"Hey mate!"

I jumped and turned around. The Weasley was heading towards me with Granger. I almost snarled but then I remembered. I don't look like myself.

I cleared my throat. "Hey W... Ron and Mione."

"Harry is everything alright?" Granger asked.

Damn Granger and her need to know everything. I was about to say something else, but I remembered my conversation with the real Harry earlier.

'You saw what he did. If you slip and Mione asks just tell her you're fine and push past them. She'll drop the subject until a later time and she'll make sure Ron doesn't say anything. She knows how my uncle is so that will help. And when she finds out about Hedwig she will connect the dots.'

I nodded my head. "I'm fine."

Granger frowned and I carried on walking. I let them choose a compartment when I walked into none other than the real Harry Potter. I was fighting desperately not to start laughing. The damn git was right. He made a damn good Draco Malfoy. I didn't think he would pull it off so well. But damn did I believe he was me for a second. I growled as I sat down with Weasley and Granger. They looked at me curiously.

'Whenever we have an altercation I always complain afterwards. I'm only telling you this because they will expect it.'

"Stupid blonde hair git. Thinks he's all that." I grumbled out crossing my arms for good measure.

"Don't worry about it Harry. He's not worth it." Weasley moaned after getting a look from Granger.

The rest of the ride Weasley spoke about his summer and ate sweets. Man was I fighting every urge in my body not to grab the bunch of sweets. I've got one hell of a sweet tooth and Harry apparently does too, but he doesn't act on it as much as I do. Granger asked me questions and I gave her the responses I was allowed. It actually got me thinking.

'Potter knows his friends much better than they think.' Over the summer he had given me specific answers for the train ride. Like he had known exactly what Granger and Weasley would ask. It was spooky but I was impressed.

*~*

"POTTER!"

I didn't turn around. I know my voice all too well and I knew what was going to happen. After all I had explained that I would usually make a snarky comment at him just after entering the hall. Not that he needed me to tell him that anyway. I was curious though.

"Poootter. Potty is it true? I mean did you forget your previous little birdy." I heard his voice falter a bit.

I knew no one else would pick up on it because it was very subtle and I know my voice well enough to notice these things. Also I knew why he faltered. He had cried for a good half hour when we got to the station.

"Sod off Malfoy!" I yelled back.

"Harry?" Here it comes. "Where is Hedwig?"

Stupid Granger and her stupid need for knowledge. But then again I needed an excuse to leave. So this was perfect. I stood up and turned to them.

"Flying around somewhere. I'm going to the bathroom. Not really hungry. See you guys in the common room." With that I walked off.

It had been merely 45 minutes when I heard a sigh. I turned around to see... Well myself really. I half grinned half frowned. I knew he was hurting and that comment about Hedwig hadn't helped.

"You okay?" I asked.

He shrugged. "I... No, not really. Had to tell Pansy and Blaise that I stole Hedwig."

I shrugged. That was something I would do. But now they would ask questions and he probably didn't want to answer anything. I mean when they find out Hedwig is dead they are going to think I did it. But that's a problem for another time.

"Do you want a minute or are you okay to do this?" I asked.

"Let's do it." He sighed.

I folded the cloak up and took Hedwig from the box. I had made a makeshift boat from a leaf while I was waiting. I laid Hedwig in it when I heard a sniff. I turned around to see Harry crying again. My heart went out to him really. He must have really loved her and from what I remember she was the first real birthday gift anyone had ever given him.

"It's okay. She's at peace. And it's a beautiful night. Do you want to do the honours?" I patted his shoulder.

I frowned when he looked up. His eyes were green again. He sighed and shook his head. I didn't understand what was going through his mind at the moment. He took the mini boat from me and shrugged.

"Lets just wait a few more minutes. I can't do this looking like you. No offense." He sighed.

"None taken I understand." I rubbed his shoulder albeit rather awkwardly.

We sat in silence for about an hour allowing the potion to wear off completely. 5 hours was the exact time limit. At the 4 hour mark the 1 hour leeway started that's when the changes began. At the end of 5 hours we were back to ourselves.

