A/N:
Hello readers! I have taken the time to draw out character sketches for lots of the characters in this story-original and otherwise- and will be posting them on tumblr. My account is the same as this one "S4vvyg1rl". I'm putting the link here if you'd like to check it out, if it doesn't work, search my username, it should be the only thing that pops up.
s4vvyg1rl/772797188508123136/character-designs-for-my-fanfic-lmao?source=share
Harry had spent the summer between first and second year doing many things. From playing with his now one year old sister to participating in a few extra courses offered by private tutors to prepare him for his lordship, he barely had a moment to rest.
One particular morning of this busy summer, Harry was rudely awakened by loud crashing from inside his closet. Not one to wait to be attacked, he got up to investigate immediately.
A house elf thrashed around in his dirty clothes bin. Harry frowned.
"Hello?" He reached in and pulled the elf out, holding him up to make eye contact with him. "Are you lost?"
The elf shook in his arms, fear evident in his features. "Harry Potter sir! Dobby did not mean to be caught! Dobby only wanted to leave a message!"
"Er…it's alright, what's your message say?" Harry set him down gently, kneeling to remain eye to eye.
"Oh the great Harry Potter was not supposed to hear this directly…" the house elf began hitting himself on the head—hard.
Harry reached to stop him, holding his arms still. "Stop hurting yourself–please…" Harry kept hold of his arms, just in case. "Who sent me a message? Was it Hermione? Neville? A professor?"
Dobby started sobbing violently. Harry fought the urge to lash out, wanting desperately to understand what the elf was doing here. He was surprised neither of his parents had heard the commotion.
"Dobby is sending the message Harry Potter Sir, Dobby wanted to warn him!"
"Warn me of what? Harry was even more confused now, frowning as he let go of the wailing creature.
"Harry Potter must not go back to Hogwarts! He must not return to school!" He cried, dropping to his knees and banging his head on the floor.
Harry shoved his hand between his head and the floor, letting out an exasperated sigh. "Dobby–right? Stop hurting yourself, now." The little house elf stopped, although clearly begrudgingly, and looked up at the young wizard. "Why can't I go back to school? That's where all my friends are, and where I need to go to learn magic. Don't you want me to complete my studies?"
Oh–yes! Dobby is wanting Harry Potter to study but he must do it somewhere else! There is a dangerous plot at Hogwarts, evil magic, dark motives!" Dobby stopped abruptly, looking immensely guilty." Oh no– Dobby has said too much…"
Harry cut him off before he could start trying to hurt himself again. "What plan? Who's got dark motives? What have you heard?"
"Dobby mustn't tell!" He squeaked, hiding behind his floppy ears.
Harry groaned. "Look, I can't just not go back–" Harry watched his face fall, clearly devastated at his revelation. "uhm..But–you were able to come see me like this, right? What if you popped in to tell me if there was any danger? I know I would be safe with you watching my back." Harry put on his most charming smile, hoping the little elf would drop this and go home.
"Dobby can be doing that, Harry Potter sir! Dobby can do anything for you!" The little elf jumped up then, suddenly joyful. "I will be watching for danger!"
With that, he popped away. Harry sat back on the ground, already exhausted before his day even started.
"What a nutcase…" He mumbled, moving on to get ready for the day.
–
Now, as his twelfth birthday came and went, there were only a few weeks before his second year at Hogwarts was to begin. Harry could have spent the August before doing any number of things, but he chose a rather–unorthodox–activity.
Research on a convicted murderer. The man who alerted Voldemort of the Potter's location and then ended the life of twelve innocent muggles and one wizard…allegedly.
"He does look rather insane…" Hermione commented on the moving photograph they had found on an old newspaper in Diagon Alley.
Sirius Black yelled and thrashed in the Auror's arms who held him captive. Harry couldn't quite make out what he was trying to say.
"My parents said I could trust him—said I had to set him free, no matter what." Harry frowned. "I'm just not sure how I'm supposed to do that right now…"
Hermione sighed. "Maybe…for now—we should focus on something else?"
She stacked up their parchment rolls with notes and newspaper clippings and filed them neatly into a bag. Harry watched her, feeling discouraged and upset.
"Besides, you haven't even told me what you're getting me for my birthday." Hermione smiled. "I'm so curious, you have to tell me!"
Harry's smile returned for a moment as he shook his head. "No can do 'mione—it's a secret."
He watched her pout playfully, knowing she knew she would not be getting any answers from him using this method.
"You know I don't like nicknames…" She huffed, throwing her bag over her shoulder and starting off toward a bookstore.
