The day had finally arrived, where Hogwarts held its final exam.
It started off with their written exams, however, instead of their usual quills, they used new quills, that were bewitched with an Anti-Cheating spell.
First, was Professor Flitwick, who called them one by one for their individual exam, testing their abilities with their wands. Next, was Professor McGonagall, who was quite strict on how the exam went, taking points when necessary, as well as reward those who succeeded.
The second to last was who everyone hates (except perhaps the Slytherins) Professor Snape. He made them all nervous, breathing down their necks, and some students couldn't take it. Harry did the best he could, trying not to be under pressure. Emma didn't mind the 'intimidation' Snape gave her, in fact, she got the potion perfect. Just like Hermione and (unfortunately) Draco. While, many failed, and some rarely passed.
And lastly was History of Magic. One hour of answering questions about old wizards who'd invented something very important and they'd be free.
Free for a whole wonderful week until their exam results came out.
"That was far easier than I thought it would be," said Hermione as she joined her friends into the crowds flocking out onto the school grounds.
"I found it quite easy the exams as well." Emma nodded.
"Speak for yourselves. You alright there, Harry?" Ron asked him. Emma glanced at Harry rubbing his forehead, his eyebrows contouring one of pain and anger.
"I wish I knew what this means!" he burst out angrily. "My scar keeps hurting... it's happened before, but never as often as this."
"Go to Madam Pomfrey," Hermione suggested.
"Maybe you're ill or stress, Harry," Emma mumbled softly, before reaching out, touching his forehead.
Harry quickly turned into ten different shades of magenta, as his face slowly became warm. Harry bores into Emma's cyan eyes, before scratching the back of his head.
"Hmm. You get a bit warmer." Emma smiled softly, not realizing it was affecting Harry tremendously.
"I'm n-not ill, E-Em," Harry flushed, gently clutching her hand away from his forehead, yet still holding hands. "I think it's a warning... it means danger's coming..."
"Relax Harry, the Stone's safe as long as Dumbledore's around," Ron added.
"Anyway, we've never had any proof, that Snape found out how to get past Fluffy. He nearly had his leg ripped off once, he's not going to try it again in a hurry." Hermione declared.
Harry nodded, but he couldn't shake off a lurking feeling that there was something he'd forgotten to do, something important.
Harry was quite sure the unsettled feeling didn't have anything to do with the exams or being ill.
That was when he watched an owl flutter toward the school. It reminded him of Hagrid, the only one who ever sent him letters. Hagrid would never betray Dumbledore. Hagrid would never tell anyone how to get past Fluffy... never...
Harry suddenly jumped to his feet. "Where're you going?" said Ron.
"I've just thought of something," said Harry, letting go Emma's hand, running towards Hagrid's hut. "But, we've got to go and see Hagrid, now."
"Why?" panted Hermione, hurrying to keep up.
"Don't you think it's a bit odd," suggested Harry, "that what Hagrid wants more than anything else is a dragon, and a stranger turns up who just happens to have an egg in his pocket? How many people wander around with dragon eggs in their pockets? Why didn't I see it before?"
"What are you... talking about?" asked Emma, but Harry didn't answer. Emma just shrugged to her friends, before running to Harry's direction.
Hagrid was outside his hut, sitting in an armchair, shelling peas into a large bowl.
"Hello," he said, smiling. "Finished your exams? Got time for a drink?"
"Yes, please," Ron sighed, but Harry cut him off.
"No, actually we're in a hurry. Hagrid, I've got to ask you something. You know that night you won Norbert? What did the stranger you were playing cards with look like?"
"Dunno," said Hagrid casually, "he wouldn't take his cloak off."
"You and this stranger must have talked. Right?" Harry insisted desperately.
"Well, he wanted to know what sort of creatures I looked after. I told him, I said 'After Fluffy, a dragon's gonna be no problem'." Hagrid explained, recalling the night at the pub.
"Was he, perhaps... I don't know... interested in Fluffy?" Emma asked Hagrid whilst Harry nods in agreement.
"Well, of course, he was interested. How often do you come across a three-headed dog? I, of course, told him, 'The trick with any beast is to know how to calm him.' Take Fluffy, as an example. Play some music and he falls straight to sleep." Hagrid blunted out, without realizing what he just said.
The four of them stared at each other, surprised with the profound new information. "I shouldn't have told you that," Hagrid mumbled. "Forget I said it! Hey - where are you goin'?"
There was no reply, for they quickly ran outside, with Harry in the lead.
They came to a halt in the entrance hall, "We've got to go to Dumbledore," said Harry.
"Now, where's Dumbledore's office?" Ron asked, staring at the corridors.
"Come on, I know were it is!" Emma exclaimed, "Follow me!"
They quickly ran behind her, their hair flickering in different directions. After a few minutes of running, her friends fall a bit behind.
"Wait... Emma... slow... down." Ron panted, as Emma turned around.
"We'll just have to -" Harry began, but a voice suddenly rang across the hall.
"What are you four doing inside?" Professor McGonagall announced, staring at the first years.
"We would like to see Professor Dumbledore," said Hermione bravely.
"Professor Dumbledore left ten minutes ago," she informed them, "He received an urgent owl from the Ministry of Magic and flew off for London at once."
