FINAL SHOWDOWN
As expected the person on the other side was you. "What are you doing here Professor Quirrel.",Natasha asked trying to sound cool. Quirrell smiled. His face wasn't twitching at all. "You does not sound surprised at all, Ms Potter. I thought you will be surprised to see me here instead of Snape.",Quirrel said. "W-well I knew it w-was y-you. I k-knew from the day y-you tried to kidnap me.",Natasha said, but was unable to hold off her fear. "Well, I hoped you will be busy suspecting him. No matter, I have you here now. I tried to kill 2 times this year, and both the times that Snape saved you. I would have killed you during the Quidditch match, if not for your friend knocking me off when put Snape's robes on fire. Snape was already muttering a counter curse. Granger broke my eye contact with you. Another few seconds and I'd have got you off that broom.",Quirrel said. Natasha had already thought that, this was the thing that happened, so this was nothing new for her. Then came the Christmas day. Imagine my joy when I found you wandering in the corridors, alone. I wanted to kill you right away,and had many ideas to make it look like an accidental one. But once again, i was thwarted in my attempts by that Snape. Why do you think he wanted to referee your next match? He was trying to make sure I didn't do it again. Funny, really . . . he needn't have bothered. I couldn't do anything with Dumbledore watching. All the other teachers thought Snape was trying to stop Gryffindor from winning, he did make himself unpopular.", Quirrel said.
"He is a very good man!",Natasha shouted. "He is worth ten of you.". "I don't care what you tell about him, when after all that, I'm going to kill you tonight.", Quirrel said. Quirrell snapped his fingers. Ropes sprang out of thin air and wrapped themselves tightly around Natasha. Natasha struggled to get out, but was to no avail."You're too nosy to live, Potter. Scurrying around the school on Halloween like that, for all I knew you'd seen me coming to look at what was guarding the Stone.",Quirrel said. That was not any surprise for Natasha, as she had already had guessed that. "Unfortunately, while everyone else was running around looking for it, Snape, who already suspected me, went straight to the third floor to head me off — and not only did my troll fail to beat you to death, that three-headed dog didn't even manage to bite Snape's leg off properly. Now, wait quietly, Potter. I need to examine this interesting mirror.", Quirrel said. It was only then that Natasha realized what was standing behind Quirrell. It was the Mirror of Erised. "This mirror is the key to finding the Stone," Quirrell murmured, tapping his way around the frame. "Trust Dumbledore to come up with something like this . . . but he's in London . . . I'll be far away by the time he gets back. . . .". Natasha was puzzled about the fact that, the mirror was present there. All Natasha could think of doing was to keep Quirrell talking and stop him from concentrating on the mirror.
Quirrell came back out from behind the mirror and stared hungrily into it. "I see the Stone . . . I'm presenting it to my master . . . but where is it?", Quirrel asked puzzled. "Who was the one who was threatening you, I heard someone doing that.",Natasha said. For the first time, a spasm of fear flitted across Quirrell's face. "Sometimes," he said, "I find it hard to follow my master's instructions — he is a great wizard and I am weak —". "You mean he was there in the classroom with you?" Natasha gasped. "I met him when I traveled around the world. A foolish young man I was then, full of ridiculous ideas about good and evil. Lord Voldemort showed me how wrong I was. There is no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it. Since then, I have served him faithfully, although I have let him down many times. He has had to be very hard on me. "Quirrell shivered suddenly. "He does not forgive mistakes easily. When I failed to steal the Stone from Gringotts, he was most displeased. He punished me…decided he would have to keep a closer watch on me…",Quirrell's voice trailed away. Natasha was thinking about what Quirrel had said. "What does he mean by, his master is always with him. Someone surely would have noticed him.", Natasha thought.
