Authors notes: I do not own Harry Potter
TysonG: Thanks for the review, I won't be answering every one I get but I feel like I may need to answer a few and that includes this one. To your point about Harry and Malfoy all I can say right now is that Harry's a damaged individual. He's suffered some serious continuous abuse, and now has the complete opposite of what he's used to start to become the norm. He's quite emotional at the moment and is still trying to find his feet. Don't expect this to be a normal occurrence though. Over time we will see some improvements, but that doesn't mean his peers will forget how he's already acted. Children can be extremely cruel. About Hermione. I agree. I actually like Hermione's character, but her mind-set clashes with Harry's at the moment. I won't spoil what happens with her and our protagonist, but expect the unexpected. And unfortunately I don't have an upload schedule. My original plan was to write between 3,000-4,000 words per chapter, as I've stated before I have a plan in place for each chapter. Unfortunately, what I want to write becomes bigger and bigger as I get more ideas. It's like I have an end goal for Book 1, for example, and every time I write, I'm extending the road to get there. But I'll update as and when I can. I just really cant wait until Book 4. That's where I know I'm going to have fun.
Harry Potter had no idea how he had got himself into this situation, where he was running like a madman from the shadows of Filch the Caretaker and his demon cat. He hadn't agreed to spend his Friday evening, instead of tucked up in bed and dreaming of what Quidditch could be, fleeing through the corridors with a huffing and puffing Ronald Weasley.
Neville had warned him not to go, and he was thankful that the extremely pleased group of older students had said that there was nothing wrong with not rising to the insults from one Draco Malfoy.
"I guess you wont be spending much time left here Potter," he had cackled. "When is the Express sending you back to Mummy and Daddy? Oh, wait!"
Katie and Angelina had intercepted them at the Great Hall, already having the pleasure of being informed of Harry's now placement on the Gryffindor Quidditch team.
Katie had her arm nestled behind Harry's head, leading him off to get some dinner, Angelina stepping in between them and Malfoy. "Wood's already told us. I can't believe it! I'm so proud of you Harry!"
Angelina looked out of the corner of her eye at him, grinning at his bashfulness. "You should have seen him. No Seeker in our try-outs came even close to Oliver's standards. You've definitely got a friend for life in him Harry. You should have heard the way he was talking about you. McGonagall must have really left an impression."
"Oi, Potter, you so much of a coward you need girls to fight for you?" Malfoy snorted in derisive humour. "What else can you expect from a coward and a blood traitor? So when can we expect you to be begging in Diagon over your snapped wand?"
Angelina looked furious, face red as she turned on the spot. "Probably never Malfoy. You see Harry here has just been made the youngest Hogwarts Seeker in over a century." Her fury seemed palpable as she growled at the boy. "Hmm, not what you were expecting? Thinking you were funny? But no, how would you like it if you're own parents were gone Malfoy." She spat the last words out, so enraged at how the sweet boy was being treated by this waste of space in front of her.
"How dare you!? You filth! When my father hears about this you and that coward will both be sorry!"
Harry turned to look at the scene that had just unfolded, touched by the support he was getting. He looked at Malfoy's apoplectic face, then at Angelina's angry one and walked up to her, Katie's hand sliding down his arm to hold his own lightly. "It's okay Angelina."
"It's not okay Harry, this guy..."
She barely heard the words that came out if his mouth, but she saw his face, and she understood how he was feeling by looking at him. The traits of a Gryffindor was not just bravery, but nobility too. "I don't want you to get into trouble because of me." He looked over at Malfoy's form as it trembled in frustration. "Nothing about me is worth getting into trouble for."
While the girls grew mournful, a collective emotion of pity and compassion for their friend, Draco Malfoy took it a different way entirely.
"So Great Potter the Coward, think you're better than me do you?" Harry shook his head, any words he tried to articulate as to how he had misunderstood falling on deaf ears. "Such a failure like you is nothing to me, and I'll prove it. Wizards Duel. Tonight in the Trophy Room. Be there Potter, or the whole school will know how much of a coward you really are."
The girls had sharply escorted him into the Hall away from the stewing Slytherin, proceeding to explain what had happened to the others, who sympathised with his plight.
"And here we thought we'd celebrate having you join the team with us," Fred uttered despondently.
Harry looked surprised behind wet eyes. "You're on the team too?"
