Chapter Text
Draco had, of course, taken Potter with him to Snape’s office, even though he would have much preferred not to fulfil this particular duty. As a prefect, however, he had no choice. He could neither afford to break the rules nor show weakness in front of the other Slytherins by refusing. So he walked ahead with a steady stride, Potter following him in silence.
When they reached Snape’s office, Draco knocked briefly and entered first. The moment he crossed the threshold, a familiar scent reached his nose. His eyes swept the room almost unconsciously, and without much thought he knew immediately that his father must have been there. Lucius’ perfume was unmistakable. It lingered in the air like a fine veil and made Draco pause for a brief moment.
Normally, his parents always sent for him whenever they were both at Hogwarts, usually for a short cup of tea or at least a few words. The fact that they had been here without him unsettled him more than he cared to admit.
“Come in, Mister Potter, and don’t start growing roots out there,” Snape snapped sharply, without lifting his gaze from the papers on his desk. Draco flinched inwardly; he had been too distracted.
Harry stepped inside and stopped a little uncertainly. Snape finally looked up at him, his expression as cold and piercing as ever.
“Before you start entertaining foolish ideas about how to return to Gryffindor, you should know that there is no such possibility. The Sorting Hat has the final say in House placements. Not even the Headmaster can change that. No one is particularly pleased with the current situation, but it cannot be altered.”
Harry nodded slowly. He had already suspected as much, yet hearing it confirmed left a bitter taste in his mouth. If even Dumbledore could do nothing, then he would have to find his own way. And if that meant breaking rules, he would not shy away from it.
“Potter, listen to me,” Snape continued, as if he had guessed Harry’s thoughts. “You will be excused from lessons today along with Draco. You require new textbooks, and Mister Malfoy will explain how things function in Slytherin. Not everything works the same way it does in Gryffindor. Draco, your mother will arrive shortly before lunch and take you with her.”
Draco nodded briefly. So he would once again have to play the role of the obedient son in front of Narcissa. He had noticed that his father was being deliberately careful not to exchange any familiar glances or gestures.
“And what subjects do I even have now?” Harry asked, clearly irritated.
Snape’s eyes narrowed.
“Mind your tone, Potter. Draco will explain everything you need to know. Now go. And do not forget your key for Gringotts. Schoolbooks cost money.”
That was the end of the conversation. Draco did not wait for Snape to throw them out explicitly; he turned on his heel and left, Harry close behind. Without another word, he led him through the dungeon corridors and finally to the entrance of the Slytherin common room.
“The password for this school year is Serpentes,” Draco said quietly. “Memorise it. And do not tell anyone.”
As they entered the common room, Harry paused and looked around. He had seen the room back in his second year, but a great deal had changed since then. The atmosphere was calmer, more structured. In one corner stood several tables with comfortable chairs, next to a large bookcase filled with various kinds of literature—none of which particularly interested Harry at the moment. On the opposite side were several seating areas arranged around a fireplace, its greenish flames flickering softly and bathing the room in dim light.
“There are certain internal House rules in Slytherin,” Draco began matter-of-factly. “We need them because we’re the most hated House. One of them is mutual respect. Conflicts are settled in the common room, not in the corridors. We go to meals together as a House and return together as well. That means we present ourselves as a united year group.”
Harry listened, even though every instinct in him resisted.
“We value good grades,” Draco continued. “Older students help the younger ones when they struggle. You’ll receive tutoring in Potions and Ancient Runes. You didn’t take Ancient Runes as a Gryffindor, so you’ll need new books for that.”
Harry pulled a slight face but still said nothing.
“No one forbids you from remaining friends with your friends,” Draco went on. “But you report to one of us from our year beforehand. We don’t wait around unnecessarily, and I’m not taking House point deductions because of you.”
Draco stopped briefly, then gestured towards one of the corridors.
“You’ll have your own room. No one volunteered to share with you. Besides, from sixth year onwards everyone gets a single room anyway. One was available, so Professor Snape ordered that you should have it.”
Harry merely nodded; the words washed over him without really registering.
“You have one hour to set up your room. The house-elves have already moved your belongings in. You can secure your room with a password. However, Professor Snape, myself, Blaise Zabini, and the other prefects from sixth and seventh year have access at all times—even without the password. There’s also a list of room rules inside.”
Harry stood up without looking at Draco and went into the room that had been indicated. He wanted nothing more than to be alone. The last few hours had been too much.
“Oh, Potter,” Draco called after him just before the door closed. “Don’t do anything stupid. Otherwise, you’ll see exactly what comes of it.”
The door shut, and Harry was left alone.