Lion Hearted Hero-Disguised Hero

Chapter 3

Harry was sorted into Gryffindor, a decision that left the great hall in stunned silence. It was an unexpected outcome that even the professors found puzzling. Inwardly, Harry sighed, realizing that this turn of events might not sit well with his parents.

However, the silence was broken by the sound of clapping. Harry spotted Hermione and Rose clapping for him, and Rose seemed to be explaining something to her housemates. Soon, the entire Gryffindor house erupted in cheers, and Harry felt a weight lifting from his shoulders.

Hermione turned to Harry and asked, "So, Remus Lupin... your tutor is going to teach us this year."

Harry nodded in response.

"He's also a friend of Rose and Lyra's parents," Hermione added.

"Really?" Harry asked, intrigued.

"Yup, he's the best," Rose chimed in.

"I totally agree with you on this," Harry said, smiling.

Hermione asked, "I'll be able to study wizarding laws, right?"

"But with the third years," Rose pointed out with a small smile.

"Means with you," she added while nervously glancing at Lyra.

"I'll be there too, Hermione," Harry assured her with a smile.

Hermione returned the smile, feeling reassured.

Lyra then pulled Rose away, saying, "We're going."

Rose turned and gave an apologetic smile to Harry and Hermione before following her best friend.

Harry frowned and asked Hermione, "What's her problem?"

Hermione explained, "She's a good girl, Harry, but her pranks and teasing sometimes get out of hand."

"It's not right to tease someone," Harry stated firmly. "Every person has feelings. She has no right to tease you or anyone else for that matter."

"I'm used to it, Harry," Hermione replied. "In primary school, I was called a freak, and now I'm labeled a Mudblood and a bookworm."

"You're not beneath anyone, Hermione," Harry reassured her. "You're a bright girl who has every right to be in this school. You should hold your head high."

"You're a good person, Harry. Thanks for standing up against the Slytherins. No one ever did that. They'll call me names; I've always tried to stand up, but they'd gang up on me. Sometimes I'd run away from Slytherins. I fear that one day they'll catch and torture me for being a Muggle-born."

"No one will ever call you names, Hermione," Harry said firmly. "You're my friend, and I won't let anyone hurt you."

"I never had a friend before," Hermione admitted, her eyes brimming with tears.

"But now you have one," Harry said with a warm smile.

Hermione expressed her concern, "Harry, you have to be careful. No one ever stood up against them like you did. They will attack you."

"Let them try, Hermione. I'd love to use some spells on them," Harry replied with determination.

With that, they went their separate ways, Harry to the Gryffindor boys' dorm and Hermione to the girls' dorm.

As Harry settled into his dorm, Ron Weasley approached him with a question. "You're a Carrow, right?"

Harry responded, "Yes, is that a problem?"

Ron continued hesitantly, "Are you a junior Death Eater?"

"No, I'm not," Harry said, a touch exasperated. "And I'm not interested in proving my worth to anyone."

Ron reassured him, "It's okay, Harry. I heard you stood up against them. No one ever did that."

"Hermione said the same thing," Harry noted.

"Granger? You're friends with her?" Ron asked.

"Yes, she's brilliant, and I think she doesn't have any friends here," Harry said.

"No, she doesn't," Ron admitted, looking somewhat ashamed.

After sharing a few conversations, Ron and Harry began to connect on a deeper level. They found common interests and similar values, gradually forming a genuine friendship.

Ron might be a bit impulsive, but he seemed like a good kid. At least Harry had made some friends in his house, and he couldn't help but smile at the thought.