Angelina turned to him to clarify. "Me and Alicia are the Chasers, and Fred and George are the Beaters. Wood, our Captain is the Keeper, while Katie here managed to get on to the team this year as our third Chaser. And now we have a Seeker in you."
Harry wanted to know exactly what it was those roles actually entailed, and was about to ask, as a beaming Ron Weasley practically shoved an oncoming Neville aside, taking the space where he was about to sit down.
"I've done it Harry!"
Harry got up to go help Neville up from his place on the floor, ignoring the indignant cry from a now eating Ron. "You aren't hurt are you? You've just come out of the hospital so take it easy."
"I'm alright Harry, just a bit spooked."
Harry gave an irritated look to the redheaded interloper, before schooling his features quickly as he calmed down. The concern for his friend outweighing any form of annoyance. This, however, was not to remain in place.
"We'll get back at Malfoy. I've agreed to be your Second in the duel. Smarmy git probably going to cheat with him and another against you."
Fred and George both looked at him as if he was a human troll. Katie was the one to respond in a clipped tone, "Harry isn't going to duel anyone."
Ron looked flabbergasted, as if she just told him that Merlin was a squirrel. "But..." he waved his fork at Harry, mouth full of food as he spoke, "He's Harry Potter, he has to fight evil prats like Malfoy."
His brothers just shook their heads. Fred took the lead so as to dissuade their new friend from heeding what they knew was stupid advice.
"Harry, you don't have to go duel Malfoy."
"Yeah Harry, just let us deal with the snake."
"We're experienced."
"Quite good at it."
"Handsome too."
"Brilliant flyers."
Alicia stopped them before they got too out of hand, smirking behind her hand. Harry was smiling too, and the Weasley's low-fived under the table as their plan to cheer up their little friend worked like a charm.
"Ron, Harry wasn't going to duel him. For a start, you're all in your first year, and none of you will know any spells that could be used in a duel. Second, you'd get into real trouble if you actually did go."
Harry looked thoughtful at Alicia's intelligent deduction, while Ron just had a gormless look upon is face. Katie squeezed his hand, and he blushed as red as a beetroot when he saw their hands were intertwined. Carefully separating so they could eat, Harry smiled. It was something he had noticed had been happening a lot since he had arrived at Hogwarts as he looked at his friends around him, and a redhead who he wasn't too sure about, that he realised he wanted to keep this specific feeling going.
He had refused Ron's demands that night, taking to heart what everyone had been saying to him, so it was a great shock to the system when he awoke on the floor to the grinning boy standing over him.
"You've no idea what I had to go through to get you here," he had said. An inaudible mumble that sounded like 'frog cards' dance through the quiet. "But we're here now! Just gotta wait for that blond ponce first then we can kick his ass."
Harry had just walked off, a growing pit in his stomach, Ron complaining heavily as he followed him through the castle. He didn't want to get into trouble so close after being put on the team, and therefore disappointing those who had put their trust in him. He just wanted to get back to the Tower, get into bed, then fall asleep. He still had homework that needed finishing, and he promised he'd go through Neville's Charms essay in reward for the opposite helping with Harry's Herbology before his full afternoon.
It was Ron that saw Mrs Norris by the 4th Floor entry on the Grand Staircase. He really shouldn't have yelled "FILCH!" at the top of his lungs. This was the chain of events that led Harry to stumble through the portrait hole dead on his feet. He ignored Ron's stammered apology, went upstairs, frustrated tears in his eyes as he tried to get back to sleep. He had a big day tomorrow after all.
The following afternoon, after profusely apologising to Neville, to whom Harry had explained everything, Professor McGonagall had found him in the library as he finished up his History homework.
"Mr Potter, I have here your quidditch robes." She held up a stack if bright red clothes, as well as what looked like leather attachments. It seemed almost like armour. "Wood expects you at the quidditch pitch in 30 minutes. If you wouldn't mind, I'll have Miss Bell escort you to the changing rooms."
Harry shook his head, agreeing to leave with the now visible Katie, who smiled and waved at seeing him. Harry turned to his friend, "Sorry Neville, would you mind if we finished all this off tomorrow instead."
"Its fine Harry, Dean was going to show me some kind of muggle sport anyway, so I'll just see you at dinner."
They passed Hermione on the way out, nose completely buried in a book, quill flashing across parchment. The girl looked up, giving a pained look at Harry as walked out the door, which did not go unnoticed by Neville. The boy hesitated, before summoning his Gryffindor courage and walking up to her.
