Disclaimer: I do not own HP or any characters used from the story.

Allies and Family

"MERLIN'S BALLS!"

Crash!

"Patience young grasshopper, you must calm yourself."

Inside Dumbledore's office, Harry was struggling not to laugh at Dumbledore's attempt to climb a wall without any hands, using only magic. It was a ninjutsu exercise from Japan that Harry had learned from Roan.

Dumbledore was nearly to the ceiling when someone at the door knocked, ruining his concentration. He fell spectacularly and landed face down. Harry began laughing uncontrollably.

"DAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Harry laughed. "That was by far the best fall I've ever seen, right Sorting Hat?"

On the shelf, the Sorting Hat was rocking back and forth in mirth at Albus' fall. It wheezed several times before nodding.

Dumbledore slowly rolled over and tried to stand up dignified. He sighed as he opened the door to his office to see Umbridge there.

"Hello Delores, might I ask why you are here at this late hour?"

Harry looked at the clock and realized it was eleven at night, past his "detention" hours.

"Yes Dumbledore. I wanted to discuss the new Educational Decree," Umbridge said, in an oily voice.

"May I see the document?" Dumbledore asked. Umbridge handed Dumbledore a packet of paper. As he read, Umbridge looked around and saw Harry in the office playing with Goliath.

"Detention Mr. Potter for having a filthy dog here in Hogwarts!" Umbridge trilled.

"Its fine Delores, I allowed him to keep the dog," Dumbledore said. Umbridge looked at Dumbledore incredulously.

"But Albus, surely that-"

"No argument. Harry has proved that he can control his dog extremely adequately," Dumbledore said firmly. He continued reading then looked at Umbridge.

"This is unacceptable," Dumbledore said. He threw the document into the fireplace where it was quickly burned into ashes.

"Dumbledore! That new decree will be able to keep students in line and allow their superiors to-"

"As I said Delores, this is unacceptable. Hogwarts is a school for learning magic, not how to keep students in line. Students will naturally follow people who have proven themselves to be exemplary people in their house. That's why I ask the Heads of Houses to choose the prefects and why I personally choose the Head Boy and Girl."

"But-!"

"No. Now if you please Delores, I need to continue Harry's detention. The door is behind you, please close it on your way out."

Umbridge huffed and stomped out, slamming the door shut.

"Sir, if you don't mind me asking, what was that document for?" Harry asked. Dumbledore sighed.

"She wanted to make a squad of her own personal students to monitor and control the students body."

"But Professor, that's unreasonable. She-"

"I know Harry. I also know why she is here and many other things Cornelius Fudge is plotting. Since I am the Headmaster here, it is my responsibility to guard the school from any outside influences," Dumbledore said gravely. He looked at his clock.

"Now though, I think its time for you to head to your dormitory though, Harry. I wish you goodnight."

Harry nodded and walked out with Goliath in his pocket. The little dog waved its paw at Dumbledore, making the old man smile. Harry quickly skipped down the stairs and began walking towards his dormitory.

After several minutes of walking down the dark halls of Hogwarts, he turned the corner to see a person sleeping in a corner of a hall. Harry walked over to the person. The person was a person his age and a Gryffindor. Harry sighed as he gently shook the person awake.

"Wha? Who?" the person asked.

"Hey, my name's Harry Potter. Who are you?" Harry asked. The fifth year rubbed his eyes and yawned a bit before answering.

"I'm Neville Longbottom," the person answered.

"What are doing out here Neville?" Harry asked.

"I was coming from detention with Snape but I can't remember the password. I've been waiting for a Professor or anyone but no one came yet."

"Well you can't stay here. Come with me," Harry said. He pulled Neville up easily. Harry began walking while Neville followed him.

"Harry, where are we going?" Neville asked.

"To the Hufflepuff dormitory," Harry said simply. Neville gaped.

"But Harry, I can't go there. I'm a Gryffindor. I mean I'm really grateful but-," Neville babbled.

