CHAPTER 6: Time, If Only
A/N: Hey guys, I'm back. 'Yay'. Deeply sorry to anyone who followed my story and had to wait so long for the next chapter. I won't come with excuses except say that I had my college exams and I was occupied for 4-5 months. It won't happen again and I would like to re-welcome you all as we continue along our ride. I'd be utterly glad if you enjoy this chapter even if it's a small fraction of the fun I had writing it. 'Here. We. Go.'
Hagrid's hut
Harry felt his teeth breaking in half as he took a bite of one of Hagrid's famous rock cakes. He was just about to spit it out when from the corner of his eye, he saw Hagrid's eyes on him and hastily swallowed it. The floor creaked loudly as Hagrid came bundling towards him. The disgusted look that came over Harry's face just mere moments ago vanished instantly as he watched Hagrid's eyes shining with hope and a little bit of trepidation. Hagrid waited with baited breath before releasing a huge sigh of relief as he saw an ear splitting smile come over Harry's face.
"It's brilliant Hagrid." lied Harry, through his teeth. "I especially like how hard they are" He internally smacked himself as that ridiculous comment left his mouth and felt that he just gave himself away as Hagrid would see right through him.
"Take that Prof. McGonagall. Oh the look on 'er face when I tell 'er that Harry Potter thinks my rock cakes are brilliant" said Hagrid, proudly. Harry's shoulder relaxed visibly, not that Hagrid noticed it, as he leaned over to put the plate on the small wooden table.
"Oh, she didn't like them," pretended Harry curiously, though he already knew the answer.
"Said it was the most atrocious thing she ever ate" harrumphed Hagrid. "And to think i spent 4 hours baking 'em for her birthday"
"Well it's her loss" replied Harry, amusedly. However, he internally shuddered at the thought of upsetting Prof. McGonagall and that too on her birthday.
"So, a little birdy told me that Gryffindor found its new seeker." beamed Hagrid. A blush came over Harry's face as he didn't know how to respond.
"Oh c'mon Harry, don' be shy about it. You should be proud." Harry nodded his head in reply. "I know your father would've been jumping up and about if he were here. Not really sure about your mother though"
A chuckle escaped Harry's lips. "Yeah, I couldn't believe it when Hermione told me that Dad was a seeker like me," said Harry, looking down at his lap.
"Hermione?"
Harry looked up at him as he answered "Oh yeah, Hermione and Ron. They are my friends. My first and only friends" Harry finished, solemnly.
Hagrid walked up to him and put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sure they're the firs' of many friends you'll make at Hogwarts 'Arry, don't you worry about it, okay" Harry smiled and nodded his head.
'Whiiiiiiieeee'. "Oh look, tea's ready" Hagrid hurriedly walked up to the stove and poured two cups. He placed Harry's cup in front of him before taking a seat on the large leather chair opposite him. Harry, wary of trying anymore of Hagrid's cooking, was quickly coming up with excuses.
Hagrid's dog, Fang, who had fallen asleep a couple of minutes after Harry's arrival, lazily stretched his limbs before walking over to the plate of rock cakes that Harry had placed and took a large sniff.
"OYE, leave 'em alone you big burly idiot"
"It's alright Hagrid" jumped in Harry, more than relieved when he saw Fang devour the whole plate of rock cakes.
Harry almost forgot one of the main reasons for his visit today as he looked outside the window into the night sky as the stars twinkled brightly. He struggled to think of a way to broach the subject now that he was here considering it's been occupying his mind ever since he heard about it the day before yesterday. In the end he figured being direct would be the best option.
"Hagrid, what was in vault 713 that you took out and why is the 3rd floor corridor restricted this year because it was never before?" He saw Hagrid's face turn white and knew he was on the right track.
"How do you know that?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "What? About the floor?" he continued after Hagrid's nod. "C'mon Hagrid, that's all everyone's been talking about. Fred and George, Ron's older brothers also mentioned that it's been the first time somebody has ever tried to steal anything from Gringotts"
Hagrid's face was masked with conflict as he tried to look anywhere but at Harry.
"C'mon Hagrid, you can tell me" persisted Harry, now standing up.
"I'm sorry Harry, but that's Prof. Dumbledore's business, something that you shouldn't worry about, '' replied Hagrid, firmly. Upon seeing the disappointment etched on Harry's face he continued "It doesn't concern you 'Arry. Whatever was in that vault is between Prof. Dumbledore and Nicolas Flamel." Hagrid's eyes turned wide once he realized his slip.
"Nicolas Flamel?" murmured Harry, as he kept repeating it to himself. "I know that name"
"Listen to me carefully Harry. You mustn't go to the 3rd floor corridor, ya' hear me?"
