Here is the next chapter! To the reviews I couldn't respond to, thank you for your words of encouragement! I hope you all enjoy this next chapter!
When Hermione returned from her holiday, a day before the term started, she was disappointed to hear that Harry hadn't found anything on who Nicolas Flamel was, but also scolded Harry for being out of bed. Draco merely shrugged, saying that it had been worth a try. The four kids had almost given up hope on searching for Nicolas Flamel, though Harry was still sure he had read the name somewhere. It was hard to focus too much on the topic when term started up, with classes, and homework, and Quidditch – in Harry's case.
After one Quidditch practice, Harry learned that his father would be refereeing the next match. He was very excited to show off for Severus on the pitch, he could hardly focus on the assignment in front of him. He was currently sitting in a chair the Gryffindor common room daydreaming about the next match and all the tricks he could show off for his dad . . .
"Harry Severus Evans Snape!"
Harry's head shot up and he blinked at Hermione who was sitting in a chair across from him. She was glaring at him, but he frowned back.
"When did you learn my full name?" Harry asked. Ron looked curiously at Hermione.
"I heard your father say it once," Hermione said, crossing her arms.
Harry felt himself blush as he remembered a time when Severus scolded him in the hall for turning in his charms assignment late one day. Clearly, having a parent on staff meant the other professors could easily contact him about any problems they had with Harry. Severus had spoken in a low tone, but Ron and Hermione were not too far behind him. Harry had gotten a bit cheeky with Severus while the man reminded him for the hundredth time why late assignments were not acceptable. Severus did not take the attitude kindly. Of course, Hermione would remember his name after such a heated argument.
"Well, you have my attention now," Harry muttered.
"Good," Hermione said, "because unless you've forgotten, we are studying for a quiz in transfiguration and I've asked you the same question twice now – but you've been daydreaming about who knows what . . ."
"Let me guess," Ron quipped, "quidditch?"
"What else?" Harry smirked.
Hermione growled under her breath and adjusted the large book on her lap, scanning the page.
Then, Neville toppled into the common room, his legs stuck together with a Leg-Locker Curse, he bunny hopped over to Harry, Ron, and Hermione before falling over. Everyone laughed except Hermione, who leapt to her feet and performed the countercurse.
"Thanks," Neville said, standing.
"What happened?" Hermione asked.
"Malfoy," Neville said shakily. "I met him outside the library. He said he'd been looking for someone to practice that on."
"Go to Professor McGonagall!" Hermione urged. "Report him!"
"I don't want any more trouble," Neville said, shaking his head.
"You've got to stand up to him, Neville!" Ron said. "You've got to let him know that you won't take any nonsense from him."
"There's no need to tell me I'm not brave enough to be in Gryffindor, Malfoy's already done that," Neville choked out.
"I'll take care of Malfoy," Harry said, reaching into the pocket of his robes and pulling out a chocolate frog. He gave it to Neville, who looked as though he might cry. "He just needs to be knocked back down a peg. Reminded of his place. Besides, I'd say you're worth twelve of Malfoy."
Neville's lips twitched into a weak smile as he unwrapped the frog.
"Thanks, Harry . . . I think I'll go to bed . . . D'you want the card, you collect them, don't you?"
As Neville walked away, Harry looked at the Famous Wizard card.
"Dumbledore again," he said. "Remember what I told you, Ron? I almost always get . . ."
He gasped. He stared at the back of the card, then looked up at Ron and Hermione.
"I've found him!" he whispered. "I've found Flamel! I told you I'd read the name somewhere before! Listen to this: 'Dumbledore is particularly famous for his defeat of the Dark wizard Grindelwald in 1945, for the discovery of the twelve uses of dragon's blood, and his work on alchemy with his partner, Nicolas Flamel!'"
It was then that Hermione pulled out an enormous old book she had taken out of the library for 'light' reading, revealing that Nicolas Flamel is the only known maker of the Philosopher's stone.
"But listen to this," Hermione continued. "'The stone was meant to be destroyed years ago but instead went missing.' Dumbledore must have relocated it and needs to give it back to Nicolas Flamel for disposal, but someone is after it!"
