Walking the Halls

Chapter 15

Draco blinks. People shuffle around the dorm. He yawns and sits up. Blaise snores beside him. 

"Not only is he a traitor but gay," someone says. 

Draco snorts. "Even if I were gay, I wouldn't date Blaise."

"I'd be a brilliant boyfriend to you. You're missing out," Blaise says. 

Draco shakes his head. "I need someone better than you."

"I bet he likes Potter," someone snickers. 

Draco yawns. "At least I have options. Speaking of, Blaise, I'm heading to meet Ron and Hermione. Join me?"

Blaise groans. "I thought I agreed as long as you didn't wake me up early."

"You did but you're already awake."

"Fine," he says. 

They get ready and head out. They meet in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. Pansy and Millicent join them along with Lara and Cedric. 

"Find anything out?"

"Not really. People are nervous or trying to figure out how it happened," Lara says. 

Cedric shakes his head. "They are all nervous, they're not even going out for midnight snacks," he says. 

Draco nods. He turns to Ron and Hermione. 

"Nope. Everyone seems sure it's you or Harry," Hermione says, "I've been trying to figure out how it could work but I haven't learned anything."

"We'll ask Hagrid if he knows of any beasts that can do that," Draco says. 

"What about you?" Ron asks. 

Draco wrinkles his nose. "I've managed to start an argument with Flint. Other than that, there's only really been accusations that I'm dating Blaise."

"The girls are certain it's Draco and he's just trying to get everyone off his case," Pansy says. 

The door opens and Harry enters. "Hey," he says. 

Draco stands and meets him. "Your arm?"

Harry holds it out. Draco prods at it making sure the bones are fully formed and that there are no injuries. "Seems good," he mutters. 

Harry pokes him. "Yes. Now, I have some stuff to tell you guys, ah, but..." He glances at Pansy, Cedric, Blaise, Lara, and Millicent. 

"Well, I'm off. I want to eat," Cedric says. 

"I'll join you. I was sleeping with Draco far too late," Blaise says. 

"I'm going to the library," Millicent says. 

"I'll join you," Pansy says. 

"I'll go with you." Lara hugs Draco. "I'll see you later. Don't get into too much trouble."

Draco nods. "Same with you."

She rolls her eyes. "Right, because I always get in trouble." She leaves with a wave. 

Harry turns to Draco guiltily. "I didn't mean to make her leave."

"It's fine, Harry. Honestly, I would prefer she isn't involved in this too much," he says. 

He nods and sits with Hermione and Ron. 

Draco summons his herb pouch and cauldron. 

"What are you doing?" Hermione asks. 

"Energizing potions and then healing potions. Harry gets hurt often and I don't trust that idiot to not make it worse again," he says. 

"But-" Harry says.