"Sarah." I heard someone whisper, and I closed my eyes tighter.
"Exams are over Lisa..." I mumbled, trying to pull my pillow back over my head.
"Sarah." The voice said a little louder, and I realized it wasn't Lisa, but Penelope who was talking.
"Wha..." I said as I sleepily sat up. Penelope was indeed here, looking at me with a...worried expression. I stretched then looked out the window and realized the sun was just rising. "What time is it?"
"Almost six..." Penelope told me in a soft voice, and I looked at her like she was mad.
"I thought exams were over? That we'd be allowed to slee..."
"Professor Flitwick sent for you." She said, cutting me of, and I tilted my head in confusion.
"Why?" I asked, and Penelope shrugged.
"No idea, but it seemed serious. I'd get dressed as quick as you can, he's already waiting in the common room." She explained, then turned and walked out the door.
I was confused for a moment. Why did Professor Flitwick want to see me at this early hour? Did I fail Transfiguration? Had I done something wrong? Had Harry...
"No." I told myself. "He wouldn't have."
As quietly as I could, I got out of bed and got dressed. I noticed everyone else was still fast asleep, there curtains still around there beds. As quietly as possible I left the dorm, and made my way down to the common room. When I arrived, I noticed that Professor Flitwick was standing by the door, a serious, and worried expression on his face.
"Sir? What is it?" I asked nervously, and he sighed.
"Better if I show you, rather than tell you, follow me." He said, then opened Common Room door and motioned me outside.
He lead me through the mostly empty corridors of the castle. Every know and then I saw one of the Ghosts, and saw Peeves messing with a portrait, but other than that, the castle seemed totally empty, and quiet.
"We wanted to let you know before the rumors started in a few hours." Professor Flitwick told me, and I raised an eyebrow.
"Did I fail something? Do I have to repeat the year?" I asked, and Professor Flitwick shook his head.
"No. in fact you were the best in your year at Charms, this is...well, you'll see." He explained, and I felt my stomach sink...
We turned a corner and I finally realized where we were headed. The hospital wing, and I finally started the realize what was going on.
"S...Sir is this about Harry?" I asked, terrified of what the response would be.
"No one has died Miss Potter." He replied, a I felt at least a little better, but still. "Yes." He added, and I had a good idea of what had happened.
"That idiot." I whispered to myself, and up ahead I noticed the bright lights of the Hospital wing, and I heard voices.
"He has escaped, headmaster." I heard Professor Snape say in a low, annoyed, tone.
"Unfortunate, I'll alert the ministry, best we cut him off from any further help." Professor Dumbledore replied, and I was totally lost. Who had escaped? What were they talking about?
The last few steps through the corridor seemed to take an eternity, finally we arrived and Professor Flitwick spoke.
"Headmaster." Flitwick said, causing both Snape and Dumbledore to turn to him. "I have brought Miss Potter."
I looked around, and saw the room was quite busy. Hermione was sitting upright on a bed, she had several light scratches covering her arms, and forehead, Ron was awake, but laying down and looked to be in pain, while a third bed was hidden behind a curtains.
"Thank you Filius." Dumbledore replied nodding. "I'll take it from here." He added, Professor Flitwick nodded then turned to leave. Professor Snape also began to walk out, giving Ron and Hermione a last look of annoyance, and me a look of...pity?
"Miss Potter, I'm sorry to have had you dragged out of bed this early hour, but I assumed you'd want to know...what has happened." Dumbledore began, and I looked at him, then at Ron and Hermione.
"They went after the stone." I said, matter of factly, and Hermione winced, while Ron just stared at the ceiling.
"Ah, so you know as well?" Dumbledore asked, and I nodded.
"Yeah, they told me, along with Harry. "I replied, and Dumbledore nodded.
"I see. Well I regret to inform you that they did go after the stone tonight." Dumbledore told me, and went from worried to terrified.
"What happened to Harry?" I asked, and Dumbledore held out his hand.
"Calm yourself, he will be fine." He said, I took a couple deep breaths, and Dumbledore looks satisfied. "Good, he's over here."
Dumbledore went over to the bed with curtains, then pulled them back. On the bed was an unconscious Harry, he had cuts and bruises everywhere, and I felt my eyes widen in shock. He looked...dead, he was hardly moving, I felt myself get lightheaded. Luckily before I could fall Dumbledore helped me into a chair. It was the worst sight I'd ever seen.
"Breathe." He told me, I did while gripping the side of the chair hard.
"W...What happened?" I finally asked, looking up at Dumbledore, as well as Ron and Hermione.
"We went to the third floor corridor." Hermione began, and I turned to her. "Harry used a flute Hagrid gave him to get by Fluffy..."
Hermione then explained in detail about how she, Ron, and Harry had gotten through every trap, all the way to Snape's potion test. How Harry had gone ahead and she went back to help Ron who'd been knocked unconscious during a game of wizards chess, with life size pieces, and how Harry had gone on ahead, to stop...
"...well I guess not Snape." Hermione finally concluded.
"Professor Snape, Miss Granger." Dumbledore corrected her, and she nodded, though she seemed shocked it wasn't him. I turned back to Dumbledore.
"Okay...so what happened to Harry? If no one was trying to steal the stone, then why is Harry so...hurt? He wasn't like this when he left Hermione."
"That's because, someone was trying to steal the stone." Dumbledore explained. This caused me, Hermione, and even Ron to look at the headmaster in shock.
"If it wasn't Snape then who?" Ron asked from his bed.
"Professor Snape Mr. Weasley." Dumbledore replied, before sighing. "As for the culprit, I regret to inform you...that it was Professor Quirrell."
