A/N: The story starts to enter darker territory. Hopefully you all enjoy

A/N2: Harry Potter and his world belongs to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.

Chapter 31

May 7, 1992

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry looked at the water. There were dozens of students at the lake today. Most of them were third year or below and most were in shorts and shirts, not having bathing suits. It was not a standard item for them to bring. Those that had bathing suits, Harry looked at them oddly. He thought he had seen something like that in the lithographs Petunia liked to collect. They covered up to the neck, with longer shorts and sleeves.

Daphne was in one like that as she walked along the edge of the water. "This is cold," she told him.

He was not keen at going into the water. "How cold?"

She raised her eye at him. "Come on, Harry," Ron called to him. He was out deeper with Parvati, Padma, Dean and Seamus. The Hufflepuffs were nearby, looking like they were planning something.

Neville was sitting on the rocky beach. "I'm not going in."

"You tell me," Daphne said kicking water up at them.

"Daphne," Tracey screamed besides him. She had agreed to come down, but didn't really seem to want to go in. Most of the splash had gotten the brunette.

Neville laughed. "You wanted to come down."

Daphne kicked the water again. Harry side stepped and laughed as Neville got wet. "What was that, Harry!"

Daphne grinned. "What's wrong, Potter. Don't want to get wet?" She started kicking the water and he laughed as he tried to dodge it, eventually getting wet.

"Watch it, Greengrass," he said to her.

"Or what," she said with a smirk as she kicked more water at him.

He was splashed again and laughed. The water was cold. How could so many be playing so far out? "You don't look wet enough," he said moving towards her.

"This isn't going to end well," Tracey said behind them.

Blaise had come over, dripping from swimming. "What did I miss?"'

"Daphne splashed Harry," Tracey said.

"Watch yourself, Harry. I don't want to tell Ed you got beat by a girl," Neville joked.

"I resent that," Daphne said indignantly. Harry had moved to the water's edge and he kicked at the water.

Daphne screamed to be hit with the spray. "Cold," she yelled.

Harry kicked at the water again as she turned to do the same. He laughed and soon they were both wet. She stood staring at him. He eyed her, trying to figure how to dunk her. "Potter, you better not be thinking what I think you are."

"Come on, Harry, don't let her win," Blaise said.

"Daphne, splash him," Tracey egged her friend on.

"Just don't get me anymore," Neville grumbled.

A grin broke across Daphne's face and she rolled her eyes towards Neville. Harry shrugged his shoulders. He was game, but he still wanted to dunk her. She started to count down with her fingers and he was about to turn on his brother's best mate when he felt a twinge in his head. It was enough for him to reach for it. When he looked up, Daphne was looking at him. He was about to signal to her to do it when his head suddenly burst in pain.

He cried out as he grabbed his scar and fell into the water. "Harry," Daphne and others called out.

He pushed himself up, spluttering in the shallow water as Daphne was quickly at his side, followed by Neville and the others. He was rubbing his scar, blinking away tears. "Ed," he said looking up. "Something happened to Ed."

"What about Hermione," Daphne asked.

"Where are they," Neville asked.

Harry didn't think to point towards the school. Daphne's brows scrunched in worry. He rubbed his head. The pain was receding. "We need to go up to the school," he told them.

"Come on. Neville," she ordered picking him up. Neville grabbed his other arm. "Let's go find a Professor."

He shook his head. "Daphne, something is really wrong. We need to find them."

"Where are they," Neville asked again.

He thought about it, not realizing he could tell Edmund was moving away from them. "Up in the school."

"Right, you're going to guide us," Neville told him.

He nodded and stood on his own. Moving to his towel he took out his wand and threw the towel over his neck before getting his shoes on. The other four were ready by the time he was. His scar was prickling, and he tried to shove it down. Edmund needed him and he couldn't let their bond incapacitate him. They ran up to the school. He didn't know how, but he knew generally were Edmund was.

When they found themselves before an open door in one of the third-floor corridors with a harp playing music and the giant sleeping three headed dog that had tried to eat them earlier this year, he swallowed. "Harry, what is that," Daphne asked.

"A giant dog," he said.

"You don't think they went down the trap door," Neville asked. Neville had been there that night.

"Why would they," he asked.

"Harry, we should get a Professor," Blaise said.

His scar burned and he almost went to the floor. "There's no time."

Neville stepped up towards the door. "Go get a Professor," he ordered them.

"What are you doing Neville," Tracey asked scared.

"Getting my friends."

"We don't know what's down there," Daphne sounded scared too.

"I am going too," Harry said. "Go tell a Professor."

Daphne didn't hesitate. "If you are going, I am too, Potter."

"Fine, can we get going," Neville said cautiously moving towards the trap door. Harry stepped besides him. He looked up at the snoring beast as they moved to the trap door and started to lift.

"If I die I'm going to kill you, Harry," Daphne said in a whisper. "Blaise and Tracey, go find a Professor."

"But Daphne..." Blaise started.

"Now."

"What do you see down there," Harry whispered.

"Looks like vines," Neville said to him, holding his wand through the hole with the end lit.

Blaise and Tracey gave them a look that they didn't agree, but took off. "Will you get moving. I don't know how long that harp will stay playing," Daphne told them.

