And here are the translations as I will try to increase the Bulgarian flirting.
срамежлив, но красива роза is Bulgarian for Shy but beautiful rose

Chapter 29
Perception Of Magic

Viktor's POV

"This is it. In this chapter, my beloved will prove himself like he did in the Maze and in the Graveyard. This may be the final chapter of the book, but it will also be the setting stone for Merlin knows what other adventures my sweet gorgeous boyfriend has had to go through. Morgana, I hate that Albus Dumbledore."
Goes through my head as I look at the book that is in Ron Weasley's lap. The same Ron Weasley who has been admiring me from a distance all year, yet who got angry with Hermione when I invited her as my date to the ball. The same Ron Weasley, who apparently would have asked for my autograph at the end of this very year.
I then look around at the others that are sharing space with me and I feel like I am back at Durmstrang, in my own dorm with my own friends. With Valkov, Drisec, Dimitri and Gustav, who are currently all seated at several couches and chairs of their own in the far left front corner of the Great Hall, yet whose postures make them stand out.

These four have been besides me since the year before I started Durmstrang and they are closer to me than even my own Quidditch Team, yet that is because of a very important and also secret reason. No one outside Bulgaria really knows it, but the only thing keeping a player on the team is their talent. If it fails, they are off the team.
Now normally, that would be hard to pull off for an international Quidditch team, yet the Bulgarian have managed it by enchanting the very titles of their position. If another person becomes known as the Bulgarian Seeker, the previous one's name gets hit with a Notice-Me-Not spell, which makes him an international nobody.
This had been something that had shocked me when I found out and it had been the reason I had made my image of someone who only cared about score results. It had also been the reason I had been so desperate to end the Quidditch Finals on more even scores; I had been sure that a failure of greater points would ruin all of our careers.
And while this had made it hard for me to really bond with my team members, had we always trained hard enough to stand out and to work like a well-oiled machine. Yet at Durmstrang I had real friends and now, I feel as if I have more. And looking around at the people sitting here, I don't feel like I have friends, I feel like I have family.

Harry's POV

"I'll read." I tell the Great Hall, shocking most of them out of the stupor they had gotten into after Luna's little explanation as they must have not expected me to want to volunteer. But hearing about the Graveyard scene was bad enough as it was and I know this was one of my lesser dangerous adventures against Voldemort.
But then mum grabs onto me and says: "Oh no, you're not. You're staying right here where I can keep you safe an close." To which I say: "I wasn't planning to move seeing my legs, but I'm still reading. I can't take to just listen as something like this is read. I have to read it myself." The man sighs and nods as Ron hands me the book.

My buddy, who has been through so much with me and who is still so supportive of me regardless of everything read, smiles at me and I smile back, knowing how proud he is of me wanting to do this. But in my mind, facing my Uncle or possibly the disappointment of my friends and family is ten times worse than facing that mad man.
I then cuddle closer against my parents, not for me but for them as I know they'll need it more and more as the story will progress and bless the spell for the two days off we'll have and that my worst battles are always at the end of the story, so that people here will have quite some time to get over the fear they must have felt during it.
I then shake my head to clear it, wanting my full focus on this story and look up at everyone, as I have already read the first sentence and know it will cause a major shock to go through those of them who had not a single clue – although I wonder if that is even possible seeing my read suspicions. I then shrug and decide to read.

The Man With Two Faces

That alone causes a shiver to go through my parents and I see Viktor helping Mss. Crenson and Erica hold themselves together as they must be worried sick for me – having cared for me as well as they have for when they could. I smile at them to show them my care and gratitude and they smile back at me before I read on.

It was Quirrell.

"It was WHO?" About ¼th of the Great Hall shouts and I ask: "Are you really surprised with how much he came up throughout the story?" The students look a little sheepish and Luna says: "It's always the weakest that are the most dangerous. Those you suspect the least are the ones that can turn on you the easiest."
Now mum, dad and I share a glance, all of us thinking of Pettigrew and all people thought of him and what he had been actually capable of. Mum then looks up and says: "Young lady, you have no idea how right you are." The girl smiles and while many of those that had looked at her shocked now look at mum confused, do I read on.

"You!" gasped … and sharp.

"What?" Almost all of the students who had Quirrell shout and while anger starts to become part of the atmosphere around us, does Hannah asks: "You mean he faked the whole damn thing?" To which a Slytherin girl in my year, who I know is named Daphne continues and shouts: "But that was so frustrating and distracting."
Then Percy, who is now holding onto Hermione and Luna spats: "Unbelievable that we learned nothing all year and my school year and I had to depend on our Independent studies to pass our O.W.L.s." And then finally Sprout mutters: "And Dumbledore of course allowed him to continue, no repercussions whatsoever."
Everyone growls at this idea and even the French and Bulgarian seem insulted, but then I say: "And he wasn't even the worst we had. Next year was even worse than that ridiculous stutter." Now some girls look confused, but I think back with disgust and hatred to the time of Lockheart teaching us and with a shake of my head I read on.

"Yes, Severus … it couldn't. He knew Quirrell played some part in all this, but for him to have faked his fear and for him to have ruined an entire school year of Defense lessons just to keep a low profile? What was wrong with this man?
"But Snape tried to kill me!" Harry shouted, not really believing it, but wanting to know the full truth now that he was sure things were like he first started to believe.
"No, no … Quidditch match.

"I knew that part of the story wasn't there just for added comment." Remus growls, while some of the students now share a shocked look with each other and then Hermione gasps and whitens. Everyone looks at her and she says: "If I hadn't done that – if-if I had just stopped Professor Snape – Quirrell would – would have –."
But she doesn't have to go any further as everyone realizes the truth. Had Hermione not knocked Quirrell over in her way to get to Professor Snape and had she only stopped the Potions Teacher, there would have been no one capable of stopping Quirrell's attempts on cursing my broom. Everyone whitens and I read on.

