Disclaimer : Harry Potter's series doesn't belong to us, as well as the characters. Except for the Blancs and Aiden
It was nearly eleven o'clock at September, 1st. Neville Longbottom ran with his trunk, tried his best to catch the Hogwart's Express, and he did. After he sighed a relief, he strolled down the corridor, looking for an empty compartment. Suddenly, a familiar voice greeted him from one compartment behind him.
"Neville…!" Seamus cheered. "Here, have a seat with us!"
Neville shrugged and nodded his approval. He followed his dorm mate only to find, the said compartment have already occupied with Fred, George, Lee, Ginny and Seamus himself. He took the seat beside Ginny and smiled shyly to her.
"Hello there, Ginny. How's your summer?" Neville asked.
"Alright…" she said slowly and then pulled up a face. "A bit bored, but alright. And you Neville?"
"It was nice actually. Grandpa Algie gave me a present, Mimbulus mimbletonia, actually." Neville answered, looking very happy.
"Err… right! Herbology thing," said Seamus not really understand.
"By the way, Ginny. Where's Ron?" asked Neville.
"He's doing some patrol, you know he's a prefect for this year." Ginny glanced Seamus warily. "And Hermione too, right Seamus?"
"Yea…" Seamus patted Neville's hand. "He'll join us shortly."
"Ah, I see. Hang on, where's Harry? I haven't seen him. Is he in toilet now?"
The twin, Lee, Ginny and Seamus looked at each other with an odd expression. Fred stared at Neville seriously and so did the other.
"What?" asked Neville confused.
"Neville, I think we have to share you some pieces of our mind about him." Said Fred.
"You know, he's going dark." Whispered George.
"What? Who?" asked Neville bewildered.
"Harry." Answered Seamus right away.
"Harry? Dark?" Neville rolled his eyes. Are they trying to pull me some sick jokes?
"Seriously, Neville. Mum said to us that his connection You-Know-Who was getting stronger. She said that he will be completely lost his control over his mind in no time…. That's why we have to stay away from him." Ginny said a bit frightened.
"Yeah, we won't know when You-Know-Who will take control over him, we will not know when he will stand against us or try to kill us….so we better avoid him as much as possible."
"Yeah, unfortunately, we will still share the room with him Nev," Seamus sighed and disgusted expression shown on his face.
Neville stayed in shock, didn't know what to do nor say. He catched a small movement from the door, and he saw a silhouette from a small gap between the wood frame. He knew whose silhouette it was, and he was pretty sure he had heard everything that was said in this small compartment.
Everyone followed his gaze, and surely the recognized who he was. But they paid no heed, they stared back to Neville with I-Told-You-So look. Something was wrong, definitely wrong! Screamed Neville in his thought.
"Guys… you're joking right?" he spoke as he saw the withdrawal of the silhouette. "It's Harry we're talking about. Our friend, dorm-mate, what, the savior of our world? Hello! And you said he was going dark!"
"Neville, we have to warn you before anything bad happened to you and us." Said Lee.
"But…"
"He nearly killed Ron in his first year, he's the one that caused Ginny got kidnapped to the chamber, and in Triwizard he got Diggory killed. How sick is that!"
Seamus commented.
"That's rubbish! He didn't meant all of the things you said! He's just another victim… he never wanted it that way. It's just…. It's just always happen to him. You can't blame him for what he didn't do!" shouted Neville.
Everyone now had a disapproved look on their faces. Ginny glared at him coldly and she sneered, "If you really worshipped him, Nev… why don't you go and join him now? I'm sure you would love the view of him torturing us in few days ahead…"
Neville shook his head and said in a regret tone, "You're out of your mind, all of you!"
Neville stood and left immediately, to the direction where Harry went before.
"Is that Neville?" Ron asked, as he was looking to Neville's back. He was just arrived from his duty as a prefect. "Why was he looking furious? He looked…. Red!"
"He's sided with him," answered Ginny with dark look. "That nasty little Potter!"
"Oh…" Ron responded casually. "Well, what can we hope? He's the new Dark Lord in training isn't he? Being dangerous and gather as many followers are his task!"
"RONALD WEASLEY! HOW COULD YOU!" Hermione shrieked with anger.
"What! He's right Hermione!" Seamus offended. "He IS dangerous!"
"I can't believe you! Do you hear what yourself said? Harry? Dark Lord? You're insane… Oh my gosh…. I can't stand it." She hissed. "I can't stand being near with you, you…. Brainless idiots!"
