I Swear This Time I Mean It ✔️

Chapter 6

Dinner passed by in a blur for Harry. All Draco could do was mask his concern for Harry, not wanting to look overly worried for those who didn't know the extent of their relationship. When he thought he could get away with it, Draco would briefly take Harry's hand in his own to continuously send him words of encouragement.

He was always surprised at how open Harry's thoughts were with him. Each time they touched, Harry was thinking about different things. The war, everyone who had lost their lives, how he didn't feel like eating, and one breathtaking moment where he was thinking about how in love with Draco he was.

Draco just continued to coax Harry to eat, reminding him that it would be time to go back to their room soon enough. Harry perked up a little bit at the mention of "their room", and it was enough to get him through dinner.

"8th years, remain here please. Houses, follow your prefects to your dorms please. Miss Weasley, Miss Lovegood, please remain here as well. Remember students, there are no classes tomorrow. I encourage all of you to take part in activities with your houses and make the first years feel welcome. We will have school wide activities soon. Goodnight."

It took a few minutes for everyone to leave, still sneaking looks at the group of students. One pointed look from McGonagall had them quickly on their way.

"I've asked Miss Weasley and Miss Lovegood to remain as I know they're close with a majority of you all. The eighth year tower is only accessible to the 18 of you, myself, and the staff. If there are any other younger classmates you wish to have access granted to, please let me know.

Now if you'll follow me, I'll show you up so you can get settled in for the night."

As they walked out of the Great Hall, all of their friends seemed to form a protective wall around Harry and Draco. The group knew that any lingering students would remain focused on the two, unbeknownst to them, former enemies.

The walk to the tower was quiet. The portrait guarding the entrance was a depiction of the deathly hallows, and Harry had to refrain from letting out a snort.

"Chocolate frogs", McGonagall declared, and the door opened.

"The password can be changed, I just thought that would be nice, for old times sake."

Everyone took in the common room in awe. McGonagall had focused on neutral colors so as not to show any preference to one house in particular. Harry and Draco had assisted in this too, as the original design was a horrific clash of red, green, gold, and blue. They had placed the banners for each house in the different corners of the room as a nod to their classmates, but that is where it ended.

"I'll give you your roommate assignments and then continue on with the rules. You'll find all of your things in your rooms already. I'll start with the girls. Your rooms are through the door on the right. Boys, you're on the left.

As you're all adults, you're allowed in each other's rooms. I must, however, stress that you use your best judgement in all of your interactions. This is still a place of learning. Now, as I said earlier, you're all rooming with someone from a different house, except for two of you, as there are more Gryffindors than other returning houses."

Clearing her throat and pulling a piece of parchment out of robe, she began to call out room assignments.

"Granger and Parkinson,

Abbott and Brown,

Bones and Greengrass.

I have put the two Patil sisters together, unless there are any issues with that?"

Everyone shook their heads, understanding that as twins they may want the chance to room together. Padma was a Ravenclaw, and Parvati was a Gryffindor anyway.