Dinner in the Great Hall that night was not a pleasant experience for Harry. The news about his shouting match with Umbridge seemed to have travelled exceptionally fast even by Hogwarts standards. He heard whispers all around him as he sat eating between Ron and Hermione. The funny thing was that none of the whisperers seemed to mind him overhearing what they were saying about him — on the contrary, it was as though they were hoping he would get angry and start shouting again, so that they could hear his story firsthand.

(Chapter 13 – OOTP)

Chapter 1

Over the next few days Harry tried to keep his head down and ignore the whispers as Hermione had advised.

But it wasn't easy. Every corridor, every classroom, everywhere he looked people turned to stare at him and whisper about him. He was ready to snap at the next person who came up to him.

"Hey, Harry," came a voice to his right.

Harry turned his head at the person who spoke in anger, but immediately calmed down.

"Hello, Ernie," said Harry. He did not want to antagonise Ernie. Ernie had come up to him a couple of days ago and told him he and his family believed his claim that Voldemort had risen again.

"Are you alright, Harry?" he asked.

"Never better," lied Harry.

"Harry, would you mind coming with me?" asked Ernie quietly.

"Why?"

"I can't tell you here because of house loyalty," he said. "Just follow me."

Ernie led Harry through several corridors all the way downstairs towards the Great Hall. Harry had a bad feeling when he was brought into an area that had only barrels.

"Go in there, Harry," said Ernie, pointing at a barrel.

"Into a barrel?" asked Harry, feeling perplexed.

"Have you ever heard of magic, Harry?" he asked.

Harry chuckled as he realised what this meant. It was clearly bigger on the inside.

He pushed at the barrel and nearly fell through the door that was there. Inside the room were ten others. He recognised a few of them. Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones, and Justin Finch-Fletchley were the only ones whose names he knew.

"Hi, um," said Harry nervously. He did not really like being in a room with so many unfamiliar people.

"Relax, Harry."

The one who spoke came up to him and offered his hand. Harry recognised him but did not know his name. But he saw him with Cedric quite often.

"My name is James McKinnon," he said. Harry shook his hand. He was large for seventeen. He had a bulky frame and large shoulders. He had a look to him that said, 'I'm ready to fight'. "I'm also the Head Boy for this year. It would have gone to Cedric if not for…"

James paused, as if unable to finish his sentence. Harry felt he could understand him. James was clearly missing Cedric terribly.

"We all believe you, Harry," he said. "About You-Know-Who."

Everyone in the room nodded.

Harry felt a massive weight fall off his shoulders at the support he was receiving from all in the room.

"In fact," continued James. "All of Hufflepuff believe you except for four people."

"What?" questioned Harry. Almost a whole house believed him. "Why?"

"Last year Cedric told us all in Hufflepuff after the First Task that you warned him about the dragons," pointed out James. "What you did there we consider fair play. That is very much one of the things we admire most in Hufflepuff. And someone who plays fair doesn't lie."

"We know damn well the Ministry is targeting you and Dumbledore," said another older student. "I'm Arona Sweeting, by the way. They are trying to cover up Cedric's death by claiming it was a tragic accident."

Arona shouted that last part. "They disgust me," said another student. "Spitting on Cedric's grave like that. Uncle Amos started drinking after his fight with Fudge."

"What?" questioned Harry in shock.

"Cedric was my cousin through our mothers," she said shakily. "My Uncle Amos believed you Harry and tried to make Fudge see reason. Instead of honouring his request for investigation he fired him and threatened him with Azkaban if he goes near the Daily Prophet. Now he has started drinking. If I ever get my hands on Fudge and Malfoy, I will kill them for what they've done to my family."

"Malfoy?" asked Harry.

"Lucius Malfoy is practically Fudge's advisor," Arona spoke furiously. "I'm looking forward to the day we can throw his pompous ass in Azkaban."

Harry saw that everyone was nodding to this and suddenly felt warm and welcomed among the people he was with.

"There's also something else I'd like to say," continued Arona. "I'd like to apologise to you Harry for wearing those godforsaken badges last year."

Suddenly Harry was feeling overwhelmed by a cacophony of apologies from everyone in the room except Susan Bones. He knew she didn't wear one the previous year.

