A/N: I haven't finished writing the chapter I'm on but I realize I haven't updated in quite a while. Sorry about that. I haven't been writing very much, well, I haven't been doing much of anything lately. I start my second year of University in a couple of weeks so I've been getting ready for that.

I would like to politely ask people to please stop asking me about Hermione. I realize it's strange that I'm not including her and that you are probably hoping I will eventually include her, but please stop sending me reviews about it. I highly doubt Hermione will be entering this story. It's just not the way I am going. Plus, I've had people comment that she'd fit well with Dean and Harry because she's as much an outcast in Gryffindor as they are in Slytherin. Keep in mind that I have never even mentioned Hermione so you don't know if she's in Gryffindor in this story or not. Just, please, stop telling me to include Hermione or asking me when she'll be appearing.

In addition, please stop telling me to add a third-mostly a girl-to Harry and Dean's group. I may or may not do it, I don't know. Please stop asking about it and please stop telling me to do it. It's my decision. I appreciate the help but it's my decision and it's honestly starting to annoy me that every second review is about Hermione and adding a girl to Harry and Dean. I'm sorry if I sound mean but I doubt any of you would enjoy the constant bugging anymore than I do.

Thank you and I'm sorry.

Harry rubbed his gloved hands together as he stood in the Slytherin Quidditch stands, waiting for the first match to begin. Dean stood next to him, wrapping his green and silver scarf more securely around his neck. They were both pleased to see that Malfoy's punishment from Snape was holding up and the boy had been banned from attending the match. Instead he was inside doing whatever Mr. Filch told him to do.

The first match was between Slytherin and Gryffindor, and Harry was excited to watch his first game. He wasn't sure if he would ever want to be on the Quidditch team. From the little bit of flying he had done in class, he had enjoyed it but he wasn't sure about Quidditch.

He looked to the right past the Gryffindor stands though he took notice of Ron and Seamus at the front. He looked at the staff stands where most of the professors were settled. McGonagall was near the front near the commentator, a coloured boy with short black dreadlocks that hung around his ears. He looked quite friendly as he had a large smile on his face as he prepared for the match. Harry's eyes were pulled back to the Gryffindor stands when he saw wild gestures. Ron was apparently emphatically explaining something to Seamus and anyone around that would listen.

"Welcome all to the Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch," the commentator said, speaking into the microphone, "and to the first game of the season!"

Harry looked down at the ground to see Madam Hooch walking out with a large wooden crate floating behind her. He frowned when he saw it shaking when she put it on the ground. What was in that box?

"Do you know anything about Quidditch?" he asked Dean.

"Just that it's a popular wizard sport," Dean said, shrugging. "And that it's played on brooms."

"Wonder how you play? What the goal is?" Harry said, gazing at the three large hoops on either side of the field.

"Guess we'll find out," Dean said and Harry smiled, nodding.

"First on the pitch is Slytherin!" the commentator said and the Slytherins erupted into cheers and applause as their team appeared in the air. "Marcus Flint returns this year as Chaser and as the new captain. Graham Montague and Adrian Pucey join him as Chasers. The Beaters are Lucian Bole and Peregrine Derrick. This year's Keeper is Miles Bletchley. And our Slytherin Seeker this year is Terence Higgs!"

The Slytherin team circled the pitch, drinking in the cheers of their housemates. The Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs were cheering as well but Gryffindor was yelling angrily and shouting out insults and profanity. Harry and Dean glanced at each other. Apparently Quidditch was very competitive.

"Here comes the Gryffindors!" the commentator shouted out and the Gryffindors cheered for their team even louder than the Slytherins had, if it was possible. "Led by their ever faithful and dedicated captain and Keeper, Oliver Wood, the Gryffindors have come to try earn back the elusive Quidditch Cup. Gryffindor has failed to bring this Cup back into their possession since the reign of Charlie Weasley."

"Mr. Jordan, introduce the players. We are not here for a history lesson," McGonagall said stiffly.

"Of course, Professor, my apologies," Jordan said though he was smiling. Apparently the Quidditch Cup was a sore spot for the professor as well it should be. It had been won by Slytherin every year since Charlie Weasley had left Hogwarts. "Our Chasers this year are Katie Bell, Alicia Spinnet, and Angelina Johnson! Ah, Johnson, what a strong player, a fast player, a beautiful—"

"Jordan!" McGonagall interrupted.

