Author's note. Remember, I'm trying to write this story as realistically as possible. That means that even if the trio, let's say, tell Neville that he's not useless, that one day he'll be awesome...he's not just going to become awesome overnight. His transformation was something that took time as his confidence grew and he found something inside of himself that wanted to fight. Now, if the trio helps him, he probably will become confident quicker but it's still going to take time, at least a couple of years. After all, he's had ten years of being told he'll never match up to his parents, of having the magic forced out of him, a single pep talk isn't going to undo all of that.

Got a random question for people. You know all those secretly powerful Harry stories where he nearly always seems to be wearing glamour's and pretending to be dumb? Has anyone ever seen a story where he's actually told his best friends? I've never come across a story like that, it's normally revealed after the war or during 'reading the books' and it always strikes me as incredibly OOC. Just curious if there's a story out there where he does confide in them and they help keep his secret.

Suggestions are welcome.

Enjoy and please review.

Harry's POV

Harry was idly reading one of his school books when he heard the front door slam and a moment later, a car door was also slammed shut. He scooted along his bed and peered out the window, it looked like Uncle Vernon was heading out. It had been two days since he'd returned to his eleven year old self and so far, things were okay. He'd made it back to Privet Drive alright and the Dursley had let him in. All his things were in his bedroom which was staring to look like someone actually used it.

Hedwig's cage stood empty, she was still out delivering letters to Ron and Hermione. And next summer, Harry was going to make sure she was never locked up. If things worked out, Uncle Vernon wouldn't even dare to suggest she be locked up. Harry was very hopeful that Sirius would be freed before the year was even out and even if he had to spend some time with the Dursleys, he'd hopefully spend the rest of his second year summer with Sirius.

It was strange thinking of Sirius, he was alive but imprisoned in one of the worst places on Earth. He hated to think of Sirius there but at least he'd get him out far earlier than Third year. A part of him desperately wanted to grab Ron's rat and throw him to the authorities but it would never work. They had to be sensible or this could never work. They'd find a way to expose Wormtail and Sirius's name would finally be cleared and he could live his life a free man.

Harry smiled, it would be good to see Sirius free and happy, that was something he'd only gotten a glimpse of during his previous life. During Fifth year, Sirius had been trapped in his house and had been miserable and grouchy. Harry hated to think badly of his beloved Godfather but it was sadly true, not that he blamed him. Before he'd won Kreacher's loyalty, Grimmuald Place had been a truly dreadful place to live.

Of course, Sirius had always hated Kreacher so they would have to find some way to make both happy. Harry wasn't Kreacher's master anymore but he didn't want him to be miserable, the Elf had been a great friend to Harry and his friends. Maybe if they destroyed the Lockhart for Kreacher that might help to thawing the cold Elf. Also, surely Sirius would want to know how bravely his little brother died, that he fought for the Light in the end. Maybe the fact they both cared for Regulas could bring Sirius and Kreacher together but Harry really wasn't sure. He'd just have to see how things evolved.

"Diddy," he suddenly heard his aunt call, he'd left his bedroom door open. "Would you like me to get you anything from the shops?"

He heard a muffled reply from Dudley; undoubtedly his cousin was listing the things he wanted. So far, his cousin had completely avoided him, perhaps scared he'd get pigs ears to go with his tail. Harry did feel a bit sorry for Dudley; it must be pretty uncomfortable to sit on that. For Uncle Vernon, his sympathy only went so far especially with the dirty looks he kept getting. At least his aunt and uncle were too scared of him to try anything and possibly they were worried Hagrid might show up.

"I'll see you shortly, Diddydums," Aunt Petunia cooed to her precious son before she too headed out the door.

Harry looked back out the window to see his Aunt striding away, a large shopping bag in one hand; she'd probably be a while. And this might be a perfect opportunity for him to spend a little time with Dudley. He smiled, in his previous life, he'd never have imagined for a single moment he'd want to spend time with his cousin. Making sure his Aunt wasn't about to come back after forgetting something, he put his book down and got off the bed, stretching as he did so.

He'd spent the past two days in his room, giving his family a lot of space and a chance to cool down. It wasn't too bad, since he understood a lot of the theory and practical of the books, it was good going over them again. He might even be able to satisfy Snape's questioning on the subject of Potions, a feat barely anyone who wasn't Hermione managed.

