"Mr. Potter, I wish to speak with you privately for a moment. Please come with me."
Harry, who was eating dinner in the great hall two days before his exams, stood from the bench at the sound of Professor McGonagall's voice. As usual, Magic made to stand and come with him.
"Not you, Magic, only Mr. Potter." Professor McGonagall indicated.
"Decide, Harry." Magic stated.
"Stay." Harry said, then took the professor's arm.
Harry was taken from the Great Hall, entering what sounded like the same room he'd entered before his sorting. After the door closed behind him, he turned toward Professor McGonagall, who began speaking almost immediately.
"I've been asked to let you know that your exams won't be in braille, Mr. Potter. Instead, you will be in a room with Anastasia, who Professor Dumbledore has hired to read you your exams, and dictate your answers." Professor McGonagall responded. "He doesn't wish Magic to attend the written portion of your exams with you, due to the advantage she can give you."
"Okay, that's understandable." Harry said.
"You will be given twice the amount of time that everyone else has for their written portion, but will still be constrained to a time limit." Professor McGonagall said. "Do you have any questions?"
"No questions, Professor." Harry replied.
"Very good." Professor McGonagall said. "You will meet Anastasia on the second floor at eight tomorrow morning."
"Thanks." Harry said. "And thank Professor Dumbledore also for setting this up for me."
"You're quite welcome, Mr. Potter." Professor McGonagall said.
"Professor, I do have one question, now that I'm thinking about it." Harry said. "Why not just tell me in the Great Hall with everyone else? It doesn't matter to me if they hear such things."
"I thought you might want a private discussion on this matter, given the difficulty that you've had with other students being jealous of you, and wished not to give them any further means of bullying you. However, now that I've been made aware you don't mind others knowing, I shall simply inform you in the Great Hall in the future." Professor McGonagall replied.
"Thanks." Harry said.
Harry left the room, using Magic's location to guide him as he tapped his way through the crowded Great Hall. When he got close to where Ron and Hermione were sitting, he heard Ron ask, "What was that about, Harry?"
"Professor McGonagall was just letting me know about how my exams would go." Harry replied. "Anastasia is going to meet up with me tomorrow, and she'll be reading me my written portions."
"Why didn't she just tell you that here?" Hermione asked, sounding perplexed.
"She thought I might want that kept private because of the potential of other students having yet another way of attacking or bullying me, but I don't really care too much. I asked her that, and she said she'd keep it in mind for the future." Harry said.
"How could they bully you with information?" Ron asked.
"By having yet another way of making fun of me being blind, and how I can't do such things and so on. But, I really could care less about words." Harry said. "I've gotten worse before, such as the patronizing attitudes of people in Diagon Alley."
"I remember that one." Hermione commented.
"I'm sure you do." Harry smiled.
The next day after eating breakfast, Harry headed to the second floor with Magic following him. Once at the top of the staircase, he turned his head to the left, then right, wondering where Anastasia would be. A woman's voice then said from some distance to his left, "Harry Potter?"
"That's me." Harry responded as he faced the voice and walked toward her.
"I'm Anastasia Rogue." She responded pleasantly. "I've been asked to help you with part of your first year exams."
"Nice to meet you." Harry said, holding out his hand. She shook his, her grasp firm and her voice indicating a woman who wasn't much taller than he was.
"I've been watching you as you made your way here, and I'm rather impressed. I didn't think the blind could do much for themselves." Anastasia said as they started walking down the corridor.
"We can do a lot more for ourselves than people think." Harry stated in reply.
"Also, there's one other thing. Your fame, while it was initially exciting for many people, has lost its charm when you being blind was published in the Daily Prophet. Some don't seem to care, though, as you did block the killing curse."
Harry didn't bother to correct her that, it had been Magic to block and reflect the killing curse due to his mother's sacrifice. If they thought it had been him, he didn't want to put a target on Magic's back by correcting it.
"The less people care, the better I'll feel." Harry said. "Hopefully I won't have people shouting at me all the time that it's the great Harry Potter, the one who survived Voldemort's killing curse."
Anastasia jumped and let out a squeak at the sound of Voldemort's name being so casually announced, but Harry was used to that reaction by now.
"Here we are." She said a few moments later, leading him into a room. Magic stayed outside at Harry's direction, and the door was closed. "Hello, Professor Dumbledore."
"Anastasia, you are free, as always, to call me Albus." Professor Dumbledore said in reply, sounding slightly amused.
"Of course, sir." She responded.
"Some habits never die, I suppose. How fascinating." Professor Dumbledore stated as Harry's cane tapped a desk and he sat down, Anastasia sitting beside him. "Now, Mr. Potter, please pay attention. You will have one-hundred and eighty minutes to complete each written exam, and will be allowed a half hour break between exams, with the exception of lunch, which is an hour. When you complete your exam, you may check over any answers with Anastasia before she gives it to me. You may then either proceed straight to the next exam if there is time, or take your break. You will not be allowed to leave the room during the exam unless you first ask me, and any time outside the room will be counted toward your time in completing the exam, unless you're taking your break. Do you understand everything?"
"Yes, Professor." Harry replied respectfully.
"You will begin with your Charms exam, Mr. Potter." Professor Dumbledore said, and Harry heard a parchment being placed on the desk to his left, where Anastasia sat. "Begin."