"Sorry, Professor," Jordan said as students laughed. "Following Johnson—what a woman!—are everyone's favourite Beaters, Fred and George Weasley!"

Harry and Dean ignored the heated glares from their housemates as they clapped for the twins. The twins were their friends and were the only two people to be nice to them. They didn't care if the twins were on the opposite team, Harry and Dean wanted them to do well too.

"And last is the only new addition to the Gryffindor team," Jordan continued, "their new Seeker, Abigail Nicola!"

The Gryffindors continued to applaud their team even as Jordan continued with his commentary, introducing Madam Hooch and announcing the beginning of the game. Harry and Dean watched as Madam Hooch addressed the players, asking for a clean game though she knew it would never happen. She had the captains, Wood and Flint shake hands before taking the large red ball in her hands. Harry wondered what it was for but figured it was for scoring through the hoops.

"The game begins with Gryffindor taking the Quaffle!" Jordan said as the players began to race around the pitch, tossing the red ball to each other. The hard black balls soared around, getting hit with bats by the twins and the two Slytherin Beaters. Every now and then Harry spotted a flash of gold and he wondered what it was, if it was a part of the game.

"Angelina scores! Ten points for Gryffindor!" Jordan yelled. "That Angelina can sure fly. The way her body—"

"Lee Jordan!" McGonagall cried and actually swatted his shoulder.

"My apologies," Lee said, still grinning. "Slytherin has the Quaffle! Flint has possession, flies past Johnson, dodges Bell, and—oh! Loses the Quaffle to Spinnet!"

Harry found himself quite interested in the game and considered trying to play sometime. He glanced over at the staff stand again and was somewhat startled to see Professor Quirrell staring directly at him and quite intensely. He had always found his Defence professor to be strange but wasn't one to judge. He had always been considered a freak growing up and knew better than to assume anything about anyone. He was the one to break the uncomfortable eye contact and returned to the match just as Slytherin scored again but also knocked Wood out of the air. He and Dean were the only Slytherins that didn't cheer when Wood remained unconscious on the ground.

Maybe he wasn't too keen on playing. It seemed really violent. He mentally shrugged. Maybe when he was older.

"Slytherin scores again! Ten points!" Lee said, making the Gryffindors groan as he added another ten points to the seventy Slytherin already had.

Harry watched intently as the Gryffindor Chasers flew down the field, tossing the Quaffle between them and avoiding the Slytherins. He shook his head absently when it felt like his ears were plugged slightly. He frowned when his head felt light and his mind became hazy. All expression left his face and he lost control of his body. He had no idea that he was now grasping the edge of the stands. He was unaware of Dean's panicked voice asking him what he was doing. He didn't know he was climbing over the edge of the stands despite the shouts of all the students around him.

He did become aware that he was dangling in the air, his back against the stands and an arm tight around his chest. Whatever had been happening had ended and he had been saved from his potential suicide by Professor Snape. Snape hoisted him back into the Slytherin stands but did not place him on his feet. Instead he continued holding Harry close to his body to help calm his heart.

"Abigail has caught the Snitch! Gryffindor takes the first win of the season!" Lee Jordan cried, drawing everyone's attention back to the game. The Slytherins hollered and booed while the Gryffindors celebrated their triumph. No one seemed to notice Quirrell dragging himself back to his feet from where he had somehow been knocked to the floor.

"Come along, Mr. Thomas," Snape said quietly, still holding Harry. He led Dean out of the stands while everyone was distracted. They returned quickly to the castle and Snape walked into the first classroom they came across. He sat Harry on one of the desks and stood in front of him. "How are you feeling, Potter?"

"I'm okay. Kind of lightheaded still," Harry said. "What happened?"

"You were being cursed," Snape said and Harry looked startled.

"Cursed? By who?" Harry said. "What kind of curse was it?"

"It was a Compulsion Curse," Snape said. "As for who, I am unsure who was casting it. You are lucky Mr. Thomas caught my attention when he did. Your fall would've been successful had I been any later."

Harry shivered at the thought. "I don't understand. Why would someone want to make me jump?"

"I don't know, Potter, but I'll find out," Snape said and Harry looked at him in appreciation.

"Thanks, sir."

