Disclaimer - I do not own Harry Potter
Acceptance
Chapter 4 - Aftermath
Letters
Dear Aunt Petunia,
How are things on Privet Drive? Is Beans driving you crazy? Is uncle Vernon still upset about Dudley not going to Smeltings? Does Dudley regret not going to Smeltings? Was your Halloween all right? Did Dudley and Uncle Vernon enjoy their candy feast? Tell me EVERYTHING.
Well on to me and Hogwarts.
As you know, I made the Ravenclaw reserve team. The captain, Anna Gebbes, and the first string Seeker, Liam Knowles, say I am a better Seeker. Liam says he wants me to play against Slytherin for sure and possibly Gryffindor depending on how the season goes. I am super excited. The first match of the year is Gryffindor verses Slytherin, it's next week, I can't wait to see my first game. I am so glad I get to watch one before I have to put on the uniform.
It is official, charms is my favorite class. I just love magic and charms just seems so natural and free. Transfiguration is good too, it just involves much more concentration while learning. Charms I can almost do on instinct; Transfiguration is more challenging. Potions I like more with every class. The teacher is kind of surly but the class can be dangerous, remember when I told you about the melted cauldron? Professor Snape has to be a strict teacher or someone could get hurt.
I haven't heard word about the petition to fix History. Neville is going to send the copy to the Board of Governors, hopefully they actually listen to the students.
I am starting to think Quirrell stutters like that on purpose. There are moments when the stutter seems rehearsed instead of involuntary. My scar hurts most often in Defense, particularly when Quirrell is facing away from me. I wonder why that is?
So Halloween for me was, once again, not my favorite day. You know that I don't like celebrating it to begin with but it's a huge deal here too. There is this huge feast, joy and fun all around. I was not looking forward to it.
Anyway, the day started out okay, we had class so I just lost myself in lessons. Our last class before lunch was Charms. Like always, Hermione and I flew through the lesson and helped out anyone who needed it. I wanted to talk to Professor Flitwick about not going to the feast so I waited behind. While I was talking to the professor there was an incident. A Slytherin girl named Pansy Parkinson said some horrible things about and to Hermione. She made Hermione cry. The other students wouldn't stand for it of course so Daphne went all Pureblood princess on her. Apparently is was brilliant. Daphne basically told Parkinson she was nothing, worse than nothing and then went and got the Professor. Parkinson got in trouble and then the rest of us went to look for Hermione.
It was almost time for the Feast when I finally heard where Hermione had hidden herself. She was in one of the girl's restrooms. Daphne had found her and was sitting with her and sent word to me. I ended up skipping the feast, one because I didn't want to go and two to check on Hermione. Neville went with me.
While we were in the bathroom Professor Quirrell apparently ran into the Great Hall and said there was a troll in the dungeons then passed out. Fred and George say it was very poor acting, no one passes out like that for real.
I am sure you guessed it, my Halloween luck struck again and the troll broke into the bathroom. I hope you aren't disappointed in me, apparently the headmaster is, but I killed the troll. It would have killed all of us, I felt like I had no choice. Oh, and I kind of ended up in the infirmary, apparently I cracked my skull and had some broken ribs and lots of bruising from when the troll threw me into the wall before it died.
Well enough about that.
You will be pleased to know that I am second in my year, Hermione beat me. Daphne says I shouldn't get to comfortable because she plans to take my spot.
I should end that here. I have studying to do and a quidditch practice later today.
I miss you.
Love Harry
Harry,
WHAT DO YOU MEAN THERE WAS A TROLL AND YOU ENDED UP IN THE INFIRMARY! WHY WASN'T I INFORMED YOU WERE HURT. WHERE WERE THE TEACHERS?
I am not upset that you killed it. I trust you Harry and know you would never do anything like that unless it was entirely necessary. You did it to save the lives of your friends and that is enough for me. Your headmaster is wrong to disapprove of saving lives. Harry, please don't do anything like that again, I don't want to lose you.
I know you want to learn about your parents from others, you should approach your potions Professor. If it is the same Snape that I remember, then he was great friends with your mother for years. He grew up in the same town we did. I was quite cruel to him and Lily, and I regret it to this day.
Harry, please tell someone about your scar. Go to your head of house or McGonagall. Also, share your suspicions that Quirrell is more than he seems.
