Disclaimer: JK Rowling owns the rights to Harry Potter
Chapter Eleven:
Harry fell silent after a moment and just stared at what remained of the evil wizard who had killed his parents. The one who had denied him the life he would have had growing up with them instead of hearing about them from others.
Something inside Harry snapped as anger and hatred replaced the fear he had felt moments before.
As Harry stared into the glowing red eyes he wanted nothing more than to kill Voldemort. He wanted to end the evil wizard and make him feel the pain his parents must have felt.
Harry kept silent as Voldemort spoke "Harry Potter, at last we met again" Voldemort said in a hoarse voice "long have I waited for this day, hoped for it".
Voldemort was calm as he said "ten long years I spent in exile in the forests of Albania. Ten long years barely living, just existing and pondering on my downfall and how a mere infant could defeat the greatest wizard to ever live".
Harry couldn't believe the arrogance of Voldemort to be saying this. He snorted in dark amusement as he replied "you're not the greatest wizard to ever live. That title belongs to Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of this school. Using dark magic doesn't make you great. It doesn't make you special".
Harry actually laughed at the vile wizard "you're nothing. You don't even have a proper body anymore. You're just a leech, eeking out an existence off the back of other wizards too terrified and stupid to understand you aren't a threat!".
"You dare to insult me boy?!" Voldemort screeched "I am Lord Voldemort, the great wizard to ever live!".
"Please master do not exert yourself" Quirrell cut in sounding worried for his master.
Voldemort sneered "be quiet Quirinus or you will feel my wrath!".
"My apologies master" Quirrell mumbled obsequiously before falling silent once again.
Harry laughed "you're pathetic too 'Professor', you don't even get that he can't hurt you, he's not even got a wand" he laughed even as his scar burned.
For a moment Voldemort looked like he would order Quirrell to strike at Harry only for the fury in his face to turn quick as a flash to smugness "you doubt my powers boy?" the wizard laughed coldly "then how about a demonstration?".
In a moment the image of Harry standing along in the mirror had changed to be replaced by himself and his parents, his father to his right and mother to his left. They each had a hand on his shoulder and were smiling at him warmly.
"You see my power now boy?" Voldemort hissed "I have the power to bring back your parents Harry" the evil wizard smiled but it was a smile that didn't reach his cold, red eyes "would you like that Harry? to see your mother and father again?".
Harry stared at his parents in the mirror and felt the pull of it drawing him in. He felt the urge to be standing beside them and for them to really have their hands on his shoulders. He wanted them alive and whole. He wanted to be able to talk them to, to joke with them. He wanted to be their son.
"Just give me the stone Harry and I can bring them back" Voldemort said silkily "just give me the stone and we will be powerful together you and I. We'll rule the world" the words dripped into Harry's ears like honey and he couldn't help but listen to them.
'I want my parents back and he can help. I'll do it' a voice said in his head.
But even as this voice appeared so too did another voice that sounded a lot like his Uncle Jacob's "Harry your father wouldn't want this. He wouldn't want to come back this way. He fought against Voldemort and everything he stands for".
Harry nodded as another voice sounding like his aunt appeared "listen to your uncle" she said "Voldemort cannot be trusted. He merely wants to manipulate you. To use you to get the stone and regain his body and his powers".
As he heard these new voices Harry made his decision. He knew what he had to do even though to make the choice would hurt him in a way he had not been hurt for ten years.
"No" Harry said softly shaking his head.
He looked up into the cruel face of Voldemort "no I won't help you" he said more forcefully "you're evil. You're a liar!" he was shaking with anger by now as he shouted "I'll never give you the stone!".
"Give me the stone or you die Potter!" Voldemort shrieked madly.
"Come and get it" Harry said coldly.
"Kill him. Kill the boy!" Voldemort shouted as Quirrell began to turn, wand in hand ready to strike Harry down.
But Harry was ready for him and shouted "locomotor wibbly" forcing the evil Professor to dive away to avoid being hit with a jelly legs jinx.
Quirrell fired back "bombarda!". Harry ducked causing the spell to sail past and smash into the wall nearby blasting out chunks of stone.
"Flipendo!" Harry said loudly managing to strike Quirrell causing him to fall backwards and Voldemort's face to smack into the cold stone floor "kill him!" came the muffled shout of Voldemort who was now truly enraged.
Harry grinned as Quirrell tried to pull himself up and shouted "bombarda!" forcing Quirrell to dive away to avoid being hit.
The spell impacted the mirror behind him and shattered it to pieces as shards of glass and splinters of wood flew into the air to scatter on the floor.