He shrugged and lowered himself through the trap door. He hung for a moment before falling where Neville pointed his wand. It was a rather soft landing and he hissed as his scar became really painful.

"Harry, are you alright," Neville called down.

"Yeah, let me move out of the way," he said before climbing over the vines. They felt dead and slightly slimy.

"Daphne, I think the harp is slowing down."

"Harry, help me," she said.

She had climbed down and was hanging from the floor. She was only a few feet above his head. "Just let go, Daphne. I've got you."

She let out a small squeak as she fell. He managed to get his hands on her waste and help her land on her feet. "Thank you. Neville, its soft. Harry, light your wand."

"Lumos," he said and his wand end lit like a torch. She did the same a second later. Neville pushed the door open enough to jump down and it slammed behind him.

The vines squished and squelched as he landed. "Yuck. What happened to these vines? Wait. That's Devils Snare."

Daphne moved into him, looking around wildly. "Devil's snare. That will kill us."

Harry shown his light around. The plant looked dead and lifeless. Neville relit his wand and shone it on the walls. "Someone killed the roots," he said sadly.

Harry scrunched his eyes and rubbed his head. Edmund was hurting. "We need to go." They all shone their wands around looking for a way out.

"There's a hole," Daphne said.

Soon they were running through a passage. He pulled them up short as they came up to a door that sounded like there were thousands of birds flapping their wings on the other side. "What's in there," Neville asked quietly, as though afraid of disturbing the things.

"I don't know," Daphne responded.

"We don't have time to wait," he told them, opening the door and they walked into a large room. Looking above, they saw hundreds, maybe thousands of keys with wings. Across the room was a hole where it looked like a door had been blasted off its hinges.

"Why are there keys," she asked.

"I don't know, but come on," he urged them.

He grabbed her hand and pulled her along. He didn't like this. His scar gave a very sharp throb and he stumbled. "Harry," she cried out as he caught his footing.

"Come on," he said, starting to feel panic. Something was wrong.

"Harry, where are we going," Neville asked.

The new passage opened up into a giant chess board. Parts and pieces of giant wizarding chess pieces were everywhere. It looked like some had been blown up or melted. He swallowed.

"Harry, I don't think we should be going any further. We should go back and get a Professor."

He shook his head. "Daphne, something is really wrong with Edmund. Hermione was with him. We have to find them."

-oOo-

Somewhere under Hogwarts, Scotland, England

He wanted to scream. Quirrell had taken their wands and put them in his pocket. Hermione was being levitated behind him, so he couldn't see her. They had been taken from the courtyard and somehow made it to the third-floor North corridor without seeing anyone.

Then they faced the giant dog again, which Quirrell knew how to put it to sleep. As they were floated through rooms full of odd things and what he thought were traps, his fear grew to see dead devil's snare, blasted chess pieces and trolls that looked and smelled like they had been dead for days. He knew they were dead because their heads were feet from their bodies and the floor had a nasty green ooze that looked mostly dried.

Hermione's terror grew with his. He felt it through their bond.

As they walked, Quirrell spoke from time to time. "This has to work, Potter. My Master is growing very displeased and who knows when the fool Dumbledore or your bitch of an Aunt will return."

What had to work?

"We are getting closer. Not much longer now, and I can help him return. Oh, yes. Yes, master."

It sounded like the man was talking to someone. What scared him more was the fact Quirrell didn't sound like the scared man that jumped at his own shadow in class.

"Ah, we are here," the Professor said.

He floated into a large room with vaulted ceilings and columns along the wall. A few fire pits were along the wall, giving everything a red-orange hue and casting shadows here and there as the fire flickered. The room sank into a stepped well and a large mirror stood in the center of it. "They say Dumbledore is brilliant. But I have it on good authority that you Potters know how to use that mirror."

Hermione had been floated next to him. She looked wild-eyed at a small body by the mirror. He saw it too. It was a house elf. Its midsection had been cut open and its intestines were all over the floor. The pool of blood still looked very fresh. He started to breath fast.

"Ah, you noticed my last guest. The things are hopelessly loyal to those they serve, but there are ways to break them. Pity you can only break one or two secrets," Quirrell said walking down towards the mirror.

"Just do it, Quirrell. I don't have time for you to play," a voice said from the man's turban. His shoulder burst with pain at the voice.

"Yes, Master," the man said. Quirrell flicked his wand and he dropped.

He wasn't expecting it and landed hard on the stairs and stumbled down a few of them. He hit his elbow and it sent out a sharp pain. "Come here now, boy," Quirrell spat. "Unless you want to see me start taking your girlfriend apart."

"Leave Hermione alone," he said sitting up and holding his arm.

"Then get here now."

He looked up at Hermione. She was still floating, rigid and her eyes on him. She looked terrified.

"NOW, Potter!"

He stood up. Something in the Professors voice and the dead elf next to him told him the man wasn't joking. He stood up, trying to push down the pain in his arm and shoulder. He had to protect Hermione.

The Professor pointed for him to stand before the mirror. He walked up to it. "What am I supposed to do?"

"The elf said you know how to use it. I need the stone," Quirrell ordered.

He looked at the mirror. A floating Hermione was reflected in it. That was all he saw.

