Disclaimer: We doDisclaimer: We do NOT own Harry potter or anything associated with him. Except we may have bought a few books, I don't mean the COPYRIGHT to them, I just mean the books, Hehe. To read, you know..
Warning: A/U, Possible Slash (Harry/Snape). You can never tell what direction a story will go in when it's. OotP Spoilers. Chronic lit :)
Summary so far: Harry is put in the Slytherin house in his 6th year, to protect the lives of his friends, Ron and Hermione. Unlikely friendships develop, Harry/Snape pairing.
Authors: SeritaSnape, ThailiaNicolita, Orchid, Ues the Quill for truth only, CosmicAngel, AmethystStar
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Harry decided to go up to the Owlery to see if Hedwig was back yet. She wasn't of course, but Draco was there, stroking a smoky black Owl that Harry noticed Hedwig really didn't like.
"Is that your owl?" Harry asked Draco, as if he and Draco weren't really enemies. What's come over me? I'm treating Draco nicely and I said Snape isn't a bad guy.
"No, it's mine." Said a cold, icy voice from behind Harry. Harry stepped further into the Owlery and turned around, seeing Professor Snape.
"Oh professor, I didn't see you there" Harry said quickly.
"Well now you do Potter, is there something you want?"
"Oh no, I was just here to see if my owl had returned" Harry said forcing a smile.
"Oh no Harry, sorry she's not." Draco said. Harry could tell Draco didn't want another yelling at from Snape.
"Oh OK, bye then" Harry said and he turned to leave.
Draco gave Snape back is his bird. "Thanks Professor, I've got to go" Draco said hurriedly and he ran after Harry.
"Harry wait up" Draco called.
"Yes Malfoy?" Harry turned to watch Draco run up to him.
"Harry I just wanted to say.."
"Come on spit it out, I've got things to do" Harry said wondering why he was still even here listening to Draco.
"You don't have to be rude!" Draco snapped, Harry glared at him.
"Oh, but don't I have a right to be?" Harry said, still glaring.
"Why don't you hear me out first?" said Malfoy, "Then you can decide."
Harry sighed and turned back around to face Draco. Boy, was this a strange day. Was he going to have a civilized conversation with Malfoy, the boy he had practically considered his arch nemesis for five years, "Fine, You've got two minutes, start talking."
Draco smirked, "All right, Harry. I'm sorry I've been such a Er... jerk. I've just had some light recently shed upon me about your life, and I realize my insults don't help." He watched Harry for a reaction.
"You feel sorry for me? You slimy git! LEAVE ME ALONE!" Harry hissed, pulled out his wand, opened his mouth to say a hex, but instead he turned and stomped off.
Harry was fuming as he headed back to his common room. Draco Malfoy felt sorry for him!
Why couldn't people just leave him alone. They all hated him or pitied him it seemed, or there was hero worship which was just as bad. And now he had a detention with Snape in less than an hour, when he could be spending the day in Hogsmeade. And who, he wondered, possibly could have told Malfoy anything about his life. If his suspicions were correct he didn't know if he'd be able to stop himself from cursing Snape.
He deposited his bag in his dorm before heading down to the dungeons, still in a bad mood. When he found two people waiting for him instead of one he thought he could feel his blood boiling...
"What is Malfoy doing here?" Harry seethed, unable to control his rage.
"You wont speak to me in that tone, Potter." Snape said, scowling.
"Fine," said Harry in a sugary sweet tone, though you could still tell it was laced with bitterness. "What is Draco doing here?"
"I suggest you sit down, Mr. Potter," said Snape, wondering how he was going to explain all this. "I believe it is a rather long story..."
Harry sat down, crossing his arms. The other two took a seat as well. Harry glared at both of them. "Well?" Harry hissed. Severus and Draco scowled. "Can we try short and to the point? sir?"
Severus glared at him. "All right, then, Potter. If you don't wish for an explanation. You're being moved to Slytherin."
"I'm What? Nooo, you can'!. I was sorted into Gryffindor. It's where I belong!" Harry yelled at the top of his lungs.
"Well yes we understand that Potter, but if you let me explain more you'd underst-" Harry cut him off.
"I don't want to understand more, I'm a Gryffindor and you can't change that. No." He folded his arms.
"Potter I know that's how you feel but Slytherin would be good for you. A place to spread your wings." Snape said in an almost nice tone, while Draco nodded.
