The next couple days were a whirlwind, with both the Slytherins and the Gryffindors at their necks. Harry and Draco didn't really get any time to themselves, instead trying to explain that it was a strategic move on both their parts, to join with the other side.

Harry spent hours with Neville at his side, explaining to the Gryffindors that having the Slytherin students on their side would mean less people trying for Dark Marks and fighting for Voldemort. Hermione and Ginny spend their time between classes spreading the word to the other houses as well, trying to get more students on board with an alliance between houses.

Draco, with the help of Crabbe and Goyle, works to rally the Slytherins. He appeals to their sense of self-preservation and loyalty to house. He questions if they really want to follow a mad man that will just as soon kill them all. He manages to get the majority of Slytherin behind him, and those that are not, are smart enough to keep their mouths shut about it.

At the end of the first week Harry and Draco have made plans to meet up again at the Astronomy tower, at a time they know they will be able to avoid Filch and Professor Snape.

"Is this quite necessary?"

"Yes Draco. How can we just take your word that the bloody Gryffindors aren't just setting us up?"

Pansy leans forward and puts a hand on Blaise's shoulder before Draco can snap at him.

"It's not that we don't trust you, Dray. It's just that we would like to hear from Potter himself about this 'alliance'. The show in the Great Hall at the beginning of the week was great and all, but it would be nice to actually speak to him."

Draco sighs and nods his head minutely.

"I understand Pansy. I just don't want him to feel cornered or attacked. I wish you would have let me speak to him about it first!"

Blaise is about to start in again on why they felt the need to tag along tonight, when they are interrupted by a shout from further up the astronomy tower.

"I don't bloody care! Malfoy is a liar, and is probably just waiting for your defences to be done so he can push you out this window!"

"I didn't ask you to come up here, RON! I'm not even asking you to trust him! I just thought as my best mate, you would at least trust me! If you can't do that, I think its best you LEAVE!"

"Harry..."

"No Hermione, he's right! I do trust you Harry, but you are acting barmy! Come find me when you pull your head out of your arse!"

"RON!"

"Let him go, Ginny..."

Harry's statement is followed by the slam of a door, moments before the Slytherins are nearly knocked over by a fuming Weasley.

"Malfoy!"

"Weasley."

"I don't know what you've said or done to Harry, but I will figure it out and expose you!"

"Expose me? Oh my, not that! Heaven forbid the school know I care for Pot-head more that you!"

"Play your games Malfoy, but in the end, Harry will see right through them!"

With that said, Ron stomps the rest of the way down the stairs, leaving Draco shaking his head in amusement, and the other Slytherins glaring at where Ron had just been.

"Bloody prat. Well, come on you lot. Apparently Harry brought his own entourage."

They climb the rest of the way and push open the door to quite the site.

Before anyone can react, Draco is flying into the room and dragging Harry away from the window.

"You bloody moron! Why is it every time I find you in here, you are near suicidal! Why were you all just watching? What did I say last time? Are you really so..."

"Draco! Stop! I wasn't being suicidal!"

Draco gives Harry a sceptical look, before turning and looking directly at Neville. Without releasing Harry, he slowly backs into the room and eases them both on to a couch someone had thought to conjure.

"It's true. He was testing out a product for the twins."

"Twins? You mean the Weasleys?"

"What other twins do you know, Malfoy?"

"Shut it, Weaslette!"

"Draco!"

A slap echoes through the room, along with the shout of Draco's name, making everyone pause and stare at Harry.

"Harry, you..."

Harry squirms in Draco's hold, enough to rest his hands on the pale boy's cheeks.

"Draco. Relax. I wasn't looking to jump. I was testing a new product for Fred and George. Ginny and Hermione wanted to talk to you, for I'm guessing the same reason you brought Pansy and Blaise. You are not exactly making a great impress."

Draco glares at Harry momentarily, then breaks the tension by leaning into the emerald-eyed boy, and wrapping his arms tighter around him.

"Fine. I'm sorry Weas...Ginny. That was un called for, and rude of me."

"Apology accepted, Draco. Now, what's this business about suicide?"

Draco jerks back in Harry's hold, and guilty look in his eyes. Harry soothes him, brushing a hand on his cheek and making shushing noises.

"I think we can talk about that later, Gin. You are all here with questions, yes? There's start there."

Ginny looks for a moment like she'll protest, but a hand on her arm from Hermione makes her glance over before nodding at Harry and taking a seat in front of a chair.

Hermione sits in the chair, and Neville deposits himself beside Harry and Draco on the sofa. Harry and Draco move apart slightly, hands clasped together between them. Blaise and Pansy ease into the final couch, and Crabbe and Goyle take up position behind Draco.

Draco surveys the room, making eye contact with every person, finishing with a nod to Harry. Harry nods back, and speaks out.

"Now that we are all settled, let's begin."