Quirrell cursed under his breath. "I don't understand . . . is the Stone inside the mirror? Should I break it?". Natasha was confused as to why Quirrel wanted to break the mirror. Then suddenly a thought hit her," What I want more than anything else in the world at the moment, he thought, is to find the Stone before Quirrell does. So if I look in the mirror, I should see myself finding it — which means I'll see where it's hidden!". She knew it was a brilliant idea. "But how can I look without Quirrell realizing what I'm up to?",she thought. Quirrel was still talking to himself. "What does this mirror do? How does it work? Help me, Master!". And to Natasha's horror, a voice answered, and the voice seemed to come from Quirrell himself. "Use the girl!". Natasha was terrified, and was searching for the source of the voice. Quirrell rounded on Natasha."Yes — Potter — come here.". Quirrel released Natasha from the ropes immediately. "Come here," Quirrell repeated. "Look in the mirror and tell me what you see.". Natasha walked toward him. I must lie, she thought desperately. I must look and lie about what I see, that's all. She went next to Quirrel, she could feel the funny smell coming from his turban. She went in front of the mirror and looked.
She saw her reflection in the mirror, which looked scared like her. But immediately the reflection smiled at her. The reflection put its hand in the pockets, and pulled a red stone. It showed the stone to Natasha, and put it back into the pocket. Natasha felt something in her pocket. She was surprised, as she had somehow got the stone. "What do you see?",Quirrel asked impatiently. Natasha mustered up all the courage she could. "Gryffindor has won the House cup, I am shaking hands with Dumbledore.",Natasha lied. Quirrel looked really angry. "Go away, useless child!", he said to Natasha. Natasha could feel the heavy stone, in her pockets. She thought of running for it, suddenly there was that same disembodied voice again. "She is lying!",it said. Natasha's heart had fallen, and was clueless as to how her lie was found out. "Come back here, Potter.",Quirrel said angrily. "Tell me what exactly do you see.". "Let me speak to her.",the voice spoke again. "But my lord, you are not strong enough.",Quirrel said. "How dare you question my strength? I have enough strength.", the voice said. Natasha was petrified by the voice, and watched in horror was Quirrel unwrapped his turban. Natasha saw Quirrel's head becoming small, as he finally removed his turban. When Natasha saw what was on back off Quirrel's head, she nearly screamed. There was a terrible face which was chalk white, and had red eyes and nose like a snake. "We meet again, Natasha Potter.", the face whispered. Natasha tried to move, but she could not.
"See what I have become?", the face said. "Mere shadow and vapor…I have form only when I can share another's body…but there have always been those willing to let me into their hearts and minds… Unicorn blood has strengthened me, these past weeks…you saw faithful Quirrell drinking it for me in the forest…and once I have the Elixir of Life, I will be able to create a body of my own…Now…why don't you give me that Stone in your pocket?". Natasha was horrified, she was now face to face Lord Voldemort, and now he somehow knew her secret. "Come and join me,girl. Else you will face the same fate ,as your parents. They died begging me to spare them.", Voldemort said. Natasha was very angry at this, and shouted, "You are lying!". Quirrel was walking backward towards her, so that she will not be out of Voldemort's view. "How touching…" it hissed. "I always value bravery… Yes, girl, your parents were brave. I killed your father first, and he put up a courageous fight, but your mother needn't have died…she was trying to protect you. Now give me the Stone, unless you want her to have died in vain.". "I will never give this to you!",Natasha shouted. Natasha turned towards the flame door, but Voldemort screamed,"Get her!". Quirrel came and grabbed her hand. A very bad pain shot through her scar, and felt as though her head will split in two. Surprisingly, Quirrel let go off her hand. The pain in her head lessened — she looked around wildly to see where Quirrell had gone, and saw him hunched in pain, looking at his fingers — they were blistering before his eyes. "Seize her!", Voldemort was still shouting. Quirrell lunged, knocking Natasha clean off her feet, landing on top of her, both hands around Natasha's neck, her scar was almost blinding him with pain, yet she could see Quirrell howling in agony. Natasha was really confused as to what was happening. "I cannot hold her, master. Look at my hands!",Quirrel shouted. Natasha let out a small laugh, as she knew Voldemort cannot see it. And Quirrel, though pinning Natasha to the ground with his knees, let go of her neck and stared, bewildered, at his own palms — Natasha could see they looked burned, raw, red, and shiny.
