An Existing Loophole – Chapter 12 (Secret's Out)
Even though Harry had basically agreed to go to Charms with Blaise and Theo, that didn't mean he actually wanted to. Especially now that he was a Slytherin. He had clung to the hope of not going headfirst into the classes at least till tomorrow or something.
Given, he didn't even know that Slytherins had another class after lunch. Though he should have figured that since Ron would always complain of having to still go to Divination after Harry had dropped it. He had shared that class with Ravenclaw. So, he figured that the Hufflepuffs and Slytherins would have another day if they were taking Divination. But that didn't stop the hope that maybe Slytherins had a break during this time.
"I can't believe we made it," Blaise huffed as they reached the Charms classroom, the rest of Slytherin were just starting to be let into the classroom in by Professor Flitwick. So, it technically was still early, so that mean there were still students eating their lunch in the Great Hall.
Harry could at least spot a few students from Hufflepuff, but they hadn't noticed him yet.
"We would have been here earlier if you hadn't needed to stop at the Common Room for your bag, and then again because your bag straps broke. Which I told you that you needed a new bag. But nooo, I can just keep using the Repairing spell!" Theo lectured.
"That's what it is for!" Blaise retorted haughtily.
"I don't see the issue with the spell?" Harry asked bemusedly.
"Mr. Potter!" Flitwick doubletake. "Can I help you?"
Unfortunately, his squeak had drawn everyone's eyes to Harry who was standing between Theo and Blaise, shuffling his feet.
Harry grumbled under his breath before giving both Blaise and Theo a brief glare. Even though he knew this was coming. But at least it was just a room full mostly Slytherins and a couple of Hufflepuffs. Who, would no doubt spread the news to their other classmates and then the entire school would know about it.
At first, Harry wasn't sure what to say. Besides... 'oh, I'm just here for Charms.' But even he couldn't get those words out. He figured that since he was wearing Slytherin robes, it may be obvious enough.
"Hello Professor Flitwick, I think Professor McGonagall was going to send you something to explain."
It was a lie after all, but he figured that after dinner, Harry could explain it to his former Head of House, and she could help with the rest. And make that lie the truth.
"Well, alright then, So, you are joining us for class?" Flitwick asked, his eyes darting to the Slytherin tie and crest. He had a suspicion, but he wasn't going to press his student who was clearly uncomfortable with all the eyes on him. Poor Harry had dealt with that for years, and he wouldn't add to it. He grinned when Harry just nodded.
"Wonderful!" He chirped, "well make yourself comfortable!"
Harry did at least hope that since Professor Flitwick hadn't commented on his robes, he hadn't noticed yet. It was obvious that the other Slytherins had noticed. Given by the curious looks he was getting right now. But he gave his professor a brief nod before sitting between Blaise and Theo.
"Now today is an exciting lesson!" Flitwick beamed. "We are starting with one of my favorites! The Summoning Charm!"
"So, you going to tell me what is going on?" Draco hissed from behind Harry where he was with Vincent and Greg. "Why did you get resorted?"
Harry had to turn his head back to look at Malfoy and gave him a cool look. He was not going to breath a word to him on why. Especially since the rest of the fourth year Hufflepuffs were now in their seats.
"I don't have to answer to that to you, Malfoy," Harry hissed.
Even Blaise had narrowed his eyes some, especially since what the topic of the question was about.
"Oh, come on, this amazing gossip, you can't leave me out!" He whined, dodging as Theo tossed a balled up piece of parchment at his head.
"Later!" He hissed at the blonde who nodded eagerly and sat back, seemingly appeased.
"You would think he would have more common sense than asking that in a class full of Hufflepuffs," Harry whispered to Blaise and Theo. He felt slightly irked by it. He wondered if that was Theo and Blaise rubbing off on him. But even in Gryffindor, he knew better to asking such a question so public.
"He doesn't have any common sense," Blaise snickered, "He's a Malfoy."
Harry frowned, it had at least seemed from when he met his father, Lucius Malfoy. He had least had more common sense. So, it made him wonder on what he would have thought if he had heard his son.
"I imagine the rest of Slytherin will going to be wanting to know as well," Harry murmured. Though, he hoped that the rest of Hogwarts wouldn't find out the exact details. There would probably be theories on why. And of course, there would probably be another confrontation with Dumbledore about it. Even though he knew that the older wizard wouldn't be able to do a thing without Harry's permission. But that didn't mean he wouldn't try.