"Get the boy now!" Voldemort shouted as Quirrell, with Voldemort's powers, almost flew across the dungeon and tried to grab hold of Harry.
Harry kicked him away and tried to run but the barrier of flames still barred his path and eventually Quirrell got a firm hold on his leg pulling him down.
Harry felt grateful for the impervious charm on his glasses as he fell face first onto the steps feeling the crack as his nose broke and then the sensation of something oozing down his face.
He continued to kick out at Quirrell but being older and stronger the evil professor was able to get the better of him and turned Harry to face him as he held Harry down and reached a hand towards Harry's pocket.
Harry's desperation to hold Quirrell off increased and so he put his hand on Quirrell's arm.
The defence teacher pulled away as if he had been burned shouting "Master I'm burned! he burnt me!".
"Just get him you fool! get the stone!" came the angry reply.
Quirrell tried again as Harry flung up a hand and pushed at Quirrell's face.
Once again the man pulled away shrieking and in obvious pain as red marks appeared on the section Harry had pushed at.
Harry frowned in confusion not understand what was causing this reaction to his touch.
When Quirrell moved in again however Harry decided to use this apparent weakness to his advantage and held his hand to Quirrell's face while saying "I didn't want to do this but you gave me no choice!".
Quirrell screamed in pain and pulled away muttering "Master, I...I don't feel good...he...I..." Quirrell stumbled and Harry gaped in shock as the man's face began to flake and then crumble in front of his eyes.
"Quirrell get the stone!" Voldemort shouted again but Quirrell was taking no notice as he stumbled a few steps, reached out a hand and then pitched over forwards.
As his body hit the stone steps Quirrell crumbled into dust and only his suit and wand were left to indicate that anyone besides Harry had been in the chamber at all.
Harry who had rolled out of the way of the falling Quirrell blinked in shock at the sight before him of the dust, empty suit and wand that lay near him.
After a few seconds he pushed himself up and looked round the chamber seeing no sign of Voldemort.
As the flames died away he turned to leave the chamber. That was when he heard the hair raising, ear splitting, bone chilling sound. It was like a scream but one so horrible Harry was sure he had never heard its like before.
He turned at the sound and screamed as a a smoky figure flew at him and as it reached him carried on going pushing through him.
That was the last thing he recalled before the steps rushed up to meet him and he fell into blackness.
Harry woke with a start and blinked as he stared up at a blurry ceiling. He shifted slightly and grimaced at the pain in his neck and shoulder as he reached over at what looked like a pair of his glasses.
Sure enough, as he slipped them on the room came into sharp focus.
As he looked towards the end of the bed he was surprised but happy to see a large amount of sweets and cards on the table near it, all quite obviously for him.
"Ah Harry, you are awake".
Harry looked up into the kind face of Albus Dumbledore.
The old Headmaster looked down at him over his half-moon spectacles and smiled.
Harry tried to sit up more causing the wizard to rush to his side in concern "don't exert yourself my boy" he said compassionately as he placed a hand carefully on Harry's shoulder "Madam Pomfrey has informed me of the extent of your injuries and while she has healed many of them you will still be sore for a few days".
"How long have I been out for Sir?" Harry asked anxiously hoping it had not been too long.
"Three days" Dumbledore answered seriously.
'Three days? it can't be!' Harry thought in horror as the words sunk in.
He tried to get out of bed only for Dumbledore to stop him "but Sir the stone!..." Harry protested "Quirrell!...Voldemort!...".
"Calm yourself my boy" Dumbledore replied as he settled Harry back on the bed "the stone is quite safe".
"But Voldemort...".
"The essence of Voldemort fled the chamber just as I arrived to find the remains of Professor Quirrell and yourself lying unconscious on the chamber floor".
Harry looked deep into the man's eyes for a second before deciding that Dumbledore was telling him the truth and he settled down only for a new concern to push itself to the forefront of his mind "Sir what about Ron and Hermione and Neville...".
"They are all fine my boy I assure you" Dumbledore said "I found Miss Granger and Mr Longbottom watching over Mr Weasley in the chess room and they informed of where you were and took Mr Weasley up to the Hospital Wing with Madam Pomfrey. He has been treated and is now fully recovered from his ordeal".
Harry sighed in relief and slumped back onto his pillows.
"But what did you do with the stone?" Harry asked the old wizard. He had to know! he needed to know it was truly over.
"I have had a long talk with Nicholas...that is Mr Flamel and he has agreed with me that the stone is too powerful to stay in existence. It must be destroyed and the two of us have already done so".