She broke … save me?" This made Harry feel relieved that the man, who obviously hated his father, was not grudge-holding enough to try and harm the man's son – his student. Snape would obviously just keep it to insults and House points and those were things Harry could easily take.
"Of course," … you tonight."

"DON'T YOU DARE!" Mum and dad shout, dad apparently too angry to remember how shouting gave him a headache earlier on, holding me all the tighter since Hermione's revelation and I say: "Don't worry, he tried but I was well-protected.""But you were all alone there." A Hufflepuff notes, but I shrug and read on.

Quirrell snapped … around Harry. It actually made some of the wounds from the episode and an old wound, coming from a spell a Seventh year Ravenclaw shot at him three weeks before the exams, ache against his skin, but he kept quiet, forcing the pain back so he could focus.
"You're too … back there?

"So he knows how to threaten and kill Trolls. Is that really all he's good at?" The same Hufflepuff snorts derisively and I comment: "Before that year I'm sure he was good at multiple things, but by that time, he was nothing more than a thief and a murderous lackey." The Hufflepuff looks as confused as during my last comment and I read on.

Unfortunately, while … interesting mirror."

"Mirror?" Goes through the entire hall the confusion I caused earlier increasing as I read this and then mum shouts: "HE DIDN'T!" Everyone looks at him and he rants: "That's his protection? Is he crazy? It will only distract Harry. It will give that bastard all the chance he needs to kill my son. THAT BASTARD!"
"What on earth are you on about?" The same Hufflepuff, which I now recognize as Zacharias Smith, asks and all mum does is huff, lean back with his arms firm around me and mutters: "Christmas. That's all I'm saying." The room looks confused, Smith looking at my mum as if he's grown an extra head and I read on.

It was … of Erised.

"WHAT?" Most of the hall shouts and then, while the teachers start to glare at the book in pure anger as they share my mum's anger, does Hermione says: "Of course, Sirius must have thought Harry would see his parents again. And that would distract him enough to allow Quirrell to kill him." Everyone whitens and mum asks:
"Wait, I thought?" Before he turns to me and while many are shocked that I won't see my parents a second time, does he ask: "You didn't?" I shake my head and say: "I guess my mind was too focused on the situation at hand to want to see them that much. You'll see." The man nods and hugs me tightly as I read on.

"This mirror … the mirror.

"Are you crazy?" Erica asks with fear ringing through her voice and she goes on: "If Quirrell stops concentrating on the Mirror he'll focus on you. He might even kill you." But I pat her on her hand and say: "Don't worry, as I said, I was well-protected and successful." The woman seems slightly appeased and I read on.

"I saw … my side..."

Now Snape blanches and I ask: "Dumbledore never told you he was working for Voldemort, did he?" Snape shakes his head and I shake mine, hating Dumbledore for setting Snape onto the man, while knowing how his actions that year can be seen as betrayal to Voldemort, which would have probably meant Snape's death. I shake my head and read on.

Quirrell came … the mirror. The mirror held the Stone and if Quirrell got the Stone he would give it to Voldemort. Harry knew his luck could give him a fighting chance against Quirrell, but he was no match against Voldemort. He had to keep the man from coming back or he – and all of Hogwarts – would be history.

"But Snape … so much." Harry blurted out, just to keep Quirrell distracted. The words he said mattered no more to him, he could find out why himself later – as long as he kept Quirrell from the Stone he had a chance of survival.
"Oh, he … Harry gasped.

This makes all of Hogwarts whiten and while parents start to pull their kids – or in the case of Madam Bones her niece – closer to themselves, does Percy ask: "You-Know-Who? Here? At Hogwarts? With my siblings?" And he stares at his younger siblings with great worry, making Ron and the twins smile at him gratefully.
Then Smith says: "Yeah right, as if Dumbledore wouldn't build wards to keep that mad man out." But I sigh and say: "If only that were true. Don't forget that this was all planned by Dumbledore to see if I could fight against said mad man." Now Smith whitens, realizing that I'm right and several students whimper as I read on.

"He is … seek it...

"You know." I mutter softly, my eyes distant as my own reading makes it easy for me to remember this event and then I go on and say: "I kind of agree with that theory." Everyone looks at me with wide eyes, believing me to have lost my head and I say: "Not that there is only power and people too weak to seek it, but the whole good and evil crap."
This turns the shock into intrigue and Malfoy asks: "Explain, cousin." I nod, glad for a chance to distract everyone from their fright and worries and calmly say: "Spells can't really be defined under Light spells or Dark Spells; it's more the caster that defines them as such, depending on how he uses the spells."

Now I definitely have a lot of attention, especially from those working for the Ministry and a few of the teachers and I say: "An example. If your best friend or true love stands at the top of the Astronomy Tower and wants to kill himself, which of these three spells would you use. 1. Imperio. 2. Wingardium Leviosa. Or 3. Petrificus Totalus."
Everyone looks shocked and Flitwick says: "Petrificus Totalus of course." But I shake my head, mostly at the fact that he ended with the of course part and gently say: "Most of the time when you use that spell, the force of it allows the victim to fall backwards, so your friend would fall off the tower if you did."
The man nods, while some of the younger years turn white at hearing that this could happen and Collin carefully asks: "Wingardium Leviosa?" But I shake my head again and say: "That spell only moves your friend up. If you cancel the spell and he falls back down, he could lose his footing and fall down either way."
Then Luna says: "That's why you should use Imperio. It will calm the person down and force him to tell you why he wants to jump. That can give you the advantage of helping him, so he won't have to feel as if he has to kill himself." I nod at the girl, while many students look at each other shocked, before I go on:

"Onto another theory. Say you're standing in the snow, trees all around you covered in snow and ice and you have a threatening enemy in front of you. If you then use the Accio Spell, you can easily summon one of the sharper pieces of ice to you and it will go straight through the enemy, often enough killing it.
Or you could use it to summon that enemy's heart or lunges or other vital functions and it would have the same effect, while the summoning charm is known as a Light spell." The students look at each other intrigued, while Moody is actually nodding at me with pride and agreement and I decide to finish all of this and say:

"And then there's the killing curse." This makes people shudder and I say: "Say one of you has – I don't know – Dragon Pox or cancer and they discovered this too late, making you die a suffering and painful death. Would you then want your friends to give you a Dreamless Sleep, put you under Sleeping spell or cast the Killing curse?"
Everyone looks at each other and I say: "Admit it, with the first two, your body would still suffer the disease, but with the Killing Curse it only takes another few seconds. It would come as a heavenly sweet relief if you see that Green Light and know you don't have to suffer any longer, wouldn't it?" Everyone nods and I say:
"I know that putting spells under certain criteria makes it easier to bring out judgement, but we can't do so as there are just too many ways in which we can use something. Magic was given to the world to make our lives wide and exciting. Putting names to something might make us feel better, it also stops us from broadening our horizons."
Everyone nods, while many of the elder students are now muttering with each other, something I take as a good sign as they often send me appraising and highly interested looks, while Madam Bones has a smile on her face that is almost as radiant with pride as those on the faces of my friends and family before I finally decide to read on.

Since then … Leaky Cauldron.

"As if any of us could have known from the first meeting if someone was evil or good." Mum snorts and he goes on: "It wasn't your fault, pup. Dumbledore organized the entire damn thing and he'll pay for it." I smile at my mum and at those nodding in agreement before I read on, ignoring Mss. Prewett's pitiful attempts to get free.

Quirrell cursed … fell over.

"Not good! Not GOOD!" The twins chorus, the intrigue I had caused before completely gone and the worry for the read event back in full force and Mum asks: "Were you hurt?" I shake my head and say: "Lying there actually made the ropes loosen a little and press less against those wounds." The man sighs relieved and I read on.

Quirrell ignored … the boy..."

"OH NO, YOU DON'T!" Mum shouts and dad goes on: "IF YOU DARE TO USE MY CUB, I SWEAR YOU–!" But then I shout: "Mum, dad, they're both dead. Quirrell died that day and Voldemort died yesterday, remember?" The two men calm down, but dad growls: "No one touches my cub. No one!"
And to my shock do many of those around us, especially my friends and even most of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff House nod in agreement, something I had not expected seeing the events of the past year. Still I can't help but smile at him, deciding that his care for me is more important to me, hug him tightly and then read on.

Quirrell rounded … at first.

This makes mum hold onto me all the stronger, but with one arm as he uses the hand of the other to softly, comfortingly stroke through my hair. I smile at the man and his care for me as he obviously wants to comfort me from the fear I must have felt back then, while I have no doubt that the man must be terrified to hear all of this.
I cuddle closer, feeling the need to make him realize all the more that I am safe and sound, while at the same time slightly reluctant as years of being raised loveless make me doubt whether or not this will last and part of me only wants to enjoy this as much as possible in fear it will be over once another one of my secrets comes out.
Trying not to think of this and trying to remember that these two men took me in and adopted me before they even really got a chance to get to know me, I simply move myself to sit sideways on my mum's lap and with my head on his shoulder, the man sending me a grateful and relieved smile as I do this, do I read on.

But a … the Stone.

"How the bloody hell did he do that?" One of Cedric's year mates asks in angered shock while others are too shocked to speak, but dad seems to understand and growls: "Filthy bastard, he had the whole thing planned. That's why he put the Mirror on a place so easy to find." This seems to confuse the others even more and I read on.

"Well?" said … for Gryffindor."

"Good move. Nice lie." The twins chorus and mum mutters: "Thank Merlin you can lie to save your life." But then dad growls: "Only because of that blasted abusive Muggle. He forced Harry to learn it, only to survive." This turns mum's relief to anger and I quickly read on, wanting this chapter over with and wanting to calm them down.

Quirrell cursed … his turban.

Now quite a couple of students look at me shocked and while I try not to feel like I did back then or during the actual events in the graveyard, do I say: "I might easily have a clear head when it comes to danger, but my emotions don't differ from yours if you're face to face with such a maniac." The students nod and I read on.

What was … a snake.

"Wait, that description." One of Luna's year mates mutters and when almost all of the school turns to the boy, mostly because of how utterly terrified he sounded does he say: "It's – it's the same as in the graveyard. That- that's – that's You-Know-Who." Everyone blanches, some students yelp and then the twins mutter: "Oh, oh."
While looking at each other, both of them white as chalk. Everyone looks at them and Charlie says: "If the twins say oh, oh you know something's wrong." Then suddenly does Prewett scream, as if terrified of something and we all look at her as she looks at the twins with a look as if she sees them dead or dying.

Everyone looks confused and Ron says: "Remember the first part of the Christmas chapter. Of the twins throwing Snowballs at the back of Quirrell's head?" Everyone nods and then, one by one, the students and teachers start to whiten and Lee whispers: "You – you threw snowballs – at – at – at You-Know-Who."
The twins nod slowly and Percy mutters: "Thank Bloody Merlin he's dead." Before pulling away from Hermione and Luna who start hugging each other and he quickly goes to hug his twin siblings in obvious relief. The two cling to their elder brother and all siblings join them as I read on, Bill recasting the Silencing spell on Prewett.

