The holidays were over, so naturally, all the students that went home for the holidays returned back to Hogwarts.
Emma didn't have another vision or dream, since she came back to the Moore Manor. But, Emma was still thinking about Draco's proposal on becoming friends? I'll just have to figure it out soon, Emma thought.
Emma came back to Hogwarts with her emerald knitted-sweater with a E in front, she was rather content, with the new cute sweater. Her brother got a similar gift, but his was a crimson knitted-sweater with a J in front. So, Emma and Justin owled the Weasley family for their gifts, and the siblings in return gave them gifts for Christmas.
Emma walked to the Gryffindor tower, wondering if her friends were there, no luck. She then wandered to the library, where she saw the boys sitting at a nearby table.
"Any luck?" Emma asked softly, as she walked in front of them. They shook their head, clearly guilty for not finding any information.
"Hey, you're wearing the sweater my mum send you." Ron exclaimed, looking at Emma with a bright smile.
"Yeah, I liked the sweater. I sent a letter to your mom, thanking her for making me one, that was so nice of her. But, I don't understand why she made me one, if she doesn't know me?" Emma scrunched her nose, confused.
"Well, the twins may or may not mentioned about you." Ron rubbed his neck, nervously. Leaving the part, where he also mentions Emma to his mother.
"I'll guess I'll tease them, when I find them." Emma smirked, before looking for her girl friend, but to no avail. Emma noticed the boy's discomfort of not finding anything, Emma immediately thought about her discovery over Christmas break.
"Well, I happen to find out something about Nicholas Flamel." Emma spoke lightly, both boys snapped their head towards her.
"Really?" Harry asked excitedly, Emma nodded.
"Apparently, he's some sort of Alchemist, since he's known for Alchemy."
"Alchemist?" Ron asked confused, Emma sighed before answering, "It means when someone has the ability to transform any metal into something else. Like for example, turning Iron into gold maybe even diamonds or jewels."
"Wow, someone with that ability must be really powerful." Harry muttered, but they heard him.
"Indeed, Harry. But, there's more than that." Emma nodded.
"More?" Ron questioned, but was interrupted by Hermione. Who was muttering to herself, before spotting her three friends.
"Hey Emma, I never thought to look in here!" she whispered excitedly. "I had been looking in the wrong section. How could I be so stupid? I got this out of the library weeks ago for a bit of light reading." Hermione asked herself before slamming a massive crimson book in front of the boys, causing them to jump slightly. Emma chuckles softly as Hermione then sits down next to her.
"Light?" said Ron, but Hermione told him to be quiet until she'd looked something up, and started flicking frantically through the pages, muttering to herself, with the help of Emma.
"I knew it! I knew it!" Hermione exclaimed, pointing at the page.
"Are we allowed to speak yet?" said Ron grumpily. Hermione ignored him, but Emma nodded her head.
"Nicolas Flamel," she whispered rather dramatically, "is the only known maker of the Philosopher's Stone!"
"The what?" asked Harry and Ron, confused.
"Oh, honestly, don't you two read? Look, Emma can you read here." Hermione pointed at the paragraph.
Emma hastily started, "The ancient study of alchemy is concerned with making the Philosopher's Stone, a legendary substance with astonishing powers. The stone will transform any metal into pure gold. It also produces the Elixir of Life, which will make the drinker immortal."
"So, like what you said, Emma." Harry mentions, as Emma smiled nodding.
"The only Stone currently in existence belongs to Mr. Nicholas Flamel the noted alchemist who last year celebrated his 665th birthday." Emma paused as she looked at her friends.
"See?" said Hermione, "I bet he asked Dumbledore to keep it safe for him, because they're friends and he knew someone was after it, that's why he wanted the Stone moved out of Gringotts!"
"A stone that makes gold and stops you from ever dying!" said Harry, before he exclaimed, "No wonder Snape's after it! Anyone would want it."
"That's what Fluffy guarding on the third floor. That's what's under the trap door. The Philosopher's Stone!" Hermione exclaimed, before some students shushed her to be quiet. Emma glared at everyone, before she motioned them to go to the corridors. They quickly nodded as they started to wonder on what they were going to do about the Philosopher's Stone.
The quartet walked everyday near the forbidden corridor, with Emma leaning near the door, to listen if Fluffy was still there. The hours turned to days, and days turned to weeks. The exams were coming up, as both girls were whisked away with studying their subjects. But, the boys weren't that concerned with the exams, yet the girls still made them study, even if it was for a while.
One day, Emma and Draco were in the Slytherin Common Room talking about the exams coming up.