"Hey, they don't need to know anything you don't want them to know." Theo promised, Blaise nodded in agreement, although he was also glaring at Zacharias Smith who was muttering loudly about Potter's betrayal to Hogwarts by joining Slytherin.
It seemed that one of the Hufflepuffs clued in why Harry was in Charms with them.
"Fuck!" Zacharias screeched as he was hit by a Stinging Hex.
"MR. SMITH!" Flitwick snapped, "there is no need for that language in my class!"
"Someone hexed me!" He screeched leaping to his feet, "I bet it was Potter!"
"I don't even have my wand out," Harry deadpanned, taking a breath to keep calm and raising an eyebrow.
"Who hexed Mr. Smith?" Flitwick asked the class, eyes roving over every student.
"It came from over there," Justin said, pointing towards the section where the six male Slytherins were sitting.
"You would blame Slytherin," Pansy snarked. "It probably came from your own house since it is no secret that no student likes you!"
"Or he probably just imagined being hexed and wanted Slytherin to get in trouble," Tracey glared.
"Besides, Smith is the one who was harping on about how Harry should have been expelled," Theo added with a sneer.
"Yeah, we heard the disgusting shit you were saying about how Harry deserved death in the tournament!" Blaise spat, his anger spiking.
"MR SMITH!" Flitwick gasped. "Alright, I have had enough. If anything else happens. The entire class will get detention. We are here for a place of learning! And I will not allow bullying in my classroom!"
Harry's eyes widened in shock, Professor Flitwick didn't really give out detention. He never really needed to. Take away points, sure. But to assign that for the entire class?!
Granted, he didn't think his professor would have gotten furious over what was said either. He could get Professor McGonagall, she had been Head of House, so that was to be expected.
"Whoa," Blaise muttered, "wasn't expecting that."
Harry snorted lightly, at his friend, shaking his head.
"That was risky Blaise," Theo hissed, "what if Flitwick had seen you do it."
"It wasn't me!" Blaise denied.
Harry snorted; he knew that it hadn't been Theo since he was lecturing Blaise. But he hadn't seen Blaise's wand. Unless he had performed wandless magic but that couldn't be true.
But given the grin on Blaise's lips instead of a scowl, maybe Theo had a point. Though he doubted that Blaise would have cared if he gotten detention.
Though he couldn't help going slightly pale at the thought that there were probably students that might be wishing he would die in the tournament. It was obvious that Smith was one of them. Despite being a Hufflepuff but he had learned earlier in the year that being in Hufflepuff didn't mean a damn thing.
The rest of the class seemed crawl by, practicing over and over the Summoning Charm. But he couldn't bring himself to commit his entire focus on it. He couldn't believe some students hoped he would die. Fuck, he needed to talk to Graham. The first task is coming up, he needed to get out of it. But part of him also wondered if it would just be easier to die in the tournament. No more Dursley's, no more Voldemort, and no more Dumbledore. He didn't even realize Flitwick had dismissed them until Theo started to guide him out.
Theo was looking at him strangely.
"You alright, Harry?"
Harry blinked at him, "yeah, I'm fine. Just a lot on my mind, given everything."
Then he heard a cough behind him.
"So, I've heard..."
Harry quickly spun around, "Graham!?"
He felt entirely unprepared for this. He hadn't even settled into the Slytherin dorms yet with Blaise and Theo. And he still needed to meet with Professor McGonagall after dinner.
He had sort of made a half plan on maybe talking to Graham later this week or something. Though he couldn't half remember the days but he knew the first task was still a couple weeks away. It wasn't supposed to be this soon!
"I haven't seen you all day," Graham said with a frown, "We need to talk… about this morning." His eyes darted at Theo and Blaise, unwilling to talk in front of them.
"I don't have to explain myself to you," Harry grew defensive. "And if you can't talk in front of two of my best friends, then there is nothing much for me to say right now."
Harry suppressed a smile when he felt Blaise's jauntiness at his admission, Theo just grinned and stood closer to him in silent support.
"Okay then," Graham groaned, "I am sorry for pushing this morning. But I want is best for the situation." Harry could hear the meaning behind the word situation. Graham clearly meant him and the possible child.
"If this is going to work, we need to talk."