"What do you see, Potter," the man questioned angrily.

He wasn't sure what he was supposed to see. It was just him and Hermione. "I...I just see us," he told the man.

"Quirrell, this is taking too long," the other voice said. He looked for the other man in the mirror, but didn't see anything. He didn't want to look at Quirrell.

"What do you see, Potter!"

"I only see Hermione and me," he told the man truthfully.

Professor Quirrell let out an annoyed sound. The other voice spoke up. "I told you, you fool. This isn't the right Potter."

Quirrell scrunched his face. "I don't have time to find his brother, Master. Maybe he just needs some encouragement? What do you say we practice some Dark Arts on your little girlfriend? She wanted to work on her defense."

"NO! Leave her alone!" He turned on the man but wasn't quick enough. He was suddenly rigid with his arms clapping to his side. Pain wracked through him as his left elbow stretched out and he heard a small crack. Black spots danced in his eyes as Hermione was levitated down to them.

"Now, perhaps a lesson in Unforgivable curses? Or I can demonstrate how to handle trolls. I am quite adept with trolls. They respond best to pain stimulants. It was a pity those we passed were loyal to their trainer. But, I would expect nothing less from good guard trolls."

Edmund looked at the man wild eyed. He had never felt so afraid in his life. The man twirled him so he was facing the mirror. Hermione was floated just behind him. He saw the fear in her eyes. He didn't know what to do.

"Now, this might work better if you can both talk."

He suddenly felt his head able to move. "Hermione," he said fearfully.

"Edmund, what stone is he talking about," she asked.

The man chuckled. "I thought you had figured it out that day in the library, Granger."

He saw recognition on her face. "The philosophers stone? It was you. That night in the forest."

His eyes went even wider. Quirrell chuckled. "Such a bright girl. My Master could have had a use for one such as you."

"Quirrell," an angry voice said from behind the man. "Unless you want to suffer yourself, get this done now."

Quirrell bowed his head. "She could be useful, my Lord."

"She has a bond with Potter. I will not have any of that blood or magic around me."

Quirrell shook his head. "I am truly sorry about this, Ms. Granger. I have enjoyed you and Potter in my class. You could have made good servants."

"What are you going to do," she asked fearfully.

"Leave her alone," he said, trying to struggle against his magical bonds. He felt something stir in him, but it wasn't strong enough.

"Crucio," the man said savagely.

Hermione started to scream. He felt it. It was like his entire body was pricked with thousands of needles. He screamed with her. It lasted only seconds, but when it stopped, his head slumped forwards. Hermione began to cry.

"Interesting. I must admit I have never done this on a witch and wizard who share a bond. Tell me, Potter. Did you feel it too?"

Ed lifted his head and turned towards the man. "Leave her alone," he said in as strong a voice as he could.

The man looked at him for a moment. "Crucio," the man said again. This time his wand was pointed at him. It felt only slightly worse than when Hermione had been the focus. They both screamed, but her screams went right through him. It stopped again after a moment.

"Very interesting. This has so many possibilities," the man said with an evil grin.

"Quirrell," the voice snapped.

"Yes, Master. Now, the stone, Potter. How do I get it!" The man stepped next to him and looked in the mirror.

He lifted his head. He didn't see Quirrell in it. It was still just him and Hermione. She had tears in her eyes and still felt the phantom pain between them. "I can see myself holding it and presenting it to my Master. How do I get it!"

He didn't know. He didn't want the stone, but he didn't want to see Hermione hurt anymore. "How do I get it, Potter!"

"I don't know," he said tearfully.

"Some more persuasion before I start using methods that will scar," the man spat. Quirrell turned on Hermione.

"NNNOOOOO!" He yelled before they both started to scream again.

-oOo-

Under Hogwarts, Scotland, England

Harry grabbed his head as they heard Hermione and Edmund scream. He felt the pain all over his body.

"Harry," Daphne said crying next to him. They were just inside the end of the passage to the room where Ed, Hermione and Professor Quirrell were.

"He's torturing them," Neville said. The boy was white as a sheet.

The screams stopped. "Interesting, I must admit..." Quirrell's voice came up to them.

Harry was breathing heavily. "We have to stop this."

"How," she asked. Tears were streaming down her cheeks and her eyes were wide as saucers. "We need a Professor."

"I don't think we have that long to wait," he told her.

"What if we rush him," Neville asked. He looked as afraid as them, but he saw the boy's determination to help his friends. Harry wouldn't leave his brother to die here.

"Quirrell is a fully qualified wizard. If he is willing to use the cruciatus on them, he won't hesitate to kill us," Daphne tried to reason.

"He wants a Potter. I'll go out there. You two see if you can get Hermione and Edmund, otherwise leave us. Get Daphne out of here and find a Professor," he told Neville.

Daphne's face hardened. "I am not leaving you or them."

"Daphne, just do it," he said rather harshly.

"Crucio," they heard again.

Harry grabbed his scar as they screamed again. He tried not to scream with them. The pain was so intense. When it stopped, Hermione started to cry. He had his eyes closed as hard as he could, trying to keep his own tears in. "POTTER! Where is the stone!" Quirrell was sounding more annoyed.

"Neville, just do it," he told them before getting up.

