The Group Chat ✧ drarry + others

nineteen

Harry made his way to the entrance to the dungeons to meet up with Draco and Astoria, with Hermione and Ron in tow.

"So, why are we going to the Slytherin dorms?" Ron asked, raising an eyebrow at Harry. He gave his best friend a shrug. "Me and Malfoy agreed to go together along with Astoria." The ginger gave him a shocked, and almost disgusted, wide-eyed look. "What? Are you serious, mate? Have you gone mad? Wait, wait, wait—That means you've been talking to him?"

Shit. Harry hadn't told neither of his best friends about being in the Slytherin's group chat nor his private conversations with a few of them. Pansy proved to be nicer than she let out to be, and would often help him with some of his homework when Hermione wasn't around to help. Malfoy could be a pain in the ass at times, but he wasn't as much of an arsehole as he was before.

Their first private conversation occurred after he'd dyed his hair pink. Harry had messaged him first and properly complimented him on his hair. It was unlike him to do such a thing, but he felt it was right and also a good way to finally part from their petty rivalry and hating each other for no good reason. They were both older now, no longer tied down by responsibilities they were never prepared for, obligated by the adults around them to fulfill. And throughout the war and the time that came after it, they had both matured.

Harry could tell that Draco was also over everything that had happened before. He didn't insult and bully Harry and his friends endlessly like before. He still threw in some comments here and there, but it was just a part of his personality at this point and he didn't mean any harm in his words. The same honestly goes for Harry.

He was quite proud of how far they'd come.

Upon complimenting him on his new look, Draco was visibly stunned. He had asked: "Is this some kind of joke, Potter?" Which was to be expected. Harry replied: "No, not really. I think it suits you well and it actually looks really nice on you. I was just shocked at first, because I never expected that from you."

Harry wanted to think it was just a trick of the light, but he could see all the way across the dining hall how Draco's cheeks became as pink as his hair and his eyes grow wide as he read the message. He replied a simple, "Oh...Thanks." afterwards, but it was better than nothing.

After that, the two would text each other once in a while. Harry didn't want to admit it, but he did enjoy it.

"You haven't answered my question," Ron said, snapping Harry out of his thoughts. "Oh, um—" Before Harry could say anything, Hermione spoke up. "It doesn't matter, I think it's time we stopped picking petty fights with the Slytherins for no reason. This is a good chance to start anew without having to worry about them having some ulterior motive."

Harry honestly wanted to hug Hermione in that exact moment.

Ron looked bothered by Hermione's reply, but stayed quiet, seeing that they'd reached the entrance to the dungeons. Almost on cue, Draco and Astoria walked up to them.

Astoria was wearing a white shirt with a long black skirt and a green cashmere jacket over it. Draco was dressed in light-washed ripped jeans, a graphic t-shirt, and some sneakers. His hair was still pink, but now fading. He still made it work though.

"Well, if it isn't the Golden Trio."

Ron scowled and crossed his arms over his chest. Draco rolled his eyes in return and said, "Oh, don't get your knickers in a twist, I'm not going to hex or put a jinx on any of you. I just want to go watch movies."

Astoria nudged Draco with her elbow. "Don't go causing trouble."

"Even if they started it?"

"Draco."