The entire room was silent, and for the second time today I was shocked. But this was different, Harry being injured was terrifying, while Professor Quirrell, the Professor's I'd had tea with. Who asked me about my time at the Dursley's, who I'd stood up for multiple times, had tried to steal the stone.
"What?" I finally asked, the shock clear in my voice.
"Professor Quirrell attempted to steal the Sorcerers Stone, with the goal of resurrecting Lord Voldemort."
Again I paused, not only had Professor Quirrell attempted to steal the stone, he was on You-know-who's side...
"What?" I asked again, trying to understand.
Professor Dumbledore sighed. "Voldemort attached himself to Quirrell last year when he failed to steal the stone from Gringotts. At that point, he attached himself to Quirrell...on the back of his head." Dumbledore continued.
"His Turban." Hermione said, and Dumbledore nodded.
"Yes, behind which was the face of Lord Voldemort."
Now I nearly fainted, while Hermione had to hold back a scream. I had been alone in a room...with Voldemort and his minion, and I'd told him where we lived, and I...I...
"I trusted him." I said in a low voice, and Dumbledore gave me another look of pity.
"I know." He replied, then turned back to Harry. "I arrived just in time to save Harry. Me and Quirinus dueled, and when Voldemort knew he had lost, he left Quirrell's body, and attacked Harry. Giving Quirrell his chance to escape."
"So...Quirrell is out there?" I asked, and Dumbledore nodded.
"Yes."
"I...told him where we live." I admitted softly, looking down at the floor.
"Yes, I thought you had. But I assure you, neither you nor Harry are in any danger while you live at your aunts." Dumbledore said, and I looked at him fearfully.
"How do you know?" I asked, and Dumbledore sighed.
"I shall explain, when your brother wakes up. For now, know that he will be okay, but it will take several days for him to wake. When Voldemort's presence passed through him...it drained much of his energy."
"But he will be fine?" I asked, and Dumbledore nodded.
"Yes, he shall be." Dumbledore once again assured me.
"What about the stone?" Ron suddenly asked, and Dumbledore turned to him.
"It is safe." He explained, pulling a red, stone with sharp edges. "As for it's fate, I'll be discussing it's fate with Nicholas Flamel." He explained and I nodded.
"Can I...stay?" I asked, looking at Harry.
"Alas, that is for Madam Pomfrey to decide, Now, I must be off. The Ministry needs to know of Quirrell's betrayal, and as I've mentioned, I must contact Nicolas." Dumbledore gave us all comforting smiles, then strode out of the room.
Madam Pomfrey then walked over to us. And looked at Ron and Hermione sternly. "You two should be well enough to leave by the end of the day." She said, then turned to me. "Being that you are family, you may stay at your brother's side, but no talking. I don't want you to disturb my patients, understood?"
"Yes Ma'am." I replied, and she nodded.
I made my way over, and sat down next to Harry. Madam Pomfrey gave both Ron and Hermione sleeping draught, and I was left alone looking at my unconscious brother, wondering what in the world he'd done to himself.
I spent most of the day at Harry's side, mix of emotions flowing through me. Anger he lied to me, terror at what happened to him, and guilt that I hadn't done anything to stop him. How could he lie to me like that? How could I have been fooled so easily?
"Miss Potter."
Madam Pomfrey's voice snapped me out of my brooding, I looked up.
"Yes ma'am?" I asked nervously, and she sighed.
"You've been sitting there all day...I'm sure you must be hungry." She said, and I shook my head.
"I'm fine. "I replied firmly, and the women shook her head and sighed.
"I know you're worried, but he's not waking for another couple of days. Of that I can assure you."
"I know..."I replied.
"Miss Potter, you may come back tomorrow. But I must insist, go to dinner, get some rest, you need it."
"But..."
"This is not a request Miss Potter." She told me sternly, and I sighed in defeat.
"Fine..." I said, slowly stood up and made my way out of the hospital wing, and made my way to dinner. When I arrived in the great hall, I noticed many eyes on me in curiosity, and I realized that something had to have gotten out.
"She's back..." I heard Lisa tell Anthony as she elbowed him, he looked up from a book he was reading under the table. I sat down, and all my housemates looked at me, a mix of worry, and curiosity.
"Sorry I just disappeared but..." I tried to explain.
"We know, Professor Flitwick told us." Lisa said, and nodded.
"Ah." I replied, but before I could say anything else, there was the tapping of glass coming from the head table.
"Attention." Professor McGonagall said, as everyone turned towards the head table. "Professor Dumbledore would like to make an announcement." She explained, before sitting back down, while Professor Dumbledore stood up.
"I would like to inform you, that Professor Quirrell has been relived of his duties. Thank you." And with that, the headmaster sat back down. At the mention of the mans name I scowled.
"Wow, didn't see that coming." Padma said, and I looked at her confused.
"I thought you said Professor Flitwick told you something happened?" I asked, tilting my head, and she nodded.
"He did, he said Harry had been injured, and you were in the hospital wing." She replied, and I realized that they knew way less than I thought they did.
"Oh, well that is true." I replied, and everyone turned to me again, now suspicious.
"What does Professor Quirrell getting fired have to do with it?" Michael asked suddenly, and I tried to act confused.
"What do you mean?"
"Just the fact you insinuated that Professor Quirrell getting sacked, has something to do with Harry getting hurt." Terry added, and I looked at the two boys, surprised they were that observant.
I finally sighed. "What do you know? Really?" I asked.
"Nothing's confirmed, but Parvati said, Neville said, Harry, Ron, and Hermione snuck out last night, and that all three have been absent all day." Padma explained.
"Had been." Mandy said suddenly, nodding to the door as Ron and Hermione walked in. Both still had some slight scratches, and everyone in the hall seemed to turn to them. They sat down, and the Gryffindor's began to question what had happened.