"What about my friends? What about quidditch? What about everything I've worked hard for?" Harry slumped sadly in his chair as he thought about this too.
"Well Potter, I've been talking with Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall and they both agree that..."
"They agree?" Harry burst out and stood up.
He ran from the room. 'They agree? How? Why? No way, Dumbledore would never' Harry picked up his speed.
"Potter, get back here!" Snape was calling.
Harry just ran faster again. As fast as he could run. He reached Dumbledore's office.
"Oh shit I don't know the password" Harry said, at this moment he heard footsteps from behind the statue.
The statue moved, and shifted into stairs, and down from the stairs came Professor Dumbledore.
"Ah, Hello Harry." Dumbledore said, smiling, "Did you want to speak to me?"
Harry scowled, "How could you move me to Slytherin?"
"You'll know in due time, Harry." Dumbledore said, with a smile.
"But I don't belong there!" Harry whispered.
"Ah, the hat also agreed, if you don't recall, that you'd do well in Slytherin." Dumbledore said, his smile fading. "Harry, I know you don't want to."
"OF COURSE I DON'T WANT TO," bellowed Harry, "YOU'RE ONLY TRYING TO PUT ME IN A HOUSE WITH THE PEOPLE WHO'VE EITHER TRIED TO MAKE MY LIFE HELL, OR HAVE JOINED THE FUTURE DEATH EATERS OF EUROPE CLUB!" Harry paused to take a breath, "You can't just spring this on me! Sortings are supposed to be final. You even said that only a true Gryffindor could have pulled the sword out of that hat! How can you go back on all that?!"
Dumbledore looked sad. "Harry... if we put you in Slytherin, it will not only save your life, it'll save your closet friends lives. Voldemort will do anything to get to you, as you noticed.Now that your prime target of love has been taken, he'll go for the next, which would be your friends. By putting you in Slytherin, it will confuse him, at least we hope. I don't know if you'll make friends with Slytherins, but if you do... we know that they won't try and be brave, and stand up to Voldemort. They'll save themselves. Do you understand, Harry? This way, you wont loose anyone you don't have to."
Harry stared, why didn't he think of this? Harry knew he cared more about his friends than his own happiness. He stared at Dumbledore.
"Sir... please. You can't take away the things I love. I have nothing. You have no idea what it's like, going back to that house every summer. This place, Quidditch, and my friends are what keeps me going." Harry said, finally, looking at Dumbledore, wondering how he's going to compensate for what he's done to him. Harry wanted to be angry with Dumbledore for this, for reminding him of his one weakness, but he couldn't.
He heaved a sigh. "Fine."
"I knew you would understand," said Dumbledore.
"Will I be able to explain it to them though?" asked Harry
Dumbledore nodded.
"Well do I have to move today?"
Dumbledore nodded again. "Yes, Harry, the sooner they are safe, the better we'll both feel." Dumbledore patted his head.
Snape and Draco appeared.
"What about Quidditch?" Harry said, in a hopeful tone. Will he be able to play?
"Ah, yes. I do believe Draco was switched to being a beater, opening a slot for the Slytherin seeker. I'm sure Professor Snape would be honored to have you on his team. Wouldn't you, Severus?"
Draco smirked at Harry; just not a mean smirk. Severus scowled.
"I don't know about honored, Albus. We do need a seeker, though." Snape said, trying to sound as if he didn't really want Harry on the team. "But, I suppose I have no choice."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he looked at Harry. "How's that sound, Harry?"
Harry smiled weakly. "Better than nothing." Severus scowled. "But I can't have everything I want. Where will I be sleeping?"
"Slytheirn dorms, of course. You've not been treated special in Gryffindor, and you'll not be treated special in Slytherin." Severus said at once.
"I don't expect special treatment," said Harry. "I'd just like to know what's to stop them from attacking me in my sleep."
"That would be me," said Draco, raising his hand slightly.
Harry raised an eyebrow, "And that's supposed to be comforting."
Draco laughed, "You'll fit right in anyway, you've already got the sarcasm down."
Harry wasn't sure whether to frown or laugh at this strange... compliment?
"So I'll be sleeping with, well not with but near Draco" Harry said.
They all nodded.
"Well what now?" Harry asked. "Any more life altering surprises you'd like me to know about? "And what makes you so sure I want to fit in, Draco?" Harry said, figuring he better start calling him Draco. "And how are you going to protect me if you're sleeping? Or are you going to threaten them? Doesn't this Qualify as special treatment?"
