Chapter 101:
Feeling bad, Harry sighed. "It’s okay to have heroes and look up to people, Colin, even looking up to me. But you should only do it to people who deserve it, whose actions actually merit praise. And I do understand that you’re excited, but taking people’s photo without their permission isn’t polite - ask beforehand. Most people will probably be happy for their picture to be taken."
The boy seemed to perk up. "Thanks, Harry," he said, his awestruck expression taking over his devastation. Harry rubbed the back of his neck before he nodded and walked away. He hoped that he had nipped Colin’s excessive hero worship in the bud; he really didn’t want the excitable first year trailing after him like a lost puppy.
~
At the end of his first day, Harry was happy to be free of classes. He had forgotten how exhausting it was to play down his abilities, especially since coming clean to Sirius and Remus meant he didn’t have to hide at home anymore.
Making his way up to Flitwick’s office, Harry knocked and was soon called in. "Come in, Harry," the half goblin said, smiling and offering Harry a chair.
"Good evening, professor," Harry said, sending the diminutive man a genuine smile.
"You’re looking very well," the professor observed. "I trust your summer was good?"
"As you’re probably aware from the papers, if you’ve been reading them, I had a hectic summer to say the least," Harry said. "But yes, it was surprisingly good. I actually had a chance to relax and have fun."
"That’s great to hear, Harry. And yes, I did prescribe to the Daily Prophet this summer. To say I was surprised would be an understatement. I just want you to know that you can come to me no matter what. If half of what was written is true then I understand you may have reservations about trusting me - not only because I’m an adult ,but because of who I work for. However, please know I will do my best to always help you."