Daphne went to grab for him, but Neville held her back. He stepped into the large room. Hermione was floating a few feet behind Edmund. "I don't know," Edmund said shaking his head. They were both crying.

"You must!"

Harry took the few steps to the top of the stairs. As he did, he saw the elf. Fear coursed through him.

"I don't know. All I see is Hermione and me," he cried.

"I am not a fan of this on children, Potter, but you leave me no choice. Shall I just start on a finger? Or maybe an ear?"

"W...w...w...what do you mean," Hermione asked. He had never heard anyone sound so afraid.

"I think Potter needs a lesson in the cutting curse. If that is too small, I can just go straight for a hand," Quirrell told him.

"No," Harry called out.

Quirrell looked up and the grin that broke on his face sent a chill through him like he had just been covered in ice. "Ah, the true Potter. Did you come alone?"

"Yes," he lied. The look on the man's face left no doubt that Neville and Daphne would be tortured or worse if they were to come out.

"Get down here. You will get the stone or I will start on the girl," he said savagely.

"Leave her alone!"

Quirrell flicked his wand and whatever else Edmund was going to say was lost. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out. "Now, Potter. Unless you want to see how this works with the bond they have."

"No," Hermione said deplorably. "Harry, Quirrell was the one that drank..." She was cut off too.

"I really don't like being interrupted. Crucio!" They both threw their heads back. They looked to be screaming. Harry felt the pain and dropped to his knees. This time it lasted longer. When it stopped, he was on the edge of a stair panting.

"Very interesting. I have never seen a twins' bond work like this. Do you feel everything?"

Harry felt his body trembling at the feeling of the pain. "Leave them alone," he told the man.

"Quirrell, that is enough. Kill them or get the stone," a voice said from the man's head. Harry felt his scar burn at the voice.

"Master, I would like to study this," Quirrell said.

There was an annoyed sound. "I'll give them to you as a gift. Harry dies though. But only if you get the stone, Quirrell. We need to leave."

Quirrell looked at the three of them, greed on his face. "Come on, Potter. Get me the philosopher's stone. I'll make it quick for you. Otherwise the girl starts to lose parts."

Harry got up. He felt slightly shaky. "I don't know what you mean."

"Get over in front of this mirror and tell me how to get it."

Harry looked at the mirror. Before now, he hadn't really looked at it. Now he did, he recognized it. It would show him what his heart desired. Right now, all he desired was to save his brother and Hermione. Harry walked down as Edmund was floated next to Hermione. He looked at them before looking at the mirror. They both looked to be in pain and more frightened than anything he had ever seen.

As he looked it the mirror, he saw Edmund and Hermione. He wanted to save them. He needed the stone.

They were smiling and laughing. Daphne and Neville were with them, with Ron standing a few steps away. Daphne had an attractive blush to look at him. He wanted this. He had friends and family that he wanted more than anything now. He wanted to protect them. As he thought that, Daphne gave him a wink and took a red stone out of her pocket. The Harry in the mirror took it from her before taking her hand. With his other hand, he put the stone in his shorts pocket. As it happened, he felt the stone in his pocket. He was thankful that he still had the towel over his shoulders, hiding the bulge in his pocket.

"What do you see, Potter!"

He knew the Professor wanted the stone, but maybe he could get Hermione and Edmund out of here first?

"I see my friends," he said, not untruthfully. More had joined them now. Parvati stood with Ron. Her sister, Dean, Seamus, Fey, Susan and so many others filling in behind them.

"You lie," the voice from behind Quirrell spat.

"I warned you both." Quirrell raised his wand and pointed it at Hermione.

"No," Harry screamed and dove for the wand. Quirrell looked surprised to see him dive at him. Harry grabbed the Professor's hand. It suddenly felt like his skin was burning.

Quirrell cried out and punched him in the face. It burned where the man's hand hit. Harry went down and the man's wand fell to the floor next to him. "What is this," the man cried out. Harry looked up to see the man's hand turning into ash. "Master!"

"Just get the boy," the voice said from inside the turban.

Quirrell was holding up his hand in terror as one of his fingers fell off. "What is this! It burns!"

"Get him!"

Harry, seeing the man turning into ash jumped at him. Something about him was hurting Quirrell. He grabbed for the man's face, the only other exposed skin. Quirrell tried to block him, but he screamed as what was left of his hands grabbed Harry's bare forearms. Harry cried out at the sensation. It felt like his skin was blistering. They stumbled back. "Get off me," Quirrell screamed in panic.

Harry reached for the man's face and Quirrell screamed in pain as his hands touched. Harry felt the burn and tried to stuff down his own screams. He needed to protect his brother and friends. After a moment, the man stopped screaming as his face started to dissolve. The sight was so disturbing, Harry scrambled back, suddenly realizing he was killing the man. What had he done!

"NO!" There was another scream. As it went off, Harry hunched over, grabbing at his scar. It felt like something wanted to burst out of his head. He screamed and was quickly joined by Edmund and Hermione.

"Get away from my godchildren!"

-oOo-

Hospital Wing, Hogwarts, Scotland

She was between absolute terror and uncontrollable anger that threatened to overwhelm her. Albus had told them it was supposed to be a challenge for seventh years when they took their NEWTS. Most of the staff had participated and agreed to that ruddy dog to keep students out while they worked on it. Quirrell had not been part of it. Albus didn't use any of the newer staff.

