The Potions classroom was empty except for Snape, who sat at his desk in front of the class, looking grim as always.

Well, maybe not always, Harry thought. Snape seems pretty happy when he’s taking points, but then no one else is happy. Malfoy was taking a seat near the front, a place which Harry tried to avoid. When you were in the front you got picked to answer questions and the questions Snape asked were ones Harry usually did not know.

Hopefully no questions would be shot Harry’s way during potions.

Hermione was taking a seat near the back when Snape looked up with an uninterested expression. “Early, Potter? Mr. Malfoy is keeping you on schedule, then.”

Harry smiled at the professor who immediately looked sour. “Actually I was one who was dragging Malfoy out of the Great Hall, but thanks for the compliment,” Harry said.

Snape glared but apparently could not think of anything to say because he turned back to his papers.

Harry took a seat next to Malfoy and the was surprised to see the teen’s shoulders shaking lightly.

“Liked that, did you?” Harry said in a whisper as he sat. Malfoy shot him a dry look.

“I’m more impressed at how Snape did not bite your head off,” he whispered back. “It was quite an act of self-control on his part,” Malfoy said with a smirk.

“I can hear you,” Snape said as he flipped back through the papers. Harry was surprised at the man’s tone, he did not sound menacing but almost humorous.

“Did you just discover that?” Malfoy asked cheekily and Harry almost gaped.

Does he want to die? he wondered with wide eyes.

Snape looked up with a raised eyebrow. “Watch it Mr. Malfoy.” He seemed to be joking with Malfoy more than warning him and Malfoy glanced at Harry. His smirk grew until he looked like the Cheshire cat.

Harry knew that Malfoy was pleased at Harry’s surprised response to the friendly conversation between the two Slytherins.

With much effort Harry turned his expression into one that was not so astonished.

But Malfoy had already seen his dumbstruck look and was fully prepared to rub it in. Luckily for Harry, Malfoy seemed to decide that he wanted to wait until later to go over Harry’s flaws in the art of keeping a straight face.

That was good for the Gryffindor. He really did not want to talk to Malfoy where his professor could hear it. It was bad enough he was stuck in the situation where he had to talk to a Malfoy. Harry did not want the greasy git to listen to everything he said as well.

Students started filing in making as little noise as possible to try and keep their professors attention away from them. Harry could not blame them, he knew what it was like to be under Snape’s stare and he did not envy the poor soul who got stuck with it.

During the lesson various Gryffindors got scolded and glared at but Harry was not one of them. Because he was making a potion with Malfoy, Snape could not criticize the potion without criticizing Malfoy as well. No Slytherins tried to sabotage the potion and at the end of the lesson Harry was confident that he had done well. Malfoy had helped with the potion and for once they had not argued over who did what--okay, maybe just a little bit, but not much.

The potion was fairly simple and most everyone made it correctly, with the exception of Golye and Neville. The two had been matched together by Snape, who had a nasty little smile on his face at the time.

While Harry was packing up his equipment Ron passed and dropped a note shrewdly right next to his friend.

Trying to be subtle, Harry dropped his quill and when he reached down for it he picked up the note as well. Slipping the note in his bag along with the quill, Harry looked around. He turned his head just in time to see a Slytherin with bushy eyebrows look away. Harry frowned. Had the Slytherin seen Ron dropping the note?

The teen bit his lip. Is it important enough for me to be worried? Harry wondered.

The dungeon classroom was almost empty and Malfoy was patiently waiting for him a few feet away.

Harry swung his bag over his should and headed toward Malfoy but Snape’s voice stopped him in his tracks.

“Don’t forget, Mr. Potter, Remedial Potions is at eight,” the professor said warningly.

Harry stopped in his tracks and turned slowly to look at Snape. The man looked at him and raised an eyebrow in question. “I won’t forget, sir,” Harry said but his mind was buzzing with questions.

“That’s not fair!” Malfoy burst out from behind Harry. “Just because Potter stinks at Potions does not mean I should have to sit through his remedial lessons!”

Snape smirked at the young Slytherin, “Mr. Malfoy, you should of thought of that before you got in trouble.”

