The real Herry Potter

The sun had barely risen, casting its gentle light over the Gryffindor Tower, when Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom began their morning exercise routine. The chill in the air was invigorating as they emerged from the warmth of the common room and stepped out into the castle's early-morning hush. The hallways were still and quiet, save for the occasional flicker of torchlight and the distant hum of the castle's magic.

Harry and Neville moved with a rhythmic precision, their footsteps echoing softly as they made their way to the grounds. The cool morning air kissed their cheeks, a welcome contrast to the stifling warmth of the common room. They greeted each other with nods of camaraderie, their breath forming small clouds in the crisp air.

Arriving at their designated workout spot, a secluded area near the edge of the Forbidden Forest, they began their routine. The space was surrounded by towering trees, their leaves whispering secrets to the wind. The soft crunch of leaves underfoot accompanied their movements as they performed their exercises—stretching, jogging, and practicing various drills that improved their strength and agility. Neville, always keen on pushing his limits, led the way with enthusiasm. Harry followed with a determined focus, the previous day's events still fresh in his mind.

After an invigorating session, the two friends made their way back to Gryffindor Tower. The common room was filled with the soft, golden light of morning. Dolly, the ever-cheerful house-elf, was busy preparing a small breakfast for them. She greeted them with her usual exuberance, her large eyes twinkling as she served them fresh juice and a selection of fruits.

"Good morning, Masters Harry and Neville! I've got your favorite today—apple slices and pumpkin juice!" Dolly's voice was as warm as the sunbeams streaming through the high windows.

"Thank you, Dolly," Harry said, gratefully accepting his plate. "This looks wonderful."

Neville nodded in agreement, taking a seat by the fire. They enjoyed their breakfast in quiet contentment, savoring the delicious fruit and the cozy atmosphere. The common room was gradually filling with other Gryffindors, who were beginning their day with sleepy yawns and enthusiastic chatter.

Once they finished their meal, Harry and Neville made their way to the Great Hall. They traversed the familiar corridors of Hogwarts, their footsteps reverberating through the stone halls. The walls, adorned with flickering torches and ancient tapestries, seemed to watch them as they walked. The grandeur of the castle always struck Harry anew, each turn and corner filled with history and magic.

As they approached the Great Hall, Harry noticed something different. There was a palpable shift in the atmosphere. Students in the hallways glanced at him with a mixture of curiosity and admiration, their whispers floating on the edges of their conversations. It wasn't unusual for Harry to attract attention, given his fame as the Boy Who Lived, but today the scrutiny seemed heightened.

Neville, sensing Harry's unease, gave him an encouraging nod. "Just ignore them, Harry. It's probably just the usual gossip."

Harry tried to brush off the growing sense of unease. They continued their walk, the echoes of their footsteps mingling with the distant hum of conversations and the clatter of breakfast dishes from the Great Hall.

Entering the Great Hall, Harry was greeted by the sight of the enchanted ceiling reflecting the clear blue sky of the morning. The long tables, set for breakfast, were already bustling with students. As Harry and Neville made their way to the Gryffindor table, they were met with a chorus of surprised and curious looks.

They took their seats, and Harry immediately noticed that the usual chatter around the table was replaced by a buzz of excitement. It seemed that word of his actions from the previous day had spread like wildfire.

Susan Bones and Hannah Abbott, both from Hufflepuff, approached their table with eager expressions. Susan's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Harry, is it true?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.

"Is what true?" Harry asked, slightly bewildered.

"That you saved Neville when he fell from his broomstick," Susan said, her tone insistent.

Harry nodded, a little surprised by the attention. "Yes, it's true. Neville had a bit of a tumble, and I just happened to be in the right place at the right time."

Hannah leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "We heard all sorts of things about it. Some people are saying you were really amazing up there."

Harry glanced around at the curious faces of his fellow Gryffindors, realizing that Hogwarts' gossip mill had been working overtime. "I guess word gets around quickly here," he said with a wry smile.

The two Hufflepuff girls exchanged excited glances and began peppering Harry with questions about the details of the rescue. The more he recounted the story, the more animated the conversation became. It was clear that the incident had taken on a life of its own, fueled by the school's insatiable appetite for drama and intrigue.

As Harry chatted with Susan and Hannah, he noticed Professor Dumbledore making his way to the high table. The headmaster's gaze fell on Harry, and he gave a warm, approving smile. Harry's heart skipped a beat as he realized that Dumbledore seemed to be making his way towards him.

"Harry Potter," Dumbledore called, his voice carrying across the hall. "Could you join me at the high table for a moment?"

A hush fell over the Great Hall as students turned to look. Harry, feeling the weight of countless eyes on him, stood up and made his way to the high table. Dumbledore's gaze was kind, though there was a hint of seriousness in his expression.

