disappeared from the crowd, making his way to the next class.

The rest of the day passed much the same. Draco was silent unless casting a spell or answering a question. Students from all houses were giving Draco varying looks by the end of the day. Blaise and a few other Slytherins were concerned, but the majority were confused. They had never seen Draco act in such a fashion. He was never normally so quiet.

HPHPHPHP

Harry was baffled by the ideas the professors seemed to have. Did they actually think that these 'experiments' would change anything? And How were Draco and himself supposed to room alone without killing each other? Okay, maybe not kill but certainly some nasty hexes would be thrown between the two. They couldn't go five minutes without fighting.

Supper in the Great Hall had students from all houses buzzing with interest, concern and other opinions about the new arrangements for the sixth and seventh years. Harry only half-heartedly participated and the other Gryffindors as the bashed the concept. Ron, unfortunately was still not speaking with him, so of put most of his energy focusing on him food. Shortly after he found himself walking alone up to the Tower for the night. By the times his dorm-mates were all there, Harry Potter was already fast asleep.

Unknown hours later…

Harry woke with a start. He was covered in sweat and breathing heavily. Do quickly looked around, eyeing his surroundings. He was still in his bed, in Gryffindor Tower. "It must have been a dream." he whispered to himself. Fortunately, the other continued undisturbed from there slumber. Why was he still having nightmares about last year. Why does he keep seeing the faces of Fred, Remus, Tonks, Dobby and so many others? He started shaking uncontrollably for a few minutes but was able to recover in short time. He slowly got out of bed, and made his way the bathroom.

After he finished calming down and washing up, he headed back toward his bed. As he was sitting down, he heard a noise coming from the bed across from him. It was Malfoy. He was lying almost face down, slightly sideways. Again, a noise parted from the blonde's lips. Was that a whimper? Just as he was about to get up to check on the Slytherin to see if he was hurt, a different, lower noise was heard. 'Did he just moan!' Harry asked himself, eyes widening. Draco moaned again, softer this time and he moved against the bed in his sleep. Then came the biggest shock to Harry. Draco suddenly shuddered in pleasure and a soft whisper was heard. "Harry…" the other boy breathed. His body then seemed to arch slightly as he rolled over onto his back. Then, quite suddenly his eyes snapped open and happened to fall immediately on one very shocked Harry Potter in person.

Author's Notes part 2:

Okay, so it was short but I hope you still enjoyed. Sorry for any errors. My beta has a lot going on right now and was unable to get to this chapter yet, but I figured you all waited long enough and didn't want you all to have to wait another month or two. I hope you enjoyed. I hope to hear reviews (good, bad or otherwise) on what you all think. They always inspire me to right more, If I get a decent amount, you might even see a new chapter within the next couple weeks. :)