Malfoy was starting to turn pink and Harry might have laughed if the situation had not been so serious. Harry turned to walk out of the classroom and Malfoy almost stomped his way out behind him. Malfoy can’t find out about Occlumency, what is Snape thinking? Harry thought.

Malfoy could find out about what Harry really did during his so called ‘remedial potions’ because he would not be able to tell, anyway. The bond took care of that, but Harry still would of felt safer if Malfoy did not know about anything he did. That was why he had passed down his command of the DA to Hermione.

While Malfoy would not have been able to tell about their meetings, Harry still felt better knowing that the blond was oblivious.

Harry knew he was drawing blanks and that all his ideas weren’t worth thinking about. He was worried though. All his practice would be for nothing if Malfoy ruined his lessons by telling when the bond stopped working.

Harry had no doubt that Malfoy would tell his father and Malfoy Senior was sure to tell his master. Then Snape’s position as spy would be compromised. Harry groaned softly.

He wished Snape would have some how told him what he was planning on doing before he did it. The man was so weird.

How was Harry supposed to know what he was thinking? Harry did not like not knowing what to expect. He felt lost now and Harry blamed in all on the Potions master.

“Potter?” Malfoy’s voice made Harry turn. The Gryffindor had passed the Transfiguration hallway about ten feet ago. Malfoy looked at Harry like he was an idiot and he blushed slightly.

Get a hold of yourself or Malfoy will know something is up, Harry told himself sternly.

This class was with the Ravenclaws and Harry was curious to see how the Slytherins treated them.

A few girls burst into giggles at the sight of Harry’s hair but quieted when McGonagall shot a look their way. “We were still learning about Animagi in the last lesson. I do hope everyone did the reading I assigned?”

Harry had skimmed through it and he did not join in with the chorus of “Yes Professor,” that all the other students said. Malfoy was the only one who noticed and he shot a look at Harry that sang, ‘you’re in trouble’.

Harry agreed with Malfoy, but he was not going to say it out loud and he shot a glare at the teen before turning away. “Now, in the past, Animagi have been rare because of the time, effort, and will it takes to become one,” McGonagall said as she stood in front of the class with her hands clasped neatly.

“There is a fairly new potion and spell combo that was invented to encourage young witches and wizards to become animagi. In conjunction, these will show you what kind of animal you will be. Today we will try this out--” McGonagall was cut off as the students started talking to each other delightedly.

“I bet I’m a tiger!” “A squirrel is more likely.” “I’m going to be a unicorn, just wait and see!”

McGonagall sighed and Harry grinned at her. What had she expected? It was exciting and fun, something classes normally were not.

“May I remind you all that magical animals cannot be your form,” the professor said sternly.

Oh well, it would have been cool to be a Phoenix or something, Harry thought with only slight disappointment.

“We have a limited amount of time, so I have written all your names on pieces of paper and put them in this,” McGonagall drew a wizards hat out from behind her.

“I will draw out five names and then we will go over why that person has that form.”

The class waited excitedly while whispering to each other as the professor drew out a name after stirring the pieces of paper gently. “Seymor Trent,” read McGonagall and the Slytherin grinned and came forward.

“Francine Green.” The girl from Ravenclaw went shyly to stand next to the Slytherin at the front of the class.

“Harry Potter.” The short span of silence that McGonagall had enforced broke when she read Harry’s name.

Harry frowned as he stood up to walk past his classmates. He did not want to be one of the people doing this. While he was curious about his form, the excitement was slightly dimmed at the prospect that everyone else would see as well.

What if it’s something incredibly stupid? Harry worried silently. McGonagall read the last two names and Harry did not recognize the two Slytherins that were called. How bad could his Animagus form be? Could Harry possibly not have a form?

The Slytherin went first and swallowed the potion McGonagall handed him eagerly. Next the professor waved her wand in a few simple movements and muttered the spell under her breath. Harry was slightly surprise; McGonagall did not usually speak her spells. Maybe this spell was more difficult to perform, though.

A screen almost like the one Harry had seen a couple of times in movie theatres appeared. It was much smaller than those huge screens in the theatre, though. Stretching about the length of someone’s arms, it was long enough for the entire class to see.

The scene of a puppy playing in a garden came up and most of the girls from both houses broke into ‘aaws’ and exclamations. They watched the spotted puppy play for another moment then the screen went blank.

