October 2, 1991
St. Petersburg
Grindelwald apparated into a dark alley in St. Petersburg. He looked around and saw the snow cascading creating a false image of serenity. Grindelwald waved his wand across his face and took the appearance of a black-haired man with brown eyes. He changed his clothes as well, into standard winter clothing and overall looked very inconspicuous. He then ducked out of the alley and headed into the center of the town. He found a bench and sat down and closed his eyes.
He allowed his magic to reach out and he attempted to find the aura of Rasputin. He felt several weak auras, until he felt the familiar, yet dangerous magic of Rasputin. He opened his eyes and apparated immediately, following the traces of magic.
He arrived just inches away from a ward that would have likely vaporized him. He had stopped in front of an old warehouse, one that was in very poor condition. He looked up at the familiar building where the old wizard was, and sighed, "I should've known." Then he began disabling the wards. He was waving his wand rapidly when several heavy-set men rushed out of the building and began shooting him with their guns.
Grindelwald repressed a sigh and stopped their bullets mid-air. He then sent the bullets back at the muggles at a higher velocity. The bullets hit their mark and he finished disabling the ward. He cast several charms to confirm that the wards were down, and then he headed into the warehouse. He had taken one step, when he heard the heavily accented voice of Rasputin.
"Ah Gellert, I should have known you weren't dead. Have you come to kill your old teacher? You know I have been waiting for you to come personally, but you never did."
An old man stepped out of the doorway. He had a wild hair that parted at the middle and was missing several teeth. His eyes were cold, and his fingers were gnarled. His overall demeanor seemed sloppy, but there was a dark feeling around the man.
Grindelwald looked disdainfully on the old man. "You disgust me."
Grigori Rasputin began cackling. "I taught you everything you know, and yet I disgust you! I taught you all the dark arts when you were expelled from that joke of a school. I raised you here and guided you into what you are today. It was I who healed your injuries when you dueled the Dumbledore brothers. I do all this for you, yet I disgust you." Rasputin spat on the floor.
Grindelwald's eyes flashed dangerously. "Do not mock me old man. You may have survived the previous assassins, but you will not survive me."
Rasputin continue to laugh madly. "That's no way to treat your master. The disrespect from you is beginning to irritate me. However, I do not understand you Gellert. Why do you wish to kill an old man like me?"
Grindelwald pointed his wand carefully between the eyes of Rasputin. "You are too dangerous to be kept alive. You die today, madman."
Rasputin's composure switched rapidly from mad to dangerous. "You truly believe you can kill me? I doubt that you can. My powers are far greater than yours."
Grindelwald snarled, "I find that very hard to believe." He then swung his wand around and large tendrils of lightning rushed towards the Russian wizard.
Rasputin thrust out his hands and stopped them. "Such parlor tricks will not send me to the realm of death!"
He then clapped his hands together, and an army of inferi began erupting from the ground.
Grindelwald sneered, "Pathetic." A large swath of fire rushed from his wand and destroyed the inferi completely.
"Rasputin, this may be your battlefield, but you and I both know that time has dulled your magic considerably."
Rasputin ignored him and outstretched his arms and began chanting rapidly.
Grindelwald raised his wand to stop him, when an enormous monster exploded out of the ground in front of him. It was a ghastly pale being and radiated of dark magic. It roared and charged Grindelwald. Grindelwald summoned fiendfyre, but to his dismay, the creature brushed it off. He shot several killing curses, but the monster merely absorbed it.
"Gellert you must know, you can't kill something that is already dead!", laughed the old wizard.
Grindelwald merely gritted his teeth and began conjuring thick chains. The monster swatted them away, but Grindelwald persisted. The chains grew larger and swung itself around. The chains wrapped the being until it eventually covered it in its entirety. Grindelwald stepped back in shock when the chains shattered as the beast flexed.
Rasputin cackled. "Did you truly believe that you could defeat me in my own domain?"
The beast charged Grindelwald and swiped at him with its massive fist. Grindelwald apparated backwards and glanced at his former mentor with a twinge of fear.
Grindelwald clenched his jaw in determination as the monstrous being charged him once more. Grindelwald moved his wand rapidly and conjured large black spikes from the earth. They impaled the beast and stopped it in its tracks. The monster wailed as it remained trapped on the spikes. Grindelwald then spun around and shot a curse at Rasputin.
The elderly warlock held his hands out and the curse dissipated in front of him. "You are a fool Grindelwald, to attack me in my home. You wish to kill me because I am dangerous? I will show you how dangerous I truly am. There is a reason why I have ruled Russia all these years." With that he conjured a staff and beckoned Grindelwald forward. "Let us duel pupil."
