Disclaimer: JK Rowling owns all characters save the OC's Jacob, Mandy & Lauren
Chapter Seven:
The weeks had gone by fast since that night on the 7th of January in the room with the mirror of erised and true to the words of Harry, Ron and Hermione Neville had become a proper part of their group and a good friend.
The day after the events in the mirror room Harry and his best friends had sat Neville down to fill him in on everything to do with the philosopher's stone and how they knew Snape was after it.
Neville was very nervous upon being told this and even more so after Harry informed him that they were keeping an eye as much as possible on Snape as no one believed them and they knew Quirrell was being pressured to help. Harry couldn't blame Neville for this nervousness. He himself held no fear of Snape just loathing but he knew that Neville was scared of the perpetually sour faced potions master.
For Harry of course he had little time to actually keep tabs on Snape having to do homework, be in class and of course attend his training sessions with the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. When he was training he was glad that Ron, Hermione and Neville were still able to keep an eye on the greasy haired potions teacher but he still wished he could as well for even above the issue with the stone he was sure Snape had tried to kill him during his first Quidditch match.
As it happened Harry was taking part in one such training session today, ducking bludgers, streaking past him teammates who played the role of the opposition and managed to use his aerial prowess to catch the snitch no less than fifteen times before Oliver Wood, the team captain called a halt to proceedings and the other six players landed to be met by a very unhappy looking captain.
"Has something happened Oliver?" Angelina asked in concern while Katie and Alicia also voiced their concerns.
Fred, George and Harry exchanged looks that said "this can't be good".
It turned out, sadly, that the looks they had given each other were right as Wood took a deep breath, sighed and then said "Professor Snape is refereeing our next match against Hufflepuff on Saturday".
The rest of the team burst into outraged protests while Harry's insides felt like flobberworms were burrowing about.
"That can't be!" Angelina burst out".
"He hates Gryffindor, he won't be fair!" Alicia shouted as Katie added ominously "we still don't know who jinxed Harry's broom".
"He's a total git!" George said loudly at the same time that Fred said "you need to have a word with Dumbledore Oliver!".
Wood sighed at their protests looking resigned and in that moment Harry realised that while he may be their team captain, he was just as powerless as the rest of them to prevent this from happening.
"If I could do something I would" Wood said irritably "I tried to reason with Professor McGonagall when she brought me the news but she just said not to be silly and of course Professor Snape would be impartial".
It was a very miserable team that got changed and traipsed back up to the castle through the chill February day as the snow crunched under foot and more snow descended from the overcast sky.
Looking up the flakes came down, Harry felt darkly, that the weather was appropriate given the mood of him and his six teammates.
The seven of them were so miserable when they entered the castle they even ignored Filch shouting at them about "his" clean floor and walked straight past him up the marble staircase.
As Harry entered the Gryffindor common room and used his wand to dry himself off he saw Hermione, Ron and Neville sat by the roaring fire working on some homework.
As he reached them he snorted in grim amusement as he saw that his friends were working on a potions essay for Professor Snape the very man he had planned to tell them about.
He flopped down next to them on the sofa and as one they looked up from their work to see what was up.
"You look glum Harry" Neville observed. He had been getting more confident in the past few weeks as went round with Harry, Ron and Hermione though he was still very scared of Professor Snape and still not too sure of his abilities.
Harry sucked in a deep breath and blew it out before replying "Madam Hooch isn't refereeing against Hufflepuff".
That had his three friends curious. Hermione asked "that's odd. Why isn't she?".
Harry shook his head still unable to believe it as he replied flatly "Snape".
"Professor Snape Harry" Hermione corrected chidingly.
Harry glared "the day I call him Professor is the day he stops picking on me". Hermione decided not to press the point knowing as she did the enmity that existed between professor and student.
"Professor Snape!" Ron and Neville both chorused in shock and disbelief. Harry nodded miserably "Wood told us just now".
"But...but...but he can't!" Neville blurted out "he hates Gryffindor and especially you Harry!" Harry nodded not knowing what to say about it.
"But he jinxed your broom, they can't let him referee a match with you in!" Hermione sounded outraged as Ron chimed in "Hermione's right. He might try it again".
"Harry you have to talk to Professor McGonagall...or Professor Dumbledore" but even as she said these words Harry was shaking his head "it won't do any good Hermione" he replied "Professor McGonagall doesn't believe he jinxed by broom and according to her Professor Dumbledore trusts him entirely".
Ron snorted "and why does Dum...Professor Dumbledore..." Ron had corrected himself on Hermione's raised eyebrow "think he wants to referee? for the fun of it?".