Harry still wanted to be defensive and say that he didn't need to talk about anything. Mostly because he didn't think there was much to talk about. But he knew that a discussion was needed, especially from this morning. He didn't know how much Graham knew about what happened over this entire day. It had been... hectic to say the least.
"Then you have to work with me, too," Harry countered. "But I can't talk at the moment."
"If we still want to make it to the Common Room before Arithmancy, I suggest we go now," Blaise brought up.
Harry nodded, "let's go, then."
Graham hadn't noticed the tie or crest yet, his eyes glued to Harry's face. It was still so hard to believe Harry had come to him for a baby and Betrothal Contract. Last night had seemed like a dream.
"Are you moving into Zabini and Nott's dorm?" Graham asked with a smile, the thought made him slightly relax with the knowledge that he was safer in Slytherin. "You can always bunk with me." He leered playfully, his heart beating fast at the blush that rose over Harry's cheeks.
"I actually am moving into their dorm," Harry said confidently, not allowing himself to be swayed by Graham's offer. At least, not until after they had spoken. Cause he still felt a lot of the hurt from that morning.
"Do you need any help moving your trunk?" Graham asked helpfully, eager to make things right, how the lithe seeker had him wrapped him around his finger already was a mystery. He could at least tell something was wrong. He was sure that he didn't do anything besides knowing the conversation that morning had probably upset Harry. But he could help the teasing. "Moving can be hot work, maybe a shower afterwards," He winked, steadfastly ignoring Blaise who was miming throwing up behind Harry.
Harry shook his head before walked away, not bothering to give Graham a response in so many words. Plus, Blaise had been right. Their next class would be starting soon, and he didn't want to make both Blaise and Theo late for it.
"Go find a broom to hump," Blaise laughed as he chased after Theo and Harry. Harry kept walking, trying to hide the effect Graham had on him. But he wouldn't be swept up in it all, he needed to confront Graham about this morning with Terence. He was not looking forward to that, even if he knew it had to happen.
Harry shook his head as Blaise took his spot on the right side of him. He still rather have had that conversation way later than after his first class with Slytherins. But at least he could use the time to get everything out his trunk and set up his stuff the way he would want it while his friends were in their last class before dinner.
The path to the Slytherin Common Room was quiet, not many students were down in the dungeons at this time. Potions was usually a double block lesson, so the final class of the day was halfway through. It was definitely colder now, the sun not reaching the bowels of the castle. But they reached the dorm without issues.
"Persevere," Theo said to the wall, granting them entrance.
The sight of the Common Room was a familiar one, though not one he was able to get quick a good study of beforehand. As a Slytherin now, he could see that changing.
It hadn't changed much since his second year, since he didn't really get a good look when Graham had brought him in. The black leather couches spread around the large Common Room. The emerald green on the walls and floor, like Gryffindor's red, but wow was this much nicer. He hadn't really noticed before how much of an eye sore the red and gold had been before, but now Blaise was absolutely right. Theo watched as Harry took in the room with a smile.
"Come on, wait until you see our dorm," Blaise grinned racing off in front of them.
"Oh wow!" Blaise's voice floated down to them, "Look at this!" Harry and Theo shrugged their shoulders before heading up across to the dorms.
Blaise was standing in front of two doors, with a baffled grin. They had already gone through the door that had said fourth years. It wasn't long before Theo realized what had happened.
"Hang on, the fourth-year dorms were just one…" he noted, "Hogwarts split the dorm?"
"Exactly!" Blaise crowed excitedly, "look! It even has our names on the plaque."
Harry leaned closer, and indeed, the right door said; Crabbe, Goyle and Malfoy and the left door said; Nott, Potter, and Zabini.
"Well, let's get you set up," Theo laughed, opening the door, sighing in relief when all of his stuff was in the same place that he had left them, just in another room. A mahogany desk next to every bed. Blaise's Quidditch posters were covering his wall. Theo's delicate and expensive crystal chess set on the small coffee table at the foot of his bed. It had belonged to his great, great grandfather, being handed down on the eldest son's 11th birthday. He loved playing with Draco with a cup of tea or pumpkin juice on a lazy afternoon.
Harry's spot was empty of course. Though he knew he could probably get used to having emerald and silver as the blankets and sheets. There was even a side bookcase to the very left, even the Gryffindor dorms didn't have that.
"I can't believe Hogwarts did this so easily." Theo mused, "I honestly thought when we said we would move into two rooms, that we would have to move it all ourselves."