"He's gone?" yelled Hermione frantically. "Now?"
"But this is important! This is about the Philosopher Stone!" Harry explained.
"How do you know...?" she spluttered nervously.
"Professor, I think... I know... that someone's going to try and steal the Stone. I've got to talk to Professor Dumbledore." Harry declared loudly.
She eyed him with a mixture of shock and suspicion.
"Professor Dumbledore will be back tomorrow," she said finally. "I don't know how you found out about the Stone, but rest assured, no one can possibly steal it, it's too well protected."
"But Professor -" Emma and Harry questioned simultaneously but was cut off.
"Potter, Moore, I know what I'm talking about," she said shortly. "I suggest you all go back outside and enjoy the sunshine."
But they didn't.
"It's tonight," Harry declared with a certain determination.
"Snape must be going through the trapdoor tonight. He's found out everything he needs, and now he's got Dumbledore out of the way." Hermione recalled looking at her friends.
"But what can we d-" Harry suggested, but was cut off by Hermione's loud gasp. They all quickly turned to her direction, and there he was, Professor Snape.
"Good afternoon," he said smoothly, eyeing all four of them.
"Good afternoon, Professor," Emma replied easily, he didn't scare her like the others.
"What are doing inside, Miss Moore. Especially on a day like this?" He asked.
Emma quickly lied, "Oh, we were just discussing what we think my brother got on the exams. I mean, we both know how that went, right Professor?" She chuckled lightly, or at least pretend to chuckle.
Although it was faint, Snape chuckled under his breathe.
"Yes, Miss Moore. Of course, you want to be more careful." he paused, "Hanging around like this, people will think you're up to something. And Gryffindor really can't afford to lose any more points, can it?"
"Of course not. Come on guys, let's wait for him outside, he told me to meet him at the courtyard. Have a good day, Professor." Emma sighed calmly, already leaving with the others trailing behind her.
"Be warned, Potter... any more nighttime wanderings and I will personally make sure you are expelled. Good day to you, Miss Moore."
Once he was out of view, Harry turned to Emma.
"How did you do that?!" Harry exclaimed, looking at his friend for any type of explanation.
"It's like you had Professor Snape wrapped around your finger," Ron replied.
"I guess I have that effect on people. If memory serves me correct, his exact words were 'I'm his favorite student'. Well, besides Draco." Emma muttered the last part, fortunately, no one questioned it.
"Well, that's it then, isn't it?" Harry said. The others stared at him with confusion. "I'm going out of here tonight and I'm going to try and get to the Stone first."
"Well, then I'm coming too!" Emma insisted.
"No! I have to do this alone!" Harry countered.
"But you're my best friend, our best friend." She retorted as her left hand motioned to Ron and Hermione. "Therefore, I'm going."
"No, you're not," Harry grumbled.
"Yes, I am." Emma gritted her teeth, anger evident on her face.
"Now, who looks like an old couple arguing," Ron whispered softly to Hermione, who giggled lightly.
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
"No," Emma smirked.
"Yes."
"Ha ha! I'm going, and you can't do anything about it!" Emma smiled with triumphed.
"Well, then if she's going, then I'm going too!" Ron said.
"Me too," Hermione added, smiling at her friends.
"But if we get caught, you three will be expelled, too," Harry argued.
"Well, not if I can help it. Professor Flitwick told me in secret that I got the second highest grade in the class. I apparently got 112%. And Emma got 114%. They're not throwing us out after that." Hermione reasoned Harry.
"Well, now what do we do, mate?" Ron asked Harry.
"We go under the trap door. Tonight." Harry stared at each one of them, luckily for him, no one back out.
After dinner the four of them sat awkwardly apart in the Gryffindor Common Room. Nobody bothered them; none of the Gryffindors had anything to say after all.
Both girls stayed in Hermione's dormitory, waiting for the boys to signal them. Emma kept turning her head every few minutes, her enhanced ears listening to even the faintest sound.
Until, Emma couldn't hear anything no more, nudging Hermione to follow her. The brunette-haired girl relented as she took one last glance at the enchantments, before following her golden-hair friend.
Harry and Ron didn't talk much. Both of them were thinking about what they were about to do.
"Better get the cloak," Ron muttered, as Lee Jordan finally left, stretching and yawning.
Harry ran upstairs to their dark dormitory. Just when the girls were next to Ron, waiting for their raven-head friend. Harry put out the cloak and ran back down to the common room.
"We'd better put the cloak on here, and make sure it covers all of us - if Filch spots one of our feet wandering along o-"
"What are you doing?" said a voice, that belonged to Neville Longbottom. Neville appeared from behind an armchair, clutching Trevor the toad.
"Nothing, Neville, nothing," said Harry, hurriedly putting the cloak behind his back.
"You're going out again," he said.
"No, no, no," started Hermione, "No, we're not. Why don't you go to bed, Neville?"
"You can't go out," said Neville, "you'll be caught again. Gryffindor will be in even more trouble."
"I know Neville," Emma sighed, Harry cut in, "You don't understand, this is important."
"I won't let you do it," he said, hurrying to stand in front of the portrait hole. "I'll - I'll fight you!"
"Neville, "Ron exploded, "get away from that hole and don't be an idiot -"
"Don't you call me an idiot!" yelled Neville angrily.
