Chapter Ten – The Devil's Snare

The end of term was approaching faster than any of the first years could have anticipated, and exams were right around the corner. With Norbert safely packed away to Romania, Harry was free to think only of his studies. That is, if he had been a normal student. For Harry, end of term meant not only exams, but the final deadline to get his hands on the Philosopher's Stone.

Blaise and Millie were ready to give up on the plan altogether.

"Face it Harry," Blaise said as he suffered through another grueling essay assigned to them by Professor McGonagall, "There's just no way a bunch of first years could master the magic necessary to break through the teachers' enchantments, even if we did know what they all were."

"That's not true," Harry argued, "We figured out what Flitwick was hiding easily enough. And I've been practicing with the snitch, so I think I have a good chance of catching the key."

Blaise grabbed his parchment, now speckled with many ink blots and crossed-out words. He shook it under Harry's face,.

"Well, there's no way McGonagall is going to leave a big fat clue lying around! Not to mention Snape and the rest of them!"

"But we already know about Fluffy! And we've learned loads about dangerous magical plants, so I'm sure that whatever Sprout's used..."

"Drop it, Harry," Blaise said flatly.

Millie paused in the process of classifying different magical herbs by leaf shape in order to weigh in on their conversation, "On the positive side, I think I'm actually going to pass the herbology exam. So all of our work wasn't a total loss."

Harry sighed in frustration and stood up from their table. He couldn't bear his friends' sudden apathy for their long talked-of scheme. Stuffing his unfinished essay into his bag, he stalked away without looking back.

Harry couldn't understand how Blaise and Millie lost interest in a plan they'd been forming all year just because a few exams were approaching. He guessed that Blaise must be under a lot of pressure from his mother to perform well, and lately it seemed that Snape's dislike for Harry was spilling over onto those whom Harry spent the most time with. Blaise was as good at potions as the rest of the Slytherin students, but Snape always had some sneering comment to make about his draughts. Perhaps Blaise was starting to resent his friendship with Harry?

Harry snorted at the thought. He knew he was being ridiculous.

As Harry contemplated a way to reinvigorate the interest his friends once held in the stone, he was stopped by the sound of whimpering coming from a nearby classroom. Slowing his steps, Harry moved closer, wondering who it was.

"No... No... Not again, p-please..."

The voice was unmistakably Professor Quirrell. Harry could tell by the stutter. It sounded as though someone was threatening him, and Harry would bet 100 galleons that it was Snape. He drew closer, but Quirrell suddenly burst through the doorway. He was pale and his hands shook as he quickly adjusted his turban. Harry thought he looked to be on the verge of tears.

The professor was so distracted he didn't notice Harry standing only a few feet away, and in the next moment he fled down the hall. Harry peered into the abandoned classroom and saw nothing but a door at the other end of the room, slightly ajar. Harry was certain Snape must have used it to make his own escape.

The scenario didn't bode well. Quirrell looked as if he had reached the end of his rope. If he hadn't told Snape about whatever enchantment he conjured for Dumbledore before, he certainly had now. And what was worse, if Quirrell knew anything about the other enchantments, Snape would soon have all the information he needed to steal the stone.

Harry couldn't stand the thought of it, and he continued to brood over the matter for the rest of the morning, even when his friends finally left the library to join him. They found him by the side of the lake, lazily watching his little golden snitch buzz around his head before occasionally snatching it out of the air with lightning quick speed.

Blaise gave a low whistle as Harry performed a particularly impressive catch, seemingly without being aware of it.

"At least you're a shoo-in for the Quidditch team next year."

Harry gave a small grunt, but made no comment. He continued to stare over the lake, lost in thought.

"You aren't still thinking of the stone, are you?" Millie asked, hitting the truth exactly.

"No..." Harry lied unconvincingly.

Blaise and Millie exchanged a look. Blaise looked like he was prepared to give Harry a lecture on letting things go, but they were interrupted by the sudden presence of Hagrid, who was armed with a large crossbow.

