Ok so I'm going to skip around a bit here because it's a summary of first year.
The next few weeks flew by in a hurry for students. The first years were for the most part fully integrated into the workings of Hogwarts now, and all the returning students were back into their normal routines. Harry was for one of the first times in his life genuinely happy. He was doing wonderful in all his classes. Even Professor Snape, who at first appeared to hate him, had praised Harry on his careful and precise potions work. But it wasn't that he was doing well that really made him happy. No. He had always been a bright child. It was that for the first time in his life, he had someone he could call a friend. Blaise and he had begun to move past their initial secretiveness and were more open with each other. Granted there were no family screts shared between the two, but they now readily shared things they heard about other people or themselves. Yes, life for Harry Potter had finally started to look up. About the only complaint he had was that Professor Quirrell had not contacted him for another meeting. He knew that it was probably hard to meet secretly as it seemed everything done in the castle was monitored, but deep down Harry feared Quirrell may have forgotten.
A few days before halloween Harry's fears were alleviated. As he took his normal seat in the Great Hall for breakfast something strange happened. An owl flew down to him and had something attached to it. "Who could this be from?" Harry mused to himself. He never received mail because, well, he didn't have anyone to write to. He reached out to untie the parcel from around the owl's leg only to receive a sharp peck in the back of the hand. "Ow, darn bird, whatcha do that for?!" It was then he noticed that the barn owl was eyeing the food on his plate. Harry grabbed a small slice of bacon and held it out for the owl. The bird greedily ate the offered food, gave a nod of appreciation, and then lifted its leg out to be relieved of its duty. Still wary of the bird, Harry quickly untied the package and pulled it over. The bird flew away as Harry unrolled his package to reveal a newspaper. Not really caring about what was happening, he was about to put the paper to the side when two things caught his attention. The first being the small caption on the side which read "Gringotts Break-In Still a Mystery". "Who in their right mind broke into Gringotts? That place is like a tiny fortress!" Harry thought to himself. The second thing that caught his attention was something even stranger. Normally the paper would be all black and white text, but in the top right hand corner, there was a green inked sentence. "Harry, come to the Defense classroom tonight at around 5:30 for a lesson. If anyone asks tell them you have a detention." Just as soon as he finished reading the sentence it vanished from sight. Leaving just an ordinary paper. He concealed it well, but it couldn't be helped that some of the happiness he felt leaked out. Harry began to daydream about what he would be learning. They had startd to learn some basic spells like the levitation charm,but classes were still very boring for Harry. And he couldn't wait to see what Quirrell would be teaching him. He didn't get very far in his thoughts because he felt a thump next to him and then thump on the side of his head. Turning to see what disturbed him, he was met with the face of Blaise.
"Ay, what'd ya hit me for?" Harry questioned him.
"You didn't wait for me before you came down here, you git." Blaise told him.
"Well, if you didn't take so long to get ready it wouldn't have happened. I mean really, you take almost as long as Malfoy does!" Harry shot back in defense.
"Sorry, some of us care what we look like!" Blaise said while eyeing Harry's hair, which looked like it had never been combed.
"Whatever, just shut up and eat your food. You'll need your energy since we have transifguration and charms with the Gryffindors today."
Blaise's response to that was a low moan and to pile more food onto his already overflowing plate.
