It was incredibly early when Harry awoke. He let out an anxious sigh, and did a spell to see what time it was.

5:30am

He sighed again, trying to dispel whatever anxiety he was feeling and calm himself. He waved his wand once again, removing his one-way silencing charm and swung his legs off the bed after pulling his curtains back. He caught Ron's eye, as he too was up, clutching his pillow as he stared at Harry. It wasn't as odd as it sounded, just soft and a bit bleary as if he had gotten up only a few minutes before. He immediately got up and sat beside the green-eyed boy.

The other three boys—along with all of Gryffindor Tower—were still sound asleep.

"Well?" Ron asked after a moment, though softly so as not to wake the others.

Harry rubbed his eyes and picked up his spectacles, gently placing them on his nose.

"Nightmares. Not as bad though, but still made for a rotten sleep experience." Harry replied, as if expecting as much.

"Me too." Ron sighed.

"Mine were of the Fourth Task." Harry supplied in barely a whisper, just in case the others were lighter sleepers than he reckoned. It was a habit they had now, to simply discuss the nightmares they routinely had. McGonagall and Molly Weasley had said it was therapeutic and would ease the pains they experienced in war. And it did help. So, several times a week the Trio found themselves talking just as the two were now. Recently it had definitely gotten better, nightmares plaguing them only once or twice in as many weeks apart. The talking truly helped. It was one aspect of their system they used to survive being survivors.

Ron nodded, not entirely surprised. "It was the Manor again for me." He bowed his head. Malfoy's Manor Harry realized and sighed. That was a particularly bad one for his best mate.

"Hey mate, no worries yeah?" Harry whispered, patting Ron's back, returning some warmth there. Ron smiled and nodded.

In half an hour they were dressed and ready to go. Seamus had snorted in his sleep but smacked his lips and turned over, making Harry and Ron share a grin before heading downstairs to the common room. They were pleased to meet Hermione there, curled up into the arm of the couch and knitting, Crookshanks playing with the hem of her uniform skirt below on the carpet.

"Good morning boys." Hermione said with a touch of humor.

"Mornin' love." Ron said, with a touch of a blush. He plopped down next to her. She tsk'd and straightened his tie, a blush to match his on her cheeks. Harry smiled, though felt a bit like a third wheel upon seeing their interaction, and sat a bit away at the other end of the couch to give them some space. Ron huffed after a moment and slung an arm out to drag Harry close by his side, Harry's surprised look gaining knowing ones in return.

"Well, 'Mione? Good sleep yeah?" Ron asked after a moment, Harry curling up beside him for warmth.

She hesitated a moment before answering, "It was as expected. I assume the same for you two as well." She sighed. "Mine was about the Snatchers. Probably from sleeping in a place I'm not used to." Ron nodded and Harry fingered his scar on his hand.

"Your hair is even more impossible than I remember." Hermione said to lessen the tension, her smile warming the room more than the fire crackling below.

"Aw what? Really?" Harry asked, trying—and failing—to rub down the parts he felt were sticking up. Ron chuckled and ran a rough hand about on Harry's mop, despite Harry's "Oiy!'s" of protest, making the hair decidedly worse.

Of course, Harry's hair had never actually looked bad, just…excitable.

"Well, shall we go to breakfast? It's still incredibly early, but it'll be nice to get there without such a crowd." Hermione asked after they sat listening to her knit and the fire cackle, an occasional purr from the ginger cat.

"I'm for that. It'll be nice to get used to the place." Ron yawned, stretching. They heard the rustlings of a few others finally waking up. Hermione stuffed her knitting into the couch cushion, amusing Harry, and they set off out the portrait and into the chilled corridor. They slung their bags with ease over their shoulders, having known extendable and lightening charms appropriate to aide them.

They stayed rather close and found themselves at the Great Hall not too long after, though they had taken a rather leisurely pace. Ravenclaw had the most students present, with Slytherin next, and Gryffindor and Hufflepuff pretty much tied at this early hour. Chatter was subdued as a whole, with the hall practically empty relative to the previous night. The only ones present at the Head Table were the Headmaster, Snape, McGonagall and Sprout. As the trio sat down a bit away from a couple seventh years in their house, they began to fill their plates.

"Want to tell us what we've got today?" Ron asked Hermione as he chomped on a muffin. Banana, Harry determined, and grabbed one for himself with elation. He loved banana bread and muffins.