This time it was Harry's eyes that turned wide as realization came over him. "It's there isn't it" he said more to himself. "Whatever it is it's there" He quickly grabbed his robe and put it on before dashing towards the door. "Thanks Hagrid. I'll come back some other time with Ron and Hermione"
By the time Hagrid got up from his chair and followed him to the door, Harry was already halfway across the field running at breakneck speed and Hagrid's yells of panic did nothing to stop him.
"Oh Bugger, what have I done?" muttered Hagrid, as his eyes kept on following Harry.
…..
Harry turned another corner and continued sprinting across the corridor. He forgot all about Filch or getting caught by a prefect doing rounds in his haste to get to the Gryffindor common room and excitement to share this newfound information with Ron and Hermione as soon as possible.
He finally reached the portrait of the fat lady and stopped for a moment to catch his breath.
"Pickle shrimp" Harry hurriedly entered the door. He found Ron and Hermione sitting by the fire. Hermione was sitting on the chair reading a book that seemed too large for her and Ron was lying on the carpet playing chess.
Hermione turned her head at the noise before her eyes landed on him. "Harry!" she exclaimed, "Where have you been?" She had put her book on the table and was now standing up alongside Ron.
"Yeah mate, we thought you had detention once you didn't turn up during the feast" said Ron.
Harry walked over to the couch before taking a seat. "You guys remember what I told you about vault 713?"
They both nodded their heads. "Yeah you said that Hagrid took something out of the vault" replied Hermione, as she took a seat at the chair with Ron joining Harry on the couch.
"Wait, did you find out it was him, that Hagrid stole whatever was in that vault?" said Ron. Hermione and Harry looked at him deadpan before turning to each other.
"What did you find out Harry?" asked Hermione.
"First of all Ron, no it wasn't Hagrid as I mentioned earlier that a goblin opened the vault and also that I was with him." Ron's face turned red from embarrassment. "But listen to this, whatever was in that vault is being kept on the 3rd floor corridor. That's why no one's allowed to go there this year"
"It must be something pretty special then," said Ron, "Wait, do you think it's only restricted to students or the teachers too? Wait, what am I saying, of course it's not restricted to teachers since Hagrid's the one who took it out. But wait, what if Hagrid's working for someone else and Prof. Dumbledore doesn't know about it? But wait, he does know because he mentioned it during the feast. But what if they are not related to each other and what was stolen from the vault is not why the 3rd floor corridor is restricted" he asked.
Ron, proud with his deduction skills, looked at Harry and Hermione who both had a perplexed look on their faces. "What?" he asked.
"You done?" asked Hermione.
"Yeah" muttered Ron, dejectedly.
"Good, because if Prof. Dumbledore trust's Hagrid with it then I'm sure it's not restricted for the teachers. Maybe they're even doing patrols at the moment since no prefects or head boy or girl is allowed to patrol that corridor" said Hermione, thoughtfully.
"Wait, we have charms on the third floor. What happens if someone accidentally ends up going there?" asked Ron, with a worried tone.
"Funny you should ask that because I inquired Prof. McGonagall about it and she said that the only door that leads to the corridor is through the charms classroom and it is locked" replied Hermione.
"But what if we access it through the grand staircase?" Harry looked at both of them for a moment before continuing. "I mean think about it, they can't block the whole 3rd floor, as Ron mentioned we have charms class and every other classroom that's on it. So if you enter it through the grand staircase, you can go anywhere and there must be another way to get to it. It's a corridor and not a room that only has one entrance"
"No Harry, it is the only way because Prof. McGonagall mentioned that if anyone other than entering through the locked door would come close to the corridor, they would forget why they were there in the first place and turn back around" Harry's face dropped after hearing that. "That is why the only way students are allowed to get to their classes on the third floor is through the door on the second floor which takes them straight to their classroom" finished Hermione.
"I guess only the teachers can go through the locked door. Since they need to check in whatever it is they are hiding up there" said Ron.
Harry and Hermione nodded their heads in response. They were silent for a moment. Each lost in their own thoughts as the only noise that could be heard was the flickering of the fire.
"And Hagrid was acting on Prof. Dumbledore's orders because he mentioned his name to the goblin." Ron and Hermione furrowed their brows. "Before the goblin took us to the vault, Hagrid mentioned Prof. Dumbledore's name to him and also he told me tonight as well" he paused. "Although I'm not so sure if Prof. Dumbledore trusts every staff member as much as Hagrid. I haven't mentioned it to you guys but Prof. Dumbledore himself arrived to give me my Hogwarts letter" Ron and Hermione's eyes went wide as they tried to absorb this information.
"What? But how, I mean why?" asked Ron, flummoxed.
"I'll tell you later but he did mention that Hagrid is one of the few people he trusts with his life."
"Wait, this doesn't even make sense, what could be so important that Dumbledore had to ask Hagrid to bring it to Hogwarts and close off an entire floor. I mean we're talking about Gringotts. I remember my brother Bill telling us that it is the safest place on the planet."
"I guess it's not anymore," shrugged Harry. "So what do you guys think we should do?" asked Harry.