Once at the high table, Dumbledore addressed the entire hall. "As many of you know, Harry Potter has demonstrated exceptional bravery and skill. Yesterday, he performed a remarkable feat by rescuing Neville Longbottom when he fell from his broomstick. His actions exemplify the true spirit of Gryffindor and the values we hold dear here at Hogwarts."

A murmur of admiration rippled through the hall. Harry felt his cheeks flush with heat, the spotlight feeling overwhelmingly bright. Dumbledore continued, "In recognition of his bravery, Harry will be receiving a small memento." The headmaster produced a gleaming medal from his robes and handed it to Harry. "This is a token of our appreciation for your courageous act."

Harry accepted the medal, feeling a mix of pride and discomfort. The applause that followed seemed to echo endlessly, and Harry's face grew warm under the attention. He noticed that his fellow Gryffindors were clapping the loudest, their cheers mixing with the rest of the school's enthusiastic response.

Dumbledore's gaze shifted slightly, and he added, "Additionally, I would like to announce that Harry has been selected as the Gryffindor Quidditch team's new Seeker. His skills have been tested, and we are excited to see him take on this role."

The announcement was met with an even louder round of applause. Harry's surprise was palpable; he had not expected his new role to be revealed so publicly. The cheering grew, and Harry glanced back at the Gryffindor table where his friends were beaming with pride.

As the applause subsided, Harry returned to his seat at the Gryffindor table. Susan and Hannah, now joined by other curious students, continued to bombard him with questions. Harry answered as best as he could, his mind still reeling from the unexpected recognition.

Breakfast continued in a flurry of congratulatory messages. Harry's friends, including Hermione and Ron, offered their heartfelt congratulations and enthusiastic support. The atmosphere was lively and full of energy, a stark contrast to the quiet of the previous morning.

Eventually, the breakfast buzz settled, and Harry and Neville prepared to head to their classes. Harry's thoughts were a mix of excitement and apprehension about the new role he had been thrust into. As they left the Great Hall, the hallways of Hogwarts seemed even more alive with whispers and glances.

Neville, sensing Harry's lingering discomfort, gave him a reassuring pat on the back. "You handled that really well, Harry. Don't let it get to you too much."

Harry nodded, grateful for Neville's support. "Thanks, Neville. I'll try to stay focused and not let all this attention distract me."

As they made their way to their first class of the day, the hallways buzzed with the usual activity of students rushing to their lessons. The excitement of the morning had settled into a steady hum of anticipation, and Harry felt a renewed sense of determination. The day ahead was filled with new challenges and opportunities, and he was ready to embrace them.

The rest of the day was a whirlwind of congratulations for Harry. As he made his way to his classes, every corner of Hogwarts seemed to buzz with excitement about his recent feats. Teachers and students alike greeted him with admiration and praise. The usually stern Professor Snape even offered a curt nod of acknowledgment, though Harry could sense the faint disapproval in his eyes. Professor McGonagall was particularly effusive, her eyes twinkling with pride every time she saw him.

"Excellent work, Mr. Potter," she said as she passed him in the corridor, her tone both firm and warm. "We're all very proud of you."

Harry managed a modest smile, though the attention was beginning to feel overwhelming. As he entered the classroom for his next lesson, he was met with a chorus of whispers and excited glances. His classmates were eager to hear every detail of the incident and to discuss his new role as the Seeker for the Gryffindor Quidditch team.

However, not everyone shared in the general enthusiasm. The Slytherin table, situated across the Great Hall, was noticeably quiet. The usual sneering and muttering among the older Slytherins was absent, but their eyes were fixed on Harry with a mix of disdain and envy. The younger Slytherins, led by Draco Malfoy, looked on with barely concealed irritation.

Draco's face was a mask of barely controlled anger. As he glared at Harry, it was clear that he was not pleased with the attention Harry was receiving. Draco, who always had an air of superiority but a deep-seated insecurity, was particularly incensed by Harry's newfound spotlight. The announcement of Harry as Gryffindor's new Seeker, the youngest in two centuries, seemed to be the final straw for Draco. His desire to be the center of attention and his aversion to sharing it were in full conflict.

As the day wore on, the tension in the air grew palpable. Harry, oblivious to Draco's brewing resentment, attended his classes and engaged in conversations with friends. By the time evening arrived, the anticipation of the night's events was already thick in the air. Students were talking excitedly about the duel that Draco Malfoy had apparently challenged Harry to.

Harry's curiosity was piqued when Ron Weasley, who had been strangely silent for most of the day, approached him with a serious expression. Ron's face was set in determination as he walked up to Harry, who was lingering near the Gryffindor common room, still processing the day's events.

