Smells Like Teen Spirit
The train pulled into Hogsmede station and the students started piling out, making their way slowly towards the school. Stares accompanied Harry and his friends as they made their way towards the majestic castle he still thought of as home. The school itself had been repaired and inside had been redecorated. The walls had been given new coats of paint, paintings that adorned the walls had had new frames (something they were evidently happy about), the staircases and their railings had had new coats of varnish, and every classroom, common room, dormitory, and the Great Hall, had had new furniture that gave the school a contemporary look, old and new mixing together. Within the Great Hall itself, the house tables had been covered with a massive white cloth, sporting the house emblem in the centre. The staff table had the same cloth, except theirs sported the school logo and motto. On the walls were the banners for each house, with the school banner at the front. Also, on the same wall as the school banner, behind the staff table, was the portraits of every headmaster and mistress to ever be in charge of the school. These portraits were twins to the ones in the head's office, which meant they could come and go as they pleased, but everyone was there, with Professors Dumbledore and Snape sitting proudly behind Professor McGonagall's chair, surveying the students that flocked into the Hall. Once everyone was seated, a hush fell over the area as Professor Flitwick, the newly promoted deputy head, lead the first years into the hall, carrying the sorting hat and floating two stools in front of him. Unfortunately for Professor Flitwick, all the first years were taller than he was, hence the addition of the extra school. But that didn't stop the Head of Ravenclaw striding up to the front of the Hall and climbing onto his stool, setting the sorting hat onto the other. The sorting passed without a hitch with ten students going to each of the houses. Then, Professor McGonagall stood and addressed the school.
"To our new students, welcome. To our older students, welcome back. To our eighth years, why haven't you left yet?" That earned a chuckle from those addressed. "This year, will be the first year for most of you, that you will be able to study without the threat of Lord Voldemort hanging above you. Myself, and the rest of the staff, are going to try and make this year, and every other year after, as pleasant as we can. Most of you have seen horrors you should not have, and most of you are mature beyond your years. We are going to make sure that, whilst you are here, you can be exactly what you are: children. That does not mean that you can break the rules. As always, the Forbidden Forest is out of bounds, and any student found within will be dealt with accordingly. Also, Mr. Filch wishes for me to remind you yet again that students found out of bed after hours without proper reason will be given an immediate detention. He also wishes me to remind you that anyone caught with products from Zonko's or Weasley's Wizard Wheezes will have them confiscated. You will find that we teachers will be slightly more lenient and relaxed when it comes to the rules, but you still won't be able to get away with breaking them.
"As you will have noticed, this year we are joined by what we like to call 'eighth year' students. They are here because of having their final year disrupted last year. I ask that you give them privacy that they need, and that no rumours are spread, no insults thrown, and nothing is said to any of the papers about them. They are here to get an education, just like the rest of you, and if I find that any of you are giving them a hard time, I will deal with you personally. Also, in light of the new situation, we are promoting inter-house friendship, community and spirit. The age of rivalry between the houses is over, and it would be much appreciated if you could all get along. Just quickly, eighth years if you could remain behind after everyone has left, thank you.
"This year, we are being joined by a new teacher, one we very much hope will break the curse and stay for more than one year," another round of laughter from those who knew, "If you would please welcome Professor Elizabeth Elliott, ex-auror, and our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, as well as Gryffindor's new Head of House." There was a round of applause as the new teacher stood up. She had long brown hair that cascaded neatly down her back, deep blue eyes, a small nose and smile, and she had a kind of air about her that could only be explained by her working background. One would say she was quite beautiful really. She sat down as the applause died down and Professor McGonagall continued her speech. "Yes, welcome Professor Elliott, welcome. We hope you enjoy your time here.
