"There are twenty two-person rooms between the two halves of the tower. Girls on the right, boys to the left. You have your own desks and washrooms. A space to get acquainted with someone with a differing viewpoint and learn what experiences they have gone through. Reassess what you know. I daresay nine months together should soften old resentments. Are there any questions?"
                              
Of course, Granger raised her hand. "Professor, have you already chosen our dormmates?"
                              
The headmistress shook her head. "I will ask first, if anyone here wants to pick their dormmate? As long as that person isn't in your old house, I will grant your request. Otherwise, fate will decide who goes where."
                              
Draco crossed his arms. That'll be the day that someone crosses the line and picks a Slytherin. Gryffindors and Slytherins hate each other. Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws don't get along, because Hufflepuffs are too laid back and Ravenclaws are too focused. Ravenclaws and Slytherins get along okay, as they both are focused on their studies, Hufflepuffs are closer to Gryffindor, and their loyalty thing.
                              
No one said anything for a second. Some started to negotiate, but Potter stepped forward. "Professor, if we pick who we want... do they have to agree?"
                              
The headmistress pondered the strange question. Draco thought it was a stupid question. Who the fuck wouldn't want to room with the Chosen One?
                              
"Yes. They have the option to decline unless they draw your name officially. Did you have someone in mind?"
                              
Potter nodded and glanced around the room. Quite a few of the guys were trying to draw his attention. But finally, Potter's green eyes landed on him, and he smirked. "Malfoy."
                              
Several people gasped, and Weasley even spat, "Mate, no." But every one of them, Potter included, looked at him for his reply.
                              
What the fuck? Why would Potter pick him? He dropped his arms and stood a little straighter under the scrutiny.
                              
"Mr. Malfoy?" the headmistress prompted with a small smile.
                              
Half of him, the arrogant, angry part of him, wanted to tell Potter to go fuck himself, but the scared shitless part of him realized that he had no one. However much Potter was a big-headed prat, he was not part of the mob after his blood. He would be a safe harbor, especially at night, when he was most vulnerable. Of course, Draco was vulnerable in other ways. Ways that would put him in a difficult position if Potter ever found out and choose to reveal them.
                              
"Your answer," MG asked, a little impatient.
                              
He wanted to know why, and considered asking, but Potter might just embarrass him further. However, he looked at the others, who were now staring at Potter like he was possessed. They would turn on him in a heartbeat.
                              
"I don't think your minions would appreciate that, Potter. I warned you on the train that you'd darken your reputation being around me," he said, amicably.
                              
Many people whispered excitedly at that comment, but Potter stepped past MG and stopped in front of him.
                              
"And I told you, I didn't give a damn."
                              
"Mr. Potter!" the headmistress chided.
                              
"Sorry. But come on, Malfoy. We've been at each other's throats since the beginning, let's put this feud to rest. There's nothing that is holding you back, now. V-He's gone."
                              
He felt a chill going up his spine at just the mention of the Dark Lord and glanced again at the spectators, nervously. He didn't want to room with anybody. He knew he was safe with Harry, who then held out his hand for him to take. An offer of friendship. Something he had always wanted.