A/N: Sorry for the year long hiatus I had gone on. I don't know how it slipped by.
Chapter 18: Through The Trap Door
When exams came, Cassia felt unprepared, despite studying very hard for them. It was disgustingly hot in the large classroom that the professors had them sit in so they can take the written test. They had been given quills that were bewitched an Anti-Cheating spell.
On top of that, the classroom was sweltering inside and the robes only added to the bit of sweat that was forming on her forehead. She had to put her hair in a ponytail because of the heat.
There were also the practical exams too.
Professor Sprout had given them an exam on how to properly take care of Crabgrass.
Professor Sinistra, the astronomy professor, had given them an exam on the constellations of the night sky and where they were located.
Professor Flitwick called them one by one into his class to see if they could make a pineapple tap-dance across a desk.
Professor McGonagall watched them turn a mouse into a snuff-box – points were given for how pretty the snuff-box was, but points were taken if it had whiskers.
Professor Snape apparently made the other students nervous by breathing down their necks when they made Forgetfulness Potions. However, when Cassia went in for her exam, Professor Snape had leaned against his desk and watched her closely.
Professor Binns had them answer questions about old wizards who'd invented self-stirring cauldrons. When he told them to sit their quills done, Cassia couldn't help but cheer with the others.
Cassia was sure she failed the exam because she just wanted to be done with it all. She was done studying almost every day and done with the amount of homework that the professors had given to them. However, she didn't care if she did.
When she finally was finally done with the exams, she knew that she can finally relax and hang out with her friends. She hadn't hung out with Terence and Adrian outside of the library or the Quidditch pitch when they would practise flying. Sure, she passed them in the hallways, but she usually smiled and waved at them, but she never really sought them out in the courtyard. She saw them in the courtyard together, talking to other members of the Quidditch team or sometimes other Slytherins.
Maybe she should go up to them some day to hang out with them but would it be weird for a first-year to seek out boys older than her? She decided to settle on doing that the next term.
So she and her friends joined the rest of the crowds that were heading outside.
"That was far easier than I thought it would be," said Hermione. "I needn't have learnt about the 1637 Werewolf Code of Conduct or the uprising of Elfric the Eager. Should I look through your exam papers?"
"No," replied Sally-Anne. "It would just make me even more nervous about my results."
Cassia nodded. She really didn't want to know how she did on the History of Magic exam. She just wanted to be done with everything. She spotted the Weasley twins and Lee Jordan tickling the tentacles of the giant squid, who was currently basking in the warm shallows.
Ron stretched out on the grass. "No more revision."
Cassia looked at Harry, "What's wrong with you?"
Harry was rubbing his forehead, "I wish I knew what this means! My scar keeps hurting – it's happened before, but never as often as this."
"Go to Madam Pomfrey," suggested Hermione.
"He's not ill," said Cassia. "I know what he looks like when he's ill. What's going on with your scar?"
"I think it's a warning…it means danger's coming…" said Harry.
"Harry, relax, Hermione's right, the Stone's safe as long as Dumbledore's around. Anyway, we've never had any proof Snape found out how to get past Fluffy. He nearly had his leg ripped off once; he's not going to try it again in a hurry. And Neville will play Quidditch for England before Hagrid lets Dumbledore down."
"That's a little harsh," said Lily crossing her arms. "Neville could play for England. Once he gets over his fear of flying."
"Well, more like once he got rid of his fear of everything," said Sally-Anne.
"I don't blame him. Everything's terrifying here," said Cassia.
Harry had to nod in agreement with that statement. They lulled into silence before Harry suddenly jumped to his feet, looking pale.
"What is it?" asked Cassia.
"I've just thought of something," said Harry. "We've got to go and see Hagrid, now."
"Why?" asked Hermione as they ran down to Hagrid's hut.
"Don't any of you think it's a bit odd that what Hagrid wants more than anything else is a dragon, and a stranger turns up who just happens to have an egg in his pocket? How many people wander around with dragon eggs if it's against wizard law? Lucky they found Hagrid, don't you think? Why didn't I see it before?"
"What are you on about?" asked Ron.
"You've got a point there," said Cassia. "That can't be a coincidence. This person had to know that Hagrid wanted a dragon."
