Harry Potter: The Adventure Begins

by KalKent

The Harry Potter saga reimagined in a grounded, grittier tone but still encompassing all the magic and adventure. Part 1 of a Quadrilogy that will focus on books 1-2. Harry is a lonely boy who feels like he doesn't belong anywhere until on his 11th birthday his whole world changes and with it his destiny. Join him in his journey of self discovery, friendship, betrayal and love.

14. Chapter 14: I'll go with you

Chapter 14: I'll go with you

A/N: Hey guys, welcome to the last chapter of Harry's first year. It is by far the longest chapter I've written, hopefully also the best. Hope you enjoy and without further ado...….

"Everyone, please get back to your mats" Prof. McGonagall's voice rang throughout the hall, making everyone head back to their previous spots.

Harry turned towards Hermione and Ron. "The stone's going to be stolen tonight." He whispered loudly, aware of everyone around him.

"What-How do you know that?" asked Ron.

"I just do!" He exclaimed loudly, not caring if anyone heard him anymore. He was quite aware that his emotions were all over the place at the moment. "Look, you just have to believe me alright. We don't have much time" He shook Ron's shoulder quite forcefully and got really close to his face in his effort to convince him, though he was not aware of it.

A chill ran through Hermione's body at seeing a manic gleam in his eyes. She had never seen him look so 'wild' was the best way she could describe it. She looked at Ron and was not surprised to see her red-headed friend slightly back away in fear.

"Harry" She said while laying a calming hand on his arm. "We'll figure this out afterwards. When we don't have the competition to worry about."

Harry looked at her incredulously for a couple of seconds before exploding in rage. "I don't care about a bloody competition!" He said furiously. "How can you even- You know what, never mind. I'm going. You guys have fun" he said the last part scathingly before he turned around and headed towards the exit.

Hermione and Ron looked at each other with wide eyes, utterly dumbfounded and shocked by what just happened. They looked back to see Harry exiting through the open doors before running after him.

"HARRY! HARRY WAIT!" shouted Hermione as she and Ron were sprinting after him. He was gaining distance on them, and it didn't seem that he had any intention of stopping.

The halls were empty, the tapping noise of their shoes against the stone floor filled halls of the castle.

They had been running for five straight minutes as they turned another corner on the second floor. Ron looked at Hermione to see that she was really struggling. He could hear her loud wheezing over the noise of them running for the past minute now and it was really starting to concern him. Her cheeks were tinged pink, and her forehead was dripping with sweat.

"Hermione, maybe we should take a break" He said, his own words getting cut short as he tried to keep up his pace.

She shook her head, eyes locked on Harry's back before he turned right and by now had gained more than 50 meters on them. The only way they were able to catch sight of him was because of the long hallways. They seemed to go on forever.

They turned right at end of the corridor, had they been a second late they would've missed Harry climbing the stairs to the third floor.

After running across another long hallway, they finally reached the stairs to third floor. The climbing took real toll on them, especially Hermione as she would've collapsed just as they climbed the last step if it weren't for Ron, who luckily had gotten close to her when they started climbing as he feared something like this might happen and his timing couldn't have been perfect when he caught her before she hit the floor.

"HERMIONE!" He yelled as he awkwardly and painfully hit his knees on the floor but protected Hermione's head from the impact as it landed on his thighs. He grimaced in pain but fought through the tears that were starting to build behind his eyes.

In his state of panic at seeing Hermione's closed eyes, he didn't notice the noise of another set of footsteps getting louder and closer.

"Hermione wake up, wake up Hermione, please" he begged as he started shaking her body.

"RON!" he turned his head to see Harry running towards them. "What happened?" he asked before his eyes landed on Hermione's prone form lying on the ground and her head cradled on Ron's lap. His eyes turned wide as he stared in horror at his friend's unmoving body.

He knelt beside Ron and put a hand on her head. He looked back at Ron whose eyes were filled with tears. "What happened?" Harry asked in a trembling voice.

"I don't know" Ron croaked out. "She just... fainted" he added as his body started shaking. The realisation of what was happening and what might it lead to just hit him like a ton of bricks. "Harry-" a sob escaped his lips before his eyes turned wide as Hermione started stirring.

"Hermione!" Immense relief swept Harry's body as her eyes fluttered before slowly opening. She looked at Ron.

"Ron" her voice was raspy and barely recognizable. She turned her head in his direction and a smile came over her lips. "Harry" Harry's heart clinched at hearing her speak. That came out even scratchier, almost blood curdling.

She tried to lift her head but couldn't manage it. "I'll help you, Hermione" said Ron, before he gently lifted her head. He laid a hand on her back so she wouldn't fall back. "Lean on me, yeah, just like this" He opened his legs and pulled her to him so her back was touching his chest.

"Thanks" she rasped out.

"You got it," said the red head.

"Hermione, what happened?" asked Harry.

Harry stared at her in confusion when instead of answering him she put a hand inside her robes and after fumbling for a couple of seconds removed her hand. Harry looked at her hand that was holding a small green plastic object.

He inhaled sharply as his eyes turned wide as all the pieces fell into place. He looked at her in shock to see her watching him with a sad smile. "No!" he whispered. She responded with a nod, the smile still in place.

"What's happening? Tell me!" exclaimed Ron, as he angled his head to see above her shoulder.

"It's nothing, Ron. Just a medical condition" she answered, as she removed the cap from the inhaler, before giving it a good shake. She brought it to her mouth before closing her lips around the mouthpiece and took a deep breath while simultaneously pressing the canister on top. The inhaler made a 'puffing' sound before Hermione slowly removed it from her mouth and put the cap back.

Harry still couldn't get his head around what had happened. "Hermione, why did you never tell us?" he asked in a desperate voice. "If I had known-"

"But you didn't Harry, so don't blame yourself" Her voice sounding a lot better and much clearer than earlier. "I didn't tell you guys' because I didn't think it was important" she finished with a shrug.

"But it is, Hermione. It's very important. You fainted- I mean this is serious" He almost sounded angry at her, but Hermione could see that he was just worried which made her happy inside. No one, except her family, had ever shown care for her and peers her own age often made fun of her because of her condition.

"I'm sorry" she said in a timid voice.

Harry exhaled slowly as he shook his head. He changed his position from kneeling and sat with his legs stretched ahead as he leaned back on his arms.

"Would anyone tell me what is going on?" Ron asked frustratingly.

Hermione waited a moment before speaking. "I have asthma, Ron. It's a condition which I control with this" She lifted her hand for him to see.

"What is astma?" he asked, furrowing his brows.

"Asthma" Hermione corrected him, as her lips lifted at the corner. "It causes shortness in breathing from running. That's why you see me always out of breath after running. It tightens my chest and makes me dizzy. It also has other symptoms like...I'm allergic to dust, seafood and have trouble sleeping. That's why I wake up so early. Sometimes I can't even sleep and spend most of the night tossing and turning." Ron and Harry looked at each other, their eyes conveying the shame they were feeling at the moment, remembering when they made fun of her for waking up so early.

Hermione shrugged her shoulders as she continued, catching both boys' attention back again. "But it's not that serious"

"Hermione, it is serious if you fainted" argued Harry.

"That's because I've never run for so long and my body wasn't used to it. Plus, you weren't stopping so I couldn't either" Her last words caught Harry by surprise as they kept staring at each other. 'You weren't stopping so I couldn't either'

For reasons he yet couldn't understand, his brain kept repeating those words. A very powerful emotion ran through him, one which he didn't have a word for but, it wasn't bad. Rather good actually, but for now he locked it in the back of his head, maybe he'll ponder over it some other time.

"Why?" The question left his mouth before he knew he was saying it.

Hermione shrugged her shoulders as she shifted her gaze towards her lap.

Silence enveloped them and they didn't know how to break it. Even though they have had fights before and sat in silence countless times in each other's company, it had never been awkward, and that's exactly what Harry was experiencing now.

Luckily for him, Ron once again came to his aid. "Umm Hermione, would it be okay if I help you lean against the wall, my back is really starting to hurt" He made a cringing face, hoping he wasn't a bad friend for suggesting so.

"Oh my god, Ron!" she hastily stood up and faced him. "I'm so sorry, you should've said so. Are you okay?" Her face was filled with concern as she looked down at him.

"It's alright" he said, offering her a smile, as he lifted himself up, groaning when his back made a cracking noise while he was in motion. "Oh, that's much better" he moaned with his eyes shut.

"Alright, that's it. Both of you go see Madam Pomfrey now" Harry said, as he stood up.

Ron opened his eyes and looked at him in shock as Hermione yelled "What? Are you mad" Her response took Harry by surprise, as he became speechless for a moment. "We're coming with you."

