Harry Potter of Slytherin

by AshLandWriter

Ever wonder what would happen if the sorting hat hadn't given Harry a choice, or if Harry was more focused on his life and where he wanted to take it rather than stupid rumors? This is that story, but there may be some scenes that don't include Harry. For instance, a scene where Draco confides in his father or a scene where Hermione apologizes for stealing from Snape.

1. The Sorting Hat

- Author's Note on Comments: As it seems I'm unable to actually respond to the comments in a way so everyone can see my replies, I'm going to address a few things. (1) There's been a complaint about how this story is less focused on the plot of the original novel, but I assure you that by the time it's finished the stone, mirror, and Voldemort will have all been covered. So far, only two months have passed in my fanfiction. J. manages to fit an entire school year in the span of only 10 to 12 chapters. I find this terribly plot driven, as I like to work more with characters and how events (whether external or internal) affect them. The fanfiction will make it to the end of the first novel. It will just seem slower to some people who are more plot-obsessed.

(2) Some people think that the title is misleading, because there's been a little more revolving around Draco than Harry. Yes, I didn't realize I'd be doing so much with Draco when this first started. I initially intended for his secrets and problems to just poke at the audience, but with their first few weeks at Hogwarts being only slightly uneventful, yet necessary to establish character relationships and interactions, I thought it would be a good time to establish that even Slytherins are real humans/people with real problems. Also, as many things are affected by Harry's house transfer, if even just slightly, I don't find the title very misleading. Another reason is that I'm giving story to most of the characters to make them more relatable or to feel less 2D. I'm not just doing a story about Draco's issues. I'm also doing a story about how Hermione wants to prove she belongs in the wizard world, I'm doing a story where Ron will have to get past his prejudices in order to be friends with Harry, and Harry will get his external story-line and plot eventually. It's just that they don't know enough yet to have that pick up in speed, but it will when the time is right.

(3) The main purpose of this story is to humanize the Slytherins, to have Ron and Hermione become independent enough to not be Harry's shadows, and for Harry to expand his knowledge and ways of thinking (Gryffindor may have been decent for Harry in some regards, but I never thought he was ever emotionally satisfied with that house. The house transfer lets him explore new ways of thinking that may have him become more satisfied or relaxed in that regard, as his knowledge, resources, and choices would have expanded as result). Also, by not having Harry in Gryffindor, it forces Ron and Hermione to do more things or solve more problems on their own.

(4) I'm not a fan of those narcissistic stories that think there should only be one real protagonist with a few sidekicks and the idea that the entire world should revolve around them. This is not one of those stories. It may take a while, perhaps even another fanfiction after this, but Hermione and Ron will get their glory, and even the "villains" will have their own reasons for doing things. These characters are real people dealing with real problems, not just just 2D figures with permanent ideologies and thoughts. I love character development, psychology, and dream sequences. My author's page tells you to expect these things, so if it's going slower than you like, then you don't have to read it. Just know you will be missing out on the opportunity to see these characters slowly develop into something fuller and more relatable.

(5) There's also been some complaint about how Malfoy is no longer evil, to which I say "Was he really ever?" He probably is going to treat people from his own house better than other people, and even then he may only be doing it out of expectation. There has to be a reason for why people do things. No one is evil to the core, and no one ever believes themselves to be 'the bad guy'. I have implemented some explanations, like how his parents will tell him he should stay away from the impure or that he could do so much better than "insert name". Also, I feel that people commented on Draco's personality "change" before they saw him interact with someone that wasn't even from his house. Perspective is everything.

- I know this was long, but it was necessary to respond to the questions/comments which multiple people may have. Do remember I have an entire school year to finish the philosopher stone plot line, and so far I'm only two months in. Since I started at the halfway point of Rowling's novel, I think I have the right to turn her 10 chapters of the school year into 20, probably even twice that since my chapters seem to be half as long as hers are (and it will be more than that even, just because her books are so plot-focused in the first place). Please be patient, and you will be thankful you were.

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After the sorting hat sang its song, a very loud applause echoed throughout the hall. Harry, however, didn't even smile. He's scared out of his mind. Gryffindors are brave and honor chivalry. Huffpuffs are loyal and true. Ravenclaws are intelligent with a will to learn. And Slytherins, they are cunning and will do anything to achieve their goals.

