He trains with Neville every day, both improving with a blade. It does wonders for Neville’s self-confidence. The boy smiles and grows. He studies the spells as well, though not the ones that Harry does. Neville focuses more on defense. Harry pretends to approve, but that odd part of him is still shying away. Maybe it’s that part that the Sorting Hat said would thrive in Slytherin, and maybe it hates being in the presence of a true Gryffindor. He ignores those thoughts, and somehow, the two become good friends, more than they ever were before. If Neville is at all afraid of him, it does not show. If he thinks that Harry may be starting down the wrong path, he does not say it. Neville takes the chance and stands beside him, happy to have a friend, and Harry...well, Harry tells him things he has never really talked to anyone else about. And Neville is kind. He listens and encourages. There is no judgement.