[26]

Only A Boy

Snape paused, his hand outstretched toward the infirmary doors. For a moment he considered just ignoring the impulse to see the boy and return to his office instead. He had exams to complete after all, as well as a practical to prepare. He'd already seen Merlin anyway, albeit while he'd slept in the infirmary. Did he really need to see him awake?

It wasn't usual for the head of house to take such an interest in his students. Yes, he cared about each and every one of them but he didn't visit them all in the hospital wing. He didn't think any of the other heads did. There were just too many students for them to keep track of and being invested in their lives just wasn't practical – and yet, he wondered whether the students needed that kind of support from their teachers.

He certainly had needed it as a youth.

Snape pushed open the door and strode inside. He wasn't the least bit surprised to see that Merlin was accompanied by Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger. They had begun to attract the attention of the staff. Madam Pince had mentioned just the other week how the trio was always together at the back of the library and how it warmed her heart to see Gryffindor and Slytherin students ignoring the prejudice of their fathers.

They glanced up at him as he entered, their conversation coming to an abrupt end. Draco shot Hermione a glance and said, "We'll be back to check on you later, Merlin."

Merlin smiled and nodded. "See you later, then," he said and Draco and Hermione got to their feet. Snape caught the curious look they shot him as they walked past, the silent question of what he was going to ask Merlin but realizing that they weren't needed for this conversation. Hermione gave one last wave to Merlin before she and Draco closed the door behind them.

Snape walked toward Merlin, coming to a stop at the foot of his bed. "You have some interesting friends, Merlin," he said with a sneer. "Your blatant refusal to acknowledge the rivalry of Gryffindor and Slytherin is beginning to catch attention."

Merlin raised an eyebrow. "Don't you think it's time we cast aside our petty differences?" he said. "Houses should never have mattered in the first place."

Snape paused, taken aback by the wisdom in a child so young. "I don't think Draco's father will be pleased to hear his son is fraternizing with the enemy."

"Oh, he's not," and Merlin chuckled. "But I don't think there's much he can do about it."

Snape decided not to tell him that there was a lot Lucius could do to ruin the friendship between him and Draco. The least of which being the swift transfer of Draco to Durmstrang, but hopefully Narcissa would step in and prevent that from happening. For so long he had worried about how Draco would turn out, the son of a Death Eater and cut-throat politician and for the first time, he believed that Draco would turn out all right.

Merlin cleared his throat, breaking eye contact. "So, about finals—" he began.

"Yes?"

"They begin soon, don't they?"

Snape sighed and nodded. "They do, indeed." He appraised Merlin for a moment. Even though he'd been in Pomfrey's care for several days now he still hadn't healed up completely. His cheek was still rather purple and from the way he was sitting, it was apparent that his side – where Pomfrey had said he'd suffered a major blow from McGonagall's transfigured knight – was still causing him a great deal of pain. No doubt the nurse was using the prescribed children's dose for the healing potions, and there was no denying that it just wasn't strong enough for Merlin's system. And after seeing the total destruction of the third floor corridor, it was unsurprising that Merlin had a magical strength that surpassed his age.

"I hope you still intend to ace them," Snape told him with a sneer. "You are, after all, obviously more than capable of that."

Merlin glared at him. "Of course I do!" he exclaimed. "I'm just wondering whether or not it'll be possible to convince madam Pomfrey to let me take them!"

"Oh, I don't know about that. She might just force you to miss them in order to ensure a full recovery."

Merlin's eyes widened. "But—"

"I'm afraid you'll have to fail them."

For one long moment, Merlin stared at him before his expression turned suspicious. "You're pulling my leg, aren't you?" When he didn't answer Merlin added, sounding worried, "Aren't you?"

"Of course I am," Snape said rolling his eyes. "Students that are unable to take the exams due to extenuating circumstances may take the exams at a different time." He allowed himself a small smile and sighed. "I'll talk to madam Pomfrey about the potions she's giving you, since it looks like she's not giving you a strong enough dose."

Merlin shifted. "Yeah."

"You have a much stronger magic system than your age."

"I noticed that," Merlin muttered still looking uncomfortable. Why would this topic make him nervous, or was he just embarrassed?

"However," and Snape cleared his throat. "After your performance fighting Professor Quirrell the teachers have agreed to give you passing marks if you decide not to take the exams and stay in the hospital wing."

Merlin blinked. "What?"