Harry shakes his head, as none of these things truly sounded like him. He remembers hiding away, being too afraid of even his cousin to stand and fight back. He couldn't think of anyone he's shown any loyalty to, and although he was smart he wasn't all that interested in spending his life behind a stack of books. And then the Slytherins will apparently do whatever it costs to succeed, and I'm not too sure I could go through something like that. He suddenly feels unwell, not sure whether to throw up or faint. What if I'm not chosen at all? What if I just sit there for hours or even days, being laughed at and humiliated, until Professor McGonagall admits there must have been some mistake and shews me back onto the train?

Harry didn't even realize the tables had already become quiet again, as the sorting hat had bowed to each one of them. Beside him he hears Ron whisper, "All we have to do is try on a hat!" His voice carries anger, "I'm going to kill Fred. He was going on about wrestling a troll." and for a moment Harry considers if he had meant it. However, he shakes it off, concluding that this must be some form of sibling rivalry he's read about in books.

After looking at the ancient hat again, Harry decided that this was better than a test at least. He looks around the hall, wishing it had not been a public display, but as he thinks about his lack of memorization of his materials over the summer he realizes this is the better deal. But I don't even know what chivalry or true is. He watches Professor McGonagall stand forward and unroll a long piece of parchment. Do they mean true as in truthful, or is it more like true as in being true to yourself? He takes a deep, shaky breath, as his hands begin to clam up in the surprisingly temperate, roofless room. I don't even know who I am. He looks around for Hermione, noting that he should have her give him a history lesson about himself later. Assuming she talks slow enough for me to understand a thing she says.

The professor loudly explains to the new students, "When your name is called, you will sit on the stool and the hat will be placed on your head to sort you."

Harry mutters, "I'm going to fail."

Ron whispers, "That's impossible. You can't fail this." as the blond haired Hannah Abbott was called and declared a Hufflepuff. "All you have to do is pick up the hat, and it should do all the work for you." After Susan Bones is also declared a Hufflepuff, she sits down next to the first girl as the table cheers for the newcomers. Ron continues, "The only way you can fail this is if you were put in the wrong house." He takes some candies from his pocket and stuffs his mouth with them, "Like me, I will be expected to be in Gryffindor, so if I get put in Hufflepuff then my family—" He pauses at the thought of disappointment, "If I get put into something else, I'm not sure how they'd react."

Harry questions, "Is there a way I can mess up?" as Terry Boot becomes the first Ravenclaw and shakes hands with a few of the house members.

Ron gives a questioning look, as if he doesn't know how Harry could possibly mess this up, "Well, your parents were in Gryffindor, but I think you should be good so long as you don't get Slytherin."

"Remind me," replies Harry as Mandy Brocklehurst also becomes a Ravenclaw. "What's wrong with Slytherin?" He hurries on before he could be given a look that would show himself to be an idiot again, "Hagrid and you say that Slytherins just go bad, but aside from Vol—" He shakes his head but doesn't say You-Know-Who, as that name actually does scare him for some reason, "Aside from him, who else has gone bad?"

Ron comments, "Well, aside from the fact that most of his followers were in Slytherin, the founder of the Slytherin house was also bad."

Their conversation is briefly interrupted, as Lavender Brown is sorted and the Gryffindor table explodes with cheers. He turns back to Ron, "What exactly did the head of Slytherin do?"

Ron scoffs, "How am I supposed to know? If you want a history lesson, ask a Ravenclaw. I'm not a bloody history book."

Harry becomes quiet, suddenly wishing he hadn't spoken at all. After all, if he's learned anything from the Dursleys, it's that staying quiet always makes things run more smoothly. He looks at the stool as Millicent Bulstrode is assigned to Slytherin, and it's as he saw the last table earn their first student that he's suddenly reminded of gym class. I was always chosen last, because no one wanted Dudley and his gang to think that they liked me.

As Harry continues to watch, he realizes some people, like Justin Finch-Fletchley who's assigned to Hufflepuff, would be sorted immediately, while others, like Seamus Finnigan who is put in Gryffindor, would take a whole minute to sort. Hermonie Granger is called next, and although she seemed nervous at first, she eventually runs up filled with excitement.

When the hat declares her a Gryffindor, Ron groans, "No."

Hermonie seems rather pleased with herself, but while she grins her way to the Gryffindor's table Nevil Longbottom is called and actually trips his way to the sorting hat. After finding the stool, the hat's placed on his head by Professor McGonagall, and it takes a while for it to decide. There's a lot of murmuring after the hat calls out, "Gryffindor." at the surprise of almost everyone there. Laughter replaces the murmuring, however, when Nevil forgets to take the hat off, and he has to return it to the next student.

