AN: Some parts of this chapter are directly copied from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's stone.

Harry!

Your father and Remus just informed me about your run in with a wayward troll. Were you completely out of your mind? What were you thinking? Why didn't you go looking for an adult who was better skilled at magic than you? These are the stupid things we used to do in school. Dear Merlin, I cringe at how much we worried your grandparents. Taking such unnecessary risks do not count as adventures Prongslet.Hell, Harry! I wouldn't even be writing to you had Moony not been so nice in his letter to you. I really want to rage at you right now. It is a good thing to be protective and loyal to your friends, but those friends should be worth risking your life for and you can't know if that person is worth it at your age. We didn't know till it was too late. Be cautious of who you sacrifice yourself for Harry. Pick friends who are worth it. Have I taught you nothing?

You put another toe out of the line. Just pull another stunt like this and I am bringing you straight back to the Manor to be homeschooled by us. I don't care if James and Moony, even the entire wizarding world protests. I swore on my life to ensure that no harm comes to you. I have failed at it once, I am not going to let you prove me a liar again.

On a very different note, yes, the marauder in me is really proud of you. This is the thing he has been goading you for. I am proud of your loyalty to a friend and your sense of bravery. I have always been proud of you, kid. That does not mean I wasn't scared witless when I heard about your adventure. Don't do that to me again. I want you to swear on your honour as a Marauder.

Love

Padfoot

Dear Harry,

We agreed that Moony would be the only one write a letter to you, which is why I have waited till now to pen this down. Are you alright? Is your friend okay? How did you even manage to defeat a troll? I want to hear all about it when you get home. I am not going to admonish you for wanting to help a friend. Were you irresponsible and impulsive? Yes. Could you have approached the situation differently? Yes. But you did what you thought you had to do, without properly considering the consequences of the entire thing. And I get it, I was or rather still am just like you, I jump first and worry later. I used to worry your mother silly because of this attitude. It only proves to me that you are a very good friend and infinitely brave and this makes me proud. Friends are precious, Harry. They are the family you get to choose and if you are lucky, you find friends like Moony and Padfoot who stick by you through everything. I hope you find people who see your bravery and courage and loyalty to them and stick by you through everything.

Honestly, half of me wants to write to McGonagall to take away your Quidditch privileges, but I realize that someday, you will just have to figure things out on your own and I guess the day has arrived sooner, than later. You are growing up Harry, you are making your own decisions, and so, you need to owe up to the consequences of those decisions too. I know McGonagall awarded you points for your feat, and I am proud of you too. But you will be grounded during the Christmas holidays, no Quidditch, and no visiting your friends.I know it sounds unfair, but, this is just an incentive for you to think your actions through the next time.

Love,

Dad

Harry folded the letters and slumped forwards, banging his head on the table.

"What happened to you?" Hermione asked, pouring herself some pumpkin juice. Neville looked at Harry with an equally miserable expression on his face.

"I am grounded for Christmas." Harry groaned.

"Why?"

"Because I took on a troll, without thinking." Harry moaned covering his face.

"Stop being a baby about it. You didn't know the troll would be there. He was supposed to be in the dungeons." Hermione replied. "Have you thought about writing to them to explain the situation?"

"I wrote to my mother." Neville volunteered and then suppressed a shudder. "I received a howler in return."

"My mother told me, I am worse than the twins," Ron said, thoughtfully nibbling on his toast. "And cheer up, Harry. You are still going home, I am going to be stuck in this castle with the twins and Percy for Christmas?"

"Why aren't you going home?" Neville asked.

"Mum, Dad, and Ginny are going to Romania to visit my brother Charlie at his Dragon reserve," Ron replied.

Neville, however, was looking at Harry who was grinning from ear to ear.

"Ron, the twins and you, even Percy should come to stay with us. I will talk to Dad." He said happily.

"What are you thinking, Harry?" Neville asked.

"Just that, dad may end my grounding earlier and allow us to visit you after he finds the twins a little hard to handle."

"You are diabolical," Hermione commented with an amused smile.

"You are too educated for the rest of us. Who uses "diabolical" anymore?" Ron quipped, sticking his tongue out at her.