Harry was sitting on his bed, waiting for his lesson, and was reflecting on how much had changed. He looked around at the finely decorated room he was in and felt the softness f the mattress, and almost couldn't believe that a few months ago he was sitting in a room not even half the size of this one, and feeling like that would be how the rest of his life would go. Now though, he had magic, he had power. He could do whatever he wanted. That thought brought a grin to his face. No more being pushed around. Ever. There was still almost an hour before he had to start heading to the Defense classroom so Harry laid back and allowed his mind to be covered with the dark void that was his Occlumency shield. He had started making more and more progress, he could now hold the shield up for any given amount of time. That was not his greatest advancement though. As he was reading through the book, he came across a section on setting illusions of sorts. The illusion came in the form of useless memories that everyone would know. Such as what you ate for breakfast , or what class you had that day. Now instead of just a blank abyss there were small shining dots that looked like stars. Ever yone of those dots was an unimportant memory. In order to get to the deeper memories you would have to fight your way through the wall of stars. This still would prove to be an easy illusion for a Legilems to dispel, but it gave Harry a sense of accmplishment to know he was advancing. Next came the hardest and longest part of Occlumency, it could take up to a year to finish depending on the person's will power and how many memories they had to hide. The process involved categrizing the deeper memories. But in order to do this Harry would have to witness them all over again. It wasn't an experience he was looking forward to doing, but if it would keep him protected he would do it.
"E-e-enter" came the voice of Professor Quirrell. Harry pushed open the door and walked in. The classroom was set up exactly the same as last time with all the desks and chairs pushed to the side, and Quirrell standing in the middle of the room.
"Evening Professor" Harry greeted the man.
"Good evening Harry. No time for chatter, we must get right to work. Tell me how far have you come with Occlumency?" Harry not wanting to anger his mentor quickly gave an explanantion of is advancement.
"Very well done. You have a long way to go still but you're advancing quite fast. Now, I know it has been some time since we met, and I'm sure you are anxious to begin. Before I teach you application of spells, its important you know some basic duelling spells. Normally you wouldn't learn these until 3rd or 4th year, but I feel you can handle it. The spells are Expelliarmus and Stupefy. The disarming and stunning spells. We'll start with the disarming spell as it is easier and requires less energy. Watch me first and then repeat. " Harry observed as Quirrell conjured a dummy and then flicked his wand while saying expelliarmus. A golden colored light flecked with red spots shot from the end of Quirrell's wand and hit the dummy, knocking it backwards.
"Now it is your turn. Step up here, and remember intent is key to powerful spells. You have to want what you are doing."
Harry walked up to where Quirrell had been standing and faced the dummy. He was nervous and didn't want to let his mentor down. Reaizing he might be taking to long he flicked his wand and said "expelliarmus!", but all that happened was gold sparks sizzled from his wand.
"Concentrate Harry." Was all that Quirrell said.
Trying again Harry was met with more success in the form of a gold light shooting out and hitting the dummy, but it didn't move. Over and over he tried for what seemed like hours, but the most Harry could get the dummy to do was rock back and forth. Finally Quirrell spoke up.
"Are you trying to waste my time? TRY AGAIN!" He roared.
Harry felt terrible, this man had given up his time and put himself at risk of losing his job, and he was letting him down. He settled his thoughts using Occlumency and focused on his target. Intent. He had to want to disarm it. He envisioned it as holding the paddle she would beat him with. Not again, he thought. I'm better than her, I'm stronger now. "expelliarmus!" A gold light flew from Hary's wand into the dummy knocking it back about 4 feet.
"Well done. Tell me, what did you do differently on that attempt than all the others."
"I pretended it was . She was going to beat me. But I didn't want that to happen. I wanted to disarm her." Harry said
"See now Harry? Its all about intent. You need to want it to get the best results. We still have some time, so if you aren't too exhausted we will continue onto the stunning spell. "
"I'm fine Professr, we can keep going." A curt nod met his response. Professor Quirrell then summoned a desk over to him. He conured a spider and then pointed his wand at it.
"We will start small and work our way up since the stunner is different in that it takes more energy to stun a human than this spider for example. Once again watch me and repeat." The lesson continued much the same the first had, but Harry seemed to catch on faster this time, and by the time Quirrell said to stp he could stun a small dog.
"Not bad for your first time Harry. Not bad at all. I suspect this left you quite drained right?" Upon receiving a nod of confirmation Quirrell continued. "That is because your core is still developing and you don't have as much magical endurance, but don't worry over the Holiday break we will work on that. Now take this note saying that you were in detention incase you get stopped, and head back to your dormitory."