Harry doesn't bother listening to what house Morag MacDougal gets sorted into, as he begins to believe it's completely random, but then Draco Malfoy is called up and the hat doesn't even touch his head before declaring him a Slytherin. "Big surprise there," comments Ron sarcastically, as Malfoy smirks his way to the table and sits across from Crabbe and Goyle.

There aren't many people left now, but Harry can't help but think of the impact this decision could have on his life. Too bad it's not my decision to make. He looks over at the Slytherin table, swearing that somehow they all just look very unpleasant. But all of these stories have no doubt messed with my head. He looks up from the table and sees the many banners of snakes, before he remembers the zoo. He smiles, remembering how polite and conversational the snake had been. That was actually the first nice conversation I've had in a very long time.

His smile slips, as he soon remembers being punished for the incident, and how he had been punished for things his entire life he had no control over. Whether it had been his hair growing too fast, somehow ending up on top of buildings while escaping Dudley's crew, or a snake escaping the exhibit and picking on his cousin for him, it had all been blamed on him when he wasn't even told why it had been happening in the first place. I don't think it would have killed my aunt to be like 'By the way Harry, you have magical abilities that do spontaneous and possibly dangerous things when your emotions are out of control, so if you could please try to remain calm that would be great. Thank you.'

He takes a deep breath as he realizes remaining calm wouldn't have been an option, not with Dudley and his gang hunting him down, how the family treats him like some disgusting object or pest, and how he always wanted to know more about things which he had never been allowed to ask. "Harry Potter," calls Professor McGonagall.

I need to get away from them, away from them and make something of myself so that I'll never have to depend on them again. He steps forward, and several people whisper of the boy who lived, as he sits on the stool and the hat covers his eyes.

"Hmm," says the aged hat after a moment. "Difficult. Very difficult. Plenty of courage, I see, and not a bad mind either. There's talent, my goodness yes, and a thirst to prove yourself. Now, that's interesting." He pauses, "So, where shall I put you?"

Harry had been nervous at first, thinking of all the bad things which are said about Slytherin and not wanting to shame his parents' memory. Now, however, he has become almost bored of this; as far as he's concerned, the house doesn't matter. So long as wherever he's sent helps him to make something of himself and never need to depend on the Dursleys again, he will be fine. So long as I can make something of myself, I will be fine.

The hat nearly laughs out in a very loud, almost conniving voice, "If you're so desperate to make something of yourself, then Slytherin you are."

Harry can feel himself make a scared expression, as the entire hall falls silent and suddenly he feels as if he's made a mistake. He stands and speaks to the hat apologetically, "I don't have to make something of myself. I could stay with the Dursleys, no matter how poorly I'm treated. I don't have to be in Slytherin."

"Oh, yes you do," calls out the hat. "I saw your mind, your anger and desperation. There's no way you're going to let go of that, and Slytherin is just the house that can teach you how to turn such destructive forces into something productive."

Harry stands still in shock before commenting, "You know, my parents were in Gryffindor, and I'm sure bravery is just as important as ambition. Maybe you could—"

The old hat interrupts with a bellowing scream, "All decisions are final."

Harry didn't think it was possible, but as he looks around it seems as if the room as fallen even more silent. He looks over at Ron, but he can't tell if the expression is fear or pity. He feels a hand on his shoulder, before he turns to see McGonagall speak, "Potter, I think it best if you joined your house."

Harry takes a shaky breath as he slowly walks over to the table covered with the green crest of the house, but as he walks no one allows him a seat as they display their self-worth. "Hey. Potter. Over here." He sees the smugly cheerful look on Malfoy's face, but with nowhere to sit he sees no other option. "Crabbe. Goyle. Make room." They do as their leader says, and Harry finds himself nearly squashed between the two large guys. "I'd like to relay my offer."

"What offer," comments Harry, a little bewildered this is even happening.

"My offer," repeats the platinum-blond boy.

Harry tries to remember what was said earlier, "You just said that my choice of friends were the wrong sort and that you'd gladly help me get the right sort."

Draco gives a fair look, seeming to understand why Harry would be upset, "Let's not focus on your poor sense of judgement. That can be fixed with time." He sees anger appear on Harry's face. "All I meant to say is that the Weasleys don't know how to stay out of trouble, and that it would be best if you chose someone else to be with."

Harry only replies with a cynical, "I don't trust you."