"Come on Sarah." Morag said suddenly. "If you don't tell us, they will." And I noticed that Ron was already going over everything that had happened in pride, and I shook my head.
"Well, I better start at the beginning, what do you guys know about Nicolas Flamel..."
The next couple day's were a blur. Everyone was know aware of what had happened to Harry, and he'd started to receive a plethora of gifts. From get well cards, to chocolate frogs, heck Fred and George had tried to bring him a toilet seat, which Madam Pomfrey had taken instantly.
Our game against Gryffindor was the final of the season, and without Harry we smashed them, not that I attended. For the next couple of day's I was constantly at Harry's side, only leaving when Madam Pomfrey forced me to leave for dinner every night.
"I wish I could have faced him." Cho told me at dinner. "I was really looking forward to it."
Unfortunately, with what had happened, I had become a target for questions. It was annoying, and I usually just said to ask Hermione and Ron, whom had also become quite the attention magnets.
However, one person wouldn't leave me alone.
"I'm guessing it was your fault, that you put the idea to go down that trapdoor in Harry's head."
I groaned, and turned to see the annoying face of Zacharias Smith. I hadn't seen him since I finally snapped at him before our detention in the forest.
"What do you want?"
"I was just wondering how long it took you to convince Harry to go down that trapdoor?" He asked grinning, and I just gave a defeated, tired, sigh. I really had no energy for this at the moment.
"My brother is laying Unconscious in the hospital wing, for once, can't you just leave me alone?" I asked, and the boy, grinning, shook his head.
"No, because it's your fault he's like that. Clearly you wanted him out of the way so you'd be the only Potter." Smith accused, and I just shook my head.
"Whatever." I replied and began to walk away.
"You don't even attempt to deny it." Smith shouted at me. "If only everyone saw what I saw, it's so obvious you're just a jealous, and bitter of your brother." Smith accused, and again I was tempted to turn and fire a spell at the boy...
"Potter!" A new voice interrupted smith's ramblings, who mumbled something.
"This isn't over." He finished, then ran off in the other direction.
I turned to see who had called my name, and I noticed that Draco was strolling down the hall, flanked by both Crabbe and Goyle. "Potter." He said again, and I turned to him.
"Yes Draco?" I asked, and he gave me a confused look.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
"Why do you ask?" I replied, and he shrugged.
"Just the fact that you look ready to murder somebody." He explained, and I took a couple of deep breaths, trying to calm down.
"Sorry." I finally replied. "It's been a rough couple of days." I explained, and he nodded.
"Oh I've heard." He replied grinning. "Dear brother did something stupid?"
"Yeah, he did." I said, shaking my head. "But only I'm allowed to say that." I warned, and Draco chuckled.
"Of course..." He said, then his face got serious. "So everything there saying is true? Dumbledore fought Quirrell?" Draco asked curiously, and I nodded.
"Supposedly." I replied, and Draco shuddered.
"And Quirrell was a follower of...you know who?" He asked, his voice barely a whisper.
"Yeah..." I admitted, and Draco shuddered.
"Well, I'm glad he's not dead." Draco told me, and I looked at him confused.
"But...no offence, you hate Harry?" I asked, and Draco looked taken aback.
"Just because he's an idiot and I can't stand him, doesn't mean I want him dead." Draco replied, and I nodded.
"You're right, sorry." I replied, and he nodded.
"It's fine, well, we best be off, where off to celebrate our house cup win." Draco said, then he, Crabbe, and Goyle strode off.
Three days, it had been three days since Harry had been knocked out. I was getting more stressed out by the day...when was he going to wake up.
"Ah, Miss Potter." I looked up from Harry, to Dumbledore.
"Headmaster." I replied, who looked down at me warmly.
"Don't fret Miss Potter, Madam Pomfrey has assured me that he should awaken soon." He explained, and I solemnly nodded.
"I...I hope so sir." I replied returning my gaze to Harry.
"He will." The headmaster replied surely, looking down at Harry surely. "In fact, it may be much sooner than you think." He replied, and he motioned to Harry. Who was now mumbling, and reaching for Dumbledore.
I looked at Harry, who was now awake! He blinked a couple of times, seemingly confused.
"Harry." I said relief flood over me, Harry looked around, first at me, then at Dumbledore.
"Good afternoon, Harry," Dumbledore added, Harry seemed to collect himself as I hugged him.
"You're okay." I said, and he nodded.
"I...am." He said collecting himself, he then turned to Dumbledore. "Did you stop Quirrell? Did he get away? Does he have the stone?" Harry asked worriedly, and Dumbledore held up his hand.
"Calm yourself, dear boy, you are a little behind the times, "Dumbledore replied. "Quirrell does not have the Stone."
"Everything's fine Harry." I added, trying to assure him, he didn't look like he believed me.
"Then who does? Sir, I —" Harry tried to ask, but Dumbledore once again held up his hand.
"Harry, please relax, or Madam Pomfrey will have me and your sister thrown out." Dumbledore told him, and Harry swallowed and took a look around, realizing where he was. His eyes found the table full of get well gifts from everyone.
"Tokens from your friends and admirers," Dumbledore explained, his face beaming. "What happened down in the dungeons between us and Professor Quirrell is a complete secret, so, naturally, the whole school knows. I believe your friends Misters Fred and George Weasley were responsible for trying to send you a toilet seat. No doubt they thought it would amuse you. Madam Pomfrey, however, felt it might not be very hygienic, and confiscated it."
"It was rather disgusting." I added, rubbing the back of my head, remembering them trying.
"How long have I been in here?" Harry asked.
"Three days. Mr. Ronald Weasley and Miss Granger will be most relieved you have come round, they have been extremely worried. Not to mention your sister here, she's hardly left your side." Dumbledore looked at me and smiled, while Harry looked at me guilty.