"Exactly," said Harry, glad that someone caught on.
They finally got to the hut where Hagrid was shelling peas. He smiled at them, "Hullo. Finished yer exams? Got time fer a drink?"
"Yes, please," said Ron.
"Make that two," said Cassia.
"No, we're in a hurry," said Harry. "Hagrid, I've got to ask you something. You know that night you won Norbert? What did the stranger you were playing cards with look like?"
"Dunno," said Hagrid. "He wouldn't take his cloak off." Cassia looked at Hagrid blankly. "It's not that unusual, yeh get a lot o' funny folk in the Hog's Head – that's one of the pubs down in the village. Mighta bin a dragon dealer, mightn' he?"
"So you never saw his face?" asked Sally-Anne.
"He kept his hood up," said Hagrid.
Harry sank down on a chair by the peas, looking hopeless.
"Did you even talk about Hogwarts?" asked Lily.
"Mighta come up," said Hagrid. "Yeah…he asked what I did, an' I told him I was gamekeeper here….He asked a bit about the sorta creatures here…so I told him…an' I said what I'd always really wanted was a dragon…an' then…I can' remember too well, 'cause he kept buyin' me drinks…. Let's see…yeah, then he said he had the dragon egg an' we could play cards fer it if I wanted…but he had to be sure I could handle it, he didn't want it ter go ter any old home… So I told him, after Fluffy, a dragon would be easy."
"Was this guy interested in Fluffy? Like at all?" asked Cassia.
"Well – yeah – how many three-headed dogs d'yeh meet, even around Hogwarts? So I told him, Fluffy's a piece o' cake if yeh know how to calm him down, jus' play him a bit o' music an' hel'' go straight off ter sleep—" Hagrid looked horrified. "I shouldn'ta told yeh that!"
Cassia took off running to the school with the others following behind her.
"Hey – where're yeh goin'?" called Hagrid.
They finally made it to the Entrance Hall. Lily and Sally-Anne were holding their sides as they panted.
"We've got to go to Dumbledore," said Harry. "Hagrid told that stranger how to get past Fluffy and it was either Snape or Voldemort – why did you flinch, Cassy? It must've been easy, once he'd got Hagrid drunk. I just hope Dumbledore believes us. Firenze might back us up if Bane doesn't stop him."
"At this point, I think they kicked him out of the colony. He wasn't happy that we had to get a ride from him," said Cassia.
"Anyway, where's Dumbledore's office?" asked Harry. "Terence or Adrian must've told you."
Cassia started, "I think—"
"What are you lot doing inside?" called Professor McGonagall. She was carrying a large stack of books.
"We want to see Professor Dumbledore," Hermione said bravely.
"See Professor Dumbledore?" repeated Professor McGonagall. "Why?"
"It's sort of secret," said Harry.
Professor McGonagall's nose flared. "Professor Dumbledore left ten minutes ago. He received an urgent owl fm the Ministry of Magic and flew off for London at once."
"This is about the Philosopher's Stone," Cassia blurted out.
And for the second time, Cassia was the reason why the books that the professor was holding fell down again.
Cassia, Sally-Anne, and Lily crouched down to gather the books.
Professor McGonagall spluttered, "How do you know—?"
"Professor, I think – I know – that Sn—" Harry got hit in the leg by his sister, "that someone's going to try and steal the Stone. I've got to talk to Professor Dumbledore."
"Professor Dumbledore will be back tomorrow," said Professor McGonagall. "I don't know how you found out about the Stone, but rest assured, no one can possibly steal it, it's too well protected."
"Except Hagrid accidentally told someone how to get past Fluffy when he was down in Hog's Head," said Lily. "This person was buying Hagrid drinks and it might have slipped out."
"This castle is well-guarded," said Professor McGonagall. "No one can't get in, I assure you."
"Unless it's one of the teachers," said Cassia. "I have my bets on Quirrel. Adrian and Terence told me how no Defence teacher returns for a second year."
"That is enough," said Professor McGonagall taking the books back that the girls had gathered. "Go outside and enjoy the sunshine."
Instead they didn't go outside.
"It's going to be tonight," said Harry. "Snape knows how to get past Fluffy and Dumbledore is out of the way. I bet the Ministry will get a real shock when Dumbledore turns up."