"It has to be Quirrell!" Ron added. "If Snape did have Sam spying on Quirrell, then that would explain why Quirrell attacked Harry and Sam during that match!"
"And why my dad wants to referee the next game," Harry said.
Ron and Hermione gave Harry a surprised look.
"I forgot to mention that, didn't I?"
Ron and Hermione nodded.
Harry filled them in on what Wood had informed him. Harry felt a sense of déjà vu, but it was weak and he wasn't sure if it was related to the fact that there's a stone being protected in the school, or if it was that he was discussing the upcoming quidditch match which his father would referee.
"So, a Philosopher's stone, huh?" Draco questioned.
Draco, Ron, and Hermione were sitting in the library discussing the latest news. It had been a couple days since they had discovered who Nicolas Flamel was and they were now informing Draco.
"Yes, and Quirrell is after it," Hermione said.
"How do you know it's Quirrell, Granger?" Draco sneered. "That stuttering oaf couldn't even scare off a pixie without fainting."
"He makes the most sense," Ron insisted. "He attacked Harry and Sam during Harry's first game because Snape had Sam spying on him!"
"There were hundreds of people there, Weasley, you can't know that for sure," said Draco, sniffing slightly.
Harry approached the table the three were sitting at, rubbing at his arm. He frowned at his friends.
"Dad gave me the last shot for the Hepatitis B thing," he informed them.
Ron gave Harry a sympathetic look, Hermione just rolled her eyes, and Draco's frown deepened.
"As long as Uncle Severus doesn't come after me with a needle," Draco said as Harry took a seat next to him. "So, I just heard that there's a stone here that can transform any metal into gold and can make a potion that will make you immortal. And Dumbledore is hiding that in a school full of children just inviting thieves to come after it."
"I don't think Quirrell will hurt any of the students," Harry said. "Unless you stand in his way, of course."
"You think it's Quirrell, too?"
"Well, yeah – I mean, it makes sense."
"Well, now that we've discovered what is being hidden, what are your plans now?"
Harry looked at Ron and Hermione, who stared back at him. They hadn't really thought that far ahead. Leave it to Draco to look for future plans. What was wrong with just going with the flow? Although, now that they have discovered who and what, what was there left to do? Besides keeping a closer eye on Quirrell.
"I guess we'll just have to make sure Quirrell never gets near that stone," Harry decided. "I don't think he'll try and get past that dog again."
"Why do you guys even care?" Draco frowned. "Leave all this to the adults. They seem to be doing fine guarding the stone."
"I'm sure they are," Hermione nodded. "But you never know what Quirrell might try next. I mean, really, Hagrid isn't the hardest to pull information from. And besides, Quirrell could go after Harry again!"
"Not with your father around," Draco smirked.
"Or Sam," Ron smiled.
"He could still try," Hermione insisted. "Professor Snape and Sam aren't always around Harry."
"I guess Granger has a point," Draco said. "Honestly, Harry, why do you always have to be the center of attention?"
"I'd gladly pass all the attention to you if I could," Harry mumbled, leaning back in his chair.
A couple days later, a day before the game, Harry visited his father an hour before curfew. Sam was lying on his dog bed chewing on the last bit of the large femur bone he had received at Christmas. Harry didn't think Sam would have been capable of actually eating the bone, but the fox was proving him otherwise. The bone was the size of a tennis ball now. The fox looked up as Harry entered the room.
"Hey, Sam," Harry greeted with a smile.
: Evening, Harry. What brings you here? Sam tilted his head, his large ears flopping slightly.
"Just visiting my dad," Harry wandered deeper into the rooms. "Is he here?"
: He left a while ago for some kind of meeting with the other professors. He should be back any minute now.
Harry glanced into his father's study, not doubting what Sam was saying but allowing his curious nature to lead the way. Light shone through the slightly opened door and he saw a strange arrangement on his father's desk. There were several potion vials of various sizes on the desk. Harry glanced back at Sam, who had returned to chomping on the bone. Harry pushed the door open a bit more and slipped inside.
He slowly approached his father's desk and looked curiously at the potion vials. He picked up a small, purple vial – roundish in shape. He turned it over and over in his hands, trying to find a label. It wasn't like his father to not label his potions. He noticed that none of the vials were labeled on the desk.
