Disclaimer: The world of Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling. The only thing I own is this fanfic. No copyright intended!

Author's Note 1: This will be my first Harry Potter fanfic where Harry is sorted into a different house. In this one, he will be sorted into Hufflepuff, which is the first story in my "Harry in Hufflepuff" series. Harry will be paired with Susan, while Neville will be paired with Hannah. Hermione will be sorted into Ravenclaw, although I'm not sure, as of yet, who I'll pair Hermione with, or if I'll pair her with anybody. Ron, Dumbledore, Ginny, and Molly bashing. I won't bash Arthur, nor the Weasley twins. Ginny will also be starting Hogwarts early, as part of Dumbledore's Greater Good plan. This story will start during Harry's first trip to Diagon Alley with Hagrid, after they leave Gringotts. Rated 'M' for implied child abuse and neglect!

Harry Potter And The Solution Of Immortality

Fanfic by Brockster550

Ch. 1

The Best Birthday

Harry Potter, a small, black-haired boy with emerald-green eyes and round shaped glasses, was a happy child, since the early hours of today, July 31st (which happened to be his eleventh birthday). This was the very first time he had ever been happy. At exactly 12:00 midnight, he was visited by a friendly half-giant named Rubeus Hagrid. Hagrid became Harry's first ever friend, as he baked a birthday cake for Harry and filled him in as much about the wizarding world as possible, despite protests from Harry's aunt Petunia and uncle Vernon. When Harry started getting his acceptance letter from Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft And Wizardry, the Dursleys (especially Uncle Vernon) tried to keep their nephew ignorant. They intended to have Harry attend Stonewall High, a local state school which, according to Harry's cousin Dudley, has a negative reputation for turning a blind-eye over bullying.

Before his eleventh birthday, Harry didn't have any friends because his whale of a cousin Dudley and his gang members scared off anybody who tried to approach Harry to befriend him. Harry was also unusually skinny and small for his age because he was never fed any decent meals, and the overly large hand-me-downs he got were Dudley's old clothes. Petunia and Vernon never bought clothes for Harry that were his size because (as they put it) he was a burden, a freak, and too expensive to deal with. Harry was also treated like a slave, where he was forced to do an impossibly-large amount of chores and got almost nothing in return. He also had some bruises and scars on his back and torso because his uncle would 'punish' Harry for many things, even if Dudley started something (he was the best boy in the world to Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon, and wouldn't hurt a fly), because Dudley enjoyed lying and exaggerating any of those situations, just so Harry would get unjust punishments and Harry's cast-offs didn't do that effective a job in concealing the bruises and scars, as they could slip off at any moment.

Harry also had a scar on his forehead that was shaped like a lightning bolt. Aunt Petunia always claimed that Harry received it from a car crash that supposedly killed his parents, but Harry was always forbidden to ask questions (especially about his parents). But, when Hagrid arrived at the hut on an island last night, he informed Harry the real truth. His parents didn't die in a car crash, as his aunt claimed. They were murdered by a dark wizard, although Aunt Petunia simply (and grudgingly) stated that Harry's mother (Petunia's sister) had gotten blown up, which enraged Hagrid. Petunia and Vernon especially took the pleasure of insulting Harry's kind and Hagrid lost it, yelling at Petunia and Vernon. Then Hagrid turned his attention to Dudley and gave him a pigs tail in retaliation and as punishment for stealing Harry's cake and eating it.

Harry snapped back to reality when he realized he was dawdling. It was 9:30 AM on a sunny day at Diagon Alley. Harry and Hagrid had just walked out of Gringotts Wizard Bank, where Harry grabbed some money from his trust vault and now was going to shop for his stuff for Hogwarts.

"Well, Harry," said Hagrid. "Which shop do you want to visit first?"

"I'm not entirely sure," said Harry. "There's quite a number of stores."

"Well, why don't you visit Madam Malkin's for your uniform and robes," suggested Hagrid. "Since getting you fitted for them your size could take a while, it'd be best to go there first, just so you can get that out of the way."

"Okay, I'll head that way." said Harry.

"I'm gonna have to take care of something," said Hagrid. "Hopefully you won't mind going without me, do you?"

"No, not at all." said Harry.

"Alright, I'll see ya later." said Hagrid as he walked back toward a tavern called The Leaky Cauldron.

So Harry started walking around Diagon Alley to find Madam Malkin's Robe Shop. He found it and walked inside where the owner, Madam Malkin walked toward him.

"Hello, dear," she greeted. "Are you starting Hogwarts this year?"

"Yes ma'am." said Harry.

