Control

By Fatpunk

Chapter 11

Check

The night of Harry's detection grew closer Harry and the girls spent a lot of time reading up on the early stages of Dragon care. They were assisting Hagrid through the first couple of weeks till they hid the dragon at Harry's home. What was more likely was they needed to know about the creatures, magical and not, that may require care around Hogwarts castle. The last couple of weeks were long ones for the group.

The night of Harry's detention approached quickly on a clear late winter's night. The still evening air frosted Harry's breath as he waited at the edge of the forest for Hagrid to arrive both for the detention and to transport Norbert to his new home in the castle grounds of Camelot.

"Evening 'arry" Hagrid called straining slightly with a large crate in front of him. "Damn Filch wanted to try change your punishment. Move it to his dungeon and lock you up in chains. He's a real fan of Professor Snape doesn't think student deserve any respect or privacy, that and corporal punishment is the only way to make a difference to 'the arrogant little whelps'" he explained to Harry's questioning glance.

"He didn't see Norbert, did he?" Harry asked.

"No, no. I put Norbert outside to get a bit of fresh air and space before he was confined to a box for the trip to your property."

The walking into the forest a short way before they stopped so Harry could call his house elf.

"Alfred" Harry called focusing on his magic and the link to the head of his house hold.

The short creature popped into existence. His short stature dressed in a sharply tailored business suit, Alfred's preferred day time attire.

"Evening Master Harry" he greeted bowing slightly.

"Just Harry Alfred," Harry whined "Master makes me feel old."

"When in another's company from outside the household, Master Harry" emphasising the 'Master' "it is only proper to show due respect to the head of the household. I will have to talk to Nanny about your etiquette training, it is somewhat disrespectful to expect me not to show you your due respect" the elf lectured "the titles an elf gives to the master is of direct correlation to the power and respect the human holds. The more you are trained the more power you hold and greater the respect you command. Now what did you call me for?"

"Hagrid has the Dragon I told you about, the one we want to relocate to the cave? And I'm sorry I didn't realise it was so insulting to force you to drop the titles" Harry replied slightly downcast.

"That's alright Master Harry, just learn from it. Now I'll call Jenky to transport the dragon. Jenky!"

A second pop announced the arrival of a second house elf this one dressed in loose leather pants and a flannel shirt. "You called sir?" he asked of Alfred.

"Yes, we have a Dragon for you to transport to the cave."

"Marvellous! We haven't had anything in that cave for a number of years! How old is the dragon? Are we going to train it?" Jenky asked jumping up and down on the spot.

"We are not going to be the primary trainers that job will be left to Mr. Hagrid. He was the one to hatch the Dragon and has the advantage of imprinting. You will be deferred to him on the decisions associated with training" Alfred replied.

"Very well sir. What would you have me do Mr. Hagrid?" Jenky asked turning to the half giant.

"Umm…" Hagrid stuttered catching up with the conversation. "Well just set Norbert up in the back of the cave either on a bed of coals or on a spot with a warming charm on it" he directed.

"Is that acceptable Master Harry?" Jenky asked referencing the use of permanent magic.

"That's fine. Any decisions that have no effect outside the cave you can trust his judgement. If you think it would be dangerous to either the Dragon or the surrounding areas talk with Hagrid first but other wise I'll trust you discretion." Harry replied showing great respect to both Hagrid and Jenky, an honour Jenky had no intention of abusing.

"As you wish sir" he said before popping away with the dragon.

"Please call if you need anything Master Harry" Alfred said before popping away himself.

Hagrid and Harry walked in silence for a short way before Hagrid commented on that was the strangest conversation he had before coming across patches of silver blood.

"Okay Harry this is what we're looking for" Hagrid said bending down to see the blood closer. "This is unicorn blood. There is a unicorn round here that's bin hurt bad. We'll follow the trail and see where if we can find the poor animal."

Harry nodded in agreement before following the trail Fang, Hagrid's boarhound, trotting along behind him. The pair travelled along in silence, the cracking of twigs and the rustle of leaves the only sounds to be heard.

The Giant and the wizard came to a fork in the path where the trail of blood split in both directions. "It looks like were going to have to split up. You know 'ow to petrify sumthin', yeah?" Hagrid asked.

"Yeah I learnt that the other week" Harry replied also thinking of all the alternatives to petrifaction.

