The week had flown by in a blur of classes and intense research sessions, but today was special. It was Hermione's 12th birthday, and her friends had decided to surprise her with a celebration to lift everyone's spirits. The Great Hall was bustling with activity as students moved to and from their classes. Still, a secluded corner had been transformed into a cozy birthday nook, complete with colorful banners and balloons enchanted to float gently above the table.

Harry, Ruby, Draco, Neville, and the rest of their friends gathered around the table, eagerly awaiting Hermione's arrival. Ruby had baked a cake with Hagrid's help, and it sat in the center of the table, adorned with twinkling candles that changed colors every few seconds.

"She's coming!" whispered Ron, who had been on lookout duty. Everyone quickly took their places, trying to look casual.

Hermione entered the Great Hall, her nose buried in a book as usual. As she approached the table, she finally looked up and gasped, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Surprise!" everyone shouted in unison.

Hermione's face lit up with joy. "Oh, you guys! This is wonderful! Thank you so much!"

Ruby rushed forward and hugged Hermione. "Happy birthday, Hermione! We wanted to make sure your first birthday at Hogwarts was special."

Harry grinned, handing Hermione a small wrapped gift. "This is from all of us. We hope you like it."

Hermione carefully unwrapped the gift, revealing a beautiful leather-bound journal with a golden quill. Her eyes filled with tears of happiness. "It's perfect. Thank you, everyone. This means so much to me."

Draco, smirking playfully, said, "We thought it might help you keep track of all the research we're doing. You always seem to need more space for notes."

Hermione laughed, wiping away a tear. "It's perfect. I'll definitely put it to good use."

As everyone settled to enjoy the cake, Cormac and Seamus joined the group, bringing extra plates and cups. "Happy birthday, Hermione!" Cormac said, smiling warmly.

Seamus added, "Hope you like the cake. Ruby and Hagrid put a lot of effort into it."

Hermione took a bite and smiled. "It's delicious! Thank you, Ruby, Hagrid."

Hagrid, who had been standing nearby, beamed with pride. "Glad yeh like it, Hermione."

The atmosphere was filled with laughter and friendship as they enjoyed their cake and chatted. For a while, the mystery of the Gringotts break-in was forgotten, replaced by the simple joy of celebrating a friend's special day.

Neville handed Hermione a small plant in a pot. "I know you love learning about magical plants, so I thought you'd like this. It's a Mimbulus mimbletonia. Just be careful; it can be a bit... prickly."

Hermione's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Neville! It's wonderful. I'll take good care of it."

After everyone had their cake, Ron pulled out a deck of Exploding Snap cards. "How about a game? It's a birthday party, after all."

They all agreed, and soon, the table was filled with laughter and the occasional pop of an exploding card. Draco and Blaise joined in, their usual competitive spirits becoming friendly banter.

As the game progressed, Ruby noticed Scabbers lurking in the shadows. She nudged Harry and pointed subtly. Harry gave a slight nod, acknowledging the presence of the rat but deciding to ignore it for now. They were all having too much fun to let anything spoil the moment.

Hermione looked around at her friends as the evening wore on, feeling incredibly grateful. "This has been the best birthday ever," she said sincerely. Thank you, everyone."

Harry smiled. "We're glad you enjoyed it, Hermione. You deserve it."

The celebration continued, with more games, laughter, and even a few magical tricks performed by Draco and Blaise. For that evening, the worries and mysteries of the wizarding world were set aside, and they all enjoyed the magic of friendship and the joy of being together at Hogwarts.

The following day, the students gathered in the Great Hall for breakfast. Harry was excited about their upcoming flying lesson while Ruby sat quietly, looking apprehensive. Neville excitedly pulled a small glass ball from his pocket as they ate.

"Look what my Gran got me!" Neville said, holding up the Remembrall.

Harry and Ruby looked at the small glass ball in confusion.

Draco, sitting nearby, smirked. "That's a Remembrall. It turns red if you've forgotten something."

Neville looked at the Remembrall, which had indeed turned a bright red. "But I can't remember what I've forgotten," he said, frowning.

Ruby glanced at Neville and noticed something. "Neville, you forgot your robes," she said gently.

Neville looked down at his clothes and sighed. "Oh, thanks, Ruby. I'll grab them before we head outside."

After breakfast, the students went to the school grounds for their flying lesson with Madam Hooch. She began by instructing them on the basics of broom control, ensuring everyone understood the theory before allowing them to try it themselves.

"Now, on my whistle, I want you to hover gently off the ground," Madam Hooch instructed.

The students mounted their brooms, and Ruby's hands trembled slightly as she gripped the handle. Before Madam Hooch could blow her whistle, Neville, terrified of being left behind, panicked and kicked off too hard. He soared fifty feet into the air before losing control and plummeting to the ground, breaking his wrist.