"That behaviour was unbecoming of a Hufflepuff," said James. "That was what Cedric said last year."

"You got to understand though Harry," said Arona. "The other houses have been making jokes about Hufflepuff for years, pushing us down. Cedric being in the Triwizard Cup felt like our opportunity to be seen as something other than a bunch of duffers."

Harry kept quiet. He never made jokes about the other houses, but Ron was relentless in mocking other houses. If he wasn't making snide comments about Slytherins he was making snide comments about Hufflepuffs.

"I never saw you as a bunch of duffers," Harry eventually said.

"We know," said Arona, smiling at him.

"Harry," said Hannah, sidling up to him. "Would you join us at our table tomorrow? We would all like to get to know you. We only know you by your name, but we don't know you."

Harry was getting tired being around Hermione and Ron lately. Their bickering was getting worse every day and he needed peace. Maybe the Hufflepuffs might provide him that peace.

"I'd be happy to join you all," said Harry. "I'll see you in the morning."

As Harry climbed into bed that night, he was smiling. It felt like a massive weight was pulled off him with meeting all those Hufflepuffs'. He was asleep moments later.

lIlIlIl

Harry woke up to the fluttering sounds of the birds the next morning. He could hear a few owls in the distance. He got out of his bed and sat down at the large window ledge.

If there was one thing he loved about being in Gryffindor, it was the view from the windows. The Great Lake was a stunning sight itself, with its shimmering water showing the reflection of the bright blue sky itself with its clouds. The mountains in the distance reached the low clouds, its peak unseen due to the density. The area all around Hogwarts was an untamed wilderness, and he loved it.

He had no idea how long he was sitting there, but he was jolted out of his thoughts by a voice.

"Always quite a sight, isn't it," said Neville.

Harry almost jumped out of his skin at Neville's voice.

"Christ Neville, you frightened me," said Harry.

"I frightened you?" asked Neville. "So does that make me worse than You-Know-Who?"

Harry laughed. He needed that.

"No, Neville," laughed Harry. "Though I'd say you would be terrifyingly brilliant in a fight."

Then Harry realised something.

"Is it only six thirty in the morning?" asked Harry.

He knew Neville was an early riser. Neville always woke up at six thirty. Harry didn't even look at the time when he woke up. But Neville was always gone when he awoke.

"Yes it's half six," said Neville. "Do you want to come down to breakfast with me?"

"Sure, but I need a shower first."

"I do too."

Harry and Neville went into the dorm bathroom and got themselves quick showers. There were five of them in the room and three toilets.

Ten minutes later Harry went into the Great Hall to find some people already in there. Neville wasn't the only one to get up early. There was only one Hufflepuff there and that was Hannah Abbott.

Harry decided he'd wait until lunchtime before he'd join the Hufflepuffs. He would have breakfast with Neville. There were a few teachers in the hall too. Professors McGonagall, Sinistra, and Vector were eating away, but he could swear that McGonagall was watching him as he sat down.

"Why is McGonagall looking at me?" he whispered lowly to Neville. He didn't speak loudly since there was no noise.

"Probably because she's never seen you at this time before," said Neville, giving him a cheeky smile as he spoke.

Harry chuckled. He had never been awake this early before. The table didn't have as much food as it did by half eight, but there was still plenty. Eggs, bacon, sausages, kippers, potato bread, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, toast and cereals.

Harry had a small bowl of cereal before taking two of each of the foods except for kippers and beans. He wasn't really that fond of it.

"Bet McGonagall is having kippers," said Harry, remembering his teacher was also a cat Animagus.

"What was that Potter?"

Just his luck. She was passing by him on the way out of the hall.

"Nothing."

She looked at him for a moment but Harry held his composure. It wasn't nice to be on the other end of McGonagall's ire.

"As a matter of fact I did have kippers," she said with a hint of a smile. "They're delicious."

And with that she left the hall, leaving a flabbergasted Harry sitting there.

"You should see your face Harry," chuckled Neville softly.

"What just happened?" asked Harry.

"She's always in a good mood in the early morning before classes, before she has to deal with us students," said Neville.

After breakfast Harry spent time with Neville for the rest of the morning before classes. Neville always liked to go out to the Greenhouses before classes to check and water the plants and go for a walk by the lake. They both chatted away as they walked, keeping an eye on the time for when they had to go to class.