"Question one." Anastasia read. "What is the incantation for the charm to make objects fly?"
"Great." Harry said quietly to himself.
Harry hadn't focused much on the words to a spell, as he didn't need it. Next time, he'd have to correct that oversight of his. While he had access to Magic's knowledge that she collected about things around her, he didn't actually remember everything she experienced. As a result, he had to rely on his own memory for the answer. Harry thought, remembered earlier in the school year when Professor Flitwick told them they could make things fly, then a far more vivid memory came to mind. He smiled to himself as he remembered his adventure with the troll, then said, "Wingardium Leviosa."
He heard Anastasia's quill scratching the answer on the paper, and from the sound, she was a very quick writer.
"Question two." She said. "What is the first known use of the levitation charm?"
That answer came far easier to him.
"Jarleth Hobart, the inventor of the charm, used it on July sixteenth, fifteen forty-four in an attempt to fly, only succeeding in hovering in one place before he stripped and fell to the ground, as only his clothes were levitated." Harry said.
"Question three." Anastasia said after he finished speaking.
"Wait." Harry said. "Did you write that all down already?"
"Yes." She replied. "I'm a fast writer."
"Okay, just wanted to be sure. Question three, ready, then." Harry said.
Anastasia was attentive and focused, able to write his answers as he spoke them. IN a little over an hour and a half, Harry had completed the written portion of his charms exam, then moved on to the transfiguration exam. Half way through his History of Magic exam, it was lunch. Both he and Anastasia stood and stretched, then went down to the Great Hall together.
"It's great being back here again." She said. "I used to be a Hufflepuff during my days in school here."
"Really?" Harry asked. "Did you enjoy it?"
"I did." She replied. "Being here almost makes me want to come back here again."
"Anny!" Harry heard someone shout as running footsteps hurried over to them.
"Celest, hey!" Anastasia responded cheerfully. "Harry, this is my younger sister, Celest."
"Nice to meet you, Harry. I've never actually spoken to you, but I think it's amazing how you get around the school with only that stick of yours!" She said cheerfully, shaking Harry's hand firmly in hers.
"Thanks." Harry responded. "And it's a cane, not a stick, by the way."
"Sorry, my apologies." She said. "What are you doing here anyway, Anny?"
"I'm helping Harry with his exams." Anastasia replied. "I imagine you'll be ready to graduate?"
"Oh, yes." Celest responded. "Those N.E.W.T tests sure live up to their name."
"What's that stand for?" Harry asked.
"Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests." Celest responded. "And they are exhausting, I'll tell you what."
"I'm glad I don't have those, then." Harry responded with a grin.
"Oh, Harry, I never asked about your friend here." Anastasia said. "Who's that who's been walking behind us, so quiet and calm?"
"That's Magic." Harry replied.
"Glad to meet you." Anastasia said.
"Okay." Magic placidly stated.
After finishing with lunch and walking around a bit, Harry and Anastasia returned to the room where Harry was taking his exams. Magic waited outside, and Harry completed the rest of the written portion of his examinations. After he finished, Anastasia said, "I've enjoyed working with you, Harry. Perhaps you'll have me come again if you like."
"I'd like that." Harry said. "By the way, there's a shop in Diagon Alley called Specialty Magical Needs. They could use someone who's open minded like you, I'm sure."
"I've never heard of that shop. I don't think I've ever seen it, either." Anastasia remarked.
"I think only people who need it or know of it can find it, unless they're looking closely." Harry said. "I felt a compulsion to find it when I initially did, wanting a place where things could be adapted. I never actually asked how that worked, either. I was too busy getting the things I needed and spoiling myself a bit. I suspect it might have been Professor Snape to help me, though."
"Interesting." Anastasia said. "Exactly what did you end up getting?"
"Cool stuff like my watch." Harry said with a grin. "If I ever see you there, I'll have to say hello."
"I'd like that." Anastasia responded. "I'll see you around next year for exams, perhaps, Harry. Good talking with you."
"You too." He said.
Harry had a break the rest of that day, but the next day, he'd be completing his practical exams with everyone else. Magic was with him during the practical's, but wasn't allowed to physically help him in any way with the exception of telling him certain things with potions, which Harry found reasonable. For charms, Professor Flitwick had everyone see if they could make a pineapple tap-dance across the desk. Harry performed it with his usual ease.
Transfiguration was a little more difficult. Professor McGonagall had them turn a mouse into a snuffbox. Harry was allowed to touch and examine his to make sure it felt correct before having her approve it. Since Harry couldn't see, she graded him on how consistent the snuffbox was in the transfigured materials, rather than how pretty it looked.
For potions, Professor Snape had them brewing a Forgetfulness potion, which they had to do from memory. It had been one of the potions they'd completed earlier in the year, and Harry did his best to do what he could, measuring out ingredients and hoping he remembered the proper timing for everything. He'd studied all the potions they'd worked on, though, as well as others from his book, and only hoped he didn't mix anything up in the preparation of the potion.
The Defense Against the Dark Arts practical consisted of properly demonstrating how best to subdue a vampire. A dummy was in the middle of the class room, and after Harry found its location with his cane, moved to the location where Professor Quirrell wanted him to stand. He, being the last one, was allowed to take as much time as he wanted.