"Harry Potter … Harry's legs. He stumbled backward, his hand not reaching for his jeans pocket, but his robe pocket, wondering if he could distract Voldemort with the Unicorn Blood long enough to make a dash for it.

"Good theory." Snape mumbles, while his face proves that he is remembering what Voldemort could be like and then Smith asks: "How can you even form plans of escape when face to face with your parents' killer?" I shrug and say: "For one reason or another, I always have a really clear mind when in the face of danger.
I guess I just learned to push my emotions to the back when such a thing happens as they will only distract me and all I want in a dangerous situation is to live, but for that you have to think reasonably. I guess it's just part of me." The boy nods, while mum whines at this and pulls me close, obviously not comforted at all by my words, as I read on.

"Don't be … shouted suddenly.

But then I lower my head, something I do only because the memories of Halloween are becoming hard to fight off and mum says: "No way. They would never beg. Not James and not Lily." But then while glad to hear his voice, do I say: "They didn't beg for mercy, That's true. But mum did beg him." Mum and dad look shocked and Erica asks:
"How do you know that, Harry dear?" But I shake my head, not just as a sign I don't want to talk about it, but also to clear my mind of my mum's dying words of all those years ago. I then quickly motion for the Third book and while many curious glances are shot its way, do Erica and my mum nod before I read on.

Quirrell was … now smiling. Harry was hoping the man would blink, if only once, so he could draw his wand and cast a spell – any spell – that could make the man trip. He was even willing to spill a little of the blood, just to make the man slip and fall. It would distract Quirrell, who would not know what caused him to fall and those seconds might be exactly what Harry would need to get out.
"How touching … value bravery...

"Bravery? The last book spoke different." Daphne spats and Bill says: "And besides, our uncles, Gideon and Fabian Prewett, were the bravest of their year. But he send five Death Eaters out at them just to kill them. What kind of value of bravery is that?" Everyone nods, all of them angered at the lies of that mad man and I read on.

Yes, boy … protect you...

This shocks everyone, mostly those that had gone to war against the monster and while held by both his parents, is Draco the one who asks: "Wait, he was more than willing to kill a Pureblood, but he was willing to let a Muggleborn – the race he despises – live?" I nod and say: "It will all be explained in the Third book."
The boy looks confused, but I have to shake my head again to rid it of the memory of my mother, begging that bastard not to kill me which tries to become stronger every time I even mention it. The words she said to keep that bastard from shooting that fatal curse at me are pushed to the back of my head as I read on.

Now give … in vain."
Harry was absolutely furious. Malfoy insulting his parents after he refused his hand in friendship was one thing, but this mad man was using his parents' death as a threat? To make him bow to his wish? Harry had only one answer. "NEVER!" Harry … of him.

Everyone is now silent; soft gasps the only sound in the room as faces all around me show either shock, fear, amazement or confusion, the amazement mostly on the faces of those who fought him. I can barely understand these emotions currently as the book is lively enough to make me reach for my scar as if I feel it hurting like that again.
But then the memory of Voldemort's dead body shows through my mind, pushing the memory of my mum begging him away and I again lower my hand, grabbing the part of the book I was holding before, but my move did not go unnoticed as mum pulls me closer to his body and softly massages the places where he holds me.
I smile at the man, glad to have his comfort and support during this chapter, while I know how hard it must be for him to hear how I was in danger without him being able to help or even knowing about it. Wanting to show my appreciation, I cuddle as close into his embrace and under his armpit as possible as I read on.

The pain … and shiny.

"I told you I was well-protected." I mutter to my mum, yet the man seems too deeply into the events I read about as his voice is still tense while he retorts: "I'll believe that when I hear of you being away from that man and save in someone's care." I smile at him as he softly kisses my forehead in concern before I read on.

"Then kill … screeched Voldemort.

"No!" Is both screamed as well as whispered throughout the entire Hall as barely anyone can believe that I am reading about this. About how Voldemort ordered a maniac to kill me. And then about the fact that I am still here, reading it. Yet while trying to offer comfort to my family, do I also try not to lose myself to my own reading.

Quirrell raised … a curse.

"But why do that if you could flee?" Parvati asks, while her voice is small with the worry she must be feeling and I answer: "I didn't get the chance to hit Quirrell in the eyes. He would have been able to see me and that would have killed me. I had to believe Hermione had been able to get Dumbledore or someone else for help."
The girl looks shocked and tearful and then, while Padma and Lavender hug her, do I send an apologetic look at my parents and say: "Besides, you heard what happened a few chapters ago. I wasn't afraid of death in the slightest. Didn't want it either, but if it had to be over my body that Voldemort would get the Stone."
I shrug, feeling bad for what I am about to say, yet knowing it to be the truth either way and say: "I guess I was still – even back then – not confident enough in the idea that people would really care for me or miss me if I died. And the thought that I would die like my father and then meet him was, at that point, very addictive."

This shocks the girl and then dad shocks me and asks: "And you still have trouble believing that, don't you?" I look at him and he says: "I can tell, son. You still flinch if others try to initiate the hug or something else affectionate and you still tense up when you feel those you care for and are around do the same.
You're still not completely of the belief that we're here with you forever. You still think something is going to happen that will make us want to do away with you. I can tell, Harry, I know how that feels so I can tell." I lower my head and slowly move over to him. Dad gently embraces me and takes me on his lap as I read on.

Harry jumped … down... down...

Now Madame Pomfrey moans and I ask: "Was it really that bad?" The woman looks down and Hermione says: "Harry, you have no idea. Dumbledore came out of that corridor and you – you were unconscious and still your breathing seemed to become more ragged and shallow by the minute while your scar was heavily bleeding.
You looked so weak, lying limp in his arms like you did and you were out for days, but Madame Pomfrey barely slept those days, because her monitoring spells kept informing her of your system giving up, whether it was your magic getting another overdose and being unable to process it, or your bloodstream going dangerously slow.
She told us it wasn't until the last night before you woke that she had done what she needed to keep you stable. That's why you were so weak and had such a headache when you woke." I look shocked, having never known the situation had run out of hand that badly. I look at the girl in apology and the Matron in gratitude before I read on.