As Ron took a step forward, Neville dropped Trevor the toad, who leaped out of sight.
"Now, go on then, try and hit me!" said Neville, raising his fists. "I'm ready!"
Harry turned to Hermione and Emma.
"Do something," he said desperately pleading both girls.
"Would you like to do the honors?" Emma asked casually, only to get a nod in response.
Hermione stepped forward. "Neville," she said, "I'm really, really sorry about this."
She raised her wand. "Petrificus Totalus!" she cried, pointing it at Neville.
Neville's arms snapped to his sides, his legs sprang together. His whole body became rigid, he swayed forward to only fell flat on his face, stiff as a board.
Ron gulped and turned to the frizzy brunette. "You're a little scary sometimes, you know that, Hermione? Brilliant, but scary."
"I think we all knew that, but Thank you Captain Obvious." Emma sighed sarcastically, which cause her scarlet-head friend to glare at her.
"Oh, Neville, I'm so sorry." Hermione gasped softly.
"We had to, Neville, no time to explain," said Harry, before heading out.
"You'll understand later, Neville," said Ron as they stepped over him and pulled on the invisibility cloak.
"Sorry Neville, I'll wear off the effects, and when you can move again, go tell Professor Dumbledore." Emma waved her hand, as Neville's body glimmers lightly, before disappearing back to its sickly lapis color.
But leaving Neville lying motionless on the floor didn't feel like a very good omen.
"Let's go," Harry announced as he, Ron, and Hermione were under the cloak. They didn't know that Emma was not with them inside. Rather, she was manipulating the darkness with various shadows to help her blend in with the dark corridors.
They walked to the third-floor corridor and started heading towards the door, yet it was already ajar.
"You stood on my foot!" Hermione hissed angrily, glaring at the scarlet-haired boy.
"Sorry." Ron apologized, almost whined. Emma stopped manipulating the shadows as she approached the door, pushing it wide open. The door itself created a loud screeching noise, luckily it didn't wake up the beast. A low, rumbling growl met their ears, Fluffy sleeping soundly.
Harry whispered quietly, "Snape's already got past Fluffy."
"What's that at its feet?" Hermione whispered.
"Looks like a harp," said Ron. "Snape must have left it there and put a spell."
Cautiously they tiptoed towards the sleeping beast, it's foul breath stenching the limited air inside the room.
"It's got a horrible breath," Ron commented as he noticed Fluffy's paw on the trap door. Harry nudged Hermione, who nudged Emma.
"We have to move its paw." Harry declared Ron asked confused, "What?"
"Oh, Come on! Okay. Push." With all their strength they slowly moved Fluffy's paw off, revealing the trap door. Harry opened it, "What can you see?" Emma said anxiously.
"Nothing - just black - there's no way of climbing down, we'll just have to drop," Ron responded.
"I'll go first. If anything happens to me, don't follow. Alright?"
"Alright," said Emma nodding. She gave a tight small smile, to which he returned one.
"See you in a minute, I hope..."
"Wait!" Ron asked shakily, "Is it me, or does it seem a bit quiet to you?"
The girls realized that the magical harp was no longer playing.
"The Harp. It's not playing." Hermione announced.
Thunderous growls echoed the room, as the friends whimpered silently.
"Jump!" Harry shouted, grabbing Emma's hand and jumped down together into the darkness, the other two followed their actions.
Landing down with a thud, Emma groaned in pain, rubbing her bump to soothe it. They were surrounded and sitting on vines, Ron screaming before landing not so far from them.
"Wow," he breathed, observing the plant, "Lucky this plant thing's here, really."
The vines started moving and latching itself onto all of them, but for some odd reason, it lowered Emma down. Almost, as if it didn't want to harm her. It slithered out of her legs and waist before it continued to latch onto someone else.
Hermione managed to free herself before the plant got a firm grip on her. The girls watched in horror as the two boys fought to pull the plant off them, but the more they strained against it.
"Stop moving!" Emma ordered them. "I know what this is - it's Devil's Snare!"
"Oh, I'm so glad we know what it's called, that's a great help," Ron yelled sarcastically, struggling against the now called, Devil's Snare.
"You have to relax. If you don't, it will only kill you faster." Hermione explained.
"Kill us faster?!" Ron panicked, still struggling to get the vines off him. "Oh, now I can relax."
"Shut it! I'm trying to remember how to kill it!" said Hermione.
"Well, hurry up, I can't breathe!" Harry gasped, wrestling with it as it curled around his chest.
"I... remember something... Professor Sprout said in Herbology. Devil's Snare, Devil's Snare. It's deadly fun... but will sulk in the sun! That's it! Devil Snare hates Sunlight!" Hermione announced, "remember the spell?"
Emma nodded as she quickly grabbed her wand and pointed at the Devil Snare.
"Lumos Solem," Emma announced, creating a stream of light come out of her wand. Blinding the Devil Snare, therefore dropping them down with a loud thud.
They ran to the boys, who groaned once again in pain.
"You okay, Harry? Ron?" Emma asked, helping him up. He nodded before turning to Ron.
"Yeah." He replied, getting up. "Lucky we didn't panic, and Harry didn't lose his head."
"Lucky they pay attention in Herbology, Ron," said Harry as he joined them by the wall, wiping the sweat off his face.
