Chapter Four

Protector

Monday morning rose with a flurry of nerves for Harry. Last night, when Kenneth had finally given him the textbook back, the older boy said that popularity was not something easily kept, and while the Gryffindors liked him well enough, he'd likely face a lot of problems with people from the other houses. Mary had been quick to jump in, ever so helpful, and remind Harry that he was already famous and a lot of people half-worshiped him, so it wouldn't be as bad as Kenneth promised. Harry really hadn't felt better after that.

At lunch he sat with Hermione, Neville, and Able, and tried to find time to eat between the everlasting strings of people who stopped by to say hi. Kenneth, Geo, Andy, William, Emma, Mary, Eliza, Demelza, Dakota, Katie, Seamus, Dean, Angelina, Alicia, Fred, George, Lee, Paradise, Lily, Vicky, Queenie, Lavender, Pavarti, Ruth, Oliver, and pretty much every Gryffindor he'd talked to this school year said good morning or something of the sort. Apparently, and thankfully, news of Harry Potter's Campaign of Sociality hadn't spread to the other houses.

When Katie and Queenie actually sat down with them, Harry managed to ask, "How do I handle my classes, and other people, and stuff?"

"Just be outgoing and friendly," Katie said, "like you've been this whole weekend. Talk to people in the hallways, before class begins, after class. Maybe arrange to meet with a few people in the library for a study group. Act natural."

Harry stuffed another sausage in his mouth and chewed. None of this felt natural. Just… far… to… many… people! And everyone at the staff table seemed tenser than normal. Besides Dumbledore, but Dumbledore was the exception.

At the end of breakfast, Hermione, Neville and Harry headed for the Potions' wing. It wasn't a particularly fun way to open on Monday mornings. Ron joined them, just before class began, and in those few moments, he talked very loudly and only at Harry, as if he was trying to monopolize Harry's attention. It was really annoying. And it made Harry feel really, really bad. Ron had been his best friend the past two years, but if he wasn't willing to share Harry with other people, that was just, weird. Maybe the whole chamber thing had changed Harry more than it had affected Ron. Maybe having Professor Sinistra trying to help him had changed Harry more than it had changed Ron. Maybe this whole thing with the multiple patroni… A grin split across Harry's face. He still needed to tell Professor Lupin about that. Professor Snape started class and Harry buried himself in his brewing.

When class ended, Harry put his textbook in his bag and headed for the door with Neville.

Ron seemed especially slighted that Harry wasn't walking with him. And he said so, vocally. Harry ignored him. It was bad, all through Herbology when Ron tried to monopolize Harry's attention and Harry tried to avoid him and slight him at every possibility. At the end of Herbology, Ron got even more upset when Harry wouldn't walk with him to their study period. It made Harry feel very on edge; he didn't even have a study period anymore!

Neville shifted, a little uneasy as he and Harry headed for their Runes class. He didn't say anything. It was a distinct impression that people disproved about how he treated Ron. Why did it matter? Ron was acting like a git! They should be casting those silent and condemning looks at Ron, not Harry. Although, they probably were. "So, who's in the class?"

Neville started a little. For all their talk about Runes the past few days, Harry hadn't actually asked that question. "There's only ten students, well, eleven now; myself; Tracey Davis and Millicent Bulstrode, both from Noble Houses, both Slytherins; Mandy Brocklehurst and Anthony Goldstein, both from Noble and Ancient Houses, in Ravenclaw; Steven Cornfoot and Kevin Entwhistle, Ravenclaws purebloods; Megan Jones and Wayne Hopkins, Hufflepuff muggleborns; and Michael Corner, Ravenclaw halfblood." Neville raised an eyebrow, as if prompting Harry in what to say next.

"So," Harry mumbled, "I'm on equal footing with you, Mandy and Anth-"

"No! You and I are both Noble and Most Ancient. We're the tier above Mandy and Anthony." Neville pushed open the door. "Although, as I told you, my Gram thinks that a lot of the pureblood stuff is rubbish. Still though, you should know this."

"It's not to change how I treat people," Harry said. He really like talking with Neville, and he got the sense that Neville really did seem to enjoy teaching Harry something. And this was the kind of thing that really could help him tolerate Malfoy. Maybe. Not likely. "Unless, like, I'm at one of those formal dances that Dakota mentioned."

"The balls," Neville said with a wince. "Be grateful you're in school. There's one a month, and then an extra one every holiday. It rotates, who hosts the balls. The House of Longbottom is hosting a Christmas ball this year. We'd be honored for you to attend."