Harry resolved to himself to get closer with Neville. He had found out some months ago from Dumbledore what had happened to Neville's parents and felt terribly sorry for him. While he got sympathy from strangers from being an orphan, he felt that Neville deserved it more. While Harry knew his parents were resting in peace and looking down on him Neville's parents sadly weren't.

As they started walking back to the castle Harry put his arm around Neville's shoulders.

"Other than beautiful sights around here Neville," said Harry. "The best thing about Hogwarts is having friends."

He shot Neville a grin who meekly returned a grin of his own.

They went back to the Common Room to get their bags for class, only to come face-to-face with an enraged Hermione in the Common Room.

"Where were you, Harry?" she growled. "I thought you were bloody kidnapped since you weren't in your bed. I was just on my way to Professor McGonagall because I've been searching for you the past hour. Where did you go Harry?"

Harry knew how to respond to Hermione's tirade.

"Good morning to you too, Hermione," he said cheekily. "Did you sleep well? I did. I've been up since six and had a pleasant morning with Neville. But I didn't realise I had to tell you my comings and goings. But clearly I do since I'm an immature idiot who can't think for himself."

Hermione felt like she had been slapped in the face and it showed. Harry suddenly regretted his words.

"Sorry Hermione," said Harry sincerely. "But you need to calm down. I'm perfectly capable of looking after myself. Ron on the other hand - "

He didn't finish as Hermione growled.

"What now?" he asked, not liking where this was going.

"He's refusing to get out of bed," she growled.

"I'll handle it," said Harry.

He went upstairs to the dormitory and stuck his head in. Ron was snoring away in bed.

"Ron," shouted Harry. "Breakfast will be over in ten minutes. If you want to eat before class you better move."

Three minutes later Ron was tearing out of the Common Room at top speed.

"Why didn't I think of that?" asked Hermione to no one in particular.

"Don't worry about Ron or me, Hermione," said Harry. "Worry about yourself. It will give you a lot less stress."

"But if I don't worry about Ron, he could get expelled for missing class," said Hermione furiously.

"You know if you stopped worrying about him, maybe he'd start worrying about himself," said Harry. "He's not going to get far if you keep supporting him like that."

Hermione knew Harry was right. She knew she could be rather bossy. She really needed to calm down.

They arrived at Transfiguration. Professor McGonagall was in there sitting at her desk, not looking up as they all sat down. She only looked up once. Harry caught her eye in that moment and smiled at her. She had quickly looked away and lifted up some parchment to her face. Harry knew she was hiding her own smile.

"Alright today we will be doing Transmogrification. Each of you have a crystal ball in front of you. I want you all to destroy it using transfiguration through transmogrification magic."

Just as they started Ron dashed into the room.

"Mr Weasley, care to explain why you are late?" she asked in a clipped tone.

"Harry didn't wake me up for breakfast so I was rushing," he said, panting as if he had run several miles.

"Mr Weasley, it is up to you to get up, not someone else," she spoke crisply. "Mr Potter was in the Great Hall having breakfast at six-thirty. I would say he would be the most prepared here. In fact Mr Potter, maybe you can demonstrate a spell perfectly. Prove my faith."

Harry didn't consider himself the best at Transfiguration. But his mind felt clear and focused as he performed the spell on the crystal ball. It immediately transformed into fiery ash and smoke was coming from it.

"That happens when the mind is clear and fully awake. I would award ten points to you Mr. Potter but I'm taking ten points off you Mr. Weasley so the hourglass remains unchanged. And detention with me tonight at eight sharp. Don't be late."

lIlIlIl

When lunchtime came Harry was all too glad to get away from Ron. Ron had been glaring at him all morning, clearly blaming him for getting into trouble. Harry was in no mood for a possible confrontation, so he happily made his way over to Hannah Abbott at the Hufflepuff table.

"Hello Hannah," greeted Harry as he sat down next to her. "How are you today?"

"I'm well Harry," smiled Hannah. She lifted her finger and pressed it to Harry's head.

"Wha- "

"I had to check if you were a ghost," she laughed. "I thought you were a ghost this morning when you came in for breakfast."

Harry laughed.

"Hi Harry," said Ernie, sitting down across from him. "What's the word?"

