Chapter 2
The HP universe belongs to J.K. Rowling and I'm just publishing this for fun.
Harry kept holding Dumbledore's gaze, feeling a slight prickle in his eye sight, maybe some pressure right behind the eyes. He was wondering what he could know that Dumbledore didn't already knew. Making a mental check of the night before, remembering how they were just behind the culprit, but that wasn't what Dumbledore wanted. "Last night felt… I don't know, really significant, after we left the third floor it was palpable, like the school was aware of the danger" Hermione stated from her bed.
"Ah! So you were able to feel it?" Dumbledore asked as if knowing full well what Hermione was referring to "The ambiance magic reacted last night because of two related events, firstly you have the Philosopher's Stone changing owners. You see a powerful artefact such as the Stone has its own sentience and forms allegiances just like any wand would, meaning that when the thieve was successful last night, it created a shift in power, a shift that hasn't been felt in six hundred years, no one alive had ever felt it except for two people, that is to say my Teacher Nicholas and his wife Pernelle the previous owners of said artefact".
"The second is Hogwarts being robbed, that has happened exactly sixteen times in previous school history, I'm afraid that the school is not fond of being deprived of one of his ancient relics. Alas the 'magicks that be' were pretty agitated and saturated last night" They both felt and mentioned said feeling to each other last night. The 'magicks that be'? Harry realized in that instant just how his existence was but a snap of fingers in the bigger picture.
He was just a school boy with no real talent, so he was approaching the subject with determination, determination to not feel so small and insignificant, those were feelings that he had left behind when his letter of acceptance came, and those feelings belonged inside his cupboard.
"As interesting as this facts may be, I'm afraid that this information is not what I was looking for" He turned his stare towards the boy with green eyes on the bed in front of him. What did the Headmaster want? They had told him of everything yesterday even their trip to the infirmary, but the only weird thing that had happened during the journey had already been covered and explained by Albus Dumbledore himself. What was he looking for? Then a thought occurred to him, something that only he knew about, remembering the weird dream he spoke up and related it to the Headmaster.
The grey haired century old Headmaster's eyes lost their fabled twinkle and kept stroking his beard in thought, there it was, the truth so simple, hidden in a child's dream, but oh so dangerous, if Harry was recalling images this clear it meant that the Dark Lord was gaining strength.
"I' fear my boy that you just revealed the real culprit in these whole shenanigans, you see for you to have such a vivid dream, in which you can recall emotion and feeling you get from your senses is no normal dream" so he was watching the future somehow? "and no you don't have a gift as a seer, I think that your dream is directly connected to your scar, It is my belief that Lord Voldemort stole the Philosopher's Stone last night, right under my nose".
Harry started panicking, if the dark wizard was getting stronger it only meant one thing for him, and that was that play time was over, his first year discovering the wonders of the magical world, making new friends, enjoying for the first time just being himself without Dursley's around would be his last quiet year at least until someone stopped the maniac. If the Dark Lord came back he was going to be the first casualty he thought or at least the first target.
"That can't be true professor, he died right?" Harry asked him his face full of fear.
"I'm afraid my boy that Lord Voldemort previously known as Tom Marvolo Riddle delved deeper than anyone before in the ancient magic and the old texts, and instead of using it as a constructive way to make things better. It latched on his already darkened soul and disfiguring not only his body but also his primal being, and along the way he achieved a sort of immortality, tainted in all senses but still there, I'm afraid what will happen now that he has such a powerful relic at his disposal".
The Headmaster let the truth settle inside his student's minds, watching how they absorbed said information in their thought process. Hermione always the scholar was thinking about this ancient knowledge and how could she get to it. On the other hand Harry was mute and unresponsive. Rage was seething inside of him, so Voldemort was alive, the one that murdered his parents, the reason he was living with muggles. The bastard dared to delve and become immortal? There was an incentive if he ever saw one, he had to plot a way to get back at him for what he did, find a way where he could get rid of the monster for the betterment of his life and of society.