"Right then. As long as you stick to the path you shouldn't meet anything untoward. It's not a full moon so there won't be any werewolves around. Now if you see anythin' dangerous petrify it and send up red sparks. If you find the unicorn send up some green sparks" Hagrid explained.

And so the pair split up. Harry following the one trail, Hagrid the other. Harry would collect some of the blood in small vial he had in his pocket, the blood would provide a strong ingredient in some very powerful potions.

Harry walked down the narrow but very clear path tracking the trail of silver blood on the ground. In due time he came to a small clearing in the forest. Harry entered the oval clearing along one of the longer sides, a pulsing light shone from one corner while the path continued on towards the other. Harry looked across to the pulsing light to find a unicorn lying prone on the ground the last vestiges of life fading as its blood pooled on the ground. What was most horrifying was the large black…thing feeding from the gaping hole in the creature's side.

It was the sharp pain being emitted from Harry's curse scar that showed the true danger of the thing, while fang turned and fled. The scraggy black coat seemed to suck the light from around it. Harry tried to clear the pain away from his mind using occumency in an attempt to focus. Harry drew his wand and watched the foul beast sucking the blood of the innocent.

The thing's head snapped up, suddenly aware of its company. Slowly it turned revelling nothing, its face hidden in shadow, droplets of dull silver blood dripping down its front.

The dull clop of hooves behind Harry announced the arrival of more company. The hoofed creature skipped around Harry, confronting the black cloaked demon. Harry's saviour reared up on its hind legs, front hooves kicking out at the shade forcing its retreat.

As Harry's heart rate slowed as he got his first look at the intervening force. The albino body of a horse was topped by a human torso and head, a centaur.

"Good evening young colt, Mars shines brightly tonight" the centaur greeted.

Harry looked up examining the sky "so it does, though the placement of Jupiter creates some uncertainly in its effects."

The centaur nodded "yes, it does. You are the one called Harry Potter, are you not?"

"I am, though I haven't met you and am at a loss as to your identity" Harry replied as politely as possible.

"I am Firenze; I live here in the forest, a friend of mine lives near your home. Do you know what that was, young Potter?"

"No, I don't. Nor do I know why it killed the unicorn" Harry replied.

Firenze was silent for a moment, considering how much to tell the boy. "It is a crime most foul to kill a unicorn, to kill something so pure, so innocent. The why you ask is easy, the magic of unicorn blood will keep on alive even if they are an inch from death. The price, however, is high, too high, usually, for most people. The life they gain is cursed, a half life, they are not dead though they can do little else" He paused for a moment evaluating his options "do you know what resides in the castle at this moment?"

"The philosopher's stone," Harry whispered.

"Indeed, young Potter. The stone would be a better answer for someone so close to death, would it not. Do you know anyone willing to risk so much so much for life?"

"Maybe, though last I heard he was mere shadow…" said Harry trailing off in realisation. "It was him?"

The centaur nodded "the one who calls himself Lord Voldemort, searches a way to return. He believes he has found his way and it is weakly held in the castle. I believe that the power of the Headmaster is all that holds him at bay. I wonder why the Stone was brought here, it seems more likely the Stone is here more for the Headmaster's games than for its own security" Firenze answered more to himself than to Harry.

"May I take a sample of the unicorn's blood, Firenze? Some of the healing potions that use unicorn blood are unrivalled in power."

Firenze snapped back to the present at Harry's question "I don't see why not, it has passed from this life but its magic would still wish to help where it can."

Harry conjured a large crystal vial with his wand and filled it to the brim with clean blood from the poor deceased animal. He followed the collection by sending green sparks into the sky. Moments later Hagrid burst into the clearing.

Firenze nodded to Harry "I shall take my leave. Until we meet again young Potter. Hagrid" he said before leaving.

"Firenze?" Hagrid replied in confusion "Harry what's going on?"

"I found the unicorn" Harry replied pointing to the corpse at his feet "Firenze was watching me while waited for you."

Hagrid obviously didn't believe Harry but seemed to decide that he didn't need to know more. Hagrid collected what he needed to, a small blood sample and some tail hairs, while investigating what caused its death. Hagrid gathered his things together, collected his cross bow and looked to Harry. "Well, why don't we get out of here. I think a quiet mead in front of the fire would be good right about now."