Madam Hooch rushed to his side, helping him up. "Come on, Mr. Longbottom, let's get you to the Hospital Wing," she said, guiding him away. "The rest of you, stay on the ground until I get back."

As soon as Madam Hooch was out of sight, Zacharias Smith, a Hufflepuff, picked up Neville's Remembrall from the ground. "Hey, Ruby!" he called out, waving the Remembrall. "Think fast! If you don't catch it, I might leave it up a tree."

Ruby hesitated, her fear of flying evident. Harry, noticing her discomfort, stepped forward. "Give it here, Zach," he said, firmly mounting his broom.

Zacharias smirked and kicked off, flying away with the Remembrall. Harry followed him, taking to the air effortlessly. The sensation of flying came naturally to him as if he had been born to do it. He shot after Zach, who, realizing Harry's skill, tossed the Remembrall high into the air.

Harry dived towards the ground, his eyes fixed on the ball. He caught it just inches from the ground, pulling up smoothly and landing lightly on the grass amidst cheers from the other students. Grinning wildly, he held the Remembrall up triumphantly.

Ruby ran to Harry and hugged him tightly, her relief noticeable. "Harry, that was amazing! But you scared me half to death!" she scolded, though her smile betrayed her relief.

Harry chuckled, smiling warmly at Ruby. "I had to get it back for Neville. Besides, it was fun!"

Professor McGonagall's stern voice interrupted their moment. "Mr. Potter!" she called out, marching towards them. "Follow me, please."

Ruby lets go of Harry and turns to Professor McGonagall. "Professor McGonagall. It's not his fault that he was flying. He was trying to get my housemate, Neville's Remebrall, for me because Zach was taunting me for fear of flying." She explains.

Professor McGonagall's gaze softened at Ruby and glanced at Zach.

Zach immediately got tensed.

"Ten points from Hufflepuff for immature behavior. Ten points to Slytherin for helping out a friend." Professor McGonagall looks at Ruby and Harry. "But, Mr. Potter, please do follow me." She says.

Ruby looked at Harry worryingly.

Harry's heart sank, expecting severe punishment. He glanced at Ruby and gave her a reassuring smile as he followed Professor McGonagall through the castle, wondering what his fate would be. To his surprise, she led him to a Charms classroom and pulled out Marcus Flint, the Slytherin Quidditch team captain.

"Flint, this is Harry Potter," Professor McGonagall said. "I've just seen him make a remarkable dive."

Flint's eyes widened with excitement. "A first year?" he asked, incredulous. "We could use a good Seeker. You'd be perfect, Potter."

Harry blinked in surprise. "Seeker?"

"Yes," Flint said, grinning. "You'll need a decent broom, though. We'll get you sorted. You might just rival Gryffindor's former Seeker, Charlie Weasley."

Harry's heart soared with excitement at the prospect of playing Quidditch, a sport he had only heard about. As they walked back to join the others, Harry couldn't wait to tell Ruby and the rest of his friends about his unexpected turn of events.

Ruby sat anxiously at the Slytherin table in the Great Hall, glancing repeatedly towards the entrance. She barely touched her dinner, and her worry for Harry was evident to everyone around her. Hermione, Draco, Neville, Blaise, Theodore, and the others tried reassuring her, but Ruby's eyes drifted to the door, hoping for Harry's return.

Finally, the doors swung open, and Harry entered the Great Hall, looking slightly disheveled but grinning broadly. Ruby's heart leaped with relief, and she waved him over. Harry approached their table, and the friends shifted to make space for him.

"Harry! What happened?" Ruby asked, her voice full of concern.

Harry took a seat and leaned in, lowering his voice to speak. "So, after Professor McGonagall took me to Marcus Flint, he told me I'd make a great Seeker for the Slytherin Quidditch team! But he wants to keep it a secret for now. And Professor McGonagall will let Professor Snape know that I will be in the team."

The group erupted in excited whispers, congratulating Harry. Ruby felt pride and relief, glad Harry hadn't gotten into trouble.

As they continued to discuss the surprising turn of events, Zacharias Smith approached their table, flanked by two other Hufflepuffs. His face was twisted in a sneer, and he seemed determined to ruin Harry's good mood.

"So, Potter heard you got in trouble earlier," Zach taunted, crossing his arms.

Harry looked up calmly, not rising to the bait. "Actually, I didn't get in trouble. Thanks for asking."

Zach's sneer faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "Think you're so great, don't you? Being the Wizarding Savior and all. How about a wizard's duel to prove it?"

Hermione immediately stepped in her voice firm. "Dueling is against the school's rules. You can get expelled, Zach."

Ruby nodded in agreement. "Hermione's right. It's not worth the risk."