I am so proud of you! Second in your year! You are just like your mother. Keep up the good work, maybe someday you will be top of your year. Whatever happens I am proud of you as long as you do your best. From what I remember, your mother loved charms and potions too.
Now for the home front.
Why did I agree to let Dudley have a dog? It barks all the time. It isn't doing well in terms of being house broken. It pees on the floor whenever it is excited and everything excites it. Dudley does love Beans and is being very responsible but I still regret it.
Vernon is getting over his disappointment that Dudley did not follow in his footsteps in terms of schooling. He actually likes that his son is around but he still wishes that Dudley had worn the uniform.
Dudley could care less about Smeltings. All he cares about is the fact that had he gone to Smeltings he would not have Beans. He also says he is glad he gets my cooking every day.
Halloween was Halloween here. Dudley and Vernon ate themselves sick and I spent the day mourning my sister. I had the additional misfortune to not have you with me this year so I spent a good portion of the day missing my nephew more than I usually do. Dudley did sit with me for a bit and we said a little something to your mother in thanks, we know she saved you and we always thank her for allowing us to have you in our lives.
Are you coming home for the Yule Holiday? Dudley and I miss you terribly and would love to see you. If you wish to stay we will understand, but remember that we miss you and love you.
Love, always
Aunt Petunia
P.S. You took on a Mountain Troll. That is so cool. No it most certainly is not 'cool' Dudley…
Yeah it kind of is, Mom.
Dudley
Father
I hope all is well at home. How are Mother and Astoria? I trust business is going well.
I shall get right to the point. I, as Heiress Greengrass, have declared Pansy Parkinson of the minor House Parkinson a shadow. I do not see her or even acknowledge her existence. Her attitude and complete disregard for propriety disgust me and I want nothing to do with her.
The Parkinson girl thought it appropriate to use a certain derogatory word, often used by the followers of the Halfblood False Lord, to describe the top student in the year. This girl is also exceptionally close to the Potter Heir.
While it may be true that she does not come from a long line of magic, the girl in question is doing all she can to learn everything about magic. She has even asked Heir Zabini and myself about our culture and traditions.
I would greatly appreciate it if you reconsidered any business dealings with a lesser house that would use such petty tactics.
If you have questions concerning the incident I can give you the names of nearly a dozen students who would corroborate my story including Heir Malfoy, Heir Zabini and Heiress Runcorn.
On a lighter note, I have made a friendly acquaintance with the top two students in my year, Miss Granger and Heir Potter. I hope to move up from third but it will be a challenge.
Your faithful Daughter,
Daphne
P.S. What can you tell me about Quirinus Quirrell? I get the sneaking suspicion that he is more than he seems.
Gran,
How are you and Uncle Algie? I hope all is well. How are things on the political front? Are there any new laws I should be made aware of?
I am doing well in school. I am among the top 12 students overall and am the top student in Herbology. I think I can move up in the standings, my theory needs work. I hope I am making you proud.
With this letter you will find a petition. My friends and I felt that History of Magic was not being taught correctly and we decided that since the complaints of a few were ignored that the complaints of the majority of the student body should get someone's attention. We handed the petition to the Headmaster a week and a half before Halloween but have not received any sort of reply. Because we have not been acknowledged we are sending this to you, a member of the Board of Directors, hoping that you will at the very least respond with a no if you collectively decided that you do not agree with our feelings of being slighted.
The next bit I fear will upset you, but please know and remember that I am fine and was never hurt.
On Halloween night a Mountain Troll was let into the school. Through some unfortunate circumstances I was not at the feast when it was announced so missed the order to return to the common rooms. To make matters worse the Troll was not where the professor who announced its presence said. The troll ended up where I was with three others. Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Daphne Greengrass and I would have been killed if not for luck and the power Harry wields. Harry managed to kill the troll saving our lives.
I tell you this because I fear the Headmaster will attempt to keep this hidden from everyone outside the walls of the castle. I do not agree with that decision.
Would it be alright if I invited Harry, Hermione, Daphne and Blaise Zabini to the annual Yule celebration ball? I would love it if my closest friends could attend.
