The Slytherin common room was a cold and forbidding place, its dark and gloomy interior surrounding the room like a cloud of darkness waiting to descend on Harry.
The lush green sofas were, on the other hand, extremely comfy, Harry had to admit. He sunk calmly into one of the settees by the fireplace, as he waited for his friend to arrive.
Shortly after, Draco appeared, swamped by two big bulking figures, who reminded Harry of some of Dudley's mates from St. Grogory's Primary School.
"Morning, Potter. These are my new friends, Crabbe and Goyle," He nodded at the pair stood behind him.
"Hello," Harry said warmly. "I'm Harry,"
"Yes, we know who you are," Said Crabbe. "Harry Potter in Slytherin, who'd have thought?"
"I'm just glad to be away from the Dursleys," He said truthfully. "I'm not sure I could stomach another few months with them,"
Draco sat beside Harry, and stared at him with concern.
"Why? What have those Muggles been doing to you?"
"Where do I start?" Harry sighed. "I'm a slave to them. They make me do all the chores, and they went to ridiculous lengths to stop me going to Hogwarts. Hagrid had to come and personally escort me to Diagon Alley. And Dudley is the worst. Him and his mates have been bullying me for years,"
"A muggle? Bullying the great Harry Potter?" Draco was astonished. "We can't allow that, can we, boys? How about we teach you how to fight?"
"I'm not sure that's for me," Said Harry. "I'm not a fighter. I'm just Harry,"
"Rubbish. You've got to stand up to people like that, Potter," Draco slapped Harry roughly on the back, making him gasp.
"We'll show you how to hold your own, Harry," Said Goyle. "Dudley won't know what's hit him,"
Harry met Draco and his new friends in the courtyard, after A History Of Magic. They had a free period before their potions lesson, which Draco had promised to use to form their own fight club.
"Okay, Potter," Draco beckoned him forward. "You're on. Your first opponent will be Goyle,"
Harry gulped, staring at the imposing figure before him.
Clocking his expression, Goyle attempted to reassure him.
"Don't worry, Harry, I'll go easy on you,"
"First, aim for the right side of his head," Draco instructed.
Harry obliged, and threw his left hand towards Goyle's right cheek. However, Goyle ducked before his fist made contact with his face.
"Too slow, Harry," Goyle shook his head, and threw his right hand towards Harry's stomach. "You need more momentum,"
Harry yelped as he felt the strong force of Goyle's punch make contact with his tummy.
"I thought you were going easy," Harry protested, as he attempted to punch Goyle in the face again.
This time, he was more successful, as his fist struck Goyle's right cheek.
"I am," Said Goyle, who this time aimed for Harry's face. "Believe me, my punches normally hurt much more than this,"
Harry felt his left cheek start to bruise, as Goyle's hand made its presence known.
"Okay, Potter, next time Goyle makes his move, I want you to duck," Draco advised.
On the next punch, Harry followed Draco's suggestion. Goyle's punch missed Harry, and instead struck the tree next to the Boy Who Lived.
"Nicely done, Potter," Draco was impressed. "Now, throw your right hand at Goyle's stomach,"
Harry nodded, and directed his first towards Goyle's tummy, knocking him back by a few centimetres.
"Very good," Said Draco. "With a bit more practice, I think Dudley will soon be running scared,"
"Erm, Draco..." Crabbe nodded at McGonnagal striding towards them.
"Mr Malfoy, what's going on here?" She crossed her hands furiously at the sight of Harry and Goyle's bruised features.
"Nothing, miss. Just teaching Potter some...magic," Draco tried to look innocent, but his attempt clearly failed to convince, as McGonnagal's nostrils flared.
"Do you think I was born yesterday, Mr Malfoy?" She said. "Ten points each from Slytherin, and I'll see the three of you in detention at eight,"
Draco turned to Harry as McGonnagal left the scene.
"Well I'd say that was hugely successful, wouldn't you? Same time next week, Potter?"
