Chapter Two:

"You care so much you feel as though you will bleed to death with the pain of it."

Dumbledore

"Potter," the words wrapped around him like a security blanket, cloaking him from the invasive stares and whispers. Emerald orbs rose to meet silver, once down turned lips twitching up ever so slightly to smile at the blonde he'd met earlier in the day. His fingers fell deftly away from the wire cage in which Hedwig lazed, her snowy feathers fluffed at the sight of the new group of children who had entered the compartment. Ronald Weasley sat adjacent to him, brows furrowed and lips down down in a frown.

"Draco," he greeted in turn, gaze flickering briefly to the two goons at the either side of the blonde. Draco's goonies sneered at the familiar mannerisms of the two. Harry rose from his seat slowly, black robes billowing out around him, barely brushing the ground. He clasped Draco's hand in his, giving it a firm shake. He watched as Draco's gaze flickered briefly to the teen on the other side of the cart before turning to the other himself. "This is Ron," he informed enthusiastically, smiling kindly at the ginger before turning his attention back to Draco. "I was in the cart alone before he showed up." Draco's hum of boredom made him stop speaking and he sucked his lower lip into his mouth, gnawing on it wearily.

"We have an extra seat in our compartment, if you would like to join us," Draco mused after a moment of thought, eyes fixed on Harry. Harry seriously doubted the words were a suggestion, but he still found himself glancing towards Ron who was now scowling at the blonde and the two boys on either side of him.

"He's already got a seat," the ginger snapped haughtily, pale lips down turned. Draco's icy gaze snapped back to the other, sneering harshly. For a moment, the raven haired boy had no idea what to do; on one hand, he enjoyed the company of Draco. On the other hand, he enjoyed the presence of Ron. The two boys he stood between now were polar opposites, of that he was sure. And he strongly doubted the two would ever get on well. Harry had never been one to believe he would ever be fought over by anyone, and had anyone ever told him that this would be happening, he'd have called them a bloody fool. "He's perfectly fine without the company of you, Malfoy." Harry wasn't quite sure he liked Ron speaking on his behalf.

"I didn't know he couldn't speak on his own behalf, Weasley." Draco's words might have well been venom with the way they dripped off his tongue, spite and disgusted interlaced with them. Harry's chest twisted with a mixture of discomfort and joy, happy to have someone sticking up for his choices and right of choice, but disliking the hostility radiating between the two. When Ron opened his mouth once more, face growing redder by the second, Harry shook his head quickly.

"I think I'd like to go sit with Draco, Ron. I'll see you at the sorting ceremony!" Quick to take Draco's hand, he dragged the blonde from the cart and a few doors down before finally relinquishing his hold. Draco said nothing, however, and just continued walking, leading Harry and the two lackies down the walkways until they passed through the door leading into a spacious sitting area, a few students glanced up, eyeing the unsorted group curiously before turning their attentions back to their friends. As Draco sat in an empty booth, Harry took the seat directly next to him and the two struck up idle conversation, chatting mindlessly - Draco informing him of the Wizarding World, the houses, and everything else he might need to know.

"First Years, follow me," the shrill, serious woman's voice broke through Harry's thoughts as he walked alongside Draco, hands swinging at his sides. The woman cast her eyes in his direction before leading them into the great hall, parading them down the lengthy walkway and lining them up in front of a stool, a raggedy old hat in the center of it. Names were called and children sat upon the stool, getting sorted almost mechanically. He watched as Draco was placed, near instantly, into Slytherin; watched as Ron was put in Gryffindor, along with a girl of the name Hermione Granger, a girl he'd met in the corridor - a bit of a know it all, but a kind girl none the less. Draco hadn't seemed all too pleased with her presence, but the blonde hadn't said anything.

"Harry Potter," a sudden, deafening silence filled the room as all eyes turned to the Sorting Hat, and Harry as he neared the stool. He lifted his gaze hesitantly, making contact with the aged Headmaster before he turned his back to the man and sat. The worn, warm fabric of the hat rested upon his head, and for a moment, all was silent. His heart skipped a beat, his eyes frantically searched the room.

"Harry Potter, the boy who lived," the hat crooned. Soft 'hmms' and 'ah-has' came from the hat. "You could do well in Slytherin, or Gryffindor, Boy Who Loved. You seek recognition, but you have a brave heart." Harry's heart skipped another beat. He could be with either friend he'd made - Draco or Ron. "You are torn between your new friends," the hat mused. Harry sighed, and bowed his head. He didn't really know the houses. "Slytherin!" He gave a start, eyes growing wide as the Slytherin table gave a monstrous roar. He could hear the scrape of a chair and turned his gaze up, once again matching the headmaster's gaze. As he was ushered to the Slytherin table and took his place next to Draco, looking into the eyes of the Headmaster, Harry suddenly felt like he'd done something very wrong - and yet Harry felt, in his very soul, that he'd been placed correctly. Looking now, at the students at his table - his Housemates - Harry was very much looking forward to the oncoming year.

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Hey guys, GreyDune again! So, here's the next chapter. I know it's kinda short and lamish right now, but I promise things will get going soon! I just gotta get all the boring little first details outta the way ;) But anyways, please R&R! :D