"Not if its for your own safety, Harry." Dumbledore said, before Draco could get a word out.
"Draco quite likes this arrangement, because it means he gets his own room. You do too, Harry. Me and the other professors added onto the Slytherin dorms, so there's an extra staircase. if you follow it, it leads to Draco's room. There's another staircase from Draco's room, and it leads to your room. Draco will show you. That's how Draco protects you. They have to sneak through his room to get to you. He's a light sleeper."
Harry still looked uncomfortable with the idea. "Aren't the other Slytherins going to be hostile towards Draco for...Er... Protecting me?" He didn't like the idea of being protected, either.
"Ah," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling, "That wont be a problem. They'll simply believe it's because he wanted his own room."
"Yes, Potter." Severus interrupted, "Its a Slytherin thing to do. Everything we do is for our own benefit."
"You mean like allowing me onto your team, Professor?" Harry said, smirking.
Professor Snape scowled and looked like he was about to say something in rebuttal. Instead he cleared his throat and said calmly, "You're things are being moved over already. I suggest you let Draco show you to the Slytherin Common Room. You will also have to decide on a password into your separate set of rooms."
Harry nodded and was excused by Dumbledore. He followed Draco down to the empty patch of wall that he recognized from second year. He smiled at the memory of that polyjuice potion. And poor Hermione with her cat tail. His mouth went dry with that. How were his friends going to react to this? Certainly not calmly.
Harry continued to follow Draco.
"So, Harry, I take it well be spending a lot more time together now."
"Yeah" Harry said trying not to sound bitter. 'great now I have to spend time with him.'
"So you're into flying. How much flying do you get done on summer break?"
"None, I live with muggles, remember?"
"Oh yeah, well that must suck. and you have a firebolt.."
Harry nodded. "Yeah, so?"
"Well want to go for a fly?"
'Go flying, willingly, with Draco. No way. but it would be a good excuse to get my mind off things' Harry thought. Then spoke. "All right."
"All right," said Draco. "Do you keep your broom in the sheds?" Harry shook his head.
"Me neither," said Draco. "I suppose both of our trunks are in the new room. I guess we'll go ahead there then."
Harry agreed and they began climbing the newly created staircase in the common room.
"So I have to go through your room every time I want to go to mine." Harry said slowly .
"Yeah. Please knock. I do like my privacy." Draco smirked, "And if I'm changing, I don't expect you'd want to see me naked."
"No, not really." Harry said, leaving Draco in his room as he followed the second stair case to his own room.
It looked different than the Gryffindor one. Obviously it had green and silver coloring; which Harry found he liked the colors very much. The room had a lonesome air to it, though.
He went over to his trunk, unlocked it, and pulled his broom out. He then started to go back down the stairs.
"Harry." Draco appeared at the bottom of the stairs. "Snape wants you to change into Slytherin robes. Go on. I'll meet you in the common room. He said the robes are on your bed. The house elves will take care of the Gryffindor ones."
Harry had forgotten about having to wear Slytherin robes and that also meant he'd have to eat at Slytherin Table and go to Slytherin classes and even want Slytherin to win the house cup. He'd have to want to beat his own team at quidditch.
He thought about his team. What were they going to say?
He quickly changed then grabbed his firebolt and went down to the common room to meet Draco.
'This feels so weird. To think, no more joking with Ron, No more Hermione to help him with his homework, just Draco to stick up for him and hang out with. This is going to be hell.' Harry sighed as he reached the common room he'd visited with Ron just years ago.
"Ready?" Draco stood up.
Harry nodded.
They both mounted their brooms and took off on their brooms.
They just sped around on the field. They weren't practicing; just flying.
And Harry was having fun. How could he be having fun with Draco?
After about 15 minutes of flying, two young students were walking out to the field.
It was Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. And they both looked utterly confused at the sight.
'Oh, no. They're back from Hogsmeade'! was the first thought Harry had as he and Draco lowered themselves to the ground.
Harry didn't know exactly know what they were going to do or say, or what he was going to offer in reply. He did know one thing though. He was in deep shit.
"Harry," called Hermione, "Harry, come down here! We need to talk!"
Ron was not speaking and Harry noticed that Hermione had an iron grip on his arm. He might not have said anything but Harry could tell he was fuming.
Harry landed and Draco followed suit a few feet behind, keeping a wary eye on Ron.
