Disclaimer: Don't own Harry Potter.

Richard Nightingale was finally ready to see Harry and Dudley.

He had been asking teachers questions about them all day, yet none of them really helped. They seemed to think that Harry was a bully, for a strange reason. One of the teachers even said that Dudley was one of the sweetest little boys he had ever met, and that his father was a good man who would always keep his guests entertained.

Somehow, he didn't believe this. He knew a few things about bullies, and Dudley, from the large group of rough looking friends, to the way the other children behaved around him, seemed like a very aggressive one. This wasn't what worried him the most though. Mr and Mrs Dursley had clearly done nothing to stop Dudley's behavior.

The only person who was helpful, was Sarah, his assistant. She had been at the school for three years, and had seen Dudley hit Harry. However, there was no evidence, and Harry had denied it, so at the time she couldn't do anything about it. She told him all how Harry behaved, especially around Dudley. Sarah went on to describe just how timid Harry was, in lessons and out. Then she pointed out the obvious point that Harry was so small and skinny that, even if Harry did want to push Dudley over, it would be a very difficult challenge.

"Harry and Dudley, you may enter." Mr Nightingale said

As they came in he noticed that Dudley was glaring at Harry, and mouthing something which looked like a threat. However, as Dudley sat down he changed his expression to that of an innocent, lost boy.

"Okay, Dudley, will you tell me what happened with Harry yesterday." Mr Nightingale said kindly

"Of course headmaster, me and my friends were playing stuck the mud, when Harry and the new girl started calling us rude names. I ask them to stop an all, but they wouldn't listen to me. Eventually they pushed me over and ran to the roof." Dudley was saying this with an overconfident smirk. "Ain't that right Harry."

Harry looked down "Yes sir."

"Are you telling the truth."

"Yes sir."

"So, you're saying it's all your fault."

Mr Nightingale wasn't sure what he should do, Harry wasn't helping anyone denying it. Mr Nightingale decided that he would have to come up with a way of getting to talk to Harry's aunt and uncle. At the same time he didn't want Dudley to hurt Harry, so he did the best thing he could.

"Mr Potter, bullying is not acceptable. I will arrange a meeting between myself and your guardian to discuss Harry's punishment. They can come to my office on Wednesday, around eight. I'll send a letter to your house to inform them, and your parents can phone me if there are any problems."

"Yes sir." Dudley sang

"You may go back to your lessons now."

As they left, Mr Nightingale noticed the dejected look on Harry's face. As much as he hated to admit it, Harry was going to have a very hard time until Wednesday. However, if Hermione was there,he was sure the young boy could get through anything.

Hermione was waiting eagerly for Harry in the playground, counting the seconds down. She was almost tempted to sit by the headmasters door and listen in, but she didn't want to get in any more trouble herself. Instead she stared at the concrete floor and thought, mostly about the things that happened yesterday. Like how extraordinary Harry was, he actually wanted to be her friend. She couldn't believe it, there was someone as lonely as her, except it wasn't because people found him annoying. Even his appearance, his bright green eyes, jet black hair and lightning shaped scar. Suddenly, the image she was picturing appeared in front of her.

"Harry!" She exclaimed, half tempted to give him a hug.

"Hi Hermione." Harry said, upset

"So the meeting didn't go well then."

"Not at all, Dudley made me say that it was my fault. Mr Nightingale is meeting with the Dursley's in a week to discuss my punishment, there isn't a chance that I wont get in trouble."

"Harry." Hermione said, as gently as she could "Maybe he has a plan to help you, after all, he's the headmaster. He wouldn't be silly enough to falll for something Dudley says, or anyone else."

"Just because he's the headmaster doesn't mean that he's perfect."

"Don't be ridiculous Harry."

"Whatever." Harry said, walking away dejectedly

"Honestly, I try to be nice. Why do I always do this."

Hermione decided to go to the school library, she had been itching to check out the new book on the conditions of the soldiers in the first world war. After all, when she started year nine she wanted to be ahead. The library was smaller than the one in her old school, and even emptier. Only the teenage librarian was in it, and even she seemed to be falling asleep.

As she made her way though countless children's books, she finally saw a book that caught her eye. It was large, old and musty, which was just her style. Hermione carefully pulled the book off the shelf, not wanting to damage it in any way. She slowly opened the book up, and noticed a letter fall out. What she read surprised her the most. A letter was stuck to it, one addressed to Harry.

Hermione, decided on reading it. After all, a peek wouldn't hurt anyone, and Harry and her were fighting. It would be better to give it to him when they were friends again, wouldn't it?

Dear Harry Potter,

I knew you would have your mother's love for reading, it will help you in later life, more than you would know. I wrote this letter to you in case the Dursley's didn't tell you. Have you ever wondered why strange things happen to you, or you felt something was missing?

"What on earth is this man, and how does he know Harry?" Hermione asked herself

It's because you're a wizard Harry. I may sound a crazy old fool to you, but it is necessary to tell you this. I thought I would give you this book on witches and wizards. I would give you a spell book, but you can't do magic until you start school. Still, the pictures will surprise you, and I have put a spell on. If muggles seem to think it is a different book, don't be alarmed.

PS: I have a warning. Whatever you do, stay away from anyone with a skull and snake on their wrist.

Professor Dumbledore

Hermione thought she was going to die out of shock, this man was crazy. He must be, what kind of sane man would make a nice boy like Harry think he was a wizard when that was impossible? Still, Hermione supposed it was worth investigating.

Hermione went up to the desk to check it out, waking up the sleepy librarian.

"Wow, a kid who likes reading. That's not something you see every day, still, I have to admit, I was just like you ten years ago. I used to love books on witches and wizards. Those were my favourites." The librarian said dreamily "Kid, I have to warn you, don't drop out of school to become a librarian just because you like reading. It doesn't pay well."

The teenager checked the book out before she, fell back into the large chair, already half asleep. Hermione hid the large book in her school bag before running to class. When entered the classroom, Harry looked at her apologetically, but she avoided his gaze. For now, she wanted to find out more of this by herself. Harry seemed like the kind of person who would jump to a conclusion, and this needed to be very carefully studied.

Besides, when was the last time she had found such a big book.