Harry woke up in the cover of darkness. His eyes slowly adjusted to his surroundings. He noticed he was in the infirmary at school. The bed he currently occupied was very comfortable. Then he felt slightly sore, more so on his right side. He tried to move, but his body didn't respond. He could feel a huge weight pressing down on the right side of his body. He lifted his head and couldn't see a thing. His brain failed to come up with a reason as to why he felt like that. As he tried to shimmy up a bit, something held on to his midsection possessively. Curious about it, Harry reached out with his left hand. His hand came into contact with a silky substance. 'The cloak'. He lifts the cloak and sees Susan. She's clearly sleeping while she had her head tucked under his armpit, her right leg on his legs and her right arm wrapped around his stomach.
Harry began to chuckle. 'This cloak's always been used to sneak into girls' beds, this must be a first'.
His chuckles were detected by Susan, who began to stir.
"I knew you missed your teddy" said an amused Harry.
"Harry?" she whispered rubbing her eye.
"HARRY!" she jumped on top of him.
With the air knocked out of him, Harry could only grunt and remain silent.
Seeing what she'd done she whispered "Sorry" and shifted back to her former position.
"It's s okay Suze, how are you?".
"How am I? You're the one who was brought in here bleeding everywhere ".
His memory came back to him. He remembered the room with the mirror. 'Voldemort'.
"How long have I been here?".
"A little over 3 days. Madam Pomfrey suspected you'd be out for 5".
"What can I say, I'm super strong" he joked.
"It's not funny you idiot, you could've died. You almost did die" finished Susan as she began to sob.
Harry just wrapped her in his arms and said "I'm sorry. You know I didn't plan for any of that to happen".
After a few minutes Susan regained her composure. "I was so angry at you, you left me behind and this happens".
"Well now I know to bring you along next time".
Susan pushed herself up with her forearms and locked eyes with Harry.
"There better not be a next time" she said glaring at Harry.
Harry gulped and gave her a nod. "Of course".
"What happened, you know, after I passed out? The last thing I saw was Voldemort".
Susan looked at Harry and said "It's a long story. You sure you don't want to go back to sleep?"
"Suze I've been sleeping for 3 days. Now what happened?".
"Okay" Susan said as she began to tell Harry what happened.
"HARRY!" screamed Susan as she ran toward her friend. She kneeled next to him and could see the blood begin to stream from his chest to the floor. She unbuttoned his shirt and saw the huge gash running across his chest. She lost it then and there. She began to cry. She didn't know what to do. A hand rested on her shoulder. She turned around and saw Dumbledore.
"Help him, please" she begged.
Albus, Severus, and Minerva walked into the room. What they saw shocked all three. They saw a black spirit of some kind run through Harry Potter. Harry then turned around giving them a good look at the him. He looked terrible. He was very pale and his shirt was soaked in blood.
The spirit that exited the boy's body approached them. It contained two bright red eyes and as it neared, it began to speak with Dumbledore. "I will be back Dumbledore and when I do I'll kill you and that boy" and it took off passing through the castle walls.
At the same time as the spirit gave it's threat, the three professors could see Harry Potter begin to sway on his feet and began to collapse.
"HARRY!" they heard someone shout. Then they saw Susan run from behind them and kneeled next to Harry. The girl began to cry.
The professors were somewhat out of it. Dumbledore reacted first and walked up to the girl. He squeezed her shoulder in an effort to calm her down a bit. She pleaded with him to help Harry.
"Fawkes" cried Dumbledore.
The phoenix flashed into the room in flames waiting for an order.
"Can you take Harry to the infirmary?".
"I'm going with him" said Susan.
She looked at Dumbledore letting him know she wasn't asking him for permission, and held Harry's hand.
Dumbledore gave Fawkes a nod. The phoenix approached them as flashed away in flames once more.
McGonagall approached the headmaster and asked "Albus what do you think happened in here?". She then saw Quirrell's body and continued "Who is that?".
Dumbledore studied the room. He looked around the room trying to get a feel of what happened. He could see the mirror was broken. He didn't know what became of the stone. Voldemort obviously didn't get it. The mirror was enchanted by him to hide the stone. With the mirror broken he wondered where it was. 'Was the stone broken as well?'.
"I believe that is what's left of professor Quirrell".
"What happened to him?"
He approached the body of his defense professor. He waved his wand over the body and got the expected readings. "Possession".
"Quirinius, it seems we were both played for fools".
"That was him Albus" said Severus. "You were right".