The pair left together quickly reaching the edge of the forest and bidding each other goodnight. Harry went up to his room quickly deciding to talk with Mione and Daph the next morning as the common room was deserted. Harry spent some time considering what Firenze had said. Ranghok had already said the Stone wasn't moved for security, Firenze seemed to think it was for one of Dumbledore's 'games' what ever they were. It was definitely something Harry would have to think about, but for now sleep was more important that the machinations of good and evil.

The next morning was the same as any other. Harry went for a run, worked through his katas and returned to the common room for a shower. The only difference was how distracted Harry was. His mind was running over the events of the previous evening and kept drawing a blank. The only solution Harry could draw was that 1) whoever was after the stone was only a small fish and 2) the headmaster was searching for answers to an unknown question. It was then that Harry decided if the headmaster before exams Harry would do so straight after them.

Harry went through the day distracted trying to deduce an answer for his questions. His distraction was noted by his friends though no-one else realised. The trio meet in the guardian's room that evening where the girls began their search for answers.

"Harry, you've been distracted all day, what happened your detention last night?" Daphne asked.

Harry was silent for a moment "well Hagrid and I went into the forest in search of the injured unicorn. We got to a fork in the path Hagrid went left, I went right"

"Hagrid let you got alone in the Forbidden Forest!" came Hermione's outraged query.

"That's not the point, Mione."

"It is so! He shouldn't be letting first year students travel alone in the forest! You aren't allowed in there any other time why would it be safe now?" Hermione countered.

"Granted, but it's a minor point, I wouldn't have found out most of what I did if he was there" Harry conceded "anyway, I continued down the path following the trail of blood when I came to a clearing" Harry paused replaying the events in his mind. "He…it…the shadow of Voldemort was there feasting on the blood of the unicorn."

"Why would anyone drink the blood of a unicorn?" Daphne asked.

"Unicorn blood is the most potent healing agent there is" Hermione explained "though unlike phoenix tears the life lived is cursed for slaying something so pure and innocent steals your life aging a person while keeping them alive. You'd survive but you couldn't live."

"Exactly," Harry agreed "for someone who fears death it's the perfect solution till they find another option. Unfortunately there's another option readily available."

"What's that?" Hermione asked somewhat confused while a light sparked in Daphne's mind.

"The stone" she whispered "he's after the stone and immortality"

Harry nodded "he won't get it himself though, he's not strong enough. With Dumbledore around basically no-one is strong enough. That and our three headed friend…" Harry trailed off a revelation drawing in his eyes. "Where did Hagrid get the dragon from?" Harry asked appearing to change the subject.

Hermione shrugged while Daphne muttered "I donno"

"Remember how hard it was to get the answers out of Hagrid? Distract him a little, start talking about animals and he gets all excited and blurts out what ever you want to know. Could the person who gave Hagrid the egg work for Voldemort? Criminal elements seem to be his domain."

"It's possible. But wouldn't something have happened earlier if they knew the how to get in?" Daphne asked.

"I wouldn't think so Daph" Harry disagreed "Dumbledore has been around all year. They wouldn't want to test any enchantments while he was around. They would be waiting plotting to get Dumbledore out for a day or two then they would have all the time in the world."

"What should we do about it then?" Hermione asked.

"First we talk to Professor McGonagall. We'll tell her some of what we know; if she takes us seriously we tell her the rest, if not we get the stone first and prove its not

"Seams a little dangerous really" Daphne observed.

"Unfortunately I'd say someone is meant to challenge the protections. Why else would the professor remove it from the safety of Gringotts? The only question is whether the Headmaster is trying to smoke out the bad guy or force a student to become the headmaster's protégé?"

"Why should that be us though?" asked Hermione.

"No offence, Mione, but I don't think it's us but rather me. There's always being something about me that caught Dumbledore's attention. As a child he singled me out for extra protection. There were many others that needed the protections he could offer. Then when I survived Halloween he became involved in who raised me as a child. When I arrived here he seemed to take a special interest in me, looking over my shoulder all year and he moved the stone here in my first year! There are just too many coincidences!" Harry ranted.

"So you think the headmaster is trying to test you? Discover what side you play for? If you've even picked a side? Very Slytherin that is." Daphne observed.

"Houses really are a bad definition for personality types" Harry commented "their far to narrow. A person can be cunning and noble, intelligent and loyal."

"Your changing the topic, do you really think the headmaster is that interested in you?" Daphne asked.

"I hope not, Daph, I really do hope not. But I do have some questions for him before the end of the year."