"Kill her then, you fool!",Voldemort shouted. Before Quirrel could raise his wand, Natasha grabbed his head by instinct. "AAAARGH!",Quirrell rolled off her, his face blistering, too, and then Natasha knew: Quirrell couldn't touch her bare skin, not without suffering terrible pain her only chance was to keep hold of Quirrell, keep him in enough pain to stop him from doing a curse. Natasha jumped to his feet, caught Quirrell by the arm, and hung on as tight as he could. Quirrell screamed and tried to throw her off — the pain in Natasha's head was building — she couldn't see —she could only hear Quirrell's terrible shrieks and Voldemort's yells of, "KILL HER!". There were other voices which were mixed up with that,"Natasha,Natasha, wake up.". She could see something which was flying over her, it felt like it was a snitch. But she soon realized that it was a pair of glasses. Then she saw Albus Dumbledore smiling and standing near her. "Good afternoon, Natasha.",Dumbledore said. Natasha then remembered everything that happened, "Sir! The Stone! It was Quirrell! He's got the Stone! Sir, quick —". "Calm yourself Natasha, Quirrel does not have the stone.", Natasha was relieved first but then asked,"Then who does? Sir, I-". "Please calm yourself, Natasha, else you will be thrown out.",Dumbledore said. Natasha swallowed and looked around her.
She realized he must be in the hospital wing. She was lying in a bed with white linen sheets, and next to her was a table piled high with what looked like half the candy shop. "Your friends and admirers send these, and I like the one Mr Malfoy send you. It is one of my favorites.",Dumbledore said smiling. Natasha made a mental note to thank Draco for that. "I believe the Weasley twins tried to send you a toilet seat,No doubt they thought it would amuse you. Madam Pomfrey, however, felt it might not be very hygienic, and confiscated it.". "How long have I been here, Sir?",Natasha asked. "Three days, Natasha. Mr. Ronald Weasley and Miss Granger will be most relieved you have come round, they have been extremely worried.". "So they both made it safely here.",Natasha thought happily. "What about the stone, sir?",Natasha asked. "I see you are not to be distracted. Very well, the Stone. Professor Quirrell did not manage to take it from you. I arrived in time to prevent that, although you were doing very well on your own, I must say.",Dumbledore said. "So I take it that you received Hermione's letter,Sir.",Natasha said. "We must have crossed in midair. No sooner had I reached London than it became clear to me that the place I should be was the one I had just left. I arrived just in time to pull Quirrell off you —",Dumbledore said.
"Where is the stone now, Professor?",Natasha asked. "As for the Stone, it has been destroyed.",Dumbledore said. "Destroyed?" said Harry blankly. "But your friend — Nicolas Flamel , what will become of him?",Natasha asked worried. "Oh, you know about Nicolas?" said Dumbledore, sounding quite delighted. "You did do the thing properly, didn't you? Well, Nicolas and I have had a little chat, and agreed it's all for the best.". "Does that mean he is going to die?",Natasha asked. "They have enough Elixir stored to set their affairs in order and then, yes, they will die.", Dumbledore said. Natasha felt really sad. "To one as young as you, I'm sure it seems incredible , but to Nicolas and Perenelle, it really is like going to bed after a very, very long day. After all,to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.",Dumbledore said. Natasha was a bit confused at it, and decided to leave that point. "Sir?" said Harry. "I've been thinking . . . Sir — even if the Stone's gone, Vol-, I mean, You-Know-Who —". "Call him by his name, Natasha. Always use the proper name for things. Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself.",Dumbledore said. "Is he really gone. Voldemort will find new ways to come back, won't he?",Natasha asked. "No, Natasha, he has not. He is still out there somewhere, perhaps looking for another body to share . . . not being truly alive, he cannot be killed. He left Quirrell to die; he shows just as little mercy to his followers as his enemies. Nevertheless, Natasha, while you may only have delayed his return to power, it will merely take someone else who is prepared to fight what seems a losing battle next time — and if he is delayed again, and again, why, he may never return to power."