Dumbledore receiving Harry's thoughts like an open hose through deliberate use of legimency on his charge, cringed on the inside, feeling the loss of innocence that was going through Harry right now, he knew this was not something he should worry about, as he was aware that these feelings stemmed from strong roots in his primal love, already aware that he was going to have to be moulded to protect himself until Dumbledore himself could pinpoint the exact way to get rid of Tom for sure, he was aware that he needed to fuel powerful sentiments inside the boy, he needed drive he needed power and most of all determination to be able to step up in the world as it was about to become.
Knowing what he had to do he consciously intensified the twinkling in his eyes and gathered strength from his core and confronted the boy in front of him "Don't fret my boy I assure you that as long as you stay within your relatives house you'll be fine, also I must urge you to start to bump up on your reading and practicing, I'm sure that over the school year I will make myself available so maybe I can aid you with a tip or two for the betterment of your technique" Dumbledore watched as Harry's face light up at the offer of help from the veneered Headmaster to aid him further in his studies "Also I must impress on you the importance of exercising caution at all times and to always have your cloak with you"
"Now that things have cleared up around here I must depart, you see I still have to inform my teacher of my blunder, Although before I depart I must impress once again on you young Harry about the importance of going to your relatives this summer and staying inside at least until we figure out what Tom's next plan is" Harry didn't need to be told twice, With a sigh the Headmaster turned towards the exit of the infirmary and left with what appeared to be heavy steps for him.
The rest of the morning was only disturbed when Ron woke up stomach rumbling and everything, they filled him in about their talk with the Headmaster, when the news about Voldemort being the thieve and perhaps an incoming return of dark times in Magical England, Ron just stared at them blank faced and kept going, although both Harry and Hermione could tell that he was eating slowly and his skin kept getting paler, maybe thinking about those few horror stories that his mum used to share with her kids intending on teaching them valuable lessons in life, he was a pureblood and as such he was magically educated since birth, this was something that neither Harry nor Hermione could relate to.
They were able to leave the hospital wing by late afternoon, with just enough time to get to the end of term feast to celebrate.
Scene Break
Albus Wulfric Percival Brian Dumbledore apparated in a flash of phoenix fire unto a seemingly deserted island in the middle of nowhere, all around him nothing but deep blue sea and the land platform he was in. It was big enough to fit a small house and completely made of what appeared to be just normal grey stone, he extended his senses outwards and felt for the 'hunch' he knew it to be there, then all of a sudden he got a small smile on his face and suddenly turning a sharp right he went forward and straight on to the end of the platform. Just as the platform came to an end he took another step confident that he could keep going as if he was on firm ground, as if responding to his wishes the ground started to expand with each step he took, so making his way towards the now visible smaller platform a few meters ahead he came to an abrupt end right in front of it.
It had a huge monolith like stone crafted of some kind of white mineral it depicted as a cross with a snake draped about it, as well as detached wings and a crown above it, leaning closer to the stone he started murmuring some king of hummed song, making sure his voice was making the exact same vibrations that Pernelle had taught him all those years ago. The stone suddenly glowed a deep blue light making the chiming sound of a doorbell. As the sound was made a door appeared from behind the monolith, it was about 5 meters tall with a dais made of the same white stone as the doorbell apparently, the wood was deep dark walnut deeply engraved with images that seemed to be telling a story, if you were a history fan you would be able to spot the story of Edward the third laying claim to the French Throne.
Immediately the doors opened to an equally white hallway with the same dimensions as the door, five meters tall and three meters wide. He kept going knowing that he was not trespassing and the appearance of the door was meant as a welcome in, make yourself at home we'll be right with you. He arrived to a parlour decorated in warmth earthly colour schemes brown, beige, deep red, there was a living room in the centre with all of the seats being individual except for a two piece sofa facing away from the only other door in the room. He came to a halt in the middle of said living room and conjured a really plush and comfortable looking chair for himself and sat down, if he was going to be scolded like a child he might as well do it in a comfortable seat.