"A-a-a-are y-y-you r-ready t-t-t-to b-b-begin, Mr. P-p-potter?" Professor Quirrell stammered.
"Ready, Professor." Harry replied.
"B-b-beg-g-gin." Professor Quirrell stammered.
Harry silently conjured a wooden stake, which he had Magic send through the heart of where the dummy would be. At the same moment, he felt a powerful piece of magic being cast, and as she was prepared to do, Magic blocked it from hitting him, dissipating it. Harry spun around and activated his link of knowledge, hearing Professor Quirrell letting out a sound of frustration that was most unlike him.
"What are you doing, Professor?" Harry asked, shocked.
"The will of my master, Potter." Professor Quirrell stated in a clear voice that showed none of the nervousness he'd had before.
Another piece of powerful magic hit Harry's magical shield, and Harry was aware of Professor Quirrell's look of frustration.
"Fine, Potter." He stated furiously, moving quickly toward him.
Harry stepped to one side, but felt a chair slam into the side of his face, knocking him roughly to the ground. Though the object itself had been sent with magic, Harry hadn't been prepared for a physical attack like that. Feeling another piece of magic being used, Harry had Magic dissipate it as he climbed to his feet, Magic firmly grasping his left arm, helping him.
"Hurry up, fool! I won't have him stop me!" Harry heard a high, cold voice state, but knew that only he and Professor Quirrell were in the room, though he'd always been aware of something very strange about Professor Quirrell, far stranger than anyone, as if he was two people. Harry had originally dismissed it as a unique property of the professor, but now, wondered if he hadn't originally been correct.
"I can't use magic, master, he's done something, or his little helper!" Professor Quirrell shouted in panic.
"You can still kill him! Seize him!" The high, cold voice shouted.
Harry crouched as Professor Quirrell charged at him, then grabbed his hands and tried to push him back. Pain poured through his head and he cried out, but Professor Quirrell was also screaming in pain.
"My hands!" He shouted wildly.
Harry didn't feel the knowledge coming from Magic to him, searching for the link that had been overwhelmed by the pain and a strange, foreign, but somehow familiar magic. He dismissed that when he realized he probably wouldn't have time to focus on Magic's knowledge again, then heard the high, cold voice say, "Kill him, fool!"
Professor Quirrell grabbed Harry's throat and Harry took hold of his, feeling the pain in his head building, but it wasn't just in his head, either. It was throughout his entire body. He cried out, but shouted, "Grab him, Magic!"
Professor Quirrell was crying out in pain, but wasn't relenting in his attempt to kill Harry, who continued to hold on to him. Harry felt a slight movement as if someone had run into Quirrell from behind, then heard Quirrell's screams increasing in volume. The pain throughout Harry's body increased as well, and he cried out, feeling his flame roaring with power that was causing it to dim, even as his own magic protected him. The protection it offered was different than his own, but familiar in its own way, and as Harry held on to the professor, he screamed in pain even as he felt the strangely familiar magic ripping through him to protect him. Even through the pain, Harry wanted to know what he was feeling and why, and heard Magic shout placidly over his own screams, "Your mother's magical sacrifice protects you!" Moments later, Professor Quirrell's entire body crumpled into dust as Harry heard the high, cold voice shout, "I'm the greatest wizard who ever lived, you can't do this to Lord Voldemort!" Harry then stumbled wildly forward, Magic tightly holding him. He sank to the ground with Magic, who's hands moved up and down his back in an unemotional, calculating way. He felt exhaustion threatening to make him lose consciousness, then heard the door open.
"Magic, Harry." Professor Dumbledore's voice sounded relieved, but worried as well. "I feared I would be too late."
"Harry requires rest." Magic stated placidly as everything began to fade from Harry's awareness. The last thing he remembered was Magic picking him up, then he lost consciousness.
*** Magic POV ***
"Is he all right?" Magic heard Professor Dumbledore ask as she stood to her feet, Harry in her arms.
Magic looked down at Harry for a moment, felt everything from him, then formulated her reply.
"He's unconscious. Magical levels are lower than before, but he will live." Magic stated.
"Good." Professor Dumbledore said, his voice and facial expression indicating what Magic recognized to be relief. "Follow me. We'll bring him to the Hospital Wing."
Professor Dumbledore walked in front of Magic as they walked from the room, but soon came to walk by her side.
"Magic, do you know if Voldemort was possessing Professor Quirrell?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
"Professor Quirrell appeared to be two different people, with two magical levels within him." Magic stated.
"So, he was." Professor Dumbledore said to himself, then sighed. "Both yourself and Harry showed great courage and strength today."
Magic recalled the battle. She remembered how Harry had put down his guard in front of a professor, though at the feel of magic, had shielded himself from magical attacks. She remembered Harry's mistake in not protecting himself physically, recalled how he then dispelled all forms of magic that Professor Quirrell was attempting to perform as soon as he felt them. She recalled Harry's physical pain, the feeling of the sacrifice of Lily as the unique magic acted once again to keep him safe against Professor Quirrell's direct physical attack, remembered how it had kept them safe, and how Harry had ordered her to grab him. As always, she had acted on his wishes and done so, and had felt both Harry's pain and the magic of Lily's sacrifice increasing in intensity. She recalled how Harry had felt the magic as well and wished to know what it was, why this was happening. Again, Magic had acted, telling him. She had made no error, as she'd completed Harry's precise wishes. She determined the only conclusion she could from the available data and formulated an appropriate response.