"What do you mean?" asked Hermione.
"I mean should we go to the 3rd floor to check what's up there"
"What! Harry, no. We could get expelled," the shock evident in her voice. She found it hard to believe that he could even suggest something like that. "Harry, if you don't mind me asking, why you so badly want to know about all this?" asked Hermione, softly.
Ron and Hermione waited for his answer as he looked at the flames of the flickering fire. After a few seconds passed he replied, "You're right" he looked at them with a small smile. "Don't worry about it" He then looked at the clock to find that it was close to 10 pm. He stood up, "Better get some sleep, I have morning practice with wood before classes tomorrow. See you guys tomorrow. Goodnight" With that he turned around and started walking towards the staircase that led to the boy's dormitory.
Hermione and Ron watched him as he took a couple of steps up the stairs and looked at each other.
"Harry, wait" said Hermione, a little louder so he could hear her. Harry stopped climbing before turning around to face them. "Umm, did Hagrid mention anything else? Something else we could look into"
Harry shrugged his shoulders "He mentioned a name. Said that whatever this is it's between Prof. Dumbledore and Nicolas Flamel"
"Nicolas Flamel? Who's that" asked Ron. Harry shrugged his shoulders in response.
"I feel like I know that name from somewhere but can't remember" replied Harry.
"Well maybe we can start from there. Find out who's this Nicolas Flamel. Plus we wouldn't get expelled either because all the information can be found in the library" said Hermione.
"You're really obsessed with getting expelled aren't you?" said Ron, confusion written all over his face.
"There is no greater failure in one's life than to get expelled," replied Hermione. Ron's expression quickly turned into bafflement as he stared at Hermione like she wasn't even human.
However, she paid him no mind and faced Harry.
"What do you say Harry?" she asked.
Harry looked at both of them as a ghost of a smile came over his features before replying "I say yes"
…
Quidditch Stadium, Evening
Harry trudged his way across the quidditch field while holding his broom over his shoulder. He couldn't wait to get to the dormitory and just sleep till the end of time. The practice has been getting more arduous day by day to the point that it wasn't even fun anymore and with their first game now less than two weeks away, Wood has upped the training a notch higher, if that was even possible.
Add to that the added pressure of homework which he was struggling to keep up with made him feel like life was playing tricks on him. But at least he had Hermione to help him with it as he couldn't imagine how he would've survived up until now. 'Most likely expelled and sent back to live with the Dursleys again' he thought. Harry gulped at the thought and started walking faster.
Hogwarts Castle, Evening
Harry entered the castle and started climbing up the grand staircase. Another damper to his mood was their progression of finding out about Nicolas Flamel. More than a month has passed since the night they first talked about finding who he was but up until now have come up with nothing. 'If only I could convince Hermione and Ron to go to the 3rd floor corridor' thought Harry. He knew that it was a stupid and dumb idea but it was the only way he could think of finding anything related to what they were looking for since they have browsed through more than half the books in the library and it seemed as a dead end.
He was about to climb up the staircase to the fourth floor when a noise coming from somewhere on the third floor stopped him in his tracks. He stood still for a moment, thinking if he should investigate it or not. He knew Hermione would one hundred-percent reprimand him for what he was about to do but he couldn't help himself and against his better judgment followed the noise.
Harry walked cautiously so as not to attract anyone of his whereabouts. The noises got louder as he came upon an intersection and leaned against the edge of the wall.
"S-Severus p-please" there was no mistaking who that voice belonged to, thought Harry. 'Prof. Quirrell'
"I am warning you, Quirinus" drawled the unmistakable deep baritone voice of Snape. "If I catch you wandering around one more time, you will hope that you were back in Albania wandering around with whatever filth you associated with" Harry looked around the corner and almost gasped too loudly by what he saw. Snape had one hand on Quirrell's throat while the other was pointing his wand at his temple. Quirrell's face had lost all his colour and his eyes were wide in fear. Harry quickly turned back around and as silently as he could left the spot before getting into a run once he had gotten back to the grand staircase.
He couldn't wait to tell Ron and Hermione this new piece of information he witnessed which he was completely sure was related to the third floor corridor.
…..
Snape dropped his hand from Quirrell's throat before taking a step back. His wand now by his side. "Get out of my sight"
Quirrell made a run for it. Snape watched him stumble his way until he made a turn at the end of the corridor. He turned his head to his left and stared at the intersection that led to the grand staircase. His eyes lingering for a few moments before he swiftly turned around and started walking in the opposite direction.
….
"Are you sure?" asked Ron.
"Yes, I am sure. I saw it with my own eyes" panted Harry. He was still breathing hard from his run.
"Blimey!" exclaimed Ron. "But why would Snape threaten Prof. Quirrell?" asked Ron, turning his head from Harry to Hermione who hadn't spoken since Harry told them about what he saw and was deep in thought.
"Hermione?" asked Harry. She turned her head towards him. "What do you think?"