Hermione gasped and they turned around to see Snape was standing there.
"Good afternoon," said Snape.
"You shouldn't be inside on a day like this," said Snape with a twisted smile that even made Cassia uncomfortable. Harry looked like he didn't even know what to say. "You want to be more careful. Hanging around like this, people will think you're up to something. And Gryffindor really can't afford to lose any more points, can they? Especially the Hufflepuffs, with the way Miss Potter keeps getting detention." He seemed to glower at Cassia.
"Leave her alone," said Harry
Cassia was sure that Snape was mad at Slytherin losing to Hufflepuff during their Quidditch match. Terence didn't even bother playing, since he was going to get kicked off the team so there wasn't any point on trying. It was like one last crude gesture to the team before getting replaced.
Cassia didn't blame him one bit over the game. It was genius, even though it didn't really feel fair since Terence didn't even bother trying.
Snape seemed to glare at Harry, "Be warned – any more night-time wanderings and I will personally make sure you and your sister are expelled. Good day to you."
He strode off towards the direction of the staff room.
"Let's go," said Sally-Anne.
They headed outside onto the stone steps.
Harry looked at them, "Right, here's what we've got to do. One of us has got to keep an eye on Snape – wait outside the staff room and follow him if heave it. Hermione, you'd better do that."
"Why me?" asked Hermione.
"It's obvious," said Ron. "You can pretend to be waiting for Professor Flitwick, you know –" using a high pitched voice, he said, "'Oh Professor Flitwick, I'm so worried, I think I got question fourteen b wrong…"
"Oh, shut up," said Hermione, "I'll go and watch out of for Snape."
"Lily, Sally-Anne, and I will wait out here to make it less suspicious," said Cassia.
Ten boring minutes later, Harry and Ron returned outside, looking dejected.
"What happened?" asked Lily.
"Professor McGonagall found us at the door on the third-floor corridor," said Harry. "She threatened to remove fifty house points from us if she ever finds us near the third-floor corridor again."
Sally-Anne groaned, "Now what?"
"I have to get the Stone first," Harry said.
"What?" exclaimed Cassia. "You can't! You'll get expelled!"
"So what?" Harry shouted, and winced as Cassia recoiled a little. "Sorry, Lissy, but if Snape gets that Stone first, Voldemort's coming back! You heard what it was like when he tried taking over. He'll come back for us both. He'll destroy Hogwarts or turn it into a school for the Dark Arts. If I get caught and get sent back to the Dursleys, I'll have to wait for Voldemort there, but I don't even care about that. I'll never go to the Dark Side. Never."
"You made your point," said Cassia. "And I demand that you take me with you to get the Stone."
"I don't want you to get expelled," said Harry. "Here is better than with the Dursleys."
"Anywhere is better than with the Dursleys," Cassia said, "But Hogwarts wouldn't be the same without you."
Harry smiled a little.
"Will the cloak fit all of us, though?" asked Ron, looking at Sally-Anne and Lily.
"I'm staying back," Lily said.
"Me too," said Sally-Anne. "We can wait for Dumbledore if he came back and we can tell him where you're at."
"Sounds like a plan," replied Harry.
"I'm going to need the invisibility cloak," said Cassia. "I can meet you at the portrait entrance at a specific time, so you don't waste time going down to the basement then to the third corridor."
"Good idea," Harry said.
After dinner, Harry slipped Cassia the invisibility cloak, and she waited in the common room, waiting for everyone to slowly trickle out, before she left through the barrels. She put on the cloak before leaving through the door and going upstairs. She waited outside the portrait of the Fat Lady who was sleeping.
The Fat Lady jerked awake when the door opened and Cassia hurriedly put it over them to cover them.
At the foot of the first set, they saw Mrs Norris skulking about.
"Oh, let's kick her, just this once," Ron whispered.
"That's horrible," whispered Cassia. "Would you like it if I threw Scabbers down a flight of stairs?"
Ron stayed silent on that.
When they got to the third floor, Peeves was loosening the carpet.
"Who's there?" he said as they climbed towards him. "Know you're there, even if I can't see you. Are you ghoulie or ghostie or wee student beastie?" He rose in the air. "Should call Filch, I should, if something's a-creeping around unseen."