Harry and Katie however, traversed the school into the now cooling weather outside, talking amicably as they went. Shortly thereafter, they made it to the pitch, and said a short-lived farewell as Harry walked in to get changed.
Fred and George were already there dressed in their own uniforms, and smiled at his approach. The twins helped him understand the intricacies of the uniform, switching who spoke as they assisted him to fit the different apparatus to his body.
He walked out, feeling weighed down by the different robes he wore, towards the three chasers he was familiar with, and an even older boy who must have been the eponymous owner of the name 'Wood'.
Said boy was practically bursting at the seems when he saw him. "Harry right?" He didn't let him answer his question as he steamrolled through an introduction to him, and to the game.
Harry was almost spinning from the speed at which a whole load of information was being deposited. Angelina took pity on him when an excited Wood finished his speech. "We'll go through it properly later Harry. For now, just follow us and act how we act."
Wood nodded, a surprising thing with how his attitude had been thus far. "Yeah that sounds good. Can't really throw him too far under can we? Right, let's start with your role then Potter."
"This is the Snitch. For now, we'll have you focusing on finding it, and catching it. Everything else you can learn on the way. First match isn't for a while so you need to get a broom by then. A Comet maybe? Won't do to have you on a school broom. No. But we'll start practicing and just go from there."
Harry found Oliver Wood's attitude refreshing. He could tell he was passionate about the sport, and the amused smiles from the rest of the team gave him a good enough feel for him. He appeared honest; the apparent single mindedness only reinforcing his likability as Harry nodded along to what was being said.
The small group stood back as Harry summoned the broom on the grass immediately to his hand with a short "Up". He barely took note of the small cheers coming from the stands as a few of his housemates had taken the liberty of seeing their new Seeker. They were quickly moved along by an irate McGonagall, the younger Weasley most vocal in his displeasure.
As soon as he was in the air, he felt as if he was totally free. The breeze slid over his body as he lazily began circling the field.
"You're a natural Potter!" Oliver shouted. He wasn't wrong. The ease in which he moved about, and in such sub-par equipment, made it look as though Harry Potter had been born broomstick in hand. "I'm going to release the Snitch. Wait 3 seconds then try and get it. Don't worry if it takes a while. Just focus on getting the feel for it."
Harry barely took note of what he was being told. The feeling of total freedom permeated his body and mind. When the fluttering gold shot off, it had been in the air for 8 seconds. When Harry realised he needed to chase after it, it had been released for 17 seconds. Harry held in in his grasp at 37 seconds.
Wood could have cried a river as time and time again his new Seeker surprised them all. When they left the field in the wake of their first full team practice, Harry felt a confidence he didn't know he had, and had a complete acceptance in his actions flowing inside his very being.
'I think I'm going to enjoy Quidditch'.
Harry Potter's halcyon days kept at it throughout the month of October. He would regularly get high marks in his homework submissions, and his skill in magic was broadened by his continued desire to embrace what made magic so special.
He would frequently find whatever excuse he could to perform magic. He enjoyed the simplicity of some of the charms that he could utilise, and would persistently inquire as to the developed intricacies of certain subjects.
He would train with the team three times a week, and that was where his passion was held. The utter joy he held as he danced in the air held no simple meaning to him.
It was as if the very world had finally decided to give him a break from it's terrible machinations. Snape was continuously vile, and Malfoy's taunts didn't seem to end, but they held next to no meaning after hearing them so frequently. If he could get through life with the Dursley's and survive, he could make it through this.
It was October 31st, however, when his good mood, which had developed further over time by his interactions with his circle of friends, plummeted drastically downwards.
Professor McGonagall had giving him a maudlin smile throughout Transfiguration. She could easily tell that his mind was elsewhere as he struggled with the simple changing of a wooden figurine into a metal one.
Hermione smirked at him triumphantly - she had bested him at getting it right first at last – before she too dropped in her seat and gave a pitying look to her housemate.
"Professor," he had asked when the class was dismissed. "Do I have to attend the feast tonight?"
Minerva McGonagall sighed, drawing her wand and conjuring the tea set that was now commonly seen with both he and Flitwick in their chats.
"Mr Potter, there is no requirement for any student to attend any feast, other than those of the first and last days of the year." She poured a cup, adding milk and sugar for a thankful Harry. "I do believe that the Weasley twins may know how to get you some food if you wish to enjoy it elsewhere.