Dear Padfoot,

I am sorry for giving you a scare. Honestly, the troll was supposed to be in the dungeons and we went looking for Hermione on the third floor. The plan was to get her out and just run for it. Unfortunately, the troll was where we were and we made the stupid mistake of locking it up in the same place as Hermione. We just had to go back.I am really sorry for worrying you, Sirius. I swear I didn't mean to worry anyone, or get in trouble. But Quidditch season is finally here! I can't wait to see you again. Hopefully, you are not too mad at me.

Love

Harry

Dear Dad,

I am sorry. I didn't mean to get in trouble. The troll wasn't even supposed to be there. It was supposed to be in the dungeons. I am sorry and I accept your punishment. I made the mistake and I must pay for the consequences, which is no Quidditch and no friends. Speaking of friends, my friend Ron Weasley's parents are going to Romania to spend the holidays with his brother Charlie. Ron is planning to stay back at Hogwarts with his brothers, but that isn't fair is it? Not to mention the Weasley twins worship the Marauders and would do anything to meet you. Do you think it would be okay for them to come stay with us during Christmas?We can write to Mrs. and Mr. Weasley for their permission, but I need you to be okay with this first.You don't have to reply now. We can talk about this after the first match.

Dad, I know Gryffindors are supposed to be courageous, but honestly, I can't find my courage as the day of the match is coming near. Since nobody has seen me play, I don't know which is worse, people betting that I won't stay on my broom for more than 5 minutes, or people telling me I will be brilliant. Not to mention, Hermione has for her hands on Quidditch Through The Ages and can't stop prattling about how Seekers are fouled the most and meet with the most dangerous accidents, which is doing nothing to help with my nerved. Especially, when half the house has volunteered to protect all the players after Katie was cursed the other day. I had no idea they took Quidditch so seriously here.

You should meet Hermione, she was a little annoying to begin with but now that I know more of her, she sometimes reminds me of Mum or how all of you have described Mum. She is a muggleborn too, frightfully clever, which is a good thing because I don't know what I would have done, with Wood scheduling impromptu practice sessions, I am on top of my work because of Hermione's help. In fact, she may have been really stuck up about rules in the beginning, but now that we have corrupted her thoroughly, she uses her brains for the most brilliant pranks you can think of. We have a list ready.Can't wait to see you, even when I don't want Saturday to arrive for a really long time.

Love

Harry

The day before Harry's first Quidditch match Harry, Neville, Ron, and Hermione were out in the freezing courtyard during break, and Hermione had conjured them up a bright blue fire that could be carried around in a jam jar. They were standing with their backs to it, getting warm, when Snape crossed the yard. Harry noticed at once that Snape was limping. Harry, Neville, Ron, and Hermione moved closer together to block the fire from view; they were sure it wouldn't be allowed. Unfortunately, something about their guilty faces caught Snape's eye. He limped over. He hadn't seen the fire, but he seemed to be looking for a reason to tell them off anyway.

"What's that you've got there, Potter?"

It was Quidditch Through the Ages. Harry showed him.

"Library books are not to be taken outside the school," said Snape.

"Give it to me. Five points from Gryffindor."

"He's just made that rule up," Harry muttered angrily as Snape limped away. "Wonder what's wrong with his leg?"

"Dunno, but I hope it's really hurting him," said Ron bitterly as Neville nodded his agreement.

The Gryffindor common room was very noisy that evening. Harry, Neville, Ron, and Hermione sat together next to a window. Hermione was checking Harry's and Ron's Charms homework for them (Neville was serving detention with Madam Pomfrey). She would never let them copy ("How will you learn?"), but by asking her to read it through, they got the right answers anyway.

Harry felt restless. He wanted Quidditch Through the Ages back, to take his mind off his nerves about tomorrow. Why should he be afraid of Snape? Getting up, he told Ron and Hermione he was going to ask Snape if he could have it.

"Better you than me," they said together, but Harry had an idea that Snape wouldn't refuse if there were other teachers listening.

He made his way down to the staffroom and knocked. There was no answer.

He knocked again. Nothing.

Perhaps Snape had left the book in there? It was worth a try. He pushed the door ajar and peered inside -- and a horrible scene met his eyes.

Snape and Filch were inside, alone. Snape was holding his robes above his knees. One of his legs was bloody and mangled. Filch was handing Snape bandages.