"The Subjects Herbology. What magical plant can be used to breathe underwater?"
"Oh, um Gillyweed." Draco answered confidently, as Emma smiled.
"Okay next question, it's Potions this time. What potion grants or creates the illusion of having good luck?" Emma asked, as Draco pondered not knowing the answer.
"Um, is it…. no never mind." He sighed.
"Do you want me to tell you?" Emma asked him, causing him to nod. "It's Felix Felicis."
It's been about half an hour, so Emma decided to take a break. Draco was relieved that he didn't had to answer anymore questions.
"Hey, do you want to study later tomorrow? I mean so we can help each other ace the exam?" Emma asked him, as he smirked.
"Alright, I'll see you later at 8, then?" He asked, as she smiled before leaving him, and heading out the Slytherin Common Room. However, Draco confused 'tomorrow' with 'today', so he would be waiting for her later tonight.
Emma went to find her Gryffindor friends, who were at the library, like it has been for a few weeks now.
Emma decided that she had enough with waiting for something to happen so she suggested, "Don't you think we should visit Hagrid, and ask him about the stone?" Hermione nodded, "We should, but after dinner."
The friends finally decided to have a visit to Hagrid's hut, to ask information about the Philosopher's Stone. Although, it was almost night, there was still some light, to illuminate the path to Hagrid's hut. Hermione knocked the door, after a few moments, Hagrid cracked the door a bit, peeking out. He realized it was Harry and his friends, he swinged the door open, greeting them.
"Hello. Don't wish to be rude, but I'm in no state to entertain. Come back tomorrow."
"But, Hagrid we know what's Fluffy guarding." Emma exclaimed, "We know about the Philosopher's Stone."
Hagrid stayed at them, his eyes widened with shock, before signaling them to enter the hut. "We also think that Snape is trying to steal it." Harry told him.
"Snape? Blimey, you still on about him, are ya?" Hagrid asked them, as the boys and Hermione sat down, but Emma was leaning at the door frame.
"Hagrid, we're positive that he's after it. We just don't know why." Ron continued staring at the half-giant.
"But, Snape is one of the teachers protecting the Stone. He won't steal it, it won't make sense." Hagrid argued with the first years. Harry and Ron stared at each other confused, "What?"
"Wait a minute. What do you mean by 'One of the teachers'?"
Hermione stared at Emma before realizing something, "Well, of course! There are other things defending the stone, isn't it?"
"Wait, Hermione, do you mean like spells and enchantments?" As both Hermione and Hagrid nodded.
"Right. Waste of bloody time, if you ask me. Ain't no one gonna get past Fluffy. Ain't a soul knows how, except for me and Dumbledore." Hagrid explained before realizing what he just said to them. "I should not have told you that. I should not have told you that."
Emma suddenly heard a faint crackling noise, she searched before hearing it was coming from the pot that was placed above the crackling fire. Hagrid must have heard it too, for he reached inside, before pulling it out and placing the object on the table. The quartet stared at it before noticing it was in fact, a ebony dragon egg.
"Where did you get it, Hagrid?" said Ron, crouching over to get a closer look at the egg.
"Won it. Off a stranger I met down at the pub. Seemed quite glad to get rid of it, as a matter of fact." Hagrid explained before the egg started to quake, than the eggshell broke, causing the shell to go everywhere. Inside the shell, a baby dragon staring at them, mostly Emma. She somehow felt the baby's aura, innocent and pure.
"Is that... a dragon?" Hermione questioned in awe.
The boys nodded, "That's not just any dragon. That's a Norwegian Ridgeback. My brother, Charlie works with those in Romania." Ron whispered, still staring at the dragon.
Hagrid stared at the dragon with awe, as the dragon turned to him, "Isn't he beautiful? Oh, bless him. Look, he knows his mommy." Hagrid careful handled the baby dragon, before he started scratching his soft scales.
"Hello, Norbert," Hagrid coos at the baby dragon, as Harry stared confused.
"Norbert?" Harry asked, wondering how he knew the baby dragon was a male.
Hagrid was about to answer when the color suddenly drained from his face, he ran to the window.
"What's the matter?" Emma asked worried.
"Someone was looking through the gap in the curtains, he's runnin back up to the school."
Harry and Emma bolted to the door and looked out, even with Emma's enhanced vision, it was no mistake, that it was in fact Malfoy.
The others followed, as Harry growled in anger, "Malfoy."
"Oh, dear." Hagrid sighed with worry. Emma reassured him, but she knew that it won't really help with the situation.