Two Aurors stood by the doors of the Hospital wing while she listened to a very teary Daphne Greengrass explain what happened to two other Aurors. Neville sat next to her, filling in the details or when she seemed to get too distraught.

Poppy looked very disgruntled to have all these extra people in here while she was trying to take care of her godchildren. She also wanted to get to the other students. The Aurors were being very kind to them, but Minerva agreed both of them looked ready for a rest. "Two more minutes," Poppy said next to her.

"And that was when you heard the screams," a blond woman asked in a soft tone.

"He was using the cruciatus on them," Neville said. She knew the boy knew what that did. He looked

Filius and her hadn't been quick enough. She had counted almost to sixty that last time as they tried to rush through the magical fire. They had missed the new tunnel by the trolls.

She had stepped into see all three of them screaming. Harry's and Edmunds scars had both started to bleed when she saw the specter fly away from the ashy Quirrell. She had rushed to them and tried to help. She had heard the final screams of their torture. Hermione and Edmund were having random muscle spasms and shaken. Harry had passed out. He had angry red skin and blisters on his hands and arms.

The only blessing was that the five children in the ward were still alive. After seeing one of the elves that served the Headmaster, she realized just how close it probably had been to losing one or all of them. The thought was devastating to her.

"I'm putting a stop to it now," she said stepping over to the Aurors. "That is enough. Madam Pomfrey needs to check on Ms. Greengrass and Mr. Longbottom."

The blonde woman looked up. She saw the name tag 'McLaggen'. "Assistant Headmistress, can we have just another moment?"

"No. Maybe tomorrow. They need to be checked and get some rest for now," she told them imperiously. She didn't want them to relive this anymore for the moment. "I can answer any other questions of what happened next."

Daphne looked up at her with tears still in her eyes. Her cheeks were streaked.

There was a disturbance in the hall. "Dawlish, what is going on," McLaggen asked.

"Let me check, Captain."

She helped Daphne up. "Come over here, Ms. Greengrass."

The door opened. "Let me in to see my daughter," she heard Anders.

"Lord Greengrass, we are only following protocol," an Auror said outside.

"If you don't let us in, I will have you before a tribunal for blocking us from our children," an angry Augusta exclaimed.

"Daddy," Daphne called out, struggled out of her arm and ran towards the door. The Auror at the door went to stop her until McLaggen shook her head. Daphne ran out the door into her father's arms. She caught Anders look of concern as the girl broke down in his arms.

Neville was standing as Augusta came in.

"I really should look them over," Poppy said next to her.

"Give it a moment, Poppy," she said quietly.

McLaggen came to stand next to her. "Professor, can I ask you a few questions."

"Only a few. I have students to see too," she told the woman. Anders took Daphne into the ward and helped her to a bed. Poppy moved to her as Augusta looked Neville up and down.

"Are you alright, Neville," Augusta asked him.

Neville looked like he was in some shock as he shook his head.

"Of course," the woman next to her said. "Would you like to talk here or in private?"

She turned to look at Harry, Edmund and Hermione laying in beds. She didn't want to leave them, not after what happened, but she didn't want to disturb Daphne or Neville anymore. They had all seen the dead trolls, the dead elf and had heard their friends being tortured. They had had enough horrors for the day.

"We can use the Matron's Office," she said.

McLaggen nodded. Minerva remembered teaching the woman more than twenty years ago. Her son was a second year that Wood had taken on as a backup for the Gryffindor team. She had been a decent transfiguration student. Her son worse.

Anders caught her eye and she shook her head. She would talk with them in a little bit. She wasn't sure if she didn't want to take her godchildren to their parents once they could be moved and tell them to never let them near Hogwarts again. She never wanted them exposed to anything like this. The Auror took up a seat on the visitor side of the desk. She sat in Poppy's chair.

"I really don't have much time. I need to get back to my students," she told the Auror.

"I understand, Professor. Three of those students are your godchildren?"

"Yes. Scion Potter, Scion Peverell and Heiress Peverell," she said a little heavily. This was official business and Hermione was betrothed to Edmund, as much as she might like it to be different.

The woman nodded and started to take notes. "Do you know what happened?"

"No more than what Heiress Greengrass or Scion Longbottom have already told you. I came back to find Scion Zabani and Heiress Davis talking with Professor Flitwick," she started, ending with her watching Quirrell falling into a pile of ash. She wouldn't know what actually happened until one of her godchildren woke. She didn't want any of them talking to the DMLE until they were better. Tomorrow would be the earliest.

There was a knock on the door. "Come in," McLaggen responded.

"Captain, the Matron just found this in Potter's pocket. I ran some tests but can't find anything dangerous. Greengrass and Longbottom say they never saw it, but Quirrell had been asking about a stone," an Auror with short dark hair said walking into the room.

"Did you get anything from it," she asked taking the stone.

"Far as I can tell, it's just a giant ruby. There was no magical signature at all."

She showed the stone to her. It was red, uncut and rounded. "Do you recognize this?"

She pursed her lips. "I do not. A ruby that size must be worth tens of thousands of galleons, even in an uncut state like that."