"Blasted thing," Snape was saying. "How are you supposed to keep your eyes on all three heads at once?"

Harry tried to shut the door quietly, but --"POTTER!"

Snape's face was twisted with fury as he dropped his robes quickly to hide his leg. Harry gulped.

"I just wondered if I could have my book back."

"GET OUT! OUT!"

Harry left before Snape could take any more points from Gryffindor. He sprinted back upstairs.

"Did you get it?" Ron asked as Harry joined them. "What's the matter?"

In a low whisper, Harry told them what he'd seen.

"You know what this means?" he finished breathlessly. "He tried to get past that three-headed dog at Halloween! That's where he was going when we saw him -- he's after whatever it's guarding! And I'd bet my broomstick he let that troll in, to make a diversion!"

Hermione's eyes were wide.

"No -- he wouldn't, she said. "I know he's not very nice, but he wouldn't try and steal something Dumbledore was keeping safe."

"Honestly, Hermione, you think all teachers are saints or something," snapped Ron. "I'm with Harry. I wouldn't put anything past Snape. But what's he after? What's that dog guarding?"

Harry and Ron filled Neville in Neville had sided with Hermione, agreeing that Snape was an evil git, but refusing to accept that Snape would try and undermine Dumbledore in such a way. Ron however, was stuck on the mystery that the three-headed dog was protecting. Harry went to bed with his head buzzing with the same question. Neville was snoring loudly, but Harry couldn't sleep. He tried to empty his mind-- he needed to sleep, he had to, he had his first Quidditch match in a few hours -- but the expression on Snape's face when Harry had seen his leg wasn't easy to forget.

The next morning dawned very bright and cold. The Great Hall was full of the delicious smell of fried sausages and the cheerful chatter of everyone looking forward to a good Quidditch match.

"You've got to eat some breakfast."

"I don't want anything."

"Just a bit of toast," wheedled Hermione.

"I'm not hungry."

Harry felt terrible. In an hour's time, he'd be walking onto the field.

"Harry, you need your strength," said Seamus Finnigan. "Seekers are always the ones who get clobbered by the other team."

"Thanks, Seamus," said Harry, watching Seamus pile ketchup on his sausages.

By eleven o'clock the whole school seemed to be out in the stands around the Quidditch pitch.

Ron and Hermione joined Neville, Seamus, and Dean the West Ham fan up in the top row. As a surprise for Harry, they had painted a large banner on one of the sheets Scabbers had ruined. It said Potter for President, and Dean, who was good at drawing, had done a large Gryffindor lion underneath. Then Hermione had performed a tricky little charm so that the paint flashed different colours. Remus, James and Sirius, were sitting next to Neville and Arianna, all five of them had done their best to show their house pride, but Sirius was the most flamboyant with his face painted red and gold.

Meanwhile, in the locker room, Harry and the rest of the team were changing into their scarlet Quidditch robes.

Wood cleared his throat for silence.

"Okay, men," he said.

"And women," said Chaser Angelina Johnson.

"And women," Wood agreed. "This is it."

"The big one," said Fred Weasley.

"The one we've all been waiting for," said George.

"We know Oliver's speech by heart," Fred told Harry, "we were on the team last year."

"Shut up, you two," said Wood. "This is the best team Gryffindor's had in years. We're going to win. I know it."

He glared at them all as if to say, "Or else."

"Right. It's time. Good luck, all of you."

Harry followed Fred and George out of the locker room and, hoping his knees weren't going to give way, walked onto the field to loud cheers.

Madam Hooch was refereeing. She stood in the middle of the field waiting for the two teams, her broom in her hand.

"Now, I want a nice fair game, all of you," she said, once they were all gathered around her. Harry noticed that she seemed to be speaking particularly to the Slytherin Captain, Marcus Flint, a sixth year. Harry thought Flint looked as if he had some troll blood in him. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the fluttering banner high above, flashing Potter for President over the crowd. He saw his family cheering him on. His heart skipped. He felt braver.

"Mount your brooms, please."

Harry clambered onto his Nimbus Two Thousand.

Madam Hooch gave a loud blast on her silver whistle.