How curious, Harry thought. He set the vial back down and picked up the larger, tall black vial.
Again, no label. Harry wondered why Severus had them out. Perhaps the man needed to label them? Sometimes Severus could tell what certain things were just by the smell, a habit Harry found himself picking up. He uncorked the bottle and sniffed it gently, not wanting to inhale the fumes too strongly.
He had to take a double sniff because the scent surprised him. It smelled like wine – nettle perhaps?
Harry put the vial back down. A parchment on the desk caught his eye and he picked it up. He frowned as he realized it was written like a poem. He realized it was a riddle. A logic puzzle. Severus was fond of those.
It read:
Danger lies before you, while safety lies behind,
Two of us will help you, whichever you would find,
One among us seven will let you –
"What are you doing in here?"
Harry dropped the parchment and backed away from the desk. He saw Severus standing in the doorway, his arms crossed. Harry clasped his hands behind his back and offered a guilty smile.
"I was just looking," he said.
Severus entered the room and picked up the parchment Harry had dropped, rolling it up before setting it back down on his desk. He waved his hand over the vials and they faded from view, possibly disappearing back to the supply closet. Harry stayed where he was, watching with fascination.
"I do not believe I gave you permission to come in here," Severus scolded Harry, laying a hand on his shoulder and leading the boy out of his study. "Last I knew, you were told that if I am not here, my study is off-limits."
"I know," Harry said, watching Severus shut and lock the door. "Sorry. What was that riddle for?"
"That is none of your concern," Severus answered, leading Harry to the living room.
Harry hated that answer, but he knew that was all he would get on that topic. If he pushed for more information, he'd probably end up getting sent back to Gryffindor Tower or even to his room. He sighed and decided to drop the subject.
"Why aren't you in your tower?" Severus asked, gently pushing Harry down to sit on the couch.
"I wanted to see you before the game," Harry replied. "I heard you were refereeing."
"I would like to ensure what happened last time does not occur again."
"I figured as much. You can watch me up close and see how great of a seeker I am!"
"And administer any punishment if you pull any stunts like you did last time."
"You wouldn't!" Harry glared at Severus. The man smirked back, sitting down next to his son after ordering tea and biscuits.
"I wouldn't challenge me," warned Severus in a sly tone.
Harry tried to glare at Severus, but it came out more like a pout. Severus snorted and ruffled Harry's hair, effectively removing the pout from his son's face. Harry smiled and shoved Severus's hand away from his head playfully, fixing his ruffled hair. The tea and biscuits appeared on the coffee table before them.
"You may have two," Severus informed as usual. "And if you try and sneak more, and I'll make sure to put a child monitor spell on all the sweets your team will more than likely gather up for tomorrow. That is, if you win."
"I'm sure I'll be the one to catch the Snitch," Harry said proudly after swallowing his mouthful of biscuit.
"A little overconfident, are we?"
"I wouldn't say that," Harry smirked.
"Oh, so now you're an accomplished seer and can predict the outcome of tomorrow's game."
"That's more like it!" Harry laughed.
Severus snorted and sipped more of his tea.
"I look forward to watching you play tomorrow," Severus said, growing a more serious tone. "But I want you to be careful and if you have any problems come directly to me. I want you wearing all the protection gear I got for you. I don't want to risk anything this game."
"Yes, Dad," Harry groaned. He'd probably be the only one wearing stupid protection, but he had already had that argument with his father. It ended with "either wear the gear or you're off the team!" So, since there was no reserve Seeker and Harry really didn't want to lose his place on the team, Harry decided to wear the gear.
The next day was the game. Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff. Harry's excitement was eating him alive. He had nearly forgone breakfast, but Severus caught him before he could leave the Great Hall and ordered him to eat a well-balanced meal, which Harry shoved down his throat, hardly tasting the food. Ron and Hermione wished Harry good luck and found a place in the stands next to Neville. Harry wasn't aware that Ron and Hermione had been secretly practicing the Leg-Locker Curse and were ready to use it on Quirrell if he showed any sign of wanting to hurt Harry.
