CHAPTER: Making friends

Susan's pov:

Being in Hufflepuff was great. I had a great friend in Hannah, a great head of house in professor Sprout and a great place to study altogether.

Being paired with Harry Potter in Herbology was another plus in my life here. He was an all-round great guy; smart, handsome, and caring. He was tall for his age, not overly so in an awkward way, but just enough that when you talk to him, you have to hold your head high to look into his eyes. His eyes green eyes were beautiful though, full of confidence and joy. Just being with him would raise anyone's confidence.

Christmas break was coming up soon, and this was our last class in Herbology. We had finished our task for the day, so I turned to him to talk.

"So are you going home for Christmas Harry?"

"Of course. You?"

"Well I could, but Aunty won't be there much this break anyway. I rather stay here. At least I won't be alone." I lowered my head, disappointed that I cannot enjoy my break like others. He placed a hand under my chin and lifted my head. He had bent down to my level and I could see his truthful bright eyes clearly.

"Susan, your parents had sacrificed themselves so that you could live happily. Don't let that purpose be lost. You are sad that you cannot spend time with people you like, right?"

I shrugged and looked aside, but heard him clearly, "Would you like to spend the break with me?"

My head snapped towards him, "Tell me you aren't joking!"

He smiled in a caring way, "I am not joking. Your aunt can spend time with us when she is free. That way, you won't be alone when she is at work, and yet be with her for the break. Simple!"

As I considered his solution, a smile crawled up my face. If I could indeed do so, this break would be great.

As soon as I returned to my dorm, I spared no time in writing a letter to my Aunty. Hannah noticed my excitement and questioned me about it.

"You are going to spend the break with Potter's family? Will his cousin be there too?"

"Maybe so, Why?"

"Can I come too? Just for visits now and then, but can I?"

"I don't know, you will have to ask him."

She turned determined, "Okay, I will."

As it turned out, Harry welcomed her, informing her that I will send her an owl as soon as a floo is installed in the house. She could barely hold in her excitement. In fact, neither could I when my aunt agreed.

So when the day finally arrived, I could not sleep the whole night. I got ready early, had an early breakfast and was ready by the time my roommates started waking up.

"Good morning Susan! Ready already?" Hannah asked in a teasing voice.

I looked at her seriously, "I am going to spend time with a family I never had Hannah. This is my first experience."

She looked abashed at her teasing, so I immediately broke into a giddy smile, "That said, I am going to spend my break with the handsome Harry Potter. Of course I am excited."

She mock glared at me before jumping along with me, "Okay I understand. Just, will you say hi to his cousin Dudley for me? Tell him I am excited to meet him when I come there."

I nodded and waited for her to get ready. When we finally went the main hall with our luggage, Harry was already standing by the doors, talking to his housemates. As soon as we reached him, he bade them farewell and came to us, handing us two big bars of chocolate. We smiled at his sweet tooth.

"Good morning ladies. Are you ready to go?"

We giggled as we followed him out to the carriages, then to the train. Though we sat in an empty carriage, we were soon joined by Neville Longbottom. He was a pleasant company. What was irritating was the barging in of Ronald Weasley as if he owned the place. Neville was just telling us about his experience in the greenhouse.

"… you should have seen the expressions on everyone's face. When it is attacked the plant releases a very foul scent and.."

Suddenly the door banged open and Ronald Weasley slumped into the seat beside me and Hannah. We both edged away from his rude self, but he didn't notice anyway.

"Man! Harry, you should have waited for me. I had to search for you in every damn compartment, even where that git Malfoy was."

Harry was patient with him, "I did wait for you, but it is your fault you did not turn up on time."

"Oh come on, it is not like the train left. That's the least you could do."

This provoked Harry, "The least I could do was to refuse to come with you. I waited, you did not come. Stop making a rude character out of yourself for your own mistake."

"Well.. whatever. So what do you think…"

And on he went as if nothing happened. Sometimes I wonder is he will ever mature. All the time I keep waiting for him to mess up beyond Harry's patience and him finally being put in place. Anyway, when the platform 9 and 3 quarters arrived, Hannah and Neville left with their guardians, while I led Harry to my aunt Amelia.