"Yes Severus, but this is one occasion I wished my hunches were wrong".
"That was You-Know-Who?" asked McGonagall.
"Yes Minerva, it seems he was after the stone to regain his body".
Severus walked around the remains of the body. "I'm surprised the brat managed to hold them off" said Snape.
"There's nothing else we can do here. We must ask Mr. Potter what occurred here when he's able".
They all began to head out as fast as they could. As they exited the trap door Dumbledore sealed it with a strong locking charm. He looked around the room and felt the block of wood through his robes. 'I'll have to discuss with Rubeus about what to do with Fluffy'. The name still caused him to chuckle.
Susan flashed onto the floor in the infirmary. She looked around and saw the Gryffindor idiots sitting on beds. She saw Madam Pomfrey walking toward them with potions.
"Help!" she screamed.
Everyone heard the call and looked at the spectacle.
"My goodness, what happened?" asked Pomfrey setting the trey of potions and running to Susan.
"He was attacked. Please help , he's bleeding" .
Pomfrey lifted Harry on to a bed. She quickly inspected the wound.
"Susan do you know what a blood replenishing potion looks like?".
Susan nodded.
"Bring me as many as you can carry and don't stop till I tell you".
Pomfrey then began to mutter spells to stop the bleeding and clean out the wound. She began closing it, when Susan came back with the first vials. She then began to give Harry the potions nonstop until some color returned to Harry's body. She then ran a full medical scan on him. The injuries were staggering. She gasped when she read Cruciatus exposure.
"Dear god" she said bringing her hand up to her mouth.
The rest of the Gryffindor students crowded the bed.
"Is he going to be okay?" asked Neville.
"Scoot back children I'm not done".
Hermione looked guilty. She knew none of this would've happened if they listened to Harry. Snape wasn't even after the stone.
Neville didn't know what to do. "This is my fault he muttered".
"Don't be stupid" said Ron. "He's the one who got himself injured".
Susan lost it. She ran up to Ron and slapped him very hard. "This is all of your faults. He told you to stay away. Then he had to come help you idiots".
Susan glared at both Ron and Hermione.
Everyone was shocked but none more so than Ron. He got over it quickly and replied " I didn't ask for his bloody help. We were doing fine on our own".
"Sure you were, stuck in a room with nowhere to go" replied Susan angrily.
Hermione looked like she was going to say something but was cut off.
"Enough" said Pomfrey. "Back away from the bed. I have more to do".
The trio of professors walked it. Poppy turned and saw Severus.
"Severus! You're here. I need your help. Mr. Potter was exposed to the Cruciatus curse for a significant time, he'll need an exposure relief potion and we have none".
Everyone gasped.
McGonagall asked "What's wrong with him Poppy?".
"Cruciatus?" whispered Neville.
Pomfrey sighed and grabbed a parchment containing Harry's medical report. "He was exposed to the Cruciatus curse three times, his left shoulder is broken as is his left hand, his right elbow is also broken, he received a cutting curse on his chest which caused substantial blood loss, and he has burns on his hands".
"Is he going to be okay?" asked Dumbledore nearing the bed.
"I managed to stop the bleeding and closed the wound. I gave him potions for the blood loss so he's out of danger. Now I have to vanish and regrow his bones. When Severus brews the Cruciatus relief potion I'll give it to him immediately, hopefully he'll never feel any more pain when he wakes".
"How long will he be out?".
"5 days give or take".
"Well I'll be leaving now. Poppy I'll send the potion with an elf" said Snape as he turned and walked out the infirmary.
McGonagall looked at the students "Come along now children I'll walk you all to your common rooms".
Susan got closer to Harry "I'm staying here" she said.
"You can't" answered McGonagall. "Poppy needs to be able to work on Mr. Potter and can't do that with you in her way".
Poppy looked over Susan "Perhaps a calming draught for the girl first, then maybe a dreamless sleep potion". She then approached Susan "Say goodbye to him now child and come back in the morning". Poppy then left to grab the potions.
Susan looked over Harry once more. She realized how very close she came to losing her best friend. She grabbed his right hand and as she squeezed "I'm happy you're okay, and I'll be back to see you tomorrow.
Following McGonagall to her common Susan walked out of the infirmary.
"I can't believe you slapped Ron" chuckled Harry.
"I know, I have a temper" said Susan. "I've been meaning to get a better hold on it. I can already hear people calling me a fiery redhead".
Harry laughed some more.
"Stop it. It's not funny".