"I think we should keep on looking for Nicolas Flamel. '' Harry tried to hide his disappointment but Hermione saw through him. "Harry, I really believe that once we find out about him it will answer a lot of our questions. Even Hagrid mentioned his name and he seems to know a lot more than us" she paused. "Plus we're not even sure about what happened between Prof. Snape and Quirrell" she finished.
Harry didn't want to admit it but knew she was right and nodded his head in understanding.
"Tell you what, if there is anyone I suspect its Snape. That man gives me the creeps I tell you to be honest" said Ron.
"We should never judge a book by its cover," said Hermione, shaking her head. "Plus you're only saying that because he gives the most amount of homework."
Ron's face turned red as he tried to defend himself. "Exactly. No one can give that much homework unless there's something wrong with them"
Hermione rolled her eyes before sharing a smile with Harry.
….
Godric's Hollow, Graveyard, Morning
An old man in burgundy robes was sitting on a bench. His long white hair flowing in the wind. His eyes were closed and he held a single white rose between his hands. The creaking noise of the door to the cemetery made his eyes open.
He watched a figure dressed in blue robes with a pointy matching hat stop at a tombstone as he paid his respects not far from him. He got up and put the rose in his pocket and started walking towards the exit.
"Abe". Aberforth Dumbledore stopped walking before turning around to face his brother. The two men stared at each other for what felt like an eternity. Neither blinked. Albus Dumbledore walked up to him before motioning him to take a seat.
Aberforth watched him sit down before following him.
Neither spoke as both men just stared ahead of them.
"How are you doing? I heard business has been a little tough the past few months" Albus asked as he watched a bird bring food for its babies. A small smile came over his features that was washed away by Aberforth's laughter.
"Business's been tough?" he asked sarcastically. "Why the sudden interest in Albus? Are you thinking of buying it out with all the big money you make being in charge of your little castle" his words laced with bitterness.
Albus slowly exhaled a sigh before replying, "Abe, can we not do this today, please?" He suddenly seemed tired and old and nothing like the exuberant man many have come to describe him as.
Aberforth watched him for a moment before looking straight ahead once more. "Fine," he replied.
"Thank you"
"How's the kid doing? Settling in at Hogwarts can be tough for anyone, I can't even imagine how he's coping with it all. Always feeling everyone's eyes on him. Talk about living under that much scrutiny at such a young age" Aberforth said with a bit of remorse.
"Not getting soft in your old age are you Abe? Because I would love nothing more than for you to shower some of your newfound sympathy upon me" said Albus amusedly.
"You wish" replied Aberforth that brought out a chuckle from both men.
They were silent for a moment as the wind got stronger.
"He's doing well. Much better than I expected to be honest, but I am not surprised" he finished while looking at the tombstone he visited. Aberforth followed his gaze and for the first time that morning closely looked at it.
In loving memory
Of
JAMES POTTER LILY POTTER
BIRTH BIRTH
27 MARCH 1960 30 JANUARY 1960
DEATH DEATH
31 OCTOBER 1981 31 OCTOBER 1981
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death
"Still having a hard time believing a decade has passed" commented Aberforth, eyes still fixated on the grave.
"Time, the more you yearn for it, the farther it seems" said Albus, before checking the time on his watch. "Well I shall take my leave now brother" He stood up.
Aberforth nodded his head looking down. "Abe?" asked Albus.
"You know it wouldn't hurt you to -"
"Stop" Albus cut him off. "And don't finish that sentence. Not now, not here you hear me?" There was an edge to his voice.
Aberforth stared at him for a while before he nodded once more.
"Thank you" replied Albus, kindly.
He started walking but stopped when Aberforth spoke again. "Care to tell me what mess you've gotten yourself into this time?" he asked.
Albus waited a moment before looking over his shoulder and addressing him "All in due time brother. All in due time" and with that he apparated without a pop.
Aberforth took out the rose from his pocket and looked at it. "Time, if only" He walked up to a tombstone on the far end of the cemetery. This one was small and simple, unlike the one Albus visited because it belonged to a commoner, not war heroes. A person whose existence was described perfectly by the words etched under her name.
Ariana Dumbledore
1885-1899
Time passes, memories stay, loved and remembered, everyday
…
Library, Hogwarts
Harry and Ron were hunched over a large tome, each scanning one side of the book.
"Found anything?" asked Harry.
"No," replied Ron.
"Alright, onto the next one then" Ron turned to the page over and both started the whole process again.
Hermione dropped a book on the table that landed with a 'thud' which made Ron jump a meter in the air. She rolled her eyes before opening the book and started reading through it.
An hour later Madam Pince arrived at their table which was situated at the left end of the library in a corner, hiding behind a large bookshelf.
"Alright, time to leave now" she said, while levitating books off the table that students forgot to put back in their respective places.
Hermione turned her head to look at the clock. "But Madam Pince, its only 7pm. The library doesn't close till 10" she protested.