"Aunty, meet Harry Potter, my friend. Harry, this is my aunty, Amelia Bones. She is also the head of Defense in the Ministry."

"Charmed to meet you again, Miss Bones."

Aunty smiled at him, "Thank you for your invitation for the Christmas break Mister Potter. That was very generous."

"Oh you will have to praise Susan for that. If not for her gentle character and sweet friendship, it would have not happened."

I blushed as he praised me and my aunty laughed at me. We all walked out of the barrier. The Robins were waiting for us outside. As soon as Harry saw them, he ran to Duddley with his hands wide which the other boy reciprocated. The next moment, both boys were hugging each other and trying to overpower each other. Soon Harry was hugging his aunt and uncle too. My aunt had already met them last time at the station, so they all greeted each other. Then we got into a transport for muggles, a car. It was spacious and smooth, and I wondered how the muggles were able to make it move. Looking around the city, many other wondrous things came into view. I planned to learn about them as much as I can.

When the car stopped, it was outside a cute house with a mini forest like garden as its backyard. In the front was a beautiful garden full of flowers. The reason for the backyard was apparent as soon as we entered the house.

"Aaaahhh!" My aunt shouted when she saw a big black snake gliding in front of her. She fired a spell at it just as Mrs. Robin shouted 'NO!', but out of nowhere another spell blocked my aunt's. Well, not out of nowhere!

"I am sorry Miss Bones, I should have warned you." Then he turned to the snake, "Paladin! Nice to see you buddy!" He bent down to the snake who then twisted round his arm and he hugged the snake to himself.

"Indeed you should have warned me. You have a… snake as a pet?"

The snake hissed something and all the residents laughed at that. I was confused.

"Well not a pet per se, just another companion in the house."

The snake hissed something at him to which he replied, "Well you cannot be a guardian. My aunt is older than you even in terms of snake."

"You can understand him? You all can. How?" Aunty asked in scared confusion.

Mrs Robin must have understood our fear for she invited us to sit. As we had tea, we learned about Harry's abilities after promising to not reveal them. Apparently Harry is more powerful than he shows in class.

"Well I must say that this is a bit scary in the beginning, but I understand. You are more like Sirius and James than anything. Are you sure Paladin won't harm anyone by accident?"

"Miss Bones, if you wish, I could spell both of you to understand and respond to Paladin."

My eyes widened, "You can do that?"

He scratched his neck, "well not any snake. That is a god given gift. The most I can do is create a link of communication between you and Paladin with my skill as a base."

"Please do. Please!"

"But you will have to promise…"

"I promise not to reveal what I have learned here Harry. Trust me. Please, can I talk to Paladin?"

After a while I heard a soft hiss greet me :: Hello ::. It was wonderful.

Aunty Amelia soon left after promising to arrange a floo connection through private secret means that will not endanger their safety. I spent the break there learning about the muggle ways and enjoying them too. As soon as the floo was installed there, Hannah, and occasionally Neville, spent a couple of hours here every day. It was a pleasant stay.

One particular development was Sirius Black. He was brought up in a discussion with aunty.

"Miss Bones," Harry asked herm "you mentioned Sirius the day you came here. Do you mean Sirius Black?"

"Yes, he was a close friend of your parents when in school."

"Yeah, I know. My parents wrote to me about him. He was a brave yet funny fellow, and incredibly smart they say. But I do not know what happened to him after they died. Since no one mentions him, I presume he died after them too. Am I right?"

"Oh no! Oh, how do I put it? Sirius Black is not brought up in conversation because he was a traitor to your parents. He betrayed them to Voldemort."

"Oh my God! How?"

"He betrayed their location to him. That's how Voldemort knew where to find them. You see, your parents were under a special charm…"

"Yeah the Fidelius charm, I know. But you are wrong about one thing. He was not their secret keeper. Peter Pettigrew was. Only he was able to disclose the location. What happened to him anyway?"