Natasha nodded and swallowed all the information Dumbledore gave. "Sir, can you ask you something?",Natasha asked. "You can ask me, Natasha However, I shall answer your questions unless I have a very good reason not to, in which case I beg you'll forgive me. I shall not, of course, lie.". "Well . . . Voldemort said that he only killed my mother because she tried to stop him from killing me. But why would he want to kill me in the first place?",Natasha asked. Dumbledore sighed very deeply this time."Alas, the first thing you ,you ask me I cannot tell you. Not today. Not now. You will know, one day . . . put it,from your mind for now, Natasha. When you are older . . . I know you hate to hear this . . . when you are ready, you will know.". Natasha decided not to argue. "Why could not Quirrel touch me.",Natasha asked. "Your mother died to save you. If there is one thing Voldemort cannot understand, it is love. He didn't realize that love as powerful as your mother's for you leaves its own mark. Not a scar, no visible sign . . . to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever. It is in your very skin. Quirrell, full of hatred, greed, and ambition, sharing his soul with Voldemort, could not touch you for this reason. It was agony to touch a person marked by something so good.". Natasha was very much close to crying. Her mother had protected her, even after many years of her death. She was really thankful to her mother, and also Professor Snape, who protected her this year. She knew, she had to go to him personally and thank him. She also wanted to ask him something, which she knew she had to ask.
When she had found her voice again, Natasha said, "And the Invisibility Cloak — do you know who sent it to me?". "Ah — your father happened to leave it in my possession, and I thought you might like it." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled."Useful things . . . your father used it mainly for sneaking off to the kitchens to steal food when he was here.". Natasha had one final question,"How did I get the Stone out of the mirror?". Dumbledore smiled and answered,"Ah, now, I'm glad you asked me that. It was one of my more brilliant ideas, and between you and me, that's saying something. You see, only one who wanted to find the Stone — find it, but not use it — would be able to get it, otherwise they'd just see themselves making gold or drinking Elixir of brain surprises even me sometimes. Now, enough questions. I suggest you make a start on these sweets. Ah! Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans! I was unfortunate enough in my youth to come across a vomit-flavored one,and since then I'm afraid I've rather lost my liking for them — but I think I'll be safe with a nice toffee, don't you?". He smiled and popped the golden-brown bean into his mouth. Then he choked and said, "Alas! Ear wax!".Madam Pomfrey let Ron and Hermione in after, Natasha pleaded with her. "Natasha!"Hermione looked ready to fling her arms around her again, but Natasha was glad she held herself in as her head was still very sore.
"Oh Natasha, we were so worried, Dumbledore scared us a bit, at the beginning.",Hermione said. "The whole school's talking about it," said Ron. "What really happened?". It was one of those rare occasions when the true story is even more strange and exciting than the wild rumors. Natasha told them everything: Quirrell; the mirror; the Stone; and Voldemort. Ron and Hermione were a very good audience; they gasped in all the right places, and when she told them what was under Quirrell's turban, Hermione screamed out loud. "So, Flamel is going to die, isn't it?",Ron asked. "Dumbledore says yes, but also states that he has enough left to at least make a will.",Natasha said."So what happened to you two?". "Well, I got back all right," said Hermione. "I brought Ron round — that took a while — and we were dashing up to the Owlery to contact Dumbledore when we met him in the entrance hall — he already knew — he just said, 'Natasha's gone after him, hasn't she?' and hurtled off to the third floor. "D'you think he meant you to do it?" said Ron. "Sending you your fathers cloak and everything?". "Well," Hermione exploded, "if he did — I mean to say — that's terrible — you could have been killed.". "I really don't think he meant for me to go, he is just a funny man.",Natasha said. "Yeah, Dumbledore's off his rocker, all right," said Ron proudly. "Listen, you've got to be up for the end-of-year feast tomorrow. The points are all in and Slytherin won, of course — you missed the last Quidditch match, we were steamrollered by Ravenclaw without you.". Natasha felt really bad for this, and she wanted to attend the feast. At that moment, Madam Pomfrey bustled over. "You've had nearly fifteen minutes, now OUT," she said firmly.