"SLYTHERIN, HARRY," bellowed Ron, "SLYTHERIN?" Harry felt, suddenly, happy he never told his friends the hat tried to put him in Slytherin.
Hermione gave him a solid kick before Harry could get a word in. "It's not like I had a choice," he said bitterly.
"You don't seem too heartbroken," hissed Ron, "Already lined up for a position on their quidditch team."
Hermione saved Harry from answering, "Obviously," she hissed back, possibly more venomously, "He has to make it seem real. He's got to act the part. Otherwise Dumbledore's plan fails. Though I don't see why we have to use it in the first place.."
"If I remember correctly," interrupted Draco, "It was so you two wouldn't end up dead."
Ron gaped, as if just realizing Draco was there. "WHY ARE YOU HANGING AROUND WITH HIM?!" Ron bellowed. Hermione was unable to hold him back anymore. He lunged forward at the two. Hermione hauled out her wand and yelled a spell. Ron groaned, slowed dramatically, and sat down.
"What you do to him?" Harry asked, walking slowly to Hermione. Draco followed. Harry smiled a thank you smile at Draco. Draco just continued to smirk.
"Sedative. It'll wear off in a few hours." Hermione said.
"So McGonagal explained it to you?" Harry asked.
"Yes," Hermione said, calmly, her eyes focused on Ron, who was desperately trying to get up.
"Did she fail to mention the part where it was to protect your lives?" Draco hissed. Hermione glared, and Draco continued, "Just because I'm nice to Harry, Granger, Doesn't mean Ill be nice to you."
"That's right." Said a deep voice from behind Hermione. It was Snape.
"Actually, Dumbledore would like it even more if neither of you spoke to Ron or Hermione openly. You have to sneak around." Snape said. Hermione stared, Ron looked livid. "Which I'm sure all four of you are quite good at."
"So we've got to meet in like, charms classrooms late at night?" Hermione asked.
"Actually, the dungeons. If any of you wish to see the other, you must come to me. You can't be caught with Harry, especially with any Slytherins around." Severus said, "So I'll be arranging your meetings. Any messages you wish to get to Harry you will give it to me to give to him. Don't worry, I wont read them."
"How can we trust that ferret, Malfoy?" Ron spat, even though he was sedated, he was still angered.
"It doesn't matter if you don't trust me, as long as Harry does" Draco said with great confidence.
"Yes that's exactly right Draco" Snape said.
Ron scowled at the both from his sitting position.
"Well I think you better be getting inside Harry, this may be Hogwarts but it can still be dangerous" Snape said.
"Yes professor" said Draco. "Come on Harry, we'll go do stuff" Draco step off and Harry followed with a longing glance at his friends.
'This is definatly going to suck.' Harry thought.
Snape left just after Harry and Malfoy. Hermione sat next to Ron.
"Ron, I miss him already" She leant on his shoulder.
"Yeah me too" They sat in silence for a bit then Ron talked again.
"Everything is going to be different now Hermione, No Harry, He'll be one of them, the enemy. He's even gunna be playing for their team. We'll have to boo him, Hermione what are we gunna do? I can't live without Harry."
Hermione looked up. "We have to think about this. Harry's doing this for us, It's our fault, he's going through all that just to protect us. I think we're being selfish."
Ron stared at her. Then it clicked- Hermione was right.
"How can he trust Malfoy?" Ron finally said.
"I don't know, but he seems to." Hermione said, then pointed her wand at Ron, Neutralizing the sedative spell. He got up.
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"What a narrow-minded git." Draco said as they entered the building behind Snape.
"Who?" Harry said, looking at Draco.
"Weasley." Draco said, in a matter-of-fact tone.
"You have no right to say anything about my friends." Harry stopped dead in his tracks. "Do I make myself clear? You will not utter a mean world about Ron or Hermione!"
Draco smirked, then turned to look at him. "From now on, Harry, you'll call then Weasley and Granger. You only increase their danger if you speak nicely about them."
Harry scowled at Malfoy, but he had a point. "Fine," he said. "We'll just try not to mention them at all in public then." He knew he wouldn't be able to make any act of hating them that convincing.
"Fine," said Malfoy. "We've missed dinner already I think. I guess we should head back to our rooms now."
Harry sighed and nodded as they began trudging back to the Slytherin Common Rooms.