Upon touch, Harry realized they were much softer than the Gryffindor ones. Warmer too, though given the dorms were in the dungeons, that made sense to him.
"Warming Charms," Theo helpfully supplied.
"Look behind you," Blaise grinned, from where he had collapsed on his bed. Harry turned to look at the wall opposite of the three beds, and his jaw just dropped. It was beautiful. A large window straight into the great lake, surrounded by bricks. He could see large seaweed foresting off the side, underwater cliffs, and fish. It was dark, being so deep, but it was so serene.
"Wow," he whispered.
"Welcome home," Theo smiled, clapping his hand on his shoulder.
Harry's eyebrows ruffled together. 'Home.' It was such a foreign concept to him.
He knew that the Dursleys on Privet Drive had never been a home to him. For over 3 years, it had been Hogwarts, which essentially was Gryffindor Tower. But that had changed this year. Could Slytherin be his home? He didn't know yet.
"Are you alright here if we head to Arithmancy?" Theo asked,
"We can totally skip if you want us here," Blaise added, clearly making himself comfortable on his bed.
Harry gave him an incredulous look.
"Even I know how terrible of an idea that is. I've heard countless of times when Hermione has commented on how strict the professor is. So, I think I will be just fine without my two bodyguards here," Harry teased.
"Unpack, get comfortable. This is your place now." Theo smiled as he dragged Blaise off the bed. "We will back after class for dinner."
Harry waved as Blaise was pulled out of the room moaning about how tired he was.
"Bye guys!" Harry laughed.
The door was soon shut again and Harry took that moment to take out his trunk out of his robes and sit it down by his now, bed. He enlarged it back to its normal size. Though didn't move to open it yet.
He wanted to check out more of the dorm.
The bookcase had been filled with some books, most likely belonging to Theo. He had been more of a reader than Blaise was. At least that he had noticed.
There was a desk near each bed, along with an extra by the bookcase.
Looking up, Harry was a bit star struck, there hanging up was a crystal chandelier. Which seemed to be luminating the room with a nice green glow.
Shaking his head lightly, Harry made his way to the bathrooms. He knew they would probably be fancier than Gryffindor Tower. He just wasn't expecting for what he saw.
There were beautiful shades green, blue, and white tiles that lined the walls of the bathroom. Three massive showers stood proudly on the left wall from the door. They were tiled walls separating them, a pretty ombre blue and green misty glass door stopped you from being able to see inside when someone was using one. Coming down from the roof in each shower was a large square waterfall faucet. Harry grinned as he turned the nob, unable to resist testing it. He gaped at the amazing pressure that the square dropped down. He couldn't wait to just stand under that later.
Though when you walked further in, past the showers, there in the center was a bathtub. It looked to be the size of a swimming pool. He tried to count all the knobs and faucets. Six, twelve, eighteen!
The bathroom in Gryffindor Tower was nothing like this.
He felt like laughing, how had something so awful like being kicked out of Gryffindor and stuff being destroyed, led to this! Weasley would lose his shit if he knew his actions had led to Harry having the better deal. Opposite the showers were three large vanities, white and grey marble with a round mirror above them. metal shelves below the mirror for his bathroom stuff, below those a glass oval sink.
He was beginning to love this bathroom already. And he was willing to bet that the cabinets next to the sinks held all the towels. Probably had some kind of replenishing charm too. He could start to see why Slytherin seemed so spoiled.
He would probably use the bathroom later, for now, he had a trunk to unpack.
Upon opening it, the first thing he saw were his robes. It was still odd to see the helm with green instead of red. But he figured it was a sight he would have to get used to. Though he took full advantage of the wardrobe that was near his bed. It was much better than just throwing his robes back into his trunk or trying to search for them.
He hung them up, hands running over the material before moving to the next. It felt like a dream, as well as a powerful feeling welling up, of a new start. He was feeling stronger, he was where he was supposed to be. Just like the hat said, Slytherin could help. He didn't know if it really would make him rise to greatness or not. With a new bounce, he set about setting all of his gear, thinking about even ordering some posters from an owl catalogue like Blaise had his up. He was ecstatic when he noticed the large bed had a large clip on one pole to clip in the handle of his Nimbus 2001. Instead of resting on the tail, it hung, avoiding damage. Even the beds were bigger than the poster beds that Gryffindor had.