"I'm...sorry I lied to you." He told me, and I shook my head.
"We'll talk about that after you get better." I replied, and Harry gulped before turning back to Dumbledore.
"But sir, the Stone —" Harry tried again.
"I see you are not to be distracted. Very well, the Stone. Professor Quirrell did not manage to take it from you. If you can remember, arrived in time to prevent that, although you were doing very well on your own, I must say."
"I...I remember dodging Quirrell's spells. He seemed deathly afraid any time I got to close, so I tried to you that to my advantage. I remembered you showing up, and you both fought...then Volde..."
I squealed at the name, and Harry stopped.
"Sorry you know who's..."
"Call him Voldemort, Harry. Always use the proper name for things. Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself."
Harry nodded, then looked at me.
"I guess you can if you want." I said, and Harry nodded.
"Voldemort's sprit detached, and I remember you trying to block him...but he got through and passed through me. That's the last think I remember." Harry said, and Dumbledore nodded.
"I did try and stop him, but even reduced to such a thing, he is powerful." Dumbledore said, and Harry nodded.
"What about the stone sir? And what happened to Quirrell and Voldemort?" Harry asked, and I couldn't help myself as I winced at Voldemort...
"First, let me ask your sister something." He said then turned to me. "Did Professor Quirrell ever ask where you two lived?" He asked, and I looked down in shame.
"Yes, and I told him." I said in shame. "Is it even safe to go home?" I asked, though I used the definition of "home" loosely.
"It is." He assured us, as we looked at each other confused.
"How do you know? If Voldemort knows where we live..." Harry began.
"Alas, I must answer your question with another question. During that later part of this year, anytime after you..." He nodded to me. "...told him where you lived. Did he seem more nervous around you?"
"Yes, anytime we got close, he became a nervous wreck." Harry answered, and Dumbledore nodded.
"I thought so." Dumbledore said nodding. "And when Quirrell was trying to get the stone, didn't it seem odd to you that he always stayed a fair distance away?" Dumbledore asked, and Harry nodded.
"Yeah, that's why I kept trying to get closer, he seemed scared anytime I got close enough." Harry explained, and again Dumbledore again nodded.
"All of these instances are no coincidence. You see, when young Sarah told him where you lived, she let him in on the fact, that any attempt by Voldemort to touch either of you, would result in instant death to Quirrell." Dumbledore explained, and both me and Harry look at each other confused.
"Death?" I asked and Dumbledore nodded.
"Yes, you see when your mother died to save you two, she did so lovingly sacrificing herself for you, and if there is one thing Voldemort cannot understand, it is love. He didn't realize that love as powerful as your mother's for you both, leaves its own mark. Not a scar, no visible signs… to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever. It is in your very skin. Quirrell, full of hatred, greed, and ambition, sharing his soul with Voldemort, could not touch either of you for this reason. It would be agony to touch a person marked by something so good."
"So...Quirrell couldn't touch us, or he would have died?" I asked, and Dumbledore nodded.
"Eventually, he wouldn't have been able to stand it." Dumbledore explained.
There was a long silence, before Harry spoke again. "What happened to Quirrell and Voldemort?"
"Alas, both have escaped." Dumbledore said regrettably. "But he shall have no further incentive to infiltrate Hogwarts.
"Why?" I asked.
"Because the stone has been destroyed." Dumbledore replied, and Harry looked shocked, while I was relieved.
"Destroyed?" Harry replied blankly. "But your friend — Nicolas Flamel —"
"Oh, you know about Nicolas?" Dumbledore replied with a delighted tone. "You did do the thing properly, didn't you? Well, Nicolas and I have had a little chat, and agreed it's all for the best."
"But that means he and his wife will die, won't they?" Harry asked sadly, and Dumbledore nodded.
"They have enough Elixir stored to set their affairs in order and then, yes, they will die."
Harry, and I looked at him in amazement. To willingly die...
"To some as young as you, I'm sure it seems incredible, but to Nicolas and Perenelle, it really is like going to bed after a very, very long day. After all, to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure. You know, the Stone was really not such a wonderful thing. As much money and life as you could want! The two things most human beings would choose above all — the trouble is, humans do have a knack of choosing precisely those things that are worst for them."
Harry and me were silent for a while. Dumbledore, on the other hand, was humming merrily while looking up at the ceiling.
"Sir?" said Harry. "I've been thinking… sir — even if the Stone's gone, Voldemort going to try other ways of coming back, isn't he? I mean, he hasn't gone, has he?"
"No, Harry, he has not. He is still out there somewhere, most likely hoping Quirrell returns to him. Though if he wasn't so desperate, I have no doubt he would have left him to die. He shows just as little mercy to his followers as his enemies. Nevertheless, Harry, while you may only have delayed his return to power, if Quirrell returns and is willing to serve, he will try again —but all it takes is someone willing to delay him, and if he is delayed again, and again, why, he may never return to power."
"Hopefully they find Quirrell before he get's the chance." I added bitterly.
Harry nodded, but stopped as his head seemed to hurt. "Sir, there are some other things I'd like to know, if you can tell me… things I want to know the truth about…things I think both of us would be interested in."
"The truth." Dumbledore said, then sighed. "It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution. However, I shall answer your questions unless I have a very good reason not to, in which case I beg you'll forgive me. I shall not, of course, lie."
"Well… Voldemort said that he only killed our mother because she tried to stop him from killing me. But why would he want to kill me in the first place? And if he did want to kill me, why didn't he try to kill her?" Harry asked, nodding
Dumbledore sighed, this time very deeply.
"Alas, the first thing you ask me, I cannot tell you. Not today. Not now. You will know, both of you, one day… put it from your minds for now. When you are both older… I know you hate to hear this… when you are ready, you both will know."