With that last words, she took her leave in quick pace, ignoring Ron's shouts. On her way to find Harry, Hermione bumped Dean and sent both them to the floor. She apologized profusely and Dean helped her to stand.
"What's the hurry, Hermione?" asked Dean.
Hermione sighed and tried to calm his breath. "Uh… just… a little confrontations…. By the way… did you see Neville? And Harry?"
"Yeah, I saw them heading that way," Dean pointed to the back of the train. "And Neville still had his trunk with him. Funny, I thought he already got the compartment with Seamus and the other."
"Yeah, and they sod him off!"
Dean narrowed his eyes and flashed her a silly smile, a bit sad but silly. "Hehe…. They sod me off too!"
"Huh?" she raised an eyebrow. How could he be so calm?
"You see, when they said all of those bu… lies about Harry, I told them to stop their lame joke, but it seems that their very serious about it and I disapprove with them. So they told me to go away."
Hermione smiled in understanding and appreciative way to him. "I'm amazed at you Thomas, you still can stand and laughing like this." She said in mock tone.
Dean shrugged, "Do you have any compartment yet?" She shook her head. "Then I'll go find one. You just find Harry and Neville, okay?"
She nodded and continued her way.
xXx
After awhile, Hermione finally found Harry and Neville at the end of train. They sat on their trunk, silently. "Hey guys, umm may I have a word? You both look pathetic, do you know that?"
"Shut up, Mione." Harry said with silly grin. "In case you forgot, no one wants to sit with me."
"And me." Added Neville.
"Well, I have a good news then." She smirked. "Come, lets find Dean, he's saving us one."
Harry and Neville shared a look. They got up and followed Hermione.
xXx
Dean poked his head into one seemed-to-be empty compartment and found only one girl sat in it.
"Hello, are you alone?"
She turned her head and looked at him with arrogant glint in her eyes. "Can't you see with your eyes?" She mocked. "Or are you just flirting with me?"
Dean blinked his eyes once and smiled. "Nice tongue you have there, mind to tell where you bought it?"
She rolled her eyes, and Dean laughed made his way to sit across her. "So I take it it's empty then. Do you mind if some of my friend join us here?"
"Not really, cause mine will too."
"Deal."
They sat in silence for a moment until Dean opened his mouth to ask who she was. "I've never seen you before, you are not first year, are you?"
"Have you ever seen a first year as mature as I am?" She said amused. "You are not that stupid, are you?"
"I do love your tongue." He said in awe. "So tell me new transfer student, what is your name and where are you from?"
Right before she introduced herself, a voice from outside beated her.
"Dean, is that you?"
The said boy mouthed my friend to the girl in front of him. "Yeah, Hermione. Come in!"
Hermione, Neville and Harry took appearance into the compartment. The girl gasped and muttered under her breath one name.
"Harry."
Hermione being the nearest to her heard her word and eyed her suspiciously. The boys looked the unknown girl and smiled slightly at her. Harry and Neville took the seat beside Dean, while Hermione sat herself beside the girl.
"Hello, I'm Hermione Granger." She offered her hand. "What's your name?"
She took the offered hand politely and a small smile formed on her beautiful face. "My name is Clarissa. Clarissa Aiden, nice to meet you, Granger!"
Hermione's eyes got wide for a moment and then she seemed to think about something.
"And…. You?" Clarissa stared at the boys with an expectant looks. Her gaze linger on Harry a while longer than the other. Nobody seemed to notice this, though. No one, but Hermione.
"I'm Dean Thomas, they're my mates. Neville Longbottom…" Neville nodded to her. "and Harry Potter. You surely know about him."
"Ah, Harry Potter," She offered her hand in front of the said boy. "Our savior a.k.a The-Boy-Who-Lived? How I wouldn't?"
Harry blushed as he took her hand and suddenly he felt something ticklish but comforting all through his body. According to her respond, he guessed that she didn't expect it too. He smiled unconsciously at the warm feeling that seeped to his heart, even though he didn't understand why and how.
It seemed that Hermione always interrupted a good moment, and this was not excluded. "Wait a minute… Aiden? That Aiden?" trust her to know everything, even a family name. This got attention from Harry, Neville, and Dean.
"You knew something about it 'Mione?" asked Harry, tearing his gaze from Clarissa.
"Well, yeah… I've read from a book…it…."