Something gold … Sir, quick –"

Now everyone raises their eyes skyward and Ron says: "Only awake for a few seconds and already back on that Quirrell and Stone track. You really worry too much, pall." I shrug and say: "As far as I knew I had failed and I didn't want Voldemort back. I feared for all of you, so I had to make sure someone had stopped them."
Again the boy shakes his head and mutters: "Perfect hero behavior, alright." Before mum says: "That may be, but if there is one thing I'm going to teach Harry this summer, it's that he can and should trust adults to handle adult cases and to rely on the adults that he does trust." I smile at him gratefullly and then read on.

"Calm yourself … thrown out."

"Would you really, Madam?" I ask the Matron humored and she says: "Mr. Potter, I would have thrown even your new parents out of my Hospital Wing if I believed they could have caused a repeat of your illness." I smile, while some students snicker at the idea of the firm Matron throwing the Headmaster out of the Wing and I read on.

Harry swallowed … school knows.

"I wish. We didn't even know half, seeing what you actually went through for all this." Neville says and Snape grumbles: "And all because some bastard manipulator wanted to test an 11 year old out against a mad murdering bastard." Everyone nods, some of the Slytherins shocked at how Snape calls Voldemort and I say:
"But you got to admit that if you had known the truth at that time, you wouldn't have been able to handle it. So in a way, rumors are good, because they protect the students from painful, dangerous truths." Neville shrugs, while he and some others nodded in agreement at the start of my words and I continue reading.

I believe … confiscated it."

"Told you we had a damn good reason?" Fred asks his younger sister and George goes on: "Yeah, we had to apologize to Harry for being such bloody prats." And Fred continues: "And thank him for trying to protect us, while we were such bloody prats." And then they chorus: "Still don't understand how he could have forgiven us."
The Great Hall laughs, I shake my head at them and then Ginny playfully huffs and says: "Fine, but since you didn't really make it up back then, you can do so for my next birthday. And I expect something big and handmade, got it?" And as an answer do the twins mock-salute their sister, making me laugh as I continue reading.

"How long … extremely worried."

"Seeing all you just told us of Harry's state, we can imagine." Dad says, while having a near death-grip on me and others nod, many of those around me looking just as pained at the very thought of the description previously given. But then his hand moves and pinches some skin on my back, making me unable to hold back a yelp of pain.
The man instantly lets go, yet this would have made me fall had it not been for the hold mum has on me and I shake my head swiftly, trying to push the memory of that terrible scar to the back as best as I can. Feeling the disgusting taste of gore and puke enter my mouth, I gulp, trying not to vomit as it brings back the memory all the stronger.
Mum then quickly takes over and whispers: "I'm here, honey. I'm here. He won't hurt you anymore. He'll never get such a chance again. I swear it, baby." And I cuddle with him, as I realize he must have understood what memory I was trying to push back. I smile at him and he softly kisses my forehead, before I take a deep breath and read on.

"But sir … just left.

"Filthy liar." Fudge spats and he says: "He spent at least another two to two and a half hours at the Ministry, constantly claiming he had to check up to make sure people wouldn't need his help during the last week of school and that he wanted to catch up with old friends." Everyone growls at the filthy lies and stalling of the man and I read on.

I arrived … much longer –"

"Harry!" All Weasleys and most of Gryffindor moan, but then I realize mum and dad didn't as mum turns my head to him, with his hands on my cheeks and he says: "We will make you realize you are important enough to worry about." And this makes me turn red as I try to let him know with my gaze that I am indeed learning.
Yet I seem to fail in this attempt as dad then chuckles as he softly strokes my hair, carefully moving me back onto his lap as he says: "Oh little cub, there is so much we have to teach you. So much you should start taking for granted." I smile and shrug, knowing my parents have their work cut out for them and read on.

"Not the … Nicolas Flamel –"

"You know, I really doubt one thievery attempt would make Mr. Flamel willing to destroy an item he has kept sacred for all these years." I mutter as I reread this sentence and Hermione asks: "Then what do you think happened to the Stone, Harry?"
And I answer: "I think Flamel knew it was really Dumbledore who set everything up and therefore took and endangered the Stone and to punish him, I get the feeling Flamel must have faked to destroy the thing and must have actually kept it to himself, wherever he lives."
The girl nods and says: "That would be something Flamel would do, if he hears his old friend and colleague in Alchemy endangered his most priced creation." Everyone else nods as well and I smile at the Hall, before raising my glass and say: "To Nicholas Flamel, the first man to trick a trickster." And the hall choruses my cry as I read on.

"Oh, you … didn't you?

"All thanks to you and your bloody meddling and misuse of those that truly trust you." Snape spats, obviously completely done with the man and his terrible ways. To this I say: "Hang on to that anger a little longer, Professor. The book is almost over and then you can curse Dumbledore to your heart's delight." The man smirks and I read on.

Well, Nicolas … great adventure.

"Nicely said, unfortunately –." Dad sighs and goes on: "To the wrong person." And I know he has yet to get over my tale of last night or the part of me trying to kill myself a few chapters ago. Cuddling close with him and mum, I try to prove that I'm here and alive, making the two men smile as I continue to read.

You know … for them."

"Humph, words of wisdom to the wrong person." Snape spats, but I see Fudge looking thoughtful and wonder if the man ever thought of this. Seeing his reactions written in the book concerning my current year I have a feeling that Fudge is seeing things differently and feel glad he is not the Fudge here with us. And with that happy thought I read on.