"I do also believe that there is a certain spot by the Black Lake that two of my old students would enjoy together, that you may be interested in."
It took him a few seconds to grasp her meaning, and understanding graced his features as he realised that she was giving him a way to be close to his parents. On this day, a day he only truly understood the meaning for since entering the magical world, this meant everything to him.
He bid McGonagall a polite farewell, and began his traipse up to the common room. He mutedly asked Alicia to let the twins know he was looking for them, and curled up on a chair as he absentmindedly began doing some homework.
He would apologise to Professor Flitwick for not attending his study session. Every now and then he would hold a practice session for all years to attend, for either to improve on a spell, or to revise an old one. That was before he remembered what the date was that he had agreed to attend, but he wasn't feeling quite in the mood to go over the Levitation Charm.
The Weasley's all came in as one some point later, with the younger chortling to Seamus and Dean about something. Neville was shaking his head as he walked over to Harry along with Fred and George.
"Hermione's crying in the girls toilets because of something Ron said to her." Harry gave a quizzical glance, but was distracted by George.
"We've heard you were after us, oh Seeker of the Snitch."
Harry's smile did not reach his eyes as he responded. "Apparently you're the ones to ask to get some food outside of the Great Hall."
Fred smirked at those words, mischief dancing in his eyes. "Oh of course, your Potterness, we are welcome to guide you to a personal feast."
He halted slightly, noting the depressed look on his little friend. Freezing as he realised the date and its significance.
According to his older brother Bill, the Halloween feast was never as grand as it had been in recent years. It's significance developing over the last few years. Since the defeat of the Dark Lord. By Harry Potter.
"Meet us by the Entrance Hall in a few. We just need to get ready then we'll show you the way." He nodded his head at George, and they both went away, grimacing at their younger brother as he was still laughing at the hurt he had caused to Granger.
"Hey Harry, you looking forward..." Ron had begun, before Harry just took off, saying a solemn and hushed goodbye to Neville. He had his robed school coat and his wand on him, leaving everything else behind, and took off out the portrait.
"What the hell?" spoke Ron in annoyance. "Harry bloody Potter not good enough for anyone is he?"
Neville hadn't even had time to reprimand him, empathy surrounding him at Harry's plight. He originally thought it was Katie who spoke as she descended from the girls stairway. However it was a different girl who matched his own tone in anger.
"I think it's more to do with what day it is, and how you act that makes that happen Weasley."
Said boy turned around, flushed red as he grit his teeth. "Yeah. Its Halloween. There's a feast tonight. More food and sweets than we've seen yet apparently. He should be with us, not storming out like that. I mean bloody hell, he beat you-know-who on Halloween. So he should be celebrating!"
Fay Dunbar was a quiet girl. She liked to keep to herself. She enjoyed Charms most out of all lessons, and was practically obsessed with quidditch, yet never had the inherent charisma needed to make good friends with someone. She didn't really know Harry all too well. He was quiet, calm, polite, and good at magic; it was all she needed to know to know that he was a good person. And she knew as well of the annoyance that was Ronald Weasley.
"Today is the date he lost his parents you idiot."
The girl shook her head as the gears turned and the redhead looked down in shame. She saw a couple of the older girls that Harry seemed to get along with give her agreeable nods as they walked out of the room.
Neville just looked on, lips curled high as he walked over to talk the girl he knew nothing about. He knew that one of the Chaser's would be able to help Harry better than his awkwardness.
Harry had made it to the ground floor, waiting patiently for the Weasley twins, and his bad mood was to become a whole lot worse than before.
Snape had ascended like a swooping bat from the dungeon area, and the moment he saw Harry he stood there, taking him all in.
"Potter," he barked, "10 points from Gryffindor for loitering."
Harry didn't even deign a response, his mind was so focused internally because of the day. This was not something that appeared to be appreciated by the Potions Professor.
"And another 10 for your attitude!" he snarled. Teeth bared in barely restrained fury he carried on, "Thinking you own the place because of your fame, Potter? Think you own the place do you? One scar and the lowly peasants must kneel, hmm? Potter, detention for your arrogance!"
Draco Malfoy was laughing like a hyena as he saw this happen. He waited until Snape had victoriously walked away before he made his own move.
"So, Potter, missing mummy tonight is he?" The girl he was always around, Pansy, giggled at Malfoy's words. "Shame your cowardice kept you alive. I bet they're reeeeeeally proud of you."
