a/n again all thanks to JK Rowling, not mine in any way

June 1992

The beginning of June came and with it came exams, exams, exams. While most of the first years were freaking out about exams or studying like mad, Harry, Hermione, and Ron included, Ascella couldn't be bothered. She breezed through them with ease and had hardly cracked open a book once. Her fellow Ravenclaws in particular felt her lack of studying and stress was an offront to them and they hated that they knew she'd get the same if not better scores as they did. Even sweet Terry Boot had become short with her in the common room one night when she hadn't even been pretending to study, instead preferring to read from the animagus books Flitwick had let her check out from the restricted section the night before their potions final. Ascella had learned Flitwick was always guaranteed to sign a note for any Ravenclaw student because he felt "no knowledge should be restricted".

Ascella had needless to say been stunned and had guiltily mumbled an apology and took the book to the safety of her four poster. Hermione, in particular, was stressing out and Ascella had taken to avoiding her until after exams were over as she'd kept hounding her on her study habits every time she saw her. This unfortunately meant that Ascella hadn't seen much of Harry either but he was stressed too so she hadn't minded spending more time in her home tower.

And then finally exams were over and everyone could breathe again. Harry and Ascella spent the afternoon talking and lounging down by the lake while students around them swam and lounged about enjoying the good weather and freedom from exams. She even spotted the twins and their friend Lee Jordan trying to tickle the giant squid.

Ascella and Harry were joined by Ron and Hermione around the time that Ascella noticed Padma, Sue Li, and Mandy going for a swim and she decided to leave her friends to join her fellow Ravenclaws. When she had gotten back she didn't see any sign of Harry, Ron, or Hermione. Shrugging she stayed with the Ravenclaws, who were much more pleasant to be around now that exams were over.

After dinner Ascella was dragged back to Ravenclaw tower by Kevin and Aaron with the explanation "You don't want to miss this!" And they were right. She had never seen the Ravenclaw common room more full or more festive and relaxed. There were snacks of all sorts, there were students setting up various jam sessions with their instruments, while some of the more artistic Ravenclaws had painted and charmed moving scenes of summer on the walls and drawn banners saying things like congratulations! Exams are over! while someone else had enchanted a bubble machine to lazily float multicolored bubbles all over the room that when popped smelled like flowers. All in all it was a wonderful little party to celebrate the end of exams and the beginning of summer.

Ascella smile stretched huge across her face, glad she'd let Aaron and Kevin drag her back to Ravenclaw tower instead of letting her go in search of Harry. She spent the rest of the evening with her fellow first year Ravenclaws, laughing with Kevin and Aaron, braiding flowers into each others hair with Padma, even tackling Terry and Aaron and forcing the boys to let them put flowers in their shaggy hair ("Aw Cella, they look so cute!" Padma had said laughing with Ascella while the boys had glared), and stuffing her face with the delicious baked goods that some of the older students had made. She went to bed full, happy and content.

She was much less content when she was shaken awake what felt like only minutes after she'd fallen asleep.

"'Was goin' on?" she said groggily. But she froze when she saw the three faces that were looking at her expectantly. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were in her dormitory and they looked frightened but determined. Ascella was instantly awake and out of bed pulling on her robes and grabbing her wand.

"What's going on?" Ascella whispered.

"We think Snape is going to steal the stone. Tonight. We'll explain the rest on the way," Hermione said tossing her a sock.

"Also how'd you get in here?" Ascella asked pausing mid sock pulling on to look critically at the Gryffindor's.

"Well the riddle really wasn't that hard -" Hermione started. Ascella scoffed. Of course Hermione could get in. Then she looked at the boys suspiciously as she tugged on her combat boots.

"How'd you get in here?" she asked them. They looked at her weirdly.

"Hermione answered the riddle," Ron said slowly like he was teaching an easy concept to a dim child. Rising, she waved him off and headed out the door.

"No, I mean how'd you get into the girls side of the dormitory? The Ravenclaw boys can't. The minute they get too close to the door they immediately remember something else they are supposed to do."

"Hmm," Harry frowned. "Maybe it only works on Ravenclaw boys. You know like they thought no body but Ravenclaws could even get into the tower so why bother." Ascella snorted and opened the door to her common room.