As Harry continued with his infectious laugh, Susan began as well.
"It did feel good slapping the idiot".
"So what else have you done?".
"Not much, just studying and visiting you. Pomfrey kept sending me away after dinner so I kept coming back under your cloak every night. Last night was the first time I fell asleep" said an embarrassed Susan.
Harry just hugged her some more.
"What of Neville and Hannah?".
"Neville has been feeling guilty. He's very upset with himself, Hannah and I have been trying to cheer him up, but it hasn't worked so far".
"Guess I'll have to set him straight".
"See to it that you do".
"Yes ma'am" responded Harry giving a mock salute. He laughed then said "Shit, mum and dad, has anyone called them?".
"No. I was going to use your mirror, but since we didn't know when you'd be up, I didn't want to worry them".
"Thanks".
"No problem, but you're still going to have to deal with Dora. She was very mad you didn't ask her for help".
"How bad is it?"
"Very, but she agreed not to call your parents until you woke up".
The sunlight began to light up the infirmary. Harry could see Susan's face more clearly now. He saw her bright blue eyes and tiny nose covered in cute freckles and thought 'She's going to be a very beautiful woman'. He smiled at her.
"What?".
"Nothing, just thinking about stuff" said Harry.
"Susan do you have my mirror on you?".
Susan pulled out Harry's pouch "Yes, why?".
"Figured I let my parents know what happened".
Susan got off of Harry and waited as he sat up on his bed after adjusting the pillows. She joined him once more in the bed with her head leaning on his shoulder and passed him his pouch. Harry rummaged through the pouch feeling his way around his wand and broom when he found his mirror. As he pulled it out he hesitated a moment.
"Padfoot".
After a moment Sirius' face appeared. "Harry? What's wrong?. Do you know what time it is?".
Harry and Susan laughed, then saw movement beside Sirius. After a few moments a red haired woman asked Sirius what was wrong. Susan recognizing the women asked "Auntie?".
Amelia Bones was jolted from the bed. "Susan? What's going on?".
Harry began to laugh "Not much guys, just wanted to let dad know a few things. Congratulations by the way" smirked Harry.
Amelia and Sirius looked away. They planned on letting the children know of their relationship soon enough, but to be caught in this manner was embarrassing, at least for Amelia.
Susan asked "How long has this, been going on?".
"Not long" said Sirius. "Your aunt is a stubborn woman. It took me a lot of effort to convince her to date me. It helps that I'm an excellent lover" winked Sirius.
Amelia smacked Sirius on the back of his head very hard. "You idiot" she said. "Sorry honey, I meant to speak with you first" said Amelia shyly.
"It's okay auntie. I'm not mad or anything I was just curious".
Harry still laughing at Sirius getting hit on the head finally said. "Well I'm just calling to let you all know what happened a few days ago. Also keep in mind that I'm perfectly fine".
And so he told them everything from his point of view since the beginning of the year. Susan added her view in some parts as the story progressed. Sirius was angry, as was Amelia.
"Harry you could've died. How could you be so reckless?".
Then more minutes of Sirius scolding Harry ensued, and Amelia joined in as well.
"Wait till I tell your mother" said Sirius.
Harry gulped. He didn't want to imagine what she would do to him.
"Well I'm sorry, if that matters. I'm guessing the professors will want to question me when they find out I'm awake, so if you guys want to see what happened I suggest you all join us and bring a pensieve. Sirius and Amelia both nodded.
"We'll be there at 8" said Sirius ending the conversation.
"Well, at least he's not THAT mad" said Susan.
"Oh he is, but I'm more worried about mum".
A quick tempus spell told Harry it was 6:13 in the morning. Harry decided to be selfish and kept cuddling with Susan. He knew that Pomfrey would wake up soon, but he enjoyed the closeness to Susan. They continued to talk of the upcoming exams. They would start the following week. It was Friday morning which would leave Harry the weekend to revise.
They began to hear noises coming from Madam Pomfrey's sleeping quarters. "As much as I enjoy cuddling with you, you better go back to your room and pretend you've been there all night, before Pomfrey comes in here".
Suddenly realizing they've been holding each other for hours, Susan just nodded and stood up. She grabbed the cloak and said "Goodbye".
"Can you bring me a change of clothes?" said Harry. "I can't find the clothes I was wearing" he said looking around the nightstand next to him.
"Sure thing. I'll just go back and shower then come back here. We can have breakfast together".