"The aurors say that he was blasted off by Sirius along with thirteen muggles. All they found of him was a pinky finger."

"And did Sirius confirm this?"

"What do you mean?"

"Did Sirius confirm that he killed Peter? Wait he did have a trial right? Or is he on the run? And what do you mean that they found a finger? Where was his body? Do you want me to believe that they were corpses enough to count the number of muggles but only a finger of another person?"

Aunty now looked ashamed of the ministry, "Oh, I never thought of that. I put his case off my mind the moment I learned that he is guilty. But if he was not given a trial… Oh no!"

Harry was now properly angry. He sprang up from his sofa and spoke in a low deadly voice, "Do you mean to say Miss Bones, that my godfather was sent to the worst prison without even a trial? Is the ministry so incompetent?"

Aunty was looking as if she was child being scolded for a grave mistake, "I am sorry Harry, but I do not know. Sirius was very close to me and I kept far away from his case when everyone told me that he was a death eater."

"Do Not Make Excuses!" He said in the same low tone. I shivered. There was a hum of magic dangerously floating around him. Even I was feeling a bit sacred. "I don't care about reasons when they produced no result. I want him out and tried, as soon as possible. I am sure the truth is much different. You are the head now. Make it happen."

"Don't worry Harry, I will. Sirius is close to me too, but back then I was made to believe that he was tried and found guilty. Oh Sirius, how I have wronged you. Excuse me!"

And she left immediately to check the records and take necessary precautions. I've always been told by aunty how failing the magical ministry was, but here was a sad proof.

Christmas was spent with a big tree place in the living room with lots of presents under it. It was such a happy occasion that I silently cried that I was missing all this with my parents. Harry noticed and placed his hand around my shoulders, drawing me close and patting me. It was then I realized that he had lost his parents too, but did not let the spirit die with his relatives. I resolved there that I would pay more attention to my aunty. She was the only relative left to me now.

Draco's pov

The cold winter was full on after the Christmas break. Visit home was torturous again. My father was pissed that I had not managed to obtain any information about Potter and I was not the topper in school. What I don't understand is what he wants me to find out. I at least talked to him sometimes and observed him. What more?

These were the thoughts going through my head as I sat near the lake the early morning after I returned from the break. I wondered if my parents ever loved me, or was I just a means to the end. Amongst these morbid thoughts, I heard the sounds of pants nearby. To my surprise, it was Neville and Harry having their morning run. In the snow?

"I am telling you Harry, it is too cold out for me now. Maybe we should go to the pitch from tomorrow onwards. I cannot run with all this snow yet, sorry."

"It's okay Nev, I'll talk to the professor. Go back for today. I will finish and come back."

"Okay. Be safe. Bye"

As Neville went back, Harry started jogging again. I prayed that he would not notice me, but to no avail.

"Hey Draco! Good Morning. It is against rules to be out at this time you know."

"So what? You are going to complain now?"

"Well, I did promise professor McGonagall I would. Sorry. So what has your mind so clouded?" he sat beside me. I looked away, he was too observant.

"What do you mean?"

"Hey look here. I am not a gossip king and not a probing one too. I know everyone has secrets. But if you can share any, I promise it will make you feel better."

"What would make me feel better? Will it stop my father from hitting me? Or my mother for not caring he does? Go away Potter, you cannot do anything."

Instead, he slid next to me, like very much next to me, touching me from shoulder to hip, "You know, you may show your superiority and all that, but I feel that you are a gentle soul underneath. Just try once Draco. I may not be able to create their love for you, but I can give you my own if you will take it. Will you be my friend, Draco?"

I looked at him in his expressive eyes, trying to decipher any indication of cheating, humor or ridicule. All I found was pure intentions. I could not help when my eyes started tearing. I turned my head away.

"The irony of my life, isn't it? I get an offer of true friendship from a person on whom I have to spy to gain any favor from those that don't seem to care about me. Go away Potter, I don't need anybody. I am better left alone."

