Day 3

This morning when Harry woke up, it was much more peaceful than the day before.

Malfoy was already awake and reading a book when Harry woke. He could tell that the other boy was trying to move their conjoined hand as slowly as possible, so as not to wake him.

"Morning," Harry murmured, sitting up next to Malfoy.

Malfoy barely looked up. "Morning."

"So, we still have four days until we have to go back to classes," Harry mentioned. "What should we do?"

Malfoy sighed slightly, and set down his book. "I've been thinking about that too. I know we're going to breakfast with the Gryffindors, and on Wednesdays I usually go to Hogsmeade with my friends, but we can't do that. We could do whatever you do on Wednesdays, or just sit around here."

Harry frowned slightly. "Actually, could we eat breakfast with the Slytherins today? I... don't really wanna..."

He trailed off, but Malfoy immediately understood and nodded. "Of course, Potter."

No more words were exchanged, and the two boys got ready and left their room.

They entered the Great Hall, and this time only got a few stares. Everyone still seemed to think it was ironic, but it wasn't really news anymore.

Harry and Malfoy sat down at the table, and Pansy immediately started making a plate for Harry, whilst Blaise made one for Malfoy.

"Thank you," Harry said gratefully as Pansy set the plate and cup in front of him. She gave him a genuine smile.

"Anytime, Potter. Any particular reason you're at our table for breakfast? I thought you sat with the Gryffindors for this meal."

Harry tensed immediately. Malfoy seemed to notice, and spoke up for him.

"I think even Saint Potter needs a break from his followers every once in a while."

Pansy frowned, unsatisfied with this answer, but seemed to notice how tense Harry was and instantly shut her mouth. Harry was grateful.

"So, are we still on for Hogsmeade?" she asked, changing the subject. "I need to buy Christmas gifts for you assholes."

The other Slytherins laughed lightly, but Malfoy just frowned. "Actually-"

"We'd love to," Harry cut in. "As long as you're okay with a Gryffindor tagging along. Unfortunately me and Malfoy-" He lifted their joined hands to accentuate his point. "Are a combined package."

To his surprise, the Slytherins laughed, even Malfoy.

Harry was stunned for a second. He had never heard Malfoy laugh a genuine laugh before, and it was sort of exhilarating. It was truly a lovely sound, and for one blissful moment, all Harry could think about was making Malfoy laugh like that again.

That feeling disappeared a moment later, and Harry dragged himself back to the present.

"Yeah, sure Potter," Pansy replied, still smirking. "This should be interesting. Who else is going?"

Malfoy raised their joined hands, and Pansy raised hers. Almost instantly, Blaise's hand was in the air, and Goyle's followed. Millicent casually rose her hand, along with Tabitha, Diane, and Felix. After a moment, Lucinda and Damon rose their hands too.

"Cool," Pansy said, dropping her hand. "We leave in an hour. Regular meeting place."

The others nodded, and began to disperse.

Harry was still slightly baffled by the whole affair. "Wow, this really does happen every Wednesday."

Malfoy nodded as they headed to their room. "Sometimes it's a smaller group, sometimes almost our whole house goes. It really depends on people's classes. If they have later classes, they usually come. But people who have morning classes usually can't, unless we decide to go later in the day."

Harry was surprised. He didn't really know why, but he was.

"Come on!" Malfoy tugged him along. "We have an hour to get ready!"