Grindelwald mismatched eyes flared, and the two powerful wizards began dueling.
October 2, 1991
Defense against the Dark Arts classroom
Voldemort AKA Quirrell lounged in his chair and thought about the anomaly that was Harry Potter. It was true that he had come to Hogwarts with two purposes. To retrieve the Sorcerer's stone and to kill Harry Potter. However, when the memories of his horcrux came, he decided to change his plans considerably. The boy was special, that much was confirmed. Not just anyone attracts the attention of both Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald. The fact that Grindelwald broke out of Nurmengard for Potter, further solidified the fact that Potter, was someone he wanted on his side rather than against him.
He thought back to the prophecy that Snape had told him. The prophecy had disturbed him then and it still did. However, he realized that he had not heard it in its entirety.
He stood and looked at the clock on the wall. There was still time to pay a visit to the Department of Mysteries before the 7th years came.
October 2, 1991
Slytherin Commons
Harry sat in his chair at the table of the Serpents. All the other Serpents either eyed him nervously or with distaste. The rumor that he had killed Higgs and Pucey had circulated around the Slytherin rather quickly.
Adrian Rookwood sat at the head of the table and called the Serpents to order.
He stood and began to speak, "My fellow Serpents, today we have a new member joining our ranks. His name as you by now all know, is Harry Potter. Do we all accept him as a Serpent?"
The table nodded silently in acceptance. Then Jameson Avery stood. "Rookwood! Ask him if he killed Terrence! I will not allow for a murderer to become one of us."
Rookwood looked at Harry and beckoned him to speak.
Harry reclined back in his seat and asked in a smooth voice, "Do you truly believe that I could have anything to do with the death of Higgs? I did challenge him for this seat, but that was not personal at all."
Avery sneered at Harry. "Don't lie to me you filthy half-blood! I don't know how you tricked Higgs, but he would never do something as stupid as going into an unknown death trap."
Harry smiled mockingly, "Maybe you didn't know him that well in the end."
Avery whipped his wand out but was disarmed immediately by Rookwood. "We do not raise wands against a fellow Serpent, Avery."
Avery glared at Harry at sat back down.
"Now that we have introduced Potter, we will now resume-."
Harry interrupted. "Excuse me Rookwood, but I believe I have something to say to the rest of my fellow Serpents."
Rookwood looked at him oddly before sitting down and allowing Harry to speak.
Harry stood and addressed the Serpents, "My fellow Serpents, I am very much aware that you all do not trust me, nor do you view me as an equal. Allow me to correct you in this."
Harry paused, and everyone at the table looked at him in confusion.
"Speak to me, Slytherin, greatest of the Hogwarts four!", hissed Harry in Parseltongue.
The various snakes that decorated the room came alive and began slithering over to the table. The distinct snake sculpture at the middle of the table came alive and hissed violently to the rest of the Serpents.
The various upper years found themselves bound to their chairs by metal snakes. They all glared at Harry in various reactions of fear and anger. The rest of those in the common room looked on as Harry began circling the table.
"I speak to Slytherin as a whole when I say this. You may look down on me for being a half-blood, you may not respect me for being a first year, but I will have respect from each and every one of you. I am the heir of Slytherin!"
Everyone looked at him in disbelief.
Flashback
Harry went up to the common room portrait. "Pure-blood", he recited.
The snake on the portrait hissed at him, "What a stupid password.", and the door swung open.
Harry stepped over the threshold then doubled back. "You can speak?", he hissed in parseltongue.
The snake looked at him haughtily and hissed, "Obviously. I am a snake. The fact that the first speaker in several decades is incompetent is quite disappointing."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Can the other snakes in the common room speak as well?"
The snake responded, "They are snakes as well. They will respond to you, heir."
Harry looked at the portrait in confusion. "Heir? What do you mean by that?"
The snake hissed in annoyance. "I tire of your idiotic questions. You speak, so I assume you are the heir of Slytherin."
Harry's eyebrows jumped in surprise. He then entered the room and began questioning the rest of the snakes around the common room. He was met with similar attitudes and they all seem to agree, that he was the heir of Slytherin since he could speak. This gave him an idea…
End of Flashback
Harry looked around the room, daring someone to challenge him.
When no one challenged him, he continued, "I will not lie to you all, Terrence Higgs and several of his cronies attacked me and my friends. He was dealt with appropriately. I was not put in Slytherin by accident or coincidence. I am here to change the future. I have warned you all, any disrespect or attack on me or my allies, will be met with swift vengeance."
With that he walked over to the heir's chair and sat down.