Fifteen brooms rose up, high, high into the air. They were off. "And the Quaffle is taken immediately by Angelina Johnson of Gryffindor – what an excellent Chaser that girl is, and rather attractive, too --"

"JORDAN!"

"Sorry, Professor."

"And she's really belting along up there, a neat pass to Alicia Spinnet, a good find of Oliver Wood's, last year only a reserve -- back to Johnson and -- no, the Slytherins have taken the Quaffle, Slytherin Captain Marcus Flint gains the Quaffle and off he goes -- Flint flying like an eagle up there -- he's going to sc- no, stopped by an excellent move by Gryffindor Keeper Wood and the Gryffindors take the Quaffle --that's Chaser Katie Bell of Gryffindor there, nice dive around Flint, off up the field and -- OUCH -- that must have hurt, hit in the back of the head by a Bludger -- Quaffle is taken by the Slytherins -- that's Adrian Pucey speeding off toward the goal posts, but he's blocked by a second Bludger -- sent his way by Fred or George Weasley, can't tell which -- nice play by the Gryffindor Beater, anyway, and Johnson back in possession of the Quaffle, a clear field ahead and off she goes -- she's really flying -- dodges a speeding Bludger -- the goal posts are ahead -- come on, now, Angelina -- Keeper Bletchley dives -- misses --GRYFFINDORS SCORE!"

Gryffindor cheers filled the cold air, with howls and moans from the Slytherins.

"Budge up there, move along."

"Hagrid!"

Ron and Hermione squeezed together to give Hagrid enough space to join them.

James and Sirius turned around and grinned at Hagrid in greeting.

"How are you, Hagrid?" Remus asked.

"Very well! Bin watchin' from me hut," said Hagrid, patting a large pair of binoculars around his neck, "But it isn't the same as bein' in the crowd. No sign of the Snitch yet, eh?"

"Nope," said Ron. "Harry hasn't had much to do yet."

"Kept outta trouble, though, that's somethin'," said Hagrid, raising his binoculars and peering skyward at the speck that was Harry. James nodded, as he looked up to. Pride filling every inch of him.

Way up above them, Harry was gliding over the game, squinting about for some sign of the Snitch. This was part of his and Wood's game plan.

"Keep out of the way until you catch sight of the Snitch," Wood had said. "We don't want you attacked before you have to be."

When Angelina had scored, Harry had done a couple of loop-the-loops to let off his feelings. Now he was back to staring around for the Snitch.

Once he caught sight of a flash of gold, but it was just a reflection from one of the Weasleys' wristwatches, and once a Bludger decided to come pelting his way, more like a cannonball than anything, but Harry dodged it and Fred Weasley came chasing after it.

"All right there, Harry?" he had time to yell, as he beat the Bludger furiously toward Marcus Flint.

"Gyrffindor has got a good set of chasers this time," James commented, his attention focused on the game below. "They need a bit of practice, and they will make the most effortless offence in the game."

Sirius nodded, "I have to say, keeping the twins are beaters was a marvellous idea. They work like a well-oiled machine. Do you think the twin telepathy theory is true?"

"Could be" Remus replied, "The Gryffindor team is rather strong this year."

"It's good!" Arianna said enthusiastically, "But you should have seen us with Charlie Weasley! They said, he could have played for England. But we now have Wood!" She sighed Wood's name, as Kate Shafiq giggled next to her and Neville rolled his eyes.

James eyes her curiously, but then he heard something about the snitch and his attention was back to the game again.

"Slytherin in possession," Lee Jordan was saying, "Chaser Pucey ducks two Bludgers, two Weasleys, and Chaser Bell, and speeds toward the --wait a moment -- was that the Snitch?"

A murmur ran through the crowd as Adrian Pucey dropped the Quaffle, too busy looking over his shoulder at the flash of gold that had passed his left ear.

Harry saw it. In a great rush of excitement, he dived downward after the streak of gold. Slytherin Seeker Terence Higgs had seen it, too. Neck and neck they hurtled toward the Snitch -all the Chasers seemed to have forgotten what they were supposed to be doing as they hung in midair to watch.