Halloween was pretty normal. The weasley twins upped their pranking more, but other than that there had been nothing out of the ordinary. Longbottom and Weasley had been complete asses and made Granger cry, not that Harry really cared. Other than that though, the day went about as normal. Until the Halloween feast. When none other than Professor Quirrell comes running into the Great Hall, screaming about a troll in the dungeons, and then faints on spot. Well, that was all tht was needed to create a full scale panic. The houses erupted in screams, but it was abruptly ended when two loud cracks were heard from Dumbledore's wand. He ordered all the prefects to take their houses bac to the dormitories. Not feeling like fighting through a throng of Hufflepuffs and Gryfinndors the Slytherins and Ravenclaws waited for them to leave before moving. As Harry and Blaise walked behind the rest of their class they noticed they weren't heading to the dormitories. They weren't the only ones apparently because up ahead they heard "Oy, Flint. This isn't the way to the dormitories, where are you leading us?"
"Well let's see. Since the troll is in the dungeons and our dormitories are in the dungeons, I figured we should probably go somewhere else." That shut up whoever had questioned him. They eventually wound up in the Library, which is where they stayed until Professor Snape came and found them. Harry noticed something about Snape though. He was limping, and he pointed it out to Blaise. Blaise looked and then turned a confused face to Harry. Shrugging in response they let it go, figuring it wasn't their business.
"Ugh, this is just what we needed. Something else for Longbottom to brag about." Blaise complained the next moring at breakfast.
"It seems like everyone forgot the reason Granger was even in danger in the first place." Harry added. Being the Gryffinor he is Longbottom and Weasley had rushed off to save Granger from the troll last night. And now it appeared as if the three were inseperable. Harry noticed Dumbles was practically glowing. This is probably what he wanted, Harry thought. To have what was already being called The Golden Trio as a shining example of what all students should be like. He let out a snort at the thought of Slytherins acting like Gryffindors. Blaise asked him what was so funny, and Harry told him about what he was thinking. Blaise got a laugh out of it to, but he didn't think Dumbledore had planned it. Although he admitted it was suspicious that a troll got into a supposedly well fortified castle. Harry hadn't even thought about that aspect. That's one of the things he appreciated about Blaise. He noticed the obvious things that Harry sometimes overlooked. Anymore discussion on the topic was abruptly stopped when someone sat down next to Harry. It was a first year by the name of Daphne Greengrass. Where Harry and Blaise were known as the loners of Slytherin, Daphne was the Ice Queen. She had an almond shaped face, with gray eyes and long black hair. She was a pureblood and had been raised with strict manners and ways she was supposed to act. Even though she was only 11, Harry had to admit she was quite pretty.
"Good morning Potter, Zabini." She greeted them.
"Morning." They both replied. An awkward silence came after that, so Harry decided to break it.
"What brings you over here Greengrass? Usually you keep to yourself." Harry stated the obvious.
"I need to talk to you, Potter. " Daphne cut to the point.
"Well, I'm right here. What did you want to talk about?" Harry was genuienly curious.
Daphne looked uneasily at Blaise and Harry got the point. He stood up and told Blaise he would be right back. Daphne followed him out.
Once out of earshot of the Great Hall Daphne spoke up. "Thank you. You see, I need your help, but because I'm a pureblood it would be embarassaing to admit weakness in front of another pureblood."
Harry nodded, showing he understood. "So what do you need my help with?" He questioned genuienly curious.
"You're goot at Transfiguration. I'm struggling and if I do poorly in anything my parents will punish me. I was wondering if you could help me in class. It wouldn't be anything major, just watch what I do and help correct the mistakes I make." Daphne said this all in a rush, and he almost missed part of it.