"'Lo there, you lot," Hagrid said gruffly. He appeared to have recovered somewhat from Norbert's loss, "Good ter see you outside on a nice day like this. But I'da though yeh'd be studyin', what with exams an all."

Blaise groaned, "Do not remind me of exams! If I have to memorize another star chart, I'm gonna scream!"

"What are you up to, Hagrid?" Harry said, deeming it suitable to change the subject. He gave the crossbow a meaningful look.

A cloud crossed over Hagrid's usually rosy face.

"Oh, well... Nothin' fer you ter concern yerselves over. I've jus got some... Well, I've got ter go inter the forest tonight and see about a unicorn."

"A unicorn?" Millie asked with interest.

"The forest?" asked Blaise, sitting up straighter, "Not the Forbidden Forest, Hagrid?"

"Right, tha's the one," Hagrid said. "Been spottin' unicorn blood in the trees. One of 'ems been hurt real bad, and I aim to find it and nurse it back to health, if I can."

"But how'd it get hurt?" Blaise asked, "I mean, I thought they were supposed to be... Well, pretty tough."

"Unicorns are?" Harry asked.

"They are tough," Hagrid conceded, "Which is why I'm worried. This isn't the first unicorn to be hurt like this. I think somethin' might be huntin' them."

"That can't be right," Millie said, "Unicorns have no natural enemies."

"Exactly," Hagrid said. He looked shiftily from side to side, as if checking to make sure they would not be overheard, although they were clearly the only people sitting on that side of the lake. Only when he was sure they were alone did he continue in a whisper, "This is unnatural. Unicorn blood is very valuable. I think whatever's doing this is tryina take their blood on purpose."

"Do you need any help out there, Hagrid?" Harry asked, thinking that the gamekeeper's job seemed rather dangerous, even for someone as large as Hagrid.

"Yeah, we can help you track the unicorn," Blaise said. Millie nodded in agreement.

"Are yeh crazy?" Hagrid exclaimed, "I can't go lettin' a bunch of kids wander into the forest after dark! It's forbidden to yeh!"

Blaise shrugged, "Yeah, you're right. Letting a bunch of first years wander around that forest would be pretty irresponsible.

"I'm glad I'm not going," said Millie.

"This is a school for children," Harry affirmed.

"Righ', well. Tha's more like it..." Hagrid said gruffly, no doubt thinking it was about time his young friends learned to stop meddling.

"Let us know what you find out there!" Blaise called as Hagrid walked away. He then flopped onto the grass next to Harry, looking very much as if he planned to take a nap.

"Are you seriously falling asleep?" Millie asked as she braided blades of grass together absently.

"Why not? It's the perfect weather for it. And after a morning of nothing but studying, a nap is what we need, right Harry?"

But Harry's attention had been arrested elsewhere. He had been staring listlessly at the Herbology greenhouses, wondering what dangerous plant could be hidden in the corridor beyond Fluffy, when he noticed two figures making their way from the castle to the glass structures. He recognized the short, plump figure of Professor Sprout instantly, though the tottering figure in her wake was a mystery to him.

"I'll be right back," Harry said, pulling his father's cloak out of his pack. He had started carrying it nearly everywhere he went, for just such occasions as this.

Blaise, reclined on the grass, cracked one eye open to observe. Noticing the cloak, he said in a cautious tone, "The stone?"

"There's someone going to the greenhouses with Professor Sprout," Harry explained, "If I can just sneak in there, maybe I'll figure out what it is she's hiding."

Blaise closed his eyes and waved his hand dismissively, "Do what you want, Harry. I for one am going to try to enjoy the rest of term peacefully."

"You're going alone?" Millie asked, confirming Harry's suspicion that she had no intention of joining him, either.

"I guess so," Harry said huffily, "If I'm not back in thirty minutes, come find me."

"Sure, sure," Blaise said sleepily, rolling onto his side. Millie gave him a thumbs up.

Harry paused just long enough to glance on all sides, just as Hagrid had done only a few minutes before. Certain that he wouldn't be observed, he threw the cloak over his head and set off for the greenhouses.