"Peeves," Cassia said in a low, hoarse whisper. Peeves seemed to sit up straighter. Cassia spoke louder, "Peeves, you will answer when the Bloody Baron calls for you."
Peeves almost fell out of the air, but he caught himself. "So sorry, your bloodiness, Mr Baron, sir. My mistake, my mistake – I didn't see you – of course I didn't, you're invisible – forgive old Peevsie his little joke, sir."
"I have business in the part of the castle, Peeves. If you interfere again I bet you don't want a repeat of what happened last time. Is that clear?" Cassia continued, trying to keep the charade up pretending to be the Bloody Baron.
"I will, sir, I most certainly will," said Peeves. "Hope your business goes well, Baron, I'll not bother you again." He took off.
"That was brilliant, Cassia," said Ron.
"Thanks," replied Cassia. "Adrian and Terence told me that the Bloody Baron is the only person Peeves will listen to."
"Okay," said Harry. He looked at the door that was open ajar. "Snape's already got past Fluffy." He looked at others, "If you want to go back, I won't blame you. You can take the cloak, I won't need it now."
"You're being a prat," said Cassia. "We're going with you whether you like it or not." Hermione and Ron nodded.
Harry pushed the door to make it even more open and looked in.
There was low rumbling growls coming from inside and Cassia managed to peer in. The dog's noses were sniffing madly in their direction, even though it looked like it was sleeping.
"What's that at its feet?" asked Hermione.
"Looks like a harp," said Ron. "Snape must have left it there."
Cassia rolled her eyes.
"It must wake up the moment you stop playing," said Harry. "Well, here goes…" He put the flute that Hagrid made to his lips and blew. He didn't play a tune but the sound made Fluffy's eyes droop.
Fluffy growls ceased and the dog seemed to totter on it legs and then it laid down to sleep.
"Keep playing," Ron warned Harry, removing the invisibility cloak.
"No duh," said Cassia.
They moved towards the trap door.
"I think we'll be able to pull the door open," Said Ron. "Want to go first, Hermione?"
"No, I don't!" Hermione snapped.
"Move," said Cassia. She stepped carefully over Fluffy's legs and pulled the ring of the trapdoor open.
She jumped in and landed with a flump onto something soft. It felt like a plant.
"Its okay!" she called. "It's a soft landing!"
Harry jumped, then Ron.
"What's this stuff?" asked Ron.
"Dunno, sort of plant thing. I suppose it's here to break the fall. Come on, Hermione!"
The distance music stopped, Fluffy barked, and then Hermione landed right beside Harry.
"We must be miles under the school," Hermione said.
"Lucky this plant thing's here, really," said Ron.
"Lucky!" shrieked Hermione. "Look at you three!"
She leaped up and struggled towards the wall, because the plant had twisted snake-like tendrils around her ankles.
The tendrils had wrapped around Harry's and Ron's legs, but it was creeping up Cassia's belly.
Cassia struggled and the plant's tendrils moved up her ribs.
"Stop moving!" Hermione ordered. "I know what this is – it's Devil's Snare!"
"Oh, I'm so glad we know what it's called, that's a great help," snarled Ron.
"Shut up, I'm trying to remember how to kill it!" said Hermione.
"Light a fire!" Cassia recalled. The Devil's Snare's tendril wrapped around her mouth.
"Yes – of course – but there's no wood!" Hermione cried.
"Have you gone mad? Are you a witch or not?" Ron yelled.
"Oh, right," said Hermione. She took out her wand and waved it. A bright light emitted from it and the tendrils shrank back, letting go of Cassia. She hauled her butt over to where Hermione, not wanting to get back with the Devil's Snare.
"Lucky you pay attention in Herbology, Cassy," said Harry.
"Yeah, but I could've realised what it was a lot sooner though," said Cassia.
"This way," said Harry, pointing down a stone passageway that was the only way to continue.
There was a gentle drip of water trickling down the walls and the passageway sloped downwards.
"Can you hear something?" Ron whispered.
Cassia tried to listen. There was a soft rustling and clinking coming up from ahead.
"It sounds like…wings," Cassia whispered.
They reached the end of the passageway and they were in another brilliantly lit chamber. The ceiling arched above them and there was small, jewel-bright birds fluttering and tumbling around. Opposite of them was a heavy-wooden door.