Snape inclined his head. "Get something to eat, Potter," he said, "and be alert. We don't want this happening again when no one is around to help."

Harry nodded and left the classroom with Dean.

"Sorry," Harry said as they walked into the Great Hall.

"What for?" Dean said with a small frown.

"For scaring you," Harry said.

"Don't worry about it. I was scared but I also figured out pretty fast that something else was going on. You weren't answering me or anyone. You didn't flinch like you usually do when I touched your arm," Dean said.

"What do you mean?" Harry said, looking at his friend sharply. "I don't flinch."

Dean gave a wry smile. "You do," he said. "It doesn't bother me and I know you'll tell me the reason if you want to. It's not a big deal."

Harry felt himself flushing furiously as they sat at the end of the Slytherin table. He thought he had been doing well at controlling his responses to touch. Did Dean know the reason behind his flinches or have a suspicion? Dean had come to the hospital wing when Harry had his exam and his treatment had been discovered. Had Dean found out then?

"Anyways, I called for Snape and got his attention the minute I realized something was wrong," Dean said, unaware of Harry's inner panic. "Vegetables?" he said, holding the dish of raw vegetables.

Harry shook himself and made himself smile. He took the dish with a nod. "Thanks."

They ate lunch quietly with Dean sustaining most of the conversation. As always, he seemed fine with Harry's limited participation. They easily ignored the stares and whispers of the other students. They smiled, however, when Fred and George Weasley joined them, introducing them to their friend, Lee Jordan. Harry and Dean ignored the heated glares sent at them when they left the Hall with the twins and Lee.

Aside from the hateful glares, spiteful words from Malfoy and the occasional ruined potion, November and December passed without incident. The school became steadily more festive as Christmas drew closer. The list for those who would stay at Hogwarts over the holidays was passed around and Harry was the first Slytherin to sign up. After that, Harry didn't pay the approaching holiday much attention. He'd never had a reason to look forward to Christmas before and knew this year would be no different. Christmas was a time for family and family was something he didn't have.

Dean signed up to stay at the school as well along with about a dozen other Slytherins. Dean seemed quite excited for the holidays like all the other students. Harry was apparently the only one who didn't care for Christmas. Except for Snape, he noticed. While all the other professors had lightened up, Snape remained the harsh professor he was.

Harry sighed and collapsed on his bed after his final class before the holidays. Though it wasn't Christmas he wanted, he was looking forward to having two weeks off. It was also two weeks free from Malfoy.

"I can't believe it's already Christmas holidays," Dean said, laying on his own bed and staring up at the canopy. "Two weeks of doing nothing."

"Why aren't you going home?" Harry asked curiously. If he had parents that wanted him, he'd never miss a single holiday with them.

Dean shrugged. "I thought it would be neat to spend this Christmas here. First Christmas in the wizarding world and all."

Harry nodded. He supposed it made sense. After all, Dean had had his parents all his life. It probably wasn't a big deal to miss one Christmas. He sighed quietly and wondered what his first Christmas had been like. He had only been five months old but had his parents done anything special? Did he get presents? Did they have friends or family over? He bit his lip sadly and stared out the enchanted window at the falling snow.

In the silence, his mind wondered about a life he could've had.

Harry was shaken awake early in the morning on December twenty-fifth. He tried to shove Dean away but was unsuccessful. He unwillingly joined the waking world.

"What's so important?" Harry asked sleepily, rubbing his eyes before placing his glasses on.

"Presents, of course!" Dean exclaimed, jumping back to his own bed. Harry noticed the pile of gifts at the foot of Dean's bed through slightly blurred eyes. "Come on! Let's do this together!"

"Do what?" Harry frowned.

"Open our presents!" Dean said excitedly, pointing to the end of Harry's bed.

"But I haven't—" He stopped abruptly when he saw the small pile of gifts sitting atop his trunk at the foot of his bed. He gaped and blinked in astonishment. Where had these presents come from? Who would want to give him a gift? Would he be required to give a gift to these senders?

"What are you waiting for?" Dean interrupted his thoughts. Harry looked over and found his friend already holding a present, waiting for Harry to follow suit. He did so and carefully grabbed a small package from the top of his own pile. Dean whooped and tore into his gift, ignoring the name tag for the moment. Harry pulled the card off the package.

