So Many Secrets.

Classes

I'm already failing.

"Mr. Potter, I know the school year just started," Professor McGonagall starts. "But you're grades are..."

"I know."

"Why are you struggling? Are you homesick, is someone picking on you?"

"No and no."

"Then what? Help me understand why you're struggling so much."

I shrug. "I don't know. Maybe I'm just getting used to being here."

Her lips are in a the line. "Are you positive it isn't something else? Maybe the Slytherins are a little... well..."

"Just because my parents were in Gryffindor doesn't mean I shouldn't be in Slytherin, ma'am. And I'd rather be in Slytherin than in Gryffindor. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm late for Potions, and this is the second time this week you've held me back."

I leave her in silence and rush to the dungeons, where Potion is held. The only reason I'm passing in Potions is because Draco works with me and tells me what to do.

"Mr. Potter, care to explain why in Merlin's name you are late for the second time in a row?" Snape asks. Everyone looks at me.

"McGonagall wanted me, sir."

"What for?"

"She wanted to know why I'm struggling and if the Slytherins were doing anything to me." His glare makes me continue. "I told her they weren't and I like it in Slytherin, so I left because she didn't say anything."

He hesitates. "Five points from Slytherin for being late... Six points to Slytherin for House loyalty. Take your seat, Mr. Potter, and if you are late one more time this week it will be an added detention."

Damn.

I still have a detention tonight. For 'copying homework' when I didn't even have anything written down.

"Were you really with the lion tamer?" Draco asks. I nod.

"Today, class, we will be making the strengthening solution. We could have started last week, if someone had not lost their toad..." Snape glares at Neville hard. 

"S-Sorry, sir..."

In the span of two weeks, Neville has become Snape's main target. He picks on the Gryffindors, too, and he doesn't seem to like me much, but I already knew that was going to happen because Mr. Malfoy said it would. 

"The directions are on the board. You may begin."

Draco tells me what to do as we go along, but he does most of the work. I told him I need new glasses, and that they aren't finished being made yet. So that gives me about a month to learn how to read, come up with another lie, or tell the truth.

I'm opting for that second option.

"Harry!" Draco grabs my hand and pulls it away from the cauldron a little too harsh.

I don't think he notices my wince.

"The quills go in after you stir it! Otherwise it could explode! The quills would react to the-"

"S-Sorry, I thought you h-had stirred it already..."

"It's fine, just pay attention to what I'm doing. When did you say your new glasses are coming?"

"In about a-a month..."

He groans.

"Mr. Potter..." Snape says when he comes to our station. He looks at our potion. "I take it Mr. Malfoy did this work?"