As Susan left Harry began to inspect his body. He could feel the scar on his chest. He traced the line with his left hand, it was rough. The trail along his chest was bumpy. His right still felt a little numb due to Susan leaning on him. He began to inspect his left hand, it was fixed. His left shoulder was better as well.
Once his right side was no longer numb he sat up and began to rotate his right arm and extend it. His elbow popped softly. He didn't feel pain or anything. He then tried to stand. He was a little wobbly. Harry removed the hospital gown he was wearing. He approached a mirror and saw his reflection. He could only see from his waist and above. The scar across his chest was very ugly. It ran at an angle from underneath his right nipple to just above his left breast and heart ending at his shoulder. It had an intense pink color mixed with a few lines of white and red around the edge of the scar. He studied the scar once again tracing it with his fingers.
Madam Pomfrey exited her quarters and saw Harry standing in front of a mirror. "It's good to see that you're awake Mr. Potter, but perhaps you should return to your bed".
"I'm fine" said Harry absentmindedly still tracing the scar.
"Don't worry Mr. Potter, it will clear up, but unfortunately some scarring will remain".
Harry turned to look at Pomfrey and joked "Here I was thinking about how many girls it'll help me get".
Pomfrey began to laugh. She followed Harry to his bed. She muttered incantations once again waving her wand over Harry.
"It appears you're better, but I want to keep you for one more night".
"Is that really necessary? I feel fine" protested Harry.
Pomfrey looked at Harry once more and decided "We'll see how today goes, okay?".
Harry nodded and they talked amongst themselves for a while until the door opened and Susan walked in holding Harry's clothes followed by Dora.
"Good morning" said Harry nervously.
Dora looked at her brother. She could see the scar on his chest. Anger consumed her as she ran up to Harry and slapped him. Everyone was shocked. Susan was very uncomfortable in the silenced that followed, she placed Harry's clothes on the nightstand and waited quietly. Pomfrey just surveyed the scene silently. Harry reached up to touch his left cheek. After a few moments Dora hugged Harry and cried. Harry hugged her back feeling guilty. He hadn't realized how much his actions affected her. He patted her back whispering "Sorry" to her again and again.
After composing herself Dora had asked him "Why didn't you come to me for help?".
"I'm sorry Dora. I didn't think. It happened so fast, I'm sorry" responded Harry.
"Is everything okay now" asked a nervous Susan
"Yes" said Dora. "Sorry, I didn't know I'd react like that". She looked embarrassed.
Pomfrey finally spoke up "It's okay dear. These things happen".
Dora nodded and hugged Harry again. Susan approached them and Dora pulled her into their hug. They stayed that way until Hannah and Neville ran inside.
"Harry" shouted Neville as his eyes widened at the sight of his friend.
"Hey Nev" smiled Harry. "Good morning Hannah".
Hannah gasped at the sight and ran up to Harry and hugged him. "Good to see you're back".
"Thanks Hannah, it's good to be back" said Harry patting her on the back.
Neville kept his distance.
"You okay Nev?".
"Umm yes Harry, I'm fine. So how are you?".
"Not bad a little banged up, but nothing Madam Pomfrey couldn't fix".
"I'm sorry" said Neville staring at his feet .
"What for?".
"For everything, for breaking my promise to you, for lying, and for leading you down there".
"I went on my own accord Nev. It wasn't your fault. I stupidly went ahead on my own instead of waiting for Dumbledore like I told you all to do".
Neville wasn't convinced.
"Come here" said Harry as gestured for Neville to approach.
Neville got closer when Harry quickly closed the remaining distance and embraced Neville in a manly hug. "I'm fine Nev. It all worked out and most importantly, it wasn't your fault. We have more important things to worry about, like exams".
Susan and Hannah laughed followed by everyone else. Harry's stomach growled resulting in Pomfrey asking an elf to bring them their breakfast. The group silently ate their food until it was almost 8. Harry used the opportunity to dress. As he began everyone finally noticed that Harry was walking around in his boxers. Dora laughed while Susan and Hannah blushed. Harry shrugged and pocketed his wand when he was finished.
"I'm letting professor Dumbledore know you're awake" said Pomfrey.
"That's fine, my parents will be here soon enough".
When Pomfrey left, Harry and his friends joked around for a few minutes when the doors opened once more revealing Harry's parents with Amelia, Dumbledore, and the heads of houses.
Andromeda looked around for Harry. As she saw him she ran up to him and hugged him very tightly.
"Mum I'm okay".
Andromeda paid no mind.
"Can't breath" muttered Harry.