The group made their way to Professor McGonagall's private office, conveniently attached to her classroom. With every step Harry's sense of unease grew, something was not right. He knew the dangers of keeping the stone in the castle but was also confident an outside source wouldn't attempt a break in while the headmaster was present.

Harry stopped dead.

"Shit" Harry whispered to himself. "We need to hurry" he called to the others as he lengthened his stride.

The girls fell back a few meters wondering what was going on before catching up to call Harry on the change.

"Harry, what's wrong?" Daphne asked.

Harry continued without slowing his stride. "I get the feeling the stone isn't safe anymore. That and my scars playing up a bit more than usual" he added off hand.

"Your scar?" Hermione asked bewildered.

Harry looked across breaking stride lightly, "Yeah, I think the curse left some lingering magic. It seems to attune me to ill intentions."

"You mean dark magic?" Hermione queried.

"Magic's magic. Nothing more or less. I guess what you would define as dark magic is that with intent to cause harm or twist the order of magic unnaturally. We don't have time for this philosophical discussion right now. I just get the feeling the only real protection on the stone isn't there any more."

"You think Dumbledore's left the building?" Daphne asked.

"So has Elvis Daph, but Dumbledore needs to get back inside" Harry replied leaving Daphne bewildered and Hermione smiling.

The group passed portraits of famous wizards, suits of armour and stone statues before coming to the far end of the Transfiguration corridor, past the main classroom. They stood before a full height portrait depicting arguing witches and wizards all wearing the same royal blue robes.

"I telling you Charles, magic is stagnating because people are happy with what they know!" cried a frail old wizard with pure white hair and a tightly cropped beard.

"That's what you said five years ago then they invented self stirring caldrons, or fifty years ago when they discovered a link between phoenix tears and healing powers! Magic won't stagnate because most people are lazy and some will always want to know more about magic itself! Until magical people discover how to let muggle's use magic there will always be something new to know!" argued a second man, obviously Charles, to the nods and outrage of the assembled group.

"I think, however, that the company wishes entry" interrupted a stately older witch "perhaps we should leave this discussion for later. Mayhap will find the time" she added more to herself than anyone else."

"Oh dear children you should learn to speak up!" cried the first wizard somewhat surprised.

"And so we shall in future, I never expected such animated discussions in this school" replied Hermione.

"Probably because you don't look around you, huh" muttered a sneering witch in the back of the portrait

Harry cut Hermione off from a reply "is Professor McGonagall in? We wish to speak with her urgently."

"She is I'll ask if she's taking guests" replied the stately woman before turning and leaving the portrait.

The trio waited together while the rest of the guests argued in the portrait before the portrait's guide returned. "She will see you now" before swinging open.

"Professor" Harry introduced himself.

"What is it Mr. Potter" she queried.

"We wish to speak with the Headmaster."

"I'm afraid that is just not possible, Mr. Potter. The headmaster has been called away to the Ministry, pressing business to take care of. He shall be away for the next two days."

Harry thought for a moment "professor, the stone is danger."

She looked at Harry slightly surprised before turning her gaze on the girls.

"And what stone would that be Mr Potter?"

"The Philosophers stone Professor."

The deputy Headmaster was surprise "I assure you Mr Potter that the stone is perfectly well protected. Nothing and no one is able to get to the stone. It is very well protected."

"I'm sure you think it is, Professor, but I'm not sure you understand who is trying to get the stone" Harry reasoned.

"Some petty criminal will not be able to pass the school wards let alone get past the protections on the stone itself. I don't know how you found out about the stone in the first place but I know what protects it and there is on way for a single person to get past the protections."

Harry saw the battle was lost "as you wish professor" and conceded the argument "Good evening Professor, Ladies."

"What…" the girls said somewhat surprised and bemused.

Once Harry was out of the room and the portrait was closed Harry turned to the girls "the professor won't believe us. We will have to do this ourselves. I would suggest we go down tonight but we don't have that much time. I would think the perpetrator will wait that long it wouldn't surprise me if they had already gone down, using every available moment."

"But what could we do? We're only children!" Mione pouted.

"We'll do what we can. It'll have to be enough" Harry consoled "lets get any stuff we need and we'll meet back at the guardian's room.

The two Gryffindors arrived back quickly and together, walking in silence and waited in the same state for their final companion.

"Why are you following me!"

"Because your about to do something you shouldn't. I want to know what"

"Go away this is none of you business!"