Harry blinked. "Um, of course—"

"No. No. No!" Neville said, a grin breaking across his face. He dropped his bag and claimed a seat in the middle of the room. "The proper etiquette is for you to say, 'Scion of the House of Longbottom, I would be honored to attend.' Some people will hold you to it. But, you only use the Scion part because we're on equal standing. To people on an official lower tier, like Malfoy or Anthony, you'd say 'Anthony of the House of Goldstein, I would be honored to attend.'" Harry gaped. Neville smirked. "Yup, the Malfoy's are only Noble and Ancient, at least officially. They've amassed enough money that they're treated with a truly high level of respect, but no court would convict you for saying 'Draco of the House of Malfoy—' And he'd have to call you, 'Honored Lord of the House of Potter,' because you really should be the Lord and everything."

"That's brilliant," Harry whispered.

"I've never had the courage do it," Neville admitted.

Two Hufflepuffs entered the room. From what Harry knew and what Neville had just told him, they had to be Megan and Wayne. He jumped to his feet and stuck out a hand. "Hi. I'm Harry Potter."

They stared at him.

"I dropped Divination for this class, because seriously, that class doesn't make any sense. And the teacher hates me."

Megan chuckled. "Hi, Harry, I'm Megan and this is Wayne. We've never really talked much—"

"I know," Harry said, "however, it has apparently become my ambition to get to know everyone in the school this year. So I only kind of know the people in my own year, and I figured it would be a good time to rectify that."

"Makes sense," Megan said. Wayne nodded.

The Ravenclaw boys entered, and to Harry's exultation, he could tell which was Kevin, Steven, Michael and Anthony. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad. Mandy entered, not far behind the boys, and before Harry could do anything, the two Slytherin girls entered. He knew Millicent, so the other had to be Tracey. Harry closed his eyes, trying to fuse everyone into his mind.

"Potter?" Millicent said, confused. "Did you, like, just pick up this class?"

"Yes."

"He's embarking on a campaign to get to know everyone," Megan said, a smirk evident.

"Why is everyone calling it a campaign?"

Steven grinned. "Seamus mentioned that. How's it going Potter?"

"Well, I know of all of you, I think."

Kevin raised a hand, "I've never had a conversation with you."

"Which is why I've got a problem that needs rectifying," Harry responded. He slid back into his chair as the various people around him also took seats. Neville elbowed him and discretely gestured to Anthony and Mandy. The two of them did look a bit uncomfortable. "Ooooh," Harry said. "So, apparently social custom dictates that I request you all treat me as an equal. But, um, I sort of forgot the right words to do that. This whole House thing is a little weird."

Anthony and Mandy stared. Millicent stared. Tracey laughed.

With that, Professor Babbling entered the classroom and what would quickly become Harry's favorite class began.

o.o.o.o.o.o

"Harry James Potter!" He winced as his favorite professor shrieked at him. "Why did Minerva have to tell me that your aunt and uncle abused you? Harry!" It was their weakly Monday evening, and it was the first she'd actually gotten to yell at him after hearing about the Sunday morning fiasco.

Harry looked down at his quill. "I don't know. I guess I just… didn't want to stand out more than I already did."

Aurora Sinistra collapsed across the table from him and stared at him, her chin resting on her folded hands. She sighed. "We had a staff meeting about it. Dumbledore, he… tried to convince Minerva and Poppy that it wasn't a big deal; that you should just go back to the Dursleys." Harry bit his lip and struggled to keep his emotions inside. "It's ridiculous. I believe Minerva and Severus talked him out of it, but he wanted to place you with the Weasley's or some other family that we know is completely loyal to him. Harry, we don't think you should trust Dumbledore."

"He's a bit scary sometimes," Harry said, as he wrote another line in a Transfiguration essay. "Do you think he really could have manipulated the whole thing first year?"

"Almost assuredly," Sinistra muttered. Her favorite student was hurting and she could really do nothing about it. It was odd, though. She wasn't normally the kind of professor to be a student's favorite teacher. But she'd found Harry sleep-walking and tormented by a nightmare towards the beginning of second year and he'd trusted her ever since. He had been an uphill battle to get him to be more social, and the finally does and this whole bombshell…! "Remus Lupin was very upset with Dumbledore. He was a dear friend of your parents, you know."

"He told me," Harry said. "Oh, and he taught me the Patronus charm!"

… Blink.

… Blink.

"What?"

Harry pulled out his wand and said, "Expecto patronum," and out galloped a fully corporal, silver colt with a fuzzy mane and long tail and what even looked like a soft coat. Sinistra stared. Harry should so not be capable of doing that, but then, if anyone could, it was so likely Harry who could. The colt nuzzled Harry, galloped in a circle through the air in the observatory, before dissipating with into silver mist on Harry's command.