Andromeda whispered "Sorry" and adjusted the hug. Sirius approached Harry with Amelia and also hugged him. Professor Sprout ran to Harry and hugged him as well. After a few seconds of hugs going around Harry eyed his headmaster looking at him.
"I suppose you're all curious to know what happened?".
"Yes" said Dumbledore with a glint in his eye.
"I asked my dad to bring a pensieve so we can all watch".
That's okay Mr. Potter, but I have one in my office and I'd prefer we do this in private.
Everyone perked up at the information. They were very curious to see what the memory contained. Sirius stepped forward and said "Let's go".
The group of Harry's friends didn't move. Harry noticed and said "Come on guys, you're watching it as well".
"I'm not sure it's wise to have the students view it as well" said Dumbledore.
"I'm going to tell them anyway, so it's easier to just show them".
Dumbledore looked reluctant, but acquiesced to Harry.
Everyone present walked out of the infirmary, except Pomfrey who had to stay in case of an emergency.
They made it to Dumbledore's office as he began to ready the pensieve in the middle of the room. Harry saw that it was very large. It was made of stone 'Marble' he thought, with runes carved around it. There were plenty of runes he couldn't recognize. He then noticed runes carved in a location that felt out of place.
"Can we all go into the pensieve?" asked Harry indicating with his finger as he twisted it in a circle around the room.
"Yes" chimed Dumbledore. "There are limits on some, but this one is just like the kind the ministry uses for trials. It can project the memory as well.
Amelia approached the pensieve. It was vastly different from the ones at the ministry. Seeing the runes Harry couldn't recognize earlier she asked Dumbledore "Albus what are these?" pointing with her finger.
"Ah, those. My own variation on an old rune formation. It allows us to hear the thoughts of the memory's owner. It's very useful to me, as it allows me to review my state of mind at certain times".
Amelia was very curious about that. She never even heard of such a thing. Everyone else was in the same boat. They all stared at the headmaster expectantly.
Dumbledore added for everyone's benefit "In the old days, it was very fashionable that lovers wore jewelry carved with runes that enabled them to feel and hear each other's emotions and thoughts. It was very useful and very dangerous. This is what mislead everyone to believe the myth of soul bonds".
"So we'll hear everything that Harry's thinking? Isn't that an invasion of his privacy?" asked Susan.
"I can of course put a stop to it, if Mr. Potter wishes" clarified the headmaster staring at Harry.
"It's fine, I don't care" said Harry.
Sirius chimed in "So do we all drop inside or do we project the memory?".
"I want to step inside" said Harry to the room.
"Are you going to be okay?" asked Susan. "You know, seeing all that again".
"Yes" said Harry. "I want to see where I could've done better".
"I'm sure you did fine" said Sirius.
"From what point do you want to see the memory? asked Harry looking at Dumbledore.
Albus thought it over. "How long did it take you from the corridor to the mirror room?".
"Not much, 35 to 45 minutes, and that's counting the duel with Quirrell".
Dumbledore cast the tempus spell, it was 8:10 in the morning "We'll have enough time to see it all, but we'll have to run to our first classes" he said staring at students and professors alike.
Everyone in the room nodded.
Harry them withdrew his memory and deposited into the pensieve. "It's going to start as Neville and I approach the 3rd floor corridor. Is everyone ready?" he asked.
Everyone circled around the pensieve and began to immerse themselves upon the flowing liquid and dropped down into the memory.
As they all dropped in they saw memory Neville walking away from the door. Real Neville was embarrassed he couldn't overcome the compulsion. Real Harry held his shoulder "It's okay Nev, nothing to be ashamed of". Hannah approached Neville and hugged him.
The scene unfurled in front of everyone as the boys entered the room. Andromeda saw Fluffy and yelled at Albus "You had a Cerberus in the castle!". Sirius and Amelia looked at Dumbledore with fury in their eyes. Dumbledore looked ashamed.
"Perhaps we should pay attention" said Snape as memory Harry and Neville dropped into the trapdoor. The scene faded out and soon an image appeared of Harry and Neville on top of devil's snare. And that's how the memory progressed as Harry and Neville went through the rooms with commentaries ranging from praising Harry's flying skills to his solution to the chess board room.
McGonagall was again embarrassed about how easy it was to go around her defenses. Harry had seen her face and told her "It's okay professor, all the challenges were simple. I mean even the key room provided brooms to help you catch the key, which was stupid" he said. Then added "Sorry" to professor Flitwick. Professor Flitwick just laughed it off. Memory Harry had already pointed out his error earlier.
