Harry folded his arms, leveling Theo with a look. "Oh, how generous. I've been a Slytherin for—what?—an hour, and I've already got a personal bodyguard?" He smirked. "Should I be flattered or concerned?"

A few Slytherins snickered, but Theo only tilted his head, unfazed. "I'd say grateful."

Harry snorted. "Right. Because I definitely need you to fight my battles." He rolled his eyes and flopped onto a nearby couch. "Please, I survived eleven years with the Dursleys. If I can handle them, I can handle Hogwarts."

Draco raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You do realize you're in Slytherin now, right? It's not just about surviving—it's about knowing the right people.

The Slytherin common room was unlike anything Harry had ever seen. Hidden beneath the Black Lake, its stone walls shimmered with an eerie green glow, reflecting the flickering torches. Dark leather sofas and ancient bookshelves lined the room, and the air carried a cool dampness.

The first-years huddled together as an older prefect, a tall girl with sharp features, explained the rules. But Theo wasn't listening. His attention remained on Harry, who stood slightly apart from the others, his fingers twitching at his sides. He didn't belong here—yet. But he would.

Draco threw himself into a chair with a smirk. "Potter, a Slytherin. Who would've thought?" He looked around. "Reckon some people aren't too happy about it."

Harry tensed but didn't respond. Theo, however, leaned forward from where he sat, his voice smooth. "Anyone who has a problem with Potter will deal with me."

The room quieted. Pansy exchanged a knowing glance with Blaise. It wasn't a threat—it was a promise.

Harry, oblivious to the weight of Theo's words, only frowned. "I can handle myself."

Theo's lips curled into the faintest smile. Not yet, he thought.

But he would.

Harry shot him a dry look. "And I suppose you think you're the right people?"

Draco smirked, but before he could answer, Theo spoke again, his voice quiet but firm. "You'll learn soon enough, Harry."

Harry blinked at the use of his first name. There was something unsettling about the way Theo said it—like he had already claimed it.

He ignored the shiver down his spine and kicked his feet up on the table. "Well, if I'm stuck with you lot, might as well enjoy it."

The other Slytherins exchanged amused glances. They had expected uncertainty, maybe even fear. But Harry Potter had bite.

Theo, watching him closely, smirked to himself.

Good. It would be so much more fun breaking him in.

The fire crackled in the Slytherin common room, casting flickering shadows across the stone walls. Harry lounged on the couch, arms crossed behind his head, observing the group around him with a sharp, assessing gaze.

"So," he said, voice laced with amusement, "I take it there's some grand Slytherin initiation ritual? Blood oaths? Secret handshakes? Maybe a dramatic vow of eternal cunning?"

Pansy let out a surprised laugh. "Merlin, Potter, you're not what I expected."

Draco smirked. "And what did you expect? A noble Gryffindor speech about bravery and justice?"

Harry shrugged. "Something like that. But let's be real—courage without strategy is just stupidity with a shiny label." He smirked. "Gryffindors rush in headfirst and hope for the best. I prefer to win."

The room quieted for a moment as the Slytherins processed that.

Blaise raised an eyebrow. "You do realize you're describing Slytherin traits, right?"

Harry's smirk widened. "Oh, I know. Just funny how everyone assumes I wouldn't belong here."

Theo, watching from his usual spot in the shadows, let his fingers drum against his knee. Yes, he thought, he belongs here. With me.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "You learn quickly," he murmured, voice smooth. "But knowing things and understanding them are two different matters."

Harry quirked an eyebrow. "Oh? And I suppose you're going to be my wise mentor?"

Theo's lips curved into something between a smirk and a challenge. "Something like that."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Please. If I needed a guide, I'd pick someone less obsessed with watching me."

Draco choked on his drink. Pansy pressed a hand to her mouth to muffle her laughter.

Theo, unfazed, simply smiled. "You'll change your mind soon enough."

Harry gave him a mock-thoughtful look. "Mm. Doubtful."

The air between them was charged, but Harry refused to let himself be intimidated. If Theo wanted to play games, fine.

Harry Potter didn't lose.