Chapter Fourteen: What Makes a Hero?
There are several dialogue quotes taken from JK Rowling's Sorcerer's Stone in this book. This is to convey the same story she wrote, but from another character's POV. The quotes taken directly from the book have three quotation marks (instead of two) around them to signify she wrote them and that I am citing them. Because I am transforming pieces of her work into something new this falls under the Fair Use Act. Additionally, JK Rowling has stated that she is okay with noncommercial fan fiction. All direct quotes, the Harry Potter storyline, and the characters all belong to JK Rowling.
The four Slytherins spent every last moment of their last few days before exams, studying. They quizzed each other, re-read their books, and practiced charms on each other. It was as if they wanted to channel all of their worry and anxiety into their grades.
They did this quite successfully because each of them, including Pansy, felt pretty good about their work when Professor Flitwick squeaked, "Time's up!" This marked the end of their last exam, and now they had a week of complete freedom at Hogwarts to enjoy their time in the warm sunshine.
"Happy Birthday," said Daphne, kissing Draco on the cheek and handing him a package of chocolate frogs.
"I didn't know it was your birthday," said Pansy, flashing an angry look at Daphne.
"Is it June 5th already?" Draco asked. "I suppose Niklaus will bring us quite a large package from my mother, sometime today."
The truth was that none of the four Slytherins were in the mood to celebrate. They tried to enjoy their new found freedom. However, as the four Slytherins sat around the lake, dipping their feet in the water, they couldn't help but feel uneasy. They no longer had anything to channel their worry into, nothing to distract their unpleasant thoughts, and now they each felt quite sick.
Draco unwrapped a chocolate frog and just so happened to get Dumbledore's trading card. He just stared at it for a moment, allowing his frog to jump into the pond with a small splash. "That's it," Draco said, standing up quickly. "I am going to Professor Dumbledore."
"Draco, we talked about this!" Daphne protested.
"I'm not sure that's best, mate." Blaise warned.
"What?" Pansy asked shrilly.
Draco's three friends all spoke at the same time, causing a jumble of words. This only added to the burning headache Draco had, and he suddenly lashed out in anger, "Shut UP!" He shouted back. "I can't do this anymore! I don't care if our parents hate Dumbledore, or if I'll get in trouble, or if I don't have enough evidence to convince him. I have to try. Professor Quirrell is dangerous- that has been clear since my detention. If he hurts someone- I can't live with this guilt."
He looked down at his friends who were anxiously fiddling with their hair, or avoiding eye contact. "You're right mate," Blaise finally spoke.
"We're coming with you," said Daphne, and Pansy nodded her head.
"Thank you," Draco gasped in appreciation.
Not a moment later, the four Slytherins were sprinting across the grounds and into the castle. They ran down the hallways and up the staircases. It was a strange sight to be seen, especially on such a gorgeous day. They almost made it to the gargoyle who guarded Dumbledore's office, when Professor McGonagall stepped in their way, making them halt in their tracks.
"Where might you four be going?" She asked.
"We need to speak with Professor Dumbledore," Draco answered.
"He is expecting us," Blaise lied.
"Well I know that's utter rubbish," said Professor McGonagall, because he is on his way to the Ministry as we speak."
The four of them exchanged fearful glances. "Anything that is important, you can share with me." Professor McGonagall added, looking anxious.
"It's truly nothing. We can wait for his return" Pansy answered sweetly.
Professor McGonagall was about to prod them further, when suddenly there was a loud bang followed by screaming... Peeves. Although she looked as if she didn't want to end the conversation, Professor McGonagall left with a curt, "Excuse me."
At this opportunity, Draco took off running again. The others struggled to keep up. They ran all the way down to the closet where Madam Hooch kept the school brooms that Hogwarts students were taught on. "Alohomora!" Draco chanted, and the padlock clicked open.
Daphne shoved Draco against the door with all her strength. She knew exactly what Draco was going to do, and she was not having it. "Are you stupid?" she asked shrilly. "Take this to Snape!"