Those in the common room gasped, when he disappeared.
Harry found himself sitting on a dusty throne in a dimly lighted cavern. He pulled his wand out and began to walk around.
"Finally! Do you have any idea how boring it gets down here?"
Harry spun around and found himself face to face with a ghost. "Who are you?", asked Harry as he pointed his wand at the ghost.
"That's no way to greet your elder.", retorted the ghost. "I am Salazar Slytherin, as you are here in my secret chamber, I assume you are a descendant of mine."
Harry lowered his wand. "I can assure you that I am not part of your lineage. However, I am a Parselmouth."
The ghost of Salazar Slytherin looked in confusion at Harry. "That should not be possible. Being a parselmouth is passed down in blood."
Harry nodded, "That much has been confirmed by most historians. However, I have always been the exception it seems." With that, he began conversing with Salazar on his past.
"So, my current heir is still Tom Riddle, and he chose to attack you and by doing so accidentally imprinted his powers upon you?"
"That seems to be the case sir."
Salazar Slytherin bobbed up and down as he began to analyze the boy in front of him.
Harry then posed a question. "Sir, I was not aware that you chose to remain as a ghost."
Salazar sighed, "I am not exactly a ghost per say. My original self-left behind an imprint of sorts to guide his heirs. As I am not exactly a ghost, I am tethered to the Chamber of Secrets and cannot leave here. I believe the other founders did so as well."
Harry frowned. "It must be extremely boring being here."
Slytherin nodded. "I have not spoken to anyone since Riddle. And before him, were idiots, who did not deserve to be a Parselmouth. I am quite pleased to inform you that you are not like them."
Harry smirked at this. "So, sir, how did you help your heirs?"
"It depended on the heir. Some I deemed worthy of my large repertoire of spells, others I gave information on wizarding history, and to one I gave the knowledge of my chamber.", responded Salazar.
Harry's eyes gleamed at the chance to get more knowledge. "Sir, will you teach me?"
Salazar looked at him calculatingly before replying, "Although you possess the power to speak to snakes, you are not an heir. As you are not an heir, I am not obligated to teach you in any form. On top of that, it would be inappropriate of me to give you the knowledge of the Slytherin family. However, it was nice to speak with you Potter. Do visit again soon." Then he began to glide away.
Harry froze, then ran after Slytherin. "Sir, please! What would it take to learn from you?"
Salazar stopped. "What could you offer me, Harry Potter? I believe that my knowledge is far superior to yours, and as a ghost I have no interest in riches." Then Salazar stopped. "Actually Harry, there is something that you could do for me."
Harry responded cautiously. "What is it sir?"
Slytherin glided forward and stopped right in front of Harry. "I want you to free me."
Harry looked at him confused. "How would I do that sir?"
Salazar responded, "I am not able to leave this chamber due to the tether that is in place. However, you could destroy the tether for me."
Harry thought for a second before responding, "I swear I will free you, after you teach me all that I request."
Slytherin nodded at him. "Swear it."
Harry raised his wand and swore an oath, swearing to free Salazar Slytherin after obtaining his fill of knowledge. Harry then cast the tempus charm. "I must be off sir. I have no doubt that my classmates are searching for me."
Slytherin nodded in understanding. "Go over to that chair over there and sit down. It will return you."
Harry went over and sat down. He returned to the common room.
Salazar Slytherin grinned evilly. His return would be spectacular.
Harry returned in the common room, to find an irate Severus Snape. Apparently, the snakes had kept the Serpents restrained to their seats, and Snape had been unable to get them free.
Snape seeing Harry seized him and began berating him. "Potter, you insufferable brat! Release everyone right now!"
"Release them", spoke Harry in Parseltongue.
Snape's eyebrows rose in surprise, as the snakes obeyed and went back into their dormant positions, but he composed himself quickly. "So, Potter, the rumors are true then."
"What rumors sir?", asked Harry politely.
"Don't play stupid with me boy! I heard you speak parseltongue as did everyone in the common room.", snarled Snape.
Harry looked around and saw that all of Slytherin was in fact here and watching them. "Well then yes, I guess you are correct. I am the heir of Slytherin."
Snape sneered and replied, "Come with me, we are going to the Headmaster's office."
"And why is that?", asked Harry.
Snape paused. "Because, you are a danger to the other students."
Harry laughed, "Me? A first-year student?"
Snape's face darkened and he came up very close to Harry's face. "Don't play games with me boy. I was in Slytherin before, and I know exactly what you are. Don't forget I saw you torture Higgs."