"Absolutely" added Ron. Harry looked at him and knew that Ron wouldn't back down seeing the determined look on his face. But he couldn't let them do this, not for him, and not after what happened to Hermione.

"Look" he started, hoping that reasoning with them would be the best option instead of arguing, which would accomplish nothing except waste more time. "Hermione, please listen to me. You must see Madam Pomfrey. Maybe she can help you, better than that inhaler so what just happened would never happen again" He walked up to her and put his hand on her shoulder.

She shook her head. "No" she whispered, her eyes filling with tears.

Harry let out a tired sigh as he hung his head before looking back at her. "Hermione, you need to understand. I would go with you but...I may never get this chance again. Not when he's weak. I must stop him, Hermione. I have to keep my parent's sacrifice alive, so they didn't die in vain." He tried to convey his emotions through his eyes, that were starting to prickle. "And...and I want you to be safe. We don't know what's down there, what sort of enchantments and how to get past them. What if we have to run...What if that's one of the challenges, escaping from something and running for our lives...now you see what I mean?" He finished, hoping he got his point through.

Hermione's face was set firm, but she didn't say anything, simply stared at him defiantly as tears gathered behind her eyes. "Look if you really want to help then..." he didn't want to say it because it feel right even as he thought about it, and he knew she would take it the wrong way. "Then Ron could come with me... only if you're okay with going to the hospital wing on your own"

Ron kept looking back and forth at his friend's faces, trying to gage their emotions. He knew both were stubborn as hell. He knew it would be nearly impossible to convince Harry that taking Hermione wouldn't be that bad, they can take short breaks along the way. He also knew that Hermione might be the only person to make him change his mind.

But the one thing he was most certain about was they wouldn't even make past Fluffy, forget about the enchantments without Hermione. A vision of Hermione falling in his arms flashed through his mind and he was once again reminded how scared he had been when she didn't open her eyes.

All the scenarios he considered before fell apart by that single vision. He never wanted to be reminded of that again. He had only one option to stop Harry and if that didn't work, well then, he'd made up his mind.

"What if you're wrong?" He spoke, breaking the silence. Harry looked at him in confusion.

"What?"

"What if no one is going to be there, not tonight I mean. How can you be sure? Remember Dumbledore said that he'll tell us if he found out something. I think we should wait" he finished, satisfied with his point.

Harry's features darkened immediately before he responded to him. "I told you I know" he growled, walking towards him.

"But how can you be sure?" Ron said, standing his ground. "At least wait till Dumbledore gets back and you can ask him?"

"But that's the point" They turned their heads in Hermione's direction who had a contemplative look on her face. "That's what he wanted" she said, talking to herself. "To strike when Prof. Dumbledore wasn't in the castle" She turned her head at a slow pace towards Harry.

He nodded his head. "About time you get it"

"But then why would Dumbledore leave?" asked Ron.

"He had to. Remember he said it was urgent, and not to mention it was from the ministry. Even he can't say no to that. He feared that the thief might try and steal the stone in his absence. But...I don't understand one thing. Why would he announce it in front of everybody that he was leaving? He could've left without telling anyone and no one would've been any wiser, especially the person trying to steal the stone" Her forehead was scrunched as she tried to think of the reason behind the headmaster's thinking but couldn't come up with anything.

"That's not for us to worry about," said Harry. "What's important is that we know that Voldemort- I mean whoever is working for him knows that Dumbledore is gone, and they wouldn't lose this opportunity. Look, it's possible that I'm wrong, but I'm telling you that you just have to believe me on this." He looked at Ron as he finished.

Ron's shoulders sagged before he shrugged them. "Alright then. No more point in standing here and arguing. Let's go" Harry's eyes lit up before he faced Hermione and his enthusiasm was diminished at seeing the same determined look on her face. They were losing precious time and he was getting tired of this argument. He feared he might do or say something that could permanently damage their relationship forever.

"Harry's right, Hermione" Ron came up to her and put a hand on her shoulder. Harry was relieved that at least Ron saw logic behind what he was saying. 'Hopefully, he'll be able to convince her' he thought.

"I'm coming" she said between clenched teeth.

"Look Hermione, there are only 2 options. Either I come with you to the hospital wing or go with Harry. But you have to decide that"

She shook her head. "I can take care of myself."

"No, you can't!" yelled Harry, making them jump in the air. His face was red in anger. He had lost what little patience was left in him. "We've seen you can't, so stop trying to argue because you're not going to win. Stop acting stupid. I can't believe I have to say these things since you're supposed to be the smart one among us. You're not coming and that's it" He was breathing heavily by the time he finished.

Hermione's lower lip started to tremble as more tears leaked from her eyes. She sniffled couple of time before she was able to speak. "I'll...I'll go with you" she begged. "Please, I don't want to lose you" a sob escaped her lips as she said the last word.

"You won't, I promise" Harry said with confidence that he wasn't feeling. But he didn't want to think that far ahead yet. "I swear, I'll be sitting next to you in class tomorrow."

He caught Ron's eyes when Hermione was wiping her nose with her sleeve and motioned with his head towards her. Ron, understanding what he was trying to say, nodded his head before turning towards Hermione.

"He's right, Hermione. We're not leaving you. Ever" he said, offering her a smile, but she didn't smile back. "So, what do you wanna do?" he asked quickly, changing the subject.

She turned her head towards Harry as her tears had subsided somewhat by now. "I'm coming" she said in a voice that held no emotions and that's what scared Harry the most. Even though she was driving him absolutely mad at the moment, his respect for her went even higher, and he didn't think that was possible. She would go through anything to help her friends. It scared him because he didn't believe he had the courage to do the same. Certainly, not on the same level as her.

"Aagghh!" he yelled in frustration. "Fine! But I'm not slowing down for you" This was his last hope. Maybe this would stop her. Even though he would never do that, and now that she was coming, her safety was the primary focus on his mind, telling her otherwise may stop her. To tell her that he wouldn't even slow down for her after she basically put her life on the line for him, he couldn't think of a worse betrayal in trust.

But it was a lie of course. One that didn't fool her for a second as a huge smile appeared on her face before she trotted past him. He shook his head in bewilderment as Ron came to stand beside him. Both were watching her with the same dumbfounded expression.

"Have you ever seen someone walk towards a life-threatening situation with a smile on their face?" he asked, eyes still on Hermione as she stopped at the entryway to the corridor.

Ron shook his head. "Told you from the start didn't I"

Harry nodded his head as Hermione turned around as she looked at them bemusedly. "Mental"

"Yeah, about time you figured it out" Ron said, clapping him on the back.

"Are you guys coming or not?" she cried out. "We don't have all night you know" She finished with her hands on her hips.

Harry wondered how it was possible for someone to behave completely differently in a matter of seconds.

"Coming!" yelled Ron. "C'mon let's go before she bites our heads off" They hurried over to her.

They reached the door they had opened previously to hide from Fluffy.

"Do you think it's open" asked Ron.

"Only one way to find out" said Harry as he put his hand on the knob before turning it. He looked back at them as he pushed open the door.

"Well, I guess that means we're not the first one's here," said Ron.

They stepped inside before Hermione closed the door. They walked towards the door at the far-left corner of the classroom. "Look, it's opened" whispered Ron, as he pointed at the door. Harry looked at it and true enough, there was a small gap between the door and the wall.

"Looks like someone was in hurry" murmured Hermione, her senses on high alert as she looked around, afraid there might be someone beside them, hiding in the dark, or worse, spying on them.

They entered the restricted corridor before making their way to the last room in the hallway. As expected, the door was open but unlike a few moments ago when they casually walked through the open door, this time it was much different as they cautiously approached the entryway.

Harry peeked his head inside and found the giant three-headed dog asleep. He released a breath he had been holding as some tension left his body. He looked over his shoulder at his friends who had been staring at him the entire time. Unlike him, there was fear etched on their faces and their entire body was filled with tension.

"It's sleeping" he whispered. Ron released a huge sigh of relief, as did Hermione, only more subtly.

"C'mon. Try not to make any sound. Be on your toes, not on your heels." said Harry, as he led the way.

"Okay" whispered Hermione, a small part of her brain wondering how he knew this.

"Crouch down low" Harry instructed before Hermione and Ron followed his movement.

They slowly made their way towards the centre of the room before Harry held his hand up and they stopped. "It's sleeping on it" he whispered.

"Crap" Ron whispered dramatically when his eyes landed on the Fluffy's large paw that was lying over the trapdoor. "What do we do now?"