"Yes that is true but today is Halloween and for as long as I've been here which is long before any of you were born, the library closes at 7pm on Halloween." she said with a pointed stare. "Now if you please would be kind enough to put the books you've taken out back in their proper places."
"Yes, Madam Pince," muttered Hermione.
…
Harry, Hermione and Ron were walking down the corridor. Harry's mood was a little down ever since Madam Pince had brought up the word Halloween. It was the day his parents were killed and he didn't want a reminder of it every 10 minutes. He was deeply thankful of Hermione and Ron since they never brought it up once while knowing what the day meant to him.
"Another day with no result, to be honest I'm getting tired of all this" said Ron.
Hermione looked at Harry whose head was bowed down. "I think we're really close" she said with a lot more enthusiasm than she was feeling.
Ron looked at her as if she had gone mad but kept his mouth shut when she glared at him.
They reached the stairs that led to the great hall and descended them quickly before continuing walking along the corridor.
"Umm Hermione?" asked Ron.
"Hmm" she replied, looking towards him.
"I was hoping if you could help me with my potions homework" he asked, timidly.
Hermione smiled, before replying "Sure Ron. How about after dinner?"
A huge smile split Ron's face in half. "Yeah. It's perfect. Thanks Hermione, You're a lifesaver"
"Sometimes i think you only befriended me so I could help you with homework" she remarked with a plain face,
Ron looked at her in horror, sputtering his words in response "Wha- No, You know I would never-" That's all it took for the dam to break as Hermione started laughing uncontrollably with Harry joining her a moment later. Ron's face turned beet red in anger.
"That's it, I'm not talking to you anymore" he said, while not looking at her.
"Oh come on Ron, it was just a joke" Hermione tried to console him.
"Harry, can you please tell her that I am not speaking to her"
"Umm, no" he said, earning another bout of laughter from Hermione.
For the next minute Hermione tried to apologize to Ron who pretended that he couldn't hear her. They turned another corner and Harry saw Prof. Quirrell walking towards them. As they got closer Harry saw him looking at his watch and murmuring something to himself.
Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through his scar and he brought a hand to his forehead, tracing it lightly with his fingertips. Hermione, noticing his discomfort, put a hand on his shoulder.
"Harry, what's wrong?"
"It's nothing" he brought his hand back to his side and schooled his features to not show any pain.
"Good Evening, Professor" said Ron, as they walked by. Quirrell yelped loudly and jumped a foot in the air. Everyone stopped still at his reaction. All three of them looked at each other in alarm as Quirrell tried to calm his breathing.
Harry noticed that he was sweating profusely. "Umm Professor, you okay?" he asked.
Quirrell gave a nervous laugh before replying "S-Scared m-me there, P-Pot-ter" he sputtered. "Shou-Shouldn't you be in t-the great hall?"
"Yeah we were just on our way" replied Harry.
"Well y-you bet-ter hurry. Don-Don't want to mis-s the feast ri-right?" He laughed nervously while rubbing his hands together. He turned around hastily and started walking in the other direction.
"Well, that was weird," said Ron.
"That's an understatement," replied Hermione.
"Wonder what got him so fidgety" Ron continued.
"Come On let's get going or we'll actually be late" said Hermione as she turned around with Ron following her. Harry's eyes lingered for a moment longer before he too started following them.
…
They entered the great hall to find it decorated in everything related to Halloween. There were pumpkin faces floating above the house tables with skeletons hanging upside down above them.
"Woah" breathed Ron. "That's so wicked"
They took a seat at the end of the Gryffindor table and started filling their plates with delicacies that were presented in front of them.
Hermione, horrified with the way Ron was swallowing the chicken and potatoes simultaneously, made a disgusted face but stopped herself from reprimanding him in order to not get into another fight.
Suddenly, the door to the great hall burst open and a disheveled looking Prof. Quirrell came storming in, shouting at the top of his lungs. "TROLL IN THE DUNGEONS, THERE'S A TROLL IN THE DUNGEONS. Thought you should know" and with that he fainted.
There was absolute silence for five seconds before the hall was filled with screams of the students and the teachers trying to calm them.
"SILENCE" the rumbling voice of Albus Dumbledore echoed throughout the hall and within a second a pin drop could be heard.
Everyone looked at him as he stood up from his seat and took a moment before speaking.
"Everyone, please calm down. There's no need to panic. Now, if everyone follows the procedure, I assure you that you have nothing to worry about" He then looked at Quirrell's body lying on the ground and pointed his wand at him. A blue spark shot through his wand, hitting Quirrell in the back who yelped in a high pitched voice before quickly standing up.
Dumbledore's gaze was serious and his eyes narrowed slightly for a moment as he watched QuirrelL try to gather his bearings. Quirrell turned around to face Dumbledore who was now sporting a friendly smile as he addressed him.
"How are you feeling, Quirinus?"