"This way," said Harry, pointing down a passageway, which was the only way forward. They walked together cautiously moving forward. Emma faintly heard drips of water trickling down the walls.
"Can you hear something?" Ron whispered.
They all listened. A soft rustling and clinking seemed to be coming from up ahead.
"Do you think it's a ghost?" Hermione whimpered.
"I don't know... sounds like wings to me." Emma pointed out.
"There's light ahead - I can see something moving." Harry stepped forward, as they reached the end of the passageway and saw before them a brilliantly lit chamber.
Its ceiling arching high above them, full of small, jewel-bright birds, fluttering and tumbling all around the room.
On the opposite side of the chamber was a heavy wooden door. Harry reached the door untouched. He pulled the handle, but it was locked.
The others followed him, as they tugged and heaved at the door, but it wouldn't budge.
Ron yelled, "Alohomora!" But nothing.
"Well, it was worth a try," Emma said, patting his shoulder.
"Now what?" said Ron.
"These birds... they can't be here just for decoration," Hermione sighed through her nose.
"They're not birds!" Harry said suddenly. "They're keys! Winged keys - look carefully. So that must mean..." Staring at Emma to catch on what he's referring to.
"Yes! We've got to catch the key to the door!" Emma finished staring up on the ceiling.
"But there are hundreds of them!" Ron examined the lock on the door.
"We're looking for a big, old-fashioned one - probably silver, like the handle," Hermione concluded.
"Come on then! Let's go look for it!" Emma exclaimed as she ran to a broomstick, and zoomed to the air.
They each seized a broomstick and kicked off into the air, soaring into the midst of the cloud of keys. They grabbed and snatched, but nothing so far.
After a minute's weaving about through winged keys, Harry noticed a large silver key that had a bent wing.
"That one!" he called to the others. "That big one - there - no, there - with bright blue wings - the feathers are all crumpled on one side."
"We've got to close in on it!" Ron called, not taking his eyes off the key with the damaged wing.
"Ron, you come at it from above - Emma, stay in between -Hermione, stay below and stop it from going down and I'll try and catch it. Right, NOW!"
Ron dived, Hermione rocketed upward, Emma drifted to the side, but the key dodged them, and Harry streaked after it. Harry leaned forward and with a nasty, crunching noise, pinned it against the stone with one hand.
"Go, Harry!" Emma cheered, as she dived down to the ground. The others landed quickly, and Harry ran to the door, the key struggling in his hand.
"Here." He handed to Emma, as she rammed it into the lock and turned, click- it worked.
"Ready?" Harry asked them, they nodded. He pulled the door open.
The next chamber was so dark they couldn't see anything at all. But as they stepped into it, a light suddenly flooded the room to reveal an astonishing sight.
They were standing on the edge of a huge chessboard, in front of them were the black chessmen, and the way across the chamber were the white pieces.
"Now what do we do?" Harry whispered.
"It's obvious, isn't it?" said Ron. "We've got to play our way across the room."
"How?" said Hermione nervously.
"I think," started Emma, "What's Ron trying to say, is that we're going to have to be chessmen."
Ron nodded before walked up to a black knight and put his hand out to touch the knight's horse. At once, the stone sprang to life, as the knight turned his helmeted head to look down at Ron.
"Do we... have to join you to get across?" The black knight nodded. Ron turned to the others, clearly thinking about the situation.
"Well, Harry, you take the place of that bishop, Emma you take the Queen's place, and Hermione, you'll be the rook." Ron finished said, as Harry and Emma nodded.
The what?" Hermione asked confused.
"It's the castle one." Ron pointed, as he walked to an empty spot.
"What about you?" Harry asked.
"I'm going to be a knight," responded Ron.
They all were in position, waiting for something to happen.
"What happens now?" Hermione asked.
"Well white always plays first in chess And then... we play," said Ron, peering across the board.
A white pawn had moved forward two squares. Ron started to direct the black pieces.
"Harry - move diagonally four squares to the right." Harry obeyed as when their other knight was taken. The white queen smashed it to the floor and dragged him off the board, where he lay quite still, facedown.
"Had to let that happen," explained Ron, looking shaken. "Leaves you free to take that bishop, Hermione, go on."
Every time one of their men was lost, the white pieces showed no mercy. Ron tried his best to keep Emma safe from the white pieces. After all, she's the most powerful piece in chess.
Twice, Ron noticed in time that Harry and Hermione were in danger. He would dart himself around the board, yet they lost many black ones.
"We're nearly there," he muttered to himself. "Let me think let me think..."
Ron stared at the White Queen, who turned her blank face toward him. He turned to Emma, who clearly looked fret about the situation.
"Yes..." said Ron softly, "It's the only way... I've got to be taken."
"NO!" Harry and Emma shouted.
"What is it?" Hermione questioned, yet her question was ignored.
"That's chess!" Ron snapped at the two before continuing, "You've got to make some sacrifices! I take one step forward and she'll take me - that leaves you free to checkmate the king, Harry!"
"But -" Emma started, but Ron cut her off, "Do you want to stop Snape or not?"
"Ron -" Harry called out.
"Look, if you don't hurry up, he'll already have the Stone! Harry, it's you that has to go on. I know it. Not me. Not Emma. Not Hermione. You!" Ron insisted.