"It's simple" said Harry, his gaze focused on the Fluffy's paw. "We have to wake him up"

A sharp intake of breath made him look over his shoulder. "I don't think that's a very good idea" Hermione shook her head.

"I know but it's the only way" he said, turning his head back towards Fluffy. "Alright" He stood up to his full height. "Remember when I said don't make any sound?"

"Yeah" Hermione asked warily as she and Ron stood up as well. She didn't like where this was going.

"Scratch that. Make all the noise you want" He turned towards them before continuing. "I'm going to make him come after me. In the meantime, you two escape through the door"

Hermione's eyes turned wide as she looked at him in shock. "NO!" she yelled. "Are you mad? We're not leaving you. If you think even for a second that we-"

Her rant was cut in half by a loud growl. "Umm guys" Ron whimpered, as he pointed behind Harry.

"Knew that would get a reaction out of you" Hermione shifted her gaze back to Harry after staring in absolute horror at three headed dog.

"Huh?" she said stupidly, wondering why Harry had a smirk on his face before he turned around and inclined his head back as he stared at Fluffy's face, who was now standing on all his four legs.

Harry made a run towards the other side of the room, surprising everyone including Fluffy, who by the time realized what was happening, Harry had already whizzed past him. His angry stomp came a little too late as Harry reached the wall and turned around.

"Why are you still standing?" He shouted at his friends as they kept staring at him with their mouths open. "RUN!" Ron came out of his shock faster as he grabbed Hermione's hand and dashed towards the now visible trapdoor.

Harry's eyes were focused on them, and it wasn't until he felt a shadow over him did he look up to notice Fluffy standing right above him. "HARRY"

"Oh crap" He jumped to his right when the giant monster tried to eat him alive. He escaped it's claws by inches as he hastily got up and ran towards the now open trapdoor. "GO" He shouted at them. Ron tugged on Hermione's hand before jumping into absolute darkness.

The time Fluffy lost in turning around due to his size, he made up for with his long strides. Harry looked over his shoulder to see the giant dog gaining distance on him. He mustered every bit of strength and speed he had in him as the three headed monster bent all his heads down before he opened them wide.

Harry dived forward, similar to how he would dive in water, when he realised he wouldn't make it. His head was already through, but his legs were still dangling halfway out. He closed his eyes and waited for the impact, the bite, and if he had been able to look behind him, he would've seen a flash of flight before the monster dropped to the ground face first and lay motionless, but all he heard was the loud impact, which he took for Fluffy angrily stomping on the floor as he escaped past his clutches once again.

His fear for his life came back with fervour once he realised that he was still falling, face first, towards the never-ending darkness. He just hoped that it wasn't solid ground.

He shut his eyes tight when he caught a glimpse of light before it vanished.

He opened his eyes just in time to see what looked like a giant plant. Luckily for him, due to the fall being so long he turned and twisted in the air so much that by the time he was about to hit the surface, he was in an upright position.

Though it didn't matter in the end because just before the impact, giant twigs wrapped around his body and catched him in mid-air.

"WHAT THE-"

He breathed a huge sigh of relief as they slowly lowered him to the surface. He took a moment to take a deep breath, figured at least he deserved that if nothing else.

"HARRY!" He heard Hermione yell.

"HERMIONE! Are you and Ron alright?" He shouted back, relieved to hear their voice.

"Yes. Listen to me. Don't move and-"

"AAH" He didn't hear the rest of her sentence as he felt the air being sucked out of his body as the twigs started squeezing his whole body. He struggled to move but it was of no use as the more he tried, the harder it got, and he felt he wouldn't be able to breath any second now.

"HARRY, STAY STILL. TRUST ME" He focused on Hermione's voice and listened to what she said. 'Stay still, stay still' he kept repeating it.

After a couple of seconds, he felt his body slip through the death grip the plant had on him. He shut his eyes tight when his face squeezed through the gap before he landed with a thump on the floor. Luckly, it was only a 2-metre drop, but it still hurt like hell when he landed on his elbow.

"Ow" he groaned in pain.

Hermione and Ron rushed over to him. "Harry, you alright?" she asked, as he got up with their help.

"Yeah" he grimaced. "Just a little scrape. He tried to shake his left arm but cringed as the pain was too much. Don't worry about me, you guys' okay" He tried to put on a brave face.

"Yeah. Though if it weren't for Hermione I would be still up there" Ron shuddered.

"Yeah, me too" said Harry, as he faced her. "You're brilliant, Hermione. I would be dead by now if it weren't for you. Guess I was wrong thinking I could go alone" Hermione's face turned a slight shade of red.

"I'm sure you would've figured it out. It's called the Devil's snare. I read about in a book"

"Of course, you did" said Harry as he looked around. He noticed there were 2 doors in the small chamber. One to the right, and one to the left.

"OW" He yelped in pain as he turned to look at Hermione's livid face. "What was that?" he asked in disbelief.

"That was very stupid what you did up there. Don't think I forgot about it" She said, glaring at him.

Harry looked at her in confusion before realisation dawned upon him. "Ohhh"

"Yeah, that's right. Oh" She said dangerously before continuing. "Do something like that again and it'll be much worse than a punch" She trotted past him and headed towards the door to the left.

"I don't doubt that" he muttered as Ron patted him on the back in a sympathetic manner. "Hey, wait, shouldn't we check the other door as well. Maybe that's the right one"

"We already did. Leads you back to the charm's classroom." said Ron.

"Luckily, we didn't step through it, or we wouldn't have been able to get back. Not through that door anyway."

"What do you mean?" asked Harry, furrowing his brows.

"Imagine opening the door to the restricted corridor but from the other side and looking into the charms classroom" Harry nodded his head. "That's what we saw. So, I believe it's just a one-way shortcut passage since we know that when we open the door from inside the charms room, it doesn't lead us here but to the restricted corridor."

"So, basically what you're saying is that this door is for anyone who wants to get back from here." said Harry.

Hermione nodded her head. "Yeah, Although We don't know if it's the only door that takes you back or there are others." She turned around before walking ahead.

They walked into the next room which was ten times bigger than the one they just exited. The ceiling was so high that they could barely see it.

"What are those?" said Harry. He didn't need to point because they were everywhere high above them.

"I think they are keys," said Hermione.

"Yeah, I think you're right "said Ron as he squinted his eyes.

"But why?" asked Harry.

"It's obvious isn't it. To unlock that door." Harry looked straight ahead at the wooden door on the opposite wall.

"Maybe it's just a trick. Maybe, it's already unlocked" He ran towards it. Hermione and Ron right behind him.

He reached the door and put his hand on the knob before twisting it. But it didn't turn. "Crap" He tried it couple of more times but to no avail.

He took his wand out and pointed it at the handle. "Alohomora" Still nothing happened.

"I guess you were right" he said turning around. "But there are so many. How would we know which is the right one?" He asked desperate voice.

"Only one way to find out" Hermione pointed behind her. Harry looked over her shoulder to see a broom floating in mid-air. He quickly ran over to it before mounting it.

However, their problem escalated quickly when all the keys shot towards him. Their eyes turned wide as they stayed rooted to the spot. Harry took off just in time as the keys were about to attack them.

He looked behind him to see the winged objects following him. "You can do it, Harry" shouted Ron from below.

Harry leaned forward to gain more speed. It wasn't going as fast as he wanted it to, but then he realized it wasn't his Nimbus 2000. The winged keys caught up to him and he covered his face with one hand as they started scratching him. He peeked through his fingers to look for the key to the door. He knew it had to be different, otherwise no one would be able to find it, including the person who set up this challenge.

He flew around the room for another couple of minutes when he saw it, a key with only one wing. It was fluttering in the air. He shot forward; eyes locked on it and in less than 10 seconds, the key was in his hand.

"HERE, CATCH IT" He shouted as he got lower to the ground and threw the key towards Ron who caught it with both hands. Harry made one more round around the chamber and by the time he came around, the door was open, and he zoomed through it before Ron closed the door. Hermione shuddered when the sound of the keys hitting the door reached their ears.

Harry got off the broom and took deep breaths as the broom dropped to the ground. "I never want to do that again" He wheezed.

"Oh Harry, you're cut badly" said Hermione, when he looked up. There were scratches all over his face and he was bleeding from the scratch that ran diagonally across his right cheek.

"Don't worry, I'm okay" He wiped the blood with his sleeve before turning around. He couldn't see more than 10 metres ahead as there was no light in the room. Cautiously, he took one step after another, trailing the path for Hermione and Ron to follow as they kept their eyes on him.

They all screamed in unison by the roaring sound of fire. They looked around as the room was fully lit with burning torches that were placed all over the room. Some were hanging from the ceiling, while most were hanging of the walls.