Quirrell stuttered nervously before words left his mouth "M-Much bet-ter now Headmaster"
"Good. Now if you could please in your own time of course, explain in detail what it is you actually saw?"
Harry watched as Quirrell simply stared at Dumbledore for a few seconds before regaining his voice. "Hea-Headmaster, a troll has be-en led in the dun-du-dungeons" he stuttered his way through the sentence.
Dumbledore stared at him through his half-moon glasses with a piercing gaze before answering "Very well" he paused "Could the Head boy and girl please come forward?"
Eliza Romino of Ravenclaw and Eddie Backsburt of Hufflepuff made their way to the center of the hall, bypassing Quirrell and coming to a top near the staff table.
"Miss Romino, could you please with the help of prefects from gryffindor and Ravenclaw lead the students back to their dormitories and Mr. Backsburt if you could do the same with Hufflepuff and Slytherin." Both students nodded their heads.
"Right away Headmaster" replied Eliza before turning back with Eddie following her.
"All the teachers present, if you could please follow me" with that Dumbledore started walking towards the door behind the staff table with the teachers following him.
In all the commotion going on around him as the students started leaving the great hall Harry noticed Snape watching Quirrell as he was walking behind McGonagall and kept his eyes on him before exiting the hall.
Harry shifted his gaze towards Quirrell who was standing calmly with his heads held together looking around. Someone walked straight in front of Harry, blocking his vision for a second before Harry found his gaze locked with the Defence against the Dark Arts professor who was now looking straight at him. It seemed as if they were the only two people in the room and Harry felt the feeling of nausea come over him. He felt as if he was going to faint any second before an arm touched his shoulder and the connection was lost. He found himself breathing hard and turned his head to find Hermione's concerned gaze on him.
"Harry," there was a hesitation to her voice, as if she didn't know how to address him. "Are you okay?" she asked.
Harry saw Ron enter the great hall before his eyes landed on Hermione.
"Where have you been?" He asked, looking at Hermione. "One second I was talking to you and when I looked around you weren't there"
"I noticed Harry wasn't with us so came back to look here" Ron, noticing Harry for the first time, furrowed his eyebrows.
"Harry, mate, you look like you've just run a mile"
"Don't worry. I'm fine"
"No, you're not," interjected Hermione. "Harry, I think you should go back to the hospital wing"
"Hermione!" an edge to his voice. "I said I'm fine, okay. If you don't believe me then ask Prof. Quir-" Harry turned around and saw that no one was there. "What? Where did he go" Confusion written all over his face.
"Who?" asked Ron.
"Prof. Quirrell" he turned back to face them.
"Harry," Hermione spoke slowly as he shifted his gaze towards her. "There was no one here, just you, touching your forehead as you did earlier"
Harry kept looking at her as he tried to comprehend everything she said.
…..
They were walking in silence, as they reached the grand staircase and started climbing it. Harry felt completely inadequate at the moment as he juggled through his thoughts and tried to come up with an answer regarding the events that conspired since their interaction with Prof. Quirrell before the feast and everything that happened since but he just couldn't find one.
He stepped off the moving stairs as they reached the third floor and was about to climb the set of stairs to the fourth floor when he saw something that sent a chill down his spine. He stopped walking and blinked a couple of times just to make sure he wasn't imagining things but no, there at the end of the long corridor was a reflection on the wall highlighted by the fire of what could only be described as a monster.
What he did next could only be described as utterly dumb and stupid as he started moving towards it. If he lived long enough to tell the tale he thought in all the haze surrounding his brain at the moment and someone asked him what made him do it, he would probably say that his feet started moving of their own accord and he felt as if an invisible force was pushing him.
"Harry!" yelled Hermione, but he paid her no mind. "Harry, where are you going? We're not supposed to go there"
Harry slowed down as he came close to the intersection. The reflection seemed a lot bigger from where he was standing now. He heard footsteps behind him but didn't turn around.
"Harry!" exclaimed Hermione, as she tried to regain her breathing. "What are you doing? Remember, we're not supposed to be here"
He turned around to face her "Hermione, tell me you don't find it a bit curious that we find the troll in the only restricted section in the whole castle. "I mean-, Wait where are you looking" He looked at Ron and he was supporting the same horrified expression as her with his mouth hanging open and his eyes fixated on something behind him.
Realization dawned on Harry as he slowly turned around to come face to face with a 12 feet tall troll. He was holding a huge bat in his right hand. Harry heard someone behind him gulp audibly.
"On 3, run," He said in a low voice so only Hermione and Ron could hear him.
"1" They backed away one step.
"2" Another step followed as the troll growled.
"RUN!" They turned around and the troll's bat missed Harry's head by a foot as he ducked before sprinting ahead.
"We're not going to make it" yelled Ron as he looked over his shoulder to find the troll reducing distance between them. Thanks to his speed that he acquired by running away from Dudley and his friends, Harry was now leading their small group..