“You may sit back down Mr. Trent,” McGonagall said and the blushing teen went back to sit. He seemed torn between embarrassment over his form and happiness that it was not something worse.

“Can anyone tell me why Mr. Trents form was a puppy instead of a full-grown dog?”

Harry had an idea but he kept quiet. No one offered an answer so McGonagall began to tell them why.

“Your Animagus form reflects on your personality. I would say that Mr. Trent is loyal but immature,” McGonagall said with a rare smile toward the Slytherin. “If a form looks young then usually the person who owns the form is not fully developed in their personality.”

Harry could see Trent frowning and the class was snickering at him.

“Your form should be developed fully in a few months or within the next year or so,” McGonagall said reassuringly.

Next came Francine’s form, which turned out to be a humming bird. McGonagall went on to explain that Francine was probably shy and quiet. Seeing what her Animagus form was and just by looking at the girl now, Harry agreed.

He was next and Harry was still worried. What if it’s a worm? He thought in horror. But my form should be like my personality. Surely I’m not a worm!

Now McGonagall was waiting for him to take the potion. Harry took the small bottle with gentle fingers and upturned the contents into his mouth. It was not that bad, slightly bitter with a grassy taste but no where near as bad as some other potions.

McGonagall got done with her spell and the class watched the screen expectantly. A large field was what they saw first.

The grass was tall, green, and unending. They were on a hill overlooking miles of grassy lands. There were no houses or people in sight and suddenly a striking stallion appeared from the corner of the screen. It was running, its strong legs making a drumming sound on the hard ground. The silky coat shined brilliantly against the sun. Harry’s Animagus form stopped running and raised its head to the wind. The mane blew in the wind wildly. Just like Harry’s hair, this mane would not be tamed.

The scene melted away and the class was left staring at a blank screen. McGonagall nodded at Harry. “You may sit down Mr. Potter.”

Harry headed back towards his seat and sat next to Malfoy. “Your form was beautiful,” said a girl’s voice in Harry’s ear.

Harry glanced behind him in surprise. The girl who had spoken was a Slytherin and though Harry would never admit it outloud--a pretty Slytherin.

“Thanks,” he said softly and she smiled and nodded before turning back to McGonagall.

“A stallion could be a form of different personalities. A wild stallion could mean that the person is--well, wild,” she said and some students snickered. “Horses are also known to be compassionate toward their masters and very protective towards the ones loves.”

“Potter sounds like mother hen,” Malfoy said with a chuckle and Harry punched the Slytherin harshly. Some students were laughing.

“It depends on how someone looks at the person Mr. Malfoy,” McGonagall said.

“Very protective does not just mean in a motherly way. Think of it more as the horse will fight to the death to protect something it cares about,” McGonagall said with a severe expression.

Malfoy blinked and Harry knew that his professor had struck a cord. Harry himself was amused. It was like McGonagall was protecting Harry’s animagus form. He had not thought of being protective like the way his professor explained it. McGonagall went on about a few more things about horses before the bell rang for the next class.

Herbology was next and Harry headed there only pausing to listen to McGonagall telling them there homework assignments. Malfoy did not even pause to listen to McGonagall and Harry ended up stumbling after him.

The Slytherins laughed and when Harry caught up to Malfoy the teen had a smirk on his face.

“Neighhhh!” called out on one the Slytherins and they burst into laughter. Malfoy joined in and Harry blew out an annoyed breath.

He needed to make sure that whatever prank he pulled on Malfoy would be something good. Something much better then just dyeing his skin red and gold.

Malfoy was talking and laughing with his friends a little ways behind Harry. Noting that no one was paying any attention to him, Harry took his note out of his pocket.

Carefully he unfolded the small piece of parchment. Ron’s loopy handwriting was scrawled across it sideways, so Harry straightened the note out.

It was not very informative but Harry understood the meaning. Ron and Hermione did not want to be seen and since Harry was not coming, they wanted his Invisibility Cloak and the Marauders Map. It was slightly annoying to Harry that Ron would just assume he would give his cloak to them without really asking.