"Well, we've got Care of Magical Creatures first period." Hermione replied softly, gently spreading butter on her toast. "Next is a free period for us, then Transfiguration and Lunch."

Harry nodded as Ron gulped some pumpkin juice.

"After that is Potions, then Defense Against the Dark Arts—back-to-back. After that and Dinner, we're free."

"Not too bad I suppose." Harry replied quietly.

"We'll do fine. All we have to do is act normal and remember what it was like." Hermione said, sensing his emotions.

"Yeah, just so Malfoy doesn't do anything stupid again—" Ron added but a snort made him trail off.

"Can't stop talking about me eh, Ginger Snap?" Draco scoffed, taking a seat nonchalantly right beside Harry and facing Ron and Hermione, who were seated on the other side of the table. The trio was huddled together though, as if the table barely existed between them.

"Morning Draco." Harry beamed, though worry laced his eyes faintly, and Draco wondered if it was due to him sitting with them or because Ronald would get his bloomers in a twist at the Slytherin's mere presence. Draco seemed to determine it was the latter.

"Good morning, Harry." Draco replied, staring right at Ron, knowing it'd ruffle him to call Potter by first name.

Down the table the two seventh years gawked at the Slytherin sitting with the trio. Harry didn't notice them though, or the stares coming from the Head Table, in particular from a certain Potions Master.

"Shove off, this isn't your table, ferret." Ron hissed.

"And where in the rules does it say I can't sit here?" Draco sniffed, taking a plate and setting food on it with grace and poise.

"He's got a point, Ron." Hermione confirmed, a soft smile to calm him. It did, if only a bit.

"There you have it. So, what's your schedules look like today mmm?" Draco asked, choosing a few grapes and talking as if this was a normal occurrence. Harry decided grapes would be nice to add to his plate as well and Draco obliged, plucking some and plopping them onto the shorter boy's plate. Ron narrowed his eyes at the unusual kindness.

"Like we'd tell you." Ron said then stuffed some egg in his mouth, Draco rolled his eyes.

"Grow up, Weasel."

"Get lost, Prince Malfoy."

"Get a grip."

"Get a life!"

Harry interrupted the banter with a groan and slapping a hand over his face. Hermione was smiling despite the tension of the two. It was fun to watch.

"Can we please have one drama-free meal, hmm? That'd be nice." Harry said wearily, though mirth danced in his eyes.

"Then reign in your pet ginger."

Ron mumbled something about death eaters into his cup and Draco full on glowered at that but said nothing.

"My my my, aren't you kids up early." Said a mild and happy voice and Harry turned to see Lupin smiling as he walked over to them, though he gave a confused and surprised glance at Malfoy, before nodding to the others.

"Hey Re-uh, Professor Lupin!" Harry caught himself and beamed, his eyes sparkling.

"Early birds get the worm." Hermione said humbly, then nibbling a piece of toast as she gazed at her old professor.

"Ah yes, I've heard that saying before. Muggle isn't it?" Remus asked, Hermione nodded with a smile.

"We've got Hagrid's class this morning. It's gonna be great." Harry smiled. Lupin couldn't help but return it.

"I've heard you three are particularly close to him." They nodded enthusiastically, while Draco just sipped on some juice, trying to look like he didn't care.

"Yeah, he's a great friend." Ron said genuinely, his warm smile startling Draco for a moment. All Ron did in his presence was scowl. Though, to be fair, so did Draco.

"I'm glad. He's a kind soul, someone good to get to know." Remus said with a wise sort of way about him in that statement. More students had begun to trickle in, and those who noticed Draco's choice of seat stared in bewilderment. Several Gryffindors shot him incredibly dark looks.

"Well, I must be off, but I'll likely see you four later today. Don't be late!" Remus said with a wave and trotted on ahead to the Head Table, where just as he arrived Snape sent him a glare and immediately left. He made a pit stop as he glided through.

"Potter."

Harry was startled by that deep voice behind him moments after Lupin had left them, causing his hand holding his goblet to jump and slosh pumpkin juice on the table. He grimaced, knowing just what kind of impression that left, and turned to look into the face of Severus Snape. Harry decided looking the man in the eye was worth the risk, and occluded best he could to prevent any stray emotions to latch onto the man's radar.