"Harry," Ron began, his voice hushed and intense, "I heard about the duel with Malfoy. I'm going to be your second."

Harry blinked, confusion etched on his face. "Second? What are you talking about?"

Ron took a deep breath, his chest puffing out slightly as he spoke. "Malfoy challenged you to a duel tonight in the Trophy Room. I'm stepping in as your second, and we're going to make sure you're ready."

Before Harry could fully grasp what was happening, Ron continued, "I'm not letting anyone push a Gryffindor around, especially not someone like Malfoy."

Harry's bewilderment deepened. "But why did you volunteer? We're not exactly friends, are we?"

Ron's face reddened slightly, but he held his ground. "Doesn't matter. It's about Gryffindor pride. And besides, you're a Gryffindor. We stick together."

The sincerity in Ron's voice was evident, but Harry couldn't shake the feeling that this situation was spiraling out of control. "I appreciate it, but I don't know if I want to do this. It's been a long day, and I'm really not in the mood for a midnight duel."

The bustling corridors of Hogwarts seemed to hum with excitement as Harry made his way back to the Gryffindor common room after a long day of classes. The congratulations he received throughout the day had left him feeling both exhilarated and overwhelmed. His status as the newest Gryffindor Seeker, and his heroic rescue of Neville Longbottom, had garnered him a great deal of attention. The buzz was palpable, and Harry was still trying to process it all.

As he approached the portrait of the Fat Lady, Harry couldn't help but notice the furtive glances he received from students passing by. It was as though his every step was being scrutinized. Despite his best efforts to ignore the stares, he felt a growing discomfort. The attention, though flattering, was beginning to feel like a burden.

Once inside the Gryffindor common room, Harry made his way to a cozy armchair near the fireplace. The warmth of the flames was a welcome relief from the chill of the castle's stone corridors. He was keen on enjoying a peaceful evening and catching up on some reading before bed.

Neville Longbottom joined him shortly after, still buzzing from the excitement of the day. "That was quite something, Harry," Neville said, sitting down opposite him. "All the talk about you being the Seeker and saving me—it's everywhere."

"Yeah, it's a bit much," Harry admitted with a tired smile. "I'm glad it's all settled, though."

As the evening progressed, the common room filled with the usual chatter of Gryffindor students unwinding after a busy day. The noise level grew, but Harry remained absorbed in his book, savoring the tranquility of the common room.

Then, just as the clock approached eleven, a commotion near the entrance of the common room caught Harry's attention. He looked up to see Ron Weasley, Dean Thomas, and Seamus Finnegan preparing to leave. Ron's face was set in a determined expression, while Dean and Seamus looked on with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Harry's curiosity was piqued. He approached Ron, his brow furrowed. "Where are you going?"

Ron's eyes sparkled with defiant enthusiasm. "We're going to the Trophy Room for the duel with Malfoy."

Harry stared at him, stunned. "What duel? I never agreed to that. I don't plan on going."

Ron's face fell slightly, but he quickly recovered. "You don't have to go. I'm going in your place. It's about Gryffindor pride. We can't let Malfoy think he can push us around."

Harry shook his head, baffled. "You don't have to do this. It's not worth it. Malfoy's probably not even going to show up."

But Ron was resolute. "I'm not backing down. Malfoy needs to know he can't just challenge people and expect to win. I'm going to defend our honor."

With that, Ron and his friends—Dean and Seamus—slipped out of the common room, their footsteps fading down the dimly lit corridor. Harry watched them go, a sinking feeling in his stomach. He had a nagging suspicion that this wasn't going to end well.

True to Harry's apprehension, the night took a turn for the worse. Ron, Dean, and Seamus made their way to the Trophy Room, their spirits high despite the late hour. They arrived at the Trophy Room to find it empty and quiet, the torches casting eerie shadows on the walls.

The trio waited in anticipation, but as the minutes ticked by, their excitement began to wane. Draco Malfoy and Gregory Goyle did not appear. The room remained as silent as it had been when they arrived.

Unbeknownst to them, the caretaker, Argus Filch, had been patrolling the corridors. Filch had a keen ear for mischief, and the slightest disturbance was enough to alert him to trouble. As Ron, Dean, and Seamus loitered in the Trophy Room, Filch's footsteps grew louder, his lantern bobbing closer.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Filch's stern face appeared in the doorway. "What's all this then?" he growled, glaring at the students. "Out of bed and in the Trophy Room after hours? You'll all be serving detention for this."

The boys scrambled, but Filch was quick. He caught them and, with a scowl, led them to his office. The ramifications of their actions were swift and severe. As Filch reported the incident, Professor McGonagall and other staff members were summoned. The decision was made to dock Gryffindor house a total of 150 points—50 points each for Ron, Dean, and Seamus.