"Neville. I doubt that Helga Hufflepuff herself would deny a friend from a warm soft bed. Hufflepuffs treat all people the same. I don't care what house or background you're from. You're a person in need. That's all," Harry explained.

Neville was silent after that and followed Harry to the Hufflepuff dormitory. They took several winding staircases down until they heard some yelling. Harry motioned for Neville to remain silent as they sneaked silently to the source of the yelling.

"You weak Mudbloods! Getting beaten up by Gryffindors then associating yourself with POTTER!"

Harry peeked around the corner and saw Selena, Samuel, Matthias, and Cheryl on the ground with several cuts and bruises. Terrence was standing up trying to shield his friends from Malfoy and several of his goons.

"Stay here Neville," Harry commanded. Neville nodded and watched as Harry boldly strode over to where the Slytherins were.

"What's wrong with them associating themselves with me Malfoy?" Harry asked loudly.

"POTTER! What are you doing here?"

"Nothing, just wondering why several first-years are getting beat up by their upperclassmen. You should be ashamed of yourselves! They look up to people like you," Harry said sternly.

"Hmph, that's the mudblood belief. We look after ourselves!" Malfoy said. "Since you like theses ickle firsties so much, I suppose your going to rescue them right?"

Harry cracked his knuckle. "Got that right Malfoy!"

"Well try it!" Malfoy said. "GET HIM!"

Neville watched wide-eyed as Harry swerved, ducked, and jumped as spells missed him. Harry grabbed Goyle and swung him around as a shield. He then threw him at Parkinson and slammed his fist into Crabbe's stomach. He grabbed Crabbe and threw him into Parkinson and Goyle. As a coup de grace, he jumped and stomped hard on Crabbe's back.

Malfoy took out his wand and began blasting curses at Harry. Harry had to throw up a Shield Charm but managed to corner Malfoy. He kicked Malfoy's arm and grabbed Malfoy's wand. Malfoy began stuttering in fear as Harry holstered both wands.

"Don't worry Malfoy, I'll use the Muggle way of beating your ass up," Harry said darkly. Harry began bobbing and weaving in a boxing manner. Malfoy watched in curious horror as Harry began bobbing faster. Then Harry slammed a left hook at Malfoy's jaw.

Malfoy stumbled in pain but was backed into a wall. Malfow threw his arms up in defense but Harry began punching his sides. Malfoy almost threw up as he felt two of his ribs break. He threw down his arms and was immediately pounded by rapid left-right hooks to the head. Harry literally mauled the young Malfoy heir like a beast possessed.

"Harry that's enough!" Neville cried. Neville grabbed Harry and pulled him away from the broken heir. Neville's eyes widened when he saw that Harry's knuckles were bleeding.

"Neville, in my robes, there's bandages. Can you wrap my hands?" Harry asked. Neville nodded. As Neville began wrapping Harry's hands, Harry examined the first years.

"Big Bro! Are you alright?" Cheryl asked. Harry nodded as he hugged his little sister. Terrence and Matthias were helping Selena and Samuel up. Harry sighed in sadness as he saw the bruises on Selene.

"Neville, grab Selene. I got Samuel. Can you three walk?" Harry asked. Cheryl and Matthias nodded. Terrence nodded but fell down. Harry whistled to Goliath. Goliath climbed out of Harry's pocket and grew to the size of a small horse. Harry placed Terrence on Goliath's back and made sure that Terrence wouldn't fall.

"What about the Slytherins?" Neville asked. Harry's green eyes flashed.

"Leave them, I didn't hurt them that badly," Harry said. He pulled Draco's wand and threw it at Draco's feet. "They can fix themselves."

"Alright Harry," Neville said.

The group followed Harry to the Hufflepuff dorm. Harry said the password and they all slid down to the common room. Harry gently picked up the tired first years and placed them in the various couches and armchairs of the room. He transfigured blankets and pillows for all of them.