It was definitely surreal to say the least. Harry hadn't gotten a good enough look at the man yet. He looked so much younger, less worry lines and a healthier pallor to his skin (which was saying something). His frame wasn't nearly as thin and worn as when Harry last saw him (again saying something as the man was super thin to begin with). He stood tall, confident and not nearly as haunted as he was in the end. His dark eyes glittered dangerously, but Harry could now tell they weren't as menacing as he once thought, and that the wizard before him wasn't as scary as he may have liked to be regarded. Not that Harry was about to forget to be on his toes, the Slytherin was cunning and held quite a presence. And it put Harry's nerves on edge.

Of course, Harry shut down his retrospective analysis of his old professor and fellow Order member to file away for later thought. It opened far too many feelings…and regrets.

"Good morning sir." Harry replied, inwardly relieved at his achievement of not stuttering. Draco looked on with fierce curiosity, and Ron and Hermione seemed to have stopped breathing.

"Indeed." Snape ground out, not returning the pleasantry. "I noticed you and Miss Granger have chosen Muggle Studies as an elective." He began without preamble.

Had this been Past Harry, he would have surely said something about it not being the old Slytherin's business and secured his first detention of the year already. But this was not that Harry. This Harry respected the old dungeon bat.

"Yessir." Harry replied with a nod, keeping his face blank while his heart beat rapidly in his chest, threatening to break out of his chest in a right bloody mess. After all this time the man was still able to scare him half to death.

"I find this interesting as you are both Muggle-raised, as I've come to understand." Snape said in that quiet way that meant storms were brewing in the cauldron of his mind.

Harry told himself to calm down, he was an Auror for Merlin's sake! The Boy Who Lived! Twice, if we were being technical…

"As such, I find your choice rather…redundant, don't you?" Snape continued, his tone suggesting he thought this a typical Gryffindor maneuver into the land of furthering stupidity.

"I've already studied those other subjects." Hermione said, barely above a whisper, causing Snape to lift a brow in disbelief. He said nothing however as he turned to Harry, who decided going with the truth as well was best.

"My relatives don't let me go out much. Or see much. Or do much." Harry shrugged, regretting the action as Snape responded with a repulsed sneer, though he did catch a flash of confusion amidst Snape's apparent hatred for him. Harry just continued, rubbing his scarred hand absentmindedly. "It'll be nice to re-learn some of the Muggle part of my heritage I guess." Harry chanced this next line, "My mother was a—"

"Yes yes, very well." Snape cut him off quickly. Too quickly, which made Harry smile inside. It was mingled with sadness though, knowing what this man went through. He'd figure him out somehow, though.

"I don't particularly care. I am not your Head of House, therefore it is not my concern." Snape continued, pointedly not looking at Harry now, making the boy deflate a bit. Snape looked like he wanted to say more on the subject, perhaps add an insult. But in the end, he simply glared at the trio, nodded to Draco (with a spark of wary curiosity in his eye at the blonde) and strode off.

"Git." Ron huffed.

"Ron, you know he can't help it." Harry replied, forking some egg on his plate to eat.

"He can too. If you can survive those Durselys without being a prat, then he could at least try to be civil."

Draco perked up at that statement, throwing a confused look to Harry. "What's he mean by that? Who's the Dursleys?" Ron looked from him to Harry, a triumphant look on his face, as if to say ha! So Harry doesn't trust you enough to tell you about them huh?

"Long story, Draco." Harry replied, not looking up. Draco furrowed his brow at that.

"I love long stories." Said a voice and flash of red hair to Draco's other side, making him jump. Another identical flash of red on his other side added, "And we'd love to hear how you came about sitting at our table, Snake." The voices were mild, a bit teasing, but also with a bit of an edge. Draco gulped, recognizing the voices immediately.

"Fred, George! Good morning." Harry beamed.

"You botherin' Harry?" One twin asked after they both released their narrowed gaze at Draco to grin at Harry in reply, then straightaway resumed said cold look as they turned back to the Malfoy.

"And Herms and ickle Ronniekins?" The other added. Draco now knew the edge to be protectiveness of Potter and his gang.

Ron blushed at the nicknames, but surprisingly kept quiet. He missed this, even if he was being teased by the two—in front of Draco Malfoy no less.

"No guys. Draco's just…hanging out." Harry shrugged. George and Fred shared a look and raised brow.

"I'm not imperiused." Harry rolled his eyes, smiling.