"Said that Aiden is a very ancient and pureblood wizard family." A cold voice cut her soft tone.
All head turned their way to the doorway, none of them heard him coming. A tall, blond, and arrogant (A/N: and good looking plus sexy!) Draco Malfoy leaned against the door frame with bemused look on his face.
"Drae…" Clarissa squealed happily at the sight of him. "Where have you been? You left me all alone."
"Hey there Claire, see you've met the gryffindorks…" smirked the blond. "What are they doing here, anyway?"
"Accompany me?" she winked and he laughed.
All the Gryffindors dropped their jaws at the genuine laugh the ice prince emitted for first time, at least in front of them. Not humiliating laugh, not superior laugh, just a real laugh, simple as that.
"Well Drae… come in and have a seat… don't just stand like some idiot decoratic statue!" she scolded while patted a seat beside her.
"I think, Claire darling, there's not enough room for us!" he gestured over his shoulder to show his two loyal followers, Crabbe and Goyle, agreed to what he said.
"So very stupid" Clarissa muttered and took her wand out.
In the same time, Hermione did the same thing, and both of them saying the same spell. The room became too large for their intended because of the double spell they used. They looked each other questioningly, then had to hold their laugh. Dean whistled while Harry and Neville just shook their head.
"And now, the room is MORE than enough for us…" Harry said, grinning a bit.
"And I think I'll just conjure a bed, and sleep through the way to Hogwarts." Said Dean more to himself, and he did what he said. Satisfied to himself he made his way to the bed and plopped down happily.
"Are you…sure you want to sleep?" asked Clarissa.
"Ah, yes…. You see… I didn't get enough sleep last night, finishing my potions essays, and transfigurations, oh yeah DADA too, and a bit Charms…."
"DEAN THOMAS!" Hermione wailed in horror.
Dean grinned sheepishly, "Sorry Herm, lots of football matches in summer, can't leave them behind…."
"Oh…. Sleep well then…." Said Clarissa soothingly.
In a few second, Dean has gone to La-La-La Land. Leaving a furious Hermione narrowed her eyes at both of Neville and Harry.
"I've done my homework 'Mione, I swear!" said Harry.
"Me too Herm…" added Neville.
Draco rolled his eyes and walked to Hermione. "Cut it off, move away mudblood! I want to sit here." Draco pushed her and she glared at him as she moved to beside Harry. Goyle take the seat next to her, while Crabbe next to the other side of Clarissa.
"DRACO!" Clarissa shouted in the same time with Harry calling him, "MALFOY!"
Both of them sent piercing glares to Draco while Neville and Hermione bit their lower lip nervously, wondering what would happen next. Draco gave them an innocent asking look.
"How rude of YOU, Draco Lucius Malfoy!" Clarissa said, full of venom in her tone. "Apologize, NOW!"
Draco wasn't the only one in that room gasping by her voice. All looked at her direction with wide eyes and tensed body. But it didn't seem to affect Harry at all. He still threw daggers look at Draco.
"Take that back Malfoy!" he voiced with rage.
Draco tore his gaze from Clarissa and looked intently at Harry. "Now, why sould I take your command? No one commands a Malfoy!" he said with superior tone.
"Now, Draconis!" pressed Clarissa, she intensified her glare.
Draco sighed in defeat. "Fine, I'm sorry Claire!"
Clarissa quirked her eyebrow, gave him a silent demanding to continue. Draco chewed his bottom lips, thinking about something. Everyone was silently gazed at them in turn. Nobody really understood what's happening. But Hermione was aware of Harry's raising anger toward the blond.
"Okay Claire, here's the deal. A pair of diamond butterfly hairpin? You know, from that shop in France?" purred Draco to her. She gave him a 'humph!' and glanced away. "Add it with a new diamond set of jewelries. How 'bout that Claire? With butterfly shape, your fave?"
She seemed to give it a thought, "Hmm… you know… Drae…. There's a gown from Valentino House which I saw this summer. Do you remember? The pink one…."
"Okay, that too…. so?" Draco said half begged.
"Apologize accepted!" she turned to Hermione with satisfied smirk placed on her face. "I'm so sorry Granger, for the reckless behavior from that stupid and useless friend of mine. I hope you have a big enough heart to forgive him!"
Hermione stunned for a moment, and nodded reluctantly for her sweet talk. "O…okay, Aiden…" she glanced at Harry with the corner of her eyes. She saw that Harry wasn't satisfied enough. She nudged his ribs and he grumbled in response.