He sighed. Maybe I’m just irritated because I can’t attend the meeting without Malfoy finding out, Harry thought. He did not want to Obliviate the blond after the bond broke, so it was better if Malfoy never found out anything.

The sky was cloudy and a storm was brewing. Harry could smell it in the air and the wind was blowing breezily.

Malfoy knew it as well. “Making us go outside in these conditions,” he grumbled and his friends mumbled their agreements. Harry laughed outloud at Malfoy’s whining and the Slytherins looked at him with different looks ranging from dislike to curiosity.

“What’s funny about the weather, Potter? We should be inside, not out here about to play around in dirt,” Pansy said snootily.

Harry rolled his eyes. “I just think that you Slytherins are very….” he trailed off with a lost expression on his face.

“Yes?” Zambini asked slowly.

Harry grinned. “Fussy,” he said.

Malfoy glared. “I am not fussy!”

Harry was starting to enjoy himself as he continued. “Fussy, hard to please, finicky, picky, and fastidious. There are more words to describe it and you, Malfoy, are all of them,” Harry said with a final nod.

“All because I complained about the weather,” Malfoy said with a sniff.

“It was the way you complained about the weather. You’re like ‘Oh my precious hair is going to get wet--”

Malfoy cut him off, “Jealous Potter?” Harry snickered but did not comment.

“Also, the weather truly is not that bad. If it was thundering then you would have a reason to complain or it there was a tornado--” once again Harry was cut off.

“Natural hazards won’t affect Hogwarts, Potter. Haven’t you read Hogwarts A History?” Nott said.

Harry burst into laughter, causing the Slytherins to stare at him. He knew Nott would not like him comparing him to Hermione, so he shook his head and walked faster to get to the Herbology building.

This lesson was just with the Slytherins, but the building was still pretty full. They stood the entire time during lessons and Harry’s legs ached in memory of some of the longer lessons.

Professor Sprout had them peeling the bark from a miniature chana tree for this lesson. If you did not pull away the older pieces of bark, the plant would die. It was a job where you had to take your time or ruin the whole thing.

Malfoy was not being very careful with his chana tree. As Harry watched the tree wilted slightly from Malfoy pulling away a piece of bark that was new. “Here, stop!” Harry said with a wince and he nudged Malfoy over some.

“Your going about it all wrong,” Harry said in a whisper. Malfoy crossed his arms but did not speak as Harry tried to show him the right way to go about peeling the plant’s bark.

“See these parts here are slightly brown, they are the ones that you peel away. If you take away these parts that are still green your hurting the plant. If you kill it Sprout will go nuts,” Harry said.

Malfoy nodded even though it was somewhat grudgingly. Harry moved back to his plant and glanced at Malfoy who seemed to be doing it right now. The chana plant sitting in front of Harry was done and he looked around to find some of the other Slytherins watching him curiously.

The green-eyed boy blinked but avoided their gazes. At the end of the class Harry was one of the last to file out the door and Professor Sprout came up to him.

“Ten points to Gryffindor for helping a classmate,” Sprout said as she passed him. Harry had not expected to get any points and he could not suppress a grin that came on his face. Malfoy was behind him and he had heard what Sprout had said and he saw Harry’s smile.

“I could of done it without your help,” he said with a sniff and Harry rolled his eyes.

……………………………….....

They ate lunch at the Gryffindor table, much to Malfoy’s displeasure. The Gryffindors were not as quiet around Malfoy as they had been earlier. The table was alight with laughter and more then one person commented on Harry’s new style.

“It would of looked better green, or maybe with ruby stripes,” Fred said with a finger on his chin from across the table. He and George had been making fun of Harry’s hair since they had sat down a few minutes ago.

“Don’t you know any other spells for different colors besides pink, Malfoy? Because it’s really not Harry’s color,” George said with a shake of his head.

“I don’t use my time studying coloring spells,” Malfoy said with a sneer.

“Oooh!” The Weasley twins said together making Harry and Ron laugh.

“What do you spend you time doing then Malfoy?” Hermione asked with humor in her voice.

Malfoy ignored her and the rest of the Gryffindors by staring at the opposite wall while eating. “The silent treatment?” Ron asked Harry. “Is he serious?” Ron laughed.