Harry shrugged "don't know" he replied before adding "I'm going to go look in the mirror again...cheer myself up. Anyone want to come?".
Neville instantly shook his head though Ron said "yeah I'll come" and Harry grinned at the expected reply even as Hermione jumped in "I don't think that's a good idea Harry. You could be caught or worse...expelled".
Harry and Ron rolled their eyes at this statement which had become a popular saying of Hermione's in the short time they'd known her "I have the cloak remember?" Harry reminded her.
Hermione huffed out a breath of disappointment "you could still get caught and anyway I don't see the point of looking into that mirror again it's dangerous".
Harry frowned "you said the last time that it was a great discovery".
His friend sighed "yes I did" she admitted "but no good can come of it Harry. You can't bring your parents back, you need to look forward".
Harry glared "easy for you to say Hermione...you have parents" he stormed off towards the stairs with Ron in tow glaring at her. As Ron reached the stairs he shouted "nice going Hermione" before following Harry up the stairs.
As they stormed off Hermione looked both annoyed and also apologetic after them.
When Harry reached the dorm room he slammed the door shut unaware that Ron was just behind him as said redhead opened the door seconds later and closed it again.
Harry was grateful to have Ron there and was also glad that Ron knew his moods enough not to say anything as his best friend sat down on the bed next to him. The silence was tense as Harry brooded over Hermione's words, his anger still fresh over what she had said.
After some time he turned to Ron and said "I don't care what Hermione says, I'm going back to that room to see my parents".
Ron immediately declared "count me in" but Harry shook his head "no Ron" he replied "as much as I want you with me on this I need you to keep Hermione busy, stop her getting involved".
Ron nodded seriously "no problem" he said.
At midnight Harry exited the dorm room under his invisibility cloak with Ron just behind. The two of the entered a common room that was empty save for Hermione and Neville who were doing some homework.
From under the cloak Harry nodded to Ron and made for the portrait hole while Ron walked over to Hermione and Neville engaging them in conversation intended to distract.
Harry had just stepped out of the portrait hole when a suspicious Hermione demanded "where's Harry?". Ron's reply was distinctly unconvincing and Harry winced as he heard his bushy haired friend leap to his feet "he just left through the portrait hole didn't he?".
Harry heard the sounds of scuffling and looked back to see Ron trying to stop Hermione reaching the portrait hole and Neville trying to stop Ron.
Harry wasted no time as he bolted down the staircase and zipped along several corridors as he made his way to the room in which the mirror was kept. As much as he knew he'd receive a tongue lashing from Hermione he was excited to be able to see his parents again
This excitement lasted as he reached the room, pushed the door open and removed his cloak which he set down next to him.
He then sat down cross legged in front of the mirror to stare at the image of himself in his favourite red jump being smiled at by his parents.
So engrossed by the image in the mirror was he after a while that Harry didn't notice the tall, slim shape that walked up behind him "I see you like others before you have discovered the delights of the mirror of erised".
The voice made Harry temporarily freeze in place even if it did sound soft, kind and reassuring.
Harry leapt to his feet and spun around to stare up into his lined face of Professor Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts who was currently gazing at the student over his half moon spectacles.
"Professor Dumbledore I...I..." Harry had no idea what to say. His mind had gone a total blank!. What could he say to this?.
All sorts of horrible thoughts spun through his mind as he looked at the old wizard 'I've been caught in a room I've no business in...and after curfew!' he began to panic as he thought of the punishments he'd get. Perhaps he'd have to clean all of the trophies and other silverware in the trophy room by hand? or maybe they'd make him clean alongside the house elves for a while.
Then it came to him. The worst punishment of all...worse even than not being able to play Quidditch...expulsion!.
He gulped at just the thought of it. Having his wand taken away and snapped. Of no longer being allowed to learn magic. Of being stuck back at Potter Cottage as Ron and Hermione and Neville and everyone else including Ginny and his cousin learnt magic, passed their exams and got jobs...he'd end up like Filch!.
No, he promised himself. If he was expelled he'd ask to become Hagrids assistant. As much as it would hurt seeing the people he cared about learning magic while he was unable to do so at least he'd be around magic and he got on well with the half giant.
"I know what you're thinking Harry" Dumbledore said quietly breaking the first year out of his horrible thoughts.
"You..you do?" Harry stammered.
Dumbledore nodded "indeed I do my boy. You fear that you will get some great punishment or perhaps even be expelled from Hogwarts. Harry's fear must have shown on his face at such a prospect as Dumbledore smiled and said "you need have no worries my boy".