Clarissa found her way once again to give her most charming smile to Harry as she tried to impress him. Harry blushed at it, and defeated right away. He gave her a friendly smile in return. Neville let go his breath in relief.
"But, Claire….why pink?" asked Draco suddenly. "I thought you love green…and…. So far I know, pink isn't your color!"
"Why? It's not for me of course…" she smiled cheekily to Draco.
Draco stared at her in horror, "For… who then?"
"Oh, Drace…. Make sure it's fit for Granger, okay darling?"
Draco gaped in shock, "Bu…but… wha… huh!"
"Now, Granger dear… tell me your size." Said Clarissa.
"Size.. size?" Hermione seemed lost.
"She asked your dress' size, Herm," Neville helped in small voice. He too confused with the situation.
"Dress…? Oh I'm… ummm…."
"She's 5!" Harry answered with an evil smirk shown to Draco.
Clarissa studied Harry closely before agreed, "5 it is then!"
"I'm not buying anything for mud…." Draco's word stopped with Clarissa's glare. "For Granger!"
"You've made the deal, Drae…." Clarissa sang. "There's no way a gentleman taking back his word, isn't it?"
Draco scowled in displease, "Fine!"
Clarissa nodded slightly and turned to Hermione, she set on her 'girl-talk' mode. "You know Granger, this gown is so.. beautiful! Now, should I take green one? What do you think? We can dress up like a… twin!" she pronounced the last word while glanced slightly to Harry. "Isn't that lovely? Valentino is so… Genius!"
"Valentino…? Isn't that a muggle brand for dresses?" Harry asked Hermione.
"Yes, Potter!" Draco snarled, still felt displease.
"No offense Malfoy, but I asked 'Mione, not you!" he smirked. "But it seems, you know a lot about it. What's the occasion Malfoy? You got the shopping too?" Harry teased the flushing blond mercilessly. It received giggles from Crabbe, Goyle, Clarissa and even Neville. Only Hermione took a pity for the boy.
"Malfoy? With girl? SHOPPING in MUGGLE'S boutique?"
Everyone in the compartment turned their heads to the source of the teasing voice. There, leaned on the door frame covering his snicker, was Blaise Zabini. He didn't seem bothered by the fact that there were Gryffindors in the same compartment. Instead, he gave a mocking look to Draco openly. Draco's face couldn't be darker than he was now.
"Shut the fuck off, Zabini." Draco growled in low threatening voice.
"Now, now Drace…." Blaise sniggered. "I was just confirming the information you know. Actually, it's a bit… hard to imagine. I thought you despise them. Muggle I mean!"
"I just accompanied her. She dragged me!" Draco said in defense tone. "I'm a victim here."
"Oh, it would be a lovely blackmail…. Don't you think so, Lady?" Blaise asked politely to Clarissa.
The said girl smirked in amusement and then nodded in approval. From the corner of her eyes, she saw that Draco's shoulder slumped in defeated manner. Another snicker came from Harry and Draco looked hatefully toward him.
"You want to join us, Zabini?" asked Neville politely.
Blaise shrugged. He came closer and just made a move to sit beside Neville when he spotted the boy on the bed, the only bed in that place. "Who is he?"
"Dean Thomas," said Crabbe shortly. "But, I don't know how he ended up in a bed."
"He conjured it, saying he needed sleep. Because that nasty football game keeping him from doing homework all summer. Boys!" Hermione grumbled. Dark look appeared on her face.
Blaise quirked his eyebrow, thinking about something, "Not a bad idea…!" he said after a while. He pulled out his wand and conjured another bed. Grinning, he served himself to be comfortable on his bed. "Night, night!" then he too fell into a peaceful slumber.
The rest of them only stared at each other. For a few moments, there were a thick silent atmosphere in the compartment. Draco was still in foul mood, Clarissa took her time ignoring him and observing Harry, on the other hand, Hermione watched her closely, while Harry, being the oblivion he was, just sat there with his eyes closed enjoying the silence, Neville nervously switched his gaze upon the new girl and his two friends, and became really worried, and the the two Slytherin's goonies, Crabbe and Goyle, were busy chewing their candies.
It was when Harry suddenly opened his eyes as realization fell upon him, that the three observer made small gasps. But, of course, Harry didn't realize this. He turned to Hermione with wide eyes, "Is it just me…. Or were we REALLY being civil with the Slytherins?" he asked in shushed voice, made only Hermione and Neville could hear him.
