Fourth year.

The whispers followed Harry wherever he went. In the Great Hall, in the corridors, even in the library, where students usually had the sense to keep their voices down.

"Cheated his way in."
"Thinks he's so special."
"Attention-seeker."

Harry had stopped bothering to defend himself. What was the point? No one believed him anyway. No one except...

"Come on, let’s get out of here," you whispered, tugging his sleeve.

Harry glanced at you, the only person who had stood by him since his name flew out of the Goblet of Fire. You hadn't cared about the rumors, hadn't doubted him for a second. When the others turned away, you stepped closer.

He let you pull him away from the staring eyes, out into the cold evening air. The two of you walked silently toward the Black Lake, the castle's glow reflecting in the water.

"Thanks," he muttered.