"What's that?" Ginny asked, sitting beside Hermione, but shooting a hard look at Draco. She hadn't forgiven him about his crack the year before when she defended Harry, nor the fact that his father slipped her that horrid diary. The Malfoy heir decided his new task would most likely be getting these Weasleys to not hate him. Ron looked like his best friend compared to the looks he was receiving now. He even saw Percy shoot him a glare as he walked past their group, catching the eyes of the twins and continued on at their subtle nod, as if to say we've got this handled. He tried not to imagine what the two eldest Weasley boys would do. If he remembered correctly, one was a dragon trainer…

At Hermione's lack of explanation (everyone assumed she would pipe up the answer like she always did), Fred replied. "Uh, it's one of the Unforgivables."

"It controls your mind and stuff." George finished lamely.

"Oh." Ginny made a face at that. "Why are you lot talking about that for?"

"Your elder brothers think I've cast it on precious Potter." Draco answered for them. He then turned to the twins in question. "Perhaps people can learn to grow up and get along, hmmm?"

They instead turned to Harry, who looked imploringly at them. "He's trying." Draco huffed when they finally left and joined Lee Jordan a few places down the table. Draco felt his hair at the back of his neck stand on end as he continued to feel stares, then as he saw his own little troupe saunter in he jumped up, startling Harry.

"Wha-?" Harry murmured.

"Unlike you lot, I have an image to maintain." Draco sniffed, looking down at them as he stood. Hermione and Harry just stared with humor in their eyes and Ron had his mouth open in disbelief.

"You tosser, you came over here!"

"Details." And Draco swept away, gliding off to sit beside Pansy who immediately began whispering in his ear and throwing dark looks toward Harry and his friends. Blaise and Theodore joined in the aristocratic glare, Crabbe and Goyle being oblivious as they ate.

Ron looked simply put out. "Can you believe that? He can't just walk in here all casual in our group then run off to his lackeys. It's either us or them!" Ron spat food as he spoke, making Hermione cringe and Harry chuckle. Ginny looked over Hermione at her brother as if he were mad.

"Them or us, Ronald?" Harry asked, sipping his goblet. There was nothing left but he liked the show of sipping casually to bring about his point of nonchalance. Ron looked at him like he was off for repeating what he said but then blinked, realizing the inflection.

"I'm just saying he has to pick a side." Ron grumbled. "And don't call me Ronald, you sound like mum. Or Hermione." The girls giggled at that.

"That's not why we are here." Harry replied in reference to Ron's earlier statement. Ginny looked a tad confused. Harry made a pinched look, as if straining to remember something. He finally did and said "A house divided cannot stand." Hermione nodded, smiling.

"There's some truth in that. Muggle saying right?" They turned to see Neville approach. Hermione nodded brightly, surprised he knew that. Two in a row, perhaps wizards weren't as bad at muggle references as she thought."Yeah, uh, so Harry, what was that all about?" Neville asked, joining them with an already filled plate. He had obviously been waiting for Malfoy to leave to sit with them.

"It's just something…we're trying out, Nev." Harry said, patting the nervous boy's shoulder. He was a stark difference from the man Harry once knew, capable of taking the cruciatus in place of firsties under the rule of the Carrow Twins, a man who told off Voldemort himself and cut the head off the hideous snake that took Snape's (and so many others') life. But Harry would not be daunted, because that man would still be what the boy here and now grew into. Neville had the bravery, heart and discernment of right. He just lacked confidence. The needs brought on by war thrust Neville into growing up far too fast, as it had for a lot of Harry's former DA members. Harry decided to help nurture the confidence in Neville like one of the plants the boy cared for so much. And to do this, Harry would begin by being a friend.

"You know everyone is going to talk about this." Neville warned, eyes hooded as he knew how Harry got about rumors, especially after last year.

"Well, let them talk." Harry shrugged, causing Neville and Ginny to share a surprised look. Hermione smiled and Ron snorted, as if expecting that answer.

"I wouldn't trust him Harry. Whatever Malfoy's said. I know you like to see the good in people but…all he's been is a prat to you. He's jealous I think, and hasn't forgiven you for snubbing him first year." Neville sighed and Harry gazed at him in curiosity. Neville actually noticed a lot, Harry mused. He also noticed however that Neville had hunched a bit into himself, and it dawned on Harry that he also feared he would be forgotten in this new chain of events. Harry smiled warmly at his friend, trying to reassure him.