Natasha got the permission to go from the hospital, the next day morning. Natasha was really happy. The next day morning, after she was released, Natasha was greeted by a cheering Gryffindor house. "Is it really true, Natasha? Did you wrestle a troll and save Hogwarts?",one of the second years asked. Natasha struggled not to laugh. The rumors about her was really stupid. "I certainly did not wrestle a troll.",Natasha said laughing. "Then what really happened.",the second year asked. "Well, I just gave our DADA professor a nice little goodbye.",Natasha said and climbed to her dorm, not waiting for any more questions. She immediately took a quick shower, and changed into fresh clothes. Then she went down to the common room. She ignored all their questions. "I have to go somewhere.",Natasha said to Ron and Hermione. "Where are you going?",Ron asked. " I will tell you, after coming back.",Natasha said. Natasha opened the portrait hole, and went outside. She was going to the dungeons to meet Professor Snape,and talk to him. She went to the dungeons and knocked on the door. She heard a voice telling,"Come in." . Professor Snape was sitting on his dusk, writing something. "Well, for what i owe you for this visit, Ms Potter?", the Professor asked. "I wanted to thank you for saving me, Professor. You really are nice.",Natasha smiled and said. "Congratulations on saving the stone, Ms Potter. You were really brave. You really should have come to me, when you came to know someone was going after it,or were you under the impression that i was the one after the stone?",Professor asked. "Oh no,sir. I always knew you were not the one. You are too nice person,Professor.",Natasha said. Severus Snape had a mixture of emotions in him,"She is just like her Lily. Always seeing the good in others.".
"You really have a brilliant mind, Ms Potter.",Professor said. "Thank you, Professor. I want to ask you a question.",Natasha said. "Shoot it, Ms Potter.",Severus said. "Well, during the Christmas break, after you rescued me from Quirrel, you almost called me by my mother's name. Did you know, my mother, Sir?",Natasha asked. Severus was shocked by the question. "So, the girl did get the word.",he thought. He did not how to give an answer, without telling the truth. Natasha looked at him, with eyes full of hope. "Me and your mother were in the same year, she was a potions genius like you.". Severus did not tell her anything else, but Natasha knew there was something more to the story. People never called others by their first name here, unless they were close. But Natasha thought it was enough for now, and promised herself that she will pursue this matter further. Natasha was also very happy that she came to know about her mother more. "Thank you, Professor. Thank you for everything.",Natasha said and left the room. She was nearly dancing, when she was walking back to common room.
At the feast the Great Hall was already full. It was decked out in the Slytherin colors of green and silver to celebrate Slytherin's winning the House Cup for the seventh year in a row. A huge banner showing the Slytherin serpent covered the wall behind the High Table. Natasha slipped into a seat between Ron and Hermione at the Gryffindor table. Dumbledore arrived moments later. "Another year gone!" Dumbledore said cheerfully. "And I must trouble you with an old man's wheezing waffle before we sink our teeth into our delicious feast. What a year it has been! Hopefully your heads are all a little fuller than they were…you have the whole summer ahead to get them nice and empty before next year starts… Now, as I understand it, the House Cup here needs awarding, and the points stand thus: In fourth place, Gryffindor, with three hundred and twelve points; in third, Hufflepuff, with three hundred and fifty-two; Ravenclaw has four hundred and twenty-six and Slytherin, four hundred and seventy-two.". The Slytherins cheered at the top of their voice. "Yes, yes, well done, Slytherin," said Dumbledore. "However, recent events must be taken into account.".The room went very still. The Slytherins' smiles faded a little. "Ahem," said Dumbledore. "I have a few last-minute points to dish out. Let me see. Yes . . . First — to Mr. Ronald Weasley.". Ron had gone totally purple in his at this. ". . . for the best-played game of chess Hogwarts has seen in many years, I award Gryffindor House fifty points.", Dumbledore continued.