He was tempted to use the bookcase for his school books but decided to use the side table on the other side of the bed. There was a space right below the pull-out drawer that he could line his books, so it would be easier to search for them. That was if he didn't leave on them lying on the top surface to start with.
There was even a simple black shoe rack each by the door out of the dorm. He had four pairs shoes now, which was a small thing, but so exciting to have more than one. He placed one pair of dress shoes for his uniform on the rack, he was still wearing the others. And then two pairs of comfortable weekend sneakers.
With clothes and books out of the way. There wasn't too much left in his trunk. Though he dug the Marauder's Map and Invisibility Cloak out and placed it back into his trunk. Even though he hadn't told Blaise and Theo about the map yet. He felt comfortable enough leaving his cloak there.
He took out the parchment, his quills, and ink wells to sit them on the desk. They were stoppered so they hadn't spilled in his trunk.
"Done!" He declared happily, brushing his hands off on his pants, looking around and feeling comfortable and content. "Now what?" He asked himself, sitting on the bed. Merlin that was soft.
Harry's eyes glanced over to the desk with the parchment and quill. He did technically have a free period right now while he waited for Blaise and Theo to get back.
Though, he could go down the kitchens to get something to eat for dinner like he usually did. But it felt wrong not to tell his friends where he went. Because he knew they would worry and it would be genuine too.
Not wanting to leave the bed, he grabbed one of his books so he could have something to write against.
He started to write out a letter to Remus.
Remus,
Sorry if my last letter seemed so short. A lot of happened. First, I think you should know that they are bringing back the TriWizard Tournament this year. Second, is that my name was forced in and am forced to compete. The entire school has turned against me except for Slytherin. I made two friends and they are trying to help me find a way out. And because I know you will eventually find out, I think Hogwarts made me change houses. I don't think Gryffindor has been my house since my name was forced out. But most of the Slytherins have accepted me. I will probably write another letter soon.
Harry
Harry made sure he didn't mention about what he thought of Dumbledore. Mostly because he wasn't sure what his reaction would be. But he wanted to make sure he knew that he was liking Slytherin so far, even though he knew that Remus never had any prejudice against Slytherins like most Gryffindors did. It was hard not to mention what happened to his stuff but he didn't want Remus to worry about him. It would eventually come up, he knew that. Just like his betrothal to Graham would too. But he was hoping to gauge what his reaction to being in Slytherin first.
He was just rolling the parchment up to put it into a letter to take to the Owlery tomorrow when he heard the door to the dorm opening again.
Harry placed the envelope on the bedside table as Blaise and Theo barged in, Blaise of course being loud, tripping over his foot as he entered.
"It's over!" He proclaimed throwing himself on the bed. "I am never leaving you again!" He faux sobbed into his pillow.
Harry couldn't help the chuckles that escaped his lips at Blaise's antics. His friend never failed to amuse him.
"What's Arithmancy like?" Harry asked.
He was curious about it, and it wasn't like he would ever ask Hermione about it. She would probably make an offhand comment that he wouldn't possibly be able to understand the subject. So, he never asked.
"It's interesting," Theo replied, not allowing Blaise to comment. "It is a pretty fascinating subject to learn about the different properties of numbers and their significance. Several of those that practice Divination also uses the subject as well."
"Is it hard?" He asked, again thinking back to Hermione, who would have made a comment about he would have struggled but she found it easy like Muggle Studies. He still thought it was stupid she had taken it. She was Muggleborn for fucks sake.
"It can be if you don't dedicate yourself to the subject. Professor Vector does like to teach a bit at a fast pace, though she always helps us when we need it. Long as you got the foundation work, it isn't hard to build on that. We're getting a bit more complex in the subject, and she likes to assign essays a lot to make sure we got a grasp of it," Theo explained.
"Don't do it Harry," Blaise mumbled from where his face was still pushed into his pillow. "It's a trap. The class is there to make our heads hurt and melt the brains."
Theo rolled his eyes, "at least I don't wait till the last minute to do her essays and charts."
Blaise looked up from his pillow and grinned, "I'm hungry." Purposely ignoring the jab that Theo aimed at him.
Harry laughed lightly; it was amazing how different things felt with these two.
"Well, we should feed you then," he teased.
"Yes, please, feed me." Blaise moaned.
"Ignore the man child," Theo shook his head, "do you think you are up to going to the Great Hall tonight?" He asked Harry carefully.