This set of a smattering of taunts from other Slytherin's, while those from other houses just watched the action. There were mutterings of disagreement with what Malfoy was saying, but no one stepped forward to help.
Harry said not at word as he walked away. He heard the insults follow him out as he began his search for the place that his parents hand apparently enjoyed as a couple.
The large rock that sat on the waters edge, as small ripples of water lapped at the bottom of it, was a glaring landmark. Harry climbed up some manmade steps to the top of a smoothed out area atop of it. As he placed himself down, he recognised the softness that belied the original anticipation of how uncomfortable it should have been. 'Cushioning Charm', he thought idly.
He watched as the sun set far in the distance, mind swimming in a painful static as time flit around him without notice.
He smelt the food before he heard the light panting that came with it. His head turned slowly as he saw Katie clamour up the steps, plates and cutlery floating next to her, her wand trained on them. His hand stretched out to help her up, which she took with a grateful grin.
"Jeez Harry, if McGonagall hadn't have told me where to find you, I'd have been still searching for you."
"Why?"
It was only one word. It held so much desperation in it that it smothered Katie's heart as she answered. "You're my friend. I'm going to be worried about you."
She began laying out their personal feast, the dying sun's rays tingling their eyes. "Neville was worried about you, but he's hanging out with a girl in your year – I don't know her name. I told him to enjoy himself, and that I would go see how you ware. He cares about you, ya know? The twins got the food for you, they asked me to see how you were first. Angelina and Alicia," she laughed lightly, "Even Wood seemed concerned, but don't tell him I told you. He'd probably deny it."
They ate in silence, Harry's appetite returning as his hunger revealed itself. "I didn't want your Halloween ruined Katie."
"Shut up Harry, you haven't ruined anything. And I swear to Merlin, if I hear one more bad thing about this then I'm eating this treacle tart all by myself."
She laughed along with him, his own an innocent twinkle along her own. She looked at him, not in a pitiful way, as she took in his small frame and aura of hurt. She moved aside the plates and took his body in her arms. One curved around his back as the other curled up his torso to cradle his head. She gently pulled a rigid body into her own form. He gave no resistance as his body relaxed slowly as they melded together. His head rested under her chin as they sat there in silence, basking in the view of the setting sun. His breathing remained calm as he laid there in the warmth of Katie's embrace.
Harry decided, then and there, that he really liked hugs.
Things had been born this Halloween, rather than destroyed. It would seem fitting to an outside observer.
Harry and Katie had sat there together for as long as they could, but eventually they were getting missed by the masses. They were lucky that it was Alicia who found them as they were, and not two redheaded troublemakers. They were embarrassed by the position they had been discovered in, but Harry was more than thankful. To him, he was still grabbing on to the misery from before Hogwarts. His mind either would or could not accept that there was more to life than the abuse he had suffered.
His friends, a word he still tried to get to grips with sometimes, were understanding and supportive. None of them were stupid, and neither were the staff members at his plight. Any other house, or any other students he met, may not have understood. Any set of differing circumstances could have influenced events to transpire it an entirely different way. But when Katie held Harry's hand in a gentle grip as they made their way back to Gryffindor Tower, he realised that all this self-doubt was inconsequential. He had his support. And he was happy.
He knew he was damaged. Just taking a single look at other children easily revealed that; Katie, Neville, and the others all wanted to be the ones to help him heal. And he now, finally, wanted to let go of that dark cliff edge, and drop into the warm light that was being shown to him.
He was quickly drawn into a manly three way hug by the Weasley twins – one could easily see that they were greatly relieved to see him and Katie without any issues surrounding them. Alicia and Angelina brought their own hugs to bear, though each were a bit less soothing, and a bit more of a release to their worry's compared to Katie's calming one. Wood nodded his head in a greeting, having his own friends he wasn't really a part of their group, but Harry still took gratification from the fact he cared even a little. He wasn't going to begrudge someone for that. Besides, he respected Wood for it.
Neville walked up to him, a girl in tow that he recognised from their year.
"I heard what happened downstairs, Harry. How are you holding up mate?"
"I'm fine Neville." He rolled his eyes playfully at the sceptical look he was receiving. "Really I am. Katie says I should talk with Professor McGonagall about it."
"It's really not fair how he treats you Harry."