"And therefore there will be chicken sandwiches," said Susan as she sat down on Harry's right. "That is the word. And I am going to enjoy it."

They all laughed.

As more people joined the table Harry was chatting away to a fair few of them. Susan, Hannah, Ernie, Justin, James, and Arona. Sitting here and not hearing any bickering, Seamus' explosions or twin Weasley pranks just felt calming and homely. He was enjoying it.

After lunch they were sharing a class with Hufflepuff's so Harry walked with Susan and Hannah to class. He was especially enjoying Hannah's company. She was chattering away and telling amusing stories about herself, her family, and Susan.

"That's very funny," he smiled at Hannah. "Your family seems riotous. What about your family Susan?"

Susan stiffened. "I live with my Aunt Amelia. I never met my parents. Voldemort killed them a few weeks before your parents."

Harry was shaken. He suddenly remembered words Hagrid said to him when he met him.

"No one ever lived after he decided ter kill 'em, no one except you, an' he'd killed some o' the best witches an' wizards of the age — the McKinnons, the Bones, the Prewetts."

"Susan - " started Hannah.

"No, it's okay," said Susan. "Harry understands. After all we've both lost our parents and are each an only child. I'd say we're very alike."

"In that case," said Harry, reaching out his hand and taking Susan's in his. "We're friends for life. We clearly need each other."

Susan looked at Harry and at his hand in her own. She knew Harry would understand. "Friends for life."

lIlIlIl

"Harry, what's going on?" asked Hermione that night in the Common Room. "How come you've been with the Hufflepuffs nearly all day?"

"I'm making new friends, Hermione," said Harry. "That's all."

"That's all?" she asked sceptically. "But why."

"They all believe me," said Harry. "They are all furious that Fudge has cited Cedric's death as a tragic accident."

It all made sense to Hermione now. In all the furore of Voldemort's return, barely a word was said about Cedric over the Summer in the Daily Prophet. It was like he was beginning to vanish into obscurity. She would never forget Amos Diggory's anguished sobs when Harry came back with Cedric's body.

"I wonder how his parents are doing," said Hermione sadly. "No one deserves to bury their own child."

"I shouldn't be telling you this," said Harry. "But Cedric's parents believe me. Apparently, Amos Diggory tried to get Fudge to open an investigation but all he got was threats of Azkaban if he tried pursuing the matter. He's taken to drinking since."

Hermione couldn't believe what she just heard. She knew Fudge was incompetent but to threaten a grieving father with Azkaban. That was beyond the pale for her.

She was about to screech at the indignity of it when Harry put his hand over her mouth.

"Don't say anything Hermione," said Harry. "I know I can trust you, but I can't trust you not to scream at the indignity of it all."

Hermione nodded.

"What the hell is going on in Fudge's mind though?" she asked furiously but quietly.

"I've got that answer, too," Harry remarked sadly. "It appears that Lucius Malfoy has essentially become Fudge's consultant. "The Hufflepuffs are desperate to send that pretentious idiot to Azkaban."

He put his hand over her mouth again as she looked like she was about to screech.

"Calm down Hermione," he warned. "We need to be smart about this."

"Doesn't mean I like it," she growled.

"Neither do I," smiled Harry. "By the way, where's Ron."

"He's at detention with Professor McGonagall," she growled. "He's been ranting about you all day. Hopefully McGonagall will talk some sense to him."

Harry nodded, though he highly doubted it. He, Hermione and Neville sat together as they did their homework. Without Ron there and moaning about homework they were able to get it done a lot quicker and on time.

By the time Ron arrived Harry and Neville were playing Wizard's Chess while Hermione was re-reading Hogwarts: A History

"Hermione, where's your homework notes," he blundered. "I need to copy them for my homework.

Hermione glanced at Harry before she spoke. "Do your homework yourself Ron. I'm relaxing."

"But- but what if I fail?" he asked. "It'll be all your fault."

"Your homework is your problem," she growled. "Not mine. It won't kill you to do some work."

Ron stared at Hermione for a moment. "I'm having a nightmare," he mumbled. "I'll wake up soon and she will have it done for me."

And with that he went upstairs to his bed.

"He's still going to blame you Hermione," said Neville.