They frowned for a moment, and then couldn't help but to hold their laughter. And Harry, being himself, only looked at them in confusion.
xXx
Time passed with nothing majors occurred between them, well, at least not until Crabbe started to get grumpy because Goyle stole few of his cookies. Hermione who started to get irritated with this, offered her own homemade cookies to the said Slytherin. Crabbe, dumbfounded, took it with hesitation. Hermione got her attention back to the two Gryffindors who stared at her with an asking look. She shrugged and began their chat again.
Draco and Clarissa stopped their conversation, Goyle stopped his chewing, and all stared to Crabbe and Hermione. They seemed a bit surprise by her action. Draco got Crabbe's look of permission, and nodded slightly. Crabbe smiled and happily began munching the cookies. While Draco and Clarissa resumed their talk, Goyle still stared at Crabbe with envy. For him, the cookies looked yummy and he wanted to get a taste of it too.
It seemed Neville and Harry caught his look. They grinned at each other at the childish look from the goony and offered him their Chocolate Frogs. Goyle was startled and so were Crabbe, Draco, and Clarissa. They all looked at the Gryffindors who started to frown.
"What?" asked Harry, tilting his head. "You don't want it? Well, okay then…"
Harry made his hand to move as if to put the chocolate back to his pocket and so did Neville. But small whimpers from Goyle made them stopped and snickered (actually, it was Harry who snickered, Neville only made a small smile).
"Go on, take it then!" offered Neville. "We're full, no longer want to eat. It'll be a waste unless you eat them."
Goyle grabbed the offered chocolates and Harry along with Neville grinned. Soon the chatter started again. Neville was back with his story about the present, Mimbulus mimbletonia, while Harry and Hermione listened and sometimes inserted few comments.
"So…" everyone stopped their activities when Goyle made a sound. The said boy looked to the Gryffindors. "Why are you here?"
"Pardon?" asked Hermione.
"You don't sit with your lot!" Crabbe stated as-a-matter-of-factly.
Draco arched his eyebrow. Crabbe and Goyle made a conversation with the Gryffindors! He thought. But, hey! They made some senses.
"Yeah, you usually sit with the Weasels!" Draco piped in.
Clarissa saw the look the three shared among each of them. Sour, upset, angry, and displease were clearly stated on them. Something's wrong with them.
"Full!" Harry muttered with a shrug, he kept his gaze down. Hermione scowled and Neville angrily glared outside the window.
None of them were aware to the adding ears from the sleeping boys.
"Full!" Draco mocked. A light sneer came across his handsome face. "Clearly, Granger… I'm a prefect like you, and you surely know the duties of the prefects?"
"I'm aware of that Malfoy. So sod it off!" hissed Hermione. She looked at Harry, who still found that the floor was interesting.
"So… what I mean is… since I've patrolled the corridor, I clearly saw that the Weasels and Weaselette's seats were empty enough for four of you! Don't lie to me mud….Granger, I always knew!" Draco threatened.
She glared murderously at his triumphed smile. Harry pinched his nose, looked distressed. Clarissa surely didn't like that look and she vexed as to what happened to him. It was Neville who, surprisingly, retorted back with sneer.
"It's not like you to be stupid or should I say ignorant, Malfoy!" he said, sending Draco to gape. "You sure don't know what had happened in wizarding world? Such a pureblood you are!"
Harry and Hermione gasped at him. Neville Longbottom dared to talk back to Draco Malfoy, added it with sneer and icy tone. Clarissa looked questioningly to the boy, and she knew immediately that his venom voice wasn't directed to Draco. The boy was, indeed, angry. But not to him.
Draco was taken a back. He glared to the Gryffindor once-a-coward while trying to regain his composure. "Excuse me, Longbottom. Are you trying to outsmart me? Alright, let's see what you've got then!"
"You, Malfoy, of all people should know what's happening in our world, or your father's work in ministry doesn't give you anything? No wonder you haven't insulting us like you used to!" Harry snapped. "They distrust me, telling that I'm Dark. Happy? Care to give us entertainment with your dance of joy!"
Draco's jaw dropped. They couldn't seriously believe…could they?
Clarissa looked lost before chimed in. "Dark? You are…. Dark?" she asked incredulously. "Anybody care to explain?"
"It's in Daily Prophet!" Crabbe suddenly said with small voice.