Thinking it over he decided to do it. Normally he would have said no, because he wasn't gaining anything. But when he thought about it, he would be gaining a friend? Or maybe acquainttance in Daphne. He liked Blaise well enough, but the two thought a lot alike. It would be good to get a different opinion on things. "All right, I'll do it." He told her. Daphne gave a tiny little smile and said thank you. They then walked back to the Great Hall together. Harry sat down with Blaise again, and to his surprise Daphne sat down next to him instead of going back to her regular seat. Blaise gave him a "what the hell?" look, but Harry just shurgged. The three ate breakfast while chatting about little insequential things and then headed to class.
"So what did Greengrass want to talk to you about?" Blaise asked Harry once they were in there dorm.
"Oh, it was nothing. She just had a question about class is all." Harry lied. But Blaise caught him
"Then why couldn't she ask it in front of me?"
"Well, I don't know. She just wanted to do it in private?" Harry hoped his friend woud just let it go.
"Fine, don't tell me. " Blaise whined and then left the room. Harry didn't bother to stop him. He knew Blaise would get over it and then come back and try again to find out what they talked about. Sure enough about ten minutes later Blaise came back in, with an evil grin on his face.
"She's your girlfriend isn't she?" He accused.
This was not what Harry had been expecting. And he colored a little at the thought. Which was probably one of the worst things he could do at the time, because Blaise took that as a yes.
"Aha ! Why didn't you just tell me?" Blaise sounded hurt at being left out.
"No, Blaise you got it wrong. We aren't dating, she just asked me not to tell anyone what she asked." Harry quickly explained.
"Fine, I guess I can accept that since you're keeping a promise." Blaise still sounded upset, but Harry was thankful he let it go.
The next few months went by fast for Harry. Despite holding back in his classes to hide his knowledge, he was still among the top in his year. As much as it pained him to admit, the only two who were ahead of him were Granger and Longbottom. It seemed the Beaver and boy wonder weren't so hopeless in magic.
As he promised Harry took to sitting with Daphne in transfiguration. She really wasn't doing too much wrong, and most of the mistakes were simple wand motion mistakes. With him helping her, Daphne's transfiguration marks started to improve. One thing that was upsetting Harry was that Blaise once again thought Harry and Daphne were secretly dating. He started to become distant with Harry because he didn't like that a secret was being kept from him. And by the time the winter break rolled around, Harry and Blaise were barely talking. Harry was staying at the castle, but he wanted to see his two friends off who were both going home for break, which is how he ended up down in the main hall.
"I'll see you when I get back Harry, have a happy Christmas." Daphne told him before she started for the train, leaving Blaise and Harry alone.
"Blaise I don't want you going home angry at me. So I'm going to tell you why I've been sitting with Daphne. But you can never mention it. She asked me to help her improve in transfiguration, but she was embarrassed about showing weakness in front of another pureblood." Blaise seemed to be digesting this before he spoke.
"That makes sense. The Greengrass family is extremely proud and to show weakness in front of another family would bring shame on them. I understand now, and you have my word I won't say anything." With that settled the two shook hands and wished each other a Happy Christmas.
Harry was kneeling on the cold stone floor of the castle, feeling quite light-headed.
"You over-exerted yourself. That's not good to do at any stage of your life, but when you do it so young you damage your core. Which can make you weaker later on. Don't do it again." Quirrell finished his mini-lecture. As promised earlier Harry was working on magical endurance during the break. He had performed a number of different tasks so far. The most common being to hold a magically cast flame for as long as possible, and to add power to it in intervals. He did this until he became tired. Today was something new though. Harry was told to cast any spells he wanted for as long as possible. It seemed silly, but as he went on Harry could see and feel the decrease in spell strength. This upset him and he tried harder and harder, which is how he wound up where he was now. He had collapsed after casting a particulary strong levitation charm.
"That's enough for today. Go rest and enjoy the rest of your day.