"C'mon Neville. You can sleep in my bed," Harry said. Neville nodded and followed Harry to his dorm. Harry chuckled when he saw Hound in his bed, messily sprawled out and drooling. He pointed out a bed that was empty.

"You can sleep there tonight," Harry said.

"Thanks Harry. Thanks a lot," Neville said. Harry smiled softly and closed the door. He went down to the common room to where Cheryl was sleeping. He transfigured a mat beside the couch she was sleeping in and began sleeping.

In the morning, he felt himself being shaken awake. He looked up blearily to see the five Slytherins and Neville along with Hound.

"Morning guys. How are you feeling?" Harry asked.

"A bit hungry actually," Hound said.

"You're always hungry," Harry said. "Anyway, does anyone know what today is?"

"Its Saturday bro," Terrence said. "We wanted you to come with us to the lake."

"C'mon big bro!" Cheryl said. Harry grinned.

"Alright alright. Let me just change okay?"

"Yay!" Cheryl and Selena cheered. Neville chuckled.

"You're a big softy aren't you?" Neville asked.

"And proud of it!" Harry declared.

Harry went up to the dormitory and quickly changed into jeans, t-shirt, and boots. In one of his boots, he stuck a Scottish dirk inside. He quickly whistled to Goliath and jumped down to the common room with Goliath bounding behind him. He raced past the group waiting for him.

"Hurry up slowpokes or we won't see the giant squid!"

Harry and the others raced down to the Great Hall and hurriedly grabbed some fruit, muffins, and bread. Neville went to sit with the Gryffindors while Hound sat down and began eating breakfast. Ginny and Daphne saw Harry racing out of the Great Hall accompanied by five first years. They looked at each other.

"Get some fruit, I'll get the muffins," Ginny said. Daphne nodded as she grabbed a couple of tangerines and bananas while Ginny grabbed a couple of muffins. They raced out the Great Hall after Harry.

Harry and the Slytherins sat at the bank of the lake under a shady tree as they ate breakfast. Harry laughed at a lame joke that Matthias had told him.

"HARRY!"

Harry turned and was glomped by Daphne and Ginny. Harry staggered and fell down by their weight.

"Hey girls. How are you doing?" Harry asked. Daphne giggled.

"Better now that I'm with you." Daphne said. She looked up and saw Terrence.

"Terrence? What are you doing here with my boyfriend?" Daphne asked

"Your boyfriend?" Ginny asked incredulously. Daphne turned to Ginny.

"Yes, my boyfriend."

Ginny wrapped her arms around Harry's waist. "No he's my boyfriend!"

"No he's my boyfriend!" Daphne said as she grabbed one arm.

"Mine!" Ginny said as she grabbed Harry's other arm. It soon became a tug-o-war between the two girls with Harry.

"Um, Sis. Don't you think Harry should choose who he wants as a girlfriend," Terrence asked. Harry was mouthing thank you to Terrence in every language he knew while Ginny and Daphne were glaring at Terrence.

"I agree with Terrence," Harry said. Ginny and Daphne sighed as they let go of Harry. The two girls sat in front of Harry and waited for someone to speak.

"Big bro, who do you like better?" Cheryl asked.

"Neither of them," Harry said bluntly. Ginny and Daphne looked up in shock and horror while Matthias and Samuel were holding back Terrence.

"OI, CHOOSE ONE YOU BASTARD!" Terrence roared at Harry. Cheryl slapped Terrence.

"Don't call my brother a bastard!" Cheryl shrieked.

"ENOUGH!" Harry bellowed at the Slytherins. They stopped fighting and watched as Harry turned to Ginny and Daphne.

"Ginny. Daphne. I like both of you equally. You guys were my first friends here. If I had to choose between the two of you, I couldn't. Both of you hold a special place in my heart and I can never favor one over the other," Harry said earnestly.

Ginny wiped her eyes.