Gryffindor cheers nearly raised the bewitched ceiling; the stars overhead seemed to quiver. Percy could be heard telling the other prefects, "My brother, you know! My youngest brother! Got past McGonagall's giant chess set!". At last there was silence again. "Second — to Miss Hermione Granger or the use of cool logic in the face of fire, I award Gryffindor House fifty points.". Natasha smiled at Hermione who had buried her face in her arms; Natasha strongly suspected she had burst into tears. Gryffindors up and down the table were beside themselves — they were a hundred points up. "Third — to Ms. Natasha Potter…" said Dumbledore. The room went deadly quiet. "…for pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor House sixty points.",Dumbledore said. The din was deafening. Those who could add up while yelling themselves hoarse knew that Gryffindor now had four hundred and seventy-two points — exactly the same as Slytherin. They had tied for the House Cup — if only Dumbledore had given Natasha just one more point. Dumbledore raised his hand. The room gradually fell silent. "There are all kinds of courage," said Dumbledore, smiling. "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends. I therefore award ten points to Mr. Neville Longbottom.". Someone standing outside the Great Hall might well have thought some sort of explosion had taken place, so loud was the noise that erupted from the Gryffindor table. Natasha, Ron, and Hermione stood up to yell and cheer as Neville, white with shock, disappeared under a pile of people hugging him. He had never won so much as a point for Gryffindor before. "Which means," Dumbledore called over the storm of applause, for even Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff were celebrating the downfall of Slytherin, "we need a little change of decoration.".
He clapped his hands. In an instant, the green hangings became scarlet and the silver became gold; the huge Slytherin serpent vanished and a towering Gryffindor lion took its place. Professor Snape shook hands with Professor McGonagall. He looked at Natasha and gave a nod after that. Harry had almost forgotten that the exam results were still to come, but come they did. Natasha and Hermione had tied at the top of the class, and Ron also passed with good marks. Natasha was happy when she found that, Draco was the third in her year. Even Neville scraped through, his good Herbology mark making up for his abysmal Potions one. Ron had hoped that Goyle, who was almost as stupid as he was mean, might be thrown out, but he had passed, too. Suddenly, their wardrobes were empty, their trunks were packed, Neville's toad was found lurking in a corner of the toilets;notes were handed out to all students, warning them not to use magic over the holidays. Hagrid was there to take them down to the fleet of boats that sailed across the lake "Hey, Natasha!",Hagrid called before Natasha boarded the train. Natasha went to Hagrid and asked,"What is it, Hagrid?". "I've got yeh a present. Dumbledore gave me the day off yesterday ter fix it. 'Course, he shoulda sacked me instead — anyway, got yeh this . . .". It seemed to be a handsome, leather-covered book. Natasha opened it curiously. It was full of wizard photographs. Smiling and waving at her from every page were his mother and father. Natasha's eyes were full of tears and hugged Hagrid and said thank you. Then she ran and boarded the spent the journey talking and laughing as the countryside became greener and tidier; eating Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans as they sped past Muggle towns; pulling off their wizard robes and putting on jackets and coats; pulling into platform nine and three-quarters at King's Cross station.
It took quite a while for them all to get off the platform in London. A wizened old guard was up by the ticket barrier, letting them go through the gate in twos and threes so they didn't attract attention by all bursting out of a solid wall at once and alarming the Muggles. People jostled them as they moved forward toward the gateway back to the Muggle world. Mrs. Weasley smiled down at them at the other side. "Busy year?" she asked Natasha. "Very," said Natasha. "Thanks for the fudge and the sweater, Mrs. Weasley.". "Are you ready, Girl.",said a really serious voice. It was Uncle Vernon, still purple-faced, still mustached, still looking furious at the nerve of Natasha, carrying an owl in a cage in a station full of ordinary people. Aunt Petunia and Dudley were with him, who were looking at her with an expression, she could not make out. "You must be Natasha's family!" said Mrs. Weasley. "In a manner of speaking," said Uncle Vernon. "Hurry up, girl, we haven't got all day." He walked away. "See you over the summer, then.",Natasha said smiling to Ron and Hermione. "Hope you have — er — a good holiday," said Hermione, looking uncertainly after Uncle Vernon, shocked that anyone could be so unpleasant. But Natasha knew this was going to be a ,better summer as the family was already showing some signs of acceptance.