"That's exactly what I've been saying, Neville." Ron butted in. "The little ferret is nothing but trouble. So what if he's turned a new leaf? I don't trust him. He's oaty." Hermione sighed in exasperation, trying to keep the laughter from bubbling in her throat because she ought to disapprove of Ron's behavior.

"Flaky, Ron. Not oaty."

"Whatever."

Ginny spoke up, blushing a bit as she felt Harry's eyes on her. "Ferret?"

"Our pet name for the sneaky Slytherin git." Ron said with fake fondess.

"Your pet name." Harry reminded him. Ron scowled.

"Was yours too once upon a time."

"Ron…"

"FINE. You know what, I'm going. I'm not up for this, it's too early in the morning." Ron huffed quietly, surprising both his sister and Neville. Ron usually yelled when he was in a mood like this, but his voice was oddly soft, as if he took great care in controlling his volume. He got up, slung his bag over his shoulder with admittedly more force than necessary, and stalked out, catching Draco's eye for a moment. But he was far too busy walking away to notice.

Harry sighed, looking at him walk away, feeling his heart pull painfully. He felt incredibly bad now. Hermione put a hand on his as he gripped the table.

"C'mon. You know he'll end up walking into a tree. He doesn't watch where he's going when he's upset." Harry nodded, a rueful smile coming to life…Hmmm, yes. Harry remembered another time Ron stormed off…apperating away before coming to his senses. And this time Ron didn't have Dumbledore's deluminator in hand to guide him back.

Of course, Harry rather doubted it would come to that. Ron had learned his lesson long ago after that particular escapade.

"See you at Hagrid's Neville! See you at lunch, Gin!" Harry called as he and Hermione left to go after their friend, leaving two very confused ones behind.

"Who does Severus think he is, walking over there like that?" Minerva scowled, squinting beyond her spectacles. Snape had been long gone by now, but it still irked her that he went over to the Trio (plus one Slytherin). She was sure Harry must have a detention already. She sighed in utter frustration with the man.

"Minerva, you know how Severus is. He's far too curious for his own good." Albus chuckled behind his goblet. Lupin nodded vigorously in agreement but didn't comment. He remembered clearly their Hogwarts days when Snape would often trail the Marauders, wondering what the group was up to. It was none of his business, but that didn't deter Snape. Remus shook his head. Old memories brought back more pain than he'd like to admit. The good old days, he thought bitterly. Didn't do much good in the end, did they?

"Well, if he was such a good spy, you'd think he'd be less obvious." She huffed airily. Remus wondered where this annoyance was stemming from. It was common knowledge that she and Snape had gotten on relatively well once he had taught here for a few years. Broke the ice as it were. Remus knew, because he had asked the other staff. He too was curious by nature.

"I do believe you are just upset he beat you to the punch, as the Muggles say." Albus out right laughed now, and Minerva glared at the wise old wizard. Ah…so that's why she's all grumpy. Remus smiled faintly, amused at his old professors.

"Well, I promise you I'll get it out of him. You watch and see." Minerva replied, not denying Albus's teasing.

For a moment, Remus pondered on how playful they all seemed, especially around Snape. Never in a million years would he have thought the old bat could form such comradery. He seemed incapable of any such relationships—though Remus supposed that was a bit harsh. Lily had been Snape's friend once he recalled, so he obviously had some kind of quality about him, however dark he seemed to be. And here…here, Snape was at least respected. Trusted. He belonged, however much he stood out and snarled, scattering first years in his wake, snapping at his colleagues. Remus had watched them, and it seemed to be a running joke of sorts, with friendly undertones and warmth as the others interacted with Snape. Most were amused more than annoyed by his sharp tongue and harsh wit. It was never a dull conversation when they finally got him involved. He sensed Snape was still an outcast, but it felt like it was his choosing rather than reluctance by the others, for the most part. Remus envied him all of this. Remus had become a drifter, and a stranger to the son of his most treasured friend. Snape had watched him grow up in the last two, going on three years—time Remus would never get back. Snape had a career, a home. His pain had stopped (Remus assumed) the day Harry defeated Voldemort.

And as he muddled over these thoughts, Remus felt extremely alone and broken.

"Hey! Ron, hold on!" Harry huffed as he struggled to catch up. Was he truly that small and frail the first time he was this age? It was ridiculous how Harry thought he was so capable of things when he was truly this young. How in Merlin's toe-socks did he defeat a Basilisk?

