Ruby made her way towards the Great Hall, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of the upcoming day and the promise of breakfast with her friends. She had grown used to the routine of Hogwarts, but today felt different—there was a strange tension in the air that she couldn't quite place. As she turned a corner, she suddenly found herself face-to-face with a group of older Gryffindor girls.

"Look who it is," sneered Tabitha, a tall third-year with an air of superiority. Beside her, Madeline and Sage exchanged malicious grins. "The little Hufflepuff who's always hanging around with Harry Potter."

Ruby's heart sank, but she tried to keep her composure. "I was just heading to breakfast," she said, hoping to defuse the situation.

"Stay away from Harry," Madeline hissed, stepping closer. "He's the Wizarding Savior, not your husband."

"Yeah," Sage added, her voice dripping with disdain. "He's too good for the likes of you."

Ruby felt a lump form in her throat but bravely held her ground. "Harry wouldn't like how you speak to me," she said firmly. "And besides, I have every right to spend time with him. I have known him longer than the rest of the Wizarding World. The real him."

Tabitha's eyes narrowed. "Not if we have anything to say about it." She reached out and yanked on Ruby's red hair, causing her to gasp in pain. "We should ensure Harry sees just how ugly you are."

Ruby's fear turned to anger as Tabitha's threat hung in the air. When Madeline reached for her wand, Ruby acted on instinct, throwing a punch that connected squarely with Madeline's jaw. Stunned, the older girl stumbled back, but the momentary victory was short-lived. The three Gryffindors recovered quickly and started to chase her.

Ruby ran as fast as she could, her heart pounding. She had to find her friends, had to get away. Just then, Neville, on his way to the Great Hall, saw her getting pursued, and his face filled with concern. Without hesitation, he turned and ran to the Great Hall.

Bursting through the doors, Neville runs towards the Slytherin table, spotting Harry with Draco, Blaise, Theodore, and Daphne. "Harry! Ruby's in trouble! Some Gryffindors are bullying her and chasing her!"

Harry's eyes blazed with fury. "Where?" he demanded.

"Near the Charms corridor," Neville panted. "We have to help her!"

Without another word, Harry, Draco, Blaise, Theodore, and Neville rushed out of the Great Hall. Meanwhile, Neville called back to Daphne. "Go get a professor! Hurry!"

Outside, Ruby desperately defended herself from the spells hurled at her by the older girls. She cast Protego repeatedly, but she was tiring, and the girls' relentless attacks wore her down. Madeline, her face twisted with rage, raised her wand. "Let's see how pretty you are after this!" she snarled, preparing to cast a spell that would burn Ruby's face.

But before she could utter the incantation, a powerful shield charm intercepted the spell, deflecting it harmlessly into the air. Harry stepped into view, his wand raised and his expression dark with anger. The sight of a first-year student blocking such a powerful spell shocked everyone.

"Leave her alone," Harry commanded, his voice low and dangerous. The older girls hesitated, taken aback by his sudden appearance and the intensity in his eyes.

"Or what?" Tabitha challenged, though there was a tremor in her voice.

Harry's eyes narrowed. He flicked his wand, and a dark, swirling mist enveloped the three girls, binding their arms and forcing them to the ground. "Or you'll regret it," he said, his tone cold and menacing.

At that moment, Professors Snape, McGonagall, and Sprout arrived on the scene with Daphne. Hermione, Hannah, and Susan were close behind when they heard what was happening. Draco quickly stepped forward to explain.

"Professor Snape, Professor McGonagall, Professor Sprout," Draco began urgently. "These Gryffindors were attacking Ruby. They were saying horrible things and tried to hurt her."

Professor McGonagall's eyes flashed angrily as she turned to the older girls. "Is this true?" she demanded.

Sage, struggling against the magical bindings, stammered, "We were just—"

"Enough," Professor McGonagall snapped. "Bullying and attacking another student is unacceptable. You will all be dealt with severely."

Professor Sprout hurried to Ruby's side, helping her to her feet. "Are you alright, dear?" she asked gently.

Ruby nodded, though she was shaking slightly. "I think so," she said softly, glancing gratefully at Harry.

Professor Snape's gaze was fixed on Harry, his expression unreadable. "Potter," he said, "a word."