Love,
Neville
Headmaster Office
Albus Dumbledore paced his office, his magic crackling around him. He whirled and shot his hand out to the side. Concentrated magic slammed into a cabinet, sending wood, glass and clay shards everywhere. He looked at the silver instruments sitting on a table with a withering look, two glass orbs suspended above the table shattered.
Fawkes gave an agitated trill and swooped out of the open window. "Come back here, you bloody bird," he shouted after him. Fawkes didn't return.
"What is going on here?" he asked the empty room.
"The boy is performing well, I do not know what you are angry about," the portrait of Headmistress Dilys Derwent interjected.
"He is upset because he isn't in control of the boy," Phineas Black's portrait sneered. "Dumbledore expected the boy to show up beaten, shy and looking for acceptance, instead he showed up loved, confident and already accepted by his family. The boy has no need for Albus to be his Grandfather figure."
"I told you, Albus. Family takes care of family. You insisted that the girl would hate the boy because she feared magic but she proved you wrong." Headmaster Dippet said triumphantly.
"Aren't you all supposed to support the current Headmaster?" Albus snarled.
"No, boy," Brutus Scrimgeour added placidly, "we are here to advise the current Headmaster. You just choose not to take our advice. Not one of us approved of your plan, not even the anti-Potter portraits like Black. You did not listen so now it is our extreme pleasure to say, we told you…"
Albus slashed his wand at the portraits, causing them all to fall silent. He did not want to hear an 'I told you so' from someone who was long dead.
He had been so sure. His plans were all but foolproof. Petunia Evans had married a man who seemed even more bigoted then she was; Lily had hated him. So why, in Merlin's name, did they accept Harry for what he was? Why had Petunia embraced the magic in her nephew when she rejected her sister? Why hadn't that fat walrus of a man disciplined the boy for doing accidental magic? Why hadn't they done as he had instructed?
Albus had been quite clear. He had gone into the house and place the Compulsion charms while they slept. What had happened to the Compulsions? What had he missed?
And his staff, why were some of them acting so strangely? Minerva, Filius and Pomona didn't surprise him in the least. Minerva had a soft spot for Potters in general and had loved Lily Evans so her focus on the boy was no surprise. Pomona was a Hufflepuff so that explained that. Filius, being the boy's Head of House, and his relationship with Lily could really act no differently.
Quirrell was acting as he should. He was in the service of the Dark Lord so Albus was pleased with his performance so far. The rest of the minor staff were of no concern to Albus, though he might have to watch Poppy.
His true concern was Severus. Why in the world wasn't he treating the boy like a mini James Potter? It was absolutely intolerable for Severus to accept the boy. It would be far too hard to convince Severus that the boy needed to die to defeat the Dark Lord once and for all if he actually grew to like the boy. Why hadn't the boy been a Gryffindor like he had demanded? If he had been a Gryffindor, then none of this would be an issue.
He would be friends with the youngest Weasley. What was his name, Rob? This friendship would give him closer ties to a Light family that he approved of. He would be mediocre in class, because no one would care if he didn't excel. Perhaps Albus would have let him on the quidditch team, making Harry feel like he owed him something. And Weasley would have isolated him. Yes, life would have been so much better if the Hat had done what he said.
He swept his gaze around the room again, his focus stopping on the blasted hat. "Why didn't you sort him in Gryffindor, Hat?"
"We have gone over this before, child. Are you going senile?"
Albus bristled at being called child. "I am not senile but I do not see why you didn't sort him properly. Potters are Gryffindors."
"Not all Potters have been Gryffindors. I will admit that most are, they are essentially trained to be Gryffindors. Potters are all about honor, chivalry, and bravery. The Potter family generally produces those who do what is right over what is easy. Young Harry Potter is no different in some ways but entirely different in others." The hat hummed. "Harry Potter is a tremendous young man who will do great things but a true Gryffindor he is not. Is he brave? Yes, he jumped on a mountain troll to allow his friends to escape. Is he chivalrous? Absolutely; just look at how he acts towards his peers. Is he honorable? I challenge someone to prove he isn't.