When the game began, Harry did notice Severus favoring Hufflepuff slightly, awarding penalties here and there. Harry circled above the game like a hawk before diving down and circling Severus, who was hovering stationary on his broom.
"What are you up to?" Severus asked, watching Harry circle around him.
"I'm looking for the Snitch," Harry informed. "I'm going to find it so quickly, it'll go in the history books!"
"Will you quit circling me? Go back to your game! You'll never find the Snitch if you keep fooling around."
Harry smirked and flew back up into the air, scanning the game for a flicker of the gold Snitch.
Meanwhile, back in the stands, Hermione was keeping a close eye on Harry, making sure nothing was affecting his broom. Sam was sitting at her heels now, wolf-sized, watching Harry as well.
"Ouch!" Ron yelped. Someone had poked him in the back of the head. "Malfoy!"
"Oh, sorry, Weasley, didn't see you there."
Draco grinned broadly at Crabbe and Goyle.
"Really?" Ron snapped. "Are you putting on a show for your real friends, Malfoy?"
Draco glared at Ron, his grey eyes flashing.
"You know, I've been thinking about how they choose people for the Gryffindor team," Draco said, ignoring Ron's comment. "It's people they feel sorry for. See, there's Harry, who was supposed to be expelled, then there's the Weasleys, who've got no money – you should be on the team, Longbottom, you've got no brains."
Neville went bright red but turned in his seat to face Draco.
"I'm worth twelve of you, Malfoy," he stammered.
Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle howled with laughter, but Ron gave Neville an encouraging nod and focused back on the game.
"Ron!" said Hermione suddenly. "Harry – "
"What? Where?"
Harry was diving toward the ground like a bullet, which drew gasps and cheers from the crowd. Hermione stood as she watched him, Sam also standing slightly, his three tails lifting behind him.
"You're in luck, Weasley, Harry's obviously spotted some money on the ground!" Draco smirked.
Ron snapped. Before Draco knew what was happening, Ron was on top of him, wrestling him to the ground. However just as quickly as Ron had pounced, Sam pushed Ron off Draco, standing over the blonde and snarling at Ron.
Ron quickly backed away, red-faced.
Draco smirked but then Sam snarled down at him as well, scolding furiously through telepathy, quickly wiping the smirk off Draco's face. Draco turned just as red as Ron, though it was Ron's turn to smirk.
"Yes, Sam," Draco said as the fox leaped away from Draco and sat back down by Hermione.
Up in the air, Severus turned on his broomstick just in time to see something scarlet shoot past him, missing him by inches. Severus growled and frowned in his son's direction.
"Harry!" Severus snapped as he watched his son pull out of the dive and triumphantly hold up the caught snitch.
Harry jumped off his broom, a foot from the ground.
The stands erupted. Harry knew he had broken a record catching that Snitch in barely five minutes. As Gryffindors spilled onto the field, Harry saw his father land nearby. The man looked annoyed for a brief moment, but when Harry caught his eyes, Severus offered a small smile and shook his head at Harry. Harry grinned back.
Later that evening, Harry left the locker room alone to take his Nimbus Two Thousand back to the broomshed. The evening air had never smelled so sweet. He walked over the damp grass, reliving the last hour in his head, which was a happy blur; Gryffindors running to lift him onto their shoulders, Sam jumping up and down at their heels. When he reached the shed, he leaned against the wooden door and looked up at Hogwarts, with its windows glowing red in the setting sun. What a beautiful sight.
It was getting dark; he'd have to head inside soon. It worried his father when he stayed even a minute past sundown outside of the castle.
Speaking of his father . . .
A hooded figure came swiftly down the front steps of the castle. Harry recognized Severus and watched as the man stalked towards the forest, clearly not wanting to be seen. Everyone was supposed to be at dinner – what could Severus possibly be up to?
Harry knew he should put his broom away and just go back inside the castle. His curiosity got the better of him, and he jumped back on his broom and took off. He followed his father into the Forbidden Forest. He hid among the branches on his broomstick, hovering in the air as he watched Severus pause in a shadowy clearing. He realized Severus wasn't alone.
Quirrell arrived in the clearing, and while Harry couldn't make out the look on his face, he could tell the professor was stuttering worse than ever. Harry strained to catch what they were saying.