The old wizard stared at the mirror before him "many before you have been drawn in by the mirror and what it shows and I don't doubt that others after you will be similarly drawn in".
"I'm still sorry for breaking the rules Sir" Harry said apologetically feeling happier knowing he would not be punished this time.
"I know you are my boy and it's that very sincerity that means you won't be punished this time".
"I see my parents in it" Harry said suddenly causing Dumbledore to stare at him with sympathy and reply "I suspected as much. You know by now what the mirror does I trust".
Harry frowned a little "it shows us what we want...whatever we want".
Dumbledore digested the answer for a moment before replying "yes...and no. You see the mirror shows us nothing less than the deepest most fond desire of our hearts".
Harry was amazed by this as Dumbledore continued "you have grown up loved and cared for by your aunt, uncle and cousin but still have never truly known your parents and their appearance within this mirror reflects your deepest desire to see them, speak to them and know them as you should have done".
Dumbledore paused a moment before continuing "Mr Weasley who has been forever overshadowed by his elder brothers desires to be set apart to be recognised as having achieved something while Miss Granger of course desires knowledge above all else hence why she sees herself having passed all her exams and ended up in a job where she can use her vast knowledge".
The old wizards face fell as he said "and your friend Mr Longbottom..." he sighed "he sees his parents whole and happy as they should have been rather than the way they have been these past ten years".
This was a lot to take in for Harry but after a while he asked "Professor, what do you see when you look in the mirror?".
Dumbledore smiled serenely "I see myself holding a think pair of woollen socks" Harry gaped at him causing the old wizard to laugh "I see that surprises you Harry but the fact is that one can never have enough socks and yet each year I get given many books and not one single sock".
Harry smiled at this before Dumbledore continued "this mirror will be moved to a new home tomorrow and I must ask you Harry not to go looking for it again for it offers us neither knowledge or truth and gives us no wisdom".
Dumbledore walked over to the mirror and rubbed a hand down the oak frame "men and women have wasted away before it trying to seek answers which it will not give".
Dumbledore turned to him and said wisely "you must always my boy, that it does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live for no matter how hard it is you cannot bring your parents back and you do still have a family that loves you".
Harry took these words in and smiled "thank you Professor".
Dumbledore wave away the thanks and said "and now I believe there is someone back in Gryffindor Tower you need to speak to".
Harry's widened in shock and just how much it was that the Headmaster always seemed to know "off you go Harry and remember...live in the present".
Harry nodded, smiled, grabbed his cloak and ran from the room leaving a smiling Professor behind him.
As Harry threw his cloak on outside the room he could hear a voice from within saying tearfully "dear Ariana forgive me, please forgive me. It was all my fault".
For a moment Harry was tempted to go back in and check on the Headmaster but realised that whatever Dumbledore was seeing in the mirror was private and was clearly not woollen socks as he had claimed.
Hidden under the cloak Harry ran all the way back to Gryffindor Tower retracing his steps to find the way and soon found himself in front of the portrait of the Fat Lady who, much to his annoyance, was fast asleep, snoring loudly in her frame. Once again Harry could not understand pictures doing this.
"Excuse me" he said politely several times to no response.
After the fourth time his patience snapped and he shouted "excuse me!".
The Fat Lady awoke with a start and jumped in fright as Harry spoke again "the password is Camelot".
"What!" the Fat Lady looked terrified "who...who said that? show yourself!". Harry threw off the cloak and said "it's me, Harry Potter".
"Oh...it's you" the Fat Lady said "why didn't you take the cloak off first?" she demanded indignantly.
Harry didn't have time for this and so he said "I'm sorry for scaring you but I don't have time for a conversation so please let me in".
"Very well" she sniffed before the portrait swung aside to allow him entrance to the tower.
As Harry entered the common, the cloak trailing behind him, he spotted Hermione and Ron standing near the fire involved in a blazing row with Neville stuck in the middle clearly trying to mediate.
"All you ever do is want to cause trouble for us!" Ron shouted causing Hermione to fire back "that's rich! you and Harry are always breaking the rules!".
"Guys...please!" Neville said loudly and pleadingly looking very uncomfortable at what was happening.
Harry knew he had to step in to stop this row getting any worse. The fact neither had stormed off yet was a good sign that the argument had not been going long so hopefully Harry could resolve it.
Harry took a deep breath and walked over to the squabbling pair "Ron, Hermione, that's enough" he said it loudly but not angrily.
His friends turned their heads in his direction with Ron's face looking beet red from arguing and Hermione with a glare fixed in place.