She then wondered if he was looking for her? But, they would study tomorrow, not today? Maybe he confused to date, but she clearly said tomorrow? It would make sense, but Emma prays that he would not dare say a word to any of the professors, but she didn't find it plausible.
The quartet bids Hagrid a goodnight, as they strolled back to the castle, anxiety rising up from all of them.
"You know? Hagrid always wanted a dragon. He told me the first time I met him." Harry sighed to his three friends.
"It's crazy. And worse, Malfoy now knows." Ron stated dramatically.
"I don't understand. Is it bad?" Hermione asked, and Ron replied, "Oh, it's bad."
Emma heard something as she hushed her friends, staring ahead. It was Neville, he was running towards them, gasping for air.
"Harry…. don't go through there. Professor…. McGonagall is coming this way. She's…. with Malfoy." Harry glanced at his friends, before they were following Neville to another route to the Gryffindor Common Room.
"Come on," Neville urges them, but before he could go anywhere he bumped into something, or rather someone.
"Good evening," Professor McGonagall asked in a sweet sickly voice, that gave Emma the chills. Soon, Malfoy appeared behind her, staring at them. All of them followed her to her office as they stood in front of her desk.
"Nothing, I repeat, nothing gives a student the right to walk about at night. Mr. Malfoy, I'll take 20 points from you, although your intentions were honorable. As for you five, I have no choice, but to enforce punishment for your actions, 50 points will be taken."
Neville looked like if he was going to faint, but Harry and Ron hold him steady.
"50?" Harry exclaimed in fright, while all of us looked at each other, shocked.
"Each," Professor McGonagall emphasized, "And to ensure that it'll never happen again… all six of you will receive detention.
Draco pauses for a moment before he walked closely to her desk. "Excuse me Professor, perhaps I may have heard you wrong. But, I thought you said 'the six of us'?"
"No, you heard me correctly, Mr. Malfoy. Although as I mentioned before, your intentions were honorable, you too were out of bed after hours. Therefore, you will join your classmates in detention." Professor McGonagall explained to him.
Malfoy turned his head and looked at the Gryffindors. They all smirked at him, in return all he did was just glare at Harry dead in the eye.
"Now get back to bed, all of you. I've never been more ashamed of Gryffindor students." As the quartet lowered their head in shame, before walking out of her office. Draco separated from them, but stole one last glance at Emma, before strolling to his dorm room. Emma went to Neville's side as she touched his shoulder lightly.
"Hey, Neville, thank you for standing up for us, and I'm sorry we got you in trouble. Now, we've got detection together." He glanced at her before his mouth formed into a small grin.
"Don't worry, Emma, you're not the one to blame. After all, you are my friend."
"I'm happy I have a friend like you, Neville," Emma answered honestly. As they all walked to the Gryffindor Common Room, Emma bid goodbye to her friends, as she went to her own room.
The next morning, Emma somehow managed to earn 40 points for all houses, yet there was still a huge gap for the Gryffindor. Soon, the story started to spread about: Harry Potter, the famous Harry Potter, the hero of two Quidditch matches, had lost them all those points, him and a couple of other stupid first years. Although, the Hogwarts students didn't know that the Hogwarts Princess was involved, Harry decided that he wanted it to stay that way for her.
Emma noticed the comments towards her friends, and how they became to most hated in Hogwarts, more towards Harry. She noticed their change in behavior, they weren't their normal selves, heck even Hermione doesn't raise her hand anymore, and that's what she always does!
Harry even wanted to resigned Quidditch, but both Wood and Emma didn't let him, he was after all a natural Seeker. Emma felt isolated from everyone, but she would alway have a smile on her lips, reminding herself that everything will be alright, at least she hopes.
Of course, her brother was always there to comfort her, giving her hugs and kisses on her forehead, reminding her that it wasn't her fault. She knew it wasn't her fault, and yet still felt guilty for the damage made to her friends. Ever since the incident, Draco started to avoid her altogether, only giving her a glance, before turning the other direction. It became almost a habit, until the following week, all her friends and Draco received notes, noticing they were all the same:
Your detention will take place at eleven o'clock tonight.
Meet Mr. Filch in the entrance hall.
Professor McGonagall
Time seemed to go deadly slow, the excruciating hour after hour was almost brutal for poor, Emma. Nethertheless, even her friends were having the same brutal experience, and they seemed to almost lose their minds. Emma wished that time become abnormally fast, but she had forgotten a minor detail that she can control time. She somehow managed to survive the day, similar to having to wake up in the morning but want to fall back to sleep. Although, she was very exhausted from Quidditch practice, she changed into her casual clothes before noticing it was finally 10:30 pm.