Dumbledore now seemed very interested in a bird out a window, while Harry thought.
"The invisibility cloak — do you know who sent it to me?" Harry asked, and Dumbledore smiled.
"Ah — your father happened to leave it in my possession, and I thought you might like it." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "Useful things… your father used it mainly for sneaking off to the kitchens to steal food when he was here."
I looked down at my finger, and remembered the ring. "You didn't gift us anything else, did you sir?" I asked, and for the first time Dumbledore look confused.
"Not that I know of Miss Potter, though now that you both know who sent it, I hope you share Mr. Potter, that cloak is as just as much hers as yours." He said, and Harry nodded.
"Of course she can use it if she wants to." Harry replied, and I shook my head.
"I don't sneak out like you brother, but if I do need it, I will ask." I replied, and Harry nodded.
"Thanks." He said, then turned back to Dumbledore. "There's something else…"
"Fire away." Dumbledore replied.
"Quirrell said Snape —"Harry began.
"Professor Snape, Harry." both me, and Dumbledore corrected him.
"Yes, him — Quirrell said he hates me because he hated my father. Is that true?"
I stared at Harry in shock, Snape knew our father...and hated him? But why did he not hate me then?
"Well, they did rather detest each other." I turned to the headmaster in equal shock, it was true... "Not unlike yourself and Mr. Malfoy. And then, your father did something Snape could never forgive."
"What?" Harry asked.
"He saved his life." Both me and Harry shared another disbelieving look, Snape and our father hated each other, but our dad saved Snape...yet Snape hated him for it.
"What?" Both me and Harry asked at the same time.
"Yes…" Dumbledore replied dreamily. "Funny, the way people's minds work, isn't it? Professor Snape couldn't bear being in your father's debt… I do believe he worked so hard to protect you this year because he felt that would make him and your father even. Then he could go back to hating your father's memory in peace…"
"What about me?" I suddenly asked, and Dumbledore turned to me raising his eyebrows. "Why doesn't he hate me?" I asked, and Dumbledore shrugged.
"From the fact that you don't look like your father outside of your hair color, to your house not being Gryffindor, and the fact that Harry here drew a lot of his ire. I can think of many reason's he went easier on you Miss Potter." Dumbledore replied.
It still didn't make much sense. He treated the rest of my housemates way worse than me...still it's not like he paraded me with house points. I sighed and let it go.
"And sir, there's one more thing…" Harry's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
"Just the one?" Dumbledore replied smiling.
"How did I get the Stone out of the mirror?" Harry asked, and I looked at him confused.
"Mirror?" I asked.
"Yeah, the Mirror of Erised was down there, and Quirrell couldn't get the stone out of it...but I could." He explained, and I shook my head, while Dumbledore smiled.
"Ah, now, I'm glad you asked me that. It was one of my more brilliant ideas, and between you and me, that's saying something. You see, only one who wanted to find the Stone — find it, but not use it — would be able to get it, otherwise they'd just see themselves making gold or drinking Elixir of Life. My brain surprises even me sometimes…"
"Wait..."I said, holding up my hand as Dumbledore turned to me with a smile. "What you're saying is, if Harry and the others had stayed in bed and done nothing, then Quirrell would not have been able to get the stone?" I asked. Harry thought for a moment, then realized what I was getting at and started to sink into his bed while Dumbledore nodded.
"Indeed." Dumbledore replied, smiling as he realized what I was getting at. "Now, enough questions. I suggest you two make a start on these sweets. Ah! Bettie Bott's Every Flavor Beans! I was unfortunate enough in my youth to come across a vomit flavored one, and since then I'm afraid I've rather lost my liking for them — but I think I'll be safe with a nice toffee, don't you?"
He strolled over and picked up a golden brown beam, however his smile turned to slight disgust, as he chocked on the bean. "Alas! Ear wax!"
Dumbledore strode out of the room, I then turned and looked at Harry in annoyance. "So if you didn't do anything..." I said, and Harry slinked into his bed, and I sighed. "After you're better, we're talking about this."
"...Okay." Harry replied meekly, but I took a deep breath.
"Still, the most important thing is, you're better." I replied, giving him a small smile.
"I'm sorry." Harry said, and I sighed.
"Don't be sorry, just...please, try not to hurt yourself. I...I can't lose you." I said, and Harry nodded.
"I'll try." He then turned to Madam Pomfrey, who was changing other beds sheets. "Can I see Ron and Hermione?" He asked, and she instantly shook her head.
"No, you need rest." She said sternly.
"But you let Sarah in." Harry replied.
"First, she's family, second, the last few days have proved that she can sit in silence without bothering you. Miss Granger, and especially Mr. Weasley, have both proven in the past, not to be able stay quiet and calm."
"Just five minutes," Harry replied, pleading.
"Absolutely not."
"You let Professor Dumbledore in…"Harry tried.
"Well, of course, that was the headmaster, quite different. You need rest."
"I am resting, look, lying down and everything. Oh, go on, Madam Pomfrey…"
"Oh, very well," she finally relented. "But five minutes only." She said, and turned go let Ron and Hermione in.
"I not good enough for you?" I asked sarcastically smirking, and Harry shook his head.
"Of course not, but they were there...I'm worried about them, and they deserve to know what happened to." Harry replied.
"Harry!" Hermione yelled, before I could respond, flinging herself around Harry, and I instantly saw why she kept both of them out while he slept.
"Oh, Harry, we were sure you were going to — Dumbledore was so worried —I saw him rush passed us on the chess board." Hermione began.
"The whole school's talking about it," added Ron. "What really happened?"
I let Harry explain everything, from the stone, Quirrell, and the stone.
"So the Stone's gone?" Ron asked when Harry finally finished. "Flamel's just going to die?"