Harry decided to address Ron first "Ron, stop arguing with Hermione, she's right and I was wrong" it was hard for him to admit but the chat with Dumbledore had made him realise just what he had and how close he had been to throwing away one of his friendships.
Ron looked confused as to Harry's change of attitude and his almost serenity "but..." he began to argue only for Harry to say "Ron please".
Ron fell silent as Harry continued "I'm grateful to know you're on my side Ron but there's no need to argue with Hermione, ok?".
After a moment Ron nodded and mumbled reluctantly "sorry Hermione".
Hermione turned her glare on Ron only for it to drop momentarily to nod a few times and reply "apology accepted Ron".
Harry was glad the first part was accomplished only to gulp as his friend turned her face towards him with the glare now firmly back in place.
Now came the hard part for Harry as he said "Hermione I'm sorry for what I said. It was wrong, I know that now".
He sighed "you were right about the mirror it isn't safe to be around for long. Professor Dumbledore told me that...".
"PROFESSOR DUMBLEDORE!" Ron, Hermione and Neville exclaimed in shock.
Harry nodded unconcerned "now I know what you guys are thinking but it's not important. I was saying about the mirror...".
"Forget the mirror!" Hermione cut in anxiously "why was he there? what did he say? don't tell me he expelled you!" she seemed very agitated and one look at Ron and Neville showed they were the same.
Harry grinned "he said he'd overlook my being out after curfew because of how the mirror draws people in" he explained to them before launching into his detailed explanation of the full talk he'd had with Dumbledore.
"He said all he wanted out of life was more woollen socks?" Ron clarified disbelievingly. Harry smiled "that's what he said".
"I don't believe it" Ron muttered "a wizard that powerful...no way".
Harry shrugged "does it really matter?" he said "the Professor's thoughts and feeling aren't ours to question".
"Harry explained to them then about how the mirror was being moved that very next day and Hermione being as sharp as ever pounced on this fact "so the mirrors being moved is it?" she said thoughtfully.
For a short while she was silent. Harry, Ron and Neville said nothing as the three friends knew their other friend was deep in thought.
After some time she broke the silence as she said "that's it!".
"What's it?" said Ron in confusion having jumped slightly at Hermione's outburst.
Hermione rolled her eyes "oh really Ron, for a strategic genius you really can be so dense at times!". Ron's face went scarlet and he decided not to respond as Hermione continued "I wondered why a mirror like that would be hidden away in this school!. Don't you guys see?" she said.
The three boys shook their heads causing her to huff in frustration "it's here to protect the stone!. Obviously Professor Dumbledore didn't think it was safe enough so he's using the mirror in some way as extra protection".
"That's...that's absolute genius!" Ron breathed in awe. Everyone looked at him and he said "see he's using the stone as a layer of protection known only to him" he threw his arms up "Snape doesn't stand a chance getting it now, even if Quirrell helps him".
This explanation left the other three students feeling distinctly happier than they had been as it had been the mission of first Harry, Ron and Hermione and later Neville to keep tabs on Snape and stop him getting near the stone.
"We can finally relax then" said Neville only for the smile to leave his face when Harry shook his head in disagreement "believe me Nev I wish that's what it meant but we still need to watch Snape. He still can't be trusted".
"Harry's right" Hermione said backing him up "Even with the added layer of protection these things aren't foolproof. Snape could still find a way to get the stone so he needs watching".
Saturday the 15th of February arrived overcast and depressing.
The weather outside in the grounds seemed to match the mood of Harry, his friends and indeed all of Gryffindor House and especially the Gryffindor team.
This depressed mood seemed to translate to the Ravenclaws who had hoped that Gryffindor would beat Hufflepuff to set up a Gryffindor vs Ravenclaw final for the Quidditch Cup but with Professor Snape refereeing and showing his bias this was distinctly unlikely.
As Harry sat in silence in the Great Hall next to Ron, Hermione and Neville eating his toast (the only thing he could stomach) only one thought was going through his mind 'I have to catch the snitch early' he told himself over and over until it almost became a mantra.
He knew that if the match went on too long Snape would have more chance to show his anti-Gryffindor bias and his team would have no chance no matter how good they were.
"Don't worry about Snape Harry" Ron said trying to cheer him up "if the git tries to curse you again we'll set fire to his broom".
"Ron!" Hermione exclaimed only to add "we have got your back though Harry".
Neville agreed "if he tries anything this time I'll...I'll...I'll tackle him and snap his wand!". Harry grinned at the image of the usually nervous Neville tackling man he was most afraid of and taking his wand.
