Chapter 2

                                        

                                              
Chapter 2
                              
Draco wished he paid attention to McGonagall's welcome back speech, but he was sitting at a special "eighth-year table" with a group of people that hated him. Not to mention that the rest of the school was glaring at him and the other known Death Eater supporters. Draco could hear plenty of retaliatory plans to make him suffer.
                              
"I hear he can't fight back."
                              
"Let's put him through the Cruciatus and see how he likes it."
                              
"The Slytherins aren't protecting him."
                              
"Let's get him when he goes to the loo."
                              
"Malfoy's dead. My best friend is gone.
                              
"I can't believe they let Death Eaters back.
                              
"He doesn't belong here."
                              
"He deserves prison."
                              
Draco tried to ignore them, but he heard every word. The school could see that the other eighth-year Slytherins were shunning him. He was practically wearing a sign that said "Free to abuse" on him. He didn't eat his food, when it did appear and, unfortunately, he didn't know any of the passwords, so he couldn't duck out.
                              
Finally, after enduring an hour-long exhibition of his self-control, Granger stood up and said, "Eighth years! Follow me!"
                              
Draco grimaced. He had hoped that their eating location wasn't a sign of what was to come. He was sorely mistaken. They were going to live with each other. He could hardly wait until he was alone with Greg, Theo and Blaise. He started to prepare himself for more pain as he trudged up the steps. Mother of Merlin... he hated steps. He had gotten used to the cool, clammy dungeon that Slytherin was located.
                              
Granger led them to the old East Tower that was apparently remodeled and gave them the password of "Reflection". The common room was spacious and quite warm, compared to Slytherin. They almost immediately separated into their houses. Draco just stood off to the side and waited for the instructions he might have already missed in McGonagall's speech. Granger said that the headmistress was coming up and to wait.
                              
Greg didn't waste the chance to whisper and sign, "you're dead as soon as we go upstairs", and Pansy glared and started talking with Daphne, Millicent and Tracey. Oh, joy, he wasn't going to survive the night. Thankfully, MG didn't take too long.
                              
"Good evening. Welcome back to all of you, and I'm glad you decided to return to finish your education. For those of you who decided not to listen to my speech..." she paused and looked at Greg and Pansy. "... I'll paraphrase. You are here to not only learn, but heal from the past. To cross the age-old house boundaries. This is your new house. You will all go to class, study, eat and sleep with your new house. Your previous dormitories are off-limits. I realize that this isn't going to be easy..." she again paused to look at the Slytherins, currently sans him. "...but I feel it is necessary, or you will bear these grudges forever."
                              
Greg snorted under his breath, and the headmistress's eyes fell on him and she said, "Understand that coming here is a privilege and can be rescinded at any time. I advise you to heed my words."
                              
Draco grimaced as he knew that any expulsion would send him to Azkaban, and he wasn't brave enough for that.
                              
"Now, in order to facilitate this bonding between houses, none of you will be allowed to room together with your housemates."
                              
Shouts and gasps were uttered around the room, and Draco guessed that she hadn't made that reveal in the Great Hall. Potter even looked surprised. The Slytherins glared back at him. Greg wanted to beat the ever-loving crap out of him, but the headmistress had waylaid that. Draco was actually feeling some relief, but then realized that he'd be stuck with someone who hates him either way.