The Auror rolled the rough gem over. "If it is a real gem, I would agree. Why don't you enter it into evidence for now. If the Headmaster doesn't lay a claim to it, we can look at releasing it to Scion Potter under the Items of Found Value Act in a month or so when the investigation is closed. Do you have anything else you wish to say on record?"

"I think we have more to talk about. It has not been announced yet, but I have received a letter from the Governors. Albus Dumbledore has been removed as Headmaster. I am acting-Headmistress for the time being. I will be informing the school at dinner tonight. I would like it to be known now that myself and many other members on the staff helped to create those challenges that were destroyed. We were told it was going to be part of an end of year test for Newt Students. I am not aware of any member of the staff knowing about the last challenge or what was hidden in the mirror."

Auror McLaggen looked at her for a moment. "I will have more questions for you later and wish to call on any staff member involved."

"We are at your full disposal, Auror McLaggen. You may call on any staff member at any time. If we are done, may I see to my students?"

McLaggen took down more notes. "I think we are done for the moment, but we will be talking to you again. Would you like any council?"

She pursed her lips. "I will answer any question you have. If you have any legal paperwork, send it to Solicitor Theodore Tonks if it involves my godchildren or myself. All Hogwarts paperwork is to be sent to the Headmaster's Office. I will see it to a Barrister as quickly as possible."

"Very good, Acting-Headmistress."

When she walked into the ward, Anders was sitting between Daphne and Hermione. Daphne was sleeping, probably given a sleeping draught. Neville was at the far end on the other side of Harry. He was talking with Augusta. "Thank you, Professor. We'll leave them be for now. I will return tomorrow morning to talk with the other children."

"As their Guardian, I will only allow that if they are well enough," she told the Auror.

"I will check in either way," McLaggen said. She knew the Auror was only doing her job, but she had failed to protect them again and she would not see them hurt anymore.

The Auror nodded.

"Dawlish, I am going to leave you Turgeon, Green and Humpage here to keep an eye on them. I'll send a replacement about eight. Has Shacklebolt reported from the hole?"

Dawlish shook his head. "No. The Gamekeeper has removed the three headed dog and Magical Reversal is still working out what happened, Captain."

"Thank you, Dawlish."

"Captain McLaggen, what happened," Anders asked walking up to her. He looked very upset.

She looked at the man. "The investigation is just getting started, but I can assure you that your daughter was not directly involved."

"Not good enough. Each of these children in here are Allies of House Greengrass. I demand to know what happened."

"Anders," she said walking up to him. He didn't take his eyes off of the Auror.

"Minerva, my daughter just had to be given a calming draught and put to sleep. Scion Longbottom has said he heard the others being tortured and I know what the side effects of the Cruciatus looks like. What happened," he asked again.

Captain McLaggen looked at her. She nodded. "Thank you again, Auror McLaggen. Anders, I can tell you what I know. Augusta can join us when she is ready."

Poppy was now looking over Neville. Anders finally looked at her. "Minerva, what the bloody hell is going on? Daphne was hysterical about Professor Quirrell. She heard them screaming," he said slightly emotional.

"Why don't we go into Poppy's office. I don't want to disturb our children anymore today," she said quietly looking at them all.

Anders gave her a hard look before nodding. He walked over to Daphne, gave her a kiss on the forehead before turning to the others. "What can I do to help?"

The other Aurors had left, leaving Dawlish and a young Auror she didn't recognize. She wasn't a woman that had come through Hogwarts.

"I don't think you can do anything at the moment, Anders."

Neville lay down in bed. Augusta brushed the hair out of his eyes before turning to look at them. She looked like she was just barely holding her rage in. She understood after what had happened to her son and daughter-in-law. After making sure Neville was sleeping, she stood and walked over to them. Poppy followed.

"Where is the bastard that did this," she said dangerously.

"I would recommend us all stepping into Poppy's office, if you don't mind."

Poppy nodded. "I should watch over these three for a while longer, but I want to hear everything later. The key to my draw is under the desk."

She nodded. She wanted a tumbler of scotch, but now was not the time. "Thank you, Poppy. Let me know if anything happens."

"Of course, Minerva."

-oOo-

May 8, 1995

Hogwarts, Scotland

Hermione woke with a start. She had just been dreaming again about being tortured by Quirrell. She started to rub her arms. It felt like small needles or bug legs were crawling all over her skin. "No," Edmund said next to her. "I don't know." She heard the fear and desperation in his voice.

He was in the next bed over, rolling over and looking as though he was living the same thing over again. "Ed," she called out softly. His arm wasn't supposed to move that much.

She felt like he needed her so she threw back her covers. She realized she was in a thin night dress that had short sleeves. It didn't matter, Ed needed her.

She got out of bed and walked over. "Ed," she said softly, shaking his shoulder.

"Hermione!" He cried out her name, sitting up before jumping out of bed. He took a stumbling step, almost tripping over the blanket and sheet caught around his right leg and looking around wildly.

After a second, he turned to her. Relief flooded his face. He took two steps to her and wrapped her into a hug. "I thought... I thought he was..." He didn't finish. By the terror she felt from him, she had a feeling he was thinking of Quirrell's other threat.