"I'll be with you in just a few minutes," said Madam Malkin. "The back rooms are occupied at the moment."

So she disappeared into the back rooms to see if any of the other kids have finished yet. Harry took a seat next to the counter where the clerk works. A minute or so later, a girl with brown eyes and bright copper hair that just barely reached her shoulders walked in. She appeared to be Harry's age. She took a seat next to Harry, then turned toward him and smiled.

"Hi," she greeted. "Are you starting Hogwarts, too?"

"Yes ma'am." said Harry.

"I'm Susan Bones." she introduced herself, holding a hand out at Harry.

"I'm Harry Potter." said Harry as he shook Susan's hand.

"Are you really?" asked Susan, surprised (her eyes widening at the same time).

"Yes." said Harry.

"Wow, I never thought that I'd meet you," said Susan. "Wanna be friends?"

"Really? You want to be my friend?!" asked Harry, overjoyed.

"Of course." said Susan, giving Harry a smile.

"Th-Th-Thank you," Harry stuttered. "Th-Th-This m-m-means alot t-t-t-to me!"

"You're welcome," said Susan, smiling at him again. "I've always wanted to get to know you. I don't care about the Boy-Who-Lived nonsense, I'd rather be friends with you for who you are."

"Again, thank you," said Harry. "You and Hagrid are my first ever friends."

"Did you even have any friends before?" asked Susan.

"Well, no... not until the early hours of, uh... today." said Harry hesitantly.

"How come?" asked Susan, whose curiosity increased.

"Well," Harry began explaining. "I-I-I-It's because my cousin and his gang would scare off and/or beat up anybody who tried to befriend me."

"That's just... awful. Why would anybody do that?" asked Susan.

"Well," said Harry. "According to my relatives, I'm a freak. They even said that freaks don't deserve friends, let alone a happy life."

Susan couldn't believe what Harry was telling her. As Harry continued telling her his story, tears were flowing down her cheeks. She was outraged by Harry's treatment. Susan just gave Harry a hug, even though he flinched, but eased up, knowing he can trust Susan.

"Something doesn't seem right, Harry," said Susan. "Maybe we can talk to my aunt Amelia and see what she has to say."

"Well, okay," said Harry. "I sure hope she can help."

"She will," assured Susan. "She's the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."

Soon, Harry was called up, so Madam Malkin can take measurements of his arms and legs to determine the right size for Harry. This made Harry scared, worried that the truth about his treatment at the Dursleys would leak out. To his relief, they had fitting rooms, so he could try his uniform on in private. Once he was satisfied, he changed back into his casual wear, walked out of the fitting room, paid for his uniform and robe, and walked out of the shop. Harry couldn't see Susan anywhere, so he walked down Diagon Alley, thinking she was getting fitted for her robes. Harry decided to get his wand next, and once he spotted Ollivander's (which had a single wand laying on a dusty purple cushion in a display case by the front window), he walked in.

"Hello," Harry called out, looking around the store. "Hello!"

Then an elderly-looking wizard, who was on a strolling ladder, pushed it toward the front desk to see who was waiting for him. Then he looked down, making Harry jump a little. Then the wizard smiled.

"I wondered when I'd be seeing you, Mr. Potter," said the wizard as he started going through the shelves full of wand boxes. "It seems like it was only yesterday when your mother and father were in here, buying their first wands."

So Mr. Ollivander gave Harry a wand to try. The first wand kept swishing too fast for Harry, the second he tried made Harry feel as though it was too heavy for him, the third wand he tried made the drawers slide out.

"Tricky customer," said Mr. Ollivander. "We'll find a wand that will choose you, Mr. Potter."

Then Mr. Ollivander walked back into an aisle again. Then, he pulled out a dark-coloured box and muttered something that Harry couldn't hear. Then Mr. Ollivander walked back to the counter, opened the box and handed the wand to Harry. Once Harry grabbed the handle, a flow of warmth flowed through him, which told Harry that the wand chose him.

"Just as I thought," said Mr. Ollivander. "I felt that this wand would choose you, Mr. Potter. Eleven inches, holly wood with a phoenix tail feather core. The only other wand with that core is made of yew wood, the very wand that gave you that scar."

"Who was the owner of that wand?" asked Harry.

"We never speak his name," stated Mr. Ollivander. "He's always referred to as You-Know-You, or He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter, even though it's not always clear why. But I think it's perfectly clear that we can expect many great things from you. After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things, terrible, but great."

