Accidents Happen

Chapter 17

As the gang entered the Great Hall they couldn't help but notice how noisy it was. Students from all four Houses were chattering away excitedly. In all honesty, it reminded Harry and Draco of the night they found out they would be rooming together.

Suddenly, there was the tinkling of silver against glass and all eyes turned to face Professor Dumbledore as he stood up from the Professor's table.

"Students," he announced. "I hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas so far. And, I'm pleased to announce that it is about to get better. For I have a special present for all the Slytherins. The dungeon that normally houses Slytherin House has finally been completed and all Slytherin students may return there tonight!"

The Great Hall erupted with thunderous applause as all the Syltherins excitedly celebrated their Houses' return. Well, all except Draco.

"Draco?" Harry asked, noticing his love's saddened expression. "Draco what's wrong?"

"I-It's nothing." Draco said, getting up from the table and walking out of the Hall.

"Draco!" Harry called, following him. "Draco wait!" He caught up with him and grabbed Draco's arm, stopping him in his tracks.

"What do you want Harry?" Draco asked, trying to escape his grasp.

"Tell me what's wrong." He said calmly. "Because I know it's not nothing."

"No." Draco insisted. "You'll just laugh."

"When have I ever laughed at you?" Harry asked.

Draco gave him a look.

"I meant ever since we started rooming together." Harry clarified.

"Fine." Draco sighed. "I-I don't want to leave Gryffindor."

"What?" Harry questioned. "But just last month you couldn't stand the idea of being associated with Gryffindor. Why the change of heart?"

"I just like it better." Draco explained. "I mean, everyone in it is so nice and friendly. You have an amazing view of the world outside of Hogwarts from your windows. You get to wake up to warm sunlight shining on you. And, well, it's the House that the man I love is in." He looked over and smiled at Harry.

At first, Harry said nothing. He only stared at Draco until finally he found his voice. 

"Well, what if you didn't have to leave Gryffindor?" Harry wondered.

"What do you mean?" Draco asked.

"I mean, what if there was a way for you to stay in Gryffindor?"

"Just what are you saying, Harry?"

"I'm saying," Harry told him. "What if you switched over to Gryffindor?"

"Wait." Draco said. "You mean switch houses? Is that even possible?"

"Well, it couldn't hurt to ask." Harry shrugged. "Come on." He motioned for Draco to follow him and the two of them walked into the Great Hall.

They walked past the House tables and headed straight for the Professors.

"What is it, boys?" Dumbledore asked, looking up at the two of them.

"Draco, well, actually, we were wondering if it was possible to switch Houses?" Harry explained.

"Why do you two wish to know such things?"

"Draco was hoping that he could stay in Gryffindor." Harry told him.

"Exactly." Draco said. "So, is it possible?"

"Well, it is unusual to switch Houses." Dumbledore explained. "But, not unheard of. Besides, I'd say mister Malfoy has shown us these past few weeks that he has the makings of an exceptional Gryffindor." 

"So, does this mean that I can stay a Gryffindor?" Draco questioned.

"If that is what you so wish," Dumbledore said. "Then who am I to stand in the way?"

Draco and Harry looked at each other excitedly before turning back to Dumbledore.

"Thank you, sir." Draco said, meaning every word.

Together the two of them went back to the Gryffindor table to tell everyone the news.

"That's brilliant!" Hermione congratulated them.

"Welcome to the house." Ron told Draco.

"Congrats, mate." Blaise said.

"We'll miss you in Slytherin," Pansy lamented. "But, congrats on the new house."

The rest of the Gryffindors welcomed Draco warmly as part of the family and spent the rest of the night celebrating their newest member.

That night, as Harry and Draco prepared for bed, Harry expressed how happy he was to have Draco with him in Gryffindor.

"Honestly," Draco told him, getting into bed. "I'm just glad I get to stay with you. I love you, Harry. And I want nothing more  than to be with you."

"Well," Harry explained, crawling into bed as well, "Now you can."

The two of them laid down and Draco moved closer to Harry, draping an arm and a leg over him.

Harry just smiled and kissed his head.

The two of them closed their eyes and drifted off into a peaceful night's rest; each one content with the fact that, after all their years of fighting, something good came out of it. A bond that they hoped would last forever.