Happy Christmas, Harry!
Have a good holiday. Here are some sweets for you. You can share them with Dean too.
Hagrid

He pulled the wrapping paper off and revealed a dish of what looked to be square pieces of cake.

"From Hagrid," Harry told Dean. "It's not the best idea to eat these."

"Why not?" Dean frowned.

"They're called 'Rock Cakes' for a reason," Harry said with a grin and Dean laughed. "Hagrid's the one that gave me my letter and brought me to Diagon Alley. He got me Hedwig too."

"That's so cool," Dean said, putting a green pullover sweater to the side. "From my Aunt Jenni. I don't think I've ever gotten anything except sweaters from her for Christmas and my birthday. I don't think she knows what to get me."

"Does she know you're a wizard?" Harry wondered, picking up another present.

"No." Dean shook his head. "We're not allowed to tell anyone, not even family. My parents are the only ones who can know."

"That would be hard, keeping a part of you secret from your own family," Harry said and Dean nodded.

"I wish I could tell people, especially my annoying cousins just to have one over them for once," Dean said.

Harry smiled and they turned to their next gifts. They were surprised to see that they had picked up gifts from one of their Prefects, Gemma.

"Muggle notebooks and pens and pencils," Dean said in surprise. Harry opened the small note she had taped to his present.

Harry,
I got you and Dean the same thing, as I'm sure you noticed. I know the both of you were Muggle raised and probably have some difficulties with the parchment and quills we use in the wizarding world. If it's just for notes and planning, the professors don't mind you using Muggle books and utensils. Just make sure to use quills and parchment for any final papers and projects.
Have a good Christmas.
Your friend,
Gemma

"I've missed using pens and pencils," Dean said, holding up the two packs of Muggle writing utensils. "I can hardly write with the quills though I've gotten better."

"Same," Harry said. "My writing is still pretty messy."

"Wonder where she got these things?" Dean wondered aloud and Harry shrugged. They placed the items aside and picked up the next gift on their piles.

Harry looked at his curiously. It was wrapped in a silver paper that had a hint of blue in it. It was held closed by a thin ribbon. He pulled out the card from under the ribbon.

Your father left this in my possession before he died. It is time it was returned to you.
Use it well.

He frowned and untied the ribbon, pulling the two sides of the paper apart. It revealed a strangely coloured material folded up in the center. He pulled it out and found it was a cloak.

"Why would someone give you a cloak and not give their name?" Dean said, confused.

"No idea," Harry said but decided to try it on anyways. He swung it around his shoulders and pulled it closed over his chest.

"Whoa!" Dean exclaimed, jumping to his feet to stand in front of his friend.

"What?" Harry looked down at his body where Dean was staring and gaped. His body wasn't there! His head looked like it was floating in the air all on its own. He opened the cloak and his body was once again visible.

"It makes you invisible?" Dean said.

"Is that possible?" Harry said.

"Apparently," Dean said. "We are wizards so I guess it's not that surprising, or it shouldn't be anyways."

"The note said it was my dad's," Harry said. "He gave it to someone before he died."

"That's kind of weird, isn't it?" Dean said. "You'd think he'd leave it somewhere you could have it. I can't see a father waiting eleven years to give their kid something, especially something like this."

"Yeah, it's weird," Harry said. "The note doesn't even say who it's from."

"Well, despite the strangeness, it's a really neat thing," Dean said. "Think of what you can do. We can hide from Malfoy."

"Yeah, that's something," Harry said, folding the Invisibility Cloak up again and setting it on his bed. They moved on and looked at the tags on their next presents, for Harry his second to last.

"It's from Snape," Dean said, looking at the tag in shock. Harry stared at his own which also said 'from: Professor S'.

Dean ripped the paper off his present and held the book in his hands. Opening the cover, a piece of parchment fell out.

Take care of this one, Mr. Thomas, and tell no one you got it from me. Can't have me being accused of favouritism, now can we?
I expect the return of my copy when you can.
Regards,
Professor S

Dean gazed at his new copy of A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration with a smile. He'd have to thank the professor when he gave Snape his copy back. He looked over at Harry who had finally opened his gift from the professor but was just staring at it.