Harry paid for his wand, then he walked out. After looking at the list, Harry decided to visit Flourish and Blotts to get his school books. One book he needed was called: The Standard Book Of Spells, Grade 1 by Miranda Goshawk. He went to look for it and almost bumped into a bushy brown-haired girl with buck teeth.

"Sorry!" they said in unison.

"I'm Hermione, Hermione Granger." said the girl as she held her hand out at Harry.

"I'm Harry, Harry Potter." said Harry as he shook Hermione's hand.

"No way! Are you really?!" said Hermione, with her eyes widening in surprise.

"Yes." said Harry.

"I've read all about you," said Hermione, who looked at the rags Harry was wearing. "Why are you wearing those? They're all torn and ratty."

"They're my cousins hand-me-downs." explained Harry.

"Oh," said Hermione with realization. "But... all the books said that you've been living a wonderful life peacefully! But... those rags... makes... all this... suspicious."

"I haven't lived a happy life," stated Harry. "They're describing me as The-Boy-Who-Lived, not me as a person."

Harry started explaining to Hermione about what his life was like before today. After he finished, Hermione was in tears.

'How could anybody do this?' she thought to herself. 'No child deserves that kind of treatment!'

This resulted in Hermione coming to the conclusion that books can be misleading. She covered her mouth with her hands, with tears flowing down her cheeks. Hermione grabbed a hold of Harry's hand in a comforting manner.

"Don't let those people tell you that you're a freak," said Hermione. "If anybody should be ashamed, it's them. You don't deserve to go through what you've gone through."

"There you are, Hermione!" said a female voice.

Hermione turned around and saw her mother. Harry saw that Hermione's mother also had brown hair, but not bushy, like Hermione's. A minute later, a man who must be Hermione's father walked over to them, and a little girl who Harry guessed was Hermione's little sister walked up to her mother.

"This is Harry Potter." Hermione introduced him to her family.

"I'm Clinton Granger," said Hermione's father as he shook hands with Harry. "But I often go by Clint."

"I'm Janice Granger," said Hermione's mother as she also shook hands with Harry. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Potter."

"I'm Kimberley Granger," said Hermione's sister as she shook hands with Harry as well. " But I prefer being called Kimmy."

"Nice to meet you all." said Harry.

Unknown to any of them, a certain wizard with a gray beard, long gray hair and colourful robes was spying on them from an upstairs balcony railing, overlooking the store. This wizard had a frown on his face. If one were to ask him why, he would just say that he felt some sympathy for Harry Potter. However in reality, this wizard is more interested in using young Harry as a weapon, all part of his plan for the Greater Good, as he calls it.

'Harry needs to befriend the Weasleys,' the wizard thought to himself. 'I'm sure he'll like to eventually marry young Ginevra Weasley!'

So the wizard disappeared before anyone could spot him. At that moment, Harry finished meeting Hermione's family and proceeded to pick up the books on his school list and pay for them. Once Harry walked out of Flourish and Blotts, he met up with Hagrid (who came back with a cage to had a snowy owl in it).

"Happy Birthday Harry," said Hagrid, handing the owl cage to Harry. "I thought that you'd like an owl. They're extremely useful, they carry your mail and stuff."

"Wow," said Harry. "Thank you, Hagrid!"

"You're welcome, Harry," said Hagrid. "Seeing how I found out about your treatment, I wanted to make sure you get a good birthday for once."

"Thank you again, Hagrid!" said Harry gratefully.

"Hi Harry!" said a female voice.

Harry and Hagrid turned around. Harry saw Susan with a woman who Harry guessed was her aunt. Susan's aunt was wearing black robes and had a monocle over one eye.

"Madam Bones, how are you?" greeted Hagrid.

"I'm good, Hagrid," said Madam Bones. "Susan told me that she met Mr. Potter at Madam Malkins. I was wondering if I can talk to you and Mr. Potter."

"Of course." said Hagrid.

So Harry and Hagrid walked back to The Leaky Cauldron with Susan and her aunt. Harry was wondering why she wanted to talk to himself and Hagrid. Hagrid started telling Madam Bones what all he was ordered to do while Harry listened, wondering what all was going on.

(Meanwhile, in a particular area close to Ottery St. Catchpole)

The wizard who was spying on Harry Potter appeared in a spot down the road (which was also at the beginning of a long driveway) from a house that had what appeared to be seven floors going up vertically. The wizard walked toward the house, which had a sign next to the dirt road, which said: The Burrow. This was the house where the aforementioned Weasleys live. The wizard walked up to the front door and knocked. A dumpy witch with red hair and wearing a housedress answered the door.

"Albus!" greeted the witch. "What brings out here?"

