"We have to stop him, tonight!" Harry insisted as he, Hermione and Ron ran from Professor McGonagall's office, where they had discovered that Headmaster Dumbledore had been called away; an obvious attempt in the minds of the children. How could the Transfiguration Teacher not believe them, when it was obvious they'd done their research. Otherwise, how would three first years even know about the stone, much less that it was in danger.
"But how, Harry?" Hermione ask, not putting up argument against the plot. "We can even get passed that three headed dog!"
"Hagrid has answered that for us." Ron said, pulling a small flute from behind his back. "It just needs music. George charmed this flute to follow my sister Ginny around when she was young and hated naps, to play a lullaby and cause her to want to rest. You just have to tap it with your wand." He laid it in Hermione's hands to be examined.
"You two do not have to come with me, you've been enough help." Harry said, his worry evident.
"You're our friend, Harry." Hermione piped up. "We're coming too." Harry nodded, as he looked over at the solemn look on Ron's face. He and Ron had known each other a long time, and Harry knew he would be by his side through this too. Hermione; however new to their group, was a vital lifeline for them.
"Alright, but if I say so, turn back. No matter what has happened to me, get yourselves out. Do you understand?" The two nodded, and huddled in close as Harry draped his new invisibility cloak over their shoulders. They made their way from Gryffindor Tower to the third floor quietly, moving slowly as to not trip over each other and cause themselves to be caught by a patrolling prefect or professor. It took what seemed like an hour for the trio to make it down the sets of steps needed, but finally they arrived and Harry pulled away the cloak. "Looks like Snape made it before us." He whispered. The great beast of a three headed dog was sound asleep, each snore ripping through its throat like a growl; hot, fowl air being blown out its jowls with each snort. A harp was playing in the corner, a soft melody that could easily lull anyone to slumber.
"The paw!" Hermione pointed, showing where the beast of a canine had its giant foot over the trap door they needed to get through. Ron swallowed, allowing only a small squeak of his fear to escape.
"We'll have to move it." Harry agreed, and he and his friends set to pushing the paw.
Remus was almost sick to his stomach as he apperated from his small country home to the village of Hogsmade, so he could make his way up to the castle. Professor McGonagall was waiting by the gate, her face stoney; Remus knew the look well. He also knew that his old teacher would not call him from home at such a late hour without good reason. "Minerva" He greeted with a small bow, "Is everything alright?"
"That remains to be seen, my boy." She said, gesturing to guide the younger wizard up the path toward the castle. "Has Harry had any sort of... Fixation... On Alchemy or the Alchemist Nicholas Flammel?" Remus stopped walking.
"Why?" He ask, bile raising in his throat at the thought of what Harry may have gotten himself into. Minerva only looked the younger wizard over, waiting for him to answer her question. Remus sighed. "He did write me claiming he had a assignment and ask some questions, which I answered. But-"
"Remus, What I need to tell you needs to stay between us, and I know you will keep it that way..." She started. "Albus brought the only known Philosopher's stone into the castle, as we have better security than it had formerly. There had been attempts on the stone from unknown parties as well as from known former Death Eaters- so it was the best option." Remus was growing paler and paler, and the older witch had gently taken his arm and continued up toward the castle.
"Alright." He whispered. "I'm not sure I completely follow wh-"
"We came to an agreement to hide it in a chamber with a specific set of trials that would make sure only someone worthy could make it through to the stone itself..." Her tone gave her away as she and Remus entered the castle. "It may seem insane to you, Remus, but we really had no other choice and we never thought it would become an issue with the students." It was suddenly very clear to Remus, and he felt as if he may loose his dinner all over the Deputy Headmistress' shoes.
"Harry-"
"The chamber has closed itself off due to activity, a charm put in place by myself I'm afraid; it was designed to keep a party of would be thieves from entering after the stone in teams." Remus only nodded and continued to walk, staying silent until they reached her office where he sat stiffly in a chair, and ignored the tea sat in place before him. It wasn't long before Molly and Arthur were brought in, Molly slinging her arms around Remus straight away in comfort, Arthur placing a hand on his back.
"They'll be alright." Molly croaked, it was obvious she and Arthur had already been though the same emotional channels he had.
"What of the girl's parent's?" Arthur ask McGonagall, who sighed.
"She's muggle-born, and I was unsure of how to explain the situation without risking her education. An old, evil wizard after a stone causing immortality would be good cause to withdraw your child when you're not familiar with the world. I figured we'd wait it out, really. I have the utmost faith in this three. They stick together... They'll go places." She seemed content with this explanation she'd given. It was, however, not long before Madam Pomfrey came and took Arthur and Molly away to see young Ron and Hermione, who had both made it out already, leaving Remus and his nerves alone in the room.
"You're awake!" Harry barely had time to blink into the light before he was swept up into a pair of strong, protective arms. "What the bloody hell were you thinking!?" Remus pulled back and looked Harry over, holding him at arm's length, awaiting an answer.
"Well I-" He started, but Remus cut him off again.
"Weren't thinking at all, Harry James! You're ELEVEN for Merlin's sake! And you just thought you'd go after an ancient power and save the world? Why didn't you ask for help?" Harry flinched slightly at this scolding, but knowing how his uncle worried, he smiled slightly.
"I did it, you know." He said, "I got the stone, kept it from Voldemort."
"You preformed very valiently." A voice from the door said, and both younger wizards turned to see Headmaster Dumbledore watching their interaction. "I cannot believe how well you did, honestly." He moved over and took the other side of Remus and took a seat. "Looks like you have some gifts from your fans..." He nodded toward a large pile of candy on the bedside table.
"Professor." Remus greeted.
"The events of last evening are of course, a complete secret- so naturally the entire school knows. The stone has been destroyed, I'm sure you'll both be relieved to know." Dumbledore moved and took a package of candy, picking through it.
"But sir," Harry said, able to speak finally, "Flammel- Without the stone, he'll die won't he?"
"Yes, dear boy, but we all must face that someday." He smiled warmly, popping a jelly bean into his mouth, then his smile turned to a grimace. "Earwax." He nodded and left the room, allowing Remus and Harry to be alone once more.
"Uncle Remus..." Harry said meekly.
"Hmm?" He replied.
"Are you angry with me?" He looked up with his green eyes shimmering with a sort of sorrowful fear, one where Remus knew he was more afraid he'd let him down. It had always been a fault of Harry's, he hated to let the people he loved down. It was, after all, how he had decided to selflessly to charge into battle. Remus smiled down at the boy.
"No, son, I am not made at you. I'm quite proud actually," Harry's eyes lit up, but Remus continued to speak. "However," He caught Harry's full attention with the tone, "You are grounded for he first two weeks of the summer, no outings with anyone other than me. You need to understand that what you did, while brave, was stupid and you need to learn that you can come to me, or Professor McGonagall, or Dumbledore, and seek help." Harry nodded.
"Fair enough, yes sir." He nodded, snuggling back into the hug. "I'm sorry."
"Its alright." Remus said. "Now, I believe your friends are waiting outside. I'll see you in a couple weeks, alright?" He placed a kiss on the top of Harry's messy hair.
Been a while, but here it is. I hope you enjoyed it! REVIEW IT AND LET ME KNOW! ITS ALMOST MY BIRTHDAY SO GIVE ME SOME SMILES AND REVIEW!