Harry's First Friend

Summary

Harry never had a friend in Primary School, at least not one he could remember. Dudley had always made sure of that. But what happens if, at one time, Harry did have a friend. What happened to them? And why doesn't anyone remember?

Aile Stands Up For Herself

"Alright class, that was the bell, time for lunch. Remember, if it starts to rain, come straight inside. Mr. Potter?" Their teacher, Miss Scott asked.

"Yes Miss?"

"Look after Miss Niurrin, please." Harry was glad to.

"Of course, Miss." Aile and Harry walked out to lunch.

"Oh Harry, this afternoon's going to be so much fun We can do anything you like, I promise." She said happily. She opened her lunchbox, and made a face, "Ugh, chocolate cake. You want it?"

"Sure! But... why don't you?" Harry asked.

"I'm lactose intolerant. But dad made my lunch today, and he always forgets. Just him, I suppose. Oh well, he packed me an apple, at least." Aile said. "So, what do you like..." Whatever she had been about to say was interrupted, as Dudley and his gang came over. Aile handed Harry the chocolate cake hurriedly. "Eat it, now." She hissed. He stuffed it in his mouth.

"Hey blondie, why're you hanging around my cousin?" Dudley called threateningly, his 'goons', as Harry thought of them, cracking their knuckles menacingly. His heart sank. There was no way that Aile would stay his friend after being pounded by Dudley and Co.

"I have a name, Dursley, and blondie's not it." Aile said coolly. "But, on second thought, I don't want you to use my first name. It wouldn't feel right afterwards. It'd be, well, dirty." There was a gasp from everyone who had gathered around to watch, kids never talked back to Dudley Dursley and got away with it.

"What did you say." Dudley growled.

"You heard me. Unless you're as deaf as you are stupid Pigman."

"That's it, boys, get her." The other three moved towards her.

"I don't thinks so." Aile said softly. "This is between me and your friend. Get involved, and get hurt."

"You couldn't hurt us." Piers Polkiss scorned.

"Oh really." She walked over to a branch as thick as her arm, and with no effort, snapped it clean in half. "You sure?"

"Let's stay out of this." Gordon said.

"Yeah." Malcolm agreed. Harry grinned happily. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. *Maybe... Just maybe I've finally found a friend.* He thought. Dudley looked ready to burst. He dove at Aile, and she flipped him onto his back in one swift movement. He got up, and rushed at her again. She moved slightly to one side, and stuck out her foot to trip him.

"Give up." She said. "I don't want to hurt you." He growled at her. "I mean it. I'm not a violent person. I abhor fighting. It's wrong."

"We'll settle this later." Dudley growled. He limped off, his friends following.

"Wow! How'd you do that?" Harry asked in amazement.

"It was easy. Part of my karate training. You see, we move around alot with my dad's line of work, and, well, mum needed to find something to keep me occupied while she was at work when there was no school in the area. I became interested in karate when we were in Japan, I've always been into gymnastics and dance, and karate combines both as a self-defence. Karate is more for show these days than anything, so it was fun to learn, but it also keeps my muscles strong, and it means I can stop the bullies from hurting me or my friends." Her face grew sad. "Not that many people wanted to be my friend after they saw me fight. They were afraid I'd use them as a punching bag, I guess." A tear rolled down her cheek.

"Hey, don't worry about it. They weren't worth it if they didn't want to be friends with you." Harry said, trying to comfort her. She looked up,

"You think so?" She asked.

"I know so. I still want to be your friend. Your karate? skills are just part of who you are. You can't change it." She gave a very surprised Harry a hug.

"Thanks Harry! You're the greatest!" He awkwardly hugged her back. He hadn't been hugged at all for as long as he could remember, and it felt a little weird.