"Harry, that's beautiful," Sinistra said, when she regained her voice.

"Professor Lupin said that no one could manage multiple patroni. Do you think he's right?"

"Harry, if anyone can manage multiple patroni, it's you."

His eyes sparkled. "Can I try?"

Sinistra grinned. "I'd rather you try under supervision than on your own."

He had the decency to blush. He cast the spell with ease and the colt galloped forth. He focused on the same memory and whispered the words again. "Expecto patronum." Nothing happened. What if he used a different memory? He thought about the stars and how beautiful and fascinating the stars were… He thought about learning about the stars… "Expecto patronum." His eyes were closed. He could feel the magic pouring through his wand and twisting into… into… Harry opened his eyes and saw a beautiful, majestic silver eagle floating just above his colt. No way!

Could he cast more? Harry focused in on another feeling. How awesome Professor Babbling's class was. How connected that group of students seemed. Being connected with his housemates. Feeling content and a part of a group and just plain friendship. "Expecto patronum." A silver snake slithered through the air until it wrapped itself around the colt's neck. Sinistra just stared. "You should… you should stop now Harry."

He looked up at her, pure joy filling his brilliant green eyes. "I can make multiple patroni!" He flicked his wand and the snake dissipated. With another flick, the eagle evaporated into mist. The colt whinnied and dissolved itself. "Professor…!"

"You are extraordinary, Harry," Sinistra said. "In more ways than just this. You just need to find that power, unlock it, and learn how to use it. Have you tried to cast the spell against an actual dementor yet?"

Harry shook his head. "Professor Lupin said he was going to locate a boggart to use, but that was only two days ago."

"You learned this in a day?" Sinistra said, mostly to herself.

"First try," Harry replied. He picked up his quill and started writing as if it was no big deal.

Sinistra sighed. That boy. He really, really was extraordinary. Maybe Lupin had gotten through to him somehow… no, that wasn't it. She'd been trying for a year to get Harry to push himself and he hadn't. It had taken some threat to motivate him. It had to be the dementors. Those blasted dementors were responsible for these changes in Harry. Well, at least they were good for one thing. The door to the classroom opened and Able Vane stuck his head in. Sinistra liked Able. He was a dedicated student who enjoyed astronomy, unlike the majority of the students in Hogwarts.

"Professor, Harry," Able said, "excuse me, but Paradise Aster is in the hospital wing and she won't let anyone near her. Emma sent people out looking for Harry."

He paled. "What happened to her?"

"A Slytherin seventh year decided to pick on her and a few of the other first year girls. Paradise got the worst of it, but you should have seen McGonagall go after the Slytherin. It was carnage."

Harry did not look reassured. "Harry," Sinistra said, "All the classrooms have a direct link to the hospital wing. Paradise is going to be fine." She helped him to his feet and led him and Able over to the magical door that linked each and every classroom to the hospital wing antechamber. The antechamber was pretty busy when they arrived, but Emma MacDonald snatched Harry from the crowd almost instantly and nearly yanked him into the actually hospital wing.

Harry took in his surroundings just as fast as one needed to if suddenly thrust into a battle zone. Madame Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall were in the middle of the room, looking helpless. Lily and two Hufflepuff girls who were probably also first years were on beds behind Madame Pomfrey, terrifying. And Paradise… Paradise was huddled in a corner of the room, screaming for it all to stop, for the pain to go away.

"Paradise!" Harry said, moving towards her. "Paradise, calm down!" She seemed to recognize his voice, just barely. Her screams quieted for a second. "Paradise, it's okay. It's me, Harry. I'm not to hurt you. You're safe now." She screamed, but then stopped and looked out from her corner. Her eyes were wide with fear.

"You said they wouldn't hurt," Paradise whispered. "Harry, he hurt me."

"And he's getting in trouble for it," Harry said. "Look, Paradise, Madame Pomfrey isn't going to hurt you. She's here to help you. Let her help you."

Paradise shook her head. "I don't want to get hurt."

"I know, I hate it too."

She uncurled a little and shifted just enough so she was out of her corner. "I'm… sorry, Harry."

"What for?"

Paradise moved to one of the beds and looked at Madame Pomfrey, obviously giving the okay to receive treatment. Harry turned and moved over to Lily and Vicky. He gave both the girls a hug. Vicky whispered, "What's wrong with Para?"

