When the students returned the next day, Harry was pleased to find himself back in the company of Neville and the girls.
"So, how was your holiday? Did you do anything interesting?" Hannah asked.
Harry smirked internally when he thought about all he had accomplished, but outwardly he remained passive. "Not really, I mainly just tried to ignore Ronald," Harry replied.
"Well, next time you will just have to take us up on our offers to have you over," Susan said.
"I'll think about it, I promise," Harry replied.
"You had better," she said before smiling. "Oh, and I wanted to thank you again for the hair pins. They really are beautiful."
"It's okay, Sues, I'm glad you like them. The book you got me was amazing as well," Harry said. He had started to read it just that morning and found that it gave clear instructions and suggestions about how to advance in creating mind shields and protections.
After that, the group went on to talk about presents and their holidays, as though they hadn't already told each other through owls. Harry didn't mind as he sat silently and observed his friends.
Harry had been called up to Flitwick's office just after Christmas to have a chat with him; the meetings were for all first years to see how they were settling. Harry had been nervous about Flitwick as he wasn't sure if his goblin heritage would make him pick up on Harry's abnormalities. However, the diminutive professor hadn't, or, at least, he hadn't made it known he sensed anything different.
"Hello, Harry," the Charms professor had greeted jovially.
"Good afternoon, sir," Harry replied. He hadn't really ever interacted with the part-goblin in his last life and was surprised to see how proactive he was in managing his house compared to McGonagall. He always spent the morning of every other Sunday in the common room, making himself available to help his students.
"Why don't you take a seat for me, Harry?" Flitwick suggested.
Sitting in the offered chair, Harry looked up and waited.
"Well Harry, from looking at your scores from this past term, I have to say: I am extremely proud of you. You're at the top of all of your classes and you're producing results that are well beyond the normal capabilities of a first year student."
Harry contained his scowl. He had tried to bring his work level down, but even with that he outclassed his peers by a considerable margin. "Thank you, sir," he said. He didn't mind being thought of as a prodigy, but he felt bad for his peers competing against him.
"Now, from looking at your results, I can clearly see you're not having any problem with the work. However, I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't ask; is there any area you feel you need help or support in?"
"No, sir," Harry said honestly. "That could obviously change, but at the moment I find the work load and classes to be fine."
"Good, good," Flitwick said before a slightly darker look appeared on his face.
"Now Harry, I know that you and I haven't really had a chance to talk much this year; however, I do want you to know that I will always stand by my students and fight for them," he said seriously.
Harry was confused by the sudden turn and let it show in this voice. "Thank you, sir?" he said questioningly.
"Over the holidays I received a note from Madam Pomfrey - now, before you get upset, she did not in any way betray your trust. She simply asked for me to keep an eye on you as she had not had a chance to run her check up. Knowing she would not be able to give any insight, I took it upon myself to write to your family asking if they knew about any health concerns as I doubted you would want to talk to me yourself as you hadn't do so. The note I received back shocked me, and I am honestly unsure what to do with the information."
....
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