Malfoy said nothing throughout the rest of the meal, so the Gryffindors ignored him as well. It was almost like he was not there.

There were two more classes that day and they passed uneventful. One of the Slytherins asked Harry to play hang man with her during History. He accepted and was just grateful that the sentence did not spell ‘Die, Potter, die!’. In fact the sentence was the name of one of the wizards they were supposed to be learning about. Another Slytherin, a male this time, joined in the game when History was almost over and won.

Dinner was just like lunch, except now Hermione made Malfoy sit a few places away from Harry. Harry did not ask questions and Malfoy was too busy being bothered by Fred and George to notice anyway.

“I wanted to show you my plans for the DA meeting,” she said hurriedly and handed Harry a piece of paper.

He took it to find that Hermione had created a schedule for the DA. In her neat, slightly crammed handwriting she had written down a schedule. First a warm up session that lasted ten minutes. All they did during that was throw spells at each other, dodge and basic stuff. Then they learned new spells and how to use them. There was also a little bit of time for what to do if spells went wrong and a session on first aid spells.

Harry was impressed. “Wow, Hermione this is great,” he said. She beamed with only a little nervousness in her smile.

“Thanks Harry. I’m a bit worried about how to go about teaching all this.”

Harry reached across the table to pat her shoulder.

“You’ll do fine. Just keep your temper, they’re not going to understand the spells immediately so go over it a couple of times and make sure you try to help them,” he said.

Hermione took a deep breath, “Okay, I’ll try.”

After dinner Harry and Malfoy headed to the Slytherin dormitories to drop their stuff off.

“Where are you two going?” Nott asked as Harry and Malfoy turned to go back out the door.

Malfoy sneered. “Potter here has Remedial Potions and so I have to get dragged along with him,” he said.

“Ouch,” Crabbe said with a wince while Zambini laughed.

“I knew you were bad, Potter, but I didn’t know you were that bad,” he said with humor.

“Oh shut up,” Harry muttered as he walked out of the room with his two Occlumency books in his book bag.

He did not really mind their teasing now. Harry did not like them thinking that he had to have the extra lessons but it was better than knowing the truth. Malfoy was pulled out of the room and into the hall behind Harry as they headed toward Snape’s office.

“How long will this last?” Malfoy grumbled.

“Around an hour,” Harry said and Malfoy groaned.

“I could have all my homework done by then, Potter.”

Harry chose not to reply and they reached Snape’s office without speaking again.

Harry knocked politely on the office door while Malfoy uninterestedly looked at his nails. What is Snape going to do about Malfoy? Could he actually be a real spy for Voldemort and he‘s lying to Dumbledore? Harry thought with a thumping heart.

“Enter,” came Snape’s voice and Harry entered while he still had the courage.

The stone room was as gloomy as it had been the last time Harry had been there. Snape was sitting behind his desk and reading a book which he put down.

Once they were in the room Snape stood, took out his wand and cast many silent spells. Malfoy had a question on his face but he did not speak until Snape was finished casting.

“Why the privacy spells, professor?” he asked. Malfoy took a second to look around the room. “Where will Potter be having his extra lessons?” Harry could understand Malfoy’s questions. There was no cauldron, ingredients or even a desk for Harry to sit before besides Snape’s own. He wondered what excuse Snape had come up with. Harry was shocked when Snape did not have one.

“Potter is having Occlumency lessons, Mr. Malfoy. Remedial Potions is just a cover,” Snape said smoothly. It’s like he’s stating the weather for the day, Harry thought in horror. All his secrecy was for nothing! Snape had just given away important iformation to the son of a Death Eater.

Malfoy blinked twice and glanced at Harry before crossing his arms over his chest.

“And your only telling me this because I can not tell anyone in my current state, right?” Malfoy asked Snape.

Snape nodded once and Malfoy sniffed in dislike. “Let me guess, your going to obliviate me as soon as this is whole mess is over?”

Snape inclined his head, “If that is necessary, then yes.” Harry stared at both of them. Is Snape a traitor or are Slytherins just this--weird? he thought. Where was the shouting? Surely Malfoy was mad about his predicament.

“I think you can help Potter learn since he’s utterly hopeless at the art,” Snape said with a glare in Harry’s direction.