He bent and lifted the loose floorboard out and riffled through his large bags of sweets, choosing a few good ones. Placing them on the bed, he then replaced the floorboard in its place before heading downstairs. Judging by the sound of electric explosions, Dudley was playing a computer game. Harry shook his head, how long had it been since he'd played one? Six, seven years, it was another strange thing to think about.

Sticking his head in the living room, he said cheerfully.

"Hey Dudley."

His cousin half yelped, half screamed and tumbled backwards, legs and arms waving madly. Fighting back a grin, Harry asked in what he hoped was a friendly.

"Fancy coming up to my room, Dudley?"

Dudley looked at him with an expression of horror as though Harry had suggested Dudley take a turn on the rack, with a few hot pokers thrown in for good measure. Very patiently, Harry said.

"Dud, you do know I've been a wizard all my life?"

As Dudley stared at him, Harry added.

"And how many times in the last ten years have I turned you into a toad?"

Dudley opened his mouth before frowning deeply as he realised that the correct answer was never and yet it didn't feel right. He pondered it for a few minutes before staring at Harry again, obviously wanting to be told the answer. Harry smiled at him and said.

"I'm not going to turn you into anything if you really don't want to come upstairs."

"I don't want to go," Dudley said promptly and then flinched as though expecting Harry's wrath to rain down upon him.

Harry shrugged casually and turned to leave, saying.

"Well, I guess I'm just going to have to eat all those sweets on my own."

Leaving the sitting room, he walked back up the stairs and disappeared into his room. After placing his book onto the bedside table, he relaxed against his pillow as he waited for his cousin to take the bait. It took a few minutes but heavy thumps told him Dudley was trying to quietly come up the stairs. There was a pause and then Dudley awkwardly peeped into the room, his piggy eyes falling on the spread of sweets on the bed.

"Dudley, what a surprise," Harry exclaimed with a grin. "Come in and join me."

Dudley's head move back slightly and then moved forward again, his fear of Harry was warring with his greedy love of sweeties. Finally, he slowly lumbered into the room and stood there nervously. Harry indicated the bed and Dudley came over and sat down with a thud, making the whole bed shake and groan. His eyes were still on the sweets but they were so unfamiliar that he couldn't quite snatch them as he normally would.

"Want to try some Bertie Botts every flavour beans?" Harry offered, holding the bag out for Dudley.

Dudley stared into it, entranced by the different coloured sweets before he slowly said.

"What flavours you got?"

"Every flavour, Dud," Harry said with a smile. "There're things like chocolate, raspberry, toffee, coffee, marmalade, salami, grass, liver, pepper, every single flavour you can get. Including, if you're unlucky, bogey or vomit flavour."

"Why would you get those?" Dudley said in complete confusion and disbelief.

"That's the fun of it," Harry explained. "You've no idea what you'll get, you might get something you love or something you hate. Sort of like Russian roulette I suppose but their perfectly safe. You might get a disgusting flavour but it won't make you ill or anything."

"That's weird," Dudley declared, looking at each bean as though one might announce it was a nasty flavour.

"Yeah but fun," Harry said before grabbing a bright pink one. Offering it to Dudley, he said.

"Come on, this one looks safe, have a taste. I promise it won't do anything."

Dudley stared at it and then at Harry, perhaps trying to detect deception. When Harry just smiled engagingly at him, Dudley seemed to decide he could take a chance. After all, sweets had never let him down in the past, maybe he could trust them. He took the pink bean and popped it into his mouth, hesitantly chewing. A look of surprise came over his face and he said.

"That's candyfloss."

"Told you you'd like it," Harry said with a smile as he took a red one.

"What's wrong?" Dudley said in alarm at the grimace Harry pulled.

"Cinnamon," Harry said, his face a little screwed up. "Very strong flavour."

"Oh," Dudley said slowly. "Okay."

"You can take another one," Harry prompted as Dudley sat there awkwardly.

With a bit more confidence, Dudley took a darkish green one and popped it into his mouth. He chewed with more of a frown this time before saying.

"What's this one?"

"What does it taste like?" Harry asked as he popped a brown one into his mouth and discovered toast.

"I dunno," Dudley mumbled. "It's like that stuff we get on roast chicken."