"It's my business now"

Harry slipped out of the room with Mione close behind. Outside they came across Daphne arguing loudly with another Ravenclaw Harry didn't know. The strange thing was his gut was saying to trust him for the time being. After being at school Harry began trusting his gut even more, it seemed magic was trying to give him a leg up. He quickly cast a privacy charm with his wand ensuring they wouldn't be over heard and walked over to Daphne.

"Hey Daph, who's your friend?" Harry asked defusing the argument.

"Harry this is Terry Boot, Terry Harry" she introduce in an exasperated voice.

"So, Terry, why are you hassling my girlfriend?" Harry asked causing Daphne to smile and blush slightly all while looking away.

Daphne's demure look lead her to see Mione, who was looking at the new comer with an approving glance. The young wizard was well known around school as a very good at potions and was above average with spell casting, for a first year.

"We'll," Terry began squaring his shoulders to Harry "I believe that she and by extension you are about to break some serious rules, I'm here to stop you" he said delivering his ultimatum.

"Or you'll do what Boot" Harry replied going slightly cold and deliberately becoming more formal.

"Or you take me with you. I've seen some of the pranks you've played and their good far beyond first year. I me that voice swapping prank, beautiful. I have always found myself outside the action I would like to get on the inside for once" he finished becoming somewhat deflated.

Harry thought for a minute "can you play any musical instruments?" He asked.

The question came out of left field for Terry and he was very surprised. "My mum made me take an instrument when I was young, Dad advised classical guitar 'cause it builds dexterity which is good for magic."

"Right lets go, you want in we'll tell you on the way" Harry said ignoring the scandalous look on Daph's face and the confused one on Mione's

The trio filled Terry in on the way explaining what was in their and that someone was going to steal it. They continued on till finally they reached the third floor corridor. Harry summoned Terry's guitar using the accio spell he read about, and told Terry to get ready. He walked to the door with the rest following behind.

"Evening, Fluffy" Harry barked working his beast speaking ability.

"You returned speaker, how may I help you?" the three headed dog replied.

"Has any other humans passed by you tonight?" Harry asked before whispering to Terry "be ready."

"Yes, one other came in, though he started playing and I don't remember anything else."

"We believe they wish to steal what you guard. They wish to make you and your master look bad" Harry commented playing on the dogs pride and loyalty.

"Be that as it may, how would that be better if I let you past?" Fluffy replied.

Harry signalled Terry to begin playing while he distracted the guard dog. "I understand your concern," Harry replied the soft classical guitar tones floating across the air. The eyes of the left hand head started to droop. "But wouldn't it look worse if the Stone is stolen because you didn't do something to stop it?"

"I believe it would look worse as I couldn't explain any alternative." Fluffy replied shaking off some blinking while the right head gave up and went to sleep "Now you must leave while I sleep, Good evening pup" he said head dropping to his paws asleep.

"Right, I'll go first and call back when it's safe. Terry don't stop playing till you in the hole" Harry explained.

Harry lowered himself into the now open trapdoor "see you soon" he said before dropping from sight. He fell silently through the air before stopping with a thump on some soft plant "Okay, its safe" he called back to the pinprick of light above his head.

The light disappeared for a moment followed quickly by a thump to the right, the process was repeated twice more as the entire group arrived at the base of the chamber.

"Harry don't move! You either Terry!" called a slightly panicked Mione.

"Why Mione? What's wrong?" asked Harry while Terry looked on confused and freighted.

"Gees Harry look around you!" came the exasperated voice of Harry's girlfriend "you really need to be more observant."

Harry looked down to see his legs, all the way to his waist, were entwined in the plant the group had landed on. Even as he watched the tendrils of green stretched further up his body. Harry glanced over to Terry to find he was more tightly held and panicking. The plant was rapping itself around Terry constricting his movement further, slowly squeezing the life out of him.

"Terry, stop moving!" Harry urged, lacing a small amount of power into his voice, encouraging Terry to comply.

Terry froze, and the plant stopped tightening. "What's happening? What is this plant?" he asked the fear clear in his voice.

"Ladies?" Harry asked.

"I remember Professor Sprout talking about it earlier in the year; she said it was very dangerous and often surrounded and protected powerful, nocturnal plants. Oh what was it!" Hermione muttered racking her brain for answers "that's right! It Devil's Snare! She mentioned it when talking about wild moon shine roses."

"Yeah I remember that! Remember she was showing the black new moon rose" agreed Daphne.