"Do you think they'll attack us if we cross the room?" asked Ron.
"Probably," said Harry. "They don't look very vicious, but I suppose if they all swooped down at once… Well, there's nothing for it… I'll run."
Harry ran across the chamber, but he was unharmed. He pulled the door handle, but it was locked. Hermione tried the Alohomora Charm, but it still wouldn't open.
Cassia looked at the birds, they looked off. They were glittering.
"Now what?" asked Ron.
"These birds…they can't be here just for decoration," said Hermione.
"I don't think they're birds," Cassia said.
"They're not birds!" Harry said. "They're keys! Winged keys – look carefully. So that must mean…" He looked around, "Yes – look! There's a broomstick! One of us has to catch the key to the door!"
Cassia said, "But there are loads of them! How do we know which one is the correct one?"
Ron was looking at the door, "We're looking for a big, old fashioned one – probably silver, like the handle."
"I see it!" said Harry, pointing. "The one with the broken wing!" He looked at the broom.
"What's wrong, Harry?" asked Hermione.
"It's too simple," said Harry.
"Come on," said Cassia. "If anyone can catch the key on that broomstick, you can."
"Yeah, you're the youngest Seeker in a century!"
Harry grabbed the handle of the broomstick and the keys seemed to grow hostile and flew at Harry. He got on the broomstick swatting at the keys.
"This complicates things a bit!" said Ron.
"You think?" Cassia said.
"For a Hufflepuff, you're grumpy," said Ron.
Harry flew off and went after the key, with the others following after him. He caught the key, "Cassy! Catch!"
He tossed the key and Cassia grabbed it. Harry flew away with the other keys and Cassia had to cram the key in the lock, whispering apologies to the wriggling key.
"Hurry up!" Ron urged.
"Shut it, Weasley!" Cassia snapped as she turned the key. The door unlocked, the key took off again, looking even more battered.
They rushed through it, followed by Harry.
"Close it!" Cassia urged and they closed the door, right as there was thumping sounds, which sounded like the keys rammed into the doors.
The next chamber was much darker.
When they walked in, the chamber lit up to reveal that they were standing on the edge of a huge chessboard, behind the black chessman, which was taller than them. They looked to have been carved out of black stone. Facing them on the opposite end were the white chessmen.
"This has to be McGonagall's," Cassia said. "The Devil's Snare was obviously Professor Sprout's, the keys had to have been Professor Flitwick's, and now this is McGonagall's. The next one either has to be Snape's or Quirrell's."
"Okay, but now what do we have to do?" asked Harry.
"It's obvious, isn't it?" asked Ron. "We've got to play our way across the room."
Right behind the white pieces was another door.
"How?" asked Hermione.
"I think, we're going to have to be chessmen," said Ron. He went to a black knight and touched the horse. The stone sprang to life and the horse pawed the ground. The knight turned his head to look down at Ron. He asked, "Do we – er – have to join you to get across?"
The knight nodded.
Ron looked at the others, "Now, don't be offended or anything, but neither of you are that good at chess—"
"We're not offended," said Harry. "Just tell us what to do."
"Well, Harry, you take that place of that bishop, and Hermione, you'll be the Queen's side castle. As for me and Cassia, we'll be knights."
She had to climb up on the knight's horse and grabbed onto the reigns of the horse.
"What happens now?" asked Hermione.
"Well, white moves first, and then…we play," said Ron.
A white pawn moved forward.
"Ron, you don't suppose this is going to be like…real wizard's chess, do you?" asked Hermione.
"It has to be," said Cassia.
"You there! D-5!" Ron said.
A black pawn moved forward, diagonal to the white pawn. The pawn raised its swords and smashes the black pawn.
Cassia almost fell off the horse in shock and horror. "Yes, Hermione, I think this is going to be exactly like wizard's chess!"
It was completely terrifying as the pieces decimated each other into pieces and dust.
The game continued, and Ron was quick to move them out of harm's way when he noticed what happened.
At last the white queen had turned to look at Ron.
"Yes…It's the only way…I've got to be taken," Ron said softly.
"No!" Harry and Hermione shouted.
"That's chess!" snapped Ron. "You've got to make some sacrifices! I'll make my move and she'll take me – that leaves you free to checkmate the king, Harry!"