Harry lay … has he?"

"He has now." Ron smiles and continues: "All thanks to our buddy." Making me blush and I mutter: "I – I never – I never would have –." But then Viktor kisses my forehead and says: "Excuses, excuses, excuses. You should really stop making them and take a compliment when it's given, срамежлив, но красива роза."
I smile at him and then mum says: "Oh yeah, with Viktor by our side we will surely get you to be the top of the person you are born to be. We will get everything out that's hidden inside that precious little heart of yours." I smile at him too, not entirely sure if I will reveal all that I am, but not daring to speak this out loud and then read on.

"No, Harry … to power."

"And still he's determined to let only one person – a teenager no less – be the only person for this job, no matter what the costs to the child and his youth." Mum grumbles and I mutter: "Things sure would have been a whole lot different if we had known all this years ago." All of the teachers, my friends and parents all nod in agreement and I read on.

Harry nodded … first place?"

Now, for some reason, both Snape and mum sigh defeated and mum mutters: "That you actually had to carry that burden for all those years. I really wish –." But then I interrupt him – as I can tell that whatever the reason is it isn't something good – by reading on.

Dumbledore sighed … will know."

"He didn't tell you?" Mum asks and I shake my head, even though I feel highly curious about what he is talking about and what could make him and Snape feel the same defeat. The man then sighs and says: "Well, seeing that he is gone, I guess it won't be too hard to tell you now, not that I know the full reason behind it myself anyway, but."
The man sighs again, but then Snape says: "Black, let me, please." And it's the please that makes my mum nod at the man as Snape says: "Your parents were, when your mother was two months pregnant of you, informed by that old Coot that one of his applicants had made a prophesy concerning one of two children born at the end of July.
He told them that the prophesy stated that one of these kids would have the power to defeat the Dark Lord and that Voldemort knew of this, even if he only knew half of the actual prophesy. He told them to hide and go down under, so you could have a youth until it would be time for you to train in case it would be you.
Your parents did as he said and – well, you know the rest of the story." I nod, shocked at what I just heard and then Snape mutters something that shocks me even more: "Basing an attack on incomplete knowledge, just ridiculous." I look at the man quickly, but then leave him be as the guilt on his face worries me and read on.

And Harry … touch me?"

"Will he answer this question?" Cho asks and I nod, making Smith spat: "Great, so we finally get to hear what you meant with well-protected." But Ron, obviously angry for how demeaning Smith is, spats back: "Not if you don't keep your big mouth shut." The Hufflepuff glares at my friend, but I smile at Ron and read on.

"Your mother … so good."

Everyone looks shocked and shares shocked and touched glances and then McGonagall makes up for all the trust-breaking things she did this book as she stands up and says: "Let us from now on raise our glass to Lily Potter and her amazing loving heart. As that, together with her willingness to die for her only child, saved the child in question and all of us here."
Everyone instantly gets a glass of their favorite drinks, from hot cocoa to orange juice and from Butter Beer to Pumpkin juice and they all raise their glass: "To Lily Potter. To family. To love." Toasting together three times before taking a sip. All chairs and couches are then provided with a small side table with people putting down their glasses, do I read on.

Dumbledore now … was here."

Now mum and dad share an amused glance at each other and mum whispers: "That's what he thinks." And dad retorts: "That it actually lasted until our boy's third year that he believed that." Both snicker and I hold one back myself, sparing a quick glance at the twins, who are looking curious, yet confused before I read on.

"And there's …his life."

Now mum lowers his head, while many Gryffindors and Slytherins look at each other shocked, but then Snape stands up and says: "There is no need to speak of this. The incident has been spoken about and laid to rest. You have all been witness of it. Mr. Potter, read on." I feel shocked that he calls me by that title, but do as he requests.

"What?""Yes … he stopped.

Suddenly Snape turns his angry glare on me and mum hugs me as if to protect me from the man, but the Potions Master shocks him bad enough to make his mouth drop as he says: "Your words of our conversation in Third year are forgiven, Mr. Potter. Seeing how you were never told the full truth of the situation."
This makes me think for a short while he means all the things I said to his face during the Shrieking Shack accident, but then realize he means the time I got caught by Malfoy in Hogsmeade. I nod at the man gratefully while some of the Gryffindors and other students in my year have their jaws dropped at hearing this and read on.

"And sir …the mirror?"

"By sheer manipulation of an old, manipulative goat and a heart of gold." Snape sneers, smirking at the end and it takes a minute to sink in with everyone around me that Professor Snape just gave me a compliment. Everyone's mouths almost hit the ground or the chairs they are sitting on and I see the man's lip twitch a little further as I read on.

"Ah, now … enough questions.

"First full, detailed and truthful answer he gave all conversation. And that one is actually filled with him bragging his ass off." Snape mutters, to the snickers of both Slytherins – who generally despise Dumbledore – and Gryffindors – who probably hate Dumbledore for his manipulations. I smile at the growing House Unity and read on.

I suggest …, don't you?"

Now I smile, feeling as if some great force helped me start to get revenge on the bastard and say: "I wonder if there is a curse to only taste and pick the fowl tasting Beans. Because if that's so, I want to shake the hand of whoever put that spell on Old Goat Face." Everyone looks either shocked or confused and I read on.

He smiled … "Alas! Ear wax!"

Now snickers are heard all around and Ron through his snickering says: "Mate, you might just be onto something there." I shrug and say: "And if not, we could always ask the twins to make that spell and then change it so that all that Dumbledore eats will taste like sour or rotten Lemon drops. Will he be bummed then."
Everyone, realizing that I remember how Dumbledore told us in the first chapter of this book that Lemon Drops are a candy he's growing quite fond off – either look shocked I would think of an idea that devious or snicker at the idea in itself. My parents both hit me on the back in pride and I smile at them widely before I read on.