"That was beautiful," Daphne sobbed out.

"HARRY!" both girls shouted as they hugged Harry tightly.

"Ack! Air!"

"What happened here Poppy?"

"Well, Severus. Three of your students are fine. Only the minor bruises and cuts. Mr. Malfoy here is in critical condition," Madam Pomfrey explained. She motioned to a mummified Malfoy. Malfoy's left eye can be seen but his whole chest, neck, and head was wrapped in bandages.

"What is the extent of the damage?" Severus asked. Madam Pomfrey chewed on her lip.

"Mr. Malfoy is suffering from several fractured ribs, two broken ribs, and a fracture in his left eye socket. His eyeball has totally sunken in," Madam Pomfrey explained.

"Do you know who did this?" Severus asked. Madam Pomfrey nodded.

"Apperently it was the Potter boy. The same boy who sent four Gryffindors up here beaten to a pulp. A certain Weasley was injured worse than all the others. He's here suffering from a broken jaw and left arm," Madam Pomfrey said.

"Then why don't you punish him?" Severus asked.

"I couldn't because I was busy treating them," Madam Pomfrey said. "You can make a complaint if you want Severus."

"Don't worry I will," Severus said as he stomped out of the Infirmary.

Hound belched loudly and grinned as he heard his burp echo in the empty hallway. He laughed in amusement and picked his teeth with a toothpick.

"Ah, 10 slices of bacon, three sunny side up eggs, and some buttered toast is the best breakfast sandwich you can have," Hound thought. As he passed by several closed classrooms, he stopped when he heard voices coming from one of them. He slowly placed his ear on the door and listened carefully at the voices inside.

"So, are we all in agreement?" a voice asked. Hound could hear murmurs of assent through the door.

"Don't you think this plan will make Harry angrier, Cho. I mean judging by the duel that Ron, Malfoy, and you lost, Harry must be extremely skilled and strong in not only European magic, but more," a voice spoke. Hound snickered and listened to the Cho.

"That was only by luck, Su Li," Cho said angrily

"I doubt it Cho," Su Li said. "He defeated you easily. Even after creating that humongous wall through Earth bending."

"Earth bending?" Hound whispered quietly.

"That's why we can't fight him straight on. Harry is too strong for any of us," Cho said. "However his weak spot is his friends. Especially Ginny and Daphne, so those are the ones we'll hold hostage."

There were murmurs of agreement. Hound shook his head and was contemplating on running to tell Harry when Su began speaking.

"I can't do this in good conscience," Su Li said. "I'm out. However, I'll say this. Once Harry finds out that you took his friends, his retribution will be terrible."

Hound nodded in agreement. He jumped back when the door opened. An asian girl around 5'4 came out. She had shoulder length hair and a gentle face marred by a scowl.

"Um, Su Li!" Hound called. Su Li turned to see Hound.

"Hound, right?" Su Li asked.

Hound shook his head. "What are the Ravenclaws planning?"

Su Li shrugged. "I'm not sure. Cho called the most skilled members of the Ravenclaw house to help her. The basic idea is to hurt Harry by kidnapping his friends."

Hound grabbed her hand. He didn't expect to be easily flipped in the air and slammed on the ground.

"What was that for?" Su Li asked as she placed a foot on Hound's head.

"I was trying to show you to Harry," Hound moaned weakly. Su Li made a small squeak in surprise.

"Sorry," Su Li said. She helped Hound to his feet. Hound leaned on her as he lead Su to Harry.

Harry and his group went back to the Great Hall where Snape was waiting for him.

"Potter, come to my office now!" Pr. Snape roared. "You six, back to your dorm!"

"Why Professor?" Daphne asked.

"Harry's guilty for attacking a prefect along with others," Sanpe said with a sneer.

"But Professor, he was doing that to protect us," Terrence said.

"Yeah, if it wasn't for Harry, all of us would be stuck in the Hospital Wing," Cheryl.