Harry started, "But—"
"Do you want to stop Snape or not?" asked Ron.
Harry started again, "Ron—"
"Look, if you don't hurry up, he'll already have the Stone!" Ron interrupted.
It was rather nice having someone willing to sacrifice themselves for her brother. It was the mark of a good friend. She wondered if her friends would do the same thing for her if it came down to it.
"Ready?" called Ron. "Here I go – now, don't hang around once you've won. Knight…to H-3."
The horse moved forward, stopping.
"Check," said Ron.
The queen turned, advanced, and stopped. The queen smashed it's sword into the horse, causing Ron to scream as he fell down. He landed on the floor.
"Ron!" yelled Harry. Hermione went to go after him. Harry turned and yelled, "No! Don't move! Don't forget, we're still playing!"
Hermione moved back.
Harry walked back to stand in front of the king and said, "Checkmate."
The King's sword fell down in front of Harry.
Cassia got down from the horse and ran for Ron. He seemed to have been unconscious.
Harry and Hermione came up to them.
"Take care of Ron. Then go to the owlery. Send a message to Dumbledore," said Harry.
"You'll be okay, you two," said Hermione. "It has to be you two. You're both good at magic."
"What about you?" asked Harry. "You're loads smarter than me."
"You've got a sister who's pretty clever. Besides, there are more important things than books and being smart…like friendship…bravery…family. Harry, Cassia, please do be careful."
"You too," Cassia said.
They headed into the next chamber that had an awful smell coming from and had a troll that was unconscious. It was even bigger than the one they had fought on Hallowe'en.
"I'm glad that we didn't have to wrestle it," Cassia said.
"Me too," said Harry.
That had to have been Quirrell's challenge.
They made it to the other door and Cassia opened it.
There wasn't much in the chamber. There was seven different shaped bottles in a line on a table.
As soon as they stepped over the threshold, purple fire erupted behind them, and in front of them, black sprung up in front of them.
They were trapped.
Cassia noticed a scroll beside the bottles and picked it up. She unrolled it.
"Danger lies before you, while safety lies behind,
Two of us will help you, whichever you would find,
One among us seven will let you move ahead
Another will transport the drinker back instead,
Two among our number hold only nettle wine,
Three of us are killers, waiting hidden in line.
Choose, unless you wish to stay here for evermore,
To help you in your choice, we give you these clues four:
First, however slyly the poison tries to hide
You will always find some on nettle wine's left side;
Second, different are those who stand at either end,
But if you would move onwards, neither is your friend;
Third, as you see clearly, all are different size,
Neither dwarf nor giant holds death in their insides;
Fourth, the second left and the second on the right
Are twins once you taste them, though different at first sight."
"Okay," said Harry. "Can you figure it out?"
"I'll try," said Cassia. "So, one of the bottles is to go forward, one to go back, two nettle wines, and three poisons."
"All right," said Harry.
Cassia reread the clues, "The first clue says that the poison is always to the left of the nettle wine. The last clue says that the second left and second are twins. The only liquid that has a twin is the nettle one. So…that means that the first bottle is poison, the second bottle is wine, the fifth bottle is poison and the sixth bottle is wine."
"That leaves the third, fourth and seventh bottles," said Harry.
"Okay, the second clue says that bottles on the ends are different. The first is poison, and we've figured out the wines. Meaning that the last bottle is one of the potions we're looking for. The clue also says that it won't help us going forward…meaning that the last bottle will us get back," Cassia explained.
"Okay, that leaves two more," said Harry.
"So, either the third and fourth has to be a potion," said Cassia. "The other one helps us go forward. Now for the third clue, this says that neither dwarf nor giant holds death in their insides. Well, since bottle number three is the smallest, it's not poison. The potion to go forwards is number three, Harry."
"You did great, Cassy," said Harry.
Cassia took the third bottle and looked at Harry. "Good luck, Harry."
"Thanks," said Harry.
Cassia hugged him and he hugged her back.
"You better come back to me alive. If you die, I will punch you," Cassia said.
Harry chuckled. "I promise."
Cassia let go of Harry and took a drink of her potion. It made her go cold all over and she shivered. She walked through the purple fire.