He did not go; instead put his arms around me and pulled me into a sideways hug. I don't know when but I suddenly found myself crying my heart out on his chest, while he kept rubbing my back. I told him everything, my goals, my fears and my fate as my parents seemed to have decided. It was past breakfast, I know, but once the dam broke, I could not control my tongue or my thoughts.

Finally after I have calmed down, he gave me a chocolate and spoke to me.

"So, will you be my friend Draco?"

"If I could, but it will only put you in danger."

"Let me worry about that. Tell them that you have befriended me. We'll decide what to tell them when something is asked of you. I will do my best to keep you away from them."

I looked up in surprise, "You are a kid too, you know. You cannot promise me such things."

"I can and I will. Stop these negative thoughts and let's go inside. I am hungry and I missed my chocolate."

Rolling my eyes, I got up and walked in with him. I know we are only 11 years old, but talking to him made me feel loads better than it had done anytime else.

Daphne's pov

Since the Christmas break, Draco seemed to have suddenly become friends with Harry Potter. I do not understand. He was my only friend here in the den of snakes, whom I trusted implicitly and who looked my back. Now, he does not seem to have time for me anymore when Potter is anywhere around. He did tell everyone in Slytherin that he is doing it on his father's orders, but I have known him since childhood. I know when he is lying and I know that he had seemed more relaxed since his new friendship. I do not condone that. Goodness knows when he smiled last before this. He always has this expressionless and guarded mask on him all the time. Now, I don't know. He is still the same and yet different.

My complain is that I lost my friend, and the only good company I have in this school. None of the other girls in my class hang out with me. Actually, I don't hang out with them because they like gossip more than facts and studies. So I took refuge in the library when Draco was not around. It was there I've seen the weird actions of one Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger.

The Ganger girl lives in the library, this I've seen before. But now the both of them seemed to have taken up some search or task here, for they search the whole library for something. What alarmed me was the discussion I heard today.

"… to Nicolas Flamel. What belongs to this person and why are they hiding it here?"

"I don't know Hermione. But I really think Snape is trying to steal it. Why else would he let the troll in?"

"Well, Dumbledore must have good reasons for placing something guarded by a three-headed dog.'

I heard enough and slowly backed away. I did not know what to do, whom to tell. The first person that came to mind was professor Snape, but I could not tell him I was eavesdropping; worse it will be if what I heard was meaningless anyway. So I did the next best thing, I went to Draco. He was sitting at his usual tree by the lake, studying I guess.

"hey Draco!" I said silently, suddenly feeling the gap grown between us.

He looked up and gave me a smile, the one that he gave just to me. This always reassured me that we were good friends.

"Hey Daphne! Come sit with us."

"Us?"

Harry Potter peeked from beside him, he was hidden by the tree till now. I gave him a tentative smile, and I was returned a bright one in return.

"Do you wish to speak to him? Should I leave?" He asked me.

"No it's okay I guess." I sat facing both of them.

"So how have you been?" Draco questioned me, "I am unable to find you nowadays."

"You have been looking for me?" I asked in surprise, "I thought that…" I quickly glanced at Potter to see his reaction. He was simply looking at us, nodded his head at me to continue my conversation and that he won't interfere.

"Of course I was. You are one of the few friends I have in the house. We haven't even discussed a potion as of late. That is our signature topic."

"I am sorry, I thought that since you have found a new friend, you won't have time for me." A silent sob broke through me, catching both their attention, "I thought that I wasn't needed anymore… sob… and I felt lonely… sob… but I could not ask…"

A warm gentle hand was placed on my shoulder. It was Harry.

"Daphne! There is no limit for true friends. And they never need to decide who is more important, for everyone is necessary to complete the group. All good memories Draco had to share were with you. Never think that he left you or something. In fact, can I be your friend too?"

I nodded, touched at his caring and reassuring words. From that day onwards, we became an unorthodox group of friends, especially when Harry's other friends joined us too, just accepting us for who we are.

I did tell Harry about the discussion I overheard, but he assured me saying that Dumbledore was not such an idiot to lay a precious item without protections. The very fact that he announced it in front of everyone indicates that he was laying a trap; it would be best if we do not entangle ourselves. I agreed.