Harry put on an innocent face. "But sir, I was just dueling him. I was not torturing him. I also believe, that all of this is to stay in Slytherin. The affairs of Slytherin should remain in Slytherin."
Snape grimaced and after a moment finally replied.
"Fine Potter. My office now!"
Snape stormed out of the common room towards his office. Harry looked around and smiled to the Slytherins watching him. He then turned around and followed Snape to his office.
Professor Snape was sitting at his desk when Harry arrived.
Harry sat down in the chair in front of him and shut the door wandlessly.
Snape looked at Harry calculatingly. "You Potter, have been quite the nuisance since you arrived only a couple months ago."
Harry replied calmly, "Professor, I have done nothing wrong by the rules that our house stands by. I do not understand why you hate me so much."
Snape observed the boy further and did not like what he saw. The boy's mannerisms reminded him eerily of that of the Dark Lord, before he had fallen.
"Fine Potter. Leave. But know that I am watching your every move."
Harry got up and bowed mockingly to Snape. "I will keep that in mind, sir." With that he walked out of the room back to his friends.
Severus Snape put his face in his hands. There was something most definitely wrong about Harry Potter. He didn't know what it was, and that scared him.
October 9, 1991
Grindelwald's Quarters
Gellert Grindelwald paced in his room. It had been one week, since he had faced off against his former instructor.
Flashback
Grindelwald walked over to the fallen body of Grigori Rasputin. His own face had multiple cuts and his clothes was torn in various areas. The surrounding landscape was black and smoldering. Multiple monstruous beings lay prone on the ground as well.
Grindelwald kicked the bleeding body of Rasputin. "I told you that I would be your end."
Rasputin sneered. "You may kill me here, but I will return. You would not be the first to kill me. I warn you Gellert, you have made an enemy of me. I will see you again."
Grindelwald ignored the old man and pointed his wand at him. "Avada Kedavra!"
He then blasted the corpse with a flame and then walked into the crumbling warehouse that he had once called his school.
He looked on with disdain at the rats that scuttered around. The warehouse was falling apart and had taken some damage from the duel that had taken place moments ago. After some searching, he found the room of Rasputin. The door had been heavily warded, but he bypassed them rather quickly.
The room was filthy and was littered with many loose parchments and books. He noticed an envelope underneath the desk with the seal of Slytherin on it. He picked up the envelope, broke the seal, and began to read the letter.
April 19, 1955
Dear Rasputin,
I have come to find out that you are alive and have survived the assassination attempt of Grindelwald all those years ago. I have been a follower of your teachings for quite some time. I would be most pleased if you were to teach me. I am of course willing to compensate for your teachings. Please respond at your earliest convenience.
Tom Marvolo Riddle
Grindelwald growled and burned the letter. He thought with some relief, that Voldemort had not learned from Rasputin. It would have been quite terrible for the world. He thought it was quite fortunate, that Rasputin had taken himself as his final apprentice.
He noticed a black book lying on the floor and picked it up. He opened it and read: The Journal of Grigori Rasputin. He flipped through it and stopped when an entry caught his eye.
Today I have finally done it. After several decades of searching, I have found and completed the ritual of Lilith. With it, I am now immortal and have nine lives. Today is a day of rejoicing.
Grindelwald's eyes widened at the entry. "The fool has sold his soul to the devil!", he thought to himself. He then dropped the book and rushed outside. The charred body was gone.
Grindelwald cursed aloud and turned to head back inside, when suddenly the warehouse exploded. He quickly cast a shield charm, and then apparated away.
In his haste, he did not notice Rasputin cackling after igniting the explosive runes.
End of Flashback
Grindelwald stopped pacing and sat down in his chair. He had been quite furious when he had returned to Dumstrang. It was needless to say that Gunnar had been cruciated quite thoroughly when he had returned.
There was a knock at the door.
"Enter.", he called out.
Vinda entered the room. "My Lord, the spies we have set on Rasputin's trace are dead."
Grindelwald sighed. "That was to be expected. Even after all these years, he is still a force to be reckoned with. My current guess is that he will join forces with Voldemort, when he makes his return."
Vinda looked at Grindelwald with concern. "Sir, what is it that worries you still?"
Grindelwald composed himself. "There is nothing that worries me. It is rather, that I am concerned on whether or not we are ready for the war that is coming. This new variable of Rasputin is something that we must be prepared for. How are our war efforts going?"
Vinda responded, "We have been recruiting quietly throughout Europe. Abraxas has been in France slowly gaining support. The Zabini's have been organizing their militia down in Italy. On top of that, the acquisition of Dumstrang continues to pay off. Every member of this year's graduating class has sworn an oath to our cause and will fight for us when the time comes. However, we still lack much support in Britain just like last time."
