Orphans of War

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.

"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.

Draco took a deep breath and shook it. "Okay."

Harry smiled, and the crowd started muttering in disgust and astonishment.

"Enough! Excellent progress, both of you. Does anyone else want to volunteer?"

"Professor," Granger called out, as Harry returned to where his friends were. "I think that Susan and I would like to share a room."

"Very well."

Some of the girls were more willing to cross and pick their friends from other houses. Padma choose Hannah Abbott. But the guys, not so much, until Neville strode forward, emboldened by the Savior and called, "Zabini."

Blaise raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "Sure.

The rest were strangely quiet after that and took the roll of the dice. Weasley wound up with Theo, Smith with Greg, Pansy with Fay, Daphne with Parvati, Tracey with Lavender and Millicent with one of the Ravenclaw females. Thomas went with Corner and the Irish kid was with Ernie. Draco didn't really watch the others. The headmistress told them that their trunks were already in the room and sent them to bed.

Draco followed Potter up the stairs to their room. Their names were already on the door, too. Potter opened it, and they walked inside. Potter locked it, magically, then plopped on his bed, face-up.

"Why?" Draco spat.

Potter didn't sit up. "I have my reasons. The main one being that everyone was looking at you like you were chopped liver."

"Feeling altruistic?"

"Umm... sure? I guess. But you agreed, didn't you?"

"As you so kindly dressed it up, I'm a dead man walking. But you saved my life in the middle of the battle. I doubt you'll kill me, now."

"Yeah, that would be kinda strange," Potter laughed, without a care in the world.

"Potter... we shouldn't do this," he sighed, and the prat finally sat up.

"I highly doubt the headmistress will let us switch. You're just going to have to get used to me."

"Great. So I'm guessing you're a slob, and you piss on the toilet seat?"

"Hey! I'm not a complete asshole..." Potter scoffed and mumbled, "...unlike some people."

"I heard that. I think we should lay down some ground rules."

"Rules?" Potter snorted.

"Alright, requests. My only one is... just don't come into the loo when I'm in there, okay?"

"Yeah... yeah... I won't interrupt your wanking time."

Draco paled and then went red. "No... I just...."

"You don't have to explain. I lived with Seamus, so if you're actually going to use the loo, I'll consider it a win."

"I just want some privacy, alright?" he snapped.

"Yeah. But that's it for rules?"

"Well, I didn't feel the need to say things like "don't have sex on my bed" and "don't steal my clothes" but I would think that is just common decency," he drawled.

Harry laughed. "Noted. But if I need some Slytherin robes... I'm just saying...."

"Shut up."

"Also, if I do find a guy I want to have sex with, we are definitely having sex on your bed."

Draco glared, and then it registered. "A guy?"

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Yeah. Gin and I tried it out, but... I like guys."

Draco felt his heart go faster. "You're... gay?"

"Yeah, I'm sure you purebloods are homophobes as well?"

"Generally," he muttered, still astonished and staring. "You're really gay?"

"Well, if it bugs you, go whine to McGonagall about being afraid of me molesting you, and you can find a normal, hetero to room with," Potter spat, angry and stood up. He stomped to his wardrobe and shoved his stuff inside in no particular organization.

"You don't need to get your knickers in a twist, Potter."

"I'm tired of it all. The stares and harassment. I don't need to be snubbed by you on a daily basis, too."

"Hey! Did I say it bugged me?" he hissed. "I just... you don't exactly... scream gay to me."

"Sorry I don't conform to gay stereotypes, Malfoy. Can you get any more prejudicial? You're the leader of the purebloods, aren't you? You're a perfect representation of all that's pure and straight in the world!"

"Gah! Can you be anymore prejudicial, asshole?" Draco spat back.

"Excuse me? Get out! I'm not just going to listen to your straight views, Malfoy."

"Salazar, you are an idiot! I mean... wait... you really mean... you never noticed?"

Potter raised an eyebrow. "Noticed what?"

"Hello, Potter... I've been gay the whole time. Haven't you noticed the hair and my stylish wardrobe?" Draco snorted.

"Ummm... ahhh... I... ummm... no?" he stammered, wide-eyed.

"Some of us do conform to stereotypes, prat. And some of us had to deal with jerks who hate me for it."

"You went with Pansy to the Yule Ball!" Potter almost half-shouted.

"Yeah, appearances. I can't just go waving a pride flag when "I'm the leader of the purebloods", idiot."

"I... umm... yeah... sorry."

"I think that was an apology."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to call you a gay-bashing pureblood."

"Thanks... I think," he muttered. "But back to my point, I catch you in my bed with someone else, I'm hexing both of you."

"Fine," he responded, but Potter was staring back at him, with a hint of desire and a smile.

"No... stop that. It's a horrible idea."

"I didn't do anything," he smirked.

"No. You were thinking it. Just organize your fucking wardrobe Potter, your cretin."

Potter laughed. "Fine."

Draco rolled his eyes and started unpacking, too. Oh, fucking hell, he thought to himself. What have I gotten myself into? He glanced back at Potter, who gave him a smirk... and a wink. Nope. He grabbed his pajamas, strode right past Potter to the bathroom and locked the door. He was never going to change in front of him anyway, but this just made it certain. He did some deep breathing and took a swallow of the Calming Potion in his toiletry bag.

This will not end well. Well, it was his own fault for telling Potter his second-biggest not-secret. He changed into his green silk pajamas and went back out. He didn't say anything to Potter and just got into his bed, and buried his head in the pillow.

Potter scuffled over, seemingly worried. "Hey, I'm sorry... I was just... messing with you. I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. You don't have to go to the loo to change."

"I don't care. I want to sleep."

"I'm sorry. I never met anyone who was... I mean... that I know was...."

Draco lifted his head up. Potter looked embarrassed and hurt. He was obviously still a fresh gay.

"If you want to talk about your feelings and what it means to be gay, we can do it tomorrow. Stop coming on to me, though. I would never date anyone...."

Potter's eyes narrowed. "Yeah?"

"...with that hairdo. You're a disgrace to queers everywhere. Do you own a brush?"

Potter relaxed. "Yeah... but it just does... it. I mean by itself."

"Yeah, sure. But I'm tired and have no desire to stay up all night and gossip about guys we like."

Potter smiled and the hurt was gone out of his eyes. "Damn it. I was so looking forward to that. Alright, goodnight, Malfoy."

"Goodnight, Potter...."