"As I'm sure you'll recall, the corridor had a series of trials. Hagrid and his blasted dog, Professor Sprout and the Devil Snare, Professor Flitwick and the flying keys, and Professor McGonagall and the chessboard." Merlin nodded. "They are willing to consider those rooms as your final exam, if you're unable to attend the real exams. However, you will not receive a score," Snape added. "Simply a pass."

"So, it wouldn't be like I aced all my exams," Merlin said slowly. "Just passed them."

"Yes, and you would still need to take Professor Binn's examination but he will allow you to take it in the hospital wing rather than his classroom."

Snape watched as Merlin thought over these terms. Professor Dumbledore had suggested the idea in the first place since it looked unlikely that Merlin would be recovered by the time exams started and what he had done clearly showed he was past first year abilities and knowledge. But he wouldn't ace the exams like he had claimed he would do. He would simply pass them and the extenuating circumstances would be explained on his report.

"No." Merlin met Snape's gaze, raising his head in determination. "Just passing them isn't good enough."

"Oh, and you're so certain you'll receive more than an Acceptable?" Snape sneered at him in reply.

Merlin took a deep breath. "What I did on the—on the chessboard wasn't an accident." He paused. "And," he shrugged, "I think it's about time I stopped pretending."

Snape surveyed him for a moment before nodding. "Yes, I do think it is."

Only A Boy

Merlin, who had begun debating whether or not to ask madam Pomfrey for stronger doses of healing potion, was relieved when Snape did it for him. It would have been awkward for him to explain, and he certainly didn't want her to run any tests in order to figure out the exact dose that he needed. Whatever she was giving him now was better even though he knew that it still wasn't precisely what his body required; which was why he was attempting to supplement it with his own healing spells when she was hidden away in her office.

Even so, madam Pomfrey wasn't entirely satisfied with his improvement when the evening before finals arrived. Merlin honestly would have taken the deal given to him by the professors, if it weren't for the fact that he wanted to prove to everyone that he could do it. And anyway, Hermione had forced him to actually study and both her and Draco had badgered him about it so much that he felt like he needed to. He tried to make Pomfrey understand that he had to take these exams and that he'd even come right back to the infirmary if that's what it took.

"Oh, all right!" she snapped with an exasperated sigh. "But I want you back at least once a day so I can check your injuries. You have one of the most stubborn systems I've ever seen."

Worried that madam Pomfrey would change her mind; Merlin quickly dressed and left the infirmary. Sure his side still twinged when he moved it but he'd pushed through much worse. Anyway, it wasn't like he was going to be fighting at all. Just taking exams, which was hardly strenuous and Merlin was eager to sleep in his own bed.

Hermione and Draco had visited him every day in the hospital wing, always eager for him to recount what had happened on the third floor corridor and to tell him what was going on in the rest of the school. The twins too, had visited him on occasion. And all of them had told him how he had become the talk of the school.

Perhaps Merlin hadn't taken their words to heart, or perhaps he just hadn't believed them because when he entered the Slytherin Common room he was unprepared for what met him.

The first thing he noticed was Draco sitting at a table with Theodore while Blaise stood beside them, using his hands as he talked. As he looked over at them, Draco glanced up and jumped to his feet, a wide grin on his face.

"Merlin!" he said walking quickly over to him.

As one, the entire Slytherin house fell silent and looked at him. For a moment, they stared at him as though they were unsure it was really him. He could see Pansy feverishly shaking her head, Daphne gazing open mouthed. Blaise looked as though someone had hit him in the face and Theodore gave him a nervous smile. And then everyone started to talk at the same time.

"Pomfrey finally let you out?"

"What really happened with Quirrell?"

"I would have never believed it."

"Never saw that one coming!"

Merlin felt some of the older students clap him on the shoulder and whisper how impressed they were. He winced when Terrence actually gave him a hug and told him off for doing something so stupid. But the congratulatory remarks soon subsided. Blaise came to stand before him, as did Crabbe and Goyle. The two boulders looked nervous. Crabbe cracked his knuckles while Goyle looked past him to Draco.

"You throwin' it in with his lot?" he asked, his voice thick and as low as it was possible for an eleven year old.

Merlin, who wasn't sure he had ever heard Goyle say something that sounded even remotely intelligent, was taken aback. He turned to Draco who stiffened. The air became thick with curiosity and excitement.

"There's no denying it," Blaise said, taking a step toward them. "Merlin here stood in the way of him returning." Merlin didn't wonder how he knew that. The death eaters would most certainly have been talking about the developments and it wasn't a surprise their children had found out and spread it around the common room.