As they walked people began giving them odd stares and whispering things. Harry shot them a deadly glare and was surprised when he heard Draco mutter, "Not qualified to be a Slytherin, eh? I'd say you were wrong."
Warning: A/U, Possible Slash (Harry/Snape). You can never tell what direction a story will go in when it's. OotP Spoilers. Chronic lit :)
Summary so far: Harry is put in the Slytherin house in his 6th year, to protect the lives of his friends, Ron and Hermione. Unlikely friendships develop, Harry/Snape pairing.
Authors: SeritaSnape, ThailiaNicolita, Orchid, Ues the Quill for truth only, CosmicAngel, AmethystStar
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Harry decided to go up to the Owlery to see if Hedwig was back yet. She wasn't of course, but Draco was there, stroking a smoky black Owl that Harry noticed Hedwig really didn't like.
"Is that your owl?" Harry asked Draco, as if he and Draco weren't really enemies. What's come over me? I'm treating Draco nicely and I said Snape isn't a bad guy.
"No, it's mine." Said a cold, icy voice from behind Harry. Harry stepped further into the Owlery and turned around, seeing Professor Snape.
"Oh professor, I didn't see you there" Harry said quickly.
"Well now you do Potter, is there something you want?"
"Oh no, I was just here to see if my owl had returned" Harry said forcing a smile.
"Oh no Harry, sorry she's not." Draco said. Harry could tell Draco didn't want another yelling at from Snape.
"Oh OK, bye then" Harry said and he turned to leave.
Draco gave Snape back is his bird. "Thanks Professor, I've got to go" Draco said hurriedly and he ran after Harry.
"Harry wait up" Draco called.
"Yes Malfoy?" Harry turned to watch Draco run up to him.
"Harry I just wanted to say.."
"Come on spit it out, I've got things to do" Harry said wondering why he was still even here listening to Draco.
"You don't have to be rude!" Draco snapped, Harry glared at him.
"Oh, but don't I have a right to be?" Harry said, still glaring.
"Why don't you hear me out first?" said Malfoy, "Then you can decide."
Harry sighed and turned back around to face Draco. Boy, was this a strange day. Was he going to have a civilized conversation with Malfoy, the boy he had practically considered his arch nemesis for five years, "Fine, You've got two minutes, start talking."
Draco smirked, "All right, Harry. I'm sorry I've been such a Er... jerk. I've just had some light recently shed upon me about your life, and I realize my insults don't help." He watched Harry for a reaction.
"You feel sorry for me? You slimy git! LEAVE ME ALONE!" Harry hissed, pulled out his wand, opened his mouth to say a hex, but instead he turned and stomped off.
Harry was fuming as he headed back to his common room. Draco Malfoy felt sorry for him!
Why couldn't people just leave him alone. They all hated him or pitied him it seemed, or there was hero worship which was just as bad. And now he had a detention with Snape in less than an hour, when he could be spending the day in Hogsmeade. And who, he wondered, possibly could have told Malfoy anything about his life. If his suspicions were correct he didn't know if he'd be able to stop himself from cursing Snape.
He deposited his bag in his dorm before heading down to the dungeons, still in a bad mood. When he found two people waiting for him instead of one he thought he could feel his blood boiling...
"What is Malfoy doing here?" Harry seethed, unable to control his rage.
"You wont speak to me in that tone, Potter." Snape said, scowling.
"Fine," said Harry in a sugary sweet tone, though you could still tell it was laced with bitterness. "What is Draco doing here?"
"I suggest you sit down, Mr. Potter," said Snape, wondering how he was going to explain all this. "I believe it is a rather long story..."
Harry sat down, crossing his arms. The other two took a seat as well. Harry glared at both of them. "Well?" Harry hissed. Severus and Draco scowled. "Can we try short and to the point? sir?"
Severus glared at him. "All right, then, Potter. If you don't wish for an explanation. You're being moved to Slytherin."
"I'm What? Nooo, you can'!. I was sorted into Gryffindor. It's where I belong!" Harry yelled at the top of his lungs.
"Well yes we understand that Potter, but if you let me explain more you'd underst-" Harry cut him off.
"I don't want to understand more, I'm a Gryffindor and you can't change that. No." He folded his arms.
"Potter I know that's how you feel but Slytherin would be good for you. A place to spread your wings." Snape said in an almost nice tone, while Draco nodded.
"What about my friends? What about quidditch? What about everything I've worked hard for?" Harry slumped sadly in his chair as he thought about this too.
