Some more changed events in this chapter, but it should still move the story along. Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Teen Titans.
Chapter 11: The Forbidden Forest
Soon enough all of Harry's fellow first-years has become an information network. Soon enough, Neville came through with some interesting news. "I just opened a Chocolate Frog," he said, "And found that card you were talking about. It mentions Professor Dumbledore and Nicholas Flamel being partners in alchemy." Hermione suddenly rushed to get something from the girls' room. "I can't believe I didn't think of this sooner," she said as opened a book on alchemy, "I checked this out weeks ago for a bit of light reading." Ron looked at the size of the book. "This is light?"
Hermione ignored him and skimmed through the pages until she found what she was looking for. "Here it is. Nicholas Flamel is the only known creator of the Philosopher's Stone, the pinnacle of alchemic achievement. It is capable of turning base metals into gold, and produces Elixir of Life, which can make the drinker immortal." "Or give someone caught between life and death a physical form," Harry noted. "It's not explicitly stated in the book to be able to do that," Hermione said, "But I'd imagine it would have that property. And since Voldemort was reduced to a shade after his attempt on your life, something like this would be the only thing he could use to restore himself."
Later, several students were asked to assist Hagrid and Filch in a serious issue on the castle grounds. Harry, Draco, Theodore, and a Ravenclaw student named Terry Boot met with Filch and Hagrid at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. "Normally students aren't allowed into the forest," Filch said, "Only reason we're allowing it now is because we need extra eyes. But be sure to stay close to either of us. I know the rumors that werewolves stalk the forest, but that's not actually true. There are plenty of creatures in there, both more dangerous than werewolves, and less."
Hagrid seemed to be out of it while Filch talked. "Bugger Hagrid, you're not still on about that dragon are you?" "Dragon?," Draco asked, "It's against the law to raise dragons in England." "Might be why whoever gave Hagrid his wanted to get rid of it so bad," Filch said. Hagrid sniffed. "He was a tiny little Norwegian Ridgeback too. I even named him Norbert. But Dumbledore found out about him." "Rather than turn Hagrid in," Filch explained, "He simply had Norbert secretly transported to a reserve in Romania. Now come on Hagrid, keep yer wits about ya. We still need to search for it."
"For what?," Terry asked. Hagrid took a few deep breaths to calm himself. "Over the last few weeks, I've noticed several unicorns had been attacked. Poor buggers have had their blood drained, too." The four boys looked at each other. "Why would anyone want unicorn blood?," Terry asked. "Dunno," Hagrid said, "But they're either dark-aligned or desperate. Unicorn blood will keep a person alive even if they're a inch from death, but it comes with a curse for killing a pure and innocent creature." Harry and Draco looked at each other, having a very good idea who would endure such a life.
Theodore and Terry soon went off in one direction with Hagrid, while Harry and Draco went in another with Filch. "Best keep yer wands out," Filch said, "We don't know what we're dealing with out here. Whatever's attacking the unicorns, it's not from these woods." "How can you be sure?," Draco asked. Filch stopped for a moment to listen, then said, "Hagrid knows most of the creatures that live in the Forbidden Forest. None of them can make the sort of wounds he's spotted on the unicorns he's found."
He then jerked his head in another direction and carefully moved over to where he apparently heard something. Harry and Draco looked and saw what appeared to be a centaur chasing away some sort of shade. Nearby was a hurt but still alive unicorn. "You may approach," the centaur said, "The fiend is gone." Harry shot up green sparks to alert the other group and followed Draco and Filch. "Firenze," Filch addressed the centaur, "I see your herd has been aware of what was happening." "I'm afraid so," Firenze replied. He looked up at the sky. "Mars has been glowing. Not so brightly as the day Voldemort first came to power, but bright enough that your kind should be prepared for the future."
Just then, Hagrid, Theodore, and Terry showed up. "Did you find what it was?," Terry asked. "Yes and no," Harry said, "We didn't get too good a look at it, but I may have an idea or two." Firenze approached the older men. "You should tell your Headmaster that his school will be in danger so long as the Philosopher's Stone is held there. He will not stop until either he dies or has what he wants." Hagrid looked stunned, but Filch shook his head. "Don't be so surprised Hagrid. Do you know how hard it is to keep a secret at Hogwarts? Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if half the student body at least suspects by now.
"Unfortunate that we were interrupted with that last one," Voldemort said, "But no matter. It is a minor setback. I have enough strength to learn what we need. And your own efforts to coerce that fool Hagrid have proven successful. We now have all we need to find it." "When shall we begin our excursion?," Quirrell asked. Voldemort thought for a moment. "Let us wait until the week before final exams. That way, no matter what happens, your sudden disappearance will not be questioned. The entire school knows of the curse I placed on your teaching position."
Quirrell looked apprehensive. "So, there is a curse." "Fear not," Voldemort said, "The curse only makes sure the current teacher cannot continue to teach. It does not necessarily kill the teachers. It could cause them to be removed from the position, render them unable to teach due to physical or mental issues, or else makes it so they cannot be in England for more than a year. For now, return to your teaching. Soon enough, the students will not have any need for defense against the dark arts, because I will ensure they will only be taught how to use it themselves." Quirrell frowned as he placed his turban on his head and left the room.
To be continued...
I guess there will be some short chapters in the school years. Oh well. Read and review.