New Beginnings

Chapter 26

There was a subtle tense air to Harry and Draco following the bathroom conversation, both knew the other was right but stuck to their points tenaciously.

In the end they refused to talk about it again until Harry felt ready, because as much as Barty and Severus deserved to know, it was Harry who'd be hurt most by their reactions.

Instead they focused on harry getting used to life as Slytherin, something he only had a few days to do until the Christmas holidays. The boy had his own bedroom and bathroom, a shared living room with Theo and that was just the dorms.

Slytherin was a far cry from the Gryffindor assault of gold and red, colours that Harry did like however the combination was blinding in Gryffindor tower. Slytherin had soft greens and silver that felt more comforting than anything else.

He truly was starting to adore changing houses. The Slytherins had, at the very least, smiled warmly when they'd found out whilst others pulled him into a hug.

But while Harry got used to his new house, Draco got called up to the headmasters office.

"Draco, I recently spoke with the dark lord." Severus started , uncaring about the portraits reactions, Dumbledore had frozen them to stay in their portraits and Severus didn't know how-to fix it yet.

The blonde refused to react even though he was suddenly very nervous. he'd been tasked with corrupting Harry and had got the boy into Slytherin but he wondered if it were enough.

"Draco." A man moved to sit in the seat next to him, casually seatingng himself across from Severus.
"Severus  what have I said?"

"Apologies. Tom."

"I can't stay long, as soon as aurors enter Hogwarts I won't be able to visit. Every entrance will be watched." Tom eyed the portrait of Dippet as he spoke, silently wondering if his old headmaster recognised him. "Severus tells me you convinced Harry to change to houses. I trust Slytherin welcomed him."

"Of course. Harry had been welcomed long before he officially changed."

"Good, but we need to hurry. No doubt the holiday will be used to keep Harry light." 

Draco felt like laughing because  Harry was anything but light at this point. He kept quiet only because all of it was Harry's secret to tell, not his.

"I may have an idea actually."

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Harry lay curled on his bed, clutching a pillow to his chest, he didn't like how comfy the pillow was as he preferred his lumpy Gryffindor one. He was considering breaking into the tower just to retrieve it.

Instead his bedroom door opened and he knew there was only one person  who'd walk in without knocking first.

"Harry?"

The boy hummed in response, not bothering to open his eyes even when he felt the bed sink from a new weight. He felt a light breath on his cheek and figured Draco had lain next to him.

"I was wondering where you're staying over Christmas." 

Fingers ran through raven hair and Draco was positive Harry would purr if he could.