"Harry?" Dean said but Harry didn't answer. Putting his new book to the side, Dean got up and joined Harry, looking down at the box in his friend's hands. Sitting in the bottom of the shallow box was a framed Muggle photo. It was of a single person, a young redheaded girl who gazed happily at the camera with her bright green eyes. She looked to be in her teen years and she wore a light blue sundress with thin straps. She was in the position of having just blown a kiss to whoever was behind the camera. Her hand was palm up and near her red lips that were shaped to kiss.

Dean picked up the note that Harry had dropped after reading.

Mr. Potter.
I knew your mother when we were children and at school. From recent revelations, I have assumed that, not only do you not know very much about your parents, but you do not own pictures of them either. I did not get along with your father but I was close friends with Lily.
In this picture, Lily is fourteen and it is the summer before our fifth year at Hogwarts. It is the last picture I ever took of her as our friendship ended during the school year.
I know you miss her and I hope this helps you mourn and cope a little bit easier.
Regards,
Professor S

"Wow," Dean whispered, looking back at the picture that Harry was now holding. Some of what Snape had written stuck in Dean's mind, though, and he looked at the lines again. Why wouldn't Harry know about his parents? Or have pictures? He had noticed that Harry didn't seem to have many personal belongings and hadn't put any photos up anywhere in their room. Dean had put up his poster of his favourite football team, the West Ham United Football Club. So they weren't a huge team that competed in FIFA but it was still his favourite team. But Harry, his side of their dorm room was bare aside from his trunk, clothes, school supplies, and Hedwig's cage.

Dean sighed and once again wondered just what Harry's life had been like before Hogwarts. It was clear he downplayed whatever happened at his home but Dean wondered just how much he downplayed it. Madam Pomfrey and Snape had found something when Harry went for his physical exam. Why else would Harry have had to stay in the infirmary for so long? He knew Harry had said he had just been a little sick but Dean knew better.

"Think he'll let me thank him at Christmas dinner tonight?" Harry said quietly, finally speaking for the first time in several minutes.

Dean smiled. "He'll scowl and sneer."

Harry laughed a little and set his new picture on his bedside table. He opened his last gift which was from the Weasley twins and was just a large package of various chocolate and candy from some store called 'Honeydukes'. According to their note, it was the best sweet shop. Harry just took their word for it as he had no idea what they were talking about.

Dean still had a couple more gifts to open and Harry watched him do so, talking to him about insignificant things and examining his Invisibility Cloak. Harry grinned as Dean jumped around the room in excitement when he opened the gift from his parents. They had managed to get tickets to the next West Ham game over the summer.

They spent the day in their dorm and in the common room. They had thought of going outside but when they saw how violent the wind was, they decided against it.

When they walked into the Great Hall later that evening for the Christmas feast, they were more relaxed entering the Hall than they ever had been before. It was the best feeling knowing they didn't have to worry about Malfoy or Ron as the Gryffindor had left as well. With Ron gone, Seamus left them alone. Apparently the Irishman needed someone to follow.

They sat at their usual spot at the end of the Slytherin table. They had only just sat down when Dumbledore gave a short speech about Christmas that Harry paid no attention to. He did, however, catch Snape's eye and gave a small smile as a way to thank him for the moment. He would verbally thank the man after dinner when there was more privacy. Snape just stared at him for a moment before looking away and filling his plate with the newly arrived food.

Harry grabbed his fill of turkey, potatoes, vegetables, and ham with pineapple slices. He was glad he was finally able to eat a bit more than he had been able to at the beginning of the year. He figured it was the Nutritive Potion Snape was still giving him every day.

He and Dean talked and laughed as they ate their way through the feast, stuffing themselves until they were sure they would burst. Despite the feeling, they still managed dessert with Harry trying treacle tart and Dean swiping a large piece of apple pie with two scoops of vanilla ice cream. They groaned in appreciation and delight at the sweet desserts.

Despite everything with Malfoy and Ron, Harry couldn't help but think the wizarding world was the best thing to ever happen to him.

A/N: Abigail Nicola is a character from the real series. She was a Gryffindor that once signed up for Quidditch try-outs. Again, Harry will not be a star Quidditch player. He will not be joining the Quidditch team at all. I realize he seems really clueless about the sport but he really only ended up knowing about Quidditch because he managed to get on the team, otherwise he wouldn't have known a thing except from Ron. Please review. Thanks. :]