As he said it, some other students looked uncomfortable. Pansy fidgeted and Theodore went white. "There's some," Blaise continued and nodded pointedly at Draco, "that'll take issue with that."

Merlin ran his hand through his hair. "Well," he said in what he hoped was a lighthearted tone, "There's only room in this world for one Dark Lord, you know."

Some people laughed. Theodore seemed to relax slightly, although Crabbe and Goyle glanced anxiously at each other. Blaise paused a moment before chuckling and clapping his hands. "Of course."

Draco frowned. "As if. Merlin's the lightest person I know."

"So you admit it," Pansy spoke up then. She swallowed and added, "But what about your father? He won't—"

"Damn my father," Draco cut across her loudly. He looked around them all, the crowd of Slytherins. Most of them had family members that had probably been in league with Voldemort at one point or another, Merlin thought. There were some that hadn't, of course. But they all knew of the stain on their house colors, knew how many dark wizards had stood where they stood. Draco held his head high, and Merlin saw him decide something.

"Isn't it about time we learned from the mistakes of our fathers?" Draco continued, his voice carrying over the crowd. "Merlin made me realize something," and he turned to beam at him. "I don't want to live a life where I've gained respect by inflicting fear." He took a deep breath. "I don't want to be my father."

"Rebelling early, aren't you?" Blaise murmured, and Merlin saw a smirk tugging on his lips. "I can't say I really care. My family never stooped to that level."

"Yeah," Pansy shot rolling her eyes. "And your mother remarrying some seven times due to the early deaths of her husbands is so much better."

Blaise turned and glared at her. "Don't bring my mom into it!"

"Don't mock our families!" she shrieked back. She tossed her hair and walked over to Draco, linking her arm with his. "It was their mistakes, not ours."

Merlin wondered whether she really believed that or she was just jumping on the bandwagon because she obviously liked Draco. "And we shouldn't let their mistakes drag us down," Merlin said coming to stand between Blaise and Pansy, since Blaise still looked upset. "Don't you think it's time we brought Slytherin's reputation out of the mud?"

"That's easier said than done," Blaise said softly.

"It happens one step at a time and it begins with us." Merlin turned to look at them all. All eyes were fixed on him and he saw varying degrees of awe and fear. This was an adult conversation and they all felt it. It was the choice to follow their parents footsteps, to feed into pureblood ideals and turn into the same people that helped Lord Voldemort terrorize the country, or to break free and do something different.

It all began with them.

Only A Boy

If he'd thought the mixture of pride and fear that had met him from the Slytherins was strange, it was nothing like how the rest of the school treated him. Merlin felt like he'd become some overnight celebrity. Eyes followed him as he walked down the halls, whispers chased his heels. Some called him a hero and he had more than one girl shyly telling him what he'd done was so brave. Some wondered aloud whether he was the one who was going to finally defeat him, while others worried that he would take the Dark Lord's place, and so on and so forth.

And everyone wondered how he'd done something so incredible.

Merlin was bombarded with questions constantly. He'd done his best to tell his housemates what had happened, editing some of the details. But everyone he ran into in the halls asked him, curious Ravenclaws, nervous Hufflepuffs and even the occasional Gryffindor. The feeling somewhat reminded him of when he'd finally revealed his magic, and he'd explained all the things he'd done. But he hadn't told everyone, just Arthur and the Knights, Gwen and some other officials. He hadn't been ambushed in the hallway by groups all wondering what had happened.

Finally, Draco started telling people off. There were only so many times that Merlin wanted to relive the experience after all, and he was grateful when Draco – and on occasion Blaise – started jumping between him and curious eyes. Anyway, he didn't have much time because of exams.

Merlin wasn't worried about the practical exams at all. He waved his Whomping Willow stick and did the spell but the written exams made him pause a moment. For the first time, he was a little glad that Hermione had constantly made him study and give him her notes because this wasn't druidic magic. But he still felt confident when he walked out of the classroom, knowing that he had answered everything correctly. He understood the magic and the spells he'd cast in the practical, and the written merely tested that.

Hermione was furious with him. When he waved his perfect marks in her face she scoffed and said, "Well, I made you study."

But she got her moment. When Merlin got his History of Magic exam back he looked back at the Acceptable in dismay. Not even an Exceeds Expectations, let alone a perfect store. Hermione was beside herself with glee.

"I told you to study more!"

To which Merlin glared at her and shot, "I'm sorry I didn't realize memorizing useless facts will be something employers ask about."