"Harry showed courage and strength. I did as Harry wished. I feel no courage." Magic stated.
"You are quite a conundrum, Magic." Professor Dumbledore said, and Magic recognized curiosity in his voice.
Madam Pomfrey's expression and the tone of her voice indicated great concern when they entered the Hospital Wing as she said, "Get him onto a bed, quickly!"
"There is little need for such concern and worry." Magic stated as she walked over to a bed and gently lay Harry within it, then began to climb in with him, stopping at Madam Pomfrey's voice.
"Excuse me young lady, just what do you think you're doing?" Madam Pomfrey asked.
"Climbing into the bed with Harry, to hug him and remain with him." Magic stated.
"I think not." Madam Pomfrey said as Magic saw her waving her wand over Harry, felt the magic that scanned him and diagnosed his condition.
"Harry wishes me to be close. I will do as Harry wishes." Magic stated.
"And I'm not going to have anything inappropriate happen in one of my beds." Madam Pomfrey stated indignantly.
"Harry wishes me to hug him and hold him close. I will do as Harry wishes." Magic stated, climbing into the bed.
"I think, Poppy, that you would be best to leave them be. They are, after all, only eleven, and I highly doubt anything untoward will be occurring." Professor Dumbledore said as Magic wrapped her arms around Harry, feeling him relaxing even in his state that lacked conscious awareness.
Madam Pomfrey sighed and said, "If you think so then, Headmaster, I'll trust your judgement."
"Very good, then." Professor Dumbledore said. "I shall return, periodically, to check on both of you."
"Harry is recovering." Magic stated. "I'm doing as Harry wishes."
"You're doing well, then, Magic, not worried about him?" Professor Dumbledore asked. Magic recognized curiosity in his tone, but a concern as well.
"Harry is unconscious but will return to consciousness. I'm doing as Harry wishes. I feel no worry. I'm carrying out my task." Magic stated.
"Very well, then." Professor Dumbledore responded, and Magic heard him leaving the room as her eyes remained focused on Harry. She continued to remain in the exact same position, even as Harry grasped hold of her hair in his unconscious state, and didn't move or speak until she noted him beginning to return to consciousness.
*** Harry POV ***
Harry first became aware of something wrapped around him, felt himself starting to panic. Something was in his left ear making a strange, but soothingly familiar sound. His hands were clutching something, and as he pulled at it, realized it wasn't moving. The strange thing in his left ear became words, the calm, placid words of Magic.
"You are safe." She was saying. "You are in the hospital wing. You are safe."
Her words contained no emotion, only the cold fact Harry loved her for. He realized he was holding on to her hair, and the thing he'd felt wrapped around him was her arms. He blinked several times as he heard other sounds around him, though there weren't many. Someone was standing behind him, which Harry realized was actually to the left of the bed, as he lay on his right side. As Harry started to roll over and sit up, Magic pulled her arms away from him. Harry heard her shoes hit the floor as she leapt from the bed and stood next to him. He struggled to sit up, and Magic's left hand pushed behind his back and effortlessly lifted him.
"Good afternoon, Harry." Professor Dumbledore said in a calm and relieved voice. Harry rubbed his eyes and yawned a little, fairly calm considering what had happened. His calm only lasted a few moments, as he remembered the feel of Professor Quirrell's body crumbling into dust under his hands. He gasped.
"I killed him." He said, feeling a deep guilt for what had happened.
"It wasn't you who killed him, Harry, but Lord Voldemort, who was possessing him." Professor Dumbledore responded. "I assure you that he was dead long before you ever touched him."
"But if I hadn't, he wouldn't..." Harry trailed off, unsure of exactly what to say, only knowing that the murder was his fault.
"It was because of Lord Voldemort's presence within Quirrell which allowed you to escape, and caused the magic your mother left through her sacrifice, to once again perform its job." Professor Dumbledore stated. "If Lord Voldemort hadn't possessed Quirrell, your physical contact would have had no effect on him. Blame not yourself, Harry, but Voldemort, if you must blame anyone at all."
Harry felt a little relieved at that, but knew the effects of what he'd done would likely be with him for a long time. He felt that his flame of magic was weaker than it had been before, but knew it would be stronger once Magic ate to replenish their strength.
"Sir, what about the stone, did Voldemort get it?" Harry asked. "Was he after it?"
"He didn't obtain it, Harry, though I'm sure he would have eventually made the attempt. Given the danger in the stone's existence, and that others may seek it, I have spoken with Mr. Flamel and we have mutually agreed its destruction is best." Professor Dumbledore said.
"Won't the Flamel's die if that happens?" Harry asked.
"Yes, they will." Professor Dumbledore responded. "However, having lived over six and a half centuries, death, to them, and to the well organized mind, is but the next great adventure. I dare say they look forward to the end."
"Oh." Harry responded, unsure of what else to say, and comforted by the feel of Magic's very warm hand against his upper back. He closed his eyes and rubbed his temples a little, feeling his head still throbbing with a bit of a headache.
"I'm quite proud of the bravery you showed, Harry. You could have run from Quirrell, but you defended yourself admirably." Professor Dumbledore complimented.