Grindelwald nodded. "Our preparations are going well then. As for Britain, that is to be expected. Dumbledore's influence runs deeply there. However, I believe that Lord Black and the Malfoys will be quite in changing that."
The two continued to discuss plans and so prepared for the upcoming war.
October 17, 1991
12 Grimmauld Place
Sirius stood in front of the old house and let out a sigh. He had hoped to never again set foot in the old house. However, Grindelwald had been clear, that the house would be quite useful as one of the bases of operations in Britain. It was also a trove of knowledge in the Dark Arts.
Taking a deep breath, he walked forward and felt the wards wash over him. He then opened the door and entered the home. He looked around the dark house and then called for the miserable house elf. "Kreacher!"
The old house-elf apparated in front of Sirius. Kreacher grumbled under his breath as he stood in front of him. "Nasty blood-traitor calls for me. Murderer they call him. He dares return after he broke poor Mistress's heart…"
Sirius cut off Kreacher. "You will refrain from insulting me Kreacher. I will no longer tolerate your behavior. I order you to begin cleaning the house immediately."
Kreacher shut up and began to shuffle to the door, while making crude hand gestures.
Sirius whipped out his wand and summoned Kreacher to his feet. "Listen elf, I have recently found out that I am the new Lord Black. If you are not useful to me, I will mount your head on the wall with your forefathers. Am I clear?"
Kreacher's eyes grew large as he heard Sirius's words. "You are the Lord Black? That is not possible. Mistress burned you off the tapestry. You was disowned!"
Sirius smirked at the elf. "Oh yes. I found out that she did not have the authority to remove me from the family. In fact, once I found the blasted house-ring I will be the official Lord of House Black. Hold on, Kreacher you probably know where the ring is, go fetch it."
Kreacher grimaced and popped off. He returned after several moments with the ring in hand.
Sirius put the ring on and felt the magic accept him as the Lord of House Black. Kreacher bowed to him, although his face clearly showed his unhappiness.
Sirius smiled broadly and told Kreacher, "Mother must be rolling in her grave right now! Now Kreacher, I want this house looking brand new by tomorrow, or your services will be, eh, terminated."
Kreacher merely put on an unpleasant expression and immediately went to work.
Sirius laughed at the elf and then headed into the living room of the house. He saw the portrait of his mother and opened the curtains.
The portrait immediately began to shriek. "YOU DISGRACE OF A SON! YOU DARE RETURN AFTER ALL THESE YEARS? I AM ASHAMED THAT Y-"
Sirius flicked his wand and silenced the portrait. He then began to speak to the portrait.
"Listen here you old hag. I am the new Lord Black."
The portrait of Walburga Black widened her eyes in shock."
He continued, "Oh yes, dear mother. Your attempts at disowning me, may not have been as successful as you thought. Now, here is what's going to happen. I will get Kreacher to remove you and burn you if you do not shut up. I will get him to remove the entire damn wall if necessary. Am I understood?"
Walburga sneered at him but shook her head in understanding.
He smiled back at the portrait and continued his walk down memory lane. He headed up the stairs and stopped in front of his late brother's room. He felt a wave of emotions as he thought of Regulus. Poor Regulus, he had come for his help just a week before he had died.
Sirius wiped a tear from his eye and swore aloud, "I failed you brother. I hope you will forgive me one day. But I will not fail Harry. I will never abandon him like I did to you." He then in a moment of pure stupidity and raw emotion, he blasted the entire room with fiendfyre. In the process he almost burned the house down, but he quickly came to his senses and contained the fire to just the second floor.
Kreacher popped up and shrieked at Sirius's idiocy. He helped restore parts of the corridor, but the cursed fire took its toll.
Sirius shook his head and stumbled downstair and then raided the cellar. He took out several fire whiskeys and began to drown his mixed emotions. He lamented the loss of his fallen brother, the betrayal of his so-called friends, and the circumstances that surrounded his godson. After several hours, he took a pepper-up and cleared his head. He was a determined man now. He was going to stick with his godson no matter what. If that meant killing every muggle on the planet, so be it. With that, he stood and began cleaning the house with a fervor.
Not once did he notice Kreacher cradling a smoldering locket with tears of joy in his eyes.
October 18, 1991
DADA Classroom
Lord Voldemort sat at his desk, considering his options. Just a couple weeks ago, he had retrieved the prophecy from the Department of Mysteries. What he heard, unnerved him to no small end.
Born to those who have thrice defied him,
Born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal,
But he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives...