Harry was faster than Higgs -- he could see the little round ball, wings fluttering, darting up ahead - - he put on an extra spurt of speed --WHAM! A roar of rage echoed from the Gryffindors below -- Marcus Flint had blocked Harry on purpose, and Harry's broom spun off course, Harry holding on for dear life.

"Foul!" screamed the Gryffindors.

"Son of a bitch!" Sirius swore, only to get a glare from Remus.

"Sorry, Moony." He said sheepishly, patting James' shoulder comfortingly. James, on the other hand, was on his feet, shouting for a penalty.

Madam Hooch spoke angrily to Flint and then ordered a free shot at the goal posts for Gryffindor. But in all the confusion, of course, the Golden Snitch had disappeared from sight again.

Down in the stands, Dean Thomas was yelling, "Send him off, ref! Red card!"

"What are you talking about, Dean?" said Ron.

"Red card!" said Dean furiously. "In soccer, you get shown the red card and you're out of the game!"

"But this isn't soccer, Dean," Ron reminded him.

Hagrid, James, and Sirius, however, were on Dean's side.

"They oughta change the rules. Flint coulda knocked Harry outta the air."

Lee Jordan was finding it difficult not to take sides.

"I mean, after that open and revolting foul

'Jordan, I'm warning you --"

"All right, all right. Flint nearly kills the Gryffindor Seeker, which could happen to anyone, I'm sure, so a penalty to Gryffindor, taken by Spinnet, who puts it away, no trouble, and we continue to play, Gryffindor still in possession."

It was as Harry dodged another Bludger, which went spinning dangerously past his head, that it happened. His broom gave a sudden, frightening lurch. For a split second, he thought he was going to fall. He gripped the broom tightly with both his hands and knees. He'd never felt anything like that.

It happened again. It was as though the broom was trying to buck him off. But Nimbus Two Thousands did not suddenly decide to buck their riders off. Harry tried to turn back toward the Gryffindor goal- posts -- he had half a mind to ask Wood to call time-out -- and then he realized that his broom was completely out of his control. He couldn't turn it. He couldn't direct it at all. It was zigzagging through the air, and every now and then making violent swishing movements that almost unseated him.

Lee was still commentating.

"Slytherin in possession -- Flint with the Quaffle -- passes Spinnet --passes Bell -- hit hard in the face by a Bludger, hope it broke his nose -- only joking, Professor -- Slytherins score -- A no...

The Slytherins were cheering. No one seemed to have noticed that Harry's broom was behaving strangely. It was carrying- him slowly higher, away from the game, jerking and twitching as it went.

"Dunno what Harry thinks he's doing," Hagrid mumbled. He stared through his binoculars. "If I didn' know better, I'd say he'd lost control of his broom... but he can't have..."

Hagrid and James had noticed the same thing at the same time. James had quietly tapped Sirius' hand and pointed at Harry.

"He hasn't lost control of his broom, has he?" James asked his expression morphing into a deadly glare.

"Someone is cursing his broom," Remus said quietly. Sirius was already scanning the crowds, while James and Remus started whispering every counterspell they could think of.

By now, people were pointing up at Harry all over the stands. His broom had started to roll over and over, with him only just managing to hold on. Then the whole crowd gasped. Harry's broom had given a wild jerk and Harry swung off it. He was now dangling from it, holding on with only one hand.

"Did something happen to it when Flint blocked him?" Seamus whispered.

"Can't have," Hagrid said, his voice shaking. "Can't nothing interfere with a broomstick except powerful Dark magic -- no kid could do that to a Nimbus Two Thousand."

At these words, Hermione seized Hagrid's binoculars, but instead of looking up at Harry, she started looking frantically at the crowd.

"What are you doing?" moaned Ron, grey-faced.

"I knew it," Hermione gasped, "Snape -- look."

Ron grabbed the binoculars. While Sirius whipped around to stare at Hermione, he extended his hand imperiously. Hermione swallowed and handed him the binoculars.

Sirius scanned the crowds again and true enough, Snape was in the middle of the stands opposite them. He had his eyes fixed on Harry and was muttering nonstop under his breath.

"He's doing something -- jinxing the broom," said Hermione.

"What should we do?"

"Leave it to me."