She didn't say anything for a moment as she hugged him as tight as she could. She was as terrified as he was and he felt so good to hold. She wasn't sure if was Ed or her shaking. Maybe it was both of them.

After a moment, he let out a deep breath. "You should get some sleep."

She shook her head into his chest. Why did he focus on others first? "You should too. I thought you were given skelegrow."

At the mention, his terror seemed to lessen. He hissed as he unwrapped his arm. "Yeah. Guess my elbow is still soar."

She took his bad arm and cradled it in hers. She had heard the Matron tell him he had dislocated his elbow and then broken the head cap off one of the bones. "Back into bed," she told him.

He nodded. She helped him lay down, redid the blanket and sheets and then helped him to adjust the pillow under his arm. "Hermy," he said.

"What is it, Ed," she asked. The name was a comfort right now.

He looked still looked spooked. He swallowed. "Do you think you could crawl under the covers like we used to when we were kids?"

She flushed some. His request didn't sound unreasonable. Being close to him sounded good and the other bed was too far away. She could protect herself, but she wanted to feel as though someone was protecting her. They had been so helpless earlier... "Budge over," she told him quietly.

They had done this so innocently not even a year or more back. She had remembered doing it the first time he had stayed over her house when they were six and a bad thunderstorm had come through. He shifted his arm and pillow and made room for her. He moved so that she could lay next to him without touching him while on her side, her head on his pillow. His hand touched hers under the covers and she took it.

It wasn't long before they both fell asleep.

-oOo-

Andromeda had heard something and stood to look out the door.

Minerva was standing next to her. Her hand was on her arm to stop the woman from going out. They had just watched Hermione climb into bed with Edmund. They were maintaining an appropriate distance.

"They are getting a little old to just do that," Minerva said next to her.

"I told you I would not do anything to interfere with their bond anymore," she told her old Professor.

"But they are too young. What they went through," she told the Healer. She heard the despair in the woman's voice.

Andi nodded. "I know, but their bond will help them heal together. Look. They are both more peaceful already."

She was looking at them. They had closed their eyes and already looked asleep. All night, they had both been unsettled and this wasn't the first time either of them woke up. She was trying to see if all the children could sleep without a sleeping draught. It would be best for them to work through the horrors they experienced without potions.

Minerva looked at them for a long few minutes. Daphne whimpered in her sleep and then rolled over.

Illiana stepped up to them. "Should we hire a mind healer?"

"I would recommend it," she told the woman. Lady Greengrass looked worriedly at her daughter, then the others

Minerva took a step back and sat in the chair she had been in all night. "You should get some sleep, Minerva. I only just released you from St. Mungo's."

The older woman shook her head. "I failed them again. They were tortured, Andi. That...that... mongrel," she said bitterly. "He used the cruciatus on them."

"I know, Minerva. What he did was unforgivable, but the man paid for it," she told her. She was feeling spooked at what had been described to her. She had never heard anything the like and was worried for Harry. She was certain he didn't cast any spell to turn the man to dust, but she feared he would have some emotional scarring from this.

"I knew Quirrell before he went on his sabbatical three years ago. He taught defense for two years and apprenticed with Sylvanus before that working with trolls. He was confident and a good teacher. Eccentric at times. We all thought he had just gone through a bad experience that broke him and never thought about his turban. It didn't seem that unusual for him. He was more of an academic than a field researcher, but he wanted to go. He had never shown anything like this. From their explanations and what you saw Minerva, it sounds like he was possessed," Poppy said before pouring more fire whiskey into a tumbler and drinking it.

"That was not the man I saw in the chamber," Minerva said angrily. "I remember him too. He is the only one to teach for more than a year as a Defense teacher in the last ten. Maybe that should have been a warning."

"Minerva, don't keep lashing yourself over this. What is done is done. Bad people come in all forms. We can't go back and fix this. All we can do is help our children recover and ensure they are not put in the same position again," Illiana told them. "I have decided that Daphne will have a tutor over the summer. She will be taught how to defend herself better."

"Lady Greengrass, her core isn't strong enough yet for the more advanced spells," Poppy said sounding concerned.

"I will not do anything that would compromise her that way. Minerva, I will pay for Harry, Edmund and Hermione to join her. I am sure Augusta will agree."

"Illiana, I don't want them to go through this again, but they get up to enough trouble as it is. Advancing them further than they already are was not the solution I was searching for," Minerva spoke up.

She sighed. "Minerva, I don't disagree with your sentiment, but you know who the Potters are. They have a long history of attracting evil to them. Many years ago, the Wizarding Council gave them a Lance of Light for services rendered. They are one of only three houses left that have been presented that honor before the Ministry was founded. I think it best to give them the education that Lily and James would have already started them on."

She felt them all look at her.

"I had no idea," Illianna said.

She turned to look at Minerva. The woman was looking at her. "How do you know that?"

"You forget who my family is, my old Professor. Aunt Walburga was a walking encyclopedia of the old families and their history. She bemoaned her sister marrying Uncle Fleamont many times because of their leanings. Because of the animosity between the Blacks and Potters, I never got to really know James when he was younger and he never really got over the way he was raised as we grew up. He heard many stories of my family from his mother. I think it honestly surprised him when I married Ted," she said.