"Might be an herb," Harry suggested. "Like rosemary or parsley maybe?"

Dudley shrugged, he apparently couldn't tell. He grabbed a couple more and shoved them into his mouth. These flavours appeared to be pleasing as he grinned as he noisily chewed. Harry helped himself to a few and ate them one by one; he preferred tasting the separate flavours. His cousin seemed to be enjoying himself and he took it as a good sign.

There was silence for a few minutes until Dudley suddenly shifted uncomfortably. Harry glanced at it and realised Dudley's tail was probably bothering him.

"You okay?"

"Yeah," Dudley grunted before hesitating and giving Harry a hopeful look.

"Can you get rid of it?"

Harry shook his head, he didn't know much control he had over his wand and he didn't want to risk causing injury. As Dudley looked crestfallen, Harry said slowly.

"I can't get rid of it because it's too advanced for me. But...I could write to Hogwarts and explain that we had an accident. They could send someone who could get rid of it properly and then you wouldn't have to go to hospital or anything."

"Could you?" Dudley said eagerly, leaning forward.

"Sure," Harry said with a nod. "As soon as Hedwig gets back, I'll send her with a letter."

As Dudley frowned, Harry added.

"Hedwig's my owl, in the wizard world owls are used to send letters."

"Why?" Dudley said bluntly.

"Don't know, that's just how they do things," Harry said with a shrug. "But she'll find Hogwarts, that's my school, no problem."

"Has she ever been there?" Dudley asked and Harry shrugged.

"Don't know but she will get there, don't worry."

"How can she go to place she's never been?" Dudley asked, very bemused.

Harry's grinned.

"Magic Dud, that's how."

"Oh," Dudley said in understanding although the expression on his face indicated he didn't really understand.

"But I think we'd better keep this between ourselves," Harry now said seriously. "You know Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia won't be happy but I'm sure I can get someone here who'll fix everything. But if anyone does ask how it happened, just blame me."

"But...it was that giant guy," Dudley said with a frown.

"Yeah but I don't want him getting into trouble," Harry explained. "He didn't really mean to, he just lost his temper."

"But...will you get in trouble?" his cousin asked slowly.

"Nah," Harry said. "It was accidental magic so I might get a lecture, nothing more."

Dudley was frowning very hard; he looked like he often did when presented with a maths question. Harry ate another couple of beans while Dudley tried to work something out.

"But you could get in trouble," Dudley finally said slowly. "Why would you do that?"

"Because Hagrid's my friend," Harry said patiently. "Because he would be in a lot more trouble than I will be. So I don't mind covering for him."

"Oh," Dudley said, still very bemused.

Harry knew the concept of being altruistic might take a while to sink through Dudley's learned selfish behaviour but he was hopeful it would eventually. As his cousin sat there, still thinking about what Harry had said, the black haired boy glanced out the window. It was a rather dull day and Harry was debating whether or not he'd take a walk later.

Seeing that his cousin still looked confused, Harry said.

"Tell you what Dudley, why don't we do this again?"

As Dudley looked at him, he explained.

"When your parents aren't about, you can come and try some more sweets. I don't think they would approve of this and Aunt Petunia might chuck all the sweets away."

Dudley's eyes widened, he did not like the sound of that. Harry smiled, Dudley could keep some things from his parents and he was very optimistic about him keeping this one. Maybe in time, they could actually get to know each other and perhaps Dudley might even want to receive letters from Harry. It was a bit of a long shot but Harry did want to try and help Dudley become the man had last seen before his Horcrux hunt.

It would probably take a while, Dudley was only here because he loved sweets so much but that didn't mean it wouldn't happen. At the very least, Harry did want to encourage Dudley to lose weight and become fitter. And even get him into boxing sooner although he had slight reservations about bully Dudley being able to hit better and harder. But without a doubt Dudley had loved his sport and it had been a positive focus for him. If Harry could become his friend, then he could help his cousin to realise that he gained nothing from being a bully.

"You probably should go back to the game," Harry suggested. "Don't know when Aunt Petunia will get back."

Dudley nodded and got up but paused.

"You'll give me more sweets?"

"If you don't tell anyone, yes," Harry said with a nod. "Some are more exciting but they can't hurt you."

Dudley nodded again and lumbered for the door but then he paused again.

"And you'll send that owl to that school?"