Soon our exams arrived and I was pleased to notice that our group did well. Well we should, for we had an excellent tutor. I am not saying that Harry was the best in all subjects, but once he understands a concept, no one could teach it better than him. He was simple yet thorough.

We all decided to meet near the lake that afternoon to celebrate. When I reached our tree with Draco, there was already an occupant there and it was none from our group. It was the cute Cedric Diggory, three years senior Hufflepuff. He looked up at us when we arrived.

"Oh excuse us! We did not notice you here." Draco said.

"It's okay" he said, "I'll leave if you wish to sit here."

"We were just planning to celebrate the end of exams." I shrugged, "You can join us if you wish. It is not anything private." I invited him. For some reason, Harry's smiling face came to my mind. I am pretty sure he would have invited him too.

"Do you even know me?" The senior was a bit perplexed, but did not seem to have any intention of leaving if not sent away. Draco must have realized the same thing too, for he huffed as he sat down by the tree.

"You are Cedric Diggory, Hufflepuff, fourth year extraordinaire. Everyone knows you."

"Knows my face, you mean." He mumbled to himself, but we heard. Draco frowned at that, and it was one of his unfortunate frowns. You see, Draco frowns a lot at everything. Harry promised to tickle him everytime he sees him doing so, just to reduce that habbit. So whenever he got caught by Harry, we had named it as 'unfortunate frown'. Like this time. Harry appeared out of nowhere and jumped on Draco, tumbling him to ground as he mercilessly tickled him. Draco, the silent one, howled in laughter, beggings and wriggles. Finally Harry let him go.

"That was cruel Harry" Draco adjusted himself.

"Well, this is one of the lasts I would get for the first year. You are free to frown all through the summer."

Neville and Susan had joined us too as they sat in a circle. Cedric was looking at us in confusion. I decided to introduce him.

"Guys, this is Cedric Diggory. He will be joining us now. Cedric, we are the group I was talking about. This is Harry Potter, Susan Bones, Neville Longottom, Draco Malfoy and I am Daphne Greegrass. Nice to meet you."

The others greeted him too and he replied in kind. His first question was about the tickling just now. When we explained it to him, he could not believe his ears.

"Tell me I am not dreaming. Draco Malfoy laughing? Harry Potter tickling? All houses partying together?"

"You are not dreaming. We are all just private people. Except Harry of course." Neville replied calmly.

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?" Harry crossed his arms.

"It means, dear Harry" Susan started, "that your personality is too big to stay private."

"I don't even know if it is a praise or insult." He mumbled and we all laughed. "Anyway, Cedric? Why the sad face?"

Before he could reply, Neville clapped his hands, "Welcome to the group Cedric!"

"Huh" The poor boy was even more confused.

"Whenever Harry asked us the question of the same sort, the next moment we found ourselves as a part of his friends group without even realizing how. So I am pretty sure you will join us too."

"Don't mind them" Harry said with a smile, "I asked because if you not in mood for a party, we can schedule it another time. We won't mind."

Cedric just shook his head, "I won't bother you. I will leave if you prefer."

"Daphne invited you Cedric. That makes you a part of this group."

He snorted, "Yeah! At least one group seems to accept me."

"What does that mean?" Susan asked in confusion. I could feel a kinship with him. He seemed to be just like all of us, solitary by seclusion.

"I just came from my house. I had tutored all my classmates, helped them through their studies, and they did not even invite me to their plans. As long as the exams went, they praised me for my smartness and all that, but the moment exams are over, everyone had their own plans. When asked, they all say the same thing, that they thought I would celebrate with someone else. It's like a case of 'Liked by all and loved by none'."

His hands were curled up in his hair as he spoke, showing off his frustration. Harry slowly uncurled his fingers through his hair and smoothed his hair, "You are pretty, smart and a good person. You are the most talented senior we know of. Do you want to join our party?"

I could see what he was doing. He was praising him and accepting him in the group. And like Neville said, Harry asks and then includes one in the group.