"Besides not liking the Potter philosophies on many things, I think she was rather jealous of the artifacts and other knowledge they had gained over the years. The Potters' knowledge of the Dark Arts was well known in the Sacred Twenty-eight and old blood circles. They had been approached many times to come back to the 'right side'." She said the last with disdain. "Outside the old circles, the Potters have a well-founded reputation for fighting the Dark Arts. Your family found themselves besides the Potters many times, Lady Ross. You now want to pass that legacy to Heiress Peverell. What do you think will happen once you do that?"

"I became a Healer to walk away from my past. Sirius found a brother in James, and because of that, he followed him into fights in the pits of the darkest arts as an Auror and came out a better man for it. I see the same thing developing with Scion Longbottom and the others that group around them."

"Nymphadora has applied to the Auror Academy and only needs to pass her NEWTS to get in. I don't see her running from any fight or not to get pulled into their orbit."

"And Daphne is already being pulled into that, isn't she," Illiana asked.

"You know the answer to that, Illiana. You already want to get her extra education."

Minerva let out a long breath. "They have already suffered," Minerva said.

Andromeda knew the fear Minerva felt. She did as well. Her Ted was a muggle Solicitor and Barrister that had already made a few enemies of the Pure and Old Bloods. He was exceptionally good at what he does, but that does not endear him to those that oppose him.

Nymphadora was too much a troublemaker and too dedicated to her studies to not be an Auror if she put her mind to it. She knew her daughter never backed down from a challenge. Ted and her had done all they could to prepare their daughter for what was out there.

She looked out the door again to the children in the Hospital Ward. They had already suffered much. She had the sad feeling they would suffer more. As a Healer, it hurt her to think of that. As a child of the House of Black, she knew it was inevitable.

"Poppy, would you go check on them, please," Minerva asked the Matron.

Poppy gave her a look before nodding. As she left, she shut the door. Illiana and her looked at the older woman. Minerva looked older than she could ever remember. She really needed to rest more.

"He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named isn't dead," Minerva said in a low voice. "That specter. I believe it was whatever was left."

A cold chill passed through the room. She stared at the woman. "You-Know-Who was killed that night he attacked the Potters," Illiana said in a frightened voice.

Minerva looked up at them. "Only Amelia and Augusta know this. The fight Albus and I were in was over my godchildren. He has been trying to control them or get them in his hands since that night their parents were murdered. He revealed to me You-Know-Who survived."

"Dear Merlin," she said in a low voice. Half of her family had either served with the Bastard in the last war or were eliminated by him. More than two in ten families had been eliminated by him. Not to mention the countless muggles and muggleborn.

"Minerva, you can't be serious," she asked.

The way the woman looked at them, she knew the truth. "You asked for us to get to know your daughter better, Andi. I now fear what that may lead too. As for Daphne, Illiana, I am unsure it wise to keep them so close." The pain at saying that was evident.

Illiana looked shaken but her voice was firm. "If you think I am going to convince Daphne to stay away from them, then you give me too much credit. She is as stubborn as an ox and proud like a hippogryph. Even without that, I approve of her around your godchildren."

Andi snorted. "Your daughter and my daughter would get along brilliantly."

"I am only thankful Astoria isn't exactly like her sister. By eight, I was already having issues with Daphne," Illiana sounded exasperated. "Astoria is nine and still listens to her father and I."

"Try having a metamorphogus as a daughter. I had to start putting tracking charms on her when she was four, otherwise we would lose her in a crowd."

Illiana eyed her for a moment. "You may have one on me there. Minerva, I will not keep Daphne away from them. The best solution is to provide extra tutoring when we can."

Minerva sighed. "I will talk to their parents. I am sure I can convince them. Hermione and Edmund also take muggle martial arts. Daphne, Neville, the Patil twins and probably Ronald Weasley should join them. Ron and Parvati Patil are around Harry as much as the other are around Edmund and Hermione"

"We should offer, but I think it dangerous to tell to many this secret," Illiana told her.

"What of Tracey Davis and Blaise Zabini? They are allies."

Illiana stood there for a few. "They are allies. I know that Blaise would go to Edmund's side. He already has, but this seems to be a larger group than I was originally thinking off. I also know the Davis' plan to go to Africa for most of the summer."

"I think it should only be the immediate group. I may not disagree with Mr. Weasley or Ms. Patil, but we are not allies with either. Do you think it that large of a threat for them," Illiana asked.

"I know Harry has already mentioned he would like to invite them this summer," Minerva told them.

"I think we should think on this. I would like to talk with Anders about this before we agree to anything besides getting extra tutoring. We should ask Amelia Bones and Augusta to join us." Illiana looked to be in deep thought. She knew the woman didn't like to act without thinking.

They fell into silence. After a moment, she opened the door. Poppy was straightening out the bed Hermione had been in. The Matron didn't look pleased to have the girl laying next to Edmund, but they had both stopped moving and looked very peaceful.

She sighed. They were young to have a bond like that, but she wouldn't stand in the way of it. Harry turned and mumbled something. Daphne and Neville looked to finally have settled as well.

If she could shield them from what may come, she would. She was in agreement with Minerva on that. The Potters were not known to live much beyond their fifties, though.