"Oh my god" whispered Hermione. Harry nodded his head as he stared ahead and realised that they were standing on the edge of huge a chess board. The chess pieces were all taller than they were and were carved out of stone. They were standing behind the black pieces and staring across the board at the white pieces.

"Don't tell me we have to beat them" Hermione's said with a tremor.

They watched with horrified expressions when the pawn in front of the white king glided towards the centre of the board before stopping. "I think that answer's your question, Hermione," said Harry.

"Hey look, we have a bishop and a rook missing" Ron pointed with his hand. "That's so unfair"

"I guess they wanted to make it even more difficult" said Harry, as he tried to think of a way to get through to the next stage without playing the game.

"Alright then" They turned to Ron who had a small frown on his face. Harry had never seen him this serious. "Hermione, take the position of the rook, Harry you're the bishop."

"What about you?" asked Harry.

Ron waited a beat before replying. "I'll be the knight" He walked over to the horse size chess piece before climbing on its back.

Harry and Hermione reached their positions as the pawn moved back to his place before the game started.

It was a bloodbath, absolute barbaric, was the thought continuously running through Hermione's head. She couldn't believe when the white team's bishop struck the first blow, breaking their pawn in half and sending its pieces flying everywhere. She remembered being in shock for the next few minutes and the vision kept repeating in her mind. It wasn't until Ron yelled at her to move that she realised what was happening.

And now, the same thing had been going on for what felt like forever. The board was littered with broken stone pieces. Right next to her feet was the head of the white knight which had a broken nose.

But it seemed that the game was coming to an end, one way or another, as they just lost their queen.

Both teams were on equal footing, as they each had 8 pieces left, including her and Harry.

Hermione watched as the white queen moved three paces ahead to d3, destroying their pawn and taking its place. Harry's eyes turned wide in fear as he realised that she became an imminent threat to him.

He turned to Ron, who was scanning the board before he shouted. "Rook to c3"

The queen demolished the rook in the next move and once again threatened Harry's position. He looked across the board at Hermione, who stared back at him with fear masked all over her face. He tried to give her a reassuring smile, but it did nothing to change her expressions.

"Knight to h3," shouted Ron. As the knight started to move, Harry realised what was happening. Ron was sacrificing himself.

"RON NO!" He yelled.

"What's happening?" shouted Hermione.

"He's sacrificing himself"

Hermione turned her wide eyes at Ron. "What, Ron don't! There must be other way" Tears were starting to form behind her eyes.

"There isn't" he said as the knight stopped moving. "Harry, you know what to do. He's trapped after taking me down. You got this" Ron's words gave him all the confidence he needed as he nodded his head.

The white queen started moving towards Ron. Harry watched with great pain as it stopped next to him. He knew what was about to happen and he so desperately wanted it to not happen. His respect and admiration for his friend reached a level so high that he didn't think he would ever be able to reciprocate.

Dumbledore was right, not everyone is as lucky as him to have friends like Ron and Hermione, who would put their lives on the line for him.

"HERMIONE!" He shouted as he looked at her. She turned her head in his direction and he could see tear stains on her cheeks. "Keep looking at me." She nodded her head as more tears fell down her face.

He smiled at her, trying to convey to her that everything would be alright. They both shut their eyes when the sound of stone breaking reached their ears, followed by an anguished scream before it all went silent.

Hermione opened her eyes and looked at Ron's unmoving form lying face down on the ground.

"It's going to be over soon" he said.

"Do it Harry. Finish what Ron started" Her words gave him life that was drowned out after seeing his friend's body.

He squared his shoulders and turned around. "Bishop to c5" He walked over to the spot and waited for the inevitable move. As expected, the queen moved to protect her king, but also right into Harry's path.

"Bishop to e3" he shouted, before walking over to the queen. He had an angry smirk on his face as he stopped in front of it. The queen crumbled to pieces as it hit the ground. He looked at the king before angrily shouting. "CHECKMATE" The king and its remaining pieces hit the ground.

Harry and Hermione ran over to Ron. They crouched down before shaking his body. "He's not moving" sniffled Hermione.

"He's breathing" Harry said, after putting his ear close to Ron's mouth. They both released a huge sigh of relief and took a moment to steady their heartbeat, which had been running rampant ever since the match began.

Harry squinted his eyes when he found noticed amiss at the corner of the wall to his left. Over the past few months, he had gotten really good at recognizing doors that were disguised as part of the wall. He got up and walked over to further examine it and hopefully confirm his suspicion.

Hermione watched him go with a small frown before she started following him.

As he got closer, Harry noticed that the camouflaging wasn't even done well. Rather poorly compared to the ones he'd previously found. 'Maybe it's not meant to be hidden. Maybe they want you to find out' Harry touched the surface before he pushed it. The door opened to the left. He turned around to see Hermione right behind him, her eyes wide in disbelief.

"How did you do that?" she asked, amazed.

"I had a lot of time to kill during the easter holidays" was his answer before he stepped through. The moment Hermione crossed the threshold, purple flames emerged behind them, in the doorway. At the same time, black flames shot up in the doorway leading forward. They were trapped from both sides.

The room was lit dimly with burning torches that were perched upon the walls. In the middle of the room, lay a table, and upon it were seven potion bottles aligned together.

They walked up to the table before Harry picked up the note that lay beside the potions. He unfolded it before reading the words aloud.

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 forevermore,

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 onward, 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.

Harry put the paper down and slowly turned towards Hermione who had a huge frown on her face as she kept her eyes locked on the paper. "Please tell me you can figure this out, Hermione otherwise we'd be stuck in here forever because this is beyond me and I'm not even going to pretend otherwise"

"Shut up, Harry, let me concentrate" She motioned him to move away, which he did, before she picked up the parchment. Harry watched her as she kept murmuring the words.

"No, that can't be it- Unh, think Hermione think" she exhaled frustratingly.

Harry watched her as she started making small circles in the area available to them. Afraid of breaking her concentration, he stepped out of the way every time she got near him. This went on for another couple of minutes and the only sound coming was of Hermione murmuring.

"That means the 2nd and 6th are nettle wines" Harry heard her say as she stopped moving and had her eyes trained on the table. "Which makes 1st and 5th poison...and the 7th potion takes you back since ones at either end are different and the far left is poison. Which leaves 3 and 4 and since 3 is the smallest, that makes 4 the third poison" Harry tried to keep up with her but lost her sometime during when she said the first set of words.

"That's it!" she exclaimed excitedly, before turning to Harry with a huge smile. "I figured it out" She beamed at him.

"Really?" he asked, not wanting to get his hopes up yet.

"It's pure logic. I can see why so many wizards would find this incredibly hard. They rely on their magic so much that they almost frown upon actual reason and logic."

"Ok, so which one is it?"

"This one will take you forward" she pointed at the third bottle from left. "And this one will take you back" she pointed at the bottle on the far right.

"Are you sure, I mean I don't doubt you, it's just that some of them can kill us"

"Would you like me to explain it to you?" Harry could see that she was only trying to help him understand and not act superior in any way, and as much as he wanted to understand how she figured it out, reality was that they had already lost so much time and he didn't want to lose more. Plus, he trusted Hermione with his life.

"No, I trust you" he gave her a small smile, which she reciprocated.

"Okay then, drink up" she picked the 3rd bottle before looking inside it. "What, No-" She shook her head dejectedly. "Of course,"

"What is it" askes Harry, fearing the worse.

"There's barely enough for one of us, let alone both" she said morosely.

Harry took it from her hands and looked inside the bottle. She was right. There were only a few drops left. "Ok, ok, no need to panic" Harry tried to calm her as he started rattling his brain for other ideas. After a few seconds he looked up at her. "Here's what we'll do." he started, looking into her eyes. "You take that potion" he pointed at the 7th bottle "It will take you back and then you can get help, maybe try and see if Ron wakes up, but if he doesn't, leave through the other door we found that leads to the charms room and then see if Prof. Dumbledore is back. If he isn't, then maybe look for Prof. Quirrell" Hermione furrowed her brows when he said that name. "I trust him, or if he isn't available then maybe McGonagall, alright" He took deep breaths once he finished.

"But I don't want to leave you" she said.

"Hermione, we don't have another choice. This is the only way." He put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"But what if something bad happens to you?" tears started filling her eyes, but she kept them at bay.

"That's why I need you to get some help, plus I'll be okay" He added as more tears started filling her eyes.

She nodded her head before wiping at her eyes. She looked at him for a moment before saying "You'll be fine, Harry. You're a great wizard"

"More like lucky than great, you mean" Harry tried to lighten the moment, but Hermione didn't find it funny as her gaze remained unfaltering and her face resolute.