Harry sighed, following close behind. "Sure, but I'm allowed." He tapped his temple twice. "Best friend privileges."
Hermione rolled her eyes, not bothering to hold the door open as she made it inside.
Harry caught the door anyway, staying just behind her as she browsed book titles and other miscellaneous items. They were in a far back corner of Diagon Alley, a good distance away from most of the crowds and chaos.
Harry hadn't told her yet, but today was actually a part of her present. Some famous wizard was currently holed up in Flourish and Blotts about to host a book signing. Actually, he was set to be their new DADA teacher, but Harry was skeptical of him still.
He'd never heard of the bloke before, and the little research he'd done only told him that the man was as egotistical as they come. Still, Hermione owned several of his books, and the ones she didn't were to be signed and handed to her today as her official birthday present.
So with this plan in mind, he led her there, trying to remain as nonchalant as possible. Neville had agreed to meet them around this time, and Harry knew that a line would start forming as soon as he opened, so the rush was on.
"Harry—" Hermione called as she tried to catch up with the boy practically running away from her. "Harry! Where are we going?!"
"We're almost there!" He sped up, practically bursting through the door of Flourish and Blotts.
A line all the way to the back wall met him as he entered. At the very head stood a blonde man in fancy looking robes, smiling at witches all throughout the room. Harry watched on curiously as witches aged 11 and up smiled shyly and blushed at this man. What were they so impressed by?
His curiosity turned into something else when Hermione walked in, immediately enamored by the famous wizard. He couldn't quite place the feeling, but the flustered grin that was plastered on her face as she ogled him made his stomach turn.
"It's part of your present…" He mumbled, motioning for her to get in line.
"Oh!" Hermione glanced around, suddenly remembering where she was it seemed. "Oh, thank you Harry! This is so sweet!"
Harry nodded and offered a forced smile. Just then, Neville arrived, looking just as confused as him.
"What's with all of them and their dopey eyed stares?" Neville whispered.
"Wish I knew." Harry rubbed his neck. "It shouldn't be too long though, he's just handing everyone a book and sending them on their way."
"Right. Well, guess we'll survive." Neville laughed.
Harry's response was cut off as he noticed the Malfoy family enter the store. He felt instantly on edge, hiding his face as best as he could in hopes of being overlooked.
The elder Malfoy walked ahead of the line and shook the famous wizard's hand.
"Gilderoy." Harry heard him say. "A pleasure to see you again."
"Likewise, Lord Malfoy." Gilderoy answered, flashing his brightest smile.
With that, the blondes headed back down the line, seemingly to leave the store, when they stopped abruptly. Harry had to squint to see who they were talking to through the crowd, but the ginger hair gave it away as soon as he could catch a better glimpse.
The Weasley clan was grouped together near the front of the line. Lucius was having a hushed conversation with the older patriarch. Harry frowned, what did he want with them?
As he was about to turn and ask Hermione what she thought, Lucius bumped into the Wesley's two youngest, causing the girl to stumble. He apologized—as insincerely as you possibly could—and led Draco outside.
"That was rude…" Neville muttered as they left.
"Incredibly." Harry agreed.
"Boys, look! He's got all of his editions up there. These books are incredibly fascinating you know-" Hermione began her tangent on Gilderoy Lockhart with giddy enthusiasm.
Harry listened carefully, wondering if all the rumors about him were true. Was he really that powerful of a wizard? Something seemed off.
The line got shorter and shorter, and soon it was Hermione's turn. Harry stood just behind her, ready for the whole experience to be over.
As he was handing her the signed copy of his collection, the man with golden hair noticed Harry. Without missing a beat, he threw his arms up and signaled to the reporters to start taking pictures.
"My, my! If it isn't Harry Potter, coming to see me at last!" He grabbed the younger boy and pulled him close, shaking his hand vigorously.
Harry smiled nervously, glancing back at his friends. Neville just shrugged, clearly finding his predicament rather amusing. Hermione looked conflicted.
"Hello Mr. Lockhart." Harry cleared his throat, dropping his hand to his side.
"Now I'll have none of that Harry, you'll call me Gilderoy." The man flashed his smile and reached for a stack of books. "I would like to gift my new friend my entire signed collection—free of charge. I'll see you soon!"
Gilderoy turned back to Hermione, posing for a picture with her as well and flashing her an extra charming smile. Harry wouldn't admit it, but the weird twinge that reverberated through his chest throughout this whole experience increased ten-fold at that–and even more when he noticed the flushed face and nervous smile she returned.
He opened his arms to catch the stack of books just in time, fighting the grimace as he was quickly shooed off to the side to have one more picture taken. He held it together until they left the store and returned to Neville's house.