"Daily Prophet? Dail…" Clarissa's eyes got widened. "THAT rubbish! You trusted it?"
Hermione shook her head. "Not us, but they do!"
"Are they INSANE!" angered Clarissa.
"That's what I said to them," whispered Hermione.
Harry sighed, wanting to sod over the topic. It pained him, somehow, when he remembered the once-thought-as-family abandoned him. He missed the Weasleys so much while he was still angry at them for trusting the rumor in Daily Prophet.
He thought about it over once again, about their reasons to turn their back on him. Then he was given in, for he saw the logic in their reasoning. Maybe they're right, about me being dangerous and all. About the connection, I have the visions almost everyday now. Will I go insane? Will I really kill those who near me in no time ahead? Will Voldemort really corrupt and take over my mind? I've had a boy killed after my fault, after all. But that means Remus, Sirius, Hermione will be in danger as well. Should I push them away? it would be better if….
"Stop it Harry!" Hermione snapped, stopping Harry's train of thought. "I know what you're thinking, and I hate it."
Neville frowned, "What is it?"
Hermione huffed in annoyance. "He started blaming himself. And I bet he thought about pushing us away."
"What!" Neville and Clarissa shrieked.
Harry blushed at being caught, but he was still distressed. "But, what if they're right 'Mione? You could get hurt!"
Draco observed the smaller boy across him. His state of distrust and uncertain, somehow brought sympathy over him. Had he never acted vile to Harry, and be his friend, he could've soothed him with comforting words. He knew, of course, about the rumor. His father had been annoyed with it while his mother took a great pity towards Harry. He and Clarissa laughed their head off at it, thinking that the wizarding world wouldn't be so stupid to actually believe it. But it seemed, they WERE that stupid.
"Now, you listen to me, Harry!" Neville said sternly. "You don't actually believe them, do you? Because I will hate you for that! You're innocent, Harry. You're just another victim. About Cedric, Grams said that it's not your fault he died. You wouldn't know what would happen back then. You're not a seer are you? So stop blaming yourself. C'mon Harry, you're not stupid, you're not weak, and definitely, you're not insane. They don't have the right to judge you, not when they didn't see the true horror themselves. They're not the ones who carry the world on their shoulder." Neville took a deep breath. "They know nothing. They know not anything for what you've been through. I know who you are Harry, four years being your dorm-mate doesn't give me nothing about you. You're kind, great, and modest. You don't mock me even when I'm being stupid, even though you're not helping me either. At least, you don't belittle me. You don't laugh or make a pity of me because my…disability," at this, Neville took a glance at Draco. "You know, about me being said nearly squib, and you surely not trying to take advantage of me about it. I trust you Harry, like Hermione. We know for sure, you're not wanting all of this. It's just happened to you. If you want to blame, put in on fate, not on yourself. If the wizarding world turn their back on you, care nothing for what they say. We're still here for you, Harry, simply because we trust you and we believe you're not the people they accused of."
The confidence from the chubby cheek boy gave a warm feeling of grateful in Harry's heart. He smiled genuinely to Neville, who smiled back reassuring him.
"Same here!" a sleepy voice came from beds direction. Dean slowly sat and hugged his knees. He had a pleased grin on his face. "Such a sappy you are, Nev!" At this, Neville got his cheeks a tinge of pinks. "What? It's true, he's being sappy! But he's got the point Harry. I, for one, just try to use my logic. I don't pretend I didn't scare at you the first time, Harry—stop that scowl, Herm. I'm just being logic!—but, when my mother snapped at me, I realize that all I've been thinking about was stupid. She made me see, you know, for once that you're not only The-Boy-Who-Lived who have this Madman chasing you around, even in your sleep. But also an ordinary boy, an ordinary fifteen year old boy, who needs support from families and friends, hell, even from the ones who care for you. You should just be a boy who lived happily with loving parents and siblings, and trustworthy friends. I can't imagine it, Harry. For being You! If I were in your shoes right now, in this time when He is back, I sure need all the love, support, and help I could gain. But I'm not you, Harry. So all I can offer you only this friendship, for you have to believe that I'll fight by your side. You're worth it Harry, I trust you to be strong enough to help me protect my loved ones." Dean sighed. "When I told my parents about you, they were silent for a moment. I thought they were going to freak out. But they didn't, instead they asked me to stay by your side. They know near to nothing about You-Know-Who, but they told me that if you're worthy of my friend, then I have not right to betray you. And that's what I thought, Harry. You are worthy of being my friend."