Sirius looked on, he knew Snape better, that slithering Buffon was smarter than this, he would never risk killing Harry so publicly. So, Sirius looked around and he saw something odd, that Quirrell man was also staring at Harry and muttering things under his breath. At this moment, he didn't look scared or overwhelmed, rather extremely focused.

"Remus, take a look at that," Sirius said, passing him the binoculars and pointing in the other direction.

"It looks like both Snape and Quirrel are performing spells. Maybe they are also using counter curses."

"The children behind us think Snape is trying to do Harry in."

Remus snorted but said nothing, James meanwhile had not broken eye contact with Harry's broom and was whispering counterspells.

"What do you make of Quirrell though?" Sirius asked.

"He is the Defence Against the Dark Arts Teacher, isn't he?" Remus replied, "He is doing his job. I guess."

Sirius nodded, joining James, and now Remus in whispering the counter curses.

Harry's broom was vibrating so hard, it was almost impossible for him to hang on much longer. The whole crowd was on its feet, watching, terrified, as the Weasleys flew up to try and pull

Harry safely onto one of their brooms, but it was no good -- every time they got near him, the broom would jump higher still. They dropped lower and circled beneath him, obviously hoping to catch him if he fell.

Hermione had fought her way across to the stand where Snape stood and was now racing along the row behind him; she didn't even stop to say sorry as she knocked Professor Quirrell headfirst into the row in front.

Reaching Snape, she crouched down, pulled out her wand, and whispered a few, well-chosen words. Bright blue flames shot from her wand onto the hem of Snape's robes.

It took perhaps thirty seconds for Snape to realize that he was on fire.

A sudden yelp told her she had done her job. Scooping the fire off him into a little jar in her pocket, she scrambled back along the row --Snape would never know what had happened.

It was enough. Up in the air, Harry was suddenly able to clamber back on to his broom.

"Neville, you can look!" Ron said. Neville had covered his face and was hiding behind Arianna.

Sirius and Remus heaved a sigh of relief, but James was still watching Harry, his knuckles white. Meanwhile, Harry was speeding toward the ground when the crowd saw him clap his hand to his mouth as though he was about to be sick -- he hit the field on all fours -- coughed -- and something gold fell into his hand.

"I've got the Snitch!" he shouted, waving it above his head, and the game ended in complete confusion.

"Your son is a nutter, Potter," Sirius said, smiling in relief that the game was over. Now, all he wanted to do was run down and check Harry over.

James nodded, following Remus down to the grounds. He graciously accepted Hagrid's offer for tea. This conversation needed some privacy.

By the time they made to the grounds, the team had departed into the locker rooms to change. James, Sirius, and Remus waited outside the locker rooms and were joined by Arianna, Neville, and two other children, who were introduced as Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. While Remus and Sirius were chatting amicably with everyone, James just couldn't shake off the dread settling in his stomach. The curse on Harry's broom was too strong, five people were countering it, and yet it fought all of them. He knew of only one wizard, strong enough to do that, and he didn't want to consider the possibility.

Harry was pulled into a hug by his father, as soon as he came out of the locker room. James said nothing, only held onto his son, assuring himself that Harry was alright.

"Great game, kid!" Sirius crowed behind James, "A rather unusual way of getting the snitch!"

"James, stop hogging your son." Remus chided with a grin, "Pass him on!"

Harry grinned and allowed Remus to pull him into a hug. Sirius, on the other hand, lifted him up and swung him around, before marching him straight to Hagrid's hut.

James followed, watching Harry closely, and his surroundings even more closely.

"It was Snape," Ron was explaining as everyone settled down with their teas, "Hermione and I saw him. He was cursing your broomstick, muttering, he wouldn't take his eyes off you."

"Rubbish," said Hagrid, who hadn't heard a word of what had gone on next to him in the stands. "Why would Snape do somethin' like that?"

"Hagrid is right, Harry." Remus said gently, "Severus Snape might be a very nasty person. He might be exceptionally nasty towards you, but he has no reason to harm you."

Harry, Neville, Ron, and Hermione looked at one another, wondering what to tell him. Harry decided on the truth.

"I found out something about him," he said. "He tried to get past that three-headed dog on Halloween. It bit him. We think he was trying to steal whatever it's guarding."

"What three-headed dog?" Sirius asked alarmed.

"What were you even doing around a three-headed dog?" James demanded.