"But there is a difference in defense and overkill," Snape said silkily. "Now Mr. Potter, come to my office."

Harry shrugged and followed Snape. Snape glided (Yes, glided. How else does the robe float) to his office. Snape quickly barked out the password and entered his office. Harry followed Snape into his office. He smirked at the office.

"Dark, leaky dungeon. Check. Eerie green light. Check. Gross preserved organs in jar. Check. Yep, this is the stereotypical crazy scientist's lab," Harry thought.

"What are you smirking at Potter?! Get over here!"

Harry strode over to Snape's desk and sat down in a chair. Snape glared at Harry before pulling out a folder from his robes. He slapped the folder onto his desk. Harry noticed that the folder was labeled from the school hospital.

"Look at it Potter! Are you ashamed?!" Snape growled. Harry took the folder and opened it. Inside the folder was a full report of the injuries Harry had inflicted on the group of Slytherins. Goyle suffered from multiple jinxes. Pansy had several bruises. Crabbe had a fractured vertebra. Malfoy was by far the worse. He had several fractured ribs, two broken ribs, and a fracture in his left eye socket. Also his eyeball has totally sunken in. Harry shook his head for a bit before closing the folder.

"You asked if I'm ashamed Professor, right?" Harry asked. Snape nodded. "I am not ashamed at all for my actions against these bullies."

"Excuse me Potter? I wasn't asking. I'm demanding!" Snape bellowed, flecks of spit flying out. Harry didn't flinch a bit.

"If you ask any of the younger Slytherins, it was Malfoy's fault. I was just defending them as most of them were already beaten," Harry explained.

"However, the injuries you caused were far more extreme!" Snape countered. Harry shrugged.

"Oh well. No skin off my nose," Harry said. Snape's face blotched into several colors.

"DETENTION POTTER FOR THE NEXT MONTH!" Snape roared. Harry grimaced as he wiped his face clean of Snape's spit.

"Say it, don't spray it. Jeez louise, didn't you mother ever teach you that?" Harry said.

"OUT! OUT!" Snape bellowed. Harry smirked and avoided a Stinging Hex from Snape. He slammed the door shut and ran straight to the Great Hall. In the Great Hall, Ginny and Daphne were waiting along with the Matthias, Cheryl, Terrence, Selena, and Samuel. With them, Hound and a person he didn't recognize. Harry shrugged and slipped in between Daphne and Ginny.

"Hey girls, what's up?" Harry asked. As Ginny and Daphne hugged Harry, Harry gasped at Hound.

"Oh my God, you got a girlfriend!"

Hound was kicked off his chair by the girl sitting next to him. Harry chuckled as her face grew bright red. Hound groaned as he sat back on his chair and quickly gave Harry the bird. Harry snickered and turned back to the girl.

"So who are you?" Harry asked.

"My name is Su Li and I've come to warn you about Cho Chang," the girl said.

"Cho Chang? The most popular student of Ravenclaw?" Harry asked. Su Li nodded.

"The same one. Just like Malfoy and Weasley, she also holds a grudge against you and wants you to pay for the embarassment," Su Li said. Harry groaned in exasperation.

"Don't tell me, the cliche' "Ambush-In-The-Dark-Corridor-With-A-Bunch-Of-People" plan?" Harry asked. Su Li shook her head.

"No, after what happened with Malfoy and Weasley, she decided to hurt you in a roundabout way," Su Li explained. She nodded her head at Ginny and Daphne. Harry noticed this and sighed.

"She's going after Ginny and Daphne?" Harry asked.

"And the young Slytherins that you have befriended," Su Li said. "Its strange how you befriended the children of some of the most notorious Death Eaters."

Harry shrugged. "What can I say? You can't change your parentage. Its not right for the children to suffer for the sins of the parent."

Su Li nodded. "Yet in these hard times, many people forget common sense out of fear."

"Funny how common sense isn't all that common," Harry noted. Su Li giggled.