"As soon as she gets back," Harry promised. "I'll even show you the letter and we can send her off together. It might take her a few days, she'll have to go all the way to the North of Scotland but she will get there."

"You better be right?" Dudley said and while he was still too wary of Harry to sound really threatening, there was still a hint of warning.

"Believe me Dud, I am," Harry said with quite confidence. "The wizarding world doesn't want the Muggles finding out about them and your tail could raise suspicions. Only direct family members of wizards and witches are allowed to know about us."

Harry paused and then said.

"I'm pretty sure I don't have to tell you that if you tried telling anyone about me no one would believe you but you really don't want to get mixed up with the Ministry of Magic. But I'll soon be at school and you'll be at yours, you won't have to think about me until next summer."

"Yeah," Dudley said but he sounded a little unsure. He continued out of the room and Harry was left by himself.

He sighed and grabbed his book that had gone better than he expected. He wondered who would be sent to fix Dudley and Uncle Vernon's tails, probably Professor McGonagall as she was the expert on Transfiguration. It would be good to see her or even any teacher Hogwarts, even Snape if only because it would be interesting to see how his Aunt reacted.

Harry grinned, that would be a pretty funny sight indeed.

Ron's POV

Apparently, you couldn't go wrong with pancakes, one of the easiest dishes out there. Apparently, Ron could go completely and utterly wrong with them. He stared angrily at the burnt yet sticky mess that should have been a tasty pancake. He didn't understand what he'd done wrong; he mixed all the ingredients together (after picking out egg shells and breaking apart the lumps of flour) and then added some butter to a drying pan, allowed it to melt before pouring in some of the batter. All he'd needed to do then was let it cook and then eat it how had that gone wrong?

"I don't believe this," Ron exclaimed in frustration, picking away at the burnt pancake with a spatula.

"Something wrong, Ron?" his mum asked, bustling over.

"It didn't work," Ron said mulishly, poking at the gloop.

"Oh well, never mind," she said soothingly, vanishing the mess with a wave of her wand. "You'll get the hang of it, don't worry."

Ron grunted feeling very disheartened. His mum had been very bemused when he'd come to her with the request that he be taught to how to cook. After all, she was the cook of the family and none of her children or husband ever went hungry. Why would Ron want to cook? He'd told her that he knew that Muggle kids could cook and he just really fancied learning how.

When his dad heard this, he'd been very enthusiastic about the idea of Ron learning a Muggle skill. Ron couldn't cook quite like his mum could because he wasn't yet allowed to use magic but that didn't mean she couldn't teach him a few things. And after all, there was no harm in teaching him and it could be a hobby that would eat up some time until Ron went to Hogwarts.

Everyone, even Percy got twitchy in the last month before going back to Hogwarts; the build up of excitement was almost unbearable. The twins raced about a lot more, spending as much time on their brooms as possible to work off pent up energy while Percy spent even more time studying. Ginny was in a bit of a sulky mood, bemoaning the fact the last of her brothers was leaving her behind. Ron knew she'd get over it but he also knew it was hard.

He'd always hated seeing his brothers off to Hogwarts but he'd always had Ginny for a playmate and company. She'd be completely on her own for almost a year, not counting the Christmas holiday in Romania where she'd be with Charlie. Ron smiled wryly at this, once he might have been jealous but after riding an actual dragon...not so much.

"Why don't you try again?" his mum now suggested. "Just make sure the pan is nice and hot and then pour just enough to coat the bottom of it. Then you just wait until the top looks cooked and try to flip it with your spatula."

"Okay mum," Ron said, vaguely wondering if he'd ever managed to get the hang of this cooking lark. At this rate, it really would take him six years before he could safely call himself a cook.

Sighing, he added more butter to the clean pan and put it back over the heat. He'd be eating his own pancakes by the end of the day if it killed him. Watching the butter melt, he wondered about the letter he'd sent to Hermione and how she'd receive it.

Hermione's POV

Hermione sighed as she happily perused a new book while stroking her purring cat. This very day, she and her parents had gone to Diagon Alley and completed Hermione's Hogwarts shopping. And as she'd promised herself, she'd convinced her parents to let her buy a pet and had managed to buy Crookshanks. Her loyal ginger cat had been very pleased to see her and she wondered if somehow he'd gone back in time.