For a moment Harry was happy but then he realised something "but Professor what will happen to the Flamel's?" he said "without the stone...they'll die won't they?".
Dumbledore sighed "they have enough elixir left to set their affairs in order and then yes...they will die".
"But...".
"Do not trouble yourself over this Harry" Dumbledore said firmly "Nicholas and Perenelle have had a long and happy life together and are ready to face death when it comes. I believe they were planning on destroying the stone eventually to bring about such an end".
Harry was silent as Dumbledore spoke again sounding much more cheerful this time "I believe your friends and Misters Fred and George Weasley are responsible for many of the cards and gifts being sent to you" Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his blue eyes.
"Ah...bertie botts every flavour beans" he said with a smile as he picked up the box of beans and sifted through them.
He picked out a light brown coloured one and gazed at it for a few minutes before his eyes fixed on Harry and he grinned "I was very unfortunate in my youth to come across a vomit flavoured one".
It took all of Harry's self control not to burst out laughing at this as Dumbledore continued "but perhaps I shall be safe with a nice toffee..." he popped the bean into his mouth and chewed. Once he had swallowed it he said "alas...earwax".
That did it for Harry as he burst out laughing so loud he was sure the entire Hospital Wing could hear him "there are several people outside who wish to see you" the Headmaster said then causing Harry's laughter to subside.
Dumbledore walked over to the large double doors as Harry sat further up in bed to get a good look "you may come in now...he is awake" the old wizard informed a person or persons out of sight.
The man then turned to Harry, waved and exited the Hospital Wing.
The doors had almost banged shut when the three most important people in Harry's life entered the Hospital Wing.
Harry took in the welcome sight even as his uncle smiled at him, his aunt looked stern with her hands planted on her hips and his cousin did exactly what he expected she would as she launched herself at him and grabbed him in the tightest hug he'd had in months.
"Woah!, easy there cous!" Harry said trying to pull her back a bit "still a bit sore".
His cousin pulled back and he could see that she had tears in her equally green eyes. Suddenly a scowl appeared on her face as she punched him on the leg "ow!" he exclaimed looking at her in confusion "what was that for?" he asked.
"That's for almost getting yourself killed you big git!" she said "I was so worried for you!". Harry gulped as he thought 'what is it with redheads and their temper?'.
Her expression soon softened though as she hugged him again "you be more careful, I don't want to lose my favourite brother!". It may seem odd to other people but despite being cousins they had always been as close as brother as sister ever since Lauren had been born and Harry wouldn't change it for the world.
"Only brother you mean" he replied with a grin causing Lauren to shake her head and roll her eyes before hopping up on the bed next to him as she had done when they were younger.
Harry's aunt and uncle approached then.
His uncle was smiling warmly and casting a glance at Aunt Mandy who looked equal parts relieved and furious.
Harry gulped at the expression on her face even as his uncle patted his leg and said "oh my boy, we're so relieved" his uncle shook his head trying to blink back tears "so, so relieved. You're like a son to us you know and we don't know what we'd do if we lost you...".
"I know what I'd do!" Aunt Mandy cut in "I'd box his ghost round the ears for his stupidity!".
Harry grimaced knowing it was best not to interrupt his aunt in full flow "why didn't you tell someone?! why didn't you wait?! you could have died?!" she shook her head as tears formed "it would...kill me if that happened" she murmured much more softly "you and Lauren are the most precious things in this world to me".
Harry knew now was the right time to speak and so he said "I know auntie and I'm sorry" he took a deep breath knowing she would not like his next words but that he had to say them for it was the truth "but I would do it all over again if I had to".
His aunt gaped at him seemingly unable to believe he had actually said this. Realising she wouldn't cut in, Harry kept speaking "no one here believed us about the stone being in danger, literally no one and all because we're kids" he said furiously "if we hadn't acted tonight then Quirrell would have found a way to get the stone".
He knew the next part would sound odd for it sounded strange even to him...and he had been there!. But he knew that this too had to be said "and he didn't want it for himself either...he was trying to bring back Voldemort..." Harry hesitated "and Voldemort was there with him".
"What?!" both his aunt and uncle exclaimed while his cousin looked at him in confusion "how could Voldemort be there Harry? you beat him...killed him".
Harry shook his head "I know the three of you probably think I've lost it but...I know what I saw" he shuddered "I will never forget Quirrell unwrapping his turban to reveal...to reveal..." he paused for a long time before launching into a full explanation of everything that happened to he and his friends.