"However, Harry Potter is not ruled by his Gryffindor side. There is cunning in there as well as ambition. If I were to be honest Albus I would have sorted him in Slytherin before Gryffindor for he has great ambitions. He is also hardworking with a desire for fair play. Something dear Helga would have adored." If the hat could have smiled it would have. "I placed him in Ravenclaw because he has a thirst for knowledge that few can match. He also has something he can teach the other Ravens. Harry is not ruled by book smarts; he uses what he learns in books as well as what he learns from life. Rowena struggled with many of her Ravens; most never look beyond their books, but Harry does. The House of Ravenclaw needs someone like Harry right now."
Albus snarled, "so you placed him not for his own benefit but for the benefit of his house?"
"Do you listen to anyone but yourself, Albus Dumbledore?"
"What is that supposed to mean, Hat?"
"Perhaps you should watch your memory of this conversation and find out." The hat fell silent.
"I demand you resort him."
The hat did not reply.
"I am talking to you, Hat."
"He won't answer."
Albus turned and scowled. Why could he never silence Headmaster Vindictus Veridian?
"The Hat is done talking to you, Albus. He doesn't have to respond to you if he doesn't want to."
"Why did you have to wake up?"
"I was awake the whole time. I simply waited until I could irritate you most before speaking."
"I will find a way to silence you one of these days."
"Many have tried, none have succeeded." The image of Veridian examined his nails, looking utterly bored.
"Do you get some perverse pleasure out of making the lives of the current Headmaster miserable, Veridian?"
"My first name is Vindictus, what does that tell you?"
"That I need to find a way to destroy you."
The portrait of Vindictus Veridian yawned. "You can try, but you won't succeed."
Albus flicked his wand toward the portrait, the blasting hex hit the portrait dead center.
"Was that the best you could do?" There was a slight hint of joy in his voice.
Albus growled before rushing to the Floo. With a flare of green flame, he left Hogwarts for the night. Portraits needed to mind their own business.
Severus Snape's Quarters, Hogwarts
Severus glared at the fire. Things were getting complicated.
He knew this year would be different, it was the year the Boy-Who-Lived returned to Hogwarts after all. It was no surprise that most of the student body were making idiots of themselves attempting to gain Potter's attention. It was also no surprise that a number of his Snakes had decided to go the opposite way, he only wished they were not so obvious in their disdain. What happened to Slytherin cunning?
Severus was pleased that his godson had not fallen into either category. Draco, Greengrass, Zabini and Nott had so far pleased him in their actions. Greengrass was perhaps the most open in her dealings but she always handled herself with the poise expected of her house and never found herself in opposition to her teachers; it also pleased him that she ranked third in the year for the entire year group. Nott and Draco seemed to be taking a wait and see approach that spoke well of them. Zabini, he knew was closer to Potter than most saw. The boy was perhaps the most Slytherin of the bunch; his cunning outstripped most of those in second and third year as well. Crabbe, Goyle and Bulstrode were what he expected, weak students destined to follow someone else. Parkinson was an utter disappointment. The others were barely worth mentioning; they were average in every way.
As always, the Gryffindors were Gryffindors. Poor students with little respect. The only one worth any mention was the Longbottom boy. His talent in Herbology was helping him greatly in potions, he was one of the few students who seemed to truly appreciate his class.
The Hufflepuffs were hard working as always, though he saw a number of them didn't seem to demand equality like most others did. He did not like the Macmillan boy, such a self-important boy. Bones, Abbot and Finch-Fletchly weren't bad, for Puffs.
It was the Ravenclaw first years that were the true surprise. They seemed to be the closest group of the four houses. From what he had observed, they didn't have any conflict. They had formed groups but the groups could and did interact well together. As always the top students in the year were Ravenclaws; six of the top seven were Claws. What amused him was that the top two were muggle raised.
Nothing could have please him more than Potter being sorted in to Ravenclaw. It was a perfect sign that he was not his father. Lily had admitted to him that the hat had considered Ravenclaw for quite a while during her sorting, so the fact that her son was sorted into that house indicated that he was very much like his mother. Severus had noticed that the boy did like to laugh, but he was never malicious about it. Perhaps Severus Snape could tolerate a Potter.
What was troubling was what was happening beyond the students' knowledge. Why had the Headmaster insisted on housing that item in the school? What could have possibly convinced him to hide it behind traps on the third floor when his office was much more secure? Why in the world had he insisted on placing that bloody three-headed dog in the school after telling the students that the place was off-limits? Severus was sure that at least a handful of students had gone to take a look. He could name three of his own house that he was sure of and did not doubt that the Weasley twins had also taken a peek.