After waiting for about ten minutes the doors opposite to the one he came in from opened, revealing an apparently middle aged couple, the man had deep sleek black hair with greying on the temples, his dark eyes seemed deep, like a moonless night when your eyes wont adjust to the darkness, he was dressed in smart black and red robes made of quality materials, nothing too expensive but a good choice never the less. The woman had honey blonde coloured hair with deep brown colored eyes, she was a beauty with soft delicate features and a motherly smile on her face, she was dressed in purple witches robes and a black and purple stylish hat "Brian it's always good to see you" she said. Both of them couldn't have been older that fifty years of age however their actions and movements spoke of the experience they had, the deep rich history they had lived.
"Pernelle, Nicholas it's always a pleasure" He stood up from the chair he had conjured, took the remaining steps and stood in front of them, it was almost imperceptible but he looked like a child in front of his parents, a surreal look for one Albus Dumbledore, Supreme Mugwump and all of that, He kept glancing to the floor not quite meeting his hosts eyes. "I come bearing grave news" He moved his eyes towards the ones from his master and found deep concern in them, his master was already aware.
"I know Brian I felt it last night quite clear, It seems that our time in this adventure has been cut short" He sighed "Let us take a seat and get comfortable there is much we must discuss this evening" Albus went back to his conjured chair in front of the only two piece seat in the living room as the masters of the house took their appointed seats.
"We have come to the understanding that with the alliance of the stone shifting to a more darker nature we must take responsibility for the power and knowledge we intend on leaving behind and fixing this problem before we leave" Pernelle started the conversation with the principal premise of their chat.
"I understand your concerns about what might befallen our society if we keep this setback unchecked" Dumbledore complimented the argument, shifting his gaze upon Nicolas he waited for his master to expand on his wife's premise.
"I must say Brian we find ourselves in quite the pickle, as the stone has been under our care for so many years… if we were to touch it again it would have pretty dire consequences, I believe that the contrary direct magnitude in power surging on it's already changing molecular structure would procure not only an adverse reaction toward me but also it would give all of my experience and knowledge to the new owner, just as if I was giving it to my chosen successor" The dark haired wizard was dead serious while explaining the situation to the Headmaster.
"I think I'm starting to comprehend the magnitude of the situation, and its way worse than I had calculated it would be" The grey haired wizard fell back on his seat sighing.
"The thing is, it already has all of the knowledge stored there by its previous masters along with my own, so he must be already using it to gain power and obtain power through the elixir" The Lord Flamel added then.
"I believe I can shed some insight as to the plans of the new owner" Albus began the tale of the robbery including Harrys dream and explaining to the his understanding on the mater "So you see as a wraith Lord Voldemort is going to have to create a strong body, one that can harbour his soul and power"
"Ah this does help a lot, so he will need some time, perhaps three or four days, he will need enough elixir to create a homunculus with a powerful enough structure and core to support his power" Pernelle added her two cents on the situation "We need to figure out what his first move is going to be, we must separate him from the stone, right now he is weak he will need to be in close proximity to the stone for a while and I'm sure he has just graced the knowledge contained within the complex passageways of the stone" Immediately Albus started running scenarios of what would Tom Riddle would do after obtaining his greatest desire, a new body.
Scene Break
The last day at Hogwarts came and as students left the school the various rituals began, for some of them like Hermione, this was an easy, nostalgic and most memorable moment, the end of her first year, the year in which she made her first friends, where she learned new and interesting stuff even when its acceptable to bend the rules. For some others like Ron this day was pure mayhem, he kept running across the Gryffindor common room and the boy's dormitories searching for his belongings and making sure he didn't leave anything behind. Harry being in a grey area but leaning slightly towards the Hermione spectrum, was making sure his most treasured things were neatly packed and hidden perfectly in his trunk, just as he was done he took the cloak and stuffed it in to the front pocket of the oversized hand me down hoodie he was wearing, he took one last look around his first room in his first home, at least the place he felt at home.