She shook her head. "Great" she whispered.

Harry could only nod his head in response as he was at a loss for words. "Not as good as you" At Hermione's scoff he continued. "I mean it. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. You're brilliant, Hermione, and I'm sorry for saying everything I said to you earlier...I just want you to know that I didn't mean it and-"

"I know" she smiled at him as tears started building up behind her eyes once again. "Remember, books and cleverness will only lead you so far. What's important is bravery, fighting for what you believe is right, strength, humility, kindness and..." Time seemed to stop as they stared at each other. The moment was broken by the roll of paper unexplainably dropping to the ground. They blinked their eyes a couple of times before Hermione continued "what I mean is you have all these attributes more than anyone I know"

"You're forgetting one more" He paused as his lips lifted at the corner. "Friendship. I have the best friends in the world" Hermione didn't bother stopping the single tear as it rolled down her cheek as she beamed at him.

She moved in to hug him. Harry's eyes turned wide and with no experience with this sort of thing, he did the worst thing possible. He took a step back, and Hermione seeing his reaction tried to stop herself but in doing so tripped over her feet and ended up hitting her face against his chest. Harry put his arms on her shoulders as he helped her stand back up before taking another couple of steps back.

"So, yeah" He said, scratching the back of his head and staring at the ground. Hermione's face was beet red, and she too had her gaze locked on the floor. "I'll, I'll see you soon...so I'm just going to drink this now" He didn't see Hermoine nodding her head as he quickly turned around before picking the bottle and drowning its contents in one gulp.

"Umm, take care" he added before he started walking towards the black flames.

"You too" He heard her say meekly and he didn't need to turn around to see that she was still embarrassed by what just happened. If the circumstances had been different, he would've banged his head against the wall before running far away and never seeing her again.

'Such an idiot' He reprimanded himself.

He stopped in front of the flames, waiting for them to die down, which they did after a moment. He walked through the threshold and looked behind to see the flames back up. He could see Hermione drinking from the purple bottle. He turned back around before moving forward.

The passageway was made entirely out of stone and there were burning torches hanging on the side. The passage curved left before widening exponentially. Harry continued walking before coming across stairs that led down.

He descended the staircase that led to a giant chamber, held by 4 pillars on each corner. Like the chambers before, it was lit with burning torches that were perched on all the walls. It also had a chandelier hanging in the middle, which illuminated silver light in the middle of the chamber, right over the Mirror of Erised.

But Harry didn't notice all of this, for his eyes were locked on the person's back who was standing before the mirror.

"YOU!" He shouted in disbelief.

Quirrell turned around and looked at him. He had a small smirk on his face. "Yes Harry, it's me." He said without stuttering as he took couple of steps towards him. "Not what you expected, I presume. Hmm." His face turned dark as he continued. "No one did, because who would suspect stupid, bumbling Prof. Quirrell to take the stone. Who everyone makes fun off? You think I DIDN'T KNOW" Veins became visible on his forehead after his outburst.

"Oh, Pot-ter cou- could you teach m-me flying. Te-Ten p-points to Gryf-findor" He mimicked with disdain. "I did what I had to. I came up with a plan so brilliant that even the great Dumbledore couldn't figure out...Me, it was all me, Harry." He finished with a snarl.

"So, spending time with me, learning to fly was all just part of your plan? Some elaborate scheme?" Harry knew he sounded pathetic but for the first time in a long time he felt sorry for himself. Something he promised himself he would never do no matter how terrible in a situation he found himself in. Granted when he made that promise he thought along the lines of living on the streets, begging for food and those sort of things, mastermind evil wizards who befriended him only for their benefits never came across his mind.

Unlike other times when he couldn't figure out why he was hurting so much on the inside, he knew the reason. He truly felt he made a friend in Quirrell. He remembered their long chats on the quidditch stands or when they were flying, secrets about his life with the Dursley's that he hadn't even told Ron or Hermione yet.

He felt betrayed, and once he realised it, all the sorrow left his body only to be replaced by anger and hatred.

He saw the man standing before him through different eyes, the eyes of a boy who didn't care if he lived or not, who didn't care if he killed him, who wanted to kill him.

"Oh yes, that was just to get through that damn 3rd task. Once I got that midget Flitwick to tell me what protection he put on the stone, I figured I had to learn how to fly. And with you teaching me I could kill 2 birds with one hit, the second being, which I'm sure you have figured out, to learn more about you. Though I must say, and you would agree with me on this that I didn't need those flying lessons. I am a natural"

Harry paid no attention to his bragging. "I bet you hate that Dumbledore didn't let you be one of the guardians of the stone" he smirked when a scowl appeared on Quirrell's face. "How did you get past the winged keys?"

"What do you mean?"

"When we reached the chamber, the keys were floating in the air. Plus, you needed the one key to get through, which we used"

"Oh, the keys move back into place once you enter the next chamber, and as for the one key, one of them takes its place"

"What about the chess riddle?" Do they go back to normal as well?"

"After a while. But I didn't take that risk. Snape does his nightly patrols" he added.

"So, you've been here before as well?"

"Yes" he said casually, as he walked left to right with is hands behind his back. "But" he looked at Harry from the corner of his eye. "Only to perfect my plan. Till I was ready to beat the challenges in as little time as possible. Plus, a lot of time was wasted in figuring how to beat McGonagall's stupid chess game"

"You waited till Dumbledore was out of the castle" Harry said after a moment, thinking that was the only possible solution.

"Not quite" Quirrell smiled nastily as he continued. "I made him wait. He worked around me. Like I mentioned, I couldn't go through my plan till I perfected everything and also there was the matter of stealing the bezoar from the potion's lab-"

"A bezoar?" asked Harry, furrowing his brows.

Quirrell gritted his teeth in anger for the interruption but still answered his question. "Antidote that cures almost any poison. I knew Snape's challenge had to do something with potions. I knew he would use poison as well, so..." He shrugged his shoulders.

"That's how you got through. Not by solving the riddle but by drinking every bottle?" Harry laughed at him.

"ENOUGH!" shouted Quirrell.

"Okay. Just to let you know, my friend, Hermione, actually figured out the riddle. But then again, I shouldn't be surprised I suppose since she is one of the smartest people I know and you're by far the dumbest" He spat.

Quirrell chuckled in response. "Trying to get a rise out of me, Harry, trying to make me act emotionally. What, you think that would make me do something stupid" He shook his head as he tutted. "Anger makes me more dangerous" He took a step toward Harry. "So, for your sake, I would suggest you act wisely and do as I say"

"We'll see how tough you act when Prof. Dumbledore gets here"

Quirrell scoffed in response. "You mean he who couldn't tell the difference from a forged letter to a real one from the ministry."

Harry's eyes turned wide in shock. "It was you" he gasped. "You gave him the letter"

"Not gave him, per say, but yes, I'm the one who wrote it" He had a smug smile on his face as he said it. "Like the challenges, I had to perfect the art of forgery, and once I had perfected both, I set my plan into action."

"That doesn't change anything. You're still a coward" spat Harry.

"ENOUGH" A chill ran down Harry's spine as he took a step back. Quirrell's mouth didn't move. Someone else spoke. But Harry had heard that voice before. He tried to remember where and when. "It's time. Bring him forward" There it was again. That hissing voice.

"Who is it?" his voice cracked as he looked up at Quirrell, who was in the middle of removing his turban.

Harry watched as he fully removed it before throwing it to the ground, revealing his bald scalp. But then he turned around and Harry stopped breathing.

Attached to the back of Quirrell's head was another face, only it looked much older, and hadn't fully formed yet. The face had no nose, and no eyebrows and very thin lips. But that wasn't what caused his breathing to stop. It was the eyes. He could never forget those eyes.

They were the colour of blood. It was Voldemort.

He then remembered where he heard that voice. In the forest, when he thought he told Firenze to leave. Firenze told him he didn't hear anything, and it had bugged him ever since, but now he knew he was right, only he said it to Quirrell.

So many things made sense to him now. Quirrell's late night walks, how he was always sweating, the rotten smell he exuded, the look they shared in the great hall on Halloween. His scar hurting almost everytime he was near him.

Voldemort was controlling him.

He wanted to say so many things to him, and then kill him in every way possible. But all that came out of his mouth was "You killed my parents" he croaked out.

"Yes, I did" hissed Voldemort. "But I wasn't the only one. Why don't you help me get that stone, and once I've gained my full form and strength, I'll answer every question you have"

Tears escaped Harry's eyes as he shook his head. "Why did you kill them. WHY?" He screamed.