It was impossible to work out and she was just glad she had him again. She'd dearly missed him during the Hunt, his presence was always comforting. He'd given his new home the once over, rubbing madly against any sharp edges he found before deciding that it was acceptable. Her parents seemed to think he'd be company for her while she was away, a part of them was worried she might have trouble making friends.

She smiled widely, she couldn't wait to write to them and tell them all about her new friends. After that first Halloween, it had been so good to describe in great detail about the two boys she'd made friends with and she'd happily received a reply of congratulations. Maybe this time, her parents and the Weasleys could spend more time together; it had saddened her as the years went on as she spent more time with Ron's family than her own. There had always been good reasons why but it had still been painful being increasingly away from them.

"It won't be like that this time," she said firmly to herself allowed as Crookshanks purred in agreement. "This time we'll all be together."

Her ginger cat merely stretched, rolled and curled up into a tight ball making Hermione laugh. She tickled his cheek before focusing again on her book, which was on healing. The bookkeeper had been rather surprised at all the different books she wanted, most First years probably only got what was on the book list. The first time round, she'd gotten extra books to do some background reading on the new world she was entering but this time, she'd gone further.

Not only had she gotten her school books, she'd also one on basic healing, a brief summary of wizarding law, book of runes, a couple on defence, Hogwarts a History (naturally) and arithmancy. Just because she couldn't take a couple of subjects until Third year didn't mean she couldn't swot up on them beforehand. Thankfully, her parents had been happy to get them for her; they wanted her to be as prepared as possible for going away to this strange new school. She'd never been one for buying flashy new gadgets, books were the only things she really splashed out on and it was she was still cheaper to buy for than some of the kids from her Primary.

The bookkeeper had still felt the need to question why a little First year would want books like this. Hermione had just calmly explained that she wanted to learn as much as possible and she was interested in all these subjects. The man had blinked before murmuring something about 'Ravenclaw.'

"What did he mean by that?" her dad had asked, not sure if that was some sort of insult.

"Oh, he just thinks that the House I'll go to," Hermione had explained. "Ravenclaws are supposed to very clever and love studying."

"You probably will go there, then," her dad had laughed, giving her shoulders a squeeze.

"We'll see," Hermione had replied with a smile.

She hadn't really thought about Houses, she just thought of her herself as a Gryffindor. She figured she could discuss it with the boys; she wasn't concerned with thinking about other Houses right now. At the moment, she was waiting for letters from Harry and Ron. She suspected that Harry would write to Ron first, since Ron would probably be in the most need of reassurance. She couldn't imagine what it would be like to lose a brother like that and then find that he was alive.

Of course, she'd thought she'd lost Harry but it wasn't quite the same. They hadn't been anywhere near Harry's body and he had only been 'dead' for five minutes. Fred's body however had been laid out and they'd all see how still and cold he was. They'd had time to accept that he was truly gone and never coming back...

Well, until they'd gone back in time that is.

"This could get a bit confusing," she sighed, examining a page on treating bites.

She was determined that this time around; at least one of them would be an expert on dealing with injuries and the like. As long as she learned the most important parts, the boys could pick it up from her. She was pretty sure they would like to learn a bit, after all the horrible injuries they'd received so she wouldn't have to worry about nagging them.

Hermione smiled, it would be nice just having to worry about whether they'd put effort into their homework again. That was the sort of thing she wanted to worry about again, not whether they'd live another day. Hopefully even the boys would be able to do better on their schoolwork this time round.

"Huh?" she suddenly exclaimed as Crookshanks sat bolt upright, staring at the slightly open window.

She stood up and cautiously walked over, what had gotten her cat's attention? To her relief, she spotted the familiar shape of a snowy white owl soaring towards her window. Eagerly, she shoved her window open and waited for Hedwig to fly in, which the owl did so very gracefully.

"Hedwig," she greeted with a wide smile as Hedwig came to rest on a bedpost, well out of reach of Crookshanks who was eying the new arrival with interest.

The owl ruffled her feathers before presenting a leg containing two letters. One from Harry and one from...Ron. Her heart started to pound, finally, she had word from her two best friends. But just what did those letters contain?

Author's note. What's in the letters to Hermione? How does Harry's attempt at bonding with Dudley go and can he convince a teacher to come round? What's Ron up to? Find out next time, until then.