"Typical. Smartest house and we can't even get the door charm to the dormitories right because we are too arrogant to think that boys from other houses wouldn't be able to get in. Alright how are we getting there?" she asked turning to the group. The walls of the common room were still emitting a faint glow of sunshine and the bubble machine was weakly going in the corner.

Harry held up the invisibility cloak as explanation.

"Right. Makes sense. And what about Fluffy?" Harry held up a wooden flute.

"Hagrid told us today that Fluffy goes straight to sleep if you play music," he said by way of explanation.

"So that's where you disappeared to," she mused. "Alright let's go. You can explain the rest on the way."

They barely all fit under the cloak but once they'd made sure they couldn't be seen they headed off for the out of bounds third floor corridor. In hushed tones the three Gryffindors explained to Ascella how they'd figured out tonight was the night. Dumbledore was gone, Harry had put it together about Quirrel having broken to Snape and how when Snape had sold Hagrid the dragon's egg, Hagrid had shared the bit about Fluffy meaning that it was the perfect time to try and steal the stone. They explained how they had been trying to tail Snape or keep an eye on the cooridor but they'd been thwarted by Snape and McGonagall and so they'd decided to follow him in after dark. Harry then explained that they'd just needed to get her first.

"Well I'm glad you finally decided you'd ne-" Ascella began.

"Shh!" Harry cut her off a finger to his lips. "Peeves," he said pointing a head.

Sure enough Peeves came zooming around the corner. He couldn't see them but he'd heard them. He threatened to go get Filch when Harry had the brilliant idea to pose as the Bloody Baron, the only ghost Peeves feared enough to obey, in order to get him to leave them alone. When he finally zoomed off Ron said, "That was close."

"Agreed," Ascella said. "Nice thinking though Harry. Also Peeves is a strange one."

They made it the rest of the way undetected. Arriving at the door they found that it was already open. Harry attempted to tell them he could go on alone but the rest shut him up quick.

"You'd never make it alone Harry," Ascella said ending all discussion on the matter. Upon entering Ascella noticed a harp and a very much awake giant three-headed dog. Ascella swallowed.

"You might have mentioned just how large Fluffy is," she said dryly staring up at the growling monster.

Harry didn't acknowledge this instead starting to play the flute. Soon the dog was snoring and the group tiptoed to the trap door. Harry kept playing while Ascella and Ron yanked the door open. They peered in but couldn't see where it led as it was pitch black.

"Well there's only one way to find out," Ascella said dropping in before the rest could stop her. Harry landed shortly after her, on the same squishy plant like thing that she had.

"Don't ever do that again," he said glaring at her. She grinned back at him unconcerned. Harry called up that it was okay. When Hermione had landed after Ron, Ascella realized she had been the one to keep playing the flute. She also realized that the squishy plant they'd landed in was alive and it was angry. She, Harry, and Ron were already ensnared by it but Hermione had managed to scramble to the side and out of the way of the tentacles.

"Hermione!" Harry shouted. "Do you know how to stop it!" Hermione started thinking furiously while Ascella struggled feeling the tentacles bite deeper into her flesh.

"Hurry, Hermione!" she called.

"Oh yes Devil's snare doesn't like fire!"

"Then light a fire!" Ron growled out.

"Oh but there's no wood!"

"Did she really just say that! Really?!" Ascella yelled unbelieving, at the same time as Harry desperately reminded her she was a witch and didn't need firewood.

Hermione pulled her wand from her robes and used it to start a fire. The vines retreated freeing Ascella, Harry, and Ron. Ascella rubbed her arms wincing, but they didn't have time to nurse wounds if they were going to catch Snape. They continued on down a passage way that reminded Ascella of underground Gringotts. She figured they must be miles beneath the castle. Soon they heard a weird fluttering noise coming from up ahead. They entered a room with birds flying above them and a door on the other side. They hurriedly crossed to the other side but found the door locked.

"Now what?" Ascella asked. Harry looked up.

"They're keys," he said. The other three looked up and realized he was right.

"Right and how do we get them?"

"Look!" Hermione said pointing to four broomsticks.