"I don't care," she scowled. "I've been doing his homework for nearly four years. It's about time he did his own."

Harry and Neville went upstairs to bed at ten, both aiming to wake up at half six the next morning again. Since he had been awake since six this morning Harry fell asleep very quickly.

Harry woke up the next morning to his alarm. Smiling at his accomplishment of getting up early he rose from his bed and had a quick shower. He was just getting dressed when Neville awoke.

"Morning Nev," greeted Harry.

"Hiya Harry," yawned Neville.

"Didn't think I'd be up before you," chuckled Harry.

Harry sat by the window watching the landscape, deciding to wait for Neville.

Neville was surprised and amused Harry waited for him. They both went down to the Great Hall together. When they got there though Hannah was sitting at the Hufflepuff table and was beckoning Harry to join her.

Harry didn't want Neville sitting by himself and decided he wanted to introduce Neville to Hannah. The boy was quite shy, so he knew Neville likely didn't know her.

Harry went over to Hannah dragging Neville along.

"Good morning Hannah," said Harry. "Can me and Neville join you?"

"Of course," smiled Hannah. "It'll be great to have two handsome fellows sitting next to me."

Harry laughed, but Neville went beet red at Hannah's remark.

"So Hannah," said Harry. "Tell me, how is your quest for world domination."

"Well, I've got two new henchmen," laughed Hannah, putting each arm around Harry and Neville. "With their help I'll be the evil Queen overlord faster than expected."

Harry laughed but quickly stopped as he eyed Neville. Hannah still had her arms around them both but Neville was blushing scarlet red and shooting glances at Hannah and at her arm around him.

Harry knew he wasn't the most observant, but he knew right away that Neville had fallen head over heels with Hannah. He knew it wouldn't be long before they were a couple. Neville was one of the first students the previous year to get a date for the Yule Ball.

The three of them had breakfast together, Harry and Hannah doing the most talking as Neville now seemed to be tongue-tied. But eventually Hannah noticed.

"You alright Neville," she inquired. "You haven't said a word since you sat down. I have never heard you speak before. Let me hear your voice."

Neville stared into his breakfast before saying something. "Hello Hannah," he said squeamishly.

"That's your voice," whispered Hannah. "Let's try that again."

"Repeat after me," she said, lifting up Neville's face and looking into his eyes. "I - "

"I."

"Like."

"Like."

"Harry's eyes."

"Harry's wha - "

Hannah laughed at the gobsmacked expressions on both boys' faces.

"I can tell it's going to be fun with you two around," she laughed. "Especially you Neville. Me and you are going to spend a lot of time together."

Neville looked frightened out of his wits.

Harry just barely kept his laughter under control. It was so obvious to him what was going on. It wasn't just Neville that had a crush, Hannah did too, but was clearly covering it up with her boisterous attitude.

"I think I'll just go for walk around the lake this morning Neville," he said, standing up having had finished his breakfast. "You should show Hannah the plants and flowers in the Greenhouse."

Harry left the Great Hall quickly to avoid any possible noises of protest, but none came.

He had a pleasant walk along the Black Lake. There was still time before classes so he went up to the Owlery to see Hedwig. He found her dozing on the highest perch. All the other owls were giving her fearful looks like she was some kind of dark lord.

"Clearly you're in charge here, Hedwig."

Hedwig woke up, hooted in agreement and flew down to Harry's shoulder. Harry gave her a pleasant rubbing on the head and sat with her for fifteen minutes idly chatting to her.

Hedwig was the only one he felt understood him, his one true friend. She never turned her back on him, treated him affectionately, and loved him.

"I have to go to class now Hedwig," said Harry sadly. "But I'll see you soon."

He walked back to the castle, hope in his heart. He had expected a bad year upon his return, but other than Umbridge he was enjoying himself. He was making new friends.

And he had also set up a couple, as he observed Neville shyly rubbing his lips outside the Potions classroom.

"Did you have a good morning Neville?" asked Harry, sending him a smirk.

The only response Neville gave him was a wink and a grin.

AN: Another new story. I got this idea a few years ago but never executed it. There will be a shift in the plot as time goes on. After all, there's a butterfly effect in everything. Harry being friends with Hufflepuff will change him in small and big ways. Maybe he'll be more intelligent, think before charging, and maybe find love.