He made his way to the great hall intending on having a last meal at Hogwarts before departing, the end of term feast was the night before, Gryffindor had lost the house cup, coming in second place just behind Slytherin, thanks to some last minute points awarded to them, thankfully they didn't end up in last place still it was not enough, however Harry was content that they didn't end up in last place because his friends and his escapades.
As he got to the great hall he made his way to the Gryffindor table and sat just in front of his bushy haired friend, facing all of the other tables, "Good morning Harry" Hermione greeted him with a smile, so returning the smile to his trusted friend he greeted back.
Hermione was taken aback by the smile Harry had just offered her, it was warm and really nice, and although it was rare she took notice of how few of these real smiles adorned his face. Meanwhile Harry loaded his plate with his favourites and began enjoying his last proper meal in who knows how long, Hermione kept him company while finishing her small breakfast.
As he was eating he glanced at the rest of the tables noticing the different reactions the students had about going home, curiously he glanced at the Slytherin table looking for the Head Ache girl as he started calling her, finally noticing her down the middle of the table sitting with her brown haired friend sandwiched in between two large and pretty loud groups, pretty clever hidden in plain sight, he remembered a bit more of her like seeing her in class but nothing outstanding she always seemed to always fly under the radar preferring a more quite time. Out of his growing curiosity he braved to ask his best female friend.
"Hey Mione, do you happen to know this girl in our year from Slytherin with black hair and blue eyes" Hermione smirked in an instant.
"I happen to know who you are referring to Harry" her smiled broadened further "Why do you want to know?" she enunciating more strongly in the "you" part.
"Come on Hermione it's just an innocent question" He pleaded with her "Please don't make a fuss about it, I just happened to notice her the other day" He spoke really quickly making Hermione smirk.
"Her name is Daphne Greengrass, she is tied with me for first place" Hermione related "I think she has higher grades than me in Potions, Defence Against the Dark Arts, and I won over in Transfiguration and Charms, we are tied in Herbology and History of magic" She kept going with these interesting facts about the now named Headache Girl.
"So she is a nerd?" Harry asked making Hermione huff in annoyance
"I have to tell you that we goal oriented people are not nerds, we just happen to like the feeling of accomplishment that comes by being ahead of our work" She stated as a matter of fact, then she added "She's never been mean to me even in the few interactions we have had over the year"
So he was right she wasn't part of the Malfoy clique, she stayed in the background and was pleased to not be noticed, Harry found himself wishing he had that kind of anonymity so he could just blend in, not having people around him judging and watching his every move.
Just then Ron plopped on the seat in front of them pilling food on his plate "Oh man I'm going to miss Hogwarts meals, I mean Mom's cooking is superb but here there is all kinds of variety on food and no one messing with how much you eat" He started digging in his food with vengeance, this was his way of enjoying the last day of term.
After breakfast all students made their way to the carriages for their last trip for some and the first one for the golden trio and year mates, making their way to the Hogwarts Express that was already situated on Hogsmade Train Station, there Harry and friends met Hagrid which exchanged his goodbyes with the trio and gifting Harry with a photo album that would become one of his most treasured possessions.
The train ride was as normal as one can hope, Malfoy came by and tried to act all superior to them, Hermione read, Ron snored and Harry kept on looking through the window, Neville came by for a while to give them all his address just in case they wished to exchange letters with him. Harry thought about Neville and the fact that he was a pretty decent bloke he just couldn't understand why he never came along, it's not like he liked to hang around other people, he mostly spent his afternoons in the greenhouses with professor Sprout helping around.
As said boy was about to leave Harry called out to him "Hey Nev where are you going?" Neville looked completely confused at Harry's statement.
"Yeah Neville you are welcome to stay with us" Hermione continued with his unsaid offer "You could tell us more about your home and family"
Neville flushed at suddenly being the centre of attention "I don't know guys, everyone is aware of how tight and private you three are"
"Nonsense mate, the more the merrier, I mean you are our year mate and our friend, you should stay with us" Ron jumped in and then having an idea he got out his chess set "Maybe you are better than these guys, I could use a challenge" With that both friends started a series of games in which Ron took the victory every time however was feeling a challenge.
