For the next few weeks Abby and her friends would take turns trying to look for information on Nicholas Flamel until Neville Longbottom a fellow Gryffindor showed up in leg lock curse thanks to some older Slytherins. "Oh, Neville when are you going to learn to stand up to them," said Hermione. "I tried but Flint and his buddies came up from behind. Honestly, I don't understand why they do it," said Neville.
Hermione helped Neville out of the curse while Abby and Lily were looking in book after book. "What are you guys looking for anyway?" All three girls looked at each other before answering. "Nicholas Flamel," whispered Lily. Nevilles' eyes widened. "I know him Grandmother is always having his wife over for tea." All three turned to stare at Neville. "Do you know if he has anything that needs to be protected?" asked Ron. "Well Gran is always going on about how if they have a special stone that can give youth and life everlasting why they don't use it to maintain their youth," said Neville. All three of them gathered their books and started trailing out of the great hall and down to the library.
On the way there the three girls ran into Crabbe, Goyle, and Draco who looked excited. "We found out about Nicholas Flamel from Neville," said Hermione. "That's Great but we found him in this book here," said Goyle. Abby and Hermione opened the marked page. "Here, it is," Said Hermione.
"There have been many reports of the Philosopher's Stone over the centuries, but the only Stone currently in existence belongs to Mr. Nicolas Flamel," Said Hermione. "That's what that dog is hiding!" said Draco. As Hermione went to find Ron to tell him the Slythrins were heading back to their dorm when they saw Neville again. As they got closer they saw he was being bullied by Marcus Flint and it looked like Daphne was in on it too. "HEY!" shouted Abby. Flint looked up. Abigail stay out of this it is between us and this Gryffindor," said Flint. "How? What did he do? And Daphne why are you here?" asked Abby.
"He's a Gryffindor what else do I need." "That is no excuse. Enough is enough and Daphne why are you here? I thought you were against things like this." Daphne looked down she had distanced herself from everyone lately, but no one knew why. Abby decided to question her later and pulled out her wand. "Flint! Leave him alone or I promise I will hex you until you cry." Flint and his friends high tailed it out of there. If there was one thing nobody did was cross Abby. She put her wand away and helped gather Nevilles' things. "Hey, are you Alright?" she asked as she handed him his books and quills. Neville nodded. Just then Draco put his hand on his shoulder which made Neville jump. "Hey Longbottom if you want a place you won't be judged as a house but as a person a bunch of us from all housed are meeting in classroom eleven tonight," said Draco. As everyone left Lily turned back to Neville. "I hope to see you there Neville," she said.
The rest of the day was fairly uneventful until dinner. As Draco, Lily, and Abby entered the great hall the first thing they noticed was and extra table in between the Ravenclaw and Gryffindor tables. Looking around everyone seemed to have the same looks about the new table. As they took their seats at the Slytherin table Dumbledore stood up. "Good evening students. Now before we have dinner I see the looks and questions running through your head that I can only assume are geared towards the newest table." There was a lot of murmuring in agreement.
"Well I am pleased to announce this newest is a new house of combined houses. The other Professors and I discussed this long and hard. We have noticed that some of the students have become more attached to other students in different houses. Although you cannot be sorted into this one you may choose to join it anytime."
As Dumbledore finished the great hall burst into chatter until Abby stood up and the hall went silent. She gathered her book bag and walked silently over to the table and sat down. As she looked up at the head table Dumbledores' eyes were twinkling almost as if they themselves were smiling. Snape looked a little hurt, but still gave her a curt nod. It did not take long before other students followed her from other houses. Ron, Hermione, Fred, George, Lily, and even Neville came to sit with her. Abby turned back to the Slytherin table in time to see Draco mouth later at her to which she nodded.
"Now as I am sure everyone is excited to know what this new house will be called Blackstark. Unlike most houses you will have two common rooms. One from your original house and another from Blackstark. The motto will be Although there is darkness around the strength to overcome the fear is what makes each of us powerful. Lastly before we eat the head of house will be Professor Burbage."
Dumbledore Sat down as Professor Burbage stood up. "Thank you Albus. Now I know my house is small, but I hope in time it grows. I believe everyone can live together in Harmony even muggles can live with us too. After dinner please come see me so I can show you to the common room," she said. As she sat down the food appeared. Fred and George, we just chatting away as Abby was talking with Hermione. "Can you believe it we can finally all sit together, but not offend our houses," said Abby. "I know it will be exciting to see what changes happen… Abby! your emblem and tie!" Abby looked down to see her tie had turned purple and gray. The emblem on their cloaks had also changed to a doe. "I guess its official look Hermione everyone sitting at this table theirs has changed too.