When he had finished speaking there was a grim look on his uncle's face as if Harry's words had proved right something he had believed "I always knew Voldemort would return one day" he said "so many people think him dead but such a man...he can't die that easily...his hate is too strong".
Harry's uncle looked deep into his green eyes "you must promise me to be careful Harry, for I do not think is the last time we shall see Voldemort attempt to return to a full body and full power".
Harry nodded his agreement. He would be on alert from now on. He did not want what happened three days ago to ever happen again if he could prevent it.
"Good boy" Uncle Jacob said as he and Aunt Mandy hugged Harry, a hug soon joined in by a happy Lauren and the four of them stayed like that for some time.
For some time more Harry dwelt in the Hospital Wing being visited by friends and family and being utterly bored rigid.
By the 19th of June Harry was practically climbing up the walls as well as feeling rather guilty for he had been visited the same day he woke up by the entire Gryffindor Quidditch Team, minus Wood who he'd been told was too down to come and see him.
Fred and George had explained that without Harry there to secure the snitch against Ravenclaw the Gryffindor Team had suffered it worst defeat in 300 years as Ravenclaw had scored one hundred and fifty points before taking the snitch to beat Harry's team by three hundred points to one hundred and twenty.
Despite the fact that none of the team blamed Harry and assured him as much in their many visits he still felt to blame for the whole thing as he second guessed his heroic actions in going after the stone, especially as the failure to win the Quidditch Cup cemented a last place finish for Gryffindor House.
That evening of the 19th a reluctant Madam Pomfrey released Harry from the Hospital Wing allowing him to attend the end of year feast, though if Harry was honest with himself he'd much rather have had a quiet evening in Gryffindor Tower.
As he exited the Hospital Wing Harry found a sight that cheered him up as his three best friends, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom were all there waiting for him and were holding up a banner that said "welcome back Harry".
"Hey guys" he said as he hugged Hermione and patted both Ron and Neville on the back (neither boy much liked hugs in front of others) "hey yourself" said Ron "how are you feeling now?" Hermione asked with her usual concern.
Harry smiled "I'm fine now" his face dropped "except for having to see Slytherin awarded the House Cup" he added suddenly feeling miserable again.
Ron clapped him on the back "no one blames you for it mate" he assured his best friend.
"Maybe you three don't" he replied miserably as they began to walk "but I bet the rest of the Gryffindor's do".
The four of them walked silently along as they headed to the Great Hall for the feast.
Twenty minutes later the four of them entered the Great Hall. Harry's guilt twisted into a tight knot in his stomach as he flicked his eyes up to the roof beams and the rows of green and silver snake adorned Slytherin banners.
Just as Harry had predicted the happy chatter on the four house tables ceased and turned to muttering as he and his three friends walked along the length of the aisle towards four free places at their house table.
What really made Harry upset wasn't the shunning of himself by his fellow Gryffindor's as they moved away from him but the sarcastic clapping and cheering from the Slytherins and the fact that his fellow Gryffindor's were also shunning his friends who held no fault at all.
Feeling utterly depressed Harry sat down alongside his friends at their house table. Fred and George both smiled at him trying to reassure him and that made him feel a little better...but not much.
As Harry and his friends turned their attention to the staff table, Professor Dumbledore stood up and used his hands to motion for quiet.
The hall fell silent as he began his speech "well another year has drawn to a close here at Hogwarts and it is time to award the House Cup as with every year".
The Slytherins broke out into loud cheers and taunts.
Dumbledore smiled and said "yes, yes, well done Slytherin, however...".
The moment that last word was uttered the cheers ceased at the Slytherin table as most of that house's students now looked confused.
"I believe that there are some last minute points to be awarded" the old wizard continued as Harry's face which had been downcast changed to a frown 'what's going on?' he wondered in puzzlement for Slytherin had won the House Cup and the Quidditch Cup so surely there was nothing more to be said...right?.
Dumbledore turned his attention to the Gryffindor table and Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville "first, to Mr Ronald Weasley for the best played game of chess Hogwarts has seen these many years I award Gryffindor House...fifty points".
As Ron shrank down into his seat in embarrassment the Gryffindor's were applauding him albeit in confused fashion while the Hufflepuff's sat silent and sullen having just been pushed out of third place.
"Second, to Miss Hermione Granger and Mr Neville Longbottom for showing calmness and intelligence in solving puzzles that would have fazed many adult wizards I collectively award Gryffindor House one hundred points".
Dumbledore now locked his eyes on Harry as the muttering around the hall increased and Hermione whispered "we're tied with Slytherin".