Eventually the train started to slow down signalling the arrival at King's Cross station in London, they took their things from above the rack and made their way out of the train. Amongst the multitude of parents welcoming their children for the summer vacation they spotted a contingency of people that was composed of mostly read heads, "Come on mate mum's dying to meet you and so are mum and Ginny" They made their way to Ron's parents who apparently were talking to a grizzeled haired man next to them, he had a peg leg, but what took the most weird title was his face filled with scars so much that had a look as if being carved from wood, then there was his eyes as one seemed normal dark colour the other one was electric blue and bigger and most shockingly it kept spinning around as if it was a googly eyed mean Ent.
Ron made his way towards his family greeting them after a long year away from home Hermione and Harry were properly introduced to Ron's parents as he already knew the ones at school and Ron's little sister. She seemed to not be able to form a complete sentence but she was nice as fast as he could notice. Then the grey haired weird man made himself known to them "Hello there lad the name is Alastor Moody" he said while his eye kept going and going. He explained to him that he was to accompany him to his house just in case something happened.
Thanks to Dumbledore's foresight the Dursley's had a pretty unpleasant surprise and an equally unpleasant ride home. Uncle Vernon seemed on the verge of a stroke and aunt Petunia kept glancing to the passers-by as if somehow everyone was aware of the wizard in their car. As they made their entrance to number four privet drive Alastor took out his wand and began examining the house. Harry's uncle was furious but he knew better than to try and attack one of those freaks, with what they had done to his Dudders last summer he didn't want to risk the integrity and normalcy of his family.
In the end Mr Moody found nothing out of the usual and with a quick goodbye he left the house through the back door throwing an invisibility cloak around him. Unknown to Harry he was not leaving any time he would just be hidden nearby as a guard to the boy at least until someone took over his shift which he wasn't aware when it would be. Dumbledore had only asked this of him as he left quite early again to plan for his next move.
Scene Break
As the night fell for the second time since he stole the stone Quirrell lay asleep in his makeshift bed inside the cave, he had come here straight here after losing the old fool, no one was aware of the existence of this cave, he had concealed it since first claiming it as his many years ago, even before he started his push for power. He was the only one aware of its existence, well him and now the fool that was harbouring his essence, he wouldn't have done it unless he had another choice, and there was no other option the stone had to be removed from the mirror.
The chamber was huge as if the interior of a whole cliff had been hallowed leaving it with thick resistant walls and an enormous chamber which contained a lake, said lake was about half size of the chamber and it had a small island in the middle. Over in the land part it held an aforementioned bed in a corner, close by you could see the remains of the ancient mirror of Erised and the corpse of a little boy, a boy that under the influence of mental magical manipulation had met the requirements to take the stone from the mirror.
The Dark Lord had been pleased, of course Dumbledore would play against his weaknesses, but you don't get to be a the leader of a revolution without getting to know intimately your strengths and weaknesses, so he made a bet by making his host kidnap a child and using said child to get the results he wanted. The happiness that he felt as he held the stone above the body of a mundane child whose body wasn't able to resist the exposure to such powerful energies and died the instant the stone appeared in his pocket. As soon as he touched the stone he felt the energies cursing through his host's body, the energy so condensate that it started to take form around him, his aura became more visible and from the back of the head darkness enveloped everything making a cocoon around Quirrell and Vodemort's wraith.
As soon as his eyes adjusted to the dark Lord Voldemort found himself in his astral projection body, he knew how it looked by now because of his foray in to the mind arts, he was in a vast black nothingness, all that he could see around him was shades of dark and grey, as he was floating in the middle of nothing he felt another presence within this realm, willing his body to turn and face this new presence he came across an ethereal being, it was like purple ether.
"So this is the new master of the stone, I must say I'm not impressed" The voice was coming from the presence, the Dark Lord was not amused at the remark.