"Not really." Harry said. "It was because of my mother, her death gave me the protection I needed."
"But it was you, Harry, who used it. I can assure you that, not only did you protect yourself well, but saved Quirrell from a far worse fate." Professor Dumbledore stated in response.
"What about my friends?" Harry asked. "Are they all right?"
"Aside from some scuffles between them and a certain group of Slytherins, they are doing well. In fact, several boxes of candy and some cards have been left for you to avail yourself of when you wake." Professor Dumbledore said.
"Oh, good." Harry replied. "Magic, feel free to enjoy them."
"You don't wish to enjoy them yourself, Harry?" Professor Dumbledore asked curiously as Magic pulled away from him. Harry heard her opening a box.
"When she eats, my magic gets stronger, and it's weaker than usual right now." Harry replied, feeling and hearing his stomach growling a little. "She'll save some for me."
"Magic continues to be an unending source of fascination for me, and a most curious being indeed." Professor Dumbledore responded thoughtfully.
"How long have I been here, sir?" Harry asked.
"Two days." Professor Dumbledore responded. "I imagine your friends will be quite relieved to know you are doing well."
"Has Magic stayed with me?" Harry asked.
"Yes, she has." Professor Dumbledore said. "I believe, Harry, she will be loyal to you no matter what you do."
"Yeah. Probably so." Harry said. "I'm going to need her to help me get over what's happened." Harry swallowed and breathed deeply for a moment, leaning back against the pillows he'd rearranged so he'd be more comfortable. "Professor, even though the stone's gone, Voldemort isn't going to give up, is he? He'll keep trying to come back."
"He is quite persistent, so, yes, I believe he will." Professor Dumbledore replied gravely. "Not being truly alive, he cannot be killed, but perhaps, if he is continually delayed, he will never regain the power he once had, if any at all."
"Maybe." Harry responded. "Sir, I have a couple of other questions for you, if you're willing to answer them for me."
"I shall give you the answers for which you are ready, Harry, but the truth must be treated with great caution." Professor Dumbledore said.
"If I'm asking something, I'm ready to hear the answer." Harry explained calmly. "Please don't withhold anything from me without a good reason."
"I shall not. However, please trust me if I believe you not ready for an answer you seek. Though you may believe yourself to be ready, the answer to some questions may be more than you are, in actuality, ready for. Trust those whom are older than you, Harry, and trust that I have only your best interests in mind." Professor Dumbledore replied.
Harry didn't like the answer much, but decided he'd concede to Professor Dumbledore for the moment.
"Voldemort wants me dead. He kept trying to make Quirrell kill me." Harry said. "Why does he want me killed so badly? First, when I was very young, and then now?"
Professor Dumbledore let out a deep sigh.
"Alas, the first answer you seek, I cannot tell you, not now. When you are older, when you are ready, you will know." Professor Dumbledore stated.
"But, sir, he's not going to stop." Harry said. "Wouldn't I be better off being prepared?"
"Perhaps, but when such an answer may destroy you, it is better left unsaid. Please, trust me, Harry." Professor Dumbledore stated sincerely.
"Okay." Harry sighed.
A few moments of silence passed, and Harry heard Magic systematically eating her way through a box of some of the candy he'd been left, feeling the flame of his magic steadily regaining strength.
"Do you know who sent me the invisibility cloak?" Harry asked.
"Ah. Your father left it in my possession, and I thought you would like it. Useful things, invisibility cloaks. Your father mainly used it to sneak off to the kitchens to steal food when he was here." Professor Dumbledore responded.
"Professor Snape seemed to hate me, at first." Harry said. "Why?"
"Your father did something Professor Snape could never forgive." Professor Dumbledore began. "He saved his life."
"What?" Harry asked. "If someone did that for me, I'd... I wouldn't hate them, that's for sure. But why did he transfer that animosity to me?"
"Who can know for sure." Professor Dumbledore responded. "I am, however, delighted that you have opened his eyes to the matter, and have begun forming unity between Slytherin and Gryffindor. Such a unified group hasn't been seen for quite some time in Hogwarts."
"I just told people about why stereotypes were bad, that's all." Harry replied. "It's not a big deal."
"It's quite an accomplishment, one that you may not fully recognize." Professor Dumbledore stated.
"Well, I suppose I'll keep doing whatever I'm doing." Harry said. "Maybe others won't come to judge me."
"Maybe not, Harry, maybe not." Professor Dumbledore replied thoughtfully.
"And, sir, there's one more thing." Harry said.
"Just the one?" Professor Dumbledore asked, his tone of voice seeming to indicate he was a little amused.
"Do I have to return to the Dursley's, and if so, why?" Harry asked.
"The same protection that arose due to your mother's sacrifice can keep you safe." Professor Dumbledore explained. "As you are doubtless aware, there are those who dislike you even now. The protection you have by remaining with the Dursley's will keep you protected, even from Voldemort."
"Magic told me that once. I guess that's worth it." Harry said. "But I'll always look forward to returning here."
"I'm delighted to hear that, Harry, though saddened that your family does not see fit to show you the love you deserve." Professor Dumbledore stated.
"So am I." Harry responded.
"And now, I shall take my leave of you." Professor Dumbledore said after a few moments. "Though, perhaps, Magic, I could have one of those Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. I confess that I came across a vomit-flavored one in my youth, and since then, have lost my liking for them."