They passed the troll when Andromeda said "Thank god you didn't have to face a troll". Harry remained silent when Dora and Susan laughed.
"What?" asked Andromeda with Sirius and Amelia waiting for clarification as well.
"He already did" added Neville.
"He did what!"
"Let's move on" said Harry. "We can see the memory another time".
Dumbledore could feel the gazes on him.
"Harry's right, we must move" he said.
They entered the potions puzzle room. They saw and heard Harry comment on the puzzle's simplicity, and how it was unnecessary as he took the riddle and casted the flame-freezing charm on himself. Snape kept his face calm, but was seething inside. He too didn't think of the solution. The adults looked around themselves ashamed. Neville now knew the reason they were stuck in the room. He had read the riddle and was stumped. He knew that he at least wouldn't have solved it.
They all followed as memory Harry passed through the flames and the room faded and the mirror room appeared. They saw Quirrell pacing around, while they could all hear Harry's thoughts as his scar burned him. How he wondered about the mirror and felt the compulsion to peer into it. His solving of the writing on said mirror which impressed everyone, and his decision to destroy the mirror.
Dumbledore grimaced at the thought, but agreed it was better than Voldemort getting the stone.
They saw Quirrell fire a Crucio at Harry. Andromeda embraced Harry from behind circling her arms around his shoulders and placing her chin on top of his head. Harry reached up to tap her arm in reassurance. He said "Regardless of what you see I'm still here, remember that okay". Andromeda said nothing.
Dumbledore saw the stone fall amongst the shards and perked up. "What happened to the stone?" he asked Harry.
"I don't know headmaster. I had it on me, but when I awoke I was in my boxers and gown. I don't know what happened to my clothes. It should still be in the pocket of my pants".
Dumbledore just nodded thinking of asking Poppy for the clothes.
They continued to watch memory Harry as he decided to distract Quirrell from the stone.
"That was a good idea Harry" said Sirius.
"Yeah, shame it didn't work" shrugged Harry.
Everyone saw Quirrell notice the stone and made a disappointed sigh. As the spell fire began Neville shouted "You can cast silently!". Harry just shrugged as his professors looked at him in awe.
"I knew you were hiding your real power" said an amused Neville.
They all watched, impressed at the boy. Snape reluctantly agreed the boy was powerful. As Harry continued to taunt Quirrell everyone stared at him once more like he was crazy.
"What? Angry people make mistakes" said Harry.
No one could argue the point. Then they all heard the chilling voice.
"Who is that?" asked Amelia.
"You'll see" said Harry.
Susan and Hannah screamed as Quirrell removed the turban. Some were too shocked to even do that. Dumbledore gasped as Voldemort began to explain how he survived. Harry had heard Dumbledore and decided to ask him about what it meant later.
Sirius was angered as Voldemort taunted Harry with James and Lily's deaths. Then the battle truly began once more as Harry began to send hexes at Quirrell.
"That was a great idea" said Flitwick as he saw the sneezing hex combined with the knee-reversal hex.
"Thank you professor".
Sirius laughed at Quirrell. As the Avada Kedavra curse flew at Harry Andromeda hugged Harry a bit harder. Susan and Dora grabbed onto Harry's arms. Sirius patted him on the head.
Harry said "I'm an idiot. You see how I tried to put a shield up. That cost me".
It's not your fault said Dumbledore. Many people don't react properly to that particular spell. This being your first time, you did wonderful.
Harry wasn't convinced. Harry heard his shoulder break and grimaced. They all saw Harry defy Quirrell and looked proud. Then they heard Quirrell shout "Crucio" and their eyes darkened. The ladies all squeezed Harry more tightly as memory Harry began to scream.
Harry joked "At least I heard him say "Crucio" this time".
Everyone looked at him.
"At first I didn't know what it was" clarified Harry.
Sirius couldn't help but laugh as memory Harry said that at least he couldn't feel the pain in his shoulder anymore. Andromeda, Amelia, Dora, and Susan glared at Sirius alongside McGonagall and Sprout.
"What?" he said to the room. "It was funny".
Harry laughed and looked at his father "Don't worry dad, I think so too".
Harry noticed that Neville was pale. "You okay there Nev?".
"Yes" he said unconvincingly. Hannah approached Neville and held him once more.
Dora, Susan, and Sirius cheered when Harry punched Quirrell and grimaced at the sound Harry's left hand made. Hearing his memory self's thoughts Harry laughed.