"Good one."

"Su Li, since you warned me, I assume that you will also become a target," Harry said. Su Li nodded. "So why don't you hang with us until its a bit safer."

"Are you sure?" Su Li asked. Harry nodded.

"I owe you for warning me so stay with us until this whole thing blows over," Harry said. Su Li smiled.

"Thanks."

"No, thank you," Harry said.

Su Li grinned and began talking with Hound. As Harry silently ate a sandwich, he was stunned how Hound and Su Li seemed to get along so well. Harry was distracted from his thoughts by a tap on his shoulder. He quickly swallowed his last bite and turned to see Ginny and Daphne.

"So what was that all about?" Ginny asked.

"Some of the Ravenclaws have a grudge on me so they're going to come after you," Harry said.

"After us? Just to hurt you?" Daphne asked. Harry nodded.

"So keep together and stay out of deserted corridors. Stick around with Hufflepuffs and tell them that I wanted you to. They'll understand and help you."

"How can you trust the people of Hufflepuffs to such a degree?" Daphne asked. Harry pointed down the table at a large Hufflepuff.

"He's John Abernathy, a Hufflepuff beater on the quidditch team. I helped him with his training for several hours. Beside him is Bryce Faulk. If it wasn't for me, he would have failed Snape's potions quiz," Harry explained. Harry pointed to the other end of the table at a blond haired girl talking with a guy. "Those two are Terra Connelly and Lance Dougal. After some careful planning on my part, they're now a couple. ask any of their friends and they'll tell you that those two have never been happier."

"So alot of people in Hufflepuff owe you big time," Ginny summarized. Harry nodded.

"They'll help you since its widely known that you two are my closest friends," Harry said. "So trust the Hufflepuffs and you're brothers Fred and George too."

"Fred and George?" Ginny asked. "Why them?"

"Several reasons. They're the best brothers you have Ginny and would not refuse to help you if you needed their help. Second, they know the school better than anyone except Dumbledore and able to sneak you anywhere. Lastly, they are very good in dueling and could handle a gang of Malfoy's goons with little problem," Harry explained.

"Wow I didn't know your brothers are so talneted," Daphne said to Ginny.

"Neither did I."

Harry smiled. "So promise me you'll stay out of dark corridors and try not to get into any fights."

"Yes Master," Daphne said sarcastically. Ginny and Harry laughed.

"Harry! Cheryl won't give me back my wand!" Selena wailed. Harry turned to see Cheryl dodging Selena as she tried to tackle Cheryl. Harry sighed as he walked toward the two.

Ginny and Daphne watched as he skillfully managed the two girls with little problem and no hassle. Soon he also began playing exploding snap with the first years which ended into a giant dogpile with Harry on the bottom laughing.

"Wow, Harry will be a great father someday," Daphne said. Ginny nodded.

"I can see him and me with a large family one day in the future," Ginny mused.

"Not if I get him first," Daphne said.

"No cheating or love potions Greengrass," Ginny replied.

"May the best woman win," Daphne said and held out a hand. Ginny smirked before shaking it. Across the table, Hound and Su Li were looking at the pair with large grins.

"Interested in making a bet?" Hound asked.

In a nearby village of Hogsmeade, a large black dog bounded up on a hillside. It looked off to the direction of Hogwarts before howling at the moon. It then jumped off the hill and ran straight into the Shrieking Shack. The dog jumped through an open window and went straight down the basement of the house. The dog stopped then transformed into a middle-aged man. The man sighed as he made his way through the tunnel and out the roots of the Whomping Willow. He quickly froze the tree before staring up at the large castle of Hogwarts.

"Finally after 14 long years, I get to see little Harry," the man said. "Don't worry Lily, Uncle Sirius will look after you're baby boy. And Prongs, ol' Padfoot will show Harry how to be a Marauder!"

The man laughed before turning back into a large black dog and running straight to Hogwarts.