"Well, you and I both." Harry responded. "Risk it if you want, but those will always go to Magic."
"I believe I'll be safe with a nice toffee, don't you?" Professor Dumbledore asked, then moments later, choked and said, "Alas, ear wax!" Harry chuckled, then laughed a little.
"Ah, Mr. Potter." Madam Pomfrey, the nurse, said as she came over to him after Professor Dumbledore left. "Do be careful how many of those sweets you eat at one time."
"I will." Harry said. "Though I'm rather hungry. Could I get something to eat, Magic and I both? Maybe something that's got a lot of energy so Magic and I can regain our magical strength."
"I'll see what I can do." Madam Pomfrey responded.
"And, could I see my friends, too?" Harry asked.
"More eating, then rest, less talking." Madam Pomfrey said.
"I will be resting." Harry said. "I'll be laying back and I won't move around. Magic can do all the physical moving for me."
"Very well, then." Madam Pomfrey said. "Once I get you something to eat, I'll go and fetch..."
The door opened and Harry heard Ron and Hermione gasp.
"Harry!" Hermione said with extreme relief.
"We've been worried for you, Harry." Daphne's voice added. Madam Pomfrey let out a sigh.
"Five minutes, Mr. Potter." She said, then Harry heard her moving toward another room.
"I heard you guys are getting into some situations with the Slytherin bullies." Harry said as he heard the three sets of footsteps coming closer to his bed.
"Yes, we have." Daphne said, and he felt her hand rub his shoulder in a comforting manner, then Hermione briefly clasped his left hand.
"We got them, though." Ron said proudly. "Malfoy didn't know what hit him when Hermione got him with the body bind."
"Yeah. I know about that one. Davis put me under it." Harry said. "She didn't know what hit her either, after I pulled it from me and sent it back to her."
"So, tell us what happened." Hermione said breathlessly.
"Well, first of all, I learned that I shouldn't dismiss what I feel regarding people so quickly." Harry said.
"What do you mean?" Ron asked.
"I can feel levels of magic from people. I can't tell who they are from the magic they've got yet, but I can tell that you, Hermione, are more powerful than Daphne. And Ron, you're between the two, but as you get older, the magic you have grows with you." Harry explained. "With Professor Quirrell, I felt like he had two different levels of power. I thought it might be unique to him because of his work, but it wasn't. Voldemort was possessing him."
Ron and Daphne jumped, but Harry thought they might be getting used to him saying the name. That thought left, though, when he heard Daphne say, "Stop that, will you?"
"Why?" Harry asked. "I'm not scared of his name. I'm more scared of the person. A name is just something that identifies him, it isn't what he is."
"More of that and we might just get them convinced." Hermione said warmly.
"I doubt it." Ron responded. "With all the stories I've heard, I think I'll always be scared of that name."
"What happened after you discovered Quirrell was being possessed by you-know-who?" Daphne asked.
"Well, the real action came before that." Harry replied, and told them everything that had happened. Ron and Hermione were the perfect audience, but Daphne did more to provide him comfort than Professor Dumbledore had. After telling them about how Quirrell had died, he waited for their judgement. Harry smelled Daphne's hair as she leaned over him, arms carefully wrapping around him in a gentle embrace.
"You didn't kill him." She said. "It's not your fault, whatever you think and however you feel. If V-v-v... You-know-who hadn't been around, Quirrell would still be alive now. It's Voldemort who killed him, not you. Remember that."
"You said it." Harry said, shocked. "You actually said his name."
Daphne's breath hitched and Harry put his arms around her, feeling her shaking a little.
"It's okay. Nothing happened." Harry said comfortingly. "And, thanks. If you can overcome your fear of the name, I feel more confident I can overcome my fear of the person."
"I'll try." Daphne said.
"Five minutes have passed." Magic stated.
"Okay, task master." Harry said jokingly.
"Do as you wish, and I shall do as you wish." Magic responded.
"Magic's right, five minutes are up. Out, out!" Madam Pomfrey said briskly.
"We'll come back unless you get out in time to see us." Hermione called as she, Ron and Daphne left the hospital wing. Harry heard Madam Pomfrey walking over to him, then felt something that was so warm it was almost hot, placed on his lap.
"I've got you some chicken broth, Mr. Potter. Try to eat at least half of this if you can." Madam Pomfrey said.
"Well, if I don't, Magic can finish the rest for me." Harry stated in reply.
Harry reached out and touched a bowl that was sitting on a tray. There was also a glass in the upper left hand corner, which felt ice cold. Harry moved it to the upper right hand corner of the tray before he felt around the rim of the bowl until he found the spoon. As he stirred the chicken broth, he felt the heat coming from it, knowing it would be hot for at least five or ten minutes.
"Magic, did anything eventful happen while I was unconscious?" Harry asked.
"Ron, Hermione and Daphne attempted to visit you, but were only allowed to drop off candy. Fred and George failed in an attempt to send you a toilet seat." Magic said. Harry chuckled.
"Wonder where they got that idea." He said.
Magic didn't respond. He only heard her unwrapping something, and from the scent, he guessed it was a chocolate frog.
"Don't eat your way through everything, unless it's those every-flavored beans." Harry said.