Said boy looked at the girl. He hadn't really taken much note of her before. She kept mostly to her own devices but she had always seemed nice enough.
She was of a height comparable to him, and though her eyes were green, they held a different shade to his own. Her hair was short, barely reaching shoulder height, and was of the same black as his own. They could pass for siblings, he thought absentmindedly as he took her in.
"Fay, isn't it?"
She nodded, smiling genuinely at him. "Snape is just a big bully. I know he doesn't like our house, but he's absolutely terrible to you."
"I know, I just don't want to get in to more trouble if I complain about it."
"It's still not fair," she growled, folding her arms over her chest as she huffed.
"I've asked Fay if she wants to join us tomorrow to finish our homework," Neville hesitated, hoping he hadn't overstepped his mark by introducing someone Harry was not familiar with into what was basically a fragile ecosystem.
"If that's okay with you Harry?" She was glad that there was no one listening in, the raucous nature of that nights events fresh on everyone's minds. She was rubbing her arms nervously, hoping that Harry wasn't upset. She really thought that they would get on well. "It's just that, I don't really have any friends, and..."
"I don't have a problem with it Fay," Harry responded, wearing a soft smile. "It'd be great to have you with us."
Fred called them over, the quidditch team taking over the best seats in the house, positioned right next to the fireplace. A few other people were on the fringes, friends of the others such as Lee Jordan, who Harry had passing connections with but got on with okay. George called over Wood, who came to socialise for a while, enthusiastic at what he referred to as 'team bonding'.
"If we can connect as a unit outside of the game, it would allow us to get a greater amount of implicit trust on the field. We'd be more cohesive and we would almost certainly play better. You guys are genius'."
Harry expected that Wood would be more involved from then on, much to the consternation of the Weasley twins. He just laughed at Wood's words. He really did like the boy's simple honesty and one-track thought process. Quidditch or Death!
When Harry asked why the common room was so excitable, Angelina rolled her eyes and snorted at the topic.
"Someone let a troll in."
"A what?!" both he and Katie exclaimed, though Harry's was barely above his naturally soft tone.
"We were really worried about you. You weren't in the Hall, but Neville said that McGonagall would know."
"Alicia's right, I went straight to her. She said the trouble was inside the castle not outside, so we should just leave you be for now."
"When the all clear was called, McGonagall told me where you'd be, and I went to get you. She still took me as far as the entrance," Alicia continued.
"It also turns out that our little brother does in fact have a heart," snorted Fred.
George mirrored his twin, "Turns out he was meant to be a Gryff. Something about him rushing to Granger's rescue and saving her from the troll."
Harry spotted them in a small alcove by one of the windows. It looked like Hermione was refusing to accept his apologies, but was thanking him at the same time if the smile on her face implied. He scratched behind his ear in confusion. He just hoped that they would balance each other out, because they seemed to be quite friendly to each other now.
Really though. A troll on that day... of all days for it to happen...
As he sat down on the floor in between two armchairs to the left of the roaring fire, he wondered to himself how things had come to this. He felt a hand touch his left shoulder and he turned to see Katie smiling down at him, before turning to talk to one of her friends who was leaning on the top part of the chair's back.
He looked to his right and began the first tentative steps to getting to know Fay Dunbar.
The next couple of weeks showed great improvement for Harry. There would be what Wood referred to as their 'team bonding' sessions directly after training. This would usually end up becoming a laugh fest with the Weasley twins involved. Oliver Wood usually took charge of these sessions as he created a formulaic plan 'for the optimal rate of bonding experience.' Angelina would usually tell him to shut up 10 minutes in and then it just became a social session.
Katie usually took time out of her day just to make sure he was doing alright. This would happen mostly in the mornings as they walked to get their breakfast. He found that he enjoyed the warm hugs she would dispense whenever she saw him feeling down; however he barely felt it now, so she would hug him regardless, chuckling softly when he would glow red.
His interactions with Neville and changed slightly too, as Fay had no begun an integral part of the friendship they had established over the last 2 months. He had found that she was easy to get on with, and was a quiet and collected as both he and Neville were. Although if he thought back on his time at Hogwarts so far, he was a lot more in the limelight than he was originally prepared for.
"The perks of being Harry Potter," George had said to him one night. This had caused a nearby Ron and Hermione to snort. At least they were being less of an issue with him now they were apparently friends with each other.