Hermione didn't care in the slightest. "Still, you didn't ace all your exams," she said haughtily. "I was right." And she skipped away.

Draco sighed and patted Merlin's back. "You know that next year she's going to shove your nose into your History of Magic book, right?"

"I'm beginning to suspect that, yeah."

But ignoring Merlin's History of Magic score, he had perfect marks for every other exam. McGonagall had actually stood over him as he took the test, as though she thought he was cheating somehow but as he left, she congratulated him for defeating Quirrell. The staff were in shock, and Merlin overheard them discussing why he hadn't done any work when he obviously understood the material.

Snape told him as he left the exam that he wouldn't be able to get away with not doing his work next year.

"What?" Merlin had responded. "No special treatment?"

"Oh yes," Snape said, his lip curling. "The special, pay a lot of attention and make sure he doesn't squander his talents, treatment."

"Fantastic."

Merlin knew that everything would be different next year. He wasn't going to be able to ignore his schoolwork as easily anymore because everyone knew he was capable of doing it. Sure, he was still going to try – regurgitating information was pointless to him. He had placed an enormous spotlight on himself.

And he had no idea how to react to it.

Merlin found himself running through the Forbidden Forest. The last of the exams had finished earlier in the day, and although everyone was celebrating he felt the need to hide. The constant stares and questions were starting to suffocate him. It had been easy enough to persuade Draco to cover for him; he suspected his friend had understood his need to get away for a moment.

He came to the dragon clearing, and to his relief everyone was present. Aithusa was sitting opposite Norberta – who to his shock was the size of a large bear – and the two were attempting to make designs out of puffs of smoke from their nostrils. Korrizahar, dog-like in size, sat on a thick branch above them. He looked up when Merlin came closer and chirped loudly.

"Merlin!" He flew quickly over to him and nearly knocked him over when he jumped on his shoulder. "I was beginning to worry," he growled. "It's been nearly two weeks since you visited and after—"

"Yeah, I have a lot to tell you," Merlin said, taking a seat on his usual stump while Kor took to his lap.

He explained everything that had happened since he'd last visited, about Quirrell and Voldemort, how he had been holed up in the hospital wing and final exams. As he spoke, Norberta stopped her game with Aithusa and padded over to him and sat at his feet, watching him with her large orange eyes.

"I'm going to be going home on the train soon," Merlin said after he'd finished explaining the events of the previous weeks. He shook his head. "I'm worried someone will stumble across you while I'm not here."

Kor scoffed, a puff of black smoke rising from his nostrils. "I don't think adventuring through the Forbidden Forest is on anyone's summer vacation plans."

Merlin smiled. "Even so," he said rubbing Kor's head. "Watch after yourself and her," he said nodding toward Norberta.

When he looked at her, she blinked and made a soft rumbling sound. "She wants to know," Kor said slowly, "Whether you're going to tell Hagrid about us."

"Uh," Merlin paused, taken aback. "I wasn't planning on it. At least," he amended, "not yet." He wasn't sure he was ready to trust Hagrid with a secret like this, not after he'd so easily slipped and revealed Fluffy's weakness to Quirrell.

Norberta gave a snort of approval and walked back to Aithusa. "She's more mellow than I thought she would be," Merlin said.

"Well, she's got us to keep her in check," Kor said and he puffed out his chest, his wings extending. He deflated after a moment, and he rubbed his head against Merlin's chest. "I'm going to miss you."

"I'll be back," Merlin said quickly.

"In a few months," Kor countered. Merlin slumped his shoulders and gave Kor a hug. "Be careful, Merlin," Kor said. "Voldemort knows you tried to stop him now."

"I know."

Merlin dropped his hands and Kor shook himself before taking off to a branch. "You better come visit me, first thing you get back."

Merlin laughed. "Of course," and with a last wave, he headed back through the brush and up to the castle. He was surprised by Kor's sensitivity. Kilgharrah hadn't been like that. He hadn't really felt like friends with the old dragon, more like uncle and nephew. He liked the relationship he'd formed with Korrizahar, and he worried about him. Merlin sighed and shook his head. He'd be all right.

Better than him, probably.

The end of term feast was decked in silver and green. Merlin discovered that Snape had awarded him a hundred points while he'd slept for defeating Quirrell, which had solidified their lead over the other houses. And for once, it seemed the other houses weren't as angry with Slytherin as usual. Even Ron behaved politely when Merlin walked over to the Gryffindor table with Draco to say hello to Hermione and the twins.