Harry was bored. Extremely bored. He was the only Slytherin who hadn't gone home for the holidays. Having nothing better to do he decided to roam the halls for a while. After a while he grew bored of the just walking, and made the decision to go to the library and see if he could find something interesting to read. It didn't take long to find a title that sounded promising, So You Want to Be a Shadow? The book contained multiple spells on how to remain silent while moving, how to make yourself blend with an evironment, how to become invisible, etc… most of the spells appeared to be too advanced for him at the moment, but Harry wrote down a few such as the silencing spell, and the disillusionment charm. "They may prove useful to me." Harry thought to himself. As he continued to leaf through the book he failed to notice the newest occupant of the library.
"OH GREAT. Potter, just who I wanted to see." Harry meantly snarled at the all too familiar voice.
"Longbottom, what are you doing here? Studying on break? I highly doubt that considering you probably don't study normally."
"Shut up Potter. You know nothing about me!" Neville fired back. Harry's next comment was cut off by the librarian telling them to be quiet or they would be thrown out.
"So then Longbottom why are you here, if not to study." Harry asked again.
"Not that its any of your business, but I'm researching something." Neville seemed to be debating with himself before he continued, "you wouldn't happen to know anything about Nicolas Flamel would you?"
Nicolas Flamel Harry thought. The name sounded familiar, Blaise mentioned him at some point. Harry used his Occlumency to try and recall what he had said. It had been one of the times they were sitting in their dorm. Then it hit him. Nicolas Flamel was the creator of the Sorcerer's stone. But why would Longbottom want to know that.
"Even if I did, why would you want to know? What is so interesting about him?" He questioned.
Again Longbottom looked like he was fighting with himself "We, meaning Hermione, Ron, and I, think that Snape is trying to steal something that is hidden at the school. And whatever it is, its linked to Flamel.
That caught Harry's attention. The Sorcerers' Stone was in Hogwarts? It seemed logical considering how safe the school was said to be, but why bring it to the school and risk unwanted attention. No Longbottom had to be wrong, but Harry decided to ask his mentor about it the next time they met.
"Longbottom, that is possibly the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Professor Snape is a teacher here, which means he is trusted by Dumbledore. Stop making up reasons to get him in trouble simply because you are abysmal in his class." With that said Harry gathered up his books and paper and headed back to his dormitory with a lot on his mind.
"It is in fact true that the Sorcerer's Stone is at Hogwarts. But rest assured no one is trying to steal it, in fact all of the teachers have contributed to the defense of it. But you must not tell anyone you know of this. That is why the 3rd floor Corridor is off limits, the entrance is located there. " Quirrell finished explaining to his young student. After Harry approached him, he was initially shocked, how had he found out, but when he later discovered that Longbottom was looking into it he became worried. "Master, what if that fool boy tells Dumbledore of his suspicions? We will be heavily watched then." Quirrell thought to Lord Voldemort. "Do not worry,the boy won't. Think no more of it and get back to training our young follower." Hoping to avid any repercussions of angering or disobeying the master Quirrell continued on with the lesson. Tonight's involved transfiguring surrounding into objects you could use to fight or protect yourself. Most of the transifgurations would be too complicated for Harry at the moment, but some of the smaller ones were possible for him to accomplish, such as transfiguring some of the surrounding quills into needles, with a varition of the spell he had been taught in class, and then banishing them at your opponent. Another tactic involved a second year spell, Avus. It sent a flock of miniature birds out of your wand, while normally completley useless in a fight, they could be used to block incoming spells. These were just a few of the lessons he had been going through. And he had to admit, young Harry was performing above any expectations he had. There was still a long way to go, but by the end of the year, the boy would be capable of taking on most 4th years, and possibly some 5th in a fight. Time was running short, and so Quirrell called an end to the training. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve so there would be no more meetings until after the break was over. It would do no good to wear his pupil too thin.