Harry stepped forward, still holding his wand tightly. "Yes, Professor?"

Snape's eyes flicked to the older girls, then back to Harry. "We will discuss your actions in my office later," he said. "For now, know that protecting Ruby was honorable, but there will be consequences for your chosen methods."

Professor McGonagall turned to the girls. "You will come with me to the Headmaster's office. Now."

As the group began to disperse, Ruby looked at Harry with relief and admiration. "Thank you, Harry," she said quietly. "You saved me."

Harry gave her a small, reassuring smile. "I'd do it again in a heartbeat. You're my wife, remember. I will always protect you."

Ruby blushes, getting flustered.

Two Gryffindors, Ron Weasley and Cormac McLaggen, stood near the courtyard's entrance, having witnessed the entire confrontation. Ron's face was pale, his mind racing with concern and confusion. His mother, Molly Weasley, had always warned him about the dangers of Dark Magic, and seeing Harry, his potential friend, use it so effortlessly sent chills down his spine.

"Did you see that, Cormac?" Ron whispered, glancing at his friend. "Harry used Dark Magic. My mum always said that's evil. I'm worried about him."

Cormac nodded, his eyes still fixed on Ruby, who Professor Sprout was double-checking to see that she had no injuries. "Yeah, I saw. But did you see Ruby? She looked terrified. I want to check on her, but with Harry around... he looks like he'd hex anyone who gets too close."

Ron sighed, recalling the countless conversations his mother had about Harry. Molly was convinced that Harry belonged in Gryffindor, just like his parents. She had been trying to communicate with Headmaster Dumbledore about possibly resorting for Harry, believing James and Lily would have wanted their son in their house.

"Listen, Cormac," Ron said, determination in his voice. "We need to talk to Harry. We need to become his friends, show him that there's good in Gryffindor, and help him see the dark side of Slytherin."

Cormac raised an eyebrow. "You think that's going to work? Harry seems pretty set in his ways."

Ron nodded firmly. "We have to try. It's what my mum would want. And besides, maybe if we become friends with him, we can keep an eye on him, make sure he doesn't go down a dark path."

Unbeknownst to them, Ron's pet rat, Scabbers, was nestled in his pocket, watching everything unfold with wide, beady eyes. In reality, Scabbers was Peter Pettigrew, a man who had betrayed Harry's parents, leading to their deaths. Seeing Harry and Ruby standing together had shaken him to his core; the resemblance to James and Lily was uncanny.

In his rat form, Peter decided he needed to get closer to the children. He felt an overwhelming guilt for his betrayal and wanted to find a way to protect Harry and Ruby, even if it was from the shadows. Perhaps, in some small way, he could make amends for his past.

As Ron and Cormac made their way to the Great Hall, Ron felt Scabbers stir in his pocket. He absentmindedly patted the rat's head, his mind focused on the task ahead. "We'll talk to Harry after breakfast," he said to Cormac. "We have to do this."

Harry, Ruby, and their friends gathered at the Slytherin table in the Great Hall, still reeling from the morning's events. Harry's protective stance softened as he saw Ruby safe and sound, though the anger still simmered beneath the surface.

Ruby started to feel comfortable eating her breakfast. She believed Professor McGonagall would ensure that those older witches would receive a severe punishment for bullying and nearly hurting her.

Ron and Cormac approached them cautiously. "Harry," Ron began, his voice steady but kind. "Can we talk?"

Harry looked up, his green eyes sharp. "What do you want, Weasley?"

Ruby looked at Ron and Cormac curiously, sipping her orange juice.

"We just want to talk," Ron said, glancing at Ruby. "We're worried about you. We saw what happened outside."

Cormac nodded and looked at Ruby. "Yeah, we just want to make sure you're alright. And... maybe get to know you better."

Harry's eyes narrowed since he didn't like how Ron and Cormac looked at Ruby, but she touched his arm gently. "It's okay, Harry," she said softly. "Maybe talking to them wouldn't be so bad."

Harry hesitated, then nodded. "Alright, let's talk."

As they found a quieter corner of the hall, Peter Pettigrew, still in his rat form, watched closely. He knew he had to find a way to protect these children, to make up for his past sins. And perhaps, through them, he could find some form of redemption.