He worried that the professor and her companion had already reached their destination and shut the door against him, so it was with relief that he found them loitering just outside the fourth building. Professor Sprout was busy balancing a small glass tank on top of the books Neville Longbottom held for her. Longbottom's face was already bright red and sweaty from the exertion of carrying the heavy texts, but he accepted the added weight uncomplainingly as Professor Sprout used her newly freed hands to dig her wand out from her robes.

"There we are!" Professor Sprout exclaimed happily. Harry watched from under the cloak as she waved her wand, performing a wordless spell which caused the door to swing wide open. She stood aside as Longbottom staggered across the threshold. Harry was close behind, slipping in just before Professor Sprout allowed the door to swing shut again.

"You can put the books down over there," Professor Sprout said in her usual merry voice, "Thank you again for your help!"

"N-No problem professor," replied the Gryffindor, hefting the stack onto a wooden table with a grunt.

"Oh, not the case, dear. That belongs in the shade. Let's see... Do you mind putting it in the cabinet for now?"

Longbottom looked into the glass case and gave a start. Harry tried to peer inside, but he feared getting too close. If he bumped into Longbottom he'd be discovered, and he'd have a hard time explaining what he was doing running around under an invisibility cloak in the Herbology greenhouse. From his vantage point, he could see only a small, twisted green lump.

Despite his hesitation, Longbottom obediently lifted the case and carried it carefully to the cabinet, holding it away from his body all the while. Harry was curious to see what kind of plant made the Gryffindor so nervous, but Longbottom shut the cabinet door after depositing the case safely inside. He wiped the perspiration from his forehead and gave a sigh before turning back to the professor.

"Now then, you had some questions about the Herbology assignment last week..." Professor Sprout said, turning to her student with a smile.

"Yes, Professor..." Longbottom said timidly, "But first... Can I ask..."

His gaze kept darting to the cabinet in the corner. Harry, his curiosity getting the better of him, edged a bit closer. He didn't want to miss a word of their conversation.

"Yes? Speak up, Mr. Longbottom!"

"Sorry, just... That was Devil's Snare, wasn't it?"

"Oh, very well spotted! Five points to Gryffindor!"

"Thank you, professor... But... Isn't it very dangerous?"

"Oh, a fully mature plant, yes. But that's just a small clipping. Harmless, harmless!"

"But..." Longbottom started to say, but Professor Sprout cut him off.

"Not to worry!" she sang, "Now, what was it you wanted to ask me about? Mind you, I won't be saying a word about answers to the exam quetions! Not that you need the extra help, eh Mr. Longbottom?"

Longbottom's ears colored bright red. He was busy stammering that he would never presume to asked the professor such questions as she laughingly led him back out of the greenhouse.

Harry waited until their voices had long faded away before removing his cloak. Tucking it under his robes, he crept toward the cabinet and carefully opened the door. Longbottom had placed the small glass tank into a far corner. Harry's curiosity had been peaked when he heard Longbottom speak of a dangerous plant, but as he stared at the little mass of green vines, he couldn't help but think the nervous Gryffindor had been exaggerating. The tiny plant hardy seemed threatening. Even now it was just sitting in its glass enclosure, looking for all the world like normal, garden-variety ivy...

Harry's train of thought was interrupted when he noticed something odd. He'd been certain that the plant had been coiled in the middle of the tank when he'd seen Neville carrying it before. It was now squished in one corner, as if it has been jostled by Longbottom in the transition to its current resting place. Harry leaned closer, and he could see that one of the little vines had disentangled itself from the rest, and had actually climbed along the tank's corner toward the open top. Harry was amazed that the vine had moved so far in such a short span of time. Even as he watched, the little vine began its progress again, a small, leafy tip poking over the top of its glass enclosure.

Harry stared at it, entranced. Hardly realizing what he was doing, he lifted one hand and slowly extended it toward the vine. He wondered what the leaves would feel like if he touched them... They seemed so soft...