Christmas came and went for Harry. He had for the first time he could recall, received a Christmas present. Actually he received a few. One from Daphne, Blaise, and one from his mentor. Blaise had gotten him a box of chocolate, and Daphne sent him a book on advanced Transfigurations. Harry had seen some students receiving packages during the year, and ad asked his Head of House about it. At first the man had snarled at him and Harry didn't think he would answer, but then Snape told him about the owl order service. You sent a letter to the store you needed something from and told them what you needed. The store would then consult Gringotts to acquire the money needed and send your items via owl to the school. For Blaise and Daphne he had ordered assorted candies and chocolates. The package from Professor Quirrell surprised him, but upon openng it the surprise was replaced with complete awe. It was a bottle of liquid. There were written instructions on how to use it and what it did. With it applied to his wand he could practice magic unrestricted outsde of school. It had brought a grin to his face when he thought of the things he could do to anyone who annoyed him at the orphanage. They would be his practice dummies.
Break ended and everyone returned to school. Soon classes got back on track and months flew by with nothing eventful. Harry had informed Blaise about Longbottom wondering about Flamel, but because Professor Quirrell had ordered him not to he chose to neglect to mention the stone was in the castle. It was a pretty normal evening for Blaise and Harry, who were sitting in their dormitory playing a game of wizard's chess, when they heard someone sneaking down the hallway outside. Letting his curiousity get the best of him Harry crept as quietly as he could to the door, and inched it open to hopefully get a peak of who was sneaking out. The person was almost out of view, but Harry saw the tell tale bleach blond hair of Malfoy.
"I wonder where he's going." Blaise commented.
"Probably looking to cause trouble. I think I'm going to follow him and see what's up. " Harry informed his roomate.
"Well, you can count me out then. Be careful, if you get caught we'll lose points for Slytherin and that won't go over well with Snape, or the rest of the House." Blaise warned him.
Harry nodded in response to the warning and slippe out of the room. Once in the corridor he applied a silencing spell to his shoes. "I was right" he thought "those spells are coming in handy." He walked quickly to try and catch up with Malfoy. Once he was ut of the common room and in the hallway he looked around and didn't see anyone. Defeated Harry was about go back in when he heard footsteps up the hall to his right. Leading towards the Great Hall and the staircases. After another minute or two of his quick pace he caught up to Malfoy. He was about 50 feet in front of him now. Harry chose to walk more carefully and avoided being out in the open as much as possible, instead choosing to stick to the shadows and inch along the wall. For his part, Malfoy seemed oblivious. He headed up a couple of flights of stairs only to stop in front of the door to Filch's quarters. To Harry's surprise he knocked. Filch came to the door and looked like he was about to yell, but then something Malfoy whispered shut him up, and he smiled a toothless smile. He turned and said something to Malfoy and then quickly hurried up a few more flights of stairs and to one of the towers. Malfoy sat down against the wall and waited. After about 10 minutes Filch came back down the stairs, only he wasn't alone. Granger, Longbottom, and Weasley were with him.
"You lot are in for it now. Out past curfew and meeting with strange people. Right to McGonnagal for you. She'll sort you out. As for you Mr. Malfoy, come with me its only right you get to see some punishement dealt since you are the one who told me about these three." Filch spoke up in his deep rough voice. Harry just stood back and let them pass. No need for him to get caught out after all. Once he was sure they were gone, he headed back to the common room. Once in his dorm he tod Blaise what he saw. They had a good laugh, and specualted over who the Gryffs were meeting with and then called it a night.
"The forbidden forest, can you believe it?" Blaise spoke up.
"And with that incompetent gamekeeper. What would have happened had they been attacked? Not that I care, but if those Gryffindors had gotten killed the school might have been closed." Daphne pointed out to them. Harry for his part just stayed silent while the other two discussed the punishment. As it turns out the three who had been caught, and Malfoy were all given detention and sent into the Forbidden forest. Apparently the Headmaster was really off his rocker to allow four first year students in the forest at night. Harry spare a glance up to Head table and was met with the stare of his mentor. Upon seeing he had been noticed Quirrell directed his eyes elsewhere. "Strange," Harry thought "I wonder what that was about."
"Harry, Harry are you paying attention?" Harry turned to see Blaise talking to him.
"No, I wasn't. What did you want?" Harry told his friend.
"I said we need to go and get to class. Breakfast is almost over. Now come on."