When he had finally heard the prophecy in its entirety, everything had finally made sense to him. Potter, was destined to defeat him. That's why Dumbledore wanted him so badly. He still wasn't sure why Grindelwald wanted with Harry, but could it possible be because he was his equal.
Voldemort cursed himself for foolishly going after the Potters. All of this could have been avoided if Severus had listened to the whole prophecy.
He got out of his chair and headed over to the training dummies.
"Diffindo!"
The dummy parted, but did not completely fall apart. Voldemort shook his head. He needed to get into a new body quickly. Quirrell's body could not "process" magic like he could. He glanced at the calendar. There were 13 days left until Halloween.
He sat back down. He had originally planned to use a troll as a diversion, but now that he thought about it, that would be likely be easily stopped by Dumbledore and his teachers.
Voldemort sat there thinking of a possible diversion. His eyes lit up.
"Oh yes," he thought. "That would definitely work."
October 31, 1991
Hogwarts
Harry, Blaise, and Draco, began walking down to Charms.
"Hey guys!", exclaimed Tracy, as she bounded over to them. Daphne followed her, with more composure.
Harry smiled at Tracy, amused. "Hey Tracy, what are you up to?"
Daphne responded in her stead, "We are going to Charms just like you I think."
Harry rolled his eyes and the group continued down to Charms.
Daphne Greengrass watched as the "triumvirate", as she called them in her head, walked down to Professor Flitwick's class. The three had been quite inseparable, and were seen together at all times. It annoyed her, that they would whisper fervently but immediately stop whenever anyone came close. The few times she had eavesdropped on them, she had only caught snippets of their conversation. What they said, made no sense to her. Their conversations seemed to imply that there was a war coming. That made no sense, as the Dark Lord was dead.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Harry nudged her with his shoulder.
"What you thinking about there, Daphne?", asked Harry curiously.
She flipped her hair back. "I'm trying to see what lies in the future of Greengrass imports."
Draco interrupted, "And why are you thinking about your family business as we are walking down to Charms? That's mildly disturbing."
Blaise and Tracy snickered.
Daphne huffed. "I heard a disturbing rumor that there was a war coming and I was thinking whether or not I should inform father. It is most disturbing news after all. Harry, have you by any chance heard anything like that?"
Harry hid his surprise and only arched his eyebrow. "No, no, I haven't heard anything like that."
She peered at him curiously. "Do you trust me, Harry?"
Harry shook his head. "Of course, I trust you. I consider you and Tracy as good friends."
"What about Draco and Blaise?", asked Daphne innocently.
"Well they're like my brothers. They are the closest people to me." Draco and Blaise nodded as if this were obvious.
The group stopped in front of the Charms classroom, where the other first years were also waiting. Not long after, the door opened.
"Come in, come in!", said the diminutive Charms professor as he stood by the door.
The first years filed in. Daphne headed in as well when Harry grabbed her elbow and stopped her.
Harry whispered into her ear, "You know Daphne, you could be more discreet in your spying abilities. I know very well that you try to "overhear" my conversations with Draco and Blaise. If you really want to know, I did mean it when I said I would tell you everything one day. One day, when you earn my complete trust, then everything will be revealed. Until then, I would advise you to keep your nose out of my affairs."
With that parting statement, Harry went ahead of her and rejoined their group.
"Well this is interesting.", thought Daphne.
~~
Hermione Granger thought that life was unfair. She had come to Hogwarts excited, and thought that this school would be different. It wasn't different at all. Even witches and wizards didn't appreciate her and not a small number of them teased her, just like they did back at home.
Hermione huffed and sat down in an empty seat near the front of the class. She looked around and saw all the cliques that had already formed. Of course, she had been shunned. She got slightly emotional, as she remembered how the other "pure-bloods" called her an insufferable know-it-all and a teacher's pet. "It was the same no matter where she went.", she thought to herself sadly. She then looked up and saw Harry Potter and his little gang file in.
Hermione scowled at the thought of him. She had hoped she'd be the best student in her year, but Harry Potter seemed to be light years ahead of her. He was also an extremely rude boy. She remembered her first encounter and scrunched her face up in distaste.
She sat up straight when Professor Flitwick got to the front of the class and called for attention.
"Now class, today we will be learning the levitation charm. Can anyone tell me the incantation for the charm?", asked Professor Flitwick.
Hermione thrust her hand in the air and began waving it.
"Yes, Miss Granger?"
"The proper incantation for the levitation charm is Wingardium Leviosa.", recited Hermione.
"That is correct Miss Granger! 5 points to Gryffindor.", said Professor Flitwick.
Hermione smiled broadly at the praise until she heard the snickering from the boys in her house. She felt her composure crack a little, but pulled herself together.