As dinner finished the seven Blackstark students went up to Professor Burbage. She led them to the third floor. Heading behind a portrait of a little girl holding a bouquet of flowers was a spacious common room. "This is your common room. You won't be expected to live here it is just here to give you the option. Rooms are available if you decide to make it your home. Enjoy Professor Dumbledore will be writing to your families to let them know of the house change," said Professor Burbage. With that she left and the seven stared at each other.
"Can you believe were in a common room with a Slytherin and Ravenclaw," laughed George. Abby smiled and punched him. "Ow. I'm wounded Abby." George Pretended to faint as Fred caught him dramatically. Abby laughed and hugged Ron and Hermione. "I wonder what the password is?" asked Neville. "He's right the portrait opened without a password. They all clambered out to face the portrait. "Excuse me, said Ron. "Yes?" said the Portrait. "We were never given a password. Do you know what it is?" "Professor Burbage believes in the students making their own so let me know if you want to make one." "I think the password should me pure innocence," said Abby. There were nods of agreement and the portrait accepted it.
A little while later the group were all heading towards classroom eleven to meet with others from other houses. As they reached the entrance hall Abby saw a hooded figure trying to stay hidden. In a split second she decided to follow the figure down the steps and towards the forest. As they neared the forest the figure lowered his hood to reveal Snape. Carefully staying hidden she saw Snape meet someone else on the edge. "Do you realize all the trouble you are causing. Because of you some students know of the Philosophers Stone," snarled Snape.
"B-b-but I-I-I d-d-didn't m-m-m-mean t-t-t-to," stuttered Quirrell. "You need to decide where your loyalties are soon and if you know how to get past that dog of Hagrid's let me know" With that Snape put his hood back up and started to head back to the castle, but not before he saw a shadow. He pulled his wand out so quick Abby didn't have a moment to think "Lumos!" Abby was revealed but the shock in her eyes were nothing compared to Snapes. He grabbed her and dragged her back to the castle. When they reached the entrance hall Snape dragged her down the dungeons and to his classroom. When he pulled her in after him Severus locked the door.
"What were you doing there!"
Abby stood frozen unsure what to do. "ABIGAIL!" Snapes shouting snapped her out of her shock. "You won't talk to me anymore and I have no idea what I did. It's like losing Lily all over again." "Why are you constantly bullying Professor Quirrell? As far as I know he hasn't done a thing to you. I saw you leaving the castle and decided to see where you were going. And why do you want to get past Fluffy so bad?" asked Abby. Snape sat down rubbing his forehead with the tips of his fingers. "Abigail I can't tell you please just trust me," Snape pleaded. "How can I trust you when you do stuff like this!" she shouted. As she started to leave Snape grabbed her wrist and spun her around. Abby could just see the anger in his eyes. "You may not trust me, but if I didn't care about you at all would I have given you your mothers necklace!" Abby froze before she broke free and ran out the door. When she reached the classroom, Abby was greeted by Hermione. "Abby, where were you?" She went to sit by the bookshelves in the room.
"I followed Snape to the forest he was bullying Quirrell again, but he caught me on his way back to the castle." Hermione and Lily gasped while Draco looked concerned. "He didn't get angry or anything. At least not really. He asked me to trust him, but it's really hard considering what I've seen. "Hermione and Lily sat down next to her and hugged Abby. "I know one thing though Snape gave me the necklace and the charm bracelet."
"Not to change the subject Abby, but about earlier. I want to join the newest house but because of what house I'm in and my family I can't in fact Crabbe, Goyle, and I would but we can't. I hope you understand," said Draco. She nodded and hugged Draco. "Of course, I understand. Maybe someday you can join Blackstark." Just then the classroom door opened and there was Daphne. "Daphne!" they all exclaimed. "Hi," she squeaked. Daphne walked towards the four and stopped in front of Abby. Suddenly out of nowhere Daphne broke into tears. "Daphne what's wrong?" "I'm sorry so sorry I know it wasn't right, but my father found out I was associating with blood traitor and threatened to send me away from Hogwarts," sobbed Daphne. Lily, Draco, Abby, and Hermione surrounded Daphne with a hug.
"Don't worry Daphne we'll figure something out I promise."
Abby had no idea what she would do but thought her aunt may know what to do.