"Well Potter, I've been talking with Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall and they both agree that..."
"They agree?" Harry burst out and stood up.
He ran from the room. 'They agree? How? Why? No way, Dumbledore would never' Harry picked up his speed.
"Potter, get back here!" Snape was calling.
Harry just ran faster again. As fast as he could run. He reached Dumbledore's office.
"Oh shit I don't know the password" Harry said, at this moment he heard footsteps from behind the statue.
The statue moved, and shifted into stairs, and down from the stairs came Professor Dumbledore.
"Ah, Hello Harry." Dumbledore said, smiling, "Did you want to speak to me?"
Harry scowled, "How could you move me to Slytherin?"
"You'll know in due time, Harry." Dumbledore said, with a smile.
"But I don't belong there!" Harry whispered.
"Ah, the hat also agreed, if you don't recall, that you'd do well in Slytherin." Dumbledore said, his smile fading. "Harry, I know you don't want to."
"OF COURSE I DON'T WANT TO," bellowed Harry, "YOU'RE ONLY TRYING TO PUT ME IN A HOUSE WITH THE PEOPLE WHO'VE EITHER TRIED TO MAKE MY LIFE HELL, OR HAVE JOINED THE FUTURE DEATH EATERS OF EUROPE CLUB!" Harry paused to take a breath, "You can't just spring this on me! Sortings are supposed to be final. You even said that only a true Gryffindor could have pulled the sword out of that hat! How can you go back on all that?!"
Dumbledore looked sad. "Harry... if we put you in Slytherin, it will not only save your life, it'll save your closet friends lives. Voldemort will do anything to get to you, as you noticed.Now that your prime target of love has been taken, he'll go for the next, which would be your friends. By putting you in Slytherin, it will confuse him, at least we hope. I don't know if you'll make friends with Slytherins, but if you do... we know that they won't try and be brave, and stand up to Voldemort. They'll save themselves. Do you understand, Harry? This way, you wont loose anyone you don't have to."
Harry stared, why didn't he think of this? Harry knew he cared more about his friends than his own happiness. He stared at Dumbledore.
"Sir... please. You can't take away the things I love. I have nothing. You have no idea what it's like, going back to that house every summer. This place, Quidditch, and my friends are what keeps me going." Harry said, finally, looking at Dumbledore, wondering how he's going to compensate for what he's done to him. Harry wanted to be angry with Dumbledore for this, for reminding him of his one weakness, but he couldn't.
He heaved a sigh. "Fine."
"I knew you would understand," said Dumbledore.
"Will I be able to explain it to them though?" asked Harry
Dumbledore nodded.
"Well do I have to move today?"
Dumbledore nodded again. "Yes, Harry, the sooner they are safe, the better we'll both feel." Dumbledore patted his head.
Snape and Draco appeared.
"What about Quidditch?" Harry said, in a hopeful tone. Will he be able to play?
"Ah, yes. I do believe Draco was switched to being a beater, opening a slot for the Slytherin seeker. I'm sure Professor Snape would be honored to have you on his team. Wouldn't you, Severus?"
Draco smirked at Harry; just not a mean smirk. Severus scowled.
"I don't know about honored, Albus. We do need a seeker, though." Snape said, trying to sound as if he didn't really want Harry on the team. "But, I suppose I have no choice."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he looked at Harry. "How's that sound, Harry?"
Harry smiled weakly. "Better than nothing." Severus scowled. "But I can't have everything I want. Where will I be sleeping?"
"Slytheirn dorms, of course. You've not been treated special in Gryffindor, and you'll not be treated special in Slytherin." Severus said at once.
"I don't expect special treatment," said Harry. "I'd just like to know what's to stop them from attacking me in my sleep."
"That would be me," said Draco, raising his hand slightly.
Harry raised an eyebrow, "And that's supposed to be comforting."
Draco laughed, "You'll fit right in anyway, you've already got the sarcasm down."
Harry wasn't sure whether to frown or laugh at this strange... compliment?
"So I'll be sleeping with, well not with but near Draco" Harry said.
They all nodded.
"Well what now?" Harry asked. "Any more life altering surprises you'd like me to know about? "And what makes you so sure I want to fit in, Draco?" Harry said, figuring he better start calling him Draco. "And how are you going to protect me if you're sleeping? Or are you going to threaten them? Doesn't this Qualify as special treatment?"
"Not if its for your own safety, Harry." Dumbledore said, before Draco could get a word out.