Malfoy shrugs, "You don't have to." He just gestures his head around the table, "But this is a house full of ambition. People here will see a legend like you, think you're in their way, and attempt to take you out of the equation. I'm just saying, having a friend could be useful."

Harry watches as the hat comments with playful disgust, "Another Weasley. I know just what to do with you."

He sees the look of relief on Ron's face after he had been assigned to his family house of Gryffindor, before Harry frowns back at Malfoy, "You're right. I could use someone who's in the same house I'm in." Draco smiles, but Harry continues before the boy can speak, "But I'd still like to remain friends with Ron, assuming that being put in Slytherin hasn't tarnished his thought of me."

Malfoy's smile turns to annoyance, "Fine. We're housemates, but you can talk to others while we're outside of the dormitory or not sitting here."

Harry gives a pleased look, although he had meant to keep an even expression, "Then we have a deal." He turns back and sees there's only one person left to sort. The dark-skinned boy looked calm, attempting to straighten his shoulders, as he was called up to the hat. I do suppose this would be considered a big milestone for many. Going to a school to learn magic when you're born into a family of magic, I guess, would kind of be like getting a license after watching the rest of your family drive a car for years. Harry watches as the hat calls out Slytherin and how Blaise Zabini was easily able to find a seat next to a black-haired girl with fair skin. I think her name was Parkinson? Harry looked at them longingly, only wishing he were as comfortable of the situation as they seemed to be. It was only a house, right?

"Don't be so glum, Potter. This will have been the best decision you have ever made."

Harry hears Malfoy but doesn't respond his doubts, as he sees Dumbledore rise to his feet with a smile upon his face. "Welcome. Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words."

"Of course, he would," mumbles Malfoy.

"Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!" The headmaster pauses for a second, "Thank you!"

When the headmaster sat down, Harry saw many people around the hall clap their cheers, but all he could hear was Malfoy complaining, "Beyond his years, people say. I say when you live as long as he has you lose all your sense."

Harry sees Crabbe and Goyle nod, but Harry himself didn't know what to think. He's about to ask how old Dumbledore was, but then he sees the banquet appear before his eyes and his jaw drops, "I've never seen so much food in my whole life!"

Malfoy shrugs, "Just one of the perks of attending the supposedly best wizarding school in Europe."

"What do you mean, supposedly best," asks Harry as he fills his plates with smashed potatoes and turkey legs.

"My father was going to send me to the Durmstrang Institute in Scandinavia, because they offer courses which aren't allowed here. They also have pride in pure-blood status, so my father thought that not only would I be guaranteed to be let in but also that it may have helped me feel confident in our family's history and achievements."

"So, why didn't you go?"

Malfoy laughs in annoyance, "Well, apparently they have a bad reputation for doing all the things my father thought would help me the most. I guess, in the end, he just thought appearances and reputation were more important than skill and confidence." Draco sees Harry's plate is empty and that French fries, bacon, and sausage were now replacing what he had before. "Save room. For banquets they give out three courses: the first as proteins and carbs, the second as fruits, veggies, and jellies, and the third as cakes, ice-creams, and nuts."

"So, no chocolate frogs," asks harry as he chews his bacon.

"I'm sure they will fit in other things somewhere, although they may not think it best to have enchanted jumping food in the hall."

"Right," comments Harry with a full mouth.

Malfoy gives a look of slight disgust, "Okay, if you're going to eat with me, you're going to have to try some etiquette."

"What, you mean like knowing which spoon to use," questions Harry.

"No. You will only need to know that if you have dinner at my manor with my father." He shakes his head, "No. All I'm asking is for you to talk in-between eating." He mumbles as his eyes shift to the side, "I don't understand why people think they can talk and eat at the same time anyway. It's not like anyone can understand a word that's said then."
"Harry swallows the remnants of what was in his mouth and asks, "Is this better?" after he had taken a sip of orange juice.

"Better," mumbles Malfoy.

As Harry is about to grab a bun a ghost with black eyes stands in front of the plate, "Boy. What's wrong with you? You act as if you hadn't eaten in months." He eyes Harry as he bends down, "Hmm, you kind of look like it as well."

Harry wasn't sure if he should respond, as he noticed the fencing sword the ghost had held; however, he figured that since both it and the ghost were translucent it couldn't do that much damage. "That's not too far off," Harry comments with lack of confidence. If this were a regular stranger and if the Dursleys were here, then by now I would have been hit on the shoulder with the rest of the family laughing it away with their own reasoning or excuses. "I've lived with my aunt and uncle, but they favor their son, Dudley." Harry shakes his head, "He takes everything I want, just because I want it. Some dinners I'm lucky if I'm left with a cup of potatoes and some corn. If there's nothing left for me they bring out the beats or dried-out bread, expecting me to eat that instead."