"Did she manage to mention how to deal with the plant? I'm not sure Terry would survive a long revision session" Harry observed calmly while Terry began to lose his composure. Looking down at himself Harry noticed the plant had slowly moved up his body and was now covering his chest and beginning to confine his arms "come to think of it I'm not sure I would survive either" he added dryly.

"Oh, sorry about that," Mione squealed, surprised and embarrassed "now how did it go? Devil's Snare, Devil's Snare, it deadly fun…but will sulk in the sun! That's it! It's killed by sunlight, or more likely ultraviolet light. But were at the bottom of the school there's no sunlight!"

Daphne looked across in disbelief. "Really Mione were in a magic school for Merlin's sake! Lumos Solem!"

The blinding light washed over Harry, who had his eyes closed tight, causing the Devil's Snare to slink away from the light. Harry could hear Hermione repeat the spell, this time pointed at Terry.

Harry stood and dusted himself off before checking on Terry. He then walked over to Daphne and hugged her, "thanks Daph" he whispered in her ear causing her a shiver to run down her back.

"Right, shall we continue then?" Harry asked walking to the next door.

Terry looked towards Harry surprised and in slight awe at his ability to continue. Hermione was standing next to him ready to help him up. He took her hand and stood but didn't let go once on his feet. He looked deep into her eyes before saying thank you quietly and leading her after the rest of the group.

The group moved thought a low roofed, damp corridor before coming to heavy wooden door. Pushing it open they entered an enormous cavern, twittering sounds and the beating of wings drew their attention upwards. Hundreds, thousands even, of small birds covered the nooks and crannies around the cavern. Across the way was a second door. Hermione and Terry moved past Harry and Daphne. Harry was still staring upwards examining the bird-like creatures.

Terry arrived at the door first and tried to pull it open. "It's locked, we can't go any further" he said somewhat hopeful.

"Alohomora," Mione called trying to open the door magically "nothing" she said in defeat.

It was then it clicked for Harry "Keys"

Daphne looked across "what's that Harry?"

Harry shock his head "look up, their keys, that's the way in. If my guess is right someone has already been through that door so the key is probably damaged" Harry scanned the area putting his seeker skills to use "There," Harry called pointing at a key "the old brass key with a broken wing. What's the door handle look like?" Harry asked.

"Its brass as well, slightly tarnished. But how are we gonna get the key?"

The group looked around the cavern searching of a way into the air. It was Daphne that found it. Lying in a dark corner of the room was the oldest most tattered broom Harry had ever seen in his life. It was doubtful it would even fly but they had little choice. Harry being the only really good flyer and having the experience of Quidditch was the one chosen to catch the flying key. Harry took off chasing the small agile and fast key around the cavern. Harry watched it move, followed the ducks and dives, the zigs and zags, when he realised it was followed rather predictable movements. From that moment the catch was assured. Harry raced in pushing the broom hard, almost beyond its limits, closing the gap between him and his prey, cutting corners to shorten the chase.

And then he caught it…and all hell broke loose. The other keys started attacking Harry, flying straight into him taking nicks of skin from his face and hands. The brutality of the attack was somewhat surprising after the placid nature the keys were showing the previously completely gone Harry took off racing away from the keys a long trail of the animated horrors followed behind him he flew in low calling the group to gather by the door.

He flew in low and fast before stopping hard. Harry took his feet and focused himself casting a magical barrier using his sorcery skills. The keys pounded into the barrier but made no headway. Daphne stepped behind him and took the key from Harry, turned and opened the door, leading the others through into the next corridor. Harry waited till the others had gone through, before following himself and dropping the shield and closing the door. The thudding on the other side showed the keys continued to attack.

"Well that was different" Daphne commented before casting some simple first aid her mother had done on her when ever she was hurt.

Harry's cuts were healed quickly and the group moved on. Carrying on into the next room the disgusting stench caused the entire group to gag, nearly vomiting. In the centre of the room was a gigantic Troll, far bigger than the one Harry dealt with on Halloween. The group hurried through running away from the revolting smell.

"That was disgusting, it's probably put me off food for the rest of school!" groaned Terry. The girls agreed. Harry however was worried.

"What's wrong Harry?" Daphne asked picking up on his silence.

"It worries me. That troll was in bad shape, and has been that way for a while. I just hope were not too late" 'and I'm strong enough' he added to himself.