"Great," Ascella said sarcastically. "Now we just have to find the right one among thousands. Should take no time at all."

Ron snorted. Harry ignored her.

"There! Do you see that big old looking one? I'll bet that's it," he said. Ascella didn't see it but there was a reason Harry was seeker and when she tried out for her house team she'd go for chaser."Come on," Harry told them making for the brooms.

They all got on and joined Harry in the search. Ascella was a descent flier but she didn't have Harry's eyes or natural ability, so she, Ron and Hermione helped herd the key towards Harry. Soon he'd caught it and upon trying it in the door they headed into the next room.

"What is it?" Ascella asked stopping next to the other three, to look at the massive stone structures blocking the way across.

"It's a chess board," Ron answered. "I think we've got to play to get across." Ascella whistled.

"Well this just keeps getting better," Ascella said. Harry turned to her exasperated.

"What? If you didn't want my sarcasm you should have let me sleep."

"Like you wouldn't have killed me tomorrow if I'd left you behind. " Ascella grinned and didn't deny it.

They then proceed to play the most terrifying game of wizard's chess ever. They were lucky Ron was so good but it became obvious at the end what Ron would have to do in order for them to win. Harry almost moved off his square in protestation when Ron fell but Hermione reminded him he couldn't or they'd lose the game and let Snape get the stone. Ascella herself hadn't enjoyed seeing her friend knocked out and longed to go make sure he was okay as much as Harry. Harry moved instead to put the King in check mate and they won.

All three of them wasted no time in rushing to Ron's side.

"He's breathing," Hermione said thankfully. "Just looks knocked out. Look you two go on. I'll stay with Ron," she said looking to Harry and Ascella.

"Are you sure?" Harry asked. She nodded.

"If you aren't back in an hour, I'll go get help. Now hurry!" she urged them on. Ascella knew Harry didn't like leaving them behind, so Ascella grabbed his arm.

"She's right. We've got to catch Snape. We know he's in here. Maybe she'll be able to send for help." Harry nodded and they continued on after both hugging Hermione.

Shortly after they passed a giant troll that had been defeated. Ascella remarked how it was weird that a teacher who was as timid as Quirrell was could be so good with trolls.

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"Didn't you know? Quirrell has an affinity for trolls. Told us himself first day of class. I'd bet anything that was his test we just passed."

"How do you remember stuff like that?" Harry marveled as they passed through another doorway.

"Eh, if I hear something or see it I remember it," Ascella said nonchalantly. Harry shook his head then looked around the room. No sooner than Ascella had followed him into the room did the door in front of them and behind them burst into flames.

"Well that could be problematic," Ascella commented. Harry gave her a wry look before making for a table in the middle of the room, where seven bottles were arranged on the table in a line.

Harry picked up a piece of parchment and groaned.

"A riddle," he said miserably. "A riddle to figure out which potion is safe to drink to advance or return." Ascella felt her blood run cold. She was rubbish at riddles. She joined him in looking at the riddle, wishing Hermione was with them. The more she read though, the more confidence she gained. Finally when she'd finished reading it she was smiling. She grabbed it out of Harry's hand to Harry's surprise.

"It's not a riddle!" she exclaimed. "It's a logic puzzle!" Harry blinked at her but she didn't notice she was too busy checking the clues and glancing at the bottles puzzling out the options.

"And that's better?" Harry asked dubious.

"Hmm?" She glanced at him. "Oh yes. I'm terrible at riddles but I am excellent at logic. Riddles involve too many word metaphors; logic is straight forward. Now be quiet I've almost got it." She went back to the puzzle. A few minutes later she had it solved.

"There!" she said triumphantly placing a small vial in Harry's hand. "That one should let you move on and this one," she held up another vial, "will take us back." Harry looked at the vial he was holding. There looked to only be enough for one swallow.

"You are sure?"

"Positive. But you'll have to go on without me. I'm sorry. I can go back and get help with Hermione." Harry nodded. He looked nervous. Ascella bite her lip and then threw her arms around him. He returned her embrace tightly.