The ghost lets out an exasperated breath, "Those monsters deserve to be chained!"

Harry sees the ghost's chains, "Were you punished for something?"

Malfoy speaks for the ghost, "He killed Helena Ravenclaw, because she didn't love him. The blood on his shirt is why people call him Bloody Baron, as he once held the title of a baron."

Harry gives a shocked look, "You killed someone because they didn't love you?"

The ghost moves down through the table so that only those of that house would be able to notice the tears on his face, "It all happened so fast. I was so mad I just had no control of it, and in the end I did punish myself by taking my own life." Harry can't find any words, so the baron wipes the tears away, does a loud intimidating voice, and flies over the grand hall as he pretends to fight off enemies with his sword. If Harry would have sat at any other table he may have assumed this to be playfulness, but since he's here he knows the truth.

"It's a sad thing, really," comments Malfoy. "He still loves her, you know. Sometimes he just doesn't know whether to feel mad or sad." He grabs a bun and dips it into some gravy, "It's the most tragic tale I know."

"Well, there's always Romeo and Juliet," responds Harry. "But if we're talking about real life, then yeah, you'd be right."

"What's Romeo and Juliet?"

Harry takes a bun as well, "It's just this old story by Shakespeare. It's a book commonly read by muggles, so you may not know it."

Malfoy looks at his empty plate, as if mulling it over, "You would be surprised how many old Muggle authors were actually wizards. If we're lucky it's stashed in my father's library, and if so I will tell you what I think."

"It's a romantic tragedy."

"That's the best kind," Malfoy smiles as the course switches over to fruits and jellies. He grabs some chocolate pudding and strawberries, "What makes you think I'm not a romantic?"

Harry shrugs as he takes some peanut butter celeries, "I don't know. You just seem kind of hard, like you couldn't care less about things."

It only takes a second for Malfoy to respond, "Well, you kind of give off the impression of being a self-righteous prick, so neither of us is quite what we seem are we?"

Harry sits silent for a while. Is this really how he presented himself? I'm not any better than anyone else; in fact, in many ways I'm worse. I could be considered a freak in many regards. He turns his head away from Malfoy, almost in shame, and his eyes lock on the teachers' table. The table was on a platform, and everyone from Dumbledore to Hagrid to Quirrell sat there. His eyes watch the teacher who sits next to Quirrell, as he seemed to have a darkness surround him. Harry takes a moment to take in the dark apparel as well, which consisted of the usual black robes but his hair and eyes were also black. His skin on the other hand was rather pale.

Malfoy watches as Harry reaches for his forehead in sudden pain, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Harry says in a raspy breath as the pain fades. He sees Malfoy open his mouth, but he didn't feel like answering questions he didn't have answers for when he had his own to ask, "Who's that teacher next to Professor Quirrell?"

Malfoy seems almost concerned, but then his expression switches as he answers, "That's Professor Snape. He's in charge of our house." He sees Harry's eyes move back to the teacher's table, "Be careful, Potter. I hear he can be rather ruthless." He takes some dessert in the form of chocolate squares and pumpkin pie, "It's going to take you a lot more than fame or being a possible favorite in order to make him happy."

"What does he teach?" Harry's eyes remain on Snape.

"Potions, but I hear he's a lot better at the dark arts and the defense of it."

Harry sees Snape meet his eyes and so he quickly looks back to Malfoy, "If he's better at the defense of the dark arts, then why is he teaching potions?"

Malfoy shrugs, "Maybe it's harder to find someone who's good at Potions." He pauses and finishes his dessert. "Or maybe they just don't trust him with the job."

Harry whispers, "Why wouldn't they trust him with it?" as the final course disappears and all the dishes appear as clean as when they had started.

Malfoy takes a moment, as if deciding if he should say anything, "Well, like I said, he does a fine job with the dark arts as well, which isn't allowed here. And, also, it's thought that he was a follower of Voldemort."

Harry's mouth opens in surprise, but when he's about to ask another question he hears Dumbledore speak. "Ahern - just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you." Harry looks over at the headmaster. "First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well."

Malfoy sniggers as he sees Dumbledore's eyes looking at the Gryffindor's table, "I told you they couldn't stay out of trouble."