"You're going to have to trust her to tell you that when she's ready," Harry said. "Don't pressure her, okay?" Both Lily and Vicky nodded. All three Gryffindors missed how critically Professor McGonagall was observing them.

"Harry," Lily muttered, "Paradise protected us. When that boy came after us, she stood in front. She, like, protected us. We're Gryffindors, but she's the brave one! How can we be brave like her?"

Harry really, really wished he didn't have to answer that question. What did he say? What should he say? "Sometimes, Lily, bravery is knowing when to run away. And you'll find that bravery." Lily and Vicky nodded. Harry really wanted to do nothing more than curl up on one of the hospital beds and pretend that this had never happened, but there were still to the two Hufflepuffs. He moved over to their bedsides. "Hey, you two okay?"

They nodded. "You're Harry Potter." The one who spoke looked a lot like Oliver Wood. Like, a miniature female version of Oliver Wood.

"I know I am. What are your names?"

"I'm Diana Wood." Yup. Little Wood. "And this is Harrietta Turpin. We've been friends forever. Is Paradise going to be okay?"

There was Lisa Turpin in his year, and then Ruth… where there other Turpins and Woods in the castle was well? Hm. Harry really did need to get to know people. "Paradise will be fine."

"Harry!"

Harry turned away from the first years, to see Emma calling him from the doorway to the hospital wing. He trotted over to the Gryffindor queen bee. "Am I in trouble?"

Emma rolled her eyes. "No. I just wanted to tell you that Marcus Flint was taken off the Quidditch team and put on probation for the rest of the year. I'm going to need your help to make sure only the twins take revenge, at least from Gryffindors. The twins are good enough at not getting caught, but… I'm not sure how to keep everyone from hunting Flint down."

"Harry!" This was Paradise.

Harry turned, trying to keep from showing how frazzled he felt. He still had homework to do! But… but this was Paradise. She had been broken and beaten, over and over. She needed the support. He swallowed the oncoming exhaustion and went to see what she needed.

o.o.o.o.o.o

"Harry? Can I talk to you?"

Harry barely looked up from his essay. It was close to ten and he still wasn't finished. It was the third week of school! This should not be allowed. "Sure, Andy, what's up?" He knew Andy. Andy Kirke. Second year. Cannon's fan. People were beginning to give him a headache.

Andy perched on the arm of a nearby chair. "It's about Ginny, you know, Ginny Weasley. She really wants to talk to you, about the whole Chamber of Secrets thing, but she's not brave enough to bring up on her own. Zia suggested that I ask you about it."

Ginny. Ginny... Oh Merlin. This was very not good. He didn't want to talk to Ginny! He didn't even want to think about the Chamber and Riddle, but, but, but… He hadn't really seen her while he was living in Diagon Alley those couple of weeks before school. And he hadn't talked to her at all during school. What was she thinking? Was she as traumatized as he? Did the dementors affect her? Harry pushed his essay aside and bashed his head against the table he was working on.

"Uh… Harry?"

He looked up from the table. Andy was staring at him, like he was loon. Great… "Thanks for letting me know, Andy. I'll talk with Ginny about it, when, I, uh, figure out what needs to be said."

"Great," Andy said. He disappeared into the still busy common room. Harry went back to his Potion's essay. Snape was evil. He really was evil. He had assigned an essay each week and each weekend since school started. Normally, Harry would have waited until Wednesday or Thursday to start this one, but he didn't have anything else to do right now. He had Quidditch practice later in this week, and would probably be spending some time studying with Neville, Anthony, Mandy, and a few other Ravenclaws… or maybe Megan and Wayne. It was amazing where a few questions took you in the general scheme of things.

Neville slid into the seat that Andy vacated, and Mary and Eliza sat down at the other side of the table. They all stared at Harry, almost intently. "No. I have not opened the Gringotts letter yet." Neville poked him. "Fine!" Harry reached into his bag and pulled out a letter from Gringotts. According to Neville, he should have been receiving bank notices for a while now, and he had demanded that Harry draft a letter to Gringotts to inquire as to why. It was a little weird. Once you officially requested that Neville do something for you, he did it with confidence and a vengeance, not like the old Neville.

Harry broke the seal on the letter, pulled out a full sheath of paper and handed the letters to Neville. After a few moments, Neville put the letters down and rested his chin on his hands. "Gram is going to kill Dumbledore."

"What?" Harry, Mary and Eliza spoke nearly in unison.

"Apparently, Gringotts in launching a full investigation into the handling of Harry's bank account due to the discrepancies in the records. They have inquired why Harry has not showed for the numerous Reading of Last Wills and Testimonies that they have sent notice to him for."

