"First years, follow me!" A familiar red-headed boy shouted, gathering all the first year Gryffindors near him. Draco walked slowly behind everyone else, glancing towards the Slytherins, with a look of longing in his eyes. Draco followed the first years up a few flights of stairs, and eventually came in front of a painting of a fat lady.
"Password?" She muttered towards Percy. He said a few words that Draco didn't hear from all the way in the back, and they walked through a doorway into the common room.
The common room looked cozy, and warm. Big red couches, tall bookshelves full of information, and a large fireplace that was emitting a nice glow and a comfortable warmth. Draco grinned slightly, realizing that the Gryffindor common room was nice, and inviting. He didn't feel like an outsider at all. He felt right at home, which was odd.
Draco went up the stairs towards the boys dormitories, looking for his stuff. He found himself in a room with none other than Harry Potter. Draco ran a hand through his hair, and walked towards his bed.
"Well," Potter said, walking towards Draco. "I guess, now that you are Gryffindor, I can finally shake your hand." Harry held out a hand in front of Draco to finally accept the handshake he rejected only hours before. Draco put his hand forward and gripped the other boys hand tightly.
Draco then turned around and rummaged through his trunk to grab a piece of parchment and a quill. He began writing a letter to his parents, explaining how he has been placed in Gryffindor, and he did everything in his power to try to switch, but it wasn't going to happen. He signed his name at the bottom, and sealed the letter before handing it to his owl, Clarus. "Go on, boy." He ushered the owl out of the window and watched him soar into the night, carrying the letter tightly in his beak.
"Hey, Draco, we're heading down to the common room for a bit, care to join us?" Harry motioned towards the door. Draco wanted to go, he really did, but he was exhausted.
"Sorry, mate. I'm pretty tired. Maybe tomorrow?" Draco suggested. Harry nodded with a smile, and walked out the door with Ron, Dean, Seamus, and Neville.
Draco put on his night-clothes and tucked himself into bed, closing his eyes and dreaming that everything was okay. It was okay... wasn't it?