The heads of houses stared at Harry. They were impressed with his deceit.
'Worthy of Slytheryn? Maybe' thought Snape.
Everyone saw Quirrell stand up and the fight began once more. As Harry blew Quirrell's arm off Neville and Hannah vomited at the sight. Dumbledore paused the memory. McGonagall approached them and rubbed their backs. "Perhaps you should leave" she said.
Neville's eyes widened and he shouted "No. No we'll finish watching. I have to, for what I put Harry through".
"I told you it wasn't your fault" said Harry trying to move, but couldn't as the girls in his life had him in vice like grips.
"We want to stay" said Hannah looking at McGonagall. McGonagall looked at Dumbledore who nodded and cleaned up the mess with her wand. Dumbledore resumed the memory. After they saw the cutting curse hit Harry and his right elbow break, everyone began to feel more tense as the duel became more deadly. When Harry was hit with another Crucio Andromeda began to sob. "I'm okay mum" reassured Harry as he patted her arms once more.
Everyone laughed when Harry pretended someone was behind Quirrell. They shook their heads in disbelief that such a schoolyard trick had worked. Even Snape had cracked a smile. Then the finale came as Harry blew off Quirrell's right hand and Quirrell tackled Harry to the ground. They saw as Harry was being choked to death and stared in amazement as Harry began to burn Quirrell. They were all speechless as Harry burned him to death, and saw when the spirit of Voldemort rose from the ashes and threatened Harry.
Harry looked at the scene. Then it really hit home. 'I killed someone'. He tensed up which was immediately noticed by Andromeda. She decided to talk to him later. Susan asked Harry what was wrong as she noticed his face. Harry schooled his facial features and smiled telling her everything was fine.
When the memory faded they all exited and appeared into Dumbledore's office. Everyone was silent until Albus said "Perhaps it's best to run to class now as it's almost time". Everyone jumped at the breaking of silence. The heads of houses minus Snape congratulated Harry on a job well done, and Flitwick commended his dueling skills. Harry accepted their congratulations without emotion. They all left. Neville and Hannah hugged Harry and ran to class. Susan and Dora were reluctant to go, but Harry told them he'd see them later. Susan hugged Harry and ran to hug Amelia as well. Dora hugged Harry and her mother and took off with Susan behind her.
Silence fell upon the office once more until Harry began "So, now we now for sure Voldemort is not dead and he's after me. I think I've now earned the right to know the prophecy headmaster".
Dumbledore looked into Harry's eyes and sighed heavily. He saw everyone else in the room and began "It's not safe to have so many people know".
"Bullshit" said Harry. "I trust everyone here, and they all know Occlumency" he said as he turned to look at Amelia questioningly, who nodded in response. "So tell me".
Dumbledore brought out another memory and inserted it into his pensieve. He projected the image of Professor Trelawney. She began to recite the prophecy (same as in the books). As it finished Harry shrugged.
"That's it. What's so important about it? It changes nothing".
Dumbledore began to explain to Harry how Voldemort must never find out about it. Harry replied that the prophecy is useless. "I'm not going to kill him because of an ambiguously worded prophecy, I'm going to kill him because he's tried twice to kill me and he obviously won't stop trying anytime soon"
Silence followed Harry's declaration. "Dad we must take my training to the next level. No more schoolyard hexes and spells" said Harry looking at Sirius.
Sirius was about to answer when Dumbledore interrupted "Harry, I must insist you stay away from dark magic. It has a way of corrupting those with good intentions".
Harry turned to look at his headmaster and said "I'm not going to use tickling charms when my enemies intend to kill me headmaster. I will fight fire with fire".
Sirius said "I'll handle my son's tutoring Albus. I assure you I'll keep an eye on what he learns".
Dumbledore looked at all the occupants of the room and gave in. He looked at Harry once more "Please Harry I implore you, be careful".
Harry remembered to ask "Headmaster Dumbledore, why did my touch burn Quirrell?".
"I believe it was your mother's love for you that created certain protections for you. She sacrificed herself so that you could live. That pure unadulterated love combined with her sacrifice, resides on your skin. Voldemort who attempted to kill you activated the defenses she left on your person. Since all Voldemort knows is hate, he can't touch you".
Harry's eyes narrowed.
"Don't get me wrong Harry. Voldemort can hurt and kill you, he just can't touch you physically . Seeing as he possessed professor Quirrell your protection extended to include him. That's why your touch burned him".