Ron took a deep breath and began. "Harry, my mum... she always talked about your parents. She thought you'd be in Gryffindor, like them. She believes it's the best place for you. If we become friends, you may see the good in Gryffindor, too. We're not trying to change you... show you that we're here for you."

Harry listened, his expression thoughtful. "I appreciate the concern, Ron. But I'm not going to abandon my friends in Slytherin. They've been there for me."

Ron nodded. "I get that. And we don't want to take you away from them. We want to be your friends, too. Maybe we can all learn something from each other."

Harry looked at Ruby, who smiled encouragingly. "Alright, Weasley. Let's give it a shot."

As they talked, Peter Pettigrew watched from the shadows, hopeful that this new alliance might be the beginning of something better for all of them and perhaps a chance for him to find peace.

As the Great Hall buzzed with the usual morning chatter, Harry and Ruby sat with Ron and Cormac at a quieter corner of the Slytherin table. The rest of their friends had given them space, sensing the importance of the conversation.

Harry looked at Ron, his curiosity piqued. "So, Ron, tell us about yourself. Why did you come to talk to us today?"

Ron glanced at Cormac before answering. "Well, I'm from a big family. I have five older brothers and one younger sister. We're all magical and live in a place called the Burrow. My mum... she's always been worried about you, Harry. She thinks Gryffindor would be the best place for you because of your parents. But it's not just that. I just... I want to get to know you better. Maybe even be friends." He looks at Harry.

Ruby smiled warmly. "That sounds nice, Ron. What about you, Cormac?"

Cormac leaned back in his chair, a confident smirk on his face. "I'm Cormac McLaggen. My family's quite well-known in the wizarding world. I guess you could say I've got a bit of a competitive streak. But seeing what happened this morning, I realized there's more to Hogwarts than just competition. I want to understand the people here better, including you two."

Harry nodded thoughtfully. "I appreciate you both coming over. It's been... a lot of adjusting to everything here. But I'm curious, too. What's it like, coming from a big wizarding family, Ron?"

Ron chuckled. "It's never quiet, I'll tell you that. There's always something going on. My brothers are always up to something, and my sister, Ginny, is the youngest, but she's got a spirit. It's chaotic, but it's home."

Ruby's eyes sparkled with interest. "It sounds wonderful having such a big family. I grew up with just my stepfather and stepsister, so Hogwarts is the first time I've been around so many people like me."

Harry's eyes dimmed at the mention of Ruby's stepfather and stepsister. Cormac noticed but didn't comment on it.

He leaned forward, his expression sincere. "What about you, Harry? What's your story?"

Harry hesitated for a moment, then spoke. "I grew up with my aunt and uncle and cousin. They... weren't the best, to put it mildly. Coming to Hogwarts has been like stepping into a whole new world. I'm still figuring it out, but having Ruby and the others has made it easier."

Ron looked sympathetic. "That must have been tough. But you're here now and have people who care about you. Including us, if you'll have us."

Harry smiled, feeling a sense of warmth. "Thanks, Ron. And Cormac, knowing there's more to you than just competition is good. Maybe we can all learn from each other."

Cormac grinned. "I'd like that. And Ruby, if you ever need anything, you've got friends in Gryffindor too."

Ruby felt a surge of gratitude that even though some Gryffindors had bullied her, other Gryffindors were trying to be her friend. "Thank you, Cormac. It means a lot."

The bell rang, signaling the start of the day's classes. The four of them stood, gathering their things.

"Well," Ron said, "I guess we should get to class. But let's do this again. Maybe during lunch?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah, I'd like that."

Ruby nodded, agreeing.

As they made their way out of the Great Hall, side by side, Ruby glanced at Harry with a smile. "I think this could be the start of something really good, Harry."

Harry nodded, a feeling of hope blossoming in his chest. "I think so too, Ruby."

Unnoticed by the four children, a small rat was looking at Ruby and Harry, its beady eyes watching them closely. Peter, in his animagus form, felt a glimmer of hope as well. This new generation could find a way to bridge the gaps that had once seemed impossible. And maybe he could find some way to help them succeed.