"That's what I said, but Dumbledore thinks that — what was it? — 'to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.'"
"I always said he was off his rocker," Ron said, grinning like he didn't really believe it.
"So what happened to you two?" asked Harry.
"Like I said, I ran into Dumbledore on the chess set. He conjured a stretcher for Ron and ordered us here, then Sarah was called in." Hermione explained, nodding at me. "We got a little of the picture, but Dumbledore seemed to want to talk with you about it."
"D'you think he meant you to do it?" Ron asked. "Sending you your father's cloak and everything?"
"Do what? "I asked.
"Go after the stone." Ron replied, and I immediately scowled at the idea.
"Well, " Hermione exploded, "if he did — I mean to say that's terrible — you could have been killed."
"I agree, if he did, that horrible." I agreed, but Harry shook his head.
"No, it isn't," said Harry thoughtfully. "He's a funny man, Dumbledore. I think he sort of wanted to give me a chance. I think he knows more or less everything that goes on here, you know. I reckon he had a pretty good idea we were going to try, and instead of stopping us, he just taught us enough to help. I don't think it was an accident he let me find out how the mirror worked. It's almost like he thought I had the right to face Voldemort if I could…"
"If he did, that's horrible." I reiterated and Harry shook his head.
"Sarah, for whatever reason, he's after me...Don't you think going through all this will help me if he tries?" Harry asked, and I shook my head.
"You're eleven, you shouldn't have to deal with these type of things." I replied, and Harry shrugged.
"I don't think Voldemort's going to give me a choice." Harry replied, and again I winced at the name.
"Yeah, Dumbledore's off his rocker, all right," said Ron proudly. "Listen, you've got to be up for the end-of-year feast tomorrow. The points are all in and Slytherin won, of course — you missed the last Quidditch match, we were steamrollered by Ravenclaw without you..." Ron turned to me, and I shrugged.
"Not our fault, besides, I didn't even go to the game, and we offered to move the game, but Wood wouldn't have it, something about how injuries happen." I replied.
"I guess." Ron replied before smiling again. "Still the food'll be good." He added, and Harry nodded.
The footsteps of Madam Pomfrey stopped our conversation. "You've had nearly fifteen minutes, now OUT" She told the Gryffindor's, then turned to me. "You as well, off to dinner." She ordered, and I stood up and followed the Gryffindor's.
"I'm surprised." Hermione told me, and I looked at her confused.
"About?" I asked.
"I thought you'd be more angry." She said, and I sighed.
"I'm not going to lie, I'm not happy that he lied to me. It hurt...but I'm also just relived that he...and both of you are okay. That doesn't mean what you three did wasn't stupid." I scolded, and Hermione rubbed her arm, while Ron looked at the ceiling.
"We didn't know the mirror would have stopped him." Ron defended, and I sighed.
"No, still, you should have known that Dumbledore wouldn't have let Quirrell take it." I replied, and both sighed.
"I guess..." Hermione admitted.
"If you say so." Ron added.
"Just...promise me, don't let Harry do some this stupid again. I'm mainly talking to you Hermione." I said, and Ron looked offended.
"Hey..." Ron said.
"I'll try...and I'll try discourage it in the future." She promised, and I nodded.
"Good." I replied, then sighed. "I'll see you at the feast." I said, they nodded, and I made my way off, feeling better that Harry was almost fully healed.
The next day I sat with Harry again. Madam Pomfrey giving him his final checkups, and was insistent that he was going to the feast.
"I want to go to the feast," He told Madam Pomfrey as she straightened his many candy boxes. "I can, can't I?" He asked, his eyes begging.
"Professor Dumbledore says you are to be allowed to go," she replied stiffly, sounding like she believed feast could be dangerous. "And you have another visitor." She added.
"Oh, good," Harry replied. "Who is it?"
The answer became clear as Hagrid slid through the doors and into the room. He sat down the chair on the other side of Harry's bed, and looked at him...then burst into tears.
"It's — all — my — ruddy — fault!" he sobbed, his face in his hands. "I told the evil git how ter get past Fluffy! I told him! It was the only thing he didn't know, an' I told him! Yeh could've died! All fer a dragon egg! I'll never drink again! I should be chucked out an' made ter live as a Muggle!"
I immediately stood up and tried to comfort Hagrid, placing a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay Hagrid, he's fine." I said, trying to soothe him, though he didn't seem to hear me.
"Hagrid!" said Harry, trying get get his attention, a shock look on his face. "Hagrid, he'd have found out somehow, this is Voldemort we're talking about, he'd have found out even if you hadn't told him."
"Yeh could've died!" replied Hagrid through his sobbing. "An' don' say the name!"
VOLDEMORT!" Harry roared, Hagrid was so shocked that he stopped crying, while I still couldn't helped myself, and winced. "I've met him and I'm calling him by his name. Please cheer up, Hagrid, we saved the Stone, it's gone, he can't use it. Have a Chocolate Frog, I've got loads…"
Hagrid wiped his nose. "That reminds me. I've got yeh both presents."
"It's not a stoat sandwich, is it?" Harry asked anxiously, and Hagrid gave a weak laugh.
"Nah. Dumbledore gave me the day off yesterday ter fix it. 'course, he shoulda sacked me instead — anyway, got yeh these…"
Hagrid pull out two, leather books. We both looked at him, then each other curiously as he handed them to us. When we opened them, I was instantly shocked, then had to hold back tears...every page was moving pictures of our parents. Our dad with his black hair going crazy in the wind, our mother carrying both of us smiling, them dancing in front of a fountain.
"Mum...Dad..." I whispered, then gripped the book tightly and hugged Hagrid.
"Thank you." I said, and he gave a warm chuckle.