"He's too emotional. Take him" Quirrell turned around and walked towards Harry who was too emotionally spent to realize what was happening. He grabbed hold of Harry's collar before dragging him behind him. He pushed him in front of the mirror.

"What do you see? TELL ME" Shouted Quirrell.

Harry looked at the mirror and like every time before, his parents appeared inside the glass. More tears flowed down his cheeks. It had been so long since he last saw them.

"What, what do you see?" asked Quirrell.

"My parents" he sobbed.

"LOOK AGAIN"

"I DON'T NEED TO LOOK AGAIN" He shouted back, glaring at him. "I'm never going to see anything else, and it's all because of him" he said viciously, glaring at the side of Voldemort's face.

"I don't care, look again. There must be another way. Dumbledore must've told you something" said Quirrell.

Harry shook his head as he looked back into the mirror. He knew the only way to stop Voldemort was to stop him from getting the stone. He also knew that sooner rather than later he would figure the way to get it.

Did Dumbledore really hide it inside the mirror, how was it even possible? That was the question running through his mind.

'Can I see it? Am I capable of seeing anything else except my parents?'

He looked up at his parent's faces. They both had smiles on their faces. He looked at his mother who gave him a small nod, before turning to his father, who did the same but with small smirk.

He nodded back as a smile came over his lips. His tears had stopped flowing. He closed his eyes.

'I need the stone. I need the stone' he repeated it in his mind. He opened his eyes to see that his parents were replaced by him in the mirror.

Only this Harry was smiling at him and juggling the stone in his right hand. Harry's eyes turned wide when he felt something heavy in his right trouser pocket.

He put his hand inside the pocket and felt the shape of the stone. A small gasp left his lips.

'I can't believe that worked'

"He has it" hissed Voldemort, making Harry turn around towards him.

Harry's eyes turned wide when Quirrell lunged after him. He put his hands up to protect himself.

"AAH" Quirrell screamed in pain when Harry's hand touched his face. Harry looked at him in horror. The left side of his face was burned and quickly turning black. He looked at his hands in shock.

He kept staring at them in disbelief that he didn't see Quirrell taking out his wand.

Harry looked up just in time when Quirrell pointed the wand at him.

"Avada-"

Quirrell couldn't finish uttering the curse because he was thrown back by an unseen force. His back made a cracking noise when he hit the pillar.

Harry looked around to see if anyone else was here with them, but he saw no one.

Not wanting to waste this opportunity, he ran over to him as he lay groaning in pain on the ground. Harry kneeled beside him before covering the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor's face with his hands.

Smoke started coming out from where he touched his face. Quirrell and Voldemort, screamed in agony but he didn't stop his assault.

All the rage and hatred that he had built up against the monster who killed his parents overpowered the small amount of sympathy he felt for Quirrell, who was a victim in all this.

'He made his choice when he joined Voldemort' Harry said to himself to justify his actions, though he didn't need to because nothing was going to stop him from killing Voldemort. No one, no matter who they were.

He watched with sick satisfaction as Quirrell's face started turning to dust, and in less than 10 seconds his entire body, including Voldemort, was nothing but dirt lying on the ground.

Harry took deep breaths as he got up. He stared at the floor for a few moments before turning around and made his way towards the staircase. He was about to reach the stairs when he heard a noise behind him, making him turn around.

He saw with wide eyes as the dust lifted of the floor before it took shape of Voldemort's face. He watched in horror as it flew towards him before going right through his chest.

"AAH" He screamed as he fell back to the ground and his vision slowly started getting blurry before it turned dark, and he could not see or feel any more.

…...

Harry groaned in pain as he slowly opened his eyes. His head hurt like hell, and he wanted nothing more than to get back to sleep. But he needed water, his throat had never felt this dry.

But first he needed to find his glasses as he literally couldn't see anything past his hand. He tried to move and in doing so hit his head against the table next to his head.

"Ow" he groaned in pain as he massaged his head.

"Oh Harry, you're up!"

"Prof. Dumbledore?"

"Yes Harry, it's me. Let me get you your glasses" Harry felt his glasses being placed in his right hand. He put them on and saw Dumbledore taking a seat on the chair next to his bed. He had a warm smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye.

He sat up as Dumbledore handed him a glass of water. "Thanks" He drowned it one gulp before placing the glass on the table. He looked around and noticed that they were the only two people in the room.

"How long have I been out?" he asked.

Dumbledore's smile dimmed a little as he responded. "A week"

"WHAT?" Harry's eyes turned wide as he couldn't keep his voice down. "A week?" Dumbledore nodded his head. "But…...it feels like it happened just a few hours ago"

"I know what you mean, Harry. It was nothing serious. Your body exerted a lot more magic than it had ever did before. And not just any magic, but the most powerful. Your body wasn't used to it, so it just needed a little charging up, as the muggles would say if I'm not mistaken."

"But I didn't use any magic?" Harry furrowed his brows, as he tried to remember.

"Aah, think again, Harry, and I'm sure you'll figure it out"

"But-" His eyes turned wide as he looked at Dumbledore, who nodded at him with a smile. "Professor? What was that? I mean how did I do that my hands?"

Dumbledore leaned forward in his seat. "It was love, Harry. The most powerful magic there is. Your mother's love for you, when she sacrificed herself to protect you from Lord Voldemort, that protection is what saved you from him in that chamber and ultimately gave you the strength to beat him"

"But...I don't understand" Dumbledore let out a chuckle.

"All in due time, my boy, all in due time" Harry nodded his head.

"I saw him professor. I saw Voldemort"

Dumbledore's expression turned serious. "I know, Harry. I could feel his presence when I went down to the chamber"

"Professor, how was I able to get the stone out of the mirror, since Voldemort couldn't do it?"

"Because you only intended to get the stone, and not use it."

"Oh" He nodded his head.

"Professor? Did you suspect Prof. Quirrell was the one trying to steal the stone?"

Dumbledore let out a sigh as he leaned back before removing his glasses and rubbed his eyes. "I suspected, yes, but I was never sure. You must remember in all my years of knowing Quirinus, he never showed any unwarranted behaviour. He always kept to himself and treated everyone with great respect. But, to answer your question, yes, I did suspect him."

Harry nodded his head before asking his next question. "Sir, Prof. Quirrell mentioned that he wrote you the ministry letter"

Dumbledore nodded his head. "I know" He elaborated at seeing Harry's eyes turn wide. "Though I wasn't sure when I got it. I knew the person trying to steal the stone would do something like this. Make me leave the castle. Though I didn't expect as well thought out plan as this, if I must say so.

You must realize that this isn't the first urgent letter I got from the ministry that required my immediate presence. Plus, it was from the wizengamot. I floo called immediately but no one answered. Patronus would've taken far too long. But then I realized that this is what we've been waiting for."

At Harry's confused look he continued. "That's why I announced in front of the entire school that I had to leave due to urgent matter, because if this letter really came from Quirrell, he needed to know that I was leaving, and since I didn't know it was him at that point, saying in front of the entire school seemed the next best option.

If the letter came from the ministry, he would do nothing because he wasn't waiting for me or any of us, but rather, we were waiting for him. Only when he believed he was ready, would he do the deed.

That left me with only one option. To confirm whether the letter was real or fake, and I happen to know someone in Hogsmeade who once specialised in these things. So, after he confirmed that it was a forgery, it only took him less than a minute mind you, though finding him took a lot longer, I came straight back. But it appeared I was too late. I saw Prof. Snape carrying your body to the hospital wing. Ms. Granger and Mr. Weasley were also with him"

"Snape?" exclaimed Harry.

"Prof. Snape, Harry" Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. "And yes, Ms. Granger met him in the charms classroom when she went looking for help"

Harry nodded his head.

"But then who was..." he trailed off.

"I'm sorry, I didn't get that" Dumbledore said as he leaned forward.

"Umm..." He hesitated, not sure if he should bring this up or not, since he himself wasn't completely certain that he believed it. "Something happened when I was fighting Prof. Quirrell"

"Yes?"

"When he was about to use a spell on me, I'm not sure which one, Avada something, I can't remember but, I don't know what happened since I didn't do anything, but he flew back and hit his back against the pillar. I...felt as if someone was there because there is no other explanation but when I looked, no was there" He looked up to see Dumbledore watching him closely. "What do you think this means, professor?"

"Frankly Harry, I'm not sure. You say no one was there so I could only assume that maybe he didn't say the proper incantation and the spell backfired. It could happen sometimes" He added when Harry's eyes turned wide.

"Really?"