Emma said her final goodbye to her brother and went down to the entrance hall, waiting for her friends. Emma heard distant footsteps, as she turned to glance at her gloomed friends, she gave a small smile, and only Neville gave her one back. She blushed lightly, when she noticed she was the only one with normal clothes. But, then she remembered that she didn't need their approval in anything. Filch was already there, and so was Draco standing next to him.
"Follow me," said Filch, leading them outside, as he continued, "I bet you'll think twice about breaking a school rule again, won't you, eh?"
Nobody said anything, they just followed Filch, where they would serve detention. Everyone was glanced around, wondering where they were heading, but Emma looked into his mind, realizing that they were going to the Forbidden Forest. Unfortunately, Flich glanced at the firsts years, wondering who penetrated into his mind, but later dismissed that thought.
"Oh yes... hard work and pain are the best teachers if you ask me... It's just a pity they let the old punishments die out... hang you by your wrists from the ceiling for a few days, I've got the chains still in my office, keep 'em well oiled in case they're ever needed..." Filch grinned almost sinisterly, as he made them very uncomfortable, although Emma was unamused. Emma noticed that they were heading to Hagrid's but, where the owner was standing in front of his hut, waiting for them.
"Alright, you'll be serving detention with Hagrid tonight. He's got a little job to do inside the Dark Forest." Flich mentioned staring at the first years with a harsh look.
At this, Neville let out a little moan, and Malfoy stopped dead in his tracks, his face lacked color on his skin.
"The forest?" Draco repeated nervously, "I thought that was a joke. We can't go in there at night… and students aren't allowed. There's all sorts of things in there… werewolves, I heard."
As they all heard a werewolf howling from the distance, and Neville hides behind Emma. Emma awkwardly patted Neville to reassure him, before she glanced over at Draco. He seemed to struggle with his Slytherin persona, yet he was becoming more feeble every second.
Filch turned and stared down at Malfoy, rather frustrated. "There's more than werewolves in these trees. You can be sure of that. Nighty-night." he said before turning and leaving them with Hagrid.
Ron whispered to Hermione and Harry. "He's quite creepy, if you ask me."
"Right. Let's go." Hagrid spoke up, as the six first years followed Hagrid into the Dark Forest, Neville muttered that this was the creepiest thing in the world. Who can blame him, after all there were distant noises coming nearly from every direction. The utter silence alone made them all seem to be on the brink of a mental breakdown. Neville and Draco constantly checking behind themselves, thinking that there was something gazing at them.
Finally, they all came to a holt, Hagrid seemed to be in his own thoughts. Emma noticed the silver substance staining his fingers, causing Ron to make a noise of disgust.
"Hagrid, what is that?" Harry asked, trying very hard not to revolt at the mysterious substance.
Hagrid examined the silver substance on his fingers, before facing Harry. "Look there, see that stuff shinin on the ground? Silvery stuff? That's unicorn blood. There's a unicorn hurt badly by the summat. This is the second time in a week. I found one dead last Wednesday. We're gonna try and find the poor thing. We might have to put it out of its misery."
Both girls were in awe of finding a unicorn, but not in this particular situation where they would have to find an injury one. Or possibly a dead one.
"And what if whatever hurt the unicorn finds us first?" said Malfoy, unable to keep the fear out of his voice.
"There's nothing that lives in the forest that'll hurt you if you're with me or Fang," said Hagrid.
"Right, now, we're gonna split into two parties; so me, Ron, Hermione, and Neville will go one way, and Draco, Harry, and Emma will go the other." Hagrid explained, as Emma sighed before nodding.
"I want Fang," said Malfoy quickly, looking at Fang's long teeth.
"Fine. Just so you know, he's a bloody coward." Hagrid informed Malfoy, before they split up in opposite directions.
The forest was black and silent, so was the walk as the boys were in front of Emma. Every now and then a ray of moonlight through the branches above lit a spot of silver-blue blood on the fallen leaves.
Malfoy scoffs randomly, "Wait till my father hears about this. This is servant stuff." he argued with himself.
"If I didn't know any better Malfoy, you seem scared." Harry mocked him, as Emma smirked lightly.
"I'm not scared, Potter." Malfoy spat before a wolf howled from a distant, causing the three of them o stop immediately.
"Did you…. hear that?" Draco stuttered nervously, but nobody answered him.
They continued walking again, and about half an hour they were still searching for the injured unicorn. But, they were still empty-handed. That was until Fang started to growl deeply at something, or someone.