Harry ignores Malfoy as Dumbledore continues to speak. "I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors." He pauses and then continues, "Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch." There's another pause, and Harry thinks it sounds an awful lot like he's just reading from a list. "And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death."

Harry smiles, about to laugh, but then he sees the look on Malfoy's face, "What? He's not serious."

"Teachers are very serious creatures." Malfoy smirks, "And I've heard enough stories about the forest not to doubt the chance that something may have gotten in. Maybe they just have it locked up there until someone can take it back to the forest during holiday. That way there's less of a chance of someone getting hurt and the headmaster's reputation being tarnished."

Harry nods in thought. It does make sense.

"And now, before we go to bed, let us sing the school song," exclaims Dumbledore. He gave his wand a little flick, and a long golden ribbon flew out of it, spinning words into the air. Harry only mouthed the words as others sang. It seemed like the song focused on learning things, assuming you lost knowledge over the summer.

An irritated, snort-like noise came from Malfoy, "If they want us to learn and keep information, then they should let us practice outside of the school." He sees Harry's confusion, "Oh. Didn't you know?" The sarcasm in his voice was evident. "You're not allowed to use magic outside of Hogwarts until after you graduate."

Harry shakes his head, "What? But Hermione just told me on the train that she's done nothing but practice over the summer, and she fixed my glasses too. She said a lot of spells work for her."

Draco is quiet for a moment, and Harry wonders if Malfoy feels as behind in magic as he does. "They don't punish first years, as they often haven't been told the rule yet." His eyes stare down at the table, "I also imagine they think that first years will become excited to learn if they try a few spells they may not have learned until months later if otherwise."

Suddenly, Harry notices people standing, lining up to leave, "Where are we going?"

"We're expected to go to our dorm and stay there until breakfast tomorrow, although many choose to sleep in until class starts instead."

Harry stands, "What if another announcement needs to be done?"

"Announcements are made during dinner, which is seen as required but you won't get into trouble if you decide to skip it, let's say to turn in early or do homework instead."

Harry nods and as soon as he knew it, they had arrived and entered the Slytherin common room. It was long, and the walls and ceiling were made of stone. Green lanterns hung from the ceiling by chains, and a few high-back chairs surrounded the fireplace. On the right of the fireplace was a sloping concrete floor, and above it a green banner read Girls in silver. Harry looks to the left of the fireplace and sees it's the same for the boys.

"Come on," exerts Malfoy and so Harry, as well as Crabbe and Goyle, follow him down the candle-lit hall. There were signs on the doors indicating which year the dorm belonged to, but it seemed that the oldest years were towards the common room and the younger years were put in the back of the hall. The doors were also so spread out, Harry found himself bored and exhausted by the time they finally reached their dorm.

Harry found his things placed in front of a bed, so he assumed it to be his and had sat down upon it. However, he had only been sitting for a moment when Goyle comments, "I think there's been a mistake. We should switch beds."

Harry gives a questioning look, but before he can ask questions Malfoy responds, "No. It's fine, Goyle."

"But Draco, your father—"

"I don't care about my father," Draco interrupts. "He's too cautious. I've finally gotten away, or at least as away as I could get, so I'd like to make some of my own decisions. Thank you very much." He turns and sees Harry's confusion, "My father has made quite a few enemies over the years. He's afraid I'll get hurt."

Harry sees the two large, almost strong, boys claim the two beds on the other side of Draco's, "So, what then? They're your bodyguards?"

Malfoy shrugs, "I would like to believe they're my friends, but I know my father well enough to wonder if he just paid them to be."

Harry nods, although he's still having a hard time grasping the idea, and then he takes out his potions book to study. At first it seems that Draco doesn't like to be ignored, but after some time he's going through his own items and explaining to Crabbe and Goyle that he needs to come up with a scheme to become most well-known student of his year. Harry hears him say, "Not to steal your thunder or anything, Potter."

"No. Of course, not." Harry looks up from his book for a moment and notices Malfoy scribbling on a piece of parchment. It was all he could do not to distract from his studies and get involved in whatever they were saying, but he forces his eyes back to the book anyway. I don't know how I'm supposed to remember all of this. It's just a big list with extended paragraphs on what is used for a specific potion and what properties the ingredient gives off in that specific potion. The more he reads, the more Harry realizes that an ingredient's properties can be altered just by adding different items to the potion. All of this was frustrating him so much and giving him a headache that although he hadn't realized it was already really dark, he was gratefully glad that he could put it away and just get to sleep. This must be the best bed I've ever had.