Severus was glad that he had refused to provide an 'obstacle' of protection for the damned stone. He wanted no part in the business. And what kind of protection was a logic puzzle anyway? He only hoped the other teachers had refused as well, they did not need the Headmaster's madness any more than he did.
Quirrell. Quirinus Quirrell was a major problem. He hoped he wasn't the only one who wasn't fooled by the man's obviously false acting. Severus had brought his concerns to the Headmaster but had been all but ignored. Minerva was shoving her head in the sand, Dumbledore wasn't worried so neither was she. Filius seemed watchful, he planned to meet with the dueling champion soon. Pomona seemed concerned for Quirrell, poor gullible Hufflepuff. Poppy, he knew, did not like Quirinus, she liked him less now than she did before.
As for the students, he knew most just despised his class because of the stuttering. He thought some of them were seeing through the act. Greengrass had indicated that she was concerned after the Troll incident. Potter, Longbottom and Granger also seemed to be watching Quirrell more closely. The sixth and seventh year Snakes had approached him as well. So perhaps all was not lost. A small percentage of the student body were at least marginally observant.
Severus turned when he heard a knock on his door. He raised an eyebrow and stood to answer. He looked down to find Filius waiting in the hall. His face set in a frown.
"Hello, Severus. Would you mind if I joined you for a bit? I have just had a strange conversation that I think you should be made aware of."
Severus nodded and stepped to the side, "Come in, I have actually been meaning to speak to you about a few things."
"I have a feeling we both have concerns about certain things within these walls."
Severus only nodded as they took their seats in front of the fire.
"Would you like to go first, Filius?"
"I just finished a meeting with Mister Potter, he had been experiencing pains in his scar. He was insistent that this was no headache but actual pain that radiated from his scar."
"Does this happen all the time or just as certain times?"
"I asked the same. It seems he has been tracking the pain since the beginning of the year. His friends helped him too, noting down any time he rubs his scar." Filius grabbed a tea cup when it appeared on the table. "He and his friends have come to the conclusion that Quirrell has something to do with it."
"Why do they think it is tied to Quirrell?" he asked while not entirely surprised.
"Miss Granger notes that Mister Potter suffers from the pains most often in the Great Hall and while in Defense class. The others note times in the hallways but rarely, if ever in other classes. When they narrowed it down to those places they started to note the layout of the area whenever the pain occurred. Mister Potter claims that it happens most often when Quirrell is facing away from him."
"The back of Quirrell's head?"
"Indeed. I have separate reports from Granger, Potter, Longbottom, Thomas, Goldstein and Li. They presented Longbottom and Thomas because Gryffindor shares Defense with my Claws and the others noted incidences in both the Great Hall and class room. I was also handed a note by Miss Greengrass saying she was certain that Quirrell is not as inept as he pretends to be. She notes that he was glaring openly at Mister Potter after we found them in that bathroom on Halloween night."
"What of the scar itself?" Severus did not need to ask for the data, he knew Filius would have read over every word before coming to him. Severus also knew that Miss Granger would not falsify data, she was too much a scholar for that.
"I do not know. I would like to examine it but did not dare without talking to you and Poppy. I fear the Headmaster would be displeased if I moved without his permission. I am not opposed to doing so, he can't get rid of me, I am too well liked by the Governors and the rest of the staff but he could make this difficult."
"You wanted witnesses?" Severus raised an eyebrow. He had not known that Filius's respect for Albus had deteriorated so much.
The little man shrugged, "It seemed to be the best plan where this was concerned."
"For what it is worth, I too would like examine the scar in light of the student's findings. I know Poppy will agree with me."
Filius nodded taking a sip of his tea. "What did you wish to discuss with me, Severus?"
"Quirrell and the artifact." He said bluntly. Filius nodded gravely. "I have brought my concerns about Quirrell to Albus but was dismissed. He is not what he seems. That stutter is obviously fake and I cannot believe that anyone thought his fainting performance was genuine. I do not think him sincere and I do not think is intentions are in the best interest of anyone in the school."