"Aah" Hermione's scream halted his movement immediately as turned around to find her on the ground holding on to her ankle in agony.
Harry with Ron right behind him dashed towards her before both picked her up with one arm under her shoulder. They started moving but Hermione's scream stopped them.
"I can't" she cried "I can't move" They turned around as the troll lifted the club up with a loud growl. The events that followed happened under five seconds but to Harry felt like an eternity as he saw the bat coming down on them.
He lifted his wand and spoke the only two words that came to his mind "WINGARDIUM LEVIOSA" The bat left the troll's hand and flew into the air. The troll looked around dumbly before looking straight up to find the bat a meter from his face and stepped away just in time for it land on the ground right beside his feet with loud 'thump'
It looked at Harry. "Crap" he muttered.
"Look, there's a door," Ron said, looking to his right. "Come on, quick" Harry and Ron dragged Hermione to the door. The troll picked up the bat and started walking towards them. Ron turned the knob and opened it. They entered the room before closing the door and moved back just in time as the door broke in half the next second.
"Look, there's another door" yelled Harry, pointing to the far left corner.
They quickly moved towards it as Hermione whimpered and grimaced in pain.
"Nearly there Hermione, just hold on," panted Harry.
Ron turned the knob but this time it was locked.
"Shit" panic evident in his voice.
"Move" urged Hermione as she lifted her wand. Harry looked over his shoulder to find the troll sticking his head in through the whole where once a door was.
"Alohomora" the knob turned by itself as the door opened a tad before Ron pushed it all the way.
They got in before closing the door behind them.
They leaned against the wall and tried to catch their breathing.
"Wait" wheezed Ron before continuing, "Where did you learn that spell, I don't remember reading about it"
"That's because it's not in our curriculum. I read about it in the library in a book called advanced magical spells for beginners" she answered.
"I thought you said all the books under 'advanced' are in the restriction section. Only accessible to fifth years and above" said Harry furrowing his brows.
"They are but someone forgot to put it back in place and I skimmed through it" she said, sounding embarrassed.
"Don't worry Hermione, of all the times I'm going to tease you about your love for reading, tonight's not one of them" said Ron, earning him a smile from her.
"Let's get moving. We shouldn't take any chances" said Harry. Ron and Hermione nodded their heads. "By the way, does anyone know where we are? I feel like I've never been here before"
"Also I have never come across a locked door before" continued Ron, looking around the narrow corridor.
"Oh no" gasped Hermione. Harry and Ron looked at her in alarm. "We're in the restriction section of the third floor corridor." She pointed towards the door. "That's why the door was locked. Now I know why that room felt familiar. It was the charms classroom. We shouldn't be here"
"Bloody hell. Talk about not getting a break" said Ron.
"Well, there's nothing we can do now," said Harry. "We have to find another way because we can't go back"
"Maybe we should just wait here and hopefully someone will come look for us," said Hermione.
"I don't think that's a good idea," Harry said, walking towards her.
"Yeah, I agree with Harry too," said Ron. "Look maybe we can find a way back through here somewhere" Hermione nodded her head.
"Alright"
"And don't worry we'll carry you if we have to" Ron said, with a grin which made Hermione chuckle.
"Well let's hope it doesn't come to that" she said, as Harry and Ron came to her side and lifted arms over their shoulders.
They started walking, albeit slowly, and came across a statue of an old lady. The writing on the plaque above it said 'Gunhilda of Gorsemoor'
They continued walking ahead when Hermione noticed an open door to their left. "Look, that door's open" she pointed.
"Maybe someone's already there," said Ron, as they made their way towards it.
They entered through the door and found themselves in a huge room twice the size of the one they exited.
"Wicked," said Ron.
They looked around when simultaneously their eyes landed on a giant three-headed black dog, thrice the size of the troll they just escaped, sitting in the far corner eating what appeared to be dead meat.
Suddenly, it turned its head towards them before letting out a low growl. The next second it came running towards them and they just stood there, too shocked to move and screamed at the top of their lungs.
The large hound was only a couple of meters away from them when it seemed to be struggling to get to them and that's when Hermione noticed the large metal chain around its head.
"Look, it's chained" the words had barely left her mouth when a spell hit the beast and it dropped to the floor with a loud 'thud' and was snoring the next second.
They turned their heads to find Prof. Snape pointing his wand in the direction of the dog before dropping it to his side.
"What are you doing here?" He drew out each syllable.
"We were trying to escape the troll professor and entered the charms room but it smashed the door, so we tried to open the other door but it was locked. Thanks to Hermione though because she opened it we ended up here. We found the door to this room opened and thought someone must be already here and could help us" Ron took a deep breath after he finished his rambling. His eyes went wide and a moment later. "I'm sorry Hermione, shouldn't have mentioned about you opening the door,'' he said in a whisper.
"It's okay," she assured him with a smile.