"Ready as I'll ever be," Ron muttered to himself in reassurance.
"Here I go now, don't hang around once you've won." He stepped forward, and the white queen pounced. She struck Ron hard across the head with her stone arm, and he crashed to the floor.
The girls screamed but stayed on their square, seeing the White Queen dragged Ron to one side.
Shaking, Harry moved three spaces to the left. Harry stood right beside the White Queen, calling out the White King, "Checkmate." The White King took off his crown and threw it at Harry's feet.
They had won.
The Chessboard was cleared, leaving the door ahead wide open. The three friends ran and approached their unconscious friend. Emma cradled his head on her lap, before summoning some of her to heal to him. Her magic flowed to him, before disappearing back to his pale color.
"What if he's -?" Hermione hesitated to finish her sentence.
"He'll be alright. That's why you take Ron back. Listen to grab brooms from the flying key room, they'll get you out of the trapdoor and past Fluffy, go straight to the Owlery and send Hedwig to Professor Dumbledore, we need him. And Ron's right, I have to do this alone." Harry nodded in determination. Emma sighed, but understand that he was right.
"But Harry - what if You-Know-Who's with him?" Hermione asked him.
"Well - I was lucky once, wasn't I?" said Harry glumly, pointing at his scar. "I might get lucky again."
Emma ran to him before swinging her arms around him.
"Be careful. You'll be okay, Harry. I know it. And you're a great wizard. We both know you really are." Emma whispered in his ear. Harry stared at her bewildered, his eyes flickering between the two girls.
"I'm not as good as you two," said Harry, very embarrassed, as Emma let go of him.
"Us?" said Emma, pointing between herself and Hermione.
"Books! And cleverness! There are more important things - Friendship and Bravery and - oh Harry - be careful!" Hermione finished as she gave him a quick hug.
Harry nodded sadly, before walking away from his friends, ready to face Snape.
"You know," Hermione stated, "You should go with him. We both know that he can use the help."
Emma rapidly shook her head, "No, I can't. Besides, you need help with-"
"Emma, I'm telling you as a friend to go. And as a good friend, they always have each other's backs." Hermione finished, as Emma nodded in agreement.
"Alright. Just be careful." Emma sighed, before running to Harry.
Harry heard loud footsteps running towards him, it was Emma.
"Look, I know you want to do this alone. But, let's do it together."
"Bu-"
"No buts! I'm going and we're doing this together! Come on, let's go." Harry nodded relentlessly as they walked beside each other.
The young couple walked to the next chamber and there was a staircase. They walked down, it was clearly dim the room, but they managed to see a mirror, with someone facing it. But it wasn't Snape. It was even Voldemort.
It was Quirrell.
"You?" Harry questioned, causing Quirrell to turn around with a twisted smile.
"Me," he said calmly. "I wondered whether I'd be meeting you here, Potter. Except, I wasn't expecting your other friend." Emma glared at the Professor, yet it was left unnoticed.
"But I thought - Snape -" He was about to finish but Professor Quirrell cut him off.
"Severus?" Quirrell laughed coldly. "Yes, Severus does seem the type, doesn't he? Next to him, who would suspect p-p-poor, st-stuttering P-Professor Quirrell?" He faked stuttered.
The blonde realized what Quirrell was referring to. "On the day, during the Quidditch match. It's wasn't Snape who tried to kill Harry, is it? But rather you!"
"Clever girl. Your friend Miss Granger accidentally knocked me over as she rushed to set fire to Snape at that Quidditch match. She broke my eye contact with you. Another few seconds and I'd have got you off that broom. Even, if Snape hadn't been muttering a countercurse, trying to save you." Quirrell explained.
"Snape was trying to save me?" Harry said in shock. He turned to Emma, who was also in shock but staring at Quirrell for more explanation.
"Of course," said Quirrell coolly, before continuing, "Scurrying around the school on Halloween like that, for all I knew you'd seen me coming to look at what was guarding the Stone."
"You let the troll in?" Harry interjected.
"Certainly. Unfortunately, while everyone else was running around looking for it, Snape, who already suspected me, went straight to the third floor to head me off. After that incident, Snape, never trusted me again. He rarely left me alone."
"Now, I need to examine this interesting mirror," Quirrell mumbled softly, examining the unique mirror.
Harry realized what was standing behind Quirrell. It was the Mirror of Erised.
"This mirror is the key to finding the Stone," Quirrell murmured, tapping his way around the frame. "But how do I get it? Help me, Master!"
"Use the boy... Use the boy..." A voice answered raspy, coming from Quirrell himself.
"And the girl, Master?"
"Kill her... Kill her..." The voice answered once more. Harry became worried for his friend, as Emma quickly whipped out her wand, before firing, "Stupefy!"
"Expelliarmus!" Quirrell fired back, Emma yelled, "Protego!"
"Kill...the girl..." Quirrell heard the voice yelled again, as he yelled, "Finite Incantatum!"
Emma used her shield, but the force of the spell made her bounce off her feet, causing her to fly into the air. Emma hit her head onto a pillar, making her become unconscious. Her body tumbling down the stairs.
"Emma!" Harry yelled as he ran to his now unconscious friend. Her hair was on her face and ground, a bruise forming.