Malfoy grinned. “I’ll see what I can do.”

Harry gaped at them. This was the biggest response Harry would get out of them? “Are you nuts?” he asked Snape who looked at him unblinkingly.

Harry waved at Malfoy, who was happily leaning back on his heels. “He’s the bad guy and I do not want him shuffling through my mind! It’s bad enough when you do it,” Harry said with a huff.

“Mr. Malfoy only knows the basics of Occlumency,” Snape said. “He won’t be seeing your precious memories, Potter.”

The sarcasm in Snape's voice made Harry frown. “Ands what about all those secret lessons? What if he goes and runs his mouth!”

“Potter,” Snape said slowly, “If it makes you feel more comfortable, I have already gone over this with the Headmaster.”

The sneer of Snape‘s face that he could not care less about how ‘comfortable‘ Harry was.

“Fine,” Harry said shortly and Snape turned back to Malfoy. Harry would just pay attention and keep his and close, he was in a room with Slytherins after all. Cunning and horrible Slytherins that would gladly watch him get tortured….Yes, Harry would keep his wand close.

“Stay over there until you’re needed,” professor said while pointing to a seat in the corner.

Malfoy looked a little put out but obediently went to sit. Snape turned around and his robes flowed around his ankles and Harry stood uncomfortably.

He held out his hands and Harry took his Occlumency books out of his bag and placed them in the man’s waiting hand. Snape looked them over for damage and when he found none he glanced suspiciously at Harry.

“Did you even try to read these Potter?”

Harry straightened up and tried to keep an offended expression off his face. “Yes, sir,” he said stiffly. Snape raised an eyebrow but did not comment except to place the books on his desk.

“Let’s see if you actually learner something this time, Potter,” Snape said as he took out his wand. Harry took a quiet deep breath and saw Malfoy watching him attentively. Then Snape invaded his mind.

Harry had prepared himself. He was safe from everyone. Snape and the now constant presence of Malfoy were gone. Harry was safe in his room; no one could get to him while he was there. But then the calmness in the room was rattled as something shook the room slightly.

Harry was in his safe place, but Snape was on his way in.

His easy state of mind was shattered at that thought and Harry opened his eyes with a gasp to find himself on the floor. Harry was lying sideways on the cold stone floor. Trying to push himself up, he was surprised to feel Snape’s arm reaching under his to pull him off the floor. Harry stood with a slight stumble. Snape was staring at him oddly, like he could not figure him out.

“That was a remarkably better, Potter.” It was the first compliment Harry had received from Snape. Harry fought back a smile. Snape would not appreciate happiness.

He tried to calm his glee which bubbled in his gut just waiting to be let out. Subduing it was almost painful but Harry managed. “You found a safe place and managed to stay there long enough so that any amateur Legimens would have already back down,” Snape said as he straightened his collar.

“Unfortunately, I am not a amateur,” Snape said and Harry waited for the criticism.

“You will not last very long if you should meet the Dark Lord. You still need more practice. You seem to have the basics down but I’m assigning Malfoy to go over them with you…two times a day,” Snape said after a pause.

“Why can’t he practice by himself?” Malfoy asked grumpily.

“Because he’s been doing that for days and he needs to practice with someone who will keep distracting him. Potter needs to build a resistance to annoyances. You fit the job perfectly, Mr. Malfoy.”

Harry laughed out loud before he could stop himself. Snape is insulting Malfoy! Harry thought disbelievingly. And what a brilliant insult it was. Who would of thought the git had a sense of humor, Harry thought with a grin.

“Okay already,” Malfoy said, “no need to start that.”

Snape smirked. “That will be enough for tonight, Potter. I don’t want to be able to break your shield next time,” he said warningly as Harry got up.

“Yes sir,” Harry nodded and moved toward the door.

“Remember, Mr. Malfoy, one word and the bond will make you pay,” Snape said. Malfoy nodded seriously. Not a trace of amusement could be found on his face. Although Harry was not sure just what the punishment for trying to tell someone’s secret was, he did not want to find out. It seemed that Malfoy agreed with him on that matter.

There was no conversation back to the Slytherin dormitories. It was quiet in the dorm when Harry and Malfoy entered and a few of the Slytherins were asleep.