It was the end of the year and everyone was busy. Final exams were only a few days away, and the library was packed with a ton of last minute cram sessions. Thanks to his Occlumency and extra sessions Harry was well prepared, and as such to this time to wander aimlessly. He was forced to be alone though, because both Blaise and Daphne were studying. As he was wandering he heard voices around the corner ahead. Getting just close enough to make out what was being said Harry heard the voices of the golden trio, and Professor McGonnagal.
"But professor, we need to speak to the Headmaster its urgent!" That was Granger's whiny voice.
"I'm sorry Miss Granger, but the Headmaster was called away by a letter from the Ministry, he won't be back until tomorrow. If the matter is truly so urgent you may take it up with me." McGonnagal told her.
"Snape is going to steal the Sorcerer's Stone! And with Dumbledore not here it's the perfect time." Seems like the boy-who-lived couldn't control his mouth anymore.
"That is Professor Snape to you, and what nonsense. Professor Snape is one of the teachers helpig to protect the stone. Do not argue with me, that is my final word. Now, go back to the common room an do something prouctive, like studying for finals." With that eing said McGonnagal walked away leaving the trio behind.
"We can't let Snape get the stone, we're goi ng after him." Longbottom informed the other two.
"But Neville we could be killed, or worse, expelled!" "Wow" Harry thought,"Granger really needs to get her priorities straight." Harry had heard enough. He didn't care either way what the Gryffindors did. If Tomorrow there were three less at breakfast he would know they tried. Perhaps he should inform Professor Quirrell about this though. "Yes, Quirrell will want to know." With that decided he headed towards the defense classroom.
When he reached the room, the door was slightly ajar. Taking this as a sign to come in, Harry walked into the room. But something was wrong, when he looked around there was nothing. Everything was gone. The room was bare, except for the desks and their chairs. This can't be right Harry thought.
"This is wrong. Where is all his stuff, where is he?"
Maybe Quirrell already knew what the three had planned, and had attempted to head them off Harry reasoned with himself. But why did that constitue packing away all the items in the room? Harry had a grim feeling about all of this, but decided to not try and figure it out. Quirrell while a good mentor did some strange things. Like his stuttering around other people. Maybe this was just another one of those. Besides, Harry was sure Professor Quirrell could handle anything that was in his way.
"Students, students as you all may know by now a tragic event took place a few days ago. Professor Quirrell attempted to steal something hidden within the school. He was fortunately unsuccessful in his attempts, thanks to three brave students. More on that later. What you may not know is that Professor Quirrell did not act alone. He was possessed, by none other than Lord Voldemort. " Gasps came from the majority of the Great Hall at hearing this news. Harry also saw a few smiles from some of the older students in Slytherin. Harry for is part was in a stupor. His mentor, the man who had offered to teach him, and train him was dead. Because of some stupid Gryffindors. How had they bested him? They were mere first years with no extra practice. It really darkened Harry's last days at the school, but not nearly as much as the next announcement.
Dumbledore stood up again. "Now the awarding of the House Cup. This year's winner is once again Slytherin." At this uproarous cheers broke free from serpent's house. "Yes, yes good job Slytherin, but there are some last minute points to be awarded. " The cheers stopped and the hall went silent. Dumbledore then awarded points to each of the three who went after Quirrell. It was convientently just enough to beat Slytherin. This caused loud roars of protest to be heard, but they were just ignored. Harry didn't care though. He was struggling very hard now. The man who was said to be one of the greatest wizards ever, and solely against the dark hd just awarded points for killing a man. And not just any man, but he awarded points for the killing of his mentor. Harry was beyond furious, and it showed.
"Harry, are you alright?" Daphne asked and the concern could clearly be heard in her voice. The house cup couldn't have upet him this much, there must be something else.
"No, I'm not alright. I need to get out of here, now. I'll see you on the train ride home. " And with that said a different Harry Potter got up and left the table, this one now had the seeds of hate in him.