The train ride is 8 hours long. We took the first sip just minutes before, so about 4 hours into the ride we had to take it again. The last 4 hours of the ride were a very close call. Since we were getting off when we had to take another sip. Two hours were spent in the Great Hall. The sorting ceremony took 45 minutes, followed by the usual speeches taking a total of 1 hour and 20 minutes. Then dinner was for the remaining 40 minutes.

We didn't immediately go down to the lack because questions would definitely be asked. I waited about an hour before disappearing from sight. Harry seemed to have waited longer. By the time Harry had gotten to the lake the changes had already started showing.

I didn't take the potion because I knew no one would be around and I figured it would be a waste. I was kinda glad Harry agreed to just let it wear off as well. Even if it was just for that little bit of time.

He told me to say something for Hedwig since our voices were still swapped. I obliged because I didn't want him to be even more upset. Then he sent the little boat on its way into the middle of the Black Lake. We stayed there for a couple more minutes (another hour actually). Then we made our way back towards the castle.

"Hey Harry?" I asked. "We are friends now right?"

"I thought we became friends when I let you live in my house." Harry said.

I grinned and nodded my head. I threw the cloak over me and made my way to the Gryffindor common room. Stopping outside to take a sip of the potion before removing the cloak and going in. Harry told me the password for the Gryffindor house and I told him the one for Slytherin. So we wouldn't be trapped outside.

*~*

"RONALD! GET UP WE'RE GOING TO BE LATE AGAIN!" I yelled.

'Stupid Gryffindor. Stupid friendship. Agh!'

Last time I left him Severus had taken 50 points from Gryffindor. Each! For the Weasel being late and for me not waking him up. Weasley grumbled and got out of bed. I couldn't leave him again because Granger had scolded me for the whole of lunch and our free period.

It wasn't even the end of the week and I could understand why Harry was always late now. Sure sometimes he was late of his own accord but this was a total nightmare.

"Okay mate, lets go." Ron announced.

"Finally." I grumbled.

We made our way to our first class. I was worried because it was Mcgonagall this time. Weasley didn't seem to care though. We walked into class and Mcgonagall... smiled? She just smiled and nodded her head to our desk. Why didn't she react like Severus had? I was sure we would have more points taken.

"Mr. Malfoy!" I looked up, then remembered she wasn't talking to me.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Yes Professor?"

"I would appreciate if you refrained from talking in my class. Or would you like to share with the rest of the class what is so important that you must interupt?"

Harry rolled his eyes and shrugged. I must say he was scary good at playing me. It was kind of weird. The rest of the class went on and then we had potions.

Severus had mentioned a group assignment in our previous lesson. The Weasel grumbled all the way to the class. I kept quiet since Harry told me that's what he usually did when Weasley complained about potions. And I didn't trust my level of excitement. I loved potions, but clearly not as much as Harry did. That was probably why he kept quiet anyway. I found that out over the summer.

Our current situation was working wonders with the potions he had made himself. Without my help. To think he didn't even do them by the book because a normal polyjuice potion only lasts one hour. Harry made it last for 5 hours straight.

"Mr. Potter! Pay attention!" I blinked staring at Severus.

"Typical Potter ignoring a teacher." Harry sneered at me.

"Shut it Malfoy!" I growled back.

"10 points from Gryffindor. I'll make it 20 if you don't move." Severus growled.

"Come now Potty I don't have all day." Harry said and tapped the desk.

Then it clicked. Lab partners! I had zoned out as Severus was assigning our partners. I moaned and walked towards him. I was happy he listened to my suggestion although I couldn't show it. My opinions were usually ignored, but Harry listened and actually considered it.

"15 points to Slytherin. Well done Draco." Severus said.

Harry smirked, but I noticed a twinkle in his eye. He was more than happy with the compliment from Severus. He hummed as he opened his book. Of course he did a marvelous job hiding how happy he was. That made me wonder how many times he has hidden his true feelings. Granger and Weasley didn't even notice when I was saying stupid shit. Not as Harry but as myself.