It was the last Thursday morning before the first Quidditch match of the school year - Slytherin versus Gryffindor – when Hedwig dropped down to him with grace during breakfast. The Hall was crowded as it neared time for lessons to start, which meant he had many witnesses to the slim package that knocked over more than one goblet.
"What's this about?" questioned Fred.
"It's got my name on it," Harry mused. He had never received a package before so he immediately decided he wanted to savour this moment. Katie and Neville shared a concerned look briefly, before turning back to Harry.
Harry slowly began unwrapping the paper that surrounded the box, taking his time as he went over it. He pried the box open carefully to reveal what was sent to him so out of the blue.
"It's a Nimbus 2000," Angelina gasped.
"But who sent it me?" Harry asked. "I don't..." He looked around the room, stroking Hedwig's feathers as Fred and George gushed over the broomstick. He ended up catching McGonagall's eye, who winked at him slyly, grin sliding onto her face.
"I think we need to take this for spin Harry," said Angelina, showing her own grin.
Harry smiled widely, reciprocated by Fay and Neville as it became infectious to see their friend happy. "Transfiguration first, then it's time for fun." The others shook their heads. Harry seemed to enjoy lessons far too much for their tastes.
"Oh wow, a 2000!" came a shout from behind him.
Harry groaned internally. Ron had just drawn a bit of attention to what he had hoped was being blocked from the rest of the school by the mass of friendly faces around him.
He let out a single noise of laughter as he heard Wood whooping down the table . Nevertheless, he was counting down the seconds for the true annoyances to arrive.
He only counted to five before he heard the bane of his school life. "What's this Potter? Think you'll get away with this now? Didn't know you were unable to read. 'First years are unable to bring broomsticks'."
"I'm on the team Malfoy."
The boy leaned in, sarcastically miming that he couldn't hear Harry's gentle tones. "What was that scarhead? Must be that muggle filth that keeps you up at night. I've heard that cowards cry all the time," he laughed darkly.
Katie was about to stand up to defend him as Harry looked everywhere but Malfoy's direction. He wanted there to be no satisfaction felt by Draco; he could feel his eyes growing moist as they started to burn. He was unable to stop Neville however.
"Y-you shut up Malfoy!" he exclaimed feebly. Harry felt appreciation, but pitied the boy. He was out of his comfort zone as much as Harry was in situations like this.
As the rest of his circle of friends began their own protests, quick to act but not as speedy as Neville was, Malfoy snickered cruelly. "That the best you got squib?" He laughed once more. Harry's pleading eyes were keeping his infuriated friends from acting rashly. "Coward is as coward does Potter. Hopefully, come Saturday, there'll be more scars you can show off."
Harry was lucky that Snape had not decided to come down to intervene, as instead McGonagall's scathing glare sent the blond away with his tail between his legs. The woman may have got his detention with the man revoked, as well as the point losses, but he knew not to push his luck.
"You should have let us deal with the prat Harry," said a fuming Angelina. Harry had asked them all individually to not get involved between him and Malfoy in situation like this. They protested at first, as each one had stood up for him at some point; seeing an infuriated Fay Dunbar was a sight to see indeed. Eventually they couldn't say no to such a despondent look, and would intervene just to try to diffuse the situation. Of course, the fact that Fred and George would smirk whenever a 'mishap' would occur with a bullying Slytherin did not go amiss.
"No one's getting into trouble because of me. He really doesn't like me, and Snape will just back him up. If no one retaliates then he won't win." He looked forlornly into the distance as he took on a slightly depressed countenance. "Professor McGonagall said something to me though." He sighed audibly, a calming mantra circling around his head. The warm hand clenched around his own, and the knowledge that he had people who showed they care soothing his damaged temperament to something positive.
"I'm going to beat Slytherin on Saturday."
The others saw his determination and as one, concluded that he very well would.
The shortest match to date at Hogwarts had lasted 6 minutes and 45 seconds exactly in 1845. It had been a match between Hufflepuff and Slytherin, where Boreas Shacklebolt of Slytherin had the Snitch seemingly shoot into his hand out of nowhere.
Harry Potter caught the snitch in 3 minutes and 14 seconds, practically halving that record.
He had endured the taunts from Slytherin that morning, sitting in solidarity with the rest of the Gryffindor team. Fay scooping porridge into a dish for him, while Neville put butter and jam on Harry's toast.
The nerves were obvious by the look on his face, and just by looking at him they could see him shaking.
