The dim light of dawn barely reached the depths of the Slytherin dormitory, where shadows clung to the walls like silent sentinels. The enchanted green flames flickered in their sconces, casting an eerie glow that bathed everything in a soft, ethereal haze. The underground chambers carried a cool dampness, a constant reminder that they lay beneath the Black Lake.
Nestled in the luxurious four-poster bed, Harry stirred awake, stretching lazily beneath the silk sheets. The smooth fabric slid across his bare chest as he smirked to himself, recalling the events of the night before.
His fingers idly traced through Petunia's golden locks, his grip tightening slightly as he guided her motions. Her lips moved with deliberate intent, slow and teasing, sending shivers down his spine. A deep groan escaped him, his hand resting against the back of her head, urging her further. The warm flickers of candlelight illuminated her flushed cheeks, the glistening evidence of her devotion catching in the glow.
She looked up at him through half-lidded eyes, the sight making his pulse quicken. His smirk widened, voice husky as he whispered, "Just like that."
A satisfied sigh left his lips as he finally pulled her up, tilting her chin so their eyes met. Breathless and dazed, she rested against him, her fingers lingering over his chest. He brushed his thumb over her swollen lips, amusement flickering in his gaze.
"Good girl," he murmured, his voice laced with approval.
A sharp knock at the door disrupted the quiet, pulling them both from the moment.
"Oi, Potter! Get up!" came Draco's impatient voice from the other side. "We're supposed to head to breakfast together!"
Harry rolled his eyes. He wasn't particularly thrilled about morning social obligations, but he had a role to play. With a flick of his wrist, Petunia disappeared into the pocket dimension he had carved out for his personal use.
He swung his legs out of bed, muscles flexing as he stood. His Slytherin robes lay neatly folded on the chair beside his desk, the emerald and silver fabric gleaming faintly in the low light. Harry dressed swiftly, adjusting his tie with an effortless elegance that belied his casual indifference.
As he finished, the door swung open.
Draco, Theodore Nott, and Blaise Zabini stood in the doorway, all looking various degrees of impatient.
"Finally," Draco huffed. "I swear, you take longer than Pansy to get ready."
Harry smirked. "Beauty takes time, Malfoy."
Blaise chuckled, shaking his head. "Let's go before the food disappears."
With that, they strode out, their footsteps echoing against the polished stone floors as they made their way toward the Great Hall.
The moment they stepped into the Great Hall, the aroma of fresh pastries, roasted meats, and warm pumpkin juice filled the air. The enchanted ceiling above reflected the cloudy morning sky, with occasional bursts of golden sunlight breaking through the gray.
Harry's gaze swept across the room, immediately noting Daphne Greengrass and Pansy Parkinson seated together at the Slytherin table.
A slow smirk crept onto his lips.
He strolled toward them with an easy confidence, hands tucked into his pockets.
"Daphne," he drawled, stopping beside her, "about our little bet… I think I deserve a reward."
Daphne blinked, feigning innocence. "Oh? And what exactly do you want?"
"A kiss."
A faint blush dusted her cheeks, but she quickly masked it beneath her usual cool composure. Pansy, however, nearly choked on her pumpkin juice.
Before Daphne could form a retort, a sudden sharp pain shot up Harry's shin.
Hermione had appeared from nowhere and kicked him.
"Shameless!" she scolded, arms crossed.
Harry grinned, rubbing his leg. "Ouch, Granger. You're going to make me think you like me if you keep acting jealous."
Hermione's face flushed pink, her huffing barely concealing her embarrassment. "In your dreams, Potter!"
Across the table, Pansy sneered, eyes narrowing."You let a Mudblood touch you?"
Hermione, oblivious to the insult, continued scolding Harry.
Daphne, however, took silent note of Pansy's reaction.
Harry's smirk didn't waver. "Careful, Pansy," he said lightly, "You wouldn't want to ruin your beauty over a fit of rage, now would you?"
Pansy huffed but fell silent, crossing her arms. Daphne, hiding her amusement, took a sip from her goblet.
On the way to class, Harry was reminded why Hogwarts was so frustrating.
The bloody moving staircases were a nightmare.
"If not for Hermione, I'd get lost every damn day," he muttered under his breath.
"You're welcome," Hermione replied smugly, not bothering to hide her amusement.
The portraits were another issue.
"That Potter boy is quite the charmer, isn't he?" a plump old witch whispered to another.
"Indeed! Did you see the way he teased the Greengrass girl? Scandalous!"
Harry rolled his eyes. Hermione giggled.
Then, Peeves the Poltergeist came zooming through the corridor, cackling madly as he dropped ink-filled balloons on unsuspecting students.
"PEEVES!" Filch's raspy voice bellowed, his cat Mrs. Norris glowering at everyone like they were criminals.
"Filch really takes his job too seriously," Harry muttered as they dodged the chaos.
First Class: Herbology
Inside Greenhouse Three, the humid air was thick with the scent of damp soil and blooming plants.
Professor Sprout introduced them to Devil's Snare, emphasizing its dangerous properties.
Hermione, of course, immediately answered every question, earning Slytherin 20 points in the process.
Other houses glared at her.
Harry, who had enhanced hearing, noted every single one of them for future 'payback.'
Astronomy was tedious.
"I don't believe in fate," Harry muttered, flipping lazily through a star chart.
Then came History of Magic with Professor Binns.
The ghostly professor droned on and on, completely unaware that half the class was asleep.
Draco fought to stay awake and failed.
Daphne, to Harry's surprise, was the only other student besides Hermione actually listening.
"Merlin, even in death, that man won't shut up," Harry whispered.
Hermione elbowed him. "Shh! This is important!"
Charms & Transfiguration
Professor Flitwick nearly fell off his stack of books in excitement upon reaching Harry's name in roll call.
Harry sighed.
Hermione, unsurprisingly, earned more points for Slytherin, drawing even more glares from jealous students.
Harry memorized every single face talking behind her back.
Then came Transfiguration.
Harry wasn't just interested in the subject—he was curious about the professor.
McGonagall's strict yet composed presence fascinated him.
He listened intently, eyes focused more on Daphne than the lesson.
Hermione noticed.
"Why are you staring at her like that?" she hissed.
Harry smirked. "Jealous?"
Hermione's cheeks turned red. "As if! You're just being creepy."
Harry leaned closer. "You're cute when you're jealous."
Hermione swung her book at him.
"Shut up before I kick you!" she huffed, though a tiny smile played on her lips.
Slytherins Watching From Afar
Meanwhile, Draco, Daphne, and Pansy had been observing Harry all day.
"What is he doing with a Mudblood?" Pansy muttered, her annoyance evident.
Draco smirked. "It's love."
Daphne shot him a glare.
"I-It was a joke!" Draco quickly amended.
But his words lingered in their minds, unspoken thoughts forming.
To Be Continued…