But soon, their bags were packed, the dormitories were empty, and everyone was boarding the Hogwarts Express for the return trip home. Merlin, Draco, and Hermione found a compartment with the Weasley Twins.

The atmosphere couldn't have been more different than the train ride in September. Draco and the twins chatted about crazy family relatives they shared, and hadn't realized it, and Hermione sat next to Draco so she could share his bag of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. It was amazing to Merlin, how just one year could change so much.

"Does your father know about," and Fred nodded awkwardly toward Hermione.

"Thanks," Hermione said folding her arms.

"You know what I mean," Fred tried to amend, scratching the back of his neck. He met Draco's eyes, who nodded and shook his head.

"He knows I helped Merlin stop Quirrell, but I think my being friends with a muggleborn will not go over well at all."

"You don't think he'd accept your decision," Hermione inquired. "Respect your difference of opinion?"

Draco gave a hollow laugh. "Definitely not."

"Hermione," Merlin said shaking his head. "Lucius is actively against muggleborns, muggles too. He's not going to change his mind just because his son has."

Hermione frowned. "But judging someone because of—"

"We all know that," George interrupted. "But they're right. Lucius won't be happy at all."

"He's not happy now," Draco pointed out with a sigh. "One thing at a time, all right?"

Hermione frowned but nodded. "I suppose that means I shouldn't talk to you after we get to Kings Cross?"

"If you wouldn't mind."

"Oh," Hermione said in falsely cherry voice, "not at all!"

"Yeah, how about a game of exploding snap?" Fred suggested and they quickly left the topic in the dust.

Only A Boy

The boy next to him was jittery from nerves.

"You all right, kid?" Florean asked and he put a hand on Silas' shoulder. It'd been a little over five months since the tyke had fallen into his lap. Not that he was the least bit disappointed. He'd grown incredibly fond of the kid, especially since Silas was one of the few who loved to hear him talk about magical history – which had always been his area. Sure, he'd been surprised when Severus had approached him and asked if he'd be able to take care of the two boys. After all, he had a business to run and worried that he wouldn't be able to give them the attention they needed. But Severus had looked so desperate that he hadn't been able to decline.

And everything had worked out in the end.

"I'm just excited!" Silas said breathlessly, and he looked up at him and grinned. "I can't wait for you to meet him!"

Florean laughed. "I have met him," he said for what he was sure was the fourth time.

But Silas wasn't listening – again. They'd heard the blaring of the train whistle and Silas gave a little jump. "He's coming!"

Florean laughed. "Yeah, that he is."

He saw Lucius sweep into the station and felt himself look down at his colorful, pinstripe waistcoat. There was a stain of chocolate ice cream next to the third button and he tried to rub it away.

The train came to a stop and billows of steam made a high screech as they were released. After a few moments a conductor hopped out of the front engine and waved his wand, unlocking the doors and thanking the students for riding the Hogwarts Express. A sea of students flooded onto the platform, and Florean found himself holding Silas' hand.

"I want to go find him," Silas protested, pulling on him but Florean shook his head.

"He'll find us. Don't you worry, kiddo."

He didn't need to look for two kids in this crowd of bodies. He had a faint memory of the boy. Tall for a first year, dark hair and bright blue eyes. The daily prophet hadn't gotten a picture when they'd released the story of how Merlin had caught Professor Quirrell trying to steal the Philosophers Stone. The Ministry had already contacted him, telling him that Merlin would be called to testify during Quirrell's case in August.

This was going to be an interesting summer, to say the least.

"I can't see!" Silas said hopping as he tried to see over the crowd.

"Here," and Florean bent down and lifted Silas onto his shoulders. "That better?"

Silas didn't answer immediately. He was scanning the crowd, his hazel eyes wide. "Merlin!" He shouted and he started waving his arms. "I see him, Flo. I found him!"

"Yeah?" and Florean looked to where Silas pointed. Merlin looked like he had grown a few inches since he'd last seen him, making him stand above his friends. There was a girl with very bushy brown hair next to him and she gave him a hug before skipping away to a couple standing nervously next to the barrier. A blond boy he recognized as Lucius' son came up behind Merlin then and put his hand around his shoulder, telling him something with a smile before taking off toward his father and Merlin came up to them.

"Hey, kid," Florean said as he put Silas back on the ground. "Good to see you again."

Merlin beamed back, but he didn't have a chance to respond when Silas tackled him around the middle.