Harry was expecting himself to get defensive with the question. But he wasn't. The way he had worded it was so different than Graham. He found that he liked that better. But he wasn't surprised that Theo had noticed the behavior.
Shaking his head, "I think I'm still going to stay away from the Great Hall."
"Sounds good," Theo smiled, "shall we head to the kitchens then?"
"Yes," Blaise nodded as he sat up, "I am starting to waste away,"
Harry cocked an eyebrow at him, "how do you know that I know where the kitchens are?"
"We found them our second year," Blaise informed him with a cheeky grin, "Got to know where I can get midnight snacks Haz."
Harry merely blinked at him, first because Blaise knew where the kitchens were. Second, because of the new nickname. But he found he didn't exactly hate it. So, he shrugged his shoulders. Silently thankful that there hadn't been a fight about going to eat the Great Hall.
The Gryffindors would eventually find out, he knew that. If they were observant, they might know by tomorrow afternoon. If they weren't. Maybe by the end of the week or longer. Even he knew he wouldn't be able to pull it off for the entire year, no matter how hopeful he was.
"I could eat," Harry eventually ended up commenting with a smile and a nod. Snorting when Blaise hooted happily.
"Alright, let's get to the kitchens then," Theo grinned, as he shucked off his robes and pulled a beautiful blue cashmere sweater over his head.
Being in the dungeons, it wasn't a long trek from there to the kitchens. And the way that the Common Room and corridors were mostly deserted, everyone else was probably in the Great Hall eating dinner.
Harry easily took the lead, knowing that Blaise and Theo were closer behind until they came to the portrait with pear. He tickled it before opening the door that would lead them into the Kitchens. And knowing how enthusiastic Dobby could be, he figured he could just ask if he could have his usual dinner.
Harry opened the door and grinned when he heard Dobby.
"Master Harry!" He screeched, launching himself at Harry's legs.
Harry grinned, "Hey Dobby. Just here for my usual dinner."
"Usual dinner?" Theo questioned, even though he probably already knew the answer. Given the number of times he had noticed the absence of his friend in the Great Hall.
"Oh yes!" Dobby nodded, ears flapping and eyes bulbus. "Master Harry always enjoys Dobby's Steak and Kidney Pie!"
"Don't forget the Mashed Potatoes," Harry laughed.
"Of course not, Master Harry," Dobby grinned.
"And call me Harry" Harry sighed, as Dobby rushed off to collect a Pumpkin Juice for his favorite wizard.
"These are Blaise and Theo, my friends." Harry introduced them to Dobby.
Blaise looked at Dobby with a sudden realization but didn't say a word, yet.
"Dobby... can be a bit enthusiastic," Harry whispered to them.
"You're not kidding," Theo muttered. Dobby turned to look at them, and clearly recognized them from being friends with ex-Master Draco. He slinked closer to Harry.
"Is they safe, Master Harry?" he asked tentatively.
Harry gave him a soft smile, "very safe, Dobby. They were a bit hungry as well."
"Oh, no Master Harry's friends can't be left hungry!" Dobby shook his head. "What can I gets for Master Harry's friends?"
"Shepard's Pie, please," Theo smiled, it was a comfort food at home, one his mother made when he was sick, sad, or just wanting it. It was so much nicer than cottage and always reminded him of home.
"Of course," Dobby nodded before turning to Blaise.
"Ummm," Blaise hummed, "two Oven Baked Jacket Potatoes please, with cheese, Bacon and Grilled Chicken."
Harry didn't pay much mind to what his friends wanted to eat since he soon had his food before him and didn't hesitate in digging in. Lunch had felt too long ago and his stomach was demanding the food. Though he was thankful that he was able to finish it all. He had even had gravy poured over his potatoes. It was an odd feeling knowing that he was able to eat everything. Usually, it took him another month or so to get used to the rich foods again.
He sipped at his pumpkin juice, as he sat back into his chair stuffed. "Perfect like always Dobby."
"Can I have an Apple Pie with Custard?" Blaise piped up with a grin.
He watched his friends from the corner of his eyes as they ate their own food. Definitely more gracefully that Ron would. But he figured that was part of being an Heir to a Noble House and a Slytherin to boot. It also made him think. He usually preferred to being alone while eating in the kitchens. Had been one of the times he could escape just for a little bit, even if it was just eating. But he hadn't minded the additional company.