Madam Pomfrey … minutes only."

"You actually let him have visitors?" Dad asks Madame Pomfrey shocked and then he goes on: "You never let me have any visitors, not even if I used puppy-dog eyes and common sense together." To this, while my friends all share shocked and confused looks over how such a combo could even work, does the woman say:
"The difference between you and your son is, Mr. Lupin, that your son's friends were people I could trust to leave my Hospital Wing unscratched and not like some exploded minefield." My dad looks sheepish at this and we all laugh at his red face, even as mum tries to playfully glare at the matron and I shake my head as I read on.

And she … very sore.

"And you really showed that you were sore, mate. You looked like you were felled by the worst case of flue or fever to have ever reached Hogwarts school." Ron tells me and I huff, muttering: "No way did I look like that." But the boy laughs and says: "Yeah, you did." Making me mock-glare at him before I read on.

"Oh, Harry … really happened?"

"You know you didn't tell us what really happened, don't you?" Ron asks and I nod and say: "It was still causing me a headache just thinking of it, not to mention shivers every time I thought of seeing Voldemort come out of the back of that head. I just didn't want to burden you with those terrible images so close to the Holidays."
The two sigh and Sirius says: "Lessons Harry James Potter has to learn. 1. He is just as important to people as valuable objects. 2. His life is worth way more than he thinks it is. 3. Burdens are to be shared with those close to your heart, no matter how hard the burden may be." At this I look down embarrassed and read on.

It was … told them as much of everything as he dared, not wanting to burden them after the amazing shot they took just to help him: Quirrell; the … hero was.

"Like hell he's still my hero. If I never see that bastard again it will still be too soon." Ron grumbles, but then, as everything that we discovered during the reading settles in, do I mutter: "I still can't believe we were right about this.""About what, kiddo?" Mum asks as he hugs me due to hearing my pained voice and as answer I read on.

"So what … Ron proudly, but then Hermione intervened and said, "Harry, even if that's true, we have to tell McGonagall. She's our Head of House, she has to make sure we aren't pushed into such dangerous situations again. You almost died, Harry."
But Harry had his lips thin and said, "We are not telling McGonagall anything. She wasn't willing to believe us when it came to the Stone and regarding Norbert she didn't even let us explain. No Hermione – the girl had wanted to interrupt, but Harry didn't let her –
She failed us there where it mattered the most this year and she actually believed your lie, while our faces and stances and everything else showed you were lying. She is too deep into Dumbledore's pocket and I bet she'll take every point we have gained in the last few weeks off of Gryffindor if we accuse the man. She doesn't trust me and while I don't know why, do I see no reason to trust her either. This stays between us all – between you, Ron, Dumbledore and me."
Hermione looked shocked at his words, but Harry was determined not to ever speak to McGonagall about anything dangerous and serious like this again.
Then Ron went on with whatever he wanted to say, "Listen, you've … night's sleep, that was for some reason not pestered or interrupted by nightmares, Harry felt … another visitor."

"Unbelievable." Dad groans and he goes on: "Allowing him a visitor once is still fair, but twice?" The woman shrugs and says: "If my patients seem well enough I let as many visitors in as I please, but I only started this after you and your friends graduated." Dad moans again and we all laugh before I continue the chapter.

"Oh, good," … his hands.

"I wish it was." Malfoy senior sneers, but then – as I look at him and see him getting silently scolded to be quiet by his wife – I remember something. I spare a quick glance at the second book, which makes me look over the top of our couch and then mutter: "That unbelievable bastard." Everyone looks at me and I say:
"We all know now that Hagrid was as much manipulated by Dumbledore as I was, right?" The students nod, Malfoy senior following my glance as he nods and I say: "Well, just wait for the next book and you will see that, in that respect, he is no better than Voldemort himself." Everyone looks shocked and I read on.

"I told … a Muggle!"

"Okay, even I think that going overboard." Malfoy senior comments and he looks at the Great Hall doors as he goes on: "Promising not to drink unless under supervision, I believe, will be a better punishment, seeing he didn't know until it was too late that what he did was wrong." Everyone nods and I read on.

"Hagrid!" said … yeh this..."

Now I choke up as this is about one of my most precious belongings – an item for which I studied the indestructible protection spell – and I take a deep breath, before gulping to get the lump out my throat. My friends smile at me, obviously realizing the same and with all of them sending me their silent support, do I read on.

It seemed … and father.

Now all of the female students, teachers and guests gasp, while all of the males get wide eyes and while some of them go over to offer some comfort to their female counterparts, do I mutter: "I learned the indestructible protection spell just to make sure they wouldn't destroy the pictures. They were the only ones I had of them."
To this some of the older years look shocked that I learned such magic as McGonagall says: "Mr. Potter, the Heads of Houses and I will go back to that room we talked about and make a copy of all the pictures there for in your book." I smile at the woman, the pain over what she did back then easing up and nod before reading on.

"Sent owls … at him.

Now everyone in Fourth year and higher look down ashamed and mum mutters: "Disgusting fair-weather fans. How the hell is he supposed to find out who is and deserves to be if you constantly criticize his actions and way of life one way or the other?" The bowed heads lower even further at the angry tone and I read on.

Fortunately, Dumbledore …sickening sight as for a simple First year, he looked as if he alone was the reason they won.

Draco looks down ashamed and muttered: "Kind of felt that way, seeing I believed I kept Gryffindor from winning with that stunt with the Dragon." His fellow Snakes shake their heads, while his mother sniffs disapprovingly and while I again try to repress the memories of how I felt when I made my second attempt at suicide do I read on.