"Well, Molly," said Albus. "Harry Potter is at Diagon Alley, getting his school supplies. I thought maybe your youngest children, Ronald and Ginevra would like to try to befriend him there."

"Of course, Albus," said Molly. "We were getting ready to go to Diagon Alley anyway."

"Excellent," said Albus. "The last shop Harry was spotted in was Flourish and Blotts, but he could be in a different one. But he's still in Diagon Alley."

"Thank you, Albus," said Molly. "We'll head there straight away."

So Albus left and disappeared. Then Molly called for her children to get ready to go to Diagon Alley. Soon, they all grabbed some sort of powder, threw it into the fireplace, called out their destination and soon, they were all in The Leaky Cauldron, with Molly, Ron and Ginny looking around for Harry.

"Mrs. Weasley," greeted the innkeeper. "What brings you here?"

"Taking my children shopping for school, Tom," said Molly. "Do you know which shop Harry Potter is in?"

"No ma'am," said Tom. "He actually left like five minutes ago."

"Oh okay," said Molly. "My children wanted to meet him."

"I have no idea where he could be now." said Tom.

"Well, I'd better get the school supplies for my kids," said Molly. "Good day, Tom."

"Good day, Molly." said Tom.

So Molly escorted her children into Diagon Alley. She, Ron and Ginny had looks of disappointment on their faces. They realized that they must've waited too late to go to Diagon Alley. Was Albus' timing off a bit? Molly had to put that out of her mind for now, so she can get the school supplies for four of her children.

Meanwhile, Amelia escorted Harry and Susan to her office at the Ministry of Magic. Susan had told her aunt everything Harry told her. Amelia was outraged, realizing that something wasn't right. She remembered Harry's mother, Lily once mentioned that there wasn't any way Harry was to be placed with her muggle sister and her husband. Amelia knew that she needed to make sure Harry never returned to the Dursleys.

"Don't worry, Harry, we'll see to it that you won't go back to those awful muggles," Amelia assured. "Your parents left a will."

"Wow, th-thank you," said Harry. "I always thought the Dursleys were the only ones who would 'look after me,' I never would've thought otherwise."

"I was one of the suitable guardians mentioned to look after you, Harry," said Amelia. "We'll go back to Gringotts tomorrow for the reading of your parents' will."

"Thank you, ma'am," said Harry gratefully. "It means alot to me."

"You're welcome, Harry," said Amelia. "But none of that 'ma'am' stuff, I would like it if you called me auntie!"

"Thank you, auntie," said an overjoyed Harry. "This'll take some getting used to."

"We'll make sure that happens, Harry!" said Susan as she grabbed a hold of one of his hands comfortingly.

So Amelia escorted Harry and Susan to Bones Manor. Susan and Amelia gave Harry a tour of the manor. Harry's room was across the hall from Susan's, on the second floor. The manor also had a swimming pool in the backyard. Harry also saw some kind of creature, which Amelia explained was a house-elf. She also explained how they take care of the cooking and cleaning. Amelia also stated that she and Susan treat their house-elf like family. Their house-elf was female and her name was Trixie. Trixie welcomed Harry into the family as well. Harry was happy that, for the first time ever he had a family who cared for him.

Meanwhile, in a certain office at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft Wizardry, the wizard who's name is Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, was checking some silver instruments on his desk. One of them kept puffing gray smoke, indicating Harry wasn't at his 'relatives' house at #4 Privet Drive.

"How could Harry get away?" Albus asked himself. "I was sure Hagrid would keep a really close watch on him!"

Over at the Burrow, Molly, too, was wondering where Harry could've disappeared to. She needed Harry to marry her daughter, just so they could get money from the Potter vault. Ron wasn't pleased that he didn't get to meet Harry and become 'best mates' with him. Ginny was in tears that she didn't get to meet Harry. She had a crush on him for years (and still does), which started when her dad would tell her stories of how Harry would come to rescue her, with Ginny as a princess. Molly's twin sons were simply a bit disappointed that they didn't meet Harry. Unlike Molly, Ron and Ginny, the twins actually wanted to be friends with Harry.

"Gred, what do you think is up with our youngest siblings and our mum?" asked one of the twins.

"I'm not sure, Forge," said the other twin. "They won't talk about it, they always claim that's it's important business for them."

The twins who called themselves 'Gred and Forge' knew that it'd be best to try to befriend Harry when neither Ron, Ginny, nor their mum weren't expecting it.

To Be Continued!

Author's note 2: This will not be a threesome story or series. I prefer to have Harry be with only one girl, as two or more would be too difficult to keep up with.