"Draco quite likes this arrangement, because it means he gets his own room. You do too, Harry. Me and the other professors added onto the Slytherin dorms, so there's an extra staircase. if you follow it, it leads to Draco's room. There's another staircase from Draco's room, and it leads to your room. Draco will show you. That's how Draco protects you. They have to sneak through his room to get to you. He's a light sleeper."
Harry still looked uncomfortable with the idea. "Aren't the other Slytherins going to be hostile towards Draco for...Er... Protecting me?" He didn't like the idea of being protected, either.
"Ah," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling, "That wont be a problem. They'll simply believe it's because he wanted his own room."
"Yes, Potter." Severus interrupted, "Its a Slytherin thing to do. Everything we do is for our own benefit."
"You mean like allowing me onto your team, Professor?" Harry said, smirking.
Professor Snape scowled and looked like he was about to say something in rebuttal. Instead he cleared his throat and said calmly, "You're things are being moved over already. I suggest you let Draco show you to the Slytherin Common Room. You will also have to decide on a password into your separate set of rooms."
Harry nodded and was excused by Dumbledore. He followed Draco down to the empty patch of wall that he recognized from second year. He smiled at the memory of that polyjuice potion. And poor Hermione with her cat tail. His mouth went dry with that. How were his friends going to react to this? Certainly not calmly.
Harry continued to follow Draco.
"So, Harry, I take it well be spending a lot more time together now."
"Yeah" Harry said trying not to sound bitter. 'great now I have to spend time with him.'
"So you're into flying. How much flying do you get done on summer break?"
"None, I live with muggles, remember?"
"Oh yeah, well that must suck. and you have a firebolt.."
Harry nodded. "Yeah, so?"
"Well want to go for a fly?"
'Go flying, willingly, with Draco. No way. but it would be a good excuse to get my mind off things' Harry thought. Then spoke. "All right."
"All right," said Draco. "Do you keep your broom in the sheds?" Harry shook his head.
"Me neither," said Draco. "I suppose both of our trunks are in the new room. I guess we'll go ahead there then."
Harry agreed and they began climbing the newly created staircase in the common room.
"So I have to go through your room every time I want to go to mine." Harry said slowly .
"Yeah. Please knock. I do like my privacy." Draco smirked, "And if I'm changing, I don't expect you'd want to see me naked."
"No, not really." Harry said, leaving Draco in his room as he followed the second stair case to his own room.
It looked different than the Gryffindor one. Obviously it had green and silver coloring; which Harry found he liked the colors very much. The room had a lonesome air to it, though.
He went over to his trunk, unlocked it, and pulled his broom out. He then started to go back down the stairs.
"Harry." Draco appeared at the bottom of the stairs. "Snape wants you to change into Slytherin robes. Go on. I'll meet you in the common room. He said the robes are on your bed. The house elves will take care of the Gryffindor ones."
Harry had forgotten about having to wear Slytherin robes and that also meant he'd have to eat at Slytherin Table and go to Slytherin classes and even want Slytherin to win the house cup. He'd have to want to beat his own team at quidditch.
He thought about his team. What were they going to say?
He quickly changed then grabbed his firebolt and went down to the common room to meet Draco.
'This feels so weird. To think, no more joking with Ron, No more Hermione to help him with his homework, just Draco to stick up for him and hang out with. This is going to be hell.' Harry sighed as he reached the common room he'd visited with Ron just years ago.
"Ready?" Draco stood up.
Harry nodded.
They both mounted their brooms and took off on their brooms.
They just sped around on the field. They weren't practicing; just flying.
And Harry was having fun. How could he be having fun with Draco?
After about 15 minutes of flying, two young students were walking out to the field.
It was Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. And they both looked utterly confused at the sight.
'Oh, no. They're back from Hogsmeade'! was the first thought Harry had as he and Draco lowered themselves to the ground.
Harry didn't know exactly know what they were going to do or say, or what he was going to offer in reply. He did know one thing though. He was in deep shit.
"Harry," called Hermione, "Harry, come down here! We need to talk!"
Ron was not speaking and Harry noticed that Hermione had an iron grip on his arm. He might not have said anything but Harry could tell he was fuming.
Harry landed and Draco followed suit a few feet behind, keeping a wary eye on Ron.
"SLYTHERIN, HARRY," bellowed Ron, "SLYTHERIN?" Harry felt, suddenly, happy he never told his friends the hat tried to put him in Slytherin.