He felt Magic would comply, relaxing against the pillows and stirring his meal until he thought it had cooled sufficiently. He then began to eat it carefully, and when he finished eating all that he could in twenty minutes, Magic took the tray from him and began to finish the rest. Still tired from his adventure with Quirrell, Harry let his eyes close and drifted off to sleep.
"Do you think I'll be allowed to go to the feast tomorrow?" Harry asked Madam Pomfrey as he felt some type of gentle scanning magic wash over his body the next morning.
"You'll be well enough to leave by tomorrow morning." Madam Pomfrey concluded as Harry heard the shuffling footsteps of Hagrid.
"Glad to hear that." He said. "I didn't want to miss that."
Harry heard Hagrid make his way into the room and over toward him, saying, "You all righ', Harry?"
"Yep, I'm doing okay." Harry responded. "My friends and Professor Dumbledore helped me realize what Voldemort had been up to."
"Don' say the name!" Hagrid said as he jumped.
"It's just a name." Harry responded. "Besides, it's not like he'll be popping up out of thin air every time it's said."
"I s'pose not, but yeh've got ter be more careful." Hagrid chided. Harry felt a hand large enough to grasp his entire hand up to his elbow, gently squeeze nearly his entire left arm. He smiled.
"Well, I'm glad you don't have anything to feel bad about." He said. "So, what happened to Fluffy, anyway?"
"Oh, let him go in the forest. I'm sure he'll do jus' fine there." Hagrid responded.
"I bet he liked being out of the crowded corridor." Harry said.
"Yeah, I'm sure he did." Hagrid replied. "I wish I had somethin' ter give yeh, Harry, bu' I don'. I was goin' ter get yeh somethin' with pictures of yer parents, but yeh couldn' see it anyway."
"Yeah." Harry said in reply. "I suppose I could see you not getting something like that. Even though Magic could look at it, it's not the same as touching something myself, experiencing it for myself. It's a shallow meaning compared to how I experience the world."
"Sorry, Magic, yer always so quiet, I keep forgettin' abou' yeh." Hagrid said. "How yeh been?"
"You know how Harry is, and I am." Magic stated.
Harry grinned.
"Always so calm, my magic." He said affectionately. "Most people probably wouldn't like it or understand it that I enjoy her company, but she's gotten me through a lot of hard times."
"I get it, Harry." Hagrid said. "She's not ter bad, jus' a little differen', tha's all."
"I'm glad you think so." Harry responded. "So, I've always been curious. Why are you the grounds keeper?"
"Well, I got expelled in me third year, and Professor Dumbledore let me take care o' the grounds. Great man, Professor Dumbledore." Hagrid said, sounding as if he admired Professor Dumbledore a great deal.
"Why'd you get expelled?" Harry asked.
"Nothin' I wan' ter talk about, Harry." Hagrid said. "Bu' great weather comin' up, eh?"
"Yeah." Harry said. "I'm looking forward to enjoying it when I get back to the Dursley's. One of the few pleasures I have there."
"Have yeh considered gettin' an owl, Harry?" Hagrid asked.
"Yes, but I don't want the responsibility of taking care of an animal." Harry responded. "Besides, a lot of them scare me for a bit, anyway."
"Yeh've gotten used ter Fang, though it took yeh a while, didn' it?" Hagrid asked.
"Yeah, a little while, but I still don't like him getting too close to me." Harry said.
"Not ter worry. He won' hurt yeh." Hagrid responded.
The two of them kept talking for a while until Madam Pomfrey kicked Hagrid out, claiming Harry needed his rest. For his part, Harry felt rather bored, not doing much except laying in bed and not moving. Magic remained by his bedside, and Harry felt far better by the evening. Madam Pomfrey wanted him to spend the night, though, so he did so, leaving the next morning.
The end of year feast promised to be just as good as the one at the beginning of the year, though Harry could hear celebrations from the Slytherin table. As he entered the Great Hall with Ron, Harry heard him say bitterly, "Can you believe it? Slytherin won the cup, and there's no way we'll catch up."
"So what?" Harry asked. "What really matters is that we're all still alive, and we've even started to bridge the gap between Gryffindor and Slytherin."
"Well, Daphne's the most Gryffindor Slytherin I know." Ron said.
"I find that quite intriguing, Ron." Daphne said from behind them, making Harry jump a little. "I didn't intend to startle you, Harry."
"That's okay, I just didn't expect that." Harry said as he turned around to face her. "Well, Daphne, I hope you enjoy your winning the house cup."
"And I hope you enjoy having friends." Daphne replied as she made her way past them.
Before they started eating, Professor Dumbledore stood to make his end of year speech. Harry recognized that due to everyone going silent, and faced where he thought he'd be. Harry let a small smile grace his face when he realized he was facing in the correct direction, Professor Dumbledore's voice washing over the entire Great Hall.
"Another year gone!" Professor Dumbledore's voice was cheerful. "And I must trouble you with an old man's wheezing waffle before we sink our teeth into our delicious feast. What a year it has been! Hopefully your heads are all a little fuller than they were. You have the whole summer ahead to get them nice and empty before next year starts.
"Now, as I understand it, the house cup here needs awarding, and the points stand thus. In fourth place, Gryffindor, with three hundred and thirty points, in third, Hufflepuff, with three hundred and forty, Ravenclaw has four hundred and thirty-four and Slytherin, four hundred and sixty."