"Sent owls off ter all yer parents' old school friends, askin' fer photos… knew yeh didn' have any… d'yeh like it?"
Harry couldn't find words, while I nodded, Hagrid gave us one last smiles as we both turned back to our photo albums.
Before the feast, Madam Pomfrey insisted she look over Harry, and sent my down to the feast first. The room was adored in Slytherin green, there banner hanging everywhere, and Draco and the other's looked incredibly pleased. People were chatting as I sat down across from Anthony and Lisa.
"Is he coming?" Lisa asked, and I nodded.
"Yeah, Madam Pomfrey wanted to check him out, he should be down soon." I replied, and she nodded.
"Good, I'm glad his stupidity hasn't gotten him killed." Lisa replied, crossing her arms, and I shrugged.
"He know what I think."
After a few more minutes of talking, Harry walked into the hall. Everyone stared at him as he walked over to the Gryffindor table, some tried to stand to get a better view of him, until he finally sat down between Hermione and Ron. I noticed he was looking down at the table, trying to ignore glances.
"He looks fine." Cho whispered to me, and I nodded.
"Madam Pomfrey really is amazing. "I replied.
Dumbledore made his way to the head of the table, and stood, as everyone turned to him.
"Another year gone!" He began cheerfully. "And I must trouble you with an old man's wheezing waffle before we sink our teeth into our delicious feast. What a year it has been! Hopefully your heads are all a little fuller than they were… you have the whole summer ahead to get them nice and empty before next year starts…
"Now, as I understand it, the house cup here needs awarding, and the points stand thus: In fourth place, Gryffindor, with three hundred and twelve points; in third, Hufflepuff, with three hundred and fifty-two; Ravenclaw has four hundred and twenty-six and Slytherin, four hundred and seventy-two."
Slytherin went wild, while most everyone else groaned. Still, we had placed second, and everyone was sure, with better chasers on our team next year, we could with the cup. Still, today was Slytherin day, and by the way Draco was slamming his goblet on the table, everyone would know it.
"Yes, Yes, well done, Slytherin," Dumbledore. "However, recent events must be taken into account."
Everyone went silent, and turned to the headmaster, some of the Slytherin's smiles faded slightly, and I wondered what on earth was he talking about?
"Ahem," Dumbledore began. "I have a few last-minute points to dish out. Let me see. Yes…
"First — to Mr. Ronald Weasley…"
I looked over, and saw Ron turn purple, then turned back to Dumbledore. Was he really...
"… for the best-played game of chess Hogwarts has seen in many years, I award Gryffindor house fifty points."
Gryffindor's went wild, Lisa and Anthony both glanced at me. While Percy Weasley was yelling his fellow prefects...""My brother, you know! My youngest brother! Got past McGonagall's giant chess set!"
After regaining myself I turned back to Dumbledore, and everyone once again fell silent.
"Second — to Miss Hermione Granger… for the use of cool logic in the face of fire, I award Gryffindor house fifty points."
Hermione buried her arms in her face. While I glance at everyone around me, was he really doing it?
"Snape's always given points for stupid acts." Cho whispered to me grinning. "Dumbledore seems to be returning the favor."
Gryffindor were buzzing, they had suddenly gone up one hundred points. And Dumbledore sill didn't seem to be finished.
"Third — to Mr. Harry Potter…" Dumbledore continued. The room went deadly quiet. "… for pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor house sixty points."
The Gryffindor went nuts, and Anthony seemed to be doing a quick count on his fingers. "They're tied with Slytherin, both have exactly four hundred and seventy-two points." Anthony said, and I looked at Harry, who was grinning ear to ear, then to Draco, who looked to be in absolute shock...and wondered how ties were settled.
Dumbledore raised his hand, and the entire room once again fell silent. Who else could have earned points?
"There are all kinds of courage," Dumbledore continued, smiling. "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends. I therefore award ten points to Mr. Neville Longbottom."
The room went ballistic, as the Gryffindor's piled onto Neville. Who looked as surprised as anyone that he'd gotten points. Harry, Ron, and Hermione all stood up and clapped for him, as Gryffindor's piled on. Draco, and the other Slytherin's looked horrified as they realized what had just happened.
"Which means," Dumbledore called over the applause, because most Hufflepuff's and my housemates as well were clapping, happy to see Slytherin's streak end "we need a little change of decoration."
Dumbledore clapped, and the green and sliver banners of Slytherin where replaced by the scarlet of gold of Gryffindor, the serpent banner was overtaken by a lion one. I noticed Snape shaking McGonagall's hand, though it looked incredibly forced. I for one clapped politely, but...didn't agree with it.
"I'm surprised you aren't on your feet." Lisa said, looking at me.
"I don't agree with this." I whispered, and Lisa raised and eyebrow.
"Why not? Your brother's a hero?" She asked, and I shook my head.
"My brother got rewarded for doing something incredibly stupid and dangerous." I replied, and Lisa nodded.
"Yeah, but at least Slytherin lost." She said, and I shrugged.
"In all honesty, I don't hate the Slytherins. In fact I feel bad for them." I replied.
"Feel bad for the Slytherins?" Anthony asked me, with a frown.
"At least the way it was handled. Dumbledore should have given those points out earlier, right after what happened, before it was to late."
"I...guess." Lisa said turning back to her food, and as the Gryffindor and most of the Hufflepuff's and my housemates celebrated, I did the same.
Exam results were posted the next day. Hermione was the best in our year, followed by Draco. I was third, while Anthony, and Daphne Greengrass rounded out the top five.
I had done well in all of my classes, I even passed Transfiguration, if just barley. In fact I would have been number one in our class, if Transfiguration wasn't a thing. Alas, I knew I couldn't be good at everything.