Harry however, was looking at Snape who was intently looking at the ground near his feat which made him turn his gaze downwards and he was shocked to find what looked like a trail of blood that started from not far from where he was standing and leading somewhere behind them.
He pulled on Hermione's robe and pointed at the blood which made her eyes go wide but she regained her composure and tried to act normally.
"You say the door was open before you got here?" asked Snape, as he took a couple of steps towards them.
"Yes, Professor," answered Hermione. He was silent for a moment as he looked around before speaking.
"Out, now" he drawled, pointing his wand towards the door.
"But professor, there is a troll out there" spoke Harry, for the first time since Snape's arrival who also focused his attention towards him since he entered the room.
'It's been taken care of Mr. Potter" he paused "You have nothing to worry about" Once again Harry felt unnerved by Snape's piercing stare that always made him feel like he knew exactly what he was thinking. They started walking and reached the door before his voice stopped them.
"Wait" Harry, thinking they had gotten away without getting detention, was fearing the worst possible punishment now.
Snape was facing the other way with his head bowed. "Follow me" He started walking towards the other side of the room and they followed him.
He stopped next to a fireplace and grabbed a pouch perched on top of the shelf. He inspected it for a moment, a look of concentration on his face before addressing them.
"I'm sure you're familiar with floo travel"
"Floo travel?" asked Harry, not familiar with the term.
"Of course" said Ron, seeming a lot happier than he was a minute ago. "We use it loads back home"
"But professor, I read in Hogwarts: A History that students cannot use floo network or apparate in Hogwarts" said Hermione.
"And you're absolutely correct Miss Granger but these are special circumstances, unless of course you wish to go back the way you came from and risk getting caught because I assure you its perfectly fine by me. Be. My. Guest" he punctuated each word while taking a step towards them.
Hermione bowed her head in response. "Sorry professor" before looking up at him. "Thank you"
…
Harry came out of the fireplace in the Gryffindor common room as he dusted himself off. His head felt lightheaded and he felt like throwing up. Hermione and Ron looked at him.
"So, how was your first trip using floo? Asked Ron.
"Horrible," he answered. Ron nodded his head in understanding.
"Don't worry, it gets better after your first time"
"Somehow I doubt that" he took a seat on the chair.
"Still can't believe Snape helped us like that, "said Ron, as he leaned back.
"Well we can be sure of one thing after today" Harry and Ron looked at Hermione. "That dog is guarding whatever it is that was brought in from that vault" finished Hermione.
"I guess you saw the trapdoor as well," said Ron.
"And the blood" said Harry, which made Ron's eyes turn wide.
"Blood? What blood?" he asked, horrified.
"There was blood on the floor that led to the fireplace," said Harry.
"We can also conclude that it had to be a teacher because a student can't use the floo network on their own," explained Hermione.
"Woah, so a teacher is trying to steal whatever that is hidden beneath the trap door, because I assume the dog would not attack if he knew who it was" breathed Ron. "You guys think it was Snape all along since there was no else there and he just came back to check who else had gotten to it. Plus the door to the corridor was locked, remember? He probably must've hidden somewhere when he heard us coming through"
"I'm not sure about that but the locked door could be because whoever entered before us would have closed it behind them and also because they didn't close the door where the dog is since they escaped using floo network," said Hermione, with furrowed brows.
"Yeah, you're probably right,'' said Ron, yawning loudly. "I'm too tired to think about all this at the moment. I'm going to bed" he said standing up before looking at Harry " You coming Harry?" he asked.
"Yeah" he stood up from his spot on the chair with Hermione following him.
"Goodnight, Guys," said Hermione.
"Goodnight" they said in unison before Harry faced her. "Hermione, your ankle" he said, worried.
She looked at it before giving him a small smile "It's a lot better now actually. I completely forgot about it after seeing the dog to be honest" Harry smiled in return. "But I will go to the hospital wing tomorrow just to make sure," Harry nodded.
He turned around and followed Ron who had already reached the stairs.
"And Guys?" her voice made them stop and face her. "Thanks" she beamed.
Ron waved her off before climbing the stairs. Harry just stood there awkwardly for a second not knowing how to respond and muttered a quick "Don't worry about it" before racing after Ron.
…
Godric's Hollow, Graveyard, Close to midnight
A lonely figure apparated out of thin air into the graveyard, dressed in all black and a hood covering the head. He cast a disillusionment charm on himself just to be on the safe side. An attribute he had learned a long time ago. He started walking before stopping in front of the tombstone of James and Lily Potter.
He took his right hand out of the glove and traced his fingers over her name. He bent down and pressed his lips onto the cold stone where his fingers were a second ago before standing back to his full height. He placed his gloved hand on the left side of the stone, right above James Potter's name before vanishing the same way he arrived.
The only evidence that he was here was a lonely tear rolling under Lily's name.
A/N: So guys, what did you think. Please leave your comments because as some you know that I love to read and respond to them. Thanks.