"Come here, Potter! Now!" Professor Quirrell shouted. Harry stared at Emma, gulping as he slowly walked beside him, looking at the mirror.
"Now, let's try again. Tell me, what do you see?"
Harry saw his reflection, pale and scared-looking at first. But a moment later, the reflection smiled at him, it put its hand into its pocket and pulled out a blood-red stone. The Philosopher Stone. The reflection Harry winked and put the Stone back in its pocket. This caused Harry to reach down to the pocket, and felt something heavy inside, feeling the stone.
"What is it? What do you see?" said Quirrell impatiently, as Harry snapped his head straight up.
I have to lie. Harry thought.
"I see myself shaking hands with Dumbledore, I - I've won the house cup for Gryffindor." He quickly lied.
"He lies... He lies..." The mysterious voice echoed throughout the room.
"Tell me the truth! What did you just see?" Quirrell barked furiously.
The voice spoke again. "Let me speak to him... face-to-face..."
"Master, you are not strong enough!" Professor Quirrell plead.
"I have strength enough... for this..."
Harry could only stare as Professor Qurriell started unwrapping his mulberry turban.
The turban fell away. He turned where there should have been a back to Quirrell's head, there was a face, the most terrible face Harry had ever seen.
"Harry Potter..." it whispered. Harry's eyes widen with sudden realization.
"Voldemort," Harry whispered, loud enough to hear.
"Yes, now you see what I have become?" the face said. "A mere parasite... I have form only when I can share another's body... Unicorn blood has strengthened me, these past weeks... and once I have the Elixir of Life, I will be able to create a body of my own... Now... why don't you give me that Stone in your pocket?"
So he knew. Harry stumbled backward in fear. He instantly turned around and ran up the stairs but stopped when fire appeared, surrounding any point of entry.
"Don't be a fool," the voice snarled. "Better save your own life and join me... or you'll meet the same end as your parents...
They died begging me for mercy..."
"LIAR!" Harry shouted suddenly, Quirrell walking backward at him so that Voldemort could still see him.
"How touching..." Voldemort hissed. "I always value bravery... Yes, boy, your parents were brave... I killed your father first; he put up a courageous fight... but your mother needn't have died... she was trying to protect you... Tell me, Harry... would you like to see your mother and father again? Together we can bring them back."
Harry paused at the last sentence, as his eyes drifted to the Mirror of Erised. His parents smiling at him, but faded away, showing Emma unconscious.
"All I ask is for something in return," Voldemort said as Harry pulled the Stone.
"That's it, Harry. There's no good and evil. There's only power and those too weak to seek it. Together, we'll do extraordinary things. Just give me the Stone!"
Harry looked back at the mirror and saw nothing.
"You liar!" Harry shouted, stepping backward.
"SEIZE HIM!" Voldemort ordered Professor Quirrell.
Professor Quirrell jumped and the next second, Harry felt Quirrell's hand close on his wrist and throat. Harry struggled with all his might, for he placed his hand on top of his. To his surprise, Quirrell let go of him. Quirrell hunched in pain, looking at his fingers, that were blistering, where Harry touched him.
Quirrell's hand turning into ash, "What is this magic?" He wondered out loud.
"Seize him! SEIZE HIM!" shrieked Voldemort again, and Quirrell lunged, again both hands around Harry's neck, yet Quirrell was howling in agony.
"Master, I cannot hold him - my hands - my hands!" Quirrell shrieked in pain.
"Fool, get the Stone!" Voldemort ordered once more.
Harry jumped to his feet, caught Quirrell by the face, and hung on as tight as he could. Quirrell screamed and tried to throw Harry off, so he walked backward. Eventually,
Professor's Quirrell's whole body started to turn into ash. Slowly, decomposing as he fell onto the floor, nothing but ash.
Harry sighed in relief, as he turned and grabbed the Stone. He then realized Emma was still knocked down, he ran and helped her.
However, Harry heard something, so naturally, he turned around and the ash particles were spinning into a tornado-like structure. The tornado headed straight to Harry as he was engulfed, before he fell onto the stairs, as he fell into blackness...
The raven-head boy started to stir... seeing bright stars spinning... blinking every few seconds... something gold glimmering... The Snitch!
Harry tried to reach for it, but his arms were simply too heavy to lift. He groaned as he noticed that he was in the Hospital Wing.
Harry steadily rubbed his tired eyes and sat up, seeing Albus Dumbledore smiling at him.
"Good afternoon, Harry," said Dumbledore. Harry stared at him, confused
Then he remembered: "Sir! The Stone! It was Quirrell! He's got the Stone! Sir, quick -"
"Calm yourself, dear boy, you are a little behind the times," said Dumbledore. "Quirrell does not have the Stone."
Harry gave a small smile in relief that Quirrell nor Voldemort has the Stone. Harry then glanced around, as he acknowledged all the cards and sweets surrounding the bed.
"Tokens from your friends and admirers," said Dumbledore, beaming.
Harry furred his dark eyebrows together, confused. "Admirers?"
"What happened down in the dungeons between you and Professor Quirrell is a complete secret, so, naturally, the whole school knows," Dumbledore explained, walking over to one of the many sweets.
"How long have I been in here?" Harry wondered, looking at Dumbledore.