Hermione gave him a solid kick before Harry could get a word in. "It's not like I had a choice," he said bitterly.
"You don't seem too heartbroken," hissed Ron, "Already lined up for a position on their quidditch team."
Hermione saved Harry from answering, "Obviously," she hissed back, possibly more venomously, "He has to make it seem real. He's got to act the part. Otherwise Dumbledore's plan fails. Though I don't see why we have to use it in the first place.."
"If I remember correctly," interrupted Draco, "It was so you two wouldn't end up dead."
Ron gaped, as if just realizing Draco was there. "WHY ARE YOU HANGING AROUND WITH HIM?!" Ron bellowed. Hermione was unable to hold him back anymore. He lunged forward at the two. Hermione hauled out her wand and yelled a spell. Ron groaned, slowed dramatically, and sat down.
"What you do to him?" Harry asked, walking slowly to Hermione. Draco followed. Harry smiled a thank you smile at Draco. Draco just continued to smirk.
"Sedative. It'll wear off in a few hours." Hermione said.
"So McGonagal explained it to you?" Harry asked.
"Yes," Hermione said, calmly, her eyes focused on Ron, who was desperately trying to get up.
"Did she fail to mention the part where it was to protect your lives?" Draco hissed. Hermione glared, and Draco continued, "Just because I'm nice to Harry, Granger, Doesn't mean Ill be nice to you."
"That's right." Said a deep voice from behind Hermione. It was Snape.
"Actually, Dumbledore would like it even more if neither of you spoke to Ron or Hermione openly. You have to sneak around." Snape said. Hermione stared, Ron looked livid. "Which I'm sure all four of you are quite good at."
"So we've got to meet in like, charms classrooms late at night?" Hermione asked.
"Actually, the dungeons. If any of you wish to see the other, you must come to me. You can't be caught with Harry, especially with any Slytherins around." Severus said, "So I'll be arranging your meetings. Any messages you wish to get to Harry you will give it to me to give to him. Don't worry, I wont read them."
"How can we trust that ferret, Malfoy?" Ron spat, even though he was sedated, he was still angered.
"It doesn't matter if you don't trust me, as long as Harry does" Draco said with great confidence.
"Yes that's exactly right Draco" Snape said.
Ron scowled at the both from his sitting position.
"Well I think you better be getting inside Harry, this may be Hogwarts but it can still be dangerous" Snape said.
"Yes professor" said Draco. "Come on Harry, we'll go do stuff" Draco step off and Harry followed with a longing glance at his friends.
'This is definatly going to suck.' Harry thought.
Snape left just after Harry and Malfoy. Hermione sat next to Ron.
"Ron, I miss him already" She leant on his shoulder.
"Yeah me too" They sat in silence for a bit then Ron talked again.
"Everything is going to be different now Hermione, No Harry, He'll be one of them, the enemy. He's even gunna be playing for their team. We'll have to boo him, Hermione what are we gunna do? I can't live without Harry."
Hermione looked up. "We have to think about this. Harry's doing this for us, It's our fault, he's going through all that just to protect us. I think we're being selfish."
Ron stared at her. Then it clicked- Hermione was right.
"How can he trust Malfoy?" Ron finally said.
"I don't know, but he seems to." Hermione said, then pointed her wand at Ron, Neutralizing the sedative spell. He got up.
--------
"What a narrow-minded git." Draco said as they entered the building behind Snape.
"Who?" Harry said, looking at Draco.
"Weasley." Draco said, in a matter-of-fact tone.
"You have no right to say anything about my friends." Harry stopped dead in his tracks. "Do I make myself clear? You will not utter a mean world about Ron or Hermione!"
Draco smirked, then turned to look at him. "From now on, Harry, you'll call then Weasley and Granger. You only increase their danger if you speak nicely about them."
Harry scowled at Malfoy, but he had a point. "Fine," he said. "We'll just try not to mention them at all in public then." He knew he wouldn't be able to make any act of hating them that convincing.
"Fine," said Malfoy. "We've missed dinner already I think. I guess we should head back to our rooms now."
Harry sighed and nodded as they began trudging back to the Slytherin Common Rooms.
As they walked people began giving them odd stares and whispering things. Harry shot them a deadly glare and was surprised when he heard Draco mutter, "Not qualified to be a Slytherin, eh? I'd say you were wrong."