". . . d-don't know why you wanted t-t-to meet here of all p-places, Severus . . ."
"Oh, I thought we'd keep this private," Severus said, his voice icy. "Students aren't supposed to know about the Philosopher's stone after all."
So, they had been right! The object was a Philosopher's stone. Quirrell mumbled something and Harry leaned forward to hear what he was saying. Severus interrupted Quirrell.
"Have you figured out how to get past that beast of Hagrid's yet?"
"B-b-but Severus, I – "
"You don't want me as your enemy, Quirrell," Severus said, taking a step toward him.
"I-I don't know what you – "
"You know perfectly well what I mean."
An owl hooted loudly and Harry nearly fell off his broomstick. He steadied himself and looked at a nearby branch to see a great grey owl staring at him. The owl moved closer to him and nipped at his arm gently.
"Hey!" whispered Harry sharply. He looked closely at the owl and realized it was his father's, Phantom.
Phantom moved even closer and nipped at Harry's broom.
"Phantom! Shoo, old boy. Stop it!"
Phantom fluttered around Harry before landing happily on the boy's shoulder to attempt to groom the messy hair. Harry was about to shrug him off when he heard a harsh hushing sound.
"Wh-why . . ."
"Shh!" Severus shushed again.
Harry sat in intense silence, knowing his father was probably listening for sound. Damn bird, he couldn't help but think. Phantom stopped grooming his hair and just sat on Harry's shoulder in content. Harry held his breath as the two professors just stood there in silence. He saw his father's head turn the slightest in his direction.
Suddenly, Severus spun on his feet and held up his wand. Harry felt his broom start to dive towards the man. Phantom flew off at the sudden movement. A hand on his broom stopped Harry directly in front of his father. Harry gulped as he watched Severus's face turn from angry to furious.
"Hi, Dad," Harry tried smiling innocently, his smile turning more into a grimace.
Severus said nothing, just glared at his son.
"Well, Severus, I'll j-just leave you with y-y-your son. Good t-t-talk." Professor Quirrell turned and quickly left the forest.
Severus continued to seethe down at Harry.
"Dad, I'm sorry – I can explain, I was . . . umm," Harry fought with his words. What should he say – the truth? I decided to stay out a bit later than I should have when I saw you walk into the forbidden forest and decided to follow and eavesdrop on your conversation. Harry wondered how well that would go over.
Severus pushed down on the broom, lowering it more, before grabbing Harry's arm and pulling his son off it. Harry watched his father, wondering if Severus would confiscate it and ground him from ever using it again. Severus opened his mouth, but decided against whatever he was going to say and ran a frustrated hand through his hair. Harry knew that that wasn't a good sign.
And then, Severus held the broom up in both hands horizontally and Harry watched as flames engulfed the entire wooden structure.
"Dad, no!" Harry cried, tears already welling in eyes.
Severus tossed the broom to the forest floor while the flames ate away at it. He then gripped Harry's shoulder and shook the boy.
"What the bloody hell are you doing in the Forbidden Forest at night, flying on your damn broomstick!" Severus yelled at Harry, still shaking the boy roughly as if hoping to shake some common sense into the boy. "Merlin's beard, Harry! Do you remember what happened last time you were in the forest? You were taken by those bloody spiders! Do you remember that? Do you want those creatures to get you again!? Maybe this time actually finish you off! How does that sound? Is that what you want? Is it? Answer me!"
"No!" Harry whined, remembering the acromantula incident. His shoulder was starting to hurt from how hard his father was gripping his shoulder and his head was starting to hurt slightly from the shaking.
Harry felt tears slip free from his eyes and roll down his cheeks. He hated when Severus yelled at him. It was scarier than when his father scolded him in his deep tone. Severus tried not to yell but when he was angry enough, he would just lose it.
"And then eavesdropping!" Severus continued. "How dare you, Harry! Not only were you not supposed to be outside of the castle at this time, flying on your broom, anywhere near the Forbidden Forest, you were eavesdropping on a private adult conversation! I've told you I don't know how many times to not eavesdrop! It's disrespectful and rude and you know better!"