"I shouldn't be doing this," Harry was whispering, his already unhealthily pale features growing more pallid with every passing second. "I don't think I can do this."
Fay's tone was no nonsense in its approach. "Harry Potter, you will be fine. Stop worrying. I've seen you fly, and I've seen you practice. You're going to beat the snot out of those slimy snakes."
"Yeah Harry," Neville came in with back up. "You're brilliant at anything you put your mind to. You'll do amazing out there!"
Harry's eyes softened but did nothing to calm his raging gut. "Thanks guys." He took a spoonful of the porridge, causing Fay to nod in delight.
"Right guys, it's time," Wood soon said to the table.
As they walked out the doors, Harry could hear the cheers and well wishes drown out the boos and jeers from the Slytherin's. He hears a smattering of non-sarcastic 'good luck out there Potter' from the other houses, cheering him up slightly.
Glancing back into the hall, he could see a jovial Hagrid waving at him, and Professor Dumbledore raise his goblet in a small salute.
When they had taken to the air, all team members previously silent as they endured their pre-match rituals, he saw Sprout and Flitwick give totally not biased cheers in his direction. McGonagall was clapping in mirth, supporting her house took precedence over her duties as an impartial Deputy Headmistress it seemed.
Harry circled around in the air, taking his position as Hooch prepared to start the match. He had spotted a grim Snape glaring at him, with a perpetually nervous Quirrell glancing warily between himself and the potions Professor in front of him. When the Quaffle was released, and the whistle blared, Harry immediately zoomed away from the opposing seeker; he had been frequently told about the aggressive dirty tactics that the Slytherin employed.
The crowd vanished in his mind, his nerves evaporated while the feeling of elation struck his nerves afire. He couldn't explain the rush of exhilaration he felt as he danced through the air. It was as if he was truly born for it.
He imagined he could hear Neville and Fay screaming his name in the stands, along with the rest of his house as they showed their support.
He saw the flicker of gold by the base of Gryffindor's hoops. He had no hesitation. He had no idea that Angelina had already scored, and now was geared up to take a penalty after a dirty foul on Katie by a Slytherin chaser.
He just held up the fluttering snitch to a silently shocked crowd as he found Malfoy's dismayed face among the throng of green and silver.
He had kept his internal promise, and he felt good enough to burst as he landed and was soon after swarmed by his team.
Harry Potter smiled wider than he had ever done before.
Authors Notes
Originally, I had Harry with a whole lot more dialogue, but on second thoughts I realised that he still needs to get out of his comfort zone. Then I came to the conclusion that I picture this Harry as more of an observer, and his actions would showcase his intention far greater than his words. Looking back at when I began Secondary School, I barely said 2 words to people and just sort of 'slotted in' with different groups. Now you can't really shut me up. That's what I think I'm going to let happen here. Doesn't mean he'll be mute though... It is still a Harry centric fic.
Just going to put this out there now. This will not be a comfortable ride for Harry. No writer truly goes out to create a story where no meaning is made by the end of it, so I'm not going to lie and say that I will follow Harry's story to the end and have it come away incredibly miserable and dark. The road to get to the end will not be a straight one however. There will be twists and turns and severe bumps that wall cause him to trip; the endgame will be, I hope, more of a bittersweet finale that will leave you satisfied as to its conclusion.
That's still a good 70 odd chapters in the future though. Plenty of time for some good times in between now and then however.
Harry's character needs a lot of help, but just because he's in a dark place and struggling, doesn't mean it will stay that way. He's struggling to drag himself out of the pit of despair he has been in for 10 years. I think one of my favourite quotes is applicable here: 'When one lives their whole lives in the darkness, they reach for any sliver of light.' That isn't the proper quote, just a paraphrase, but the meaning is accurate to the source. I suppose some might think that the interaction with Katie is out of character, it isn't. She's canon confirmed as being a kind and caring individual, and I could see her forcing her way into Harry's life to help him out.
Some may be wondering where the troll incident was with Harry, and where the cursed broom event was. Well, they would have happened, but the butterfly effect seems to have occurred here, and two events plot wise have gone very differently as evidenced above. This means that there will be some quite different outcomes on the way to year 1's conclusion. Some of these things that happen wont have completely glaring things happen just yet, but may have some severe ramifications further down the line.
Next chapter: Christmas
Stay safe, and keep healthy.
KhaosOnion