We packed our trunks, and wardrobes, I made sure Uric was secured in his cage. We would be leaving at eleven, and during breakfast Professor Flitwick came around with notes saying we couldn't do magic at home, which was disappointing but understandable. I then at the last good meal I'd have for the next couple of months then we made our way down to the train platform, and hopped aboard the Hogwarts express.
I sat with my housemates on the train ride back home, seeing as me and Harry would be the only friendly faces we would see all summer, Harry agreed. Lisa said her parent's were taking her to Brazil on vacation, while Anthony would be visiting his great uncle in Norway. Both promised to write, and I assured them I would be fine.
Finally we arrived back in London. It took a while to get off the platform, as a old security man made sure we got off in group of two or thee as not to look suspicious. Harry, Ron, and Hermione passed right before us, then me, Anthony, and Lisa passed through.
"If they do anything severe..." Anthony told me, and I put up my hand.
"I'll be fine Anthony." I said as we walked through the platform. "I'll miss you guys."
"We will to." Lisa replied.
We passed through, and I saw Harry with Hermione and the Weasley's. A blonde man strode up when he saw us, and Anthony nodded.
"Anthony." He said pleasantly. "And you Must be Misses Turpin and...Potter." He said the last part with a slight pause. "A pleasure, I'm Anthony father, Jacob, a pleasure." He said, he shook our hands.
"The Pleasure is all mine sir." I replied.
"Likewise." Lisa added.
"Well, we best be off, lots of stuff on the docket." Mr. Goldstein told his son, who nodded.
"Of course dad." He replied before turning to us. "See you next term." He replied, we both nodded as he and his dad strode off.
"Where are your parents?" I asked, and she pointed to the far side of the platform, a women sat on a bench doing paperwork.
"She told me to take as long as I needed." She explained, and I nodded...
"There you are." I turned to see the face of Uncle Vernon, he glared at me a Uric, then looked nervously around. "You ready?" He asked.
"No." I replied, and his face narrowed.
"You have a minute. "He said, then walked over the Aunt Petunia and Dudley, whom both looked horrified at more "freaks."
"Pleasant." Lisa said, glaring right back at them.
"I know." I replied, as we made my way over to Harry, who was just saying bye to the Weasleys.
"Ah, Sarah, how good to see you dear." Mrs. Weasley said when she noticed me, the younger sister looked at me in awe, but her mother's stern look stopped her from saying anything.
"Good to see you to Mrs. Weasley. I'm sure Harry's already mentioned it, but thank you for the fudge and sweater."
"No problem at all dear." Mrs. Weasley told me
"Ready, are you?" Uncle Vernon had come up again, and he looked even more angry than last time.
"You must be Harry and Sarah's family!" Mrs. Weasley replied, me and Lisa shared another look, while Vernon struggled to respond.
"In a manner of speaking," He replied. "Hurry up, both of you, we haven't got all day." He walked away, and Lisa, Ron, and Hermione all gave us sympathetic looks.
"He sounds fun." Lisa whispered to me.
"Loads." I replied.
"See you over the summer, then." Ron told Harry, whom nodded eagerly.
"Yes, I hope Sarah can come along as well." Harry replied, and Ron nodded.
"Of course."
"Hope you both have — er — a good holiday," said Hermione, looking uncertainly at Uncle Vernon.
"Oh, I will," Harry replied who, much to everyone surprise, grinned "They don't know we're not allowed to use magic at home. I'm going to have a lot of fun with Dudley this summer…"
"Make sure to leave some for me." I added grinning as well. We said our last goodbyes, and walked over to the terrified, yet furious looking Dursley's, and back into the Muggle world.
Quirinus Quirrell stumbled his way through the thick trees. He looked much the same as when he'd left Hogwarts, same robes, same nervous looking face, heck he even still had on his turban, though it was now much less full, but it did hide the scaring from where he'd let the Dark Lord Voldemort reside the last several months.
He was still...unsure if the was a good idea. He no longer was a Professor at Hogwarts, so what use would Lord Voldemort have for him? Was he going to inhabit his body again? Would he let him live...or were his failures to many?
"I should have stayed Muggle Studies Professor." He mumbled to himself, as he finally found the clearing he was looking for...and he looked around. This is where, many moon ago as his master put it, he'd met his master. So where was h...
"Quirinus." He nearly jumped, then turned and saw his master ghostly presence, he kneeled.
"Master, I've come like you asked. "He replied, and he could feel his master circling him.
"Yes, despite your failure, you have returned." His master ghostly voiced echoed through the trees.
"I am loyal master." He replied, looking up. "Do with me as you desire, inhabit me once again." Quirrell offered, holding out his hands. Though his master was silent for a good moment.
"No, without unicorn blood to sustain you, you would just die. Possessing you is no longer an option." His master admitted, and Quirrell had to admit...he was relived.
"What is your plan them, my lord?" He asked, and once again there was a silence.
"For now, we must be patient, the stone has been destroyed, and the boy is out of our reach. Keep you ears to the ground, gather information from the underground, the prophet, anywhere, find out whom Dumbledore plans to hires as your replacement, and relay everything to me, understood?"
"Yes my lord." Quirrell replied respectfully.
"Good, now come." Voldemort's spirit began to guide him, and Quirrell looked at his master confused.
"Where are we going master?"
"Somewhere safe. Somewhere, at least for the time being, for us to work without being discovered."
And with the, Voldemort's spirit led him through the dense forest, for miles they walked, until they happened upon a wooden, creaky shack.
"For now, the lesser of my ancestral homes will do." He master said, and Quirrell was led into the shack that once belonged to the House of Gaunt.
End of Year 1
I just wanted to take a quick moment to thank Everyone who has Favorited, Followed, and Reviewed. It mean's a lot to me, and I'm glad you've enjoyed the story so far.
On to Year 2!