"What is it, Fang?" Harry asked; but Emma already knew what Fang was growling at. About 40 or at least 50 feet, she saw a unicorn. More specifically, the one they were looking for, it seemed dead almost like it starting to decay. However, there was a tall slender cloaked figure was leaning over the dead unicorn, and it seemed to suck it's sliver-blue blood.
Malfoy let out a scream, before running off with Fang, leaving Harry and Emma there. Harry seemed paralyzed, and Emma was stiff, her magic blaring off with dark powerful magic. In a split second, the cloaked figure started coming closer towards them. They quickly yet cautiously started walking backwards, trying to keep distance between them and the mysterious figure. Unfortunately, they didn't notice the tree root, so they stumbled backward, causing them to fall to the ground harshly.
Emma started breathing heavily as she and Harry shuffled back, as they continued to stare in fear as the cloak figure was about now 5 feet away. As if fate was on their side, something jumped over them and scared the cloak figure away. Emma sighed in relief, and stared at Harry who copied Emma's actions.
That was until they saw a Centaur strutting towards them, "Harry Potter, you must leave now. So, goes for you, Princess Emma, you are both known to many creatures here. The Forest is not safe at this time. Especially for you two together." he explained. Emma wondered why he called her Princess Emma, by she let that thought slip her mind.
Harry helped Emma up, who thanked him, before turning to the Centaur. "What was that thing you saved us from?" Harry asked.
"A monstrous creature. It is a terrible crime to slay a unicorn. Drinking its blood will keep you alive even if you are an inch from death. But at a terrible price. For you gave slain something so pure that the moment the blood touches your lips, you will have a half life. A cursed life." The centaur explained.
"But, who would choose such a life?" she wondered out loud.
"Can you two think of no one?" The Centaur asked them both.
"Do you mean to say that, that thing that killed the unicorn... drinking its blood… was Voldemort?" Harry questioned.
The Centaur walked up to us. "Do you know what is hidden in the school at this very moment, Mr. Potter?" he asked.
"The Philosopher's Stone." he breathed out, as Emma sighed nervously.
They were out of their trance, as they heard a bark coming towards them. Harry was relieved it was Hagrid, Hermione, Ron, Neville, an Draco coming.
"Harry! Emma!" Hermione called out, before hugging Emma as both girls giggled with glee.
Hagrid turned to the Centaur. "Hello there, Firenze. See you've met young Mr. Potter and ." he greeted before glancing between the two.
"Harry Potter, Emma Moore this is where I leave you both. You're safe now. Good luck." Firenze told them before running further into the Dark Forest.
"Well, that's all for tonight. Better get going then." Hagrid announced, leading them back to the castle
"Hey, thanks for staying with me, Harry." Emma grinned, as Harry smiled slightly, his cheeks tainted with a light blush.
"You think I'd leave like Malfoy, then you're wrong. But, I will do anything for you." Harry answered, before turning the other direction. Cursing himself for saying something so stupid in front of her, but Emma just chuckled. Yet, Draco seemed to glare at the raven-head boy, before his eyes softened looking at Emma.
After the encounter at the Dark Forest, the Gryffindor's were in the common room. Ron and Neville currently sitting on the couch, Hermione sat on a chair, and lastly both Emma and Harry we're both standing. Emma just finished telling them about what happened during the Dark Forest.
"You mean, You-Know-Who is out there right now in the Forest?" Hermione asked spontaneously.
"But he's weak. He's living off the unicorns. Don't you see? We had it wrong. Snape doesn't want the Stone for himself. He wants it for Voldemort." Harry explained, pacing in front of them, clearly thinking to himself.
"And with the Elixir of Life, Voldemort will be strong again. He'll come back." Emma added before Harry nodded in agreement.
"Will you stop saying the name!" Ron hissed.
"But if he comes back… you don't think he'll try to kill you, do you?" Neville asked as Harry walked cautiously near the fire.
"If he'd had the chance, he might have tried tonight." Harry replied quietly, clearly distress with the current situation.
Hermione then spoke up. "But, Harry, we're forgetting one thing. Everyone says Dumbledore's the only one You-Know-Who was ever afraid of when Dumbledore's around. As long as Dumbledore is around, you can't be touched."
And Hermione was right, You-Know-Who would not dare touch Harry if Dumbledore was around, finally they had enough and decided that they should sleep for the night. Therefore, leaving all of them, with their own thoughts.
Author's Note:
I want to create another book but I'm having trouble on what to write. Maybe, Marvel like Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Captain America, etc. Anyway, thanks for reading, please comment, and until next time, guys!