"Oh yes. As you would find out when you get older. Sometimes, with complicated spells, you must mean them, simply saying the incantation would do nothing. It has to come from the heart" He said, pointing at Harry's chest.

Harry nodded his head in contemplation. "But then again, it's just an assumption. There could be million other reasons for all we know" he winked before standing up.

A frown came across Harry's face at seeing Dumbledore's smile. "Oh, one more thing I should tell you. Draco Malfoy won the duelling competition"

A dejected look came over Harry's face as he looked at his bed sheet. "But he didn't want to accept it" He looked up at Dumbledore in surprise.

"What, why?"

Dumbledore inclined his head as he answered. "I heard Prof. Sprout say that he kept repeating that he wanted to beat you. That he wouldn't feel worthy till he beat you" Harry's eyes turned wide at hearing this. "But rules are rules I suppose. Though I suppose there are other ways to determine who's better, but I would leave that to determine for young folk such as yourself. Take care, Harry" with that he headed towards the door.

"Professor?" Dumbledore turned around. "Why didn't you keep the stone for yourself? No one would've guessed you had it and even if they did, they wouldn't dare fight you. Not even Voldemort"

Dumbledore's features softened as he gave Harry a sad smile. "There is a reason for that Harry, one that I cannot share with you at this very moment and forgive my bluntness, but it is because you wouldn't understand the significance of it, not yet however. All I'll say is that only those with the purest of hearts should ever possess that much power because for the rest of us it becomes a curse. I hope you understand" Harry nodded his head.

"Of course, professor. Thank you, for being here with me"

"You never need to thank me, Harry" Dumbledore said with a smile before continuing "Oh, and one more thing. You went after Prof. Quirrell because you were suspicious of his behaviour. Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger didn't want you to go alone so they joined you. The rest happened as it did except, Prof. Quirrell died by catching the dragon fire, which you threw at him to protect yourself. It turned him into mere dust, and you dropped unconscious due to your injuries." He finished.

"Dragon fire?" asked Harry.

"All the chambers were lit with dragon fire, Harry. The person that catches it suffers similar fate as Quirrell...We can't lie to the ministry, Harry, as they will investigate this matter, but we can bend the truth a bit. I'm sure you can understand why I didn't mention Lord Voldemort's name. It will cause an upheaval so large that will shake the very foundation our world is built on."

"But...he did come back," said Harry.

"And now he's gone. Thanks to you. Is it not right?"

Harry thought about it for a moment before he nodded his head.

Dumbledore smiled at him. "Thank you, Harry"

Harry nodded once before saying "So, no one knows about Voldemort except you, me, Ron and Hermione?"

Dumbledore hesitated for a second before answering. "That's right"

"Do you think he's dead, Professor? I mean he flew right through me, but I don't know what that means"

"No one is ever truly dead, Harry, as I'm sure you know" He raised an eyebrow. Harry nodded his head as the doors to the hospital wing burst open before two first years walked in.

"I still can't believe we have to do exams considering we basically saved the entire school and the entire world. I mean I'm not saying give us gold, although that would be awesome, but at least not let us sit exams. I mean we had other things on mind, like saving the world from an evil maniac" ranted Ron, as he and Hermione entered the room. They were carrying their school bags.

Hermione rolled her eyes in exasperation. "I think it's admirable that Prof. Dumbledore didn't show us any favouritism. It would've been, HARRY!" She screamed when her eyes landed on him. She sprinted towards him and in no time reached his bed. She started to lean forward to hug him before her eyes turned wide and she hastily stopped herself and pulled back.

They were both blushing and avoided each other's eyes as they remembered the awkward moment that happened in the potions chamber.

"How are you feeling, Harry?" asked Hermione as Ron came up on his other side and engulfed him in a hug.

"Great to have you back, mate" Harry awkwardly patted him on the back. "I'm okay" he answered while looking at Hermione.

Ron pulled back before slapping him on the shoulder, which made Harry grimace, but the red head paid it no attention. "I have so much tell you. First, I want to get the bad stuff out of the way. Malfoy, that slimy git, won the duelling competition."

Harry opened his mouth to respond but Ron continued. "Second, and even worse than first, we have to sit our exams!" He flailed his arms wildly. Once again, he cut off Harry and continued his ranting. Harry let out a wry smile as he turned to Hermione, who shook her head with a smile of her own.

Dumbledore watched them with amusement and fondness before he headed towards the door. He closed it behind him and could still hear Ron's voice.

…...

The atmosphere in the great hall was rambunctious as no seat was left unattended. It was filled with exuberant students who couldn't hold in their excitement now that the exams were behind them.

Harry had a huge smile on his face as he chatted with Dean and Neville.

"I can't believe you wrote that!" Neville exclaimed; his eyes wide as he stared at Harry.

Harry nodded his head as his smile turned wider. "Hey, I thought it was funny. Plus, no one is going to see it except Dumbledore" said Harry, making Neville and Dean laugh.

"What's so funny?" asked Hermione, who was sitting beside Harry.

"Oh, nothing" Harry warned Neville and Dean with his eyes. They subtly nodded their heads.

"Yeah, just a silly quidditch joke" Dean chuckled nervously.

Hermione narrowed her eyes before turning towards Harry, who was closely examining his spoon. "What are you not telling me?" she asked in a dangerous voice.

Harry sighed before facing her. "Okay, but you promise not to get mad"

She took a beat before saying "Fine"

"Well, you know how at the end of every exam paper, there is a small section asking to review your teacher's performance, whether he was helpful or stuff like that?" She nodded her head. "Well...for my Defence Against the Dark Arts paper I wrote 'Overall I am happy with the way Prof. Quirrell taught the subject, he was always very helpful but" he paused as a smirk grew on his face and Hermione's eyes were starting to turn wide as she realised where he was going with this. "I didn't like the part where he tried to kill me, so next time you're hiring somebody, maybe ask them if they have any evil plans and if they say 'yes', hire them right away"

By the time he finished, Hermione's eyes had turned fully wide, and her mouth was open as she stared at Harry with shock written all over her face. "Harry!" she said in a berating tone. "That- I mean- you know those go straight to the headmaster"

Harry nodded his head. "I know, that's why I wrote it. Hey, you promised remember" He added when Hermione opened her mouth to berate him once more.

"Fine!" she harrumphed. "Don't think I would forget about it" she quipped.

"I knew I shouldn't have told you" He moaned as he hit his head against the table.

"What happened?" asked Ron as he turned around from talking with Seamus.

"Nothing" sighed Harry.

"Hey, did you tell Hermione about what you wrote about Quirrell?" Hermione turned her head at him and shot him a nasty glare. "Oh, you did. Well, good luck to you mate" He patted Harry on the back.

"ATTENTION" Professor McGonagall's voice boomed throughout the hall. Instantly everyone stopped talking and looked at her. "It's time to decide the House cup winner"

"YEAH!"

"QUIET!" Everyone turned silent once more.

She took her seat before Prof. Dumbledore stood up. "Good evening, everyone" he started, sweeping his gaze across the hall.

"Today marks the end of yet another year in Hogwarts history." He paused a beat before continuing. "I must confess that it has been a trying year for everyone, I'm sure you all know why so I won't go into details, but I would like for you all to give a round of applause to every staff member."

Everyone, except the staff members sitting behind the long table started clapping, including Dumbledore. Some students even cheered loudly, which brought out smiles on some of the teachers faces.

"Thank you, that was very gracious of you" smiled the headmaster. "Now, if every staff member would join me in a round of applause for each student sitting here today, a simple gesture to let them know that we appreciate the patience they showed and supporting each other when times were tough."

All the teachers stood up from their seats before they started clapping. "Alright then" said Dumbledore when they took their seats, except him. "Now moving forward, I'll be now announcing the winner of the house cup...In 4th place, Slytherin."

Boos were heard from the Slytherin table. "Now, now, here me first. Slytherin took 10 points from the quidditch tournament, 50 points from the duelling competition, thanks to Mr. Malfoy"

Harry looked over at the Slytherin table towards Draco to see that he didn't have his usual smirk on his face. In fact, it was plain, devoid of any emotion"

"They garnered 150 points throughout the year from academics and behaviour and lastly, 70 points from the final examination. They also had the most point deductions throughout the year for behaving poorly in class, disrespecting their teachers, uncleanliness and so forth. They finish their year with 280 points."

Everyone gave a curtsey clap for the Slytherins that lasted less 10 seconds.

"In 3rd place, Gryffindor. 50 points from the quidditch tournament, no point from the duelling competition, 200 points from academics and behaviour, and lastly 130 points from the final examination. They finish with 380 points."