"Harry! Neville!" Arianna exclaimed, "You snooped around to the forbidden corridor?"

Hagrid meanwhile dropped the teapot.

"How do you know about Fluffy?" he said.

"Fluffy?" Sirius asked incredulously.

"Yeah -- he's mine -- bought him off a Greek chappie I met in the pub las' year -- I lent him to Dumbledore to guard the

"Yes?" said Harry eagerly.

"Harry James Potter." James said his eyes narrowed, "You are in big trouble as it is. Do not make this worse for you. Whatever that dog is doing in the school, you have no part to play in it."

"A hell-hound in the school." Remus said, "What was Dumbledore thinking?"

"Now, don't ask me any more," said Hagrid gruffly. "That's top secret, that is."

"But Snape's trying to steal it," Neville interjected, schooling an innocent expression as the other three adults glared at him.

"Rubbish," said Hagrid again. "Snape's a Hogwarts teacher, he'd do nothin' of the sort."

"So why did he-"

"Arianna stop!" James said, "I know all of you are curious now. But this does not concern you."

"Fine." Arianna said folding her arms, "It doesn't concern me but then who was trying to murder Harry so publicly?"

"Not Snape!" Hagrid exclaimed hotly, as James, Sirius and Remus groaned. They knew what Neville and Arianna had done. The three cousins had a mode of communication, bouncing off ideas with each other and echoing each other's statements, which generally made a less experienced individual talk. Now, Hagrid had fallen prey to the tactic.

"I don' know why Harry's broom acted like that, but Snape wouldn' try an' kill a student!

Now, listen to me, all of yeh -- yer meddlin' in things that don' concern yeh. It's dangerous. You forget that dog, an' you forget what it's guardin', that's between Professor Dumbledore an' Nicolas Flamel

"Aha!" said Harry, "so there's someone called Nicolas Flamel involved, is there?"

Hagrid looked furious with himself.

"THAT IS ENOUGH!" James said raising his voice, effectively cowing down Ron and Hermione. "Hagrid, I am really sorry for their behaviour. I assure you they will not be meddling into anything."

Hagrid shook his head and shrugged.

"I think, everyone has had enough for the day." Remus said, "Let's get going."

The seven of them walked silently to the castle. Harry, Neville, and Arianna quietly tried to follow Ron and Hermione towards the Gryffindor Tower.

"One second, you three," James said.

The three gulped and turned to face James.

"What you did at Hagrid's hut was truly disgusting and disrespectful," James said, with a disappointed look on his face. "I understand you were curious, but to push Hagrid even when I asked you to stop. Arianna, what example are you trying to set here? Everyone has a right to their secrets. And some things are better left unknown and unsaid. I am really disappointed in you."

Arianna hung her head in shame.

"And you two," James said, turning to face Neville and Harry. "Do you have one good reason for entering the forbidden corridor?"

"It was an accident," Neville said timidly.

"Yeah, we didn't mean to." Harry added, "We were just trying to get away from Filch's cat and we ran down a corridor to a locked door, we didn't realize where we were till we saw the dog."

"Why didn't you say something to us in a letter?" Sirius asked.

Harry shrugged. "I thought, I will tell you when I see you."

"That does not excuse your behaviour." James said, "I know you think someone was trying to murder you and I know you want to know the name of the person but being so rude to someone who has been nothing but kind to you was unacceptable. Hagrid has the rights to his secrets and opinions. You two weren't being smart, you were behaving like spoilt brats and I believe we have brought you up better than that."

Harry hung his head. Everyone said he was afraid of disappointing Moony and he was but looking at his father's face now, he realized disappointing James Potter was a hundred times worse than disappointing Remus Lupin.

"Neville, I cannot decide on your punishment for your behaviour, that is between Alice and you. But Harry, I am afraid to say, Ron and his brothers will have to stay in the castle for Christmas. I came here with the intention of inviting them over, but this behaviour of yours has forced my hand."

Harry gave James a dismayed look, "Dad-"

"My decision is final, Harry," James said, holding his hand up. "Now, say your goodbyes and return to your common room."

Neville mumbled his goodbyes to everyone, while Harry gave a dismayed look to all three of them before turning on his heel and marching off to the tower, Neville in tow.