Professor Flitwick then told the class to try and practice the charm on their own. She received her feather and was about to try the charm, when she heard Professor Flitwick exclaim, "Everyone see here, Mr. Potter has done it on his first try!"
She growled in frustration. "How did he do everything so perfectly every time?"
She turned to her feather, but was again interrupted when she heard Ronald Weasley butcher the charm's pronunciation. She shuddered and then turned to him.
"You're saying it wrong.", she snapped. "It's Wing-gar-dium Levi-o-sa, make the 'gar' nice and long."
Ron snapped back at her. "You do it then, if you're so clever!"
Hermione clenched her jaw in determination. "Wingardium Leviosa", she incanted. The feather rose high above her desk.
"Well done, Miss Granger!", praised Professor Flitwick.
She looked back smugly at Ron, then the class ended. She packed her things and was walking out the class, when she heard Ron say to Seamus, "It's no wonder no one can stand her. She's insufferable!"
Hermione felt tears rush out of her eyes. She grabbed her stuff and ran down the stairs into the nearest bathroom.
She felt angry at herself for crying like that, but could not stop herself.
When she heard a knock at the door, she told them just to go away. After she cried for what seemed like hours, she heard a weird rumbling sound. She then heard something move around in the bathroom.
She called out, "Who's there?". There was no response, but the odd sound of rustling scales. She opened the stall door, only to be whipped across the head by the tail of what looked like a massive snake. She screamed as she flew across the bathroom. When she hit the wall, she felt herself go unconscious.
~~
Great Hall
Moments Later
Dumbledore sat at the teacher's table merrily enjoying the Halloween feast. He looked down upon the many students and smiled at the sight of so many happy faces. He looked around the hall and mentally pat himself on the back.
The hall was completely decked out with Halloween decorations. He had personally enchanted the floating pumpkins, and the assorted bats flying around. He had been especially pleased when he saw the look of wonder in young Harry's face.
He sighed contently and began eating the delicious meal. He had been eating when he noticed the absence of Quirinius.
Suddenly, Peeves appeared into the Great Hall. The hall fell quiet at the sight of the mischievous poltergeist.
He stood from his chair. "Peeves! You are not allowed in the hall during feasts."
Peeves responded with a touch of panic in his voice. "I know Mr. Headmaster, sir, but there is a massive snakey in the corridor. I thought Peevsies should inform you.
The hall erupted with panicked voices. Dumbledore stood and set off several fireworks.
"Everybody, please calm down! Prefects, keep the students in their seats. Peeves, is this some sort of prank?"
Peeves continued to bob up and down nervously, "No sir! Peeves would never joke about such dangers!"
The students once again began to whisper nervously.
"Teachers, gather around closely.", said Dumbledore.
The teachers got down from the high table, and gathered in the center of the hall.
"Has anyone seen Professor Quirrell?", asked Dumbledore.
"He sent a missive to me earlier, that he was feeling rather ill.", said Professor McGonagall.
Dumbledore sent a discreet look at Snape. "Severus, I suggest you go check on him."
Snape nodded and strode quickly to the forbidden corridor.
"Now, we must barricade the students in and make sure this snake is not to enter. I will ask you Filius and Minerva to come with me in search of this serpent. The rest of you are to stay here and make sure the students remain orderly."
The teachers nodded.
Dumbledore activated the castle wards, just in case someone with nefarious intent was prowling the halls.
The trio of teachers just began to walk towards the entrance, when the massive basilisk burst through the doors. Professors Sprout and Sinistra were immediately petrified, because they saw the basilisk's eyes through Peeves.
The hall had exploded into chaos and everyone was panicking. Dumbledore recognized the enormous serpent and immediately shot out the eyes of the serpent with carefully placed curses.
"Minerva, Filius, protect the students! I will fight off the basilisk.", shouted Dumbledore over the cacophony of noises.
The two immediately got to work, getting students out of the way.
Harry and his friends had seeked refuge from behind the table. Harry began placing defensive enchantments around his friends.
"What are we going to do?", asked a panicking Tracy.
"I'm sure Dumbledore will protect us.", said Harry calmly.
Daphne did not have the same faith in Dumbledore. "We should get out of here!"
Harry shook his head. "Look Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick has created a barrier around the basilisk and Dumbledore."
Indeed, a large golden dome began to encircle the elderly headmaster, and the ancient monster.
The serpent enraged at being trapped and blinded, began to thrash wildly. It overturned one of the empty tables, and sent it flying through the barrier.
The table flew toward Harry and his friends, but he diverted it at the last second.