"No!" Draco shouted, pushing her off of him. "You saw that he got hurt last time on Halloween. We need Dumbledore!"
"This is dangerous!" Daphne shouted and she tried to grab her best friend again, but Blaise pulled her into a sort of hug from behind, keeping her from getting to him.
Pansy's face was completely white, and she looked as though she had no idea what to do. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think this is the only option."
"You're right," said Blaise. "With Dumbledore gone, Professor Quirrell is going to steal the stone tonight."
Daphne finally stopped fighting, and Blaise let her go. She gave Draco a big hug with tears in her eyes, Pansy watched with a twinge of jealousy that she tried to repress.
"Listen," said Blaise. "I don't have to tell you how stupid this is. These brooms are completely unreliable, especially traveling long distances. I know you need to find Dumbledore, but we need a way to know if you get hurt."
As if on cue, Niklaus came soaring down, landing on Draco's shoulder. "Niklaus will come with me," said Draco, reaching up to pet him, "He will return without me if I get injured." He opened the door to the closet, and chose the broom that looked the most intact. He grimaced at the thought of riding it again. Even though Draco was an exceptional flyer, this broom would not go very fast and there was a fair chance of it glitching.
Pansy ran to Draco, throwing her arms around him. "Draco," she whispered to him. "Before you go I want you to know that I think you're already a hero, much more so than that tosser Harry Potter."
To Draco's own surprise, he hugged her back tightly and whispered, "Thank you."
Draco then mounted his broom and took off. He flew high above the clouds, trying to stay out of sight to the other students, and suddenly the broom came falling down quickly, back towards the ground. Draco's friends had to stifle their screams, but Draco regained control, and he muttered to himself, "I guess we are not flying high then."
Draco flew for hours at a painfully slow speed. He tried everything to will the broom into traveling just slightly faster, but it was to no avail. He flew through some heavy winds, struggling to keep his broom pointed straight, and then through a heavy thunderstorm. Niklaus flew right beside him the entire time, dodging lightning bolts with him
The rain soaked through Draco's robes, and he wished that he had prepared better. It was pitch black at this point, and with the rain mixed with the wind, Draco was extremely cold. Just when he felt that everything was completely useless, Draco saw Big Ben on the horizon. This gave Draco a new wave of energy and hope. He had finally reached London.
At this point, much fewer muggles were out and about because it was so late, but this was still a city, and Draco knew he couldn't fly down the streets of London. He dismounted from his broom in a secluded location, and suddenly realized he hadn't the faintest idea of where to go. Draco had just entered panic mode, when he heard a low voice behind him.
"Draco?" It said. He turned around and saw Professor Dumbledore staring back at him. "In all my years-" he started, but Draco cut him off.
"Sir," Draco said as quickly as possible. "We need to get back to Hogwarts now. Professor Quirrell is trying to steal the stone, and I think we are all in danger. He has been drinking unicorn blood." The words came out without ample pauses between them.
Dumbledore held up a hand to stop Draco, and continued. "In all my years, I have never encountered a group of students so noble," he said holding up a letter.
Draco looked back at him incredulously. "It's from Hermione," Dumbledore spoke. "You're right, we have to get back right away. Harry, Ron, and Hermione went into the third corridor to save the stone. Usually no one can apparate into Hogwarts, but seeing as I am the headmaster, and this is an emergency... grab onto my arm, Draco."
Draco did as he was told, and he felt as if the entire world was spinning profusely. He shut his eyes tight, and before he knew it, he was in Dumbledore's office. However, when he opened his eyes Dumbledore was already gone.
Draco figured he was supposed to wait for Dumbledore to return, and he did just that in a chair opposite of Dumbledore's desk. Draco waited for over an hour, staring at the portraits on the wall, before Dumbledore returned. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting," Dumbledore spoke. "I'm sure you can imagine what kept me."
"What er- happened?" asked Draco cautiously.