"Three days. Mr. Ronald Weasley and Miss Granger would come around, will be most relieved you have come round."
"How is Emma doing?"
"Doing better, dear boy, she received a mild concussion, but rest assured, she's recovering well." Harry sighed in relief.
"But sir, what happened to the Stone?"
"As for the Stone, it has been destroyed."
"Destroyed?" said Harry blankly. "But your friend - Nicolas Flamel -"
"Oh, you know about Nicolas?" said Dumbledore, sounding quite delighted. "Well, Nicolas and I have had a little chat, and agreed it's all for the best."
"But that means he and his wife will die, won't they?" Harry dejected.
Dumbledore walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. "They have enough Elixir stored to set their affairs in order and then, yes, they will die."
Dumbledore hummed a little and smiled at the ceiling.
"Sir?" said Harry. "I've been thinking... even if the Stone's gone, Vol-, I mean, You-Know-Who -"
"Call him Voldemort, Harry. Always use the proper name for things. Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself." Dumbledore spoke wisely.
"Yes, sir. Well, Voldemort's going to try other ways of coming back, isn't he? I mean, he hasn't gone, has he?"
"No, Harry, he has not. He is still out there somewhere, perhaps looking for another body to share... not being truly alive, he cannot be killed."
Harry nodded, but stopped quickly, because it made his head hurt. Then he said, "But why couldn't Quirrell touch me?"
"Your mother died to save you. If there is one thing Voldemort cannot understand, it is love. He didn't realize that an act of love leaves its own mark." Dumbledore paused, as Harry closed his eyes and placed his left hand over his scar. The scar that was created by his mother, a few tears escaped his eye.
"Not a scar, no visible sign... even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever. It is in your very skin." Dumbledore sighed, turned to the windowsill, which gave Harry time to dry his eyes on the linen sheet.
"And sir, how did I get the Stone out of the mirror?"
"Ah, now, I'm glad you asked me that. It was one of my more brilliant ideas, and between you and me, that's saying something. You see, only one who wanted to find the Stone - find it, but not use it - would be
able to get it." Harry nodded but it made his head pound, so he stopped.
"Now, enough questions. I suggest you make a start on these sweets. Ah! Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans! I was unfortunate enough in my youth to come across a vomit-flavored one, and since then I'm afraid I've rather lost my liking for them. But I think I'll be safe with a nice toffee, don't you?"
He smiled and popped the golden-brown bean into his mouth. Then he choked and said, "Alas! Earwax!" Harry stifled his laugh covering his mouth, as Albus Dumbledore walked out of the Hospital Wing.
After a good night's sleep, Harry felt nearly back to normal. Harry insisted in attend the end-of-year feast, and eventually, Madame Pomfrey gave in to his pleas. Harry soon changed, as he headed towards the staircase to the Great Hall. He noticed Ron and Hermione waiting for him, but Emma was nowhere to be found.
His friends looked down to see their friend awake, as they smiled at him with glee.
Harry called out, "Alright there, Ron?"
"Alright. You?" He answered back.
Harry shrugged his shoulders, "Alright, and Hermione?"
"Never better." She responded, her smile displaying her teeth.
"Where's Emma, guys?"
"Oh, she's with her brother right now. But, you'll see her when we go to the Great Hall." Harry nodded.
The trio was chatting as they pushed open the doors, the Great Hall itself was decked out in the Slytherin colors of green and silver to celebrate Slytherin's winning the house cup.
A huge banner showing the Slytherin serpent covered the wall behind the High Table. Harry slipped into a seat between Ron and Hermione
at the Gryffindor table.
Harry turned his head around to find his blonde friend until he noticed she was with her brother. Emma was happily chirping with joy, as she was content on no longer having to be in the Hospital Wing.
She glanced forward, to see Harry staring at her. She gave a bright smile, that Harry thought would outshine the stars, itself. Harry waved at her, as she gratefully does one in return. Justin saw the interaction between them as he smirked an idea forming.
"What are you smirking at?" Emma asked, still facing forward.
"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking." Justin smiled mischievously.
"I hope it's not about what I think it is."
"And what do you think it is?" The Slytherin brother questioned.
Unfortunately, Dumbledore arrived moments later, as the siblings' conversation was put on hold. The Professor stood up from his throne-like chair as he stared at all the Hogwarts students alike.
"Another year has gone! What a year it has been!" Dumbledore said cheerfully. "Now, as I understand it, the house cup here needs awarding, and the points stand thus: In fourth place, Gryffindor, with 312 points." A silent clap arose, as Harry, Ron, and Hermione hid their heads in shame and embarrassment.
"In third, Hufflepuff, with 352 points; in second, Ravenclaw has 426 points and in the first place, Slytherin, 472 points."
A storm of cheering and stamping broke out from the Slytherin table. While the other houses clapped slowly, it would be the seventh house cup for Slytherin.
"Nice one mate!" Draco cheered, as he banged his goblet on the table, smirking widely to all the Slytherins. That was until he sneered to the Gryffindor trio.
"Yes, Yes, well done, Slytherin," said Dumbledore. "However, recent events must be taken into account."
This caused the Slytherin to seize their cheering in exchange for confusion as they listen to the new announcement.