James let out a sigh and rubbed his face.

"He hates me," James said.

"No, he doesn't." Remus said soothingly, "He is just growing up. You would have behaved the same way."

"I think you were a little harsh though," Sirius said thoughtfully.

"I am just-"

"Trying to protect him." Sirius finished with an understanding smile, "I know, but he doesn't. We have been rather strict with him since the troll incident, and we have never had to discipline him like this before. He doesn't understand, but he will get it."

James nodded, "Let's go meet Dumbledore. There is a theory I want to run by him."

When Sirius knocked on Dumbledore's office door, he was surprised to see Snape answer it.

"Ah!" Dumbledore said cheerfully, "I have been expecting you here, for a while now. Severus was just updating me about the curse on Harry's broom."

"Five counter curses, and still the curse prevailed." James said, "Voldemort was the only one strong enough."

"Four," Snape said with disdain.

"What?" Sirius asked distractedly.

"Four counter curses." Snape snapped.

"Quirrell was also countering the curse. I saw him." Sirius replied.

"I am afraid you are wrong here, Sirius," Dumbledore said softly.

"Are you saying that Quirrell was cursing Harry?" James asked.

"Yes." Snape sneered. "Took you long enough."

James ignored Severus as he glared at Dumbledore, "What do you think you are playing at, keeping it here and allowing Quirrell to teach here?"

"I don't understand this puzzle myself." Dumbledore said, "I don't understand the motivation behind Quirrell's actions but I assure you, Severus and I will be keeping a close eye on him."

"Have you considered that he might have joined Voldemort?" Sirius asked.

"It is one of the many conclusions, I have drawn. But it looks unlikely. I am sure, Professor Quirrell has his own motivations for trying to steal it." Dumbledore said.

"Why, Harry?" Remus asked.

"Maybe he was trying to create a distraction." Dumbledore supplied, "Maybe he was worried that Harry saw him approaching the corridor too. I don't know but I assure you, no harm will come to any student in this castle."

James nodded and thanked Dumbledore before leaving Hogwarts. As the three friends walked down to Hogsmeade, both Remus and Sirius knew that James was not convinced. So, without even needing to agree upon a destination, the three disapparated to the Potter Manor.

"I am sure it is Voldemort," James said, pacing his study, as Sirius and Remus looked over his Gringott's case notes and files.

"He can't be at Hogwarts." Sirius said, "He is too weak and Dumbledore would have noticed."

"Quirrell is too weak to cast such a strong curse," Remus said thoughtfully scratching his chin.

"What if he is not?" Sirius asked, "I mean up until now, we thought he was a joke, but turns out he isn't. What if he has joined Voldemort?"

"No." James said, "Maybe he is a strong wizard but winning over 4 counter curses is no mean feat. I am sure Voldemort is involved somehow."

"Well, he can't be in the castle, that's for sure," Sirius said.

"I am not entirely sure about the Voldemort angle." Remus said, "Where could he have met Voldemort? The philosopher's stone is a desirable thing in itself, maybe he wants it for the sake of it."

"What if someone else was also trying to curse Harry at the same time as Quirrell?" James asked.

"Who?" Sirius asked, "We know Voldemort is too weak to travel all the way on his own."

"What if he is not alone?" James asked.

"Who would be mad enough to go looking for him?" Sirius asked, "We locked up every last one of such nutters."

"Peter." Remus said softly, "You think he has gone back to Voldemort?"

James nodded.

"Why would he? Why now?" Remus asked aloud.

"Voldemort is the only protection for him." James said, "The rat might have hunted down Voldemort."

"Even so, someone would have noticed Peter," Remus said.

"How do you spot a rat in the forest, Moony?" James asked, looking paler than ever.

"James, calm down." Sirius said, "We don't know-AHA!"

"What happened?"

"I knew I had read the name somewhere!" Sirius exclaimed. "Now, listen to this. An employee left Gringotts early last year, and his recorded emergency contact is a man named Quirrell. I bet Quirrell found out about the stone and wanted it for himself."

James couldn't shake off the feeling that Voldemort was involved in this situation somehow, but he didn't know how. However, he nodded at Sirius' discovery, promising to follow up the lead on Monday.

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