Zach ignored them, leaning closer to Harry and whispering smugly, "If I win, I'll take Ruby on a date."

Harry's eyes flashed with anger, and he stood up, his fists clenched. "Fine. I'll duel you. Tonight, after curfew."

Ruby's eyes widened in shock. "Harry, no! You can't—"

But Harry's decision was made. "I'll be there," he said, his voice cold and determined.

Zach smirked and backed away, leaving the group in a tense silence. Ruby turned to Harry, her eyes pleading. "Why did you agree to that? You could get in serious trouble."

Harry met her gaze, his expression softening slightly. "I have to. Trust me, Ruby."

Hermione looked between Harry and Ruby, clearly frustrated. "This is a bad idea. We need to find a way to stop this."

The rest of dinner passed in a tense haze, with Ruby and Hermione desperately trying to think of a way to prevent the duel. Harry, however, remained resolute, determined to protect Ruby from Zach's taunts and unwanted attention.

As Ruby, Susan, and Hannah left the Hufflepuff Common room, they found Neville waiting outside, looking sad and lost.

"Neville, what are you doing out here?" Ruby asked, concerned.

Neville looked up, his face brightening when he saw his friends. "I can't do the password because of my arm," he admitted sheepishly. "What's going on?"

"We're going to find Harry," Ruby explained quickly. "He's in trouble. He's agreed to a duel with Zach."

Neville's eyes widened, and he immediately decided to join them. "I'll come with you."

The four of them made their way to the Trophy Room, anxiety building with each step. Ruby's heart pounded in her chest, and she could see the same worry mirrored on her friends' faces.

When they arrived at the Trophy Room, Ruby's eyes immediately sought out Harry. He was already there, looking determined. Their gazes locked, and Ruby's heart ached with fear for him.

"Harry, please don't do this," Ruby begged, trembling. "You could get expelled."

Harry gave her a reassuring smile, though his eyes were hard. "I have to do this, Ruby."

Just then, Zacharias Smith arrived with his two Hufflepuff friends. Cormac McLaggen stepped forward, looking stern. "I'll referee," he announced. "I know the rules."

Ruby watched with bated breath as Harry and Zach faced each other. The air was tense, and she could see the determination in Harry's eyes. She didn't know that he was doing this for her.

The duel began. Spells flew back and forth, the room crackling with magic. Zach struggled against Harry's skill, his confidence quickly weakening. Harry's power was evident, and his gaze turned fierce when he recalled that Zach dared to mention taking Ruby on a date.

Just as Harry was about to win, a cat's meow echoed through the Trophy Room. Everyone froze. It was Mrs. Norris, and where she was, Argus Filch was sure to follow.

"Harry wins!" Cormac declared quickly, though Zach looked furious.

Panic erupted as they all realized the danger they were in. They scattered, each running in different directions. Harry grabbed Ruby's hand, pulling her with him as Draco, Theodore, and Blaise followed closely, ready to protect them.

Peeves, the poltergeist, appeared as they ran down the corridor, cackling with glee. "Students out of bed!" he jeered but paused when he saw Ruby's frightened face. It immediately reminded him of Helga Hufflepuff, and with an unexpected twist of kindness, he decided to help. "Filch is that way!" he shouted, pointing in the opposite direction and creating a loud ruckus to distract the caretaker.

They ran to the end of the corridor, only to find a locked door blocking their way. Ruby, thinking quickly, took Harry's wand and muttered, "Alohomora." The door clicked open, and they hurried inside, hoping they had escaped danger.

They turned around, and their relief turned to horror as they faced a giant three-headed dog.

Ruby's initial fear melted into fascination. "It's a Cerberus," she whispered, finding the creature oddly adorable. "And he's standing on top of what seems to be a trapped door," she observed.

Harry pulled her behind him protectively. "Stay back," he ordered, his wand ready. Draco, Blaise, and Theodore followed suit, wands aimed at the massive beast.

Realizing they were in severe trouble, the children made a swift decision. Choosing the threat of Filch over the monstrous dog, they bolted back down the corridor. The boys escorted Ruby back to the Hufflepuff Common Room while they somehow returned to their Slytherin dormitories without further incident, hearts pounding and minds reeling.

Back in their Common rooms, they tried to catch their breath. Though shaken by the night's events, Ruby's observation piqued Harry's curiosity. "Did you see it?" he whispered to Draco, Blaise, and Theodore. "Ruby mentioned that the dog was standing on a trapdoor. There's something it's guarding."

Draco nodded, his fear mingling with excitement. "We have to find out what it is."

Theodore and Blaise nodded in agreement, wondering what exactly Hogwarts was protecting.

And so, amidst the thrill and terror of the night, a new adventure began to take shape in their minds.