Feeling bad, Harry sighed. "It's okay to have heroes and look up to people, Colin, even looking up to me. But you should only do it to people who deserve it, whose actions actually merit praise. And I do understand that you're excited, but taking people's photo without their permission isn't polite - ask beforehand. Most people will probably be happy for their picture to be taken."
The boy seemed to perk up. "Thanks, Harry," he said, his awestruck expression taking over his devastation. Harry rubbed the back of his neck before he nodded and walked away. He hoped that he had nipped Colin's excessive hero worship in the bud; he really didn't want the excitable first year trailing after him like a lost puppy.
~
At the end of his first day, Harry was happy to be free of classes. He had forgotten how exhausting it was to play down his abilities, especially since coming clean to Sirius and Remus meant he didn't have to hide at home anymore.
Making his way up to Flitwick's office, Harry knocked and was soon called in. "Come in, Harry," the half goblin said, smiling and offering Harry a chair.
"Good evening, professor," Harry said, sending the diminutive man a genuine smile.
"You're looking very well," the professor observed. "I trust your summer was good?"
"As you're probably aware from the papers, if you've been reading them, I had a hectic summer to say the least," Harry said. "But yes, it was surprisingly good. I actually had a chance to relax and have fun."
"That's great to hear, Harry. And yes, I did prescribe to the Daily Prophet this summer. To say I was surprised would be an understatement. I just want you to know that you can come to me no matter what. If half of what was written is true then I understand you may have reservations about trusting me - not only because I'm an adult ,but because of who I work for. However, please know I will do my best to always help you."
Harry nodded. "Thank you, professor. I do trust you and if I ever find that I need your help, I promise to come."
Flitwick smiled and looked relieved. "Now tell me, how is Sirius?"
Harry smiled. "He's great. He's recovering remarkably fast, but he does have both wizarding and goblin healers helping him."
Filius felt his eyes widen. He had suspected last year that Harry had the respect of the goblin nation, but this just proved it. Goblins usually hated wizards; to allow their healers to treat one showed respect and friendship. "You truly are a mystery, Mr. Potter. However, I am glad he is recovering. I will never truly forgive myself for believing the lies about him."
Harry nodded. "You shouldn't feel bad, professor. The evidence was damning and made to look worse; Sirius does not hold grudges against the people who thought him lawfully convicted and guilty. You and they couldn't have known," Harry said. "Still, let him know that he can count on me from now on. I have had my eyes well and truly opened."
Harry wondered what that meant and guessed that the part-goblin was starting to see through Dumbledore's persona. "I will professor, thank you."
After their conversation was finished, Flitwick sent him on his way. Harry was happy that he could count on the part-goblin; having his head of House's support would hopefully make life easier for him.
~
September, Hogwarts School Witchcraft and Wizardry, Scotland
of The quality of Neville and Draco's pranks continued throughout the week and Harry soon found himself almost thankful that the two boys didn't become friends in his last life - Neville could be truly scary when he put his mind to it. Throughout the first week, Harry watched as Ron slowly seemed to lose his mind. He would jump up and scream at random intervals and constantly twitch. This left Gryffindor in the minus when it came to House points, Severus taking points almost gleefully.
However, the charms soon started to fade and the boys gleefully informed Harry that they were preparing for phase two. What phase two was, Harry had no idea, but he was looking forward to their ingenuousness. It wasn't until the next day that Harry saw exactly what it was that the two boys had done. He had been sitting with Luna, who was excitedly telling him about her plans to find a Crumple-Horned Snorkack and prove their existence whilst he was braiding her hair. He hadn't braided hair before and honestly he found the experience quite therapeutic.
Ron had stormed in, much like he had a year ago with green skin, this time however his hair was also bright Hufflepuff yellow and his robes Ravenclaw blue. Seeing this, Harry burst into laughter along with the rest of the hall. When the teachers tried to spell him back, Harry only laughed harder as the colours shifted: his skin tur ning yellow, hair blue, and robes green. "Oh my! Even the nargles are laughing at him," Luna said, giggling her bell-like laugh as she stared at Ron.
Harry snorted and tied off the braid with a piece of bark blue ribbon. It wasn't anything fancy but both Harry and Luna took pleasure in the activity. Luna because it was something her mother used to do, and Harry because it was something new and had no association with anybody else.
Luna hummed when she pulled the braid around and saw the ribbon.
"thank you," she said happily running her dainty hands over it. Harry smiled and stood. "care to join me on finding out more about this fine example of magic?" he said, offering his arm.
Luna took it and skipped next to Harry who was making his way over to the Slytherin table.
Luna, who he had introduced to his friends and who had easily found her place among them smiled at the snakes as they made their way over.
"How long will it last?" Harry asked once Draco was in hearing range.
"It should last for a few days and hopefully they won't find a counter. Each time they attempt one, the colours will shift," Draco said, still chuckling.
•
🚀New updates on my Ko-fi!🚀
Support me and read the novel, now available in PDF, with the advanced chapters.
•
https://ko-fi.com/cmrowling