"Of course," said Dumbledore. "It's only natural you want a bit of an explanation. I was on my way to the Ministry of Magic, but as soon as I got there I saw what looked to be one of my students flying through the air. I was trying to figure out what in god's name was going on, when an owl delivered me a letter from Hermione explaining that she, Ron and Harry had gone to protect the stone and needed help. Immediately I understood why you were in London and came over to meet you."
"And the stone?" Draco managed to choke out.
"Destroyed," answered Dumbledore. "You were right. Professor Quirrell was trying to steal it. It seems that Harry, Ron, and Hermione figured that out as well. I managed to save Harry, and the stone. However, Nicholas Flammel and I have agreed that destroying the stone was the only viable option to keep others from trying to steal it. He has enough elixir left to get his affairs in order before he dies."
"Why?" asked Draco. "Why did Professor Quirrell do it?"
Dumbledore stared Draco down for a moment before speaking, much slower this time. "Voldemort chose to live inside of Professor Quirrell this year. Professor Quirrell carried out Voldemort's bidding and was trying to serve him."
Draco shuddered at the mention of his name, and stared at Dumbledore who seemed to be trying to read Draco's expressions. Draco had so many things he wanted to ask Dumbledore: How did Voldemort come back? Is he back for good now? His thoughts clogged his brain, rendering him unable to speak.
"Can I ask a favor of you?" Dumbledore asked curiously, snapping Draco out of his thoughts.
"Sure Professor," Draco answered, and Dumbledore held out his arm again for Draco to take. This time they apparted into a small room with nothing but a large full length mirror.
"This is where Professor Quirrell tried to get the stone," said Dumbledore quietly. "Can you look into that mirror and tell me what you see?"
Draco gave Professor Dumbledore a puzzled look, but saw that he was not joking. "Alright," Draco answered.
Draco walked over to the mirror and looked into it. He saw himself... but something about him was different. Draco's reflection looked completely and utterly happy. He was practically radiating with joy. Not the kind of happiness that lasted a moment. His reflection seemed to demonstrate a completely different demeanor. It was as if the Draco in the mirror was a completely different person. "I don't understand, Professor," said Draco. "This mirror just shows me... but happy. Is that what the mirror is supposed to do?"
Dumbledore seemed to think for a while before he spoke. "This mirror," he said. "Shows none other than our biggest and most deepest desire. It appears that your biggest wish in life is happiness... A very wise thing to wish for. Professor Quirrell's was to get the stone."
Draco continued to stare at Dumbledore completely confused. "Forgive me," said Dumbledore. "Because my actions were not entirely pure. My goal was to gain a deeper understanding as to who you are."
Draco's face turned red, and he knew exactly what Dumbledore meant. With being a Slytherin, and his dad being who he is, people questioned his intentions and who he was all the time. Although this infuriated Draco, he didn't know if he even had a right to be. He had no idea who he was or what was to come. Maybe Draco would end up like his dad, and he didn't even know whether he was happy or upset about that. Life was complicated and confusing for Draco Malfoy. The right answer was not always clear. And standing here in this room was just another wizard who doubted him.
"About what I did-" Draco started, but Dumbledore cut him off.
"I am not going to tell anyone Draco," he said. "You're father won't find out."
Over the next few days, Draco recounted his adventures to Pansy, Daphne, and Blaise, each one sworn to secrecy about what Draco did to protect the stone. However, Draco left out the part about the mirror. It felt incredibly private, and he didn't want to talk about it.
Draco received his ranking, and to his dismay he was still second to Hermione. He hung his head in shame, and tried to avoid Snape in the hallways. However, one day Snape did manage to catch up with him. "Oh, hello Professor," said Draco meekly.
"Your dad won't take this well Draco," Snape spoke quietly, and Draco immediately understood what he was referring to. "However, for what it's worth, you served Slytherin well."
Draco's face lit up in happy confusion. These words were a strong compliment coming from Professor Snape. "So you're not swapping me for Hermione next year for mentoring?" Draco asked.
"No Draco," Snape answered and then whispered in Draco's ear. "First ranking, or no first ranking, I don't find you utterly repulsive to be around."