But no sooner had his finger brushed a single leaf than the plant suddenly wrapped itself entirely around his finger. Harry jerked his hand back in surprise. To his horror, the plant did not let go. Instead, the rest of the plant was pulled along with the first vine, and the small mass began to unravel. More vines twisted themselves around his fingers until his entire hand was ensnared. Harry shook his hand in frustration, but the plant would not come loose. Frantically, he used his free hand to pull his wand from his pocket and pointed it at the green menace. But he couldn't think of a spell that would expel the plant without risking injury to himself.

Harry staggered back from the cabinet, the Devil's Snare still gripping him tightly. He was starting to lose feeling in his fingertips. But as soon as he stepped back into the sunlight, the plant's grip loosened. Harry remembered Professor Sprout ordering Longbottom to put the plant in the shade, and he thrust his hand higher, as if to put the plant a little closer to the sun.

Fortunately, it worked. The plant went slack in the sunlight. Harry gathered it in his palm and tossed it recklessly into the cabinet, where the poor thing shied back into the cool shadows. Harry gave it one final glare and slammed the cabinet doors. There was no doubt in his mind which plant Professor Sprout had hidden within the school. If the clipping could be so troublesome, what danger did a full grown Devil's Snare pose?

Harry was still ruminating when a sudden voice broke his concentration.

"Harry Potter?"

Harry flinched, spinning on the spot. His fear at being caught was immediately quenched when he saw that it was only Neville Longbottom, returned to the greenhouse without the professor.

"Oh... Longbottom, what are you doing here?" Harry said, lowering the wand he had raised in defense.

Longbottom was staring at Harry as if he'd sprouted two heads. He lifted a small glass orb in his hand and showed Harry the red smoke-like contents swirling inside.

"I forgot my textbook," Neville explained, inching toward the pile of books he'd been carrying for Professor Sprout. Harry watched impassively as Neville extracted a book from the bottom of the pile.

"Professor Sprout told me I could come back and fetch it," Longbottom directed a curious glance at Harry, "What are you doing here?"

The implication was obvious. Longbottom had a reason to be there. Harry didn't. Thinking fast, Harry tried to think of a plausible excuse that the Gryffindor would believe.

"I'm really into plants," was the best he could come up with.

To his surprise, Longbottom brightened.

"Really?" he asked excitedly.

"I don't know a lot," Harry said quickly, realizing that if Longbottom started to question him his lie would be revealed, "It's a budding interest... I'm trying to branch out..."

There was a beat where Longbottom did nothing but stare at him, and Harry wondered if his ruse had been found out already. Then Longbottom burst into laughter.

"That's a good one!" he said, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes.

Harry was dumbfounded. Longbottom thought he was funny? Was he funny?!

"I had no idea!" Longbottom exclaimed when he'd regained control over himself, "Did you come to ask Professor Sprout about the last assignment, too? The singing leaves of the siren-sagebrush had me totally stumped!"

"Actually... I wanted to asked about..." Harry stammered, then an idea occurred to him. Longbottom seemed to know quite a bit about plants. After all, he had correctly identified the dangerous little specimen currently locked in the cabinet.

"Longbottom, I want you to tell me everything you know about the Devil's Snare," Harry said boldly.

Longbottom, simple and trusting by nature, shone with enthusiasm. He was only too happy to fulfill Harry's request. Harry thought he'd lucked out, until he realized that Longbottom knew more about the Devil's Snare than he'd anticipated. The two made their way back the castle together, while Longbottom yammered without pause, sharing all the trivia he'd absorbed about the plant, with a few digressions about famous botanists who'd been strangled by it.

"Yes, but how do you defeat it?" Harry said in exasperation after Longbottom had talked for a full twenty minutes.

"Defeat it?"

"I mean, what if it, you know... Snares you? How can you get away?"

Longbottom thought about his answer carefully.

"Well, it can't stand the sun. So long as you can crawl into some sunlight before you suffocate, you're fine."

"But what if it isn't sunny? What if it's dark, or you're inside?" Harry asked, thinking of the chamber in which Fluffy was kept.

Longbottom thought even harder about this question.