"Now then, as you all know, third years and up get to go to Hogsmede at the end of every half-term. This year, permission slips have been sent to all parents and carers, and if they return signed, every year will have the privilege of going. As well as the trips, at Christmas and Easter, there will be a party for you all to, as the muggles say, 'let your hair down'. If you have any ideas, then please inform your prefects or the Head Boy or Girl, and they in turn will pass the information onto me. Now then, I feel like I've talked enough. Enjoy the year, but most of all, have fun. Let the feast begin." With those words, she raised her hands and food immediately appeared onto the tables, much to the amazement of the first years that were yet to see such a thing happen. All the students ate and drank as much as they could, and discussed with their friends about what they did over the summer, as well as what to expect from the year ahead. Once all the food had gone, Professor McGonagall stood again and addressed everyone. "Now, your beds a wait. First years, follow your prefects. Eighth years, wait behind. Good night to you all." There was a scraping, like nails on a chalkboard, as benches were pushed back and students started to make their way to their common rooms. Draco sat back and watched them all leave. First years staying as close as they could to each other so as not to get lost. He was glad he had been made Head Boy as that meant he got his own room away from them. They had been all over him at dinner, admiring the Slytherin Ice Prince, and he really didn't fancy having them follow him around and pester him as he was trying to enjoy himself with his friends in front of the fire. He watched them all, the little annoying tykes, and found his eyes straying to the Gryffindor table. There sat Potter, with Granger and Weasley beside him, and Longbottom in front of him. He stared at Potter whilst he wasn't looking. He was quite good looking really. Those eyes that held so much, had seen so much. That body, which would be able to keep him going in any fight. Those tattoos, adding to his masculinity. God, he was perfection. Shame he was such a git and still hated him. Draco didn't. Hate him back that was. No, Draco didn't hate him at all. Resented him for refusing his hand back in first year, yes, but not hate. He only pretended to because Potter hated him back. Shame that. Suddenly, the boy in question raised his head, looking Draco right in the eye. Draco felt as though Potter could see his soul. They stared at each other for mere seconds before Professor McGonagall caught their attention.
"As you all know, Hogwarts has never had an eighth year before, and because of that, there is no room in your House's common rooms or dormitories for you. So, we are giving you the West Wing Tower to yourselves. You will still remain in your House, but you will all be living in the same Tower. If you would like to follow me…" With that, she wept out of the room, leaving the students to follow. Ron immediately started moaning.
"I don't believe it! Sharing with the Slytherins. I wouldn't mind if it was just Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, but Slytherins? How could she do this to us?"
"Ron, it won't be that bad. Besides, they have matured over the summer, you know that. Heck, you're even talking to Malfoy now." Hermione reprimanded her boyfriend.
"Black. His name's Black. He's changed it, remember 'Mione?" Harry automatically corrected her.
"Yes, sorry, Black. But either way Ronald, you're talking to him now, so where's the problem?"
"It's the fact that it's still him! Just because I'm civil to him now, and don't punch his lights out every time I see him, doesn't mean I have to like him, or trust him. If ever I have to room with him, I will go mental." Ron sulked. They had stopped walking, and were now stood in front of a painting none of them had seen before. It was of a plump lady with rosy cheeks, wearing a lilac dress, with her blonde hair tied up in a bun.
"Violet DePomme at your service." She said, in a falsetto voice, curtsying to them all.
"Violet? You wouldn't be by any chance the Fat Lady's best friend would you?" Seamus piped up.
"Yes I am, and in my presence, I would like you to not call her that. Her name is Rose Beckingsale, and you would do well to use it." Violet answered sharply, causing to Seamus to go bright pink.
"Thank you Violet that will do." Professor McGonagall spoke up, calming the portrait down. She turned to the students. "Now, the password is the name of a flower most relevant to the term at the time. As this is the winter term, your password is Chinese Plum." With that, the portrait swung forward and everyone climbed in, taking in the common room. It was circular, like the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw towers, but it was about twice the size, and twice as high. The walls were white, with the flags of all four houses adorning them. The carpet was a deep purple, as was the sofas and armchairs. The rest of the furniture was a deep mahogany. All in all, the room had a warm feel to it, and felt spacious yet comfortable. As the students were taking in the room, Professor McGonagall spoke up again.
"As you will have noticed, this is the biggest tower in the school. Your rooms are decorated similarly. Now, each room is a twin, which means you will be sharing with one other person. This, I'm afraid, is not your choice, because then there will be no inter-house friendship, community or spirit will there? I have here a list of who will be sharing with who. There will be no arguments. When I call out your name, I suggest you go and find your rooms, as they are not split up with girls on the one side and boys on the other like within you House. First of all, in room 1, we have Padma and Pavarti. Room 2, is Anthony and Justin. Room 3, Hannah and Susan. Room 4, Seamus and Dean. Room 5, Lavender and Astoria. Room 6, Neville and Gregory." Goyle actually looked scared at the prospect of sharing a room with Neville, probably remembering his ability to wield a sword. Neville looked nonplussed. "That leaves you six. Room 7 will belong to Hermione and Pansy. Room 8 Ronald and Blaise. And finally, in room 9, right at the top, Harry and Draco."