"Thank you for the gift, Harry. I'm sorry they took pictures of you. If you tell your mum I'm sure she can call the Daily Prophet and ask them not to post them." Hermione sat next to Harry on a couch, her new book in hand.
Harry shook his head. "It's fine. All that matters is that you like your present."
Hermione smiled, leaning down to rest her head on his shoulder as her eyes flipped back down towards the book. Harry took that as enough of an answer, settling further into the couch as their activities of the day caught up to him.
"Harry." A voice pulled him out of his nap a while later, almost startling him.
"Huh?" He mumbled, rubbing his eyes.
"Hermione's about to leave, you probably should too. It's past dinner time." Neville stood above him.
"Alright." Harry stretched up. "Bye Nev, see you in a few weeks."
With that, Harry and Hermione returned home through the floo, wishing each other goodbye as they did so.
—
Harry boarded the Hogwarts express much more confidently than he had last year, settling into their usual compartment with ease. Hermione was already there, reading quietly. Neville walked in a minute later, eager to tell Harry some story about his garden at home.
Harry listened cheerfully, happy to have his friends back. Though he would miss his family, they were always a letter away.
As he and Neville settled into some practice exercises for charms, a knock came from the door. A young redheaded girl with big doe eyes stood nervously outside.
Harry recognized her as the Weasley's youngest immediately and cleared his throat. "Can we help you…?"
"Ginny, Ginny Weasley." She looked back and forth at the hall. "Have you seen any of my brothers?"
Neville frowned, the poor girl looked lost. "No, we haven't, sorry Ginny. I'm Neville by the way. Neville Longbottom."
Neville stood and reached to shake her hand. She took it gingerly, obviously unsure. Harry noticed her frown deepening as she glanced around once more.
"Right, um..thank you, sorry to bother!" She turned her back, crossing her arms in thought.
"Ginny!" Hermione's voice suddenly came from the other side of the compartment. "Honestly boys, the poor girl is lost. Do you want help finding them or help finding something else?"
Hermione walked over and placed a reassuring hand on the girl's shoulder. Ginny sighed, offering a sheepish smile.
"I don't really want to find them…I know they're avoiding me on purpose." She glanced between Hermione and the boys. "Can I stay with you? I want to learn how to do that."
Ginny pointed at the spell book propped up on the bench, a curious look on her face.
Hermione smiled brightly. "Absolutely."
Thus began their lessons to their new firstie friend. Harry smiled as Hermione guided her expertly through spells she wished to learn, helping her figure out several new ones throughout the course of the train ride.
Right before they arrived at the school, a strange voice carried through their apartment.
"Ginny, there you are!" The voice said, sounding far away and almost ethereal. "I was beginning to think the nargles got to you…"
Harry glanced up, shocked. A small blonde girl seemed to have just appeared in the doorway. He didn't recall sensing her magic or hearing any noise.
"Luna!" Ginny exclaimed, rushing to her. "I'm sorry, I couldn't find you or my brothers earlier. Hermione invited me to stay with them and I accepted."
Luna listened to her story with an unwavering smile. Harry got the distinct feeling that Luna was looking through Ginny, rather than at her.
"You're both welcome to stay." Hermione offered. "Besides, we're almost to the castle."
Just as she spoke, the castle came into view. Ginny and Luna soon had faces pressed up against the glass, eagerly taking the magnificent view in, just as the trio had done before.
Harry, Hermione, and Neville said goodbye to their new first year friends, promising to see them after the sorting ceremony.
"Harry, Nev! Come sit with us." The voice of Samantha carried through the crowd as they reached the great hall.
The fourth year Gryffindor was quick to engulf Hermione in a hug, immediately chatting up the younger girl. The boys settled in where she had pointed out and began discussing their summers with their dorm mates.
Dean and Seamus talked about their quidditch adventures, Ronald shared his lament over his sick rat, and Tyler spoke of a vacation to France.
Harry and Neville soon added their own stories to the mix, and by the time they'd finished, the doors burst open.
The new first years all filed in behind professor McGonagall, just as nervous as they had been last year. Harry and Neville spotted Luna first, her bright blonde hair jutting out from the sea of firsties.
McGonagall went through with the ceremony, and soon everyone was sorted. Ginny joined them in Gryffindor—much to her older brother's delight—and Luna went off to Ravenclaw. Hermione and Samantha filled Ginny and some of the other new girls in on everything they might need to know for their first term.
With dinner eaten and new friends made, all of Hogwarts students were sent off to bed. Harry laid down and fell asleep almost instantly, eager to begin his new classes.