It was an image that cheered him up as He said goodbye to his friends and his dorm mates Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnegan and exited the Great Hall alongside his teammates to head for the Quidditch Arena and the changing rooms.
Interestingly enough as Harry and the rest of his teammates got changed he found that the speech Wood was giving was similar to his thoughts as the Gryffindor Captain said "now I know you're all an amazing group of players but with Professor Snape refereeing that likely won't matter".
His eyes fixed on Harry "that's why we're relying on you Harry...we have to. We can't give Snape any chance to fix things for Slytherin by us not getting to the final".
Harry nodded having known he would need to play out of his skin today and being fully prepared to do so.
"Then let's go and win this thing!" Wood said as the rest of the team shouted their approval and with brooms tucked under or slung over arms, they exited the changing rooms to the familiar roaring of the crowd and the commentary of the Twins friend Lee Jordan who was once again being told off by Professor McGonagall as he said "and standing in the centre is that greasy haired git of a...".
"Jordan show some respect!" Professor McGonagall exclaimed in exasperation only to be given the now trademark "sorry Professor" which didn't sound sorry in the least.
Harry watched alongside his teammates as Wood went to the centre circle and shook hands with the Hufflepuff Captain who was grinning, no doubt knowing Snape would favour them due to his hatred of Gryffindor.
Harry glared at said greasy haired potions master who stared back with a smirk playing on his lips.
"Git!" Harry said forcefully though not loud enough to carry above the noise of the stadium. His teammates nodded their agreement as the coin toss took place and Wood returned to his teammates ready to start the match.
As Harry rose high into the air he kept his glare fixed on Snape as if daring his to be biased. The potions master actually smiled and not in a friendly way to show he had accepted the challenge.
As the match down below began Harry began his usual search for the golden snitch as per the plan to catch it quickly.
The first five minutes seemed to fly by as Harry zoomed through the air seeking out the snitch alongside the Hufflepuff seeker, Cedric Diggory.
It was not easy by any means to shake off Diggory as the boy was older than him and more experienced.
At one point ten minutes into the match Harry cast a look at the scene down below and found that a penalty had been awarded to Hufflepuff for a foul on Zacharias Smith after Fred accidentally hit a bludger at the boy which slightly impacted his arm.
He shook his head as Snape soon after awarded another penalty for another soft incident and then another when George argued with him.
Harry knew the man was petty but it disgusted him that the man would take his pettiness to this level. Having seen these penalties he decided to redouble his efforts in securing the snitch and flew off in search of it.
After another minute or so of searching Harry heard the flutter of wings and saw a flicker of movement next to him. He grinned widely as he saw the golden snitch right next to his ear.
He made a grab for it but just missed and was forced to fly after it.
A whooshing sound just behind him informed him that Cedric Diggory had seen the snitch and was after it also.
Soon the two boys were racing neck and neck after the snitch as they reached the centre of the pitch. Diggory reached out for the snitch.
Harry knew it was crazy but he had to do something very drastic in order to secure the win.
In order to edge out the longer reach of his opponent he stood up slowly and balanced precariously on the top of his broom moving along it towards the front bit by bit. He then lunged, grabbed hold of the snitch and was forced to put a hand tightly on the broom as he found himself underneath it.
The gasps of the crowd and the applause of many showed the shock and awe at his stunt as a hand grasped hold of him and he was hauled back onto his broom by Cedric who looked admiringly at the move "that was impressive" the older boy said as the whistle blew and Professor Snape reluctantly said in a flat voice "your winners...Gryffindor" and then descended to the ground looking irritated.
The outburst of joy was palpable on the faces of the Gryffindor's with even many Ravenclaws applauding what Harry had done.
Ron, Hermione and Neville were the loudest as they jumped up and down, hugged each other and cheered until their throats were hoarse.
Harry was soon hit by six orange blurs as his teammates crashed into him and hugged him tightly in joy. Wood looked like all his Christmases had come at once as he said "well done Harry. Well bloody done!" and shook his hand repeatedly while Fred and George clapped him hard on the back and he received kisses on the cheek from Angelina, Alicia and Katie.
The party that afternoon and evening was the most raucous Harry had ever attended, even more so than the first Quidditch after party and he spent many hours dancing to the music, laughing and joking with people and telling the story of how he caught the snitch as no one seemed to get bored of it.
When he finally fell into bed late that night Harry felt exhausted but very happy as he finally felt that he was being recognised for something that he had actually done rather than an event he'd had no control in.
Harry closed his eyes and dreamed long into the night of the smirk on his face as Snape scowled at him.