Everyone who remembered what Lily had done in that memory could contemplate how it might be possible. After all they still weren't sure what Lily did that night.
"Thank you headmaster. One more thing, is there a reason why my scar would burn when I was in Voldemort's presence?".
Andromeda and Sirius looked at Harry. Harry looked apologetic and told his parents "My scar would feel like it was on fire whenever I was near Quirrell. It got so bad that I had to use my Occlumency to dull the pain".
"Why didn't you tell us?" asked Andromeda.
"I didn't want to worry you over nothing. I got used to it very quickly" he lied, and added "I did have Dora help me research cursed scars. We didn't find anything".
Sirius approached his son and placed his arm around his neck. "We'll help you at home. I guess it's time for me to unseal the "famous" Black family library" said Sirius with some disgust. He had wanted to burn all the books, but Andromeda had stopped him. She felt they were too important and priceless as Black family heirlooms.
Harry was excited. His father never let him near the place. He always studied in the secondary library with books approved by his parents.
Dumbledore finally said "I'm not sure why your scar would hurt you Harry. Your situation is very unique. I believe and this is a guess, that when Voldemort tried to kill you, he unintentionally created a link between you both. The dark magic residing in your scar is a leftover of his power. So when he's nearby part of his magic recognizes Voldemort".
They all fell silent thinking of what they learned. Harry began to think over his goals for the summer. He was definitely going to increase his workload.
Andromeda thinking once more how Harry almost died, hugged him and said "Come along Harry, you're coming home with me".
Harry understood where his mother was coming from, but said "I can't. Exams start on Monday".
"Then I'll bring you back Sunday evening".
"Mum please, I have to help my friends study all weekend. I know how you feel, and I'm sorry for being the one to make you feel that way. That being said, I have to stay".
Dumbledore said "Why don't you take Harry to the infirmary once more Mrs. Tonks. I'm sure Poppy won't mind you spending the day with him".
Andromeda nodded her head to Dumbledore.
"Thank you Albus" said Sirius. "Come on guys, let's go".
Harry looked at his headmaster and thanked him for his help. As the group left Albus remembered to ask Pomfrey about Harry's pants and joined them.
They all walked through the empty corridors and arrived at the infirmary quickly.
Pomfrey saw Harry and approached him waving her wand "How are you feeling?".
"I'm fine, honest" said Harry looking at his mother.
"What's your opinion Poppy?" asked Andromeda.
"I'd like him to rest until dinnertime. He seems fine, but I can tell he's exhausted".
Andromeda narrowed her eyes staring at Harry.
"Okay, I lied" said Harry. "I do feel a little tired".
Pomfrey handed Andromeda a jar. "It's for his scar, he has to apply it twice a day everyday for the next two weeks. It should fade significantly like I told him".
Andromeda grabbed the jar and looked at Harry expectantly. Harry knowing what she wanted began to undress. Andromeda and Sirius paled at the sight of the scar. Harry saw their faces and joked "He really got me, huh?".
Andromeda's eyes watered a bit and began to apply the ointment on the scar. She traced the length of it. 'It's across his whole chest' she thought in horror as the memory of the duel flashed through her mind once more. When she finished Harry once more wore a gown. Andromeda sat on the bed and motioned for Harry to follow. She leaned back into the bed, pulling Harry with her. She settled on her left side and pulled Harry close to her and whispered "It's not your fault. That man tried to kill you".
Harry ran those words through his head over and over again and concluded that his mother was right. He will have to get used to killing in defense. Harry snuggled closed to his mother.
Sirius and Amelia smiled as they saw Harry using Andromeda's left arm as a pillow and Andromeda wrapped him in a hug. Sirius teased Harry, calling him a mama's boy. Harry just sank deeper into Andromeda and ignored Sirius, as he felt very tired all of a sudden. Sirius saw that Harry fell asleep very quickly. He told Andromeda "I'll be out here if you need anything". Andromeda nodded as Sirius closed the curtains around the bed.
Sirius walked up to Amelia and hugged her. He looked at Dumbledore and said "What now?".
Dumbledore and Pomfrey had smiles on their faces due to what they witnessed.
Hearing Sirius' question, Dumbledore said "Now we find the stone".
AN: IT WAS A BIT DIFFICULT TO HAVE DUMBLEDORE EXPLAIN THE LINK BETWEEN HARRY AND VOLDEMORT WITHOUT KNOWING ABOUT THE HORCRUX. HOPEFULLY THE EXPLANATION CAME ACROSS IN A PLAUSIBLE MANNER.