"Yes, yes… into account."

"Wait, he isn't, is he?" Mum asks and Snape nods, now again looking furious, but then I say: "And totally unfair too." Everyone looks at me, most of the Slytherins looking shocked and I say: "He had known the full story since I woke up and still waited 3 days, until after the winners announcement to award those extra points.
He really showed Slytherin there and then he wasn't to be trusted. He proved all the rumors about him favoring the Lions over the Snakes true and didn't even care. No wonder all the Snakes were against him since. That was a true and clear sign of favoring the Lions and caring less than nothing for the Snakes. And it wasn't even the first sign that year."

Now everyone looks confused and while I hate how I didn't see any of this before due to my own anger at the House of the Snakes, do I say: "First we have the flying lesson. Malfoy made quite a few excellent moves before I followed him and yet Dumbledore only allowed me on the team? What the hell is that about?"
Now my cousin smiles and then I say: "And then we have Halloween. According to Quirrell there was a Troll in the Dungeons and where does Dumbledore send them? Their dormitories – in the Dungeons. He didn't even tell the prefect to take them somewhere safe, he just send them there and you can't tell me he forget about it, because of the troll."
Everyone looks shocked and then Daphne smiles and says: "Good thing our Prefect realized that. He escorted us through a secret passageway back to the Great Hall where Professor Snape came to pick us up later." I smile at the girl in relief, before I remember this being told during the Halloween chapter and continue the story.

The room … chess set!"

Now we all look at the man and Hermione asks: "I thought you didn't know." The man smiles a little guiltily and say: "I did, I just thought it was one of those rumors gone wild. Thought it could be used to give Ron some self-esteem." The two brothers smile at each other – Percy with love and Ron with happiness – and I read on.

At last … Gryffindor before; he was only awarded with praises and compliments by Professor Sprout during Herbology, but never a single point. Harry, still … its place.

"It really would have been fairer of him if he had started the feast with those colors and then explained to us why he picked that House instead of Slytherin. Then at least the Snakes would have been spared a little." I mutter angrily and before anyone can even nod in agreement or make a comment either good or bad, do I read on.

Snape was … forced smile.

"I was thinking about all of my Snakes that I would have surely needed to aid and comfort later that night. I just knew loads of them would feel this as a betrayal to them and their pride and belief in the Headmaster." Snape explains and the Snakes he must be talking about lower their heads in renewed hurt as I read on.

He caught … forget tonight.

"And I still don't." I happily mutter and Neville says: "Very true, I sometimes even use the happiness he felt that night to make sure he won't – well, you know." The students nod, their moods slightly lessened by the reminder of how I sometimes actually try to kill myself and I sigh before I continue the story.

Harry had … first years, but Harry's mark in Transfigurations, shockingly enough, almost beat hers as did his Charms score – he really had no idea how he had done that.
Even Neville … Potions one. Harry was now, after a year, absolutely sure that the boy would have done loads and loads better had Snape not spend half the exam time near or at Neville's cauldron as it was pretty clear to Harry that Neville feared his Potions teacher and he couldn't blame him with how Snape was becoming known for talking down on the poor boy and thus causing him to become more insecure and clumsy than the boy already was.
They had … were packed, Harry had learned and cast an indestructible protection charm on all his valuable possessions, Neville's toad … the platform, which kind of caused Harry's fear for how his Uncle would treat him over the summer grow. A wizened … forward to." And seeing the garden work, the Harry Hunting and the shouts and insults he would surely get to endure once he came back to Privet Drive, he knew he was understating how badly he was going to need his friends this summer.
People jostled … said Harry.
It was the last and only attempt he dared make to let his friends help him escape his uncle, but while he said it he was already trying to think of a sneaky way to avoid any kind of punishment that could – or mostly probably would – be awaiting him on the other side of the gateway.
He, Ron … are you?"
The voice alone almost made Harry flinch, but he pulled confidence out of the fact he had his friends on both his sides and turned to look. It was … of Harry. This gave Harry an idea – an idea he knew could save his health – maybe even his life.
"You must … Mrs. Weasley. Harry could barely believe the woman actually spoke to Uncle Vernon – as if she wasn't even seeing how he was glaring at them all with a glare close to one that could almost kill – if such a thing was even possible.
"In a manner of speaking," said Uncle Vernon, obviously feeling disgusted by just the words alone. "Hurry up … and Hermione, hoping with all he had that they realized this behavior was something he was used to and that he needed help to get away from it.
"See you over the summer, then." He used his casual tone, but lengthened the words a little as if to make it a plead.
"Hope you … so unpleasant. But Harry could tell that they were both leaving the whole thing to Mrs. Weasley, who was obviously not going to do anything, seeing how she was currently fussing over Percy and his Prefect Badge.
"Oh, I … his face. He was sure his plan would keep him safe, unless something unexpected would happen. "They don't … this summer..."

Now everyone smiles, the whole Great Hall wondering what my plan could be and all of them angered that I actually feared to go with my family and that I had actually plead with my friends to keep me from doing so, yet some of them seem to also be furious at Prewett for not noticing how a child in her presence needed her to protect them.
Then the twins seem to decide to cheer everyone up from how worried, fearful and later angry and hurt the chapter has probably made them feel and Fred says: "Harry, we insist you go pulling pranks with us." And George goes on: "Yeah, it's not fair that you only reserve your jokes to your rotten, imagination-hating family."
Now I smile at the two and say: "Sorry guys, but seeing what I have to do during summer and all the lessons I will surely get, not to mention my O.W.L.s next year, I don't think I'll have the time to go pulling pranks with you guys. Besides." I then look at my parents and say: "Me pulling pranks? It's already part of me. It runs in the family."