'How much attention did they really pay to Harry. I mean I know the boy gets a lot of attention from everyone. But none of it can be good if no one notices the little things. Right?' I frowned deciding I would ask him at some point.

I also figured that it could just be my own mind. After spending time with him and getting to know the real him, not to mention having to act like him, maybe that's why I'm noticing all of this now. Because before I wouldn't have picked up on it.

"Excellent potion Draco! I see you were practicing over the summer." I heard Snape say.

I almost commented then remembered it's not me who he was talking to. I looked to the side. Harry was beaming. I swore his joy at that moment was brighter than the sun. It felt as if the whole dungeon was lit up.

'He deserves this. This is Harry in his element. This is the attention he should be getting.' I thought to myself. My Slytherin mind forming a plan. Harry and I were friends now. I always looked out for my friends.

This Harry was someone I have never seen. Not even with the weasel or Granger. He was genuinely happy. Although he kept up appearances very well, his eyes didn't lie.

Something brushed my hand and I looked down. A parchment was folded up neatly on the desk. Raising an eyebrow I opened it.

Meet me in the Astronomy tower. Bring the map and cloak so no one can find out. I have some things to discuss with you. Be there at 8.

Our potion was already done. Another thing that surprised me about Harry. When he put his mind to something nothing got to him. His home life may be a mess. And I'm not talking about the treatment he gets. I mean he generally just chucks his things around. I suppose there's a reason.

Out where everyone can see he's like an OCD freak. Our desk didn't have one stray item. It was neat and organized. He counted out everything three times. And I'm sure if Severus said anything bad he would do the potion three times over. When he made lists there was always a set number.

That's when I realized the notes he made for class. Severus told us to list 8 things that a clover could be used for. Harry listed 10. I mean he probably picked up a few pointers when making stuff, but he seemed unable to change the need for a set number.

"Potter! Malfoy you maybe excused early since your potion is complete. I expect my work to be handed in during the next class." Severus said.

The rest of the class moaned. Harry and I left. I sent Weasley and Granger a look and mouthed 'library'. Harry had warned me never to leave them wondering about where I am. Unless of course I wanted another lecture from Granger. 'Please Merlin No! My first week isn't even over yet.' Was the only thing I thought.

"Here. We could exchange later but I really need to go get some stuff sorted. Otherwise..."

"It's okay Harry. I'm going to the library to finish off my notes. See you later?" He nodded and we went our separate ways for the time being.

Madam Pince looked at me like I grew an extra head. Given how Harry hid his intelligence it didn't surprise me. Like that boy was probably the second smartest wizard I knew, but he acted so dumb. That alone infuriated me, however, over the summer I learnt that acting dumb was drilled into him since he wasn't allowed to "be smarter" than his idiotic cousin.

"Everything okay dearie?" Madam Pince asked.

"Yes madam Pince. I'm just waiting for Mione and Ron to finish in class. I was let out early because my partner and I finished the assignment already." I said as politely as possible.

She smiled and nodded her head seeming to accept the reason. I ignored it because I didn't understand why Harry had to mention Granger and books or studying in the same sentence.

I was going to change that. If I'm acting as Harry I'm changing people's opinions of him. The boy deserves to be recognized as more than a simple pawn. Besides, knowing Harry he's going to change people's opinions about me too. So this is just leveling the field.

*~*

"Harry I thought you liked potions. Why would you let Malfoy take all the credit and do all the work?"

"Because G... Mione. Even if I did the work Snape wouldn't acknowledge it and besides Malfoy's a git. I just wanted to leave." I lied quite effortlessly.

She pursed her lips and I thought that was the cutest thing ever... 'Wait what!?' I lowered my head. Internationally screaming at myself for that thought. I couldn't fall for Harry's best friend. 'Could I? What?! No!' Once this was over things would go back to how they were before. I definitely needed to remember that. 'Or would they really? Harry and I are friends now. Right?'

(2610 words)