Draco spoke first. "I don't think so Professor. Me and Potter could only end in the murder of him, you know that."
"I agree, me and Black will kill each other. Just because we're civil now, doesn't mean we will survive a whole year having to share a room with each other." Harry added.
"I'm afraid it's not negotiable Mr. Potter. You and Mr. Black will share a room and that is that. Goodnight to you." With that, Professor, McGonagall left the room, leaving the two boys alone in the common room. Draco looked at Harry and immediately stalked up to his room. Harry just rolled his eyes and watched him leave before sinking into one of the armchairs. He thought it would be better to leave Draco to calm down before making his own way up there. Even if he had matured over the summer, and even if he did look a hell of a lot better for it, Harry was not going to push him when he was in one of his childish moods. To be quite honest, Harry only thought that the reason Black got like that was because he was in need of someone to love him truly. If it wasn't for the fact Draco hated him, Harry would willingly be that person. Yes, you heard right. Harry Potter loved Draco Black. That year when Harry stalked him was when it all started. 6th Year, when Harry thought the Malfoy heir, sorry, ex-Malfoy heir, was up to something, Harry started to notice small things about him that he grew to love. Like how, when he concentrated, he furrowed his eyebrows together and when he was alone, he talked to himself. Harry had grown to love him that year. That was the year he also realised he was gay, but he didn't come out about it until three days after Voldemort's defeat. He had shared a few kisses with a boy from his neighbourhood over the holidays, but it ended very quickly before they could go any further. When Harry had seen Draco for the first court case, he had been amazed at the physical change, and had fallen in love all over again. But of course, he couldn't tell Draco that, the boy hated him after all. Harry didn't think that rooming with him would be that bad, he just had to say that to keep up appearances. He checked his watch and seen it had been fifteen minutes since Draco had thrown his hissy fit and gone upstairs, so Harry thought it safe for him to go too. He climbed the endless staircase, and as he got nearer, he could hear the sound of music getting louder. He gingerly pushed open the door to their room to the sound of the intro of Guns 'n' Roses' track, 'Welcome to the Jungle.' Draco was sat on his bed, reading his book, nodding his head to the music, clearly not having heard Harry come in.
"I didn't know you liked muggle music Black." Harry stated as he closed the door and walked over to his own bed (scarlet red in comparison to Draco's emerald green).
"I started listening to it over the summer why? You got a problem with it?" Draco threw back.
"Look at me Black. Look at the way I dress, the way I act, do you really think I have a problem with it? I like this kind of stuff, old and new, but more the old. I just didn't think you would be into muggle, well, anything really."
"Muggles do rock music better than Wizards do. And I prefer the old stuff too, but I will listen to the new as well."
"Good. Listen, seeing as how we're going to be sharing a room together, I think we should try to get along, as friends, rather than just the civility we have going on. What do you think?"
"You want us to be friends, after you refused my offer of friendship in first year? That's a bit rich Potter."
"Yes, but we've both grown up since then. We're both different people than what we were then. I think maybe this time it could work." With that, he stood up and walked over to Draco's bed, his hand outstretched. "Hi, my name's Harry Potter. Shall we be friends?"
Draco looked up at him, then at the hand, then back at him. "Fuck off Potter. I am not going to be your friend, and that's final." He shut his book, turned off the music and lay down to sleep without getting changed. Harry stood shell shocked for a minute before returning to his own bed and falling almost immediately asleep. Draco, on the other hand, lay awake for over an hour. How he had wanted to accept that hand, but Potter hated him, and for all Draco knew, he was playing some sort of game which would end in Draco's humiliation. No, he didn't trust Potter, and he would not be his friend.
Sometime after midnight, Draco too fell asleep and both boys slept right through until the morning.
A/N: Hi! So, this is my first multi-chapter Drarry fic. I decided to give you all two chapters so as to entice you into reading and reviewing. :D I have a rough idea where this is going, but I don't know how many chapters long it will be. I will try to update once a week, but only if school allows it, and only if I get a least three reviews per chapter. (No flamers please). I'm trying to stick to the books' previous plots as best as I can, but I may deviate from them at times. Any songs/song titles you read are not mine, but I will recommend you listen to the track if it is listed.
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