"Ahem," said Dumbledore. "Yes... First to Mr. Ronald Weasley... for the best-played game of chess Hogwarts has seen in many years, I award Gryffindor house 40 points."
Gryffindor started to cheer, as Percy started to boast the other prefects, "My brother, you know! My youngest brother! Got past McGonagall's giant chess set!"
At last, there was silence again.
"Second to Miss Hermione Granger... for the use of cool logic while others were in grave danger, I award Gryffindor house 40 points." Gryffindor cheered even louder, as Hermione hid her joy of tears, burying herself in her arms.
"Third to Miss Emma Moore... for using her wits and brain in a time of great pressure, I award Gryffindor, 40 points." Emma was clearly shocked, as she stared at the Gryffindor table. All cheering lively, shouting, clearly delighted with the points being added.
"Fourth to Mr. Harry Potter... for pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor house 40 points."
Gryffindor and Slytherin houses alike were now tied for the house cup. The tension was so thick, no one dared to draw a single breath.
"There are all kinds of courage," said Dumbledore, smiling. "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends. I, therefore, award 10 points to Mr. Neville Longbottom."
Everyone erupted into loud cheers. All the Slytherins moaned crestfallen, as they lost the house cup.
"Assuming that my calculations are correct, we need a little change of decoration," Dumbledore said then he clapped his hands as the green and silver banners were replaced with crimson and gold.
"Gryffindor wins the house cup!" He yelled. Everyone cheered beside Slytherin, Gryffindors hugging everyone and high fiving them. Emma smiled and clapped as she was proud of her friends, everyone didn't dare do anything. After all, she's in all houses.
The celebration died down, as everyone was shuffling their feet in an effort to ride the Hogwarts Express. Everyone with their luggage as students were trying to get on the train.
"Come on now, hurry up. You'll be late. Train's leaving. Go on. Go on. Come on. Hurry up." Hagrid urged the students to go on the train.
The Moore siblings walked along the train and stood on the platform. "Come on, Harry," she called out to him.
"One minute," Harry told her as she nodded going inside with her brother. Harry started walking towards the half-giant.
"Thought you were leaving without saying good-bye, did ya," Hagrid said, as he took out a red album and handed it to Harry.
Harry opened the album to see a picture of him as a one-year-old with his parents. The Potters smiling and waving at their only son. Tears started to prick Harry's eyes, as he whispered,
"Thank you." hugging Hagrid.
Harry turned around and walked to the door where his friends were waiting. "Feel strange to be going home. Doesn't it?"
Hermione asked.
"It's does." Emma sighed, as her brother hugged her from the shoulders. Justin excused himself as he headed to the Weasley twins, planning for the summer.
"I'm not going home. Not really," said Harry, as he stared out the window, seeing Hagrid waved and Harry did the same.
The train ride was surprisingly short and sweet as they all got off the train.
"You must come and stay this summer," said Ron to Harry and Emma, "both of you, I'll send you an owl."
"Thanks," said Harry, "I'll need something to look forward to."
Some of them called:
"Bye, Harry!"
"See you, Potter!"
"Still famous," said Ron, grinning at him.
"Not where I'm going, I promise you," said Harry.
"Emma!" Her mother, Emily, cried as she approached her daughter. "How was Hogwarts, darling?"
"Splendid, and I want you to meet my friends I told you about. This is Ron..."
"Ronald Weasley, how are you, my boy?" Emma's father, William, smiled at the scarlet boy.
"Well, sir. And you?" Ron asked politely.
"Doing better, say 'hello' to your father for me," William answered.
"I will," Ron responded quickly.
"Anyway... this is Hermione Granger." The brunette smiled, and "And this is Harry Potter."
"Potter, you say? Nice to meet you. You look almost exactly like James. You know, I was friends with your father and mother."
"You were?" Harry said hopefully. William nodded, as he patted Harry's shoulder.
"Anyway, it's nice to meet you all. Did you all enjoy Hogwarts?" Emily asked them.
They all stared at each other before answering simultaneously, "It was fantastic!"
"Well, I'm sorry for cutting the reunion short, but I'm afraid we have to leave." William nodded, "Emma, where's your brother?"
"Probably, with the twins. I'll get him." Emma left leaving her friends. She walked along the station until she finally spotted him, yelling, "Come on, brother."
"One moment." Emma really wanted to go home and sleep, but was trying and failing to be patient.
"Your moment is done, let's go! Mother and father are waiting for us!"
"Alright!" Justin groaned as ran to his parents. "Hello, mother, father."
"Good-bye guys, see you after summer. I'll write you all letters!" Emma chirped as she gave them a group hug. She gave one last wave before disapparating home.
Harry hung back for a last word with Ron and Hermione.
"See you over the summer, then."
"Hope you have a good holiday," said Hermione.
"Oh, I will," said Harry mischievously. "They don't know we're not allowed to use magic at home. I'm going to have loads of fun with Dudley this summer..."
Until Next Year, Hogwarts.
Author's Note:
Did you guys liked Emma's adventure for first year? I'm already planning for the second year, and I'm seriously considering making a Spider-Man/Peter Parker book very soon. Hope you enjoyed the story so far, and let me know if you want to know more about Emma's storyline and importance in the future. See you wizards, witches, muggles, squibs, later in the next chapter!