"Hello to you too," Merlin managed to choke, and he ruffled Silas' hair. He blinked. "You've grown!"

"You too." Silas giggled and took Merlin's hand. "Come on, I can't wait to show you your room. I mean ours. We share one. Florean helped me decorate it."

Florean chuckled. "I'll get that," he said and he took hold of Merlin's trunk. It was far lighter than he'd expected. A feather-light charm? Smart. He followed after the boys since Silas was leading the way, chatting animatedly about the new house and how to make ice cream. Florean had only showed him a week ago.

"So, you live above your shop?" Merlin asked, glancing back at Florean.

"Yup. Simple flat. You took my mother's guest room."

"Oh."

Florean laughed at the apologetic look on Merlin's face. "Natta tragedy, I assure you."

"We're going to take the Knight Bus to Diagon Alley!" Silas said. "Ever been on it?"

"Oh no."

And Florean laughed again, while Silas looked confused by Merlin's look of horror.

Only A Boy

The school was quiet.

Most of the teachers had finished their work and had left to enjoy a vacation free of students. Professor Sprout had been planning for weeks prior to the end of term a trip to South America to look at some newly discovered magical plants. Professor Flitwick was going to visit a brother for a few weeks, and Professor Sinistra had been invited to an American Astronomy convention in Maine. Professor Binns was still in the school, wandering the halls and library and McGonagall was staying another week before taking a trip to see her grandnieces and nephews in Scotland.

Professor Dumbledore strode around his office, enjoying the song Fawkes sang from his perch. When the bird went quiet, Dumbledore turned to see him putting his head under his wing for a nap. The phoenix was getting on in years now; it'd been some time since he'd last been reborn. He'd taken to sleeping most of the day.

He heaved a sigh and opened the cabinet that held his pensive. With a wave of his wand, the curtains fell and the office darkened until the pensive shone with silver light. He waved his wand and tapped the smooth sheen of silver glass, causing it to warp and ripple. Everyone thought of pensive like liquid, but he'd always thought they had more in common with condensed smoke.

He brought his wand to his temple and withdrew a long silver strand, dropping it into the bowl. Merlin's face swam on the surface for a moment, the hospital wing in the background. Dumbledore swirled the pensive again and a figure rose from the bowl. She was young, and covered in glittering shawls, her glasses enlarging her eyes until she looked almost insect-like.

Her words were hoarse and croaky.

"THE DARK WILL FALL, THE EARTH WILL CALL
A BOY FROM FAR AWAY, ON THE LONGEST DAY
BORN AS THE SEVENTH MONTH DIES
WITH EYES OF THE BLUEST SKIES
THE DARK WILL FALL, THE EARTH WILL CALL
FOR THE DARK MUST PERISH BEFORE THE LIGHT
FOR ONE IS BLIND AND THE OTHER HAS SIGHT
AND LIQUID GOLD WILL TRUTH UPHOLD
THE DARK WILL FALL AT THE HANDS OF ALL"

The woman went quiet and sank back into the bowl, her face swirling on the surface. From behind him, Dumbledore heard the soft movement of feet crossing the room and Severus Snape came to stand beside him, his black eyes fixed on the woman looking blankly back at them.

"You think it's him," Snape accused.

It was hard to ignore it any longer. The evidence was plain. He had already stopped the Dark Lord once before. He had put Quirrell in Azkaban. And, somehow, he was changing the very nature of the Hogwarts houses. Never before had a Slytherin befriended a Gryffindor, challenging the rivalry that had been in place for hundreds of years.

"It fits, does it not?"

"That doesn't mean anything."

"No," and Dumbledore shook his head. "But him actively standing in the way of his return does. He has become wrapped up in this because of his own choices."

If the magical world didn't already know his name, they would in coming weeks. The trial of Quirrell would receive full coverage by the Daily Prophet, and there was no stopping them from snapping a picture this time.

"It's too dangerous!" Snape said, his voice rising. "He's not ready to know about this."

"I agree completely, Severus," Dumbledore said placidly. "But there will come a time when he will. After all, it's obvious we cannot stop him."

"So you're just going to let him have another facedown with the Dark Lord?" Snape snarled. "You're going to get him killed."

"I would have stopped him from going to the third floor corridor, if I could," Dumbledore said shaking his head. "He is the boy from the prophecy, I am certain. And, he will continue to stand in Voldemort's way whether we want him to or not."

"But," and Snape took a step back, glancing around the office as though hoping something would come to his aid. "He's only a boy."

"And a truly remarkable one."