The Gryffindor table looked sullen as everyone clapped for them. Harry rested his chin on his palm and tuned out as Dumbledore announced the winner, which was Hufflepuff with 520 points. He was just going through the motions as he clapped along with everyone.

"Well, that was disappointing to say the least," said Hermione.

"Hey, I'm just glad we beat Slytherin" said Ron before he dug into his half-eaten plate. Hermione shook her head in disapproval.

"However, before we reveal the banners, I would like to give some additional points" announced Dumbledore, making everyone sharply turn their heads in his direction.

He had a small smirk on his face as he opened his mouth. "50 points to Ms. Hermione Granger," Hermione's eyes turned wide as a huge gasp escaped her lips. "For showing tremendous promise in her studies, her marks alone contributed to more than 50 percent in all of Gryffindor's academics and final examination points. But most of all, for her courage, cleverness, and loyalty. She truly is the brightest witch of her age."

Everyone gave a huge round of applause, especially every Gryffindor, as Hermione tried to hide her face behind her hair.

"Yay Hermione!" hollered Fred.

"You show 'em!" cheered George.

Dumbledore lifted his hand, and everyone quieted immediately.

"I would also like to award Mr. Ron Weasley 50 points for demonstrating how to play a perfect game of chess, and for his courage and loyalty."

Ron's ears turned red as everyone in the Gryffindor table started cheering his name.

"That's my brother," shouted George.

"No, he's my brother" yelled Fred.

Harry started patting his back a little to forcefully with a huge smile on his face.

"Now lastly..." The hall turned quite again. "100 points to Mr. Harry Potter, for his leadership, bravery, loyalty and most of all, his willpower. And also, for giving me the best advice I've ever received" His eyes twinkled behind his half-moon glasses, making Harry's cheeks-tinged pink, to which no one paid attention to as everyone started clapping before Dumbledore raised both his hands.

"I believe a change in the banner is required." he said with a huge smile before he clapped his hands twice.

4 large Gryffindor banners cascaded down the ceiling before it hung in the air above each table.

Every Gryffindor in the hall stood up and started jumping up and down. The hall was filled with loud cheers, yells, some obscenities, but most of all, pure joy.

…...

"Ye want me to pick you up this time as well" asked Hagrid, as he and Harry shared a hug.

"I'll be fine. I can call for the night bus if my uncle declines to drop me" said Harry, as he broke the embrace.

"Alright" sniffled Hagrid. He blew his nose in his handkerchief. "Oh, I almost forgot. Prof. Dumbledore told me to give you this" He fished in his coat pocket and took out what looked like a photo album. It was red in colour and had a heart shaped sketch on the cover.

"What is it?" he asked, looking up at him.

"Open it" Hagrid urged with a smile.

Harry flipped the cover and his breath caught in his throat. It was a picture of his parents, a moving picture, similar to the one Dumbledore gave to him when he first arrived at privet drive.

There was one other person with them. Him. A tear rolled down his cheek and landed on the photo. His mum was holding him to her side, and he was flailing his arms wildly. He looked so tiny. A chuckle left his lips when he saw his dad pinch his cheek and make funny faces at him.

His parents looked so young. So, happy.

"You can add more pictures to it." said Hagrid. Harry closed the book before he jumped at Hagrid, who caught him. "There, there" The giant rubbed the back of his head.

After a moment he put him down. Harry wiped at his eyes. "Thanks Hagrid" he sniffled.

"You don't need to thank me, but I'll take it anyway" he said, making Harry laugh.

"HARRY!" He turned around to see Hermione peeking her head out the train door. "It's time. Get in" He nodded his head before turning back to Hagrid. "Goodbye Hagrid, take care"

"Take care, Harry"

Harry turned around before heading inside the train. The red locomotive let out a loud whistle before it started moving.

Harry looked out his seat window and waived at Hagrid, who waived back at him. He stayed till the train curved left and vanished out of sight.

"Did he suspect anything?" a voice said from behind him.

Hagrid sighed before replying. "No. Told him just as you said." He turned around and faced the man. "You know he might've have actually started liking you if you had given it to him yourself"

"Don't try and lecture me in what I should and shouldn't do...Thank you" Snape drawled before turned on his feet and headed towards the gate. His cloak billowing behind him in the morning wind.

…...

Harry stretched his limbs as he stepped off the train. The platform was filled with people. Families were embracing each other after seeing each other for so long.

Harry headed towards the luggage compartment. He was about to turn around after putting his luggage on the trolley when he bumped into someone.

"Oh sorry-" He stopped when his eyes met Malfoy's. Both stared at each other for a while as everyone around them bustled about.

"Potter"

"Malfoy"

"I didn't want to accept my trophy, not until I beat you," said Draco.

"I know. Prof. Dumbledore told me" Replied Harry.

Draco nodded his head. "We can finish it some other time. See who's better" challenged Draco.

"Name the time and place and I'll be there" Harry said, accepting his challenge.

"HARRY!" He turned his head to see Hermione looking at him with concern on her face. He turned back to Draco and gave him a nod.

Draco nodded back before they went their separate ways.

"What was that about?" asked Hermione as he reached her.

"Nothing" he said. "Where's Ron?" he asked, changing the subject.

Hermione watched him closely for a second before replying. "Over there" She pointed ahead where the entire Weasley clan was standing. Ron looked over at them. He said something to his mother before rushing over to them.

"Whew!" He took a deep breath. "Boy, family reunions can get so intense, I tell you," said Ron.

"If you say so" Harry shrugged his shoulders.

Ron's eyes turned wide as the realization dawned on him. "Oh mate, I didn't mean it like that" he apologized.

Harry lifted his hand. "I know you didn't"

An awkward silence came over them as they didn't know how to say goodbye. "Well," started Ron. "I better go. I think I heard mum yelling my name. See ya" He hurriedly hugged both of them before sprinting back to his family.

"I should probably go too" Hermione said after a beat. "My parents would be waiting for me." She finished, as she stared at the ground.

"Yeah, me too." They headed towards the wall that would take them to the muggle world. They came out on the other side and looked around to see people going about their business.

"HERMIONE!" Harry turned around to see a man and a woman, in their late 30s, waive at them.

"Those are my parents" Hermione said as her cheeks turned red.

Her dad was quite tall and had short black hair. Her mother was of average height and had long wavy brown hair.

"They seem nice" said Harry, as he scratched d the back of his head. Seconds trickled by as they looked everywhere except at each other.

"Umm..." Harry faced her as Hermione continued. "Take care, Harry" she gave him a smile.

"Goodbye, Hermione" He smiled back.

She nodded once before turning around and pushing her trolley to where her parents were standing with huge smiles on their faces.

Harry watched as Hermione's dad picked her up and swung her around, making her squeal in embarrassment. "DAD!"

It made a huge smile appear on Harry's face as her mother put her arms around from behind.

"BOY!" Harry looked to his right to see his uncle standing near a coffee shop. He motioned for him to come along.

"Just 2 months, Harry. Just 2 months" he muttered to himself.

…...

Godric's Hollow

Albus closed the gate to graveyard behind him as Aberforth waited for him near the church. He walked over to him.

"You took your sweet time today" Aberforth raised an eyebrow.

"We had a lot to talk about" was his reply. Aberforth nodded his head before they started walking.

"So... would you care to tell where it is you're taking me, now?" asked Albus after they had been walking for a while.

"Patience my brother, we're almost there" Aberforth replied in a vague manner.

They walked for another couple of minutes before stopping in front of a pub.

"Really? You brought me all the way here for a drink?" Albus asked dryly.

"Get in, will ya" Aberforth said, rolling his eyes.

Albus entered the pub and looked around. It was clean and didn't reek of booze. "No one's around"

"I know" Albus raised an eyebrow at his brother. "I own this place" Albus kept looking at him impassively, not finding this shocking in the least. "The place really lightens up at night"

"I'm sure" muttered Albus. "So why are we here?" he turned around towards his brother, who was leaning against the bar. Aberforth pointed behind him.

"Hello Albus"

Albus shoulder's tensed immediately as a long sigh left his lips. He closed his eyes before he slowly opened them. "Why?" his voice filled with emotion as he looked at his brother.

"It's time, big brother. I'll leave you two to catch up" Aberforth pushed himself from the bar before he walked out of the door.

Albus didn't move, but simply kept staring at the wooden floor.

"Don't you want to see me?"

He slowly turned around and looked at the person standing near the back door.

"Hello Samantha"

A/N: So guys, how did I do. Did you like the ending or was it a bust. Post your comments and let me know. I can't wait to bring you Harry's second year and along with it, The chamber of secrets. Hopefully, you'll stick around for the long haul. Stay safe and I'll see you in the next chapter.