"Yes, his fainting spell was like watching a really bad play. It is concerning that Albus dismissed you, it is not lost on the rest of the staff that he values your opinion more than anyone else's, it angers Minerva." He tilted his head in thought, "What of the artifact?"
"Did you provide a challenge?"
"You saw that too did you? Those were not protections. Albus is essentially creating an obstacle course for a child. Any wizard worth his magic could dispel the magical challenges and get past the troll and a logic puzzle."
"He could also just place a Flame Freezing spell on the entrance and exit."
Filius saluted with is cup, "Too true. To answer your question, I offered to devise my own trap but would not tell him the details. He refused my offer and I believe went with his original plan for me, enchanted flying keys with brooms waiting in the room."
Severus raised an eyebrow. That was worse than the logic puzzle, any first year could sit a broom. "How many students do you think have met Fluffy?"
Filius shook his head, "I know of seven in my house and three in Minerva's. Both of my seventh year prefects went in hopes of deterring others, they have talked a number of curious students out of going. The fifth year boys also went, four saw Fluffy the others stood guard at the end of the hall. Harry Potter saw him with Mister Longbottom and the Weasley twins."
Severus nodded. "Flint in my house went to show his bravery as did Higgs. Daphne Greengrass talked a fourth year boy into going for her so she would know but would not get in trouble for going herself."
Filius smiled, "I quite like Miss Greengrass. She is brilliantly smart and has a clearly defined sense of honor. I suspect the boy she sent was one who would have gone anyway," Severus nodded, "Clever girl," Filius smiled as he finished.
"So what do we do, Severus?"
"We watch Quirrell, closely. I will talk to Poppy about Mister Potter's scar, perhaps we can get her to call him, if that is the case Albus cannot say anything and Poppy can declare that it is not medically necessary for him to know the details. After that, we protect the students from whatever Quirrell is up to and we keep Potter away from whatever test Albus has planned for him."
Filius nodded sadly, "I was hoping I was wrong about Albus wanting to test Harry."
"So was I, Filius. So was I."
Transfiguration Office, Hogwarts
Minerva McGonagall was confused and frustrated. She was starting to get used to the fact that Albus trusted Severus more than he trusted her despite the fact that she had been working for him much longer than Severus. What she was not prepared for was him not listening to her at all.
Usually, when she was so against something she resorted to angry ranting he at least listened and modified his plans. Sometimes he even dropped the idea. But this year it was as if he tuned her out the moment she opened her mouth.
Why had he brought that thing into the school? Why had he placed a giant three-headed dog behind a door that could be opened with an Alohamora? Why were all the 'protections' so easily thwarted? What was Albus thinking?
Her mind flew back to Halloween night. She was not proud of her reaction to finding four first year students in the destroyed bathroom with a dead Troll. It pained her to know that she had missed the fact that four students had not been at the feast, at the very least she should have noticed one of her lions was not there.
Severus had noticed all the missing students.
She sighed. Perhaps she should give the man a break. He was not the surly student he used to be and he was an expert in his field, one of the best in the world. She knew he preferred his research to teaching but he was decent at it, if not the most supportive instructor. His class had had much fewer injuries in the years since he had taken the post. She couldn't fault him for holding high standards, in his class a mistake could create a poison or an explosion. Ronald Weasley was lucky he only melted his cauldron.
Her thoughts turned to one other concern. Defense Against the Dark Arts. She had had a number of her NEWT students approach her about the inadequacy of the class. Apparently, Quirrell's stuttering made it extremely difficult to learn, it also hindered Quirinus's ability to cast spells. He had yet to demonstrate a spell for his classes.
She stood squaring her shoulders. It was time that she did something. She was the Deputy Headmistress, she would speak to Albus about Quirrell's lack of ability to teach and if he didn't listen she would talk to the other heads. They would look after the students even if the Headmaster wouldn't.
Chapter 4. This has not been seen by a beta and I often miss my own mistakes. Sorry if you find any.
I took the names of the portraits from Harry Potter Wiki.
Next chapter should at least cover November if not to the beginning of the Yule Holiday. I apologize for the delays in this story, my other one flows better for me. I will try to keep updates to less than every two weeks. Things may be a bit off the next week or so as my work schedule is ridiculous.
Thank you all for reading.
***10/11/16 this has now been edited. thank you Hamilton
***Additional editing 8/6/18
