Chapter Text
It was a crisp, snowy afternoon, and there was a lot on Harry’s mind. With all the buzz about the heir of Slytherin going around the school, there wasn't much else for him to think about but who it could’ve been. Now more than ever, he needed to know. His reputation was worse off with every passing hour.
He couldn't blame his classmates for suspecting him. Both of his parents had been wizards, and he could speak Parseltongue. Plus, he was a Slytherin. That part was irking him. He couldn't help thinking that there had been something he could’ve done to avoid this whole thing. If he’d never chosen to befriend Draco Malfoy on the train to Hogwarts last year, maybe that would’ve done it. Maybe he’d have ended up in Hufflepuff instead, or even Gryffindor. It was hard to imagine, but not an unwelcome thought. His parents had been Gryffindors, hadn't they?
With a sigh, he entered the Slytherin common room, shaking his head. It was no use dwelling on that. There was nothing he could do to change what house he was in.
“There you are, Potter,” came Draco’s drawling voice from one of the couches. “I was starting to worry the rumors were true,” he said with a smirk, looking up at Harry breezily.
Harry couldn't bring himself to smile. That joke had been becoming steadily less funny throughout the week. “Ha ha,” he muttered.
“Come on, don’t be so down,” Draco pried. “It’s not like the real heir isn't doing us a favor. This school will be much more tolerable once all the Mudbloods are gone.”
That didn't make Harry feel better. He’d always been wary about that word… Mudblood. He didn't think it was right to be so prejudiced toward Muggle-borns. His own mum had been one.
“I don't know about that,” he said darkly, setting his book bag down on the couch across from Draco and taking a seat.
Draco scoffed. “Come on, Harry.” He’d used his first name