"Good luck Harry," she said in his ear. "Be careful. And give Snape one hell of a surprise." Harry grinned at her before swallowing the potion and passing unharmed through the flames. Ascella sighed and swallowed her own potion making sure to leave enough for Harry and headed back. Ascella reached Hermione and filled her in. Then between the two of them they helped Ron out. To their surprise they passed a harried Dumbledore on their way out, he on his way in. He seemed to already know something was wrong and after telling them to take Ron to the hospital wing he rushed on.

They next few hours were a blur but Ascella was conscious that an unconscious Harry was eventually brought to the hospital wing. Dumbledore told Ascella and Hermione that he would be alright but it would be a few days before he was awake. They headed back to the Gryffindor tower, Ascella not wanting to be alone. Instead of using her mattress under Hermione's bed she crawled in with her friend and they fell into a deep sleep.

The next few days passed with the entire school in a buzz. Apparently everyone had some idea of what had happened down under the trap door and the rumors just got crazier when it came out that it had been Quirrell who'd been after the stone and that he'd been possessed by Voldemort. Of course not many people believed the last part. Ron left the hospital the day after but Harry was there for days. He missed the last Quidditch game. It was a record breaking slaughter by Ravenclaw because Wood didn't have a reserve seeker. Ascella couldn't even be happy for her house though because she was so worried about Harry.

When he finally did wake up Ascella, Hermione, and Ron were the first ones there. Well apparently after the headmaster, but Ascella was only mildly offended that he'd gotten to speak to her friend before her.

Ascella threw her arms around Harry the minute she saw him.

"Don't do that again!" she exclaimed.

"That worried for me?" Harry laughed.

"No," she said pulling back. "These two are just really boring without you."

"Oi!" Ron said but Harry only laughed harder, knowing Ascella had been worried.

They talked then, filling Harry in on what he'd missed ("You got flattened by Ravenclaw. Sorry not sorry. We needed those points.") and Harry confirmed that Quirrell had been possessed by Voldemort. Ascella had been intrigued to learn about why Quirrell couldn't touch Harry, that is was because his mother had died to save him. She also saw how it had affected Harry and she'd grabbed his hand giving it a squeeze. He smiled gratefully at her.

Ron then told Harry that he'd better be able to get out for the feast. Slytherin had won the house cup but it would still be fun. Harry promised to try. They were kicked out shortly after.

The next day Harry was indeed released in time to enjoy the feast. Ascella grinned at him from the Ravenclaw table. He grinned back.

"How do you like the decor?" she called out, indicating the silver and green banners that covered the Great Hall. He mimed throwing up. She laughed.

Finally Dumbledore rose to award the house cup. He startled everyone when he added that there were some unawarded points yet to be given out though after beginning by congratulating the Slytherin's. Ascella sat stunned as Dumbledore gave out points. Ron received 50 for the chess game, Hermione for "applying theoretical knowledge in a practical situation" (no comment on forgetting she was a witch though; Ascella was mildly disappointed), and even she received 50 points to Ravenclaw, for her "cool headed use of logic". Harry then received 60 points for "sheer daring nerve" (she made a note to tease him about that later) and even Neville got awarded 10 points for standing up to his friends (Ascella felt very happy for the boy as she saw him duck in pleased embarrassment).

The hall was in an uproar, albeit a happy one. The awarding of points had not only put Gryffindor in the lead but it had dropped Slytherin all the way to third place putting Ravenclaw ahead of the snakes too. Ravenclaws at her table were patting her on the back. Aaron and Kevin were chanting that she was their hero and Padma had hugged her in delight. They didn't even care that they hadn't won, it was enough to be ahead of Slytherin and to see another house win as even the Hufflepuffs were celebrating.

By dessert Ascella was able to break away from the Ravenclaw table. She made her way to her friends at Gryffindor beaming. Harry saw her and pulled her into a hug. She squeezed in between Harry and Hermione smiling. She couldn't remember ever being so happy as she looked at her friends.

No, Ascella Black had found her place at Hogwarts and she'd found her friends and she couldn't wait for six more years with these crazy people.

a/n And so we've reached the end of first year! But don't worry we will be back for more adventures second year. Be prepared for more fun and longer chappie's! And more about Ascella's parents! Namely her mother.