Harry woke up in a hospital bed. The last thing he remembered was passing out after defeating Professor Quirrel, who had really been hiding Lord Voldemort in his turban, and retrieving the sorcerer's stone.

He was bandaged. He put on his glasses, and sat up. He smiled— there were cards and candy all over. Dumbledore approached him.

"Good afternoon, Harry. Ah. Tokens from your admirers?"

"Admirers?" said Harry.

"What happened down in the dungeons between you and Professor Quirrell is a complete secret, so, naturally, the whole school knows."

They both smiled.

"Ah, I see your friend Ronald has saved you the trouble of opening your Chocolate Frogs."

"Ron was here? Is he alright? What about Hermione?" asked Harry.

"Fine. They're both just fine." Dumbledore reassured him.

"But, what happened to the Stone?" said Harry.

"Relax, dear boy. The stone has been destroyed. My friend Nicholas and I had a little chat and agreed it was best all around." said Dumbledore.

"But Flamel, he'll die, won't he?" said Harry.

Dumbledore sat on the bed. "He has enough Elixir to set his affairs in order. But yes, he will die." said Dumbledore.

"How is it I got the Stone, sir? One minute I was staring in the mirror, and the next..."

"Ah. You see, only a person who wanted to find the Stone, find it, but not use it, would be able to get it. That is one of my more brilliant ideas. And between you and me thats saying something."

They both smiled again.

"Does that mean, with the Stone gone, I mean, that Voldemort can never come back?" said Harry.

"Harry, do you know why Professor Quirrel couldn't bear to have you touch him?" said Dumbledore.

Harry shook his head.

"It was because that you love her. She sacrificed herself for you. And that kind of act leaves a mark."

Harry touched his scar.

"No, no, this kind of mark cannot be seen. It lives in your very skin." explained Dumbledore.

"What is it?" asked Harry.

"Love, Harry. Love." said Dumbledore.