Moments later, Fawkes the phoenix flew in with the Sorting Hat in its beak. Dumbledore waved the phoenix off and conjured several roosters. After a few tense moments, with the snake still biting and moving wildly, a rooster crowed and the serpent dropped dead.
Dumbledore sighed. He then set off several loud bangs with his wand, to get the attention of the hall. "Any students who have been injured during the course of this event, please line up.
Very few students were hurt, thanks to the quick thinking of Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick. Dumbledore let out a sigh of relief, and began to move the wreckage.
"All students report to their common rooms. The feast will resume there!", announced Professor McGonagall. The students, lead by their prefects filed out of the hall.
Dumbledore turned to Flitwick, "It appears that two of our professors have been petrified. Could you take them to the Hospital Wing and get them comfortable?"
The tiny professor nodded and waved his wand to lift the two witches. Then, he was hit with a curse straight to the head.
~~
25 minutes ago
Lord Voldemort stood in the wreckage that was the girl's bathroom.
He had released the Basilisk, with instructions to go to the Great Hall, when an idiot mud blood had gotten in the way. The Basilisk had hit her on the way out and launched into the wall. He shook his head, and moved quickly to the third floor.
He opened the door and killed the Cerberus with little trouble. He had no idea how much time that the Basilisk would buy him. He quickly moved past the devil's snare and he summoned the flying key with no trouble. When he arrived at the chess board, several bombardment curses handled the board. The troll was also dispatched quickly. When he arrived at the riddle, he thought for a moment before he picked the correct potion. He shook his head. Old Severus could do much better than that. When he arrived at the final obstacle, he found that there was only a powerful ward stopping him from getting the Sorcerer's stone. He laughed at the idiocy of Dumbledore and got to work. He had almost finished, when he heard a low drawling voice.
"Quirrell. So, you thought it was wise to try and steal the Sorcerer's stone?"
He turned around and came face to face with Snape. "Ah Severus, how good of you to join us. Just give me a minute and we can chat properly."
Snape drew his wand and pointed it to who he thought was Quirrell. "You will stop right there, or I may be tempted to blast your head off."
Voldemort finished off the wards and picked up the stone. "Yes.", he thought to himself, "this was the real deal." He could feel the ancient magic pulse off of the stone.
"Severus, Severus, Severus, do you actually believe you can defeat me? I find it disappointing that you cannot recognize me after all these years."
Snape's face widened in shock dramatically. "My Lord?", he asked with fear.
Voldemort took the opportunity and disarmed him. "Yes Severus. It is me. You may have thought me gone and defeated, but you should never have thought that."
Voldemort carefully fingered his wand then cruciated Snape. "I find your loyalty to me to be quite disappointing. We will continue our discussion later. But now, I have to leave before Dumbledore gets here."
Snape merely stared at him on the ground, his body still twitching from the Cruciatus curse.
With that, he cast his flight charm, and soared out of the corridor. He flew quickly over the heads of the many students, but found that the usual passages out of the castle were sealed. The only way out was the Great Hall. Voldemort grit his teeth at this, but decided that it was the only way. He came up to the entrance of the hall and saw the dead body of his beloved Basilisk. With a snarl, he cast a bludgeoning curse at the first person in his direct view. Filius Flitwick.
He flew into the hall and saw that the hall was empty except for the teachers.
Dumbledore's face grew grim when he saw the flying Quirrell.
"Tom is that you?", asked the headmaster.
Voldemort answered back, "Yes, Dumbledore, are you surprised to see me?"
Dumbledore shook his head. "I cannot say that I am. I figured that you had possessed Quirrell, but I did not expect a full possession."
Voldemort did not grant him a reply, but instead brandished his wand. "Now Dumbledore, I will be polite and ask you to move. Or else I will kill you and everyone in the castle."
Dumbledore shook his head once more. "I am afraid, that I cannot do that." With that, he pulled out the Elder Wand and pointed it at Voldemort.
Professor McGonagall and the other teachers quickly got out of the way and tried to heal Professor Flitwick.
"On your guard, Tom.", said Dumbledore, as power began to radiate from his body.
Voldemort pointed his wand at Dumbledore, then the two titans began to duel.
A/N: If you felt like there wasn't a lot of Harry in this chapter, there will be much more in future chapters. Right now, I'm trying to "set the background" if that makes sense. A reminder for some of you all, is that Harry is 11. Do not worry about him. He will get more powerful over time. The story will go through all 7 years and a little bit afterwards as well. If you have a question feel free to PM me, I will always respond as soon as possible. Thanks again to everyone who left a review, and/or is following this story. :)