“You going to the lions’ den now, Draco?” Zambini asked as Harry shrunk his trunk and placed it in his pocket. He had already lost Sirius’s letter. Harry did not want to lose anything else and he was not going to risk it.

Malfoy nodded and Nott shook his head in mock sadness. “It was nice knowing you,” he said.

“Can I have your broom after you’re dead, Draco?” Goyle asked innocently.

“Shut up, you,” Malfoy said as he chucked his pillow in Golye’s direction. “I eat Gryffindors like Potter and his friends for breakfast,” Malfoy said and Harry rolled his eyes.

“Cannibal,” he said in a stage whisper and Nott laughed.

Malfoy shoved past Harry who rolled his eyes. “Nighty night, Draco. Watch out for lions!” one of the Slytherins called out as Harry shut the door to the dorm.

…………………………..

The Gryffindors were waiting for them. Harry could tell Malfoy was nervous even though he tried to hide it behind a mask of boredom. Once inside the Fat Lady’s portrait, Harry was swept into a hug by half the Gryffindor house.

“Noo!” He cried theatrically as he was gathered into a giant bear hug. Hermione laughed from beside him and Ron chuckled as he tried to escape the arms that had him and his friends caught.

The hugging finally stopped and everyone went off to bed after welcoming Harry back. Harry sighed happily and turned back to Malfoy. He was looking uncomfortable as Ron glared at him with Neville just behind him.

“Alright guys,” Harry said coming forward reluctantly to save Malfoy. “They didn’t touch me so--don’t kill him,” he said, unconsciously repeating Snape’s very words. Neville walked up to the dorm without speaking and Harry led Malfoy to the dorm.

Malfoy was looking around curiously. It was quite different from the Slytherin rooms. It was cheery and had a homey feeling to it for Harry. But to Malfoy it was probably something very different. He seemed comfortable in the dungeons, like a snake in his pit.

They entered Harry’s old dorm and the voices inside instantly stopped. Dean, Neville, and

Seamus had been talking quietly to themselves, but they stopped to watch Malfoy coldly.

A bed had been added to the room and unlike the one in the Slytherins dorm, this one did not fit very well. It would be even more crammed than usual now that they had someone else in the room. Clothes hung from bed frames, books were tossed everywhere and homework lay all over the floor.

Though the Slytherin dorm was inferior in every other way, Harry found himself missing the neatness just a bit.

From Malfoy’s pinched expression, he agreed with Harry. Trying to break the ice a little, Harry went over and collapsed on his made bed. “My bed,” he moaned happily and Ron laughed.

“We wanted to keep it just the way you left it,“ Ron said.

“But Hermione ruined that,” Neville said. “She destroyed the mess of tangled sheets you created.” Harry shook his head with a sigh, “All that hard work for nothing,” he said.

They broke into laughter and started to get ready for bed. Dean and Seamus just ignored Malfoy but Harry went over to him.

“Just so you know, the bathroom is over there and it’s smaller than what your used to,” he said. Malfoy nodded and went of with his stuff to get ready for bed. As soon as he entered and shut the bathroom door the Gryffindors jumped over to each other.

“So what are we going to do to him!” Ron asked excitedly.

“Replace his hair gel with glue,” Neville said with a snort.

“Super glue,” Seamus said with a laugh.

Harry grinned but shook his head. “No, no. no. Gentlemen, we need a prank that the entire school will witness. But it can’t be brutal. That will get us in trouble and we do not want that.”

“So what do you suggest, Mr. Genius?” Ron asked sarcastically. Harry smiled mischievously and told them.

“Oh wow!” Dean said a minute later in amazement.

Ron was laughing so hard he could not speak and Neville covering his mouth to hold in his laughter. “It’s brilliant, Harry. You think we can do it?”

Harry nodded. “We’re going to have to be careful, but we can definitely do it. We will need Hermione’s help, though.”

The bathroom door opened and the Gryffindors tried to look casual. Ron, though, who was still gasping with laughter on the floor, gave them away. Malfoy looked at them suspiciously but got in the bed and pulled his hangings closed.

The Gryffindors grinned at each other before going to bed as well. They would need their sleep for what they were planning.