"What?" Harry wasn't focused on his essay anymore. This was far more interesting. Hermione finally got back from her 'quick' trip to the library and joined Harry at the table. She watched with interest as Neville flipped through the remaining papers.

Neville bashed his chin against his hands. "Dumbledore is the only one capable of this. He really is. Harry, you've been named the soul benefactor of at least three houses, and received hefty bequeaths in the wills of others! They sent along a calculation of your current liquid assets, as well as property in only the Potter family. But look-" He handed the papers to Harry. "Look at those names!"

There were two Noble and Ancient Houses, one Noble and Most Ancient House, and multiple Noble Houses mentioned in the letter from Gringotts. One of the Noble Houses was Spinnet… "But-" Harry pointed the name out Neville. "I know Spinnets."

"Different Spinnet," Mary said, "well, sort of. Two generations ago, a Spinnet male married a muggle and was disowned. That was Alicia's grandfather. So, Alicia and Sarah are still technically halfbloods and as they were never conducted back into the family, the Spinnet family went dead when Gregory Spinnet died five years ago." Mary sighed. "Sometimes I hate being a Nomah. It makes me sound so stuck up."

"Nomah?" Hermione asked.

"NOble and Most Ancient House," Neville said. "In Gryffindor, it's just me, Harry, and the MacDonalds. There are more Noahs, though."

"A Noble and Ancient House?" Hermione guessed.

Eliza nodded. "That's the Turpins, the Woods, the Towlers, the Vanes, the Patils, and the Browns, and that's just in Gryffindor. Technically, this isn't supposed to affect our schooling at all. And in Gryffindor it doesn't. Slytherin still swears by the pureblood code. It really isn't as big a deal as we're making it seem."

"I hate wizard politics," Hermione and Harry said together.

"I hate politics," Harry muttered in addition. "So, Nev, what do I do from here? With the whole bank thing?"

"Draft a letter back to Gringotts and tell them you'd like to arrange a meeting to discussion the investigation and attend to the Reading of the Last Wills and Testimonies. You'll have to talk with Professor McGonagall to see if you can go to Gringotts one weekend."

"Great," Harry grumbled. "More complications."

"It's life," Mary nodded. "It's nomah-ship."

o.o.o.o.o.o

Harry steeled himself for this conversation. He had already told Hermione and Neville that he'd be eating with mostly second years; Neville knew a bunch of them already, but Hermione decided she's spend the evening meal with Pavarti and Lavender. "Come on Harry," Neville urged, leading him on to where Andy, Geo, Ginny, and two other second years were eating dinner.

"Hi guys," Harry said, as he slid into the seat next to Andy and across from Ginny. Ginny looked up and hers eyes went wide. She looked like a scared deer. "So, I know Andy, and Ginny and Geo here, but you guys are?"

"Zia Ayna."

"Harry Bailey."

Harry blinked. "Oh. Cool. Hi guys." He helped himself to a serving of food and started to eat. Andy and Geo seemed to be the only two people who had a clue as to what was going on. They and Neville kept a pretty consistent stream of conversation flowing until Harry and finally worked up the courage to actually talk. "So what are your favorite subjects?"

Andy liked Defense and Charms. Geo liked Transfiguration. Zia liked Charms and Herbology. Littler Harry liked Defense and Transfiguration. Ginny liked Potions and Charms. Harry asked about Quidditch teams. Andy said the Cannons. Geo and Harry said the Falcons. Zia and Ginny said the Harpies. After that, conversation flowed pretty freely between all seven participants. By the end of dinner, Ginny looked a little bit more at ease around Harry, and he was satisfied that goal one had been accomplished. Neville just watched with a smirk.

And then Ron ruined it. He pushed into the group between Ginny and Neville. "Hey, Harry, what are you doing with the little kids?"

Ginny snapped. "Look, Ron, when's your birthday?" Before Ron could reply, Ginny barreled on. "March 1st. And, hey Harry, both of you, when are your birthdays?"

"July 31st…"

"January 8th…"

"See, Ron," Ginny snarled, "Harry's actually closer in age to Harry than you are. And, yeah, same with Zia and Andy. So could you please just buzz off and stop being insulting?" She actually pushed him. And then she jumped from table and ran from the Great Hall. Zia shot a dangerous glare at Ron before chasing after her friend. The boys excused themselves one after another, all seemingly annoyed at Ron.

"Come on, Harry," Neville said, when it was just the three third year boys left. "We've got some time to hit the library before Defense."

Harry and Neville left.

Ron sulked.