Finally, the end of year feast arrived, and Draco showed up to see the Great Hall completely decorated in Slytherin banners. Slytherin house had won the House Cup for the seventh year in a row. Draco felt a strong sense of pride, to have contributed to his house's win. He could barely contain his smile.
There were many people booing over Slytherin's win. Several Gryffindors had even tried harassing and jinxing a few of the smallest first years, but the older Slytherins stepped in. Not even Slytherin's biggest rivals could take this away from them.
Pansy, Daphne, Blaise, and Draco sat together excitedly. Pansy was crying over not wanting to leave for a full summer. Dumbledore finally arrived and a hush went over the crowd of babbling students. "'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,'" said Dumbledore.
Slytherin roared with approval, and several students including Draco banged their water goblets on the table to drown out the sounds of other houses booing. "They can be mad all they want," Draco thought to himself, "But we worked extremely hard for this."
"'Yes, yes, well done, Slytherin," said Dumbledore. "However, recent events must be taken into account.'"
Draco was now a little confused, and listened intently to what Dumbledore was saying. "'Ahem,'" said Dumbledore. "'I have a few last-minute points to dish me see. Yes . . ."First — to Mr. Ronald Weasley . . . for the best-played game of chess Hogwarts has seen in many years, I award Gryffindor House fifty points.'"
The Gryffindors roared and laughed gleefully, causing many Slytherins to shout angrily. However, Dumbledore continued despite the protests of Slytherin, "'Second — to Miss Hermione Granger . . . for the use of cool logic in the face of fire, I award Gryffindor House fifty points.'"
"Why the hell didn't he do this earlier?" Blaise spat. "Why wait till the last minute when we already won?"
"'Third — to Mr. Harry Potter . . .'" said Dumbledore. "'. . . for pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award GryffindorHouse sixty points.'"
"No," said Pansy incredulously. "I'm sure you'll get points too Draco. You were just as much a hero as them."
"He won't," Draco replied. "He promised he wouldn't tell anyone what I did, so my dad wouldn't find out."
"He can make up a lie as to why he is giving you the points. Have a little faith in him," said Daphne calmly.
"'There are all kinds of courage," said Dumbledore. "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.'"
Gryffindor erupted in applause, whooping and hollering. The Slytherins were enraged with Dumbledore's last minute changes. They were screaming and shouting about the injustice, when Dumbledore's booming voice shut them up.
"'Which means,'" roared Dumbledore. "'We need a little change of decoration.'" Dumbledore clapped his hands and the decorations magically all changed to Gryffindor.
Draco slumped down in his seat and put his head in his hand. "Draco I'm-" said Pansy.
"It doesn't matter," Draco answered curtly. "It's done."
The events put a damper on the evening to say the least, but the Slytherins had their own little celebration in their common room that night. Everyone tried to stay in high spirits, and participated. Even Erick had somewhat abused his prefect power to sneak into the kitchens and bring back tons of food for everyone.
Marcus Flint hushed everyone at one point and called out, "I'd like to make a toast! To the little first year who would have secured our win... if it wasn't for Dumbledore's bullshit and whatever. The point is, his brilliance and cunning wit really helped us this year. To Draco," Marcus finished and then winked at him.
All the Slytherins hollered in approval and he got many pats on the back from Slytherins of all years. This made the night remarkably better, and Draco knew it was not one he would soon forget.
The next morning at eleven o'clock sharp, the Hogwarts Express left the station to take the students back home. The four Slytherins laughed and chatted, trying to keep their mind off of summer break. However, time still moves even when you don't want it to, and eventually they pulled up into the station at King's Cross.
Pansy pulled them into a large group hug, despite Blaise's protests, before they exited the train. Draco stood back and watched, as his friends ran to their families excitedly. Blaise ran off to be with his mom and step dad. Pansy went over to her parents.
While watching Daphne reunite with her parents, her little sister Astoria caught his eye. She waved to him, and he waved back. Even from far away Draco noticed the little silver ring he had given her at Christmas sitting daintily on her hand. He smiled, and left the platform completely on his own.