They proceeded through the hall into the next room. As they passed through the doorway they entered a pitch black room. Their breathing echoed off the cavernous walls, though a significant delay was evident. As Terry passed across the threshold, the last to enter, the heavy oak door swung itself closed eliminating the final shaft of light into the room. They continued into the blackness, footfalls echoing in the dark, their nerves and trepidation rose.

Finally, a dozen steps into the room, a light flared into existence, illuminating their surroundings. Before them stood the ten foot tall chess pieces, black pieces closest, white to the far side.

"Chess?" whispered a bewildered Terry.

"It's designed to stretch the skills of a single intruder. Flying, plant knowledge, brute strength, and now tactical and strategic awareness. Not many individuals have that skill set" Harry explained.

"So can anyone play chess?" Daphne asked.

"Well yeah," answered Terry "that's why I was so surprised. I haven't been beaten yet, that includes a number of teachers, but I haven't played Ron Weasley yet. From what I hear he's the only one who could challenge me."

Daphne was directed to a Bishop's square, Hermione to a Rook's, Terry to a Knight's while Harry was sent to the Queen's spot (it was reasoned that Harry had the strength to take pieces when needed). Over the next hour Terry directed pieces around the board, taking pieces, losing pieces, rescuing endangered students. Before finally both sides were preparing for the final raid. The black pieces were arrayed around the board exposing the fortified king. One final sacrifice was needed and Terry was worried, he was the one who needed to make the move, would he be okay? Would they look after him?

"Terry what's wrong? What's the next move?" Mione asked.

"Will it work Terry?" Harry asked seeing what was wrong.

"Yeah" Terry replied.

"We'll take care of you; Mione will take care of you" Harry reason, light slowly rising in Daphne's eyes.

"Harry what are you talking about?" Mione asked still confused.

"Terry's going to sacrifice himself, letting Harry take the king on the next move" Daphne answered quietly, Harry still hadn't looked away from Terry.

"No! No, there has to be another way!" Mione stated defiantly, shaking her head tears forming in the corners of her eyes.

"Yes there is another way" Harry answered "there is always another way. Problem is it would take a long time and there are no guarantees. This way we know the result and we can do what were here for" Harry answered quietly.

Tears continued to flow down Hermione's cheeks, "Terry…" she sobbed.

Terry steeled himself, surprised by her passion "Mione," he said, slipping into a closer, more colloquial relationship, "as long as you're here to look after me I'll be okay" he said with a smile.

The comment had two effects; it reassured Hermione and gave her something to focus on. And with that Terry stepped forward taking his place and forcing black into check. The reply was swift and brutal Terry was smashed off his horse and thrown from the board. Hermione was whimpered on her square waiting for the end of the game so she could tend to Terry. Harry was no less gentle in his reply; he stepped forward and blasted the bishop to dust and rubble before taking its place.

"Check mate" Harry called to the opposing king.

The reply was simple; he dropped his sword and threw his crown at Harry's feet. The capitulation threw Mione into action. She rushed to Terry's side lifting his head into here lap. She look to Harry and asked "please be quick Harry."

Harry nodded and turned heading to the next door, Daphne followed quickly after casing a look to Mione. The pair entered the next room side by side. They passed over the threshold causing a glut of flames to burst forth behind them and across the doors leading onward. A light also illuminated a table with seven bottles spread across them with a single piece of parchment laid across it.

The parchment held a riddle, the answer to progressing forward though the challenges;

Danger lies before you, while safety lies behind,
Two of us will help you, whichever you would find,
One among us seven will let you move ahead,
Another will transport the drinker back instead,
Two among our number hold only nettle wine,
Three of us are killers, waiting hidden in line.
Choose, unless you wish to stay here forevermore,
To help you in your choice, we give you these clues four:
First, however slyly the poison tries to hide
You will always find some on nettle wine's left side;
Second, different are those who stand at either end,
But if you would move onward, neither is your friend;
Third, as you see clearly, all are different size,
Neither dwarf nor giant holds death in their insides;
Fourth, the second left and the second on the right
Are twins once you taste them, though different at first sight.

"Excellent, a logic puzzle" Daphne commented with relief.

Harry wasn't as pleased, he was more of a reactionary guy than a planner, he could plan when need be but it wasn't his strength. So he left most of the decoding to Daphne only adding an observation here or an alternative there, before finally "That one" pointing to the smallest bottle.

"You sure?" Harry asked, when he receive a nod he continued "There's only enough for one, which one lets you go back?"

Daphne checked the parchment again before "That one" she said pointing to the bottle on the far right.