Harry was stunned to hear what Dean said. He took a glanced in turn between Neville and Dean who gave him a sheepish smile. Harry felt his face reddened, God they embarrassed me! But…now I fear to lose them more. Shit, Voldemort! Why do you have to ruin my life? Now they're the only ones I have. What should I do to keep them save…?
A punch at his forearm, once again, stopped his train of thoughts. And he knew who to suspect. Harry stared at the sniffing girl beside him, whose her eyes were glassy from the unshed tears. She glared, "I told you, I really hate when you're doing that! Don't even try Harry Potter, don't even try to push me away or try to keep me save! I'll do what I want, and you're stick with me!"
Harry blushed again, while Dean and Neville emitted some giggles. Unconsciously, Harry made a pout which according to Draco's back mind was rather adorable. Wait! I didn't think that, did I? Draco growled.
His low growl seemed to hold Harry's attempt to retort back. Instead, he had his pool of emerald widened in horror. "Guys, do you aware, that we really had said all of it, in front of the Slytherins!" he squeaked.
A chuckle could be heard from Blaise. "Took you long enough, Potter." Goyle and Crabbe laughed at that, while Draco gave a snort. Clarissa simply looked at Harry with amusement.
"We're dead now!" said Harry, seriously.
Draco snorted again, "Just pretend that we're not here, Potter. Like you did few moments ago!"
"I don't see, don't hear, and don't say anything about it." Clarissa said in simple ignorant smile.
Harry raised an eyebrow. He looked around and saw his friends were in the same confusion like he was. Slytherins not insulting must means something really bad will happen. He thought.
Not long after that, Hermione checked the time and started to rant about getting ready, changing robes, and soon to be arrive at Hogwarts. After the train stopped at Hogsmeade's station, they piled out from the train and headed toward the carriages. Clarissa asked them to take the carriage with her, but Harry, seeing the dark look on Draco's face decided that they've already ruined both Aiden and Malfoy's trip, politely refused it. That the Gryffindors would take one carriage for all the four alone, without the Slytherins.
Once they seated in the said carriage, Clarissa asked, "Drae… who's this Weasel and Weaselette you've mentioned earlier?"
"Oh, they're from the low pureblood wizard family, who have the flaming red hair and freckles on their faces. Ronald Weasley is…was Harry's best friend before. Guess that was easily changed, eh? With rumor and all that, who really thought that the trio will become duo?" snickered Draco. "Ginny Weasley is Ron Weasley's sister, she loved Harry at the first sight, but now turned him down! What a weak relationship they have!"
Clarissa growled in anger, "Such a faithful pureblood friends!" she said sarcastically.
xXx
Dumbledore watched in anticipation for the arrival of this new student, and his boy, Harry Potter. Firstly, he saw that Harry strode in the Great Hall with Hermione Granger, Dean Thomas, and Neville Longbottom. And this worried him a bit, seeing that Mr. Weasley has already seated on his seat with the other Gryffindors. Dumbledore also saw the look of despise from the most of students to the group, and murmur were heard from all the tables.
The Headmaster shared a worry glance with Minerva McGonagall and the other teachers, mostly with Severus Snape. The staffs saw the group were seated apart and at the end of the table, not where they had to be seated, among their class' peers.
The hard and determined look on Harry's face told the Headmaster that he had actually a hard time to cope, but he was doing fine. And that he only tried to ignore all the fuss about him. The old man sighed, he nodded to Minerva in approval and she stood from her chair and walked out. Dumbledore raised from his seat, with a silent demand, all eyes and attentions were focused on him.
"Today…" he started. "Is a historic days in the name of Hogwarts. Never once before, this school accepted a new student in middle grades. For this year, the fifth years in Hogwarts will have one more person to be added. Further more, she moved from Beauxbatons Academy. I ask from each of you to welcome her as your part of family. With a great honor I announce, please greet Miss Clarisa Aiden."
With that announcement, a girl walked down the aisle with proud and elegance, and approached the Headmaster with a superior smile on her face.
xXx
A/N : Fhiuu…. Finally, we did it! This chapter really took a long time, that we almost gave up. Thank you to the other fictions which gave us the inspirations on to what we should write. Neville's and Dean's speeches were the hardest part. Honestly! So please read and review! We'll try to update soon, that if we don't have the writer's block coming. Hehehe!