But it seemed that this tie situation would not last long for Dumbledore had one more surprise points award up his sleeve "and finally to Mr Harry Potter for sheer bravery in the face of evil and for protecting a most powerful magical object I award Gryffindor House...one hundred points".
The muttering was now at full force and Seamus said excitedly "that means we're thirty eight points ahead of Slytherin!".
"It does indeed Mr Finnegan" said Dumbledore, his bright blue eyes twinkling in amusement "and I believe therefore that a change of decoration is in order as Gryffindor are the House Champions for this year".
The old wizard clapped his hands once and the decorations changed from the green and silver of Slytherin to the red and gold of Gryffindor.
For a moment Harry was so shocked at the events of the last few moments that he did not react when he was clapped on the back and the entire Gryffindor table broke into applause, cheering and jubilant shouts of "we did it!" and "we're the champions!".
Once Harry had processed it however his face broke into the widest smile he'd had in a long time and that smile widened as he looked up at the staff table and met Dumbledore's eyes as the old wizard smiled faintly and lifted his goblet in a silent toast to him.
As Harry looked across towards where his Head of House Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape Head of Slytherin were sat he grinned and almost laughed at the sight of the triumphant Professor McGonagall receiving the House Cup from the greasy haired potions master who was scowling widely as he stiffly shook his fellow Professor's hand.
Snape's eyes locked on Harry's and he scowled more deeply before reluctantly clapping along with everyone else.
Nothing could make this moment better for Harry as he drank in the cheerful atmosphere and enjoyed the feast as Professor Dumbledore proclaimed "I have nothing more to say other than "enjoy the feast".
The next day was an early start for Harry and the rest of the boys in his dorm as they hunted for socks, books and other personal effects to make sure everything was packed and ready due to the train leaving Hogsmeade Station at eight am.
By seven am all five of them were packed and ready for the off and subsequently headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast, joined by Hermione on the way and all six of them were feeling very sleeping, even Hermione who usually had lots of energy.
Once they had had a quick breakfast they joined the throng of students heading for carriages or walking down the path from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade.
As they were walking Hermione said "promise you'll write to me this year the three of you" while Harry, Neville and Ron nodded Harry couldn't resist having a joke at Ron's expense for once "Hedwig will reach you no problem Hermione but I reckon the Weasley owl Errol might need a few days rest when he arrives".
Ron shook his head and grimaced "he's way too old to be delivering post by rights" he said "but mum and dad say it's too much expense to buy a new owl. He's a menace".
Harry, Neville and Hermione all laughed.
Soon the foursome reached the station and Harry grinned widely as he saw just who was shepherding students onto the train from the platform "hi Hagrid" he said as they walked up to their large friend and the others greeted him too.
"Hello yourselves" said Hagrid beaming "I'll miss ye four comin for tea each weekend" he said fondly.
"Well Uncle Jacob will still bring me and Ron to visit" said Harry. Hagrid nodded at that and then seemed to remember something "I've got something for you Harry" he said with a smile and reached into one of the pockets of his huge overcoat.
After a few moments of rummaging the half-giant pulled out what looked like a very old book. It was leatherbound in brown and on the front cover in gold lettering it said "James and Lily Potter Forever".
Harry felt choked up as Hagrid handed it to him "it's got a bunch old photographs of yer mum and dad and even a few of you in it when you were a baby" the large man told him as a tearful Harry said "thanks Hagrid" and hugged him tightly.
"Oh go on with yourself now" Hagrid said after a while as he pulled Harry away "you'll start me off in a minute, onto the train with ya".
Harry grinned as did the other three "see you soon Hagrid" they all called out as they boarded the train back to London.
As Harry took a seat some time later in an empty carriage and his friends started talking about the summer holidays he flipped open the photo album and smiled widely as drank in each photo including the first one of his parents holding hands, dancing and kissing each other in the snow.
"Do you think he really would have brought them back" Neville asked in a quiet voice as he moved up to sit opposite Harry.
Harry looked at him for a moment thoughtfully before shaking his head "no I don't Nev" he said "and as much as I wish I had them back I knew somehow they wouldn't want it to be that way".
Neville nodded sadly and that made Harry think about the fact that both had suffered as far as what had happened to their parents but at least Harry himself had his aunt, uncle and cousin while poor Neville had nothing "hey Nev" Neville who'd been lost in thought glanced up "wanna play some exploding snap?" he asked.
His new friend grinned and nodded as Harry pulled out a pack of exploding snap.
Ron and Hermione soon joined in the game and the four of them spent a very happy and carefree ride back to London.