Harry could hear cheering and stomping from the Slytherin table, and didn't care that Ron was shouting to him and asking what he was doing when Harry cheered for them.
"Yes, yes, well done, Slytherin. However, a recent event must be taken into account. With that in mind, and for his outstanding bravery and courage in standing up to what would doubtless cause others to run, I award eighty points to Mr. Harry Potter." Professor Dumbledore said.
The Gryffindors clapped and cheered for Harry, though he noticed it was subdued.
"Congratulations, Slytherin, and well done!" Professor Dumbledore called.
The Slytherins cheered even more loudly than before, and other than the victory the Gryffindors didn't have, it was the best evening Harry had enjoyed apart from Christmas. The meal was excellent, Harry exceeded his own expectations with his exams, which he'd forgotten about, and they were all packed and ready to take the train home the next day.
Notes were handed out to everyone before they left to remind them not to use magic over the holidays, though when Professor McGonagall handed Harry his, she said quietly, "I'm giving this to you as a matter of procedure, but it would seem the trace may not work properly for you. In short, your use of magic may not be detectible, as you are quite powerful. I trust you to act responsibly as you always have."
"Yes, Professor." Harry responded, then McGonagall continued handing the notes out to the Gryffindors.
The first years took the boats back across the lake in a reverse rout to the one which had gotten them to the school, and they climbed up the steep path, which wasn't quite as dark as it had been the first evening they'd arrived at Hogwarts, judging by the greater confidence there seemed to be in people's footsteps. They all boarded the train, and Ron, Hermione and Daphne sat with Harry and Magic in a compartment together. The friends spent most of their time talking and laughing together, eating candy and sweets, and eventually changing from their wizard robes into Muggle clothes. With about ten minutes left before they arrived at Kings Cross, Harry handed a note to Hermione.
"This is the Dursley's address so you can send me letters in the post." Harry said. "Only if needed, though. Otherwise, you're free to owl me, but I don't think you've got an owl, do you, Hermione?"
"No, I don't, so this will be helpful." Hermione responded.
"Well, I think we all ought to stay in contact over the summer, and meet up again next school year." Ron suggested.
"I agree." Daphne replied.
"Me too." Harry said. "And, before I get off here with everyone else, I just want to thank all of you for being good friends."
"You're welcome." Daphne replied.
"Someone would have to be blind not to be friends with you." Ron said, chuckling. Harry laughed.
"Yeah, so I guess that means it's just sighted friends for me!" He said.
"Magic, do write us." Hermione said. "We want to hear from you, too."
"If Harry wishes." Magic stated.
"I do wish, since they want that." Harry said. "Even if it's just something like, dear Ron. Things are well. Magic. Right, Ron?"
"Yeah. I don't mind that. Besides, I'm starting to get used to Magic's directness. It kind of grows on you, you know. But you do tend to fade into the background, Magic, you're always so quiet. You should talk with us more." Ron said.
"If Harry..." Magic began, then Hermione finished with her. "Wishes."
It took quite a while for everyone to get off the train, which didn't surprise Harry. Ron suggested he, Hermione, and Daphne come over for the summer. Hermione said she'd try and make it, Harry looked forward to the trip, and Daphne stated it wasn't likely she'd be able to make it. In fact, no sooner had they gotten off the train did Daphne's family come up to her and whisk her away quickly.
Harry kept his cane held close to him as people jostled their way back to the gateway to the Muggle world, a place Harry was entering with a resigned acceptance. A guard that sounded like an old man was allowing them through the gate a few people at a time, so the Muggle's attention wouldn't be attracted. As Harry went through with Ron at his side and Magic behind them, he felt a strange sensation he hadn't noticed before, almost as if water was covering his body, though he came out of the magical portal completely dry.
"There he is, mum, look! That poor boy!" Harry heard someone shout, who sounded like a little girl.
"Wonderful." He stated under his breath.
"Be quiet, Ginny, and it's rude to point!" Harry heard a woman sharply rebuke her daughter.
"My mum." Ron told Harry as they came over to her.
"Busy year?" She asked.
"Very." Harry responded. "Thanks for the sweater and fudge, by the way."
"You're very welcome, Harry dear, and if you need any help with anything at all, you just let me know." Mrs. Weasley responded.
"Um, okay..." Harry trailed off uncomfortably.
"Oh, I'm so very sorry, I forgot. I'm afraid my own judgements about you are getting the best of me. Ron told me you like to be indep..."
"Boy, girl!" The familiar voice of Uncle Vernon came from some distance away from Harry, who sighed.
"I do like to be as independent as possible, yes." Harry said. "Thanks, Mrs. Weasley, and I hope to see you soon, Ron and Hermione."
"Bye, Harry." Ron called after him as Harry turned in the direction of the voice and started toward it.
"Is that your Uncle?" Hermione asked, sounding a little uncertain.
"Yep." Harry replied with a sigh.
"Well, have a good summer, hopefully." Hermione said, though sounded like she wasn't convinced that he would.
"Oh, I will." Harry said with a grin.
"Right here, boy, come on." Uncle Vernon said briskly. "Hurry up, we haven't all day."
"Yes, Uncle Vernon." Harry stated calmly, and with Magic at his side, headed from Kings Cross station.