"I'm sorry," Harry said softly. Tears trailed down his cheeks as he stared at the ground, avoiding his father's angry eyes. "But you didn't have to burn my broom!"
Severus easily turned his son around and landed three hard smacks on the boy's bottom. Harry closed his eyes at the stinging sensation and he arched his back slightly.
"A lot more will be burning than just your broom, young man," Severus growled.
Harry covered his bottom to prevent more smacks from his father as he was turned back around. He must be striving for another new record – fastest time to catch a Snitch and most smackings given in a year. He glanced at his broom and nearly burst into fresh tears as he saw the ashes that remained, the grass burning where the broom once laid.
Harry felt hurt by his father's actions, though he knew he himself was to blame for infuriating the man to begin with. Yet he couldn't shake off that hurt feeling of having his father destroy something of his that had been a gift.
"Aguamenti," Severus said, spraying the grass with his wand to put the fire out. "I believe someone needs to be reacquainted with the ruler."
"Daddy, no," Harry moaned as his father kept a tight hold on his arm and dragged him back towards the castle.
Minerva McGonagall prepared herself a cup of tea in the staff common room area. She was enjoying her house's victory, smiling to herself. She was surprised to see Severus walk into the room, slowly and with an exhausted look on his face. The challenges of being a parent, she thought. Severus moved deeper into the common room and towards the kitchen, sitting down at the high counter top.
"Severus," Minerva greeted. "I'm surprised you're here tonight. I didn't see you or Harry at dinner so I thought you were spending time with him."
"Not the way I would have liked," Severus said. "Any firewhiskey?"
"Hmm, I take it someone got into a bit of trouble tonight," said Minerva as she grabbed a shot glass and a bottle of firewhiskey.
Severus was silent for a long moment as he stared down at the grey countertop.
"I really lost it tonight," he finally said, dragging a hand over his face.
Minerva paused in pouring a three-finger shot of firewhiskey. It was rare that Severus looked for another adult to talk to, even more rare for him to be in the staff common room area. She wondered what Harry might have done this time to bring out this rare side of Severus. She finished pouring the whiskey for Severus.
"Did you?" She inquired as she handed Severus the glass.
"I caught Harry spying on me in the Forbidden Forest while I was speaking to Quirrell. He was flying on his broom. It was nearly dark out – he knew he should have been inside."
"Yes, he's known where he belongs since he first moved to this school with you."
"Indeed. I had a flashback to when he was taken by those damn overgrown spiders. I think my heart stopped when I realized it was him spying on me. How easy it would have been for some kind of monster to come and grab him. He's going to give me a stroke."
"Well, feel free to take as many points as you'd like from Gryffindor. I won't be angry. That boy needs to learn to be where he belongs and to stay out of what isn't his business."
Severus was quiet once more as he sipped the stiff drink.
"I burnt his broom," he said.
"You didn't," Minerva admonished, giving Severus a disapproving look.
"I did – to ashes. Oh, I was so angry," Severus sighed and rubbed at his face. "I lost it – just bloody lost it on him."
Minerva watched her younger colleague as he finished the firewhiskey and rubbed at his jawline. She knew that Harry must have given his father quite the scare and, of course, angered the man with the number of rules he broke. She also knew that Harry was probably more devastated at the loss of his broom than over the punishment he had no doubt received.
"I hate to admit it, but I' sure you left a lasting impression on him by doing so. While I don't agree that you should have incinerated his precious broom – that came from me, might I add, I do think that he'll think twice before following you into the Forbidden Forest and eavesdropping, if only for the safety of his broomstick."
"Wonderful," Severus said, though Minerva knew Severus didn't feel any better.
"If you'd like, I'll gladly buy him a new broom."
"I wouldn't ask so much from you . . ."
"It's nothing, Severus, I'll even add a little note reminding him to mind his father or I won't be so gracious next time."
"You're too kind," Severus said, standing up. "Well, I left a sulking boy in my quarters. I better go say goodnight to him if he didn't take the chance to leave to his own tower."
"Good night, Severus," Minerva said, picking up the shot glass and setting it in the sink to wash it. "And that boy better not be squirming in his seat all through breakfast tomorrow."
Severus lifted an eyebrow, but said nothing in response to that.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please review and share your thoughts.