Ron glanced back, and his gaze softened and he stopped to let a staggering Harry almost flop into his arms in a dead faint. They were just out beyond the courtyard, on the way to the trail that lead to Hagrid's hut.

"You are too skinny to be running about like that." Ron observed. Harry blushed.

"It's a work *pant* in progress, like…*pant* chasing butterflies. " Harry grinned, a tuft of hair over half his face. Ron looked up to the heavens as if exasperated by Harry's crazy smile, unsure what Harry even meant by that remark. Sometimes Harry would say something completely nutters. Side effect of dying most likely, a dark part of his mind whispered. It reminded him too much of Dumbledore, actually.

Little did he know Harry enjoyed saying random things and getting away with it. It was a favorite pastime when he was in the mood. So he was a bit eccentric. He could afford it, being the hero of their world and all. Harry mused he should have some perks with the title.

"I'm sorry I snapped." Ron mumbled, shuffling his foot against the grass.

"I understand your worries, y'know. It was hard for me to trust him too at first, to be honest." Harry admitted. Ron perked up at that.

"Yeah?"

Harry smiled, sadly though. "Yeah." He looked around, but as they were still very early, everyone was still either asleep or in the Great Hall. Hermione's form was approaching, but that was it. He spoke a bit quieter though just to be safe.

"You remember the trials." Harry began. Ron nodded. "Draco was under the truth serum when he was interrogated, and his remorse was genuine." Ron nodded again, remembering the day well. He frowned, Narcissa's sobs echoing in the otherwise quiet room still fresh in his mind.

"We talked a lot over the months following," Harry continued and Ron scowled anew at this mention again, "and I saw a broken man, Ron. He was broken long before I confronted him in that bathroom." Harry winced at the memory and Ron's gaze softened. "But he's got purpose now, a second chance. Just like we do. I doubt he'll make the same mistakes again. Sitting with us today was a bold gesture, you realize." Ron huffed a sigh, expelling his own pent up tension.

Hermione caught up, at a more reasonable pace. She caught the last part of Harry's speech.

"I won't be naïve, I just can't be anymore. It was beaten out of us by hardship. Draco has admittedly spent more time against us than not. He'll have to earn mine and Ronald's trust." She calmly said. Harry nodded and Ron looked relieved at this.

"Of course."

"We just have to be civil, and not act like savages." She said pointedly to Ron who looked back blankly, as if unaware the rebuke was directed to him specifically. He knows, Harry smiled, noticing the heat rise up faintly about his freckles. The three laughed after a moment and began the trek down the path to Hagrid's humble abode.

"What is up with you Drakey?" Pansy hissed, making Draco grimace at the absurd nickname.

"What ever are you squawking about now, Pansy?" Draco answered tensely, still cross with the nickname.

Pansy gave him a genuinely hurt look.

"Someone fell off the wrong side of the broomstick." Theodore Nott snorted, his light, almost pale green eyes lacking the warmth of Harry's deep emerald. Draco grimaced again.

"And landed on his head." Blaise retorted as he reached over Gregory for a muffin.

"I beg your pardon?" Draco sniffed, knowing full well where this was going. But they were Slytherins, and it was their job to be outlandishly coy.

"You are being mean." Pansy pouted, making the other boys snicker quietly at her girlishness. And it was then Draco felt a veil had been lifted. He had been especially worried coming back, because unlike Potter and the street urchins he called friends, he himself was surrounded by the children of Death Eaters. While Draco was one himself, his allegiances had irrevocably switched to the side of the Light. The events of his last year at Hogwarts were heavy on his mind, seeing the people he had once called friends grow up into…well, Draco didn't like remembering. It was why, today—the first day—Draco chose to sit beside Potter. Much as he was loathe to admit it, Potter's presence gave him peace of mind and he drew on the small boy's strength. Potter just seemed stronger somehow, and Draco craved the healing his presence gave. Even the bookworm and red-head helped him feel safe. Especially as now he was in a den of snakes he felt he no longer connected to.

But now he saw his old friends as they truly were right now: children. They were newly teens, baby fat still apparent and with the light-humored giggling it gave Draco a totally new perspective on his situation. Sure, they were stuffy and far too clever, but they weren't corrupted. Not yet. Draco figured this too would be an interesting task to take on. Perhaps he wasn't as alone in his house as he once thought.