"Well, there is a spell Hermione taught me," Longbottom said, referring to the student Harry only knew as a bossy know-it-all who'd nearly been killed by a troll on Halloween.

"Only... I haven't had much practice," Longbottom added.

"Can you show me?"

Neville gave an embarrassed nod and pulled out his wand. He held it before him with a trembling hand.

"You might want to stand back... My magic's a little..."

Harry didn't need an explanation. He'd seen enough of Longbottom's potions blow up in his face during class with Snape to have a pretty good idea of what his wandwork would be like. Harry took several steps back and watched while Neville held his fist before his mouth, clearing his throat.

"Lumos Solem!" he exclaimed with a sweeping motion of his arm.

Harry had expected the spell to fizzle out entirely, but instead they were both blinded by a sudden flash of dazzling light. Spots popped in Harry's vision as the after image faded away. He took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes, as if to expel the floating bubbles now plaguing his sight.

"Sorry," Longbottom mumbled. He was also rubbing his eyes, "That was a little more powerful than I intended."

"No, it was brilliant. Literally," Harry said.

He was thrilled. If Longbottom could manage the spell, so could he. The Devil's Snare didn't stand a chance.

Longbottom looked at him with watering eyes, then he dissolved into a fit of giggles. Harry grinned back at him, pleased that his second joke was as well accepted as the first.

"You know," Longbottom started to say, "It's nice to have someone other than Hermione to talk to... About plants and things..."

"Oh, um..." Harry started to say, but he was thankfully saved by a loud shout and the sound of running footsteps.

"Harry!" Blaise cried happily. He was closely followed by Millie, who looked relieved. "There you are, mate! We were about to send a search party!"

Harry gave him a guilty shrug. He hadn't realized the half hour he'd allocated himself had already elapsed long ago. Still, it served Blaise and Millie right. They were the one's who hadn't wanted to join him in the first place.

"See you around I guess," Harry said to Longbottom, preparing to follow his friends. Blaise, who had ignored Longbottom's presence entirely, was loudly proclaiming that all of his fretting over Harry had worked up an appetite.

"Sure..." Longbottom replied skeptically. Harry began to turn away, but was suddenly called back by the Gryffindor.

Harry faced him again, painfully aware that Blaise and Millie had stopped and were looking back a them curiously.

Longbottom offered Harry a shy smile, "I never thanked you for saving my Rememberall."

Harry almost asked him what a Rememberall was, until he remembered the little glass orb. It had to have been the same device he'd caught at the beginning of the year. He'd nearly forgotten the incident with everything else that had happened since then.

"Oh yeah, don't mention it." Harry said modestly. Longbottom gave him a nod, squared his shoulders, and left without another word. Harry watched him walk down the hall, marveling that he'd managed to have a somewhat normal conversation with a Gryffindor student. He couldn't remember doing that with any students in the other houses.

"What was that about?" asked Blaise when Harry joined his friends.

"You'll never believe it," Harry said, "I know what Sprout's using to guard the stone! And better still, Longbottom's taught me a spell we can use to defeat it!"

"Slongbottom?" Blaise sneered derisively, "Are you sure that spell's safe to use, Harry?"

"Don't make fun of him," Harry said, glancing down the hall that had recently been illuminated by Longbottom's surprising powerful spell, "He's alright."

Blaise gave a double take and suddenly grabbed Harry by the shoulders.

"Ooooh no! No way! Unacceptable!"

"What?!" Harry exclaimed.

"Harry, I put up with Millie and Hagrid, but I draw the line at Longbottom! I forbid you to be friends with him, do you understand?"

"Whatever," Harry said, disentangling himself from Blaise's vice-like grip. He shot a look toward Millie, who seemed not the least bit insulted by Blaise's implication that he hadn't wanted to be friends with her. Instead, she returned Harry's apologetic gaze with a shrug.

"So what's the spell?" she asked instead.

"Oh, so you're suddenly interested in the stone again, are you?" Harry asked.

"Just show us the spell, Potter."

Harry grinned, drawing his wand in mimicry of Neville before.

"Alright, prepare to be enlightened."