Daphne turned to Harry slowly realising what needed to happen "Harry you have to go forward, there's no alternative. We both know I can't take on a fully trained wizard but you can. I don't understand it all but you have access to so much more magic. I believe in you Harry. Take care of yourself."

"Thank you Daph, thanks" Harry replied "when you go back through the flames help Mione get Terry back to the school and send an Hedwig to Dumbledore tell him what's happening." Harry leant forward and kiss Daphne on the cheek "Quickly, go" he urged.

Daphne nodded and gulped the potion down before running through the flames. Harry turned to face the billowing flames blocking his path forward. He took the small vial and threw his head back.

The hot potion slid down his throat causing a cold chill to spread throughout his body. He stepped forward through the flames and stopped realising he was now alone it was all up to him. It was a daunting thought but Harry was heartened by Daphne's faith. Mounting his courage he began to walk down the small corridor arriving at the top of a sunken pit. At the base of the pit was the Mirror of Erised, the same mirror that shows a person's deepest desires 'how does that protect the stone?' Harry asked himself 'how would it work?'

Taking a further look around the room Harry saw another person in the room. None other than;

"Professor Quirrell" Harry called surprised by turn of events.

The professor turned from the mirror "Potter, I had wondered when you would arrive. No matter I'll deal with you once I have the stone," he replied turning back to the mirror "should have killed you at the game" he muttered to finish.

"You tried to kill me at the game?" Harry replied somewhat surprised, he hadn't considered Quirrell.

"But of course who did you think it would be? Snape, I suppose he would be the type, sulking about the castle, insulting you every chance he got."

"Hey you're not stuttering," Harry said in realisation.

"Of course not, but it did keep suspicion away from me, who would worry about p-p-p-poor st-st-st-stuttering P-P-Professor Quirrell, imbeciles."

Things were starting to make sense for Harry but he didn't understand why the Defence Professor would be after the Philosopher's Stone. Harry had never got the feeling he had the brains or ambition to lust after immortality or infinite fortune. "So why are you here Professor?" Harry asked quietly.

"For the stone of course. Now quiet I must finish, I must find the key" he snapped back before muttering "I see myself with the stone, I see myself handing it to my master, but where is it!"

This answered Harry fears. He wasn't working for his own gain, he was but a pawn. Harry had to either get the stone soon or stop Quirrell.

"Use the boy" was the ethereal instructions. The voice seemed to come from everywhere. That caught Harry's attention, Quirrell's master was here.

"Potter! Come here!" Quirrell called.

'Get the stone it is then' Harry thought stepping forward.

Quirrell grabbed Harry by the collar and thrust him in front of the mirror. The reflection he saw wasn't what Harry was expecting. Harry didn't see his family; his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Instead he saw himself holding the Stone before placing it in his pocket. At the same time Harry felt a heavy weight drop in his pocket, he had the stone.

"What do you see boy?" Quirrell whispered in his ear.

Harry thought for a moment "I see myself, safe in my home" Harry replied.

"Foolish child," Quirrell hissed in anger, throwing Harry to the side.

"Let me speak to the boy" called the ethereal voice.

"But master you are not strong enough" answered Quirrell.

"I have strength enough for this" the voice replied.

"As you wish" the professor replied, before he reached up and removed the turban wrapped around his head. As the wrapping fell to the ground Harry's sense of unease grew.

"Potter, it has been a while since our last meeting" this time the voice had a source. I the mirror Harry could see the source. There was a face imprinted in the back of Quirrell's head. With slits for a nose and blood red eyes. The face, while not really frightening itself, was terrifying in its implications.

"Voldemort," Harry whispered.

"Ah," Voldemort replied "I see you've heard of me. You are strong child, and together you can be much stronger."

"I would just have to sell my soul, would I?" Harry asked.

"There is no good or evil, child, only power and those to weak to cease it! Now had join me and you will have all you deserve."

"I will not betray my parents' memory. I will not work with a tyrant like you" Harry replied defiantly.

"Very well, I will take that stone in your pocket by force then"

Harry was surprised and barely ducked the violent red spell shot at his head. The curse was quickly followed by a wall of flames stopping Harry's escape.

Harry drew his wand, quickly considering his options. He wasn't ready to give away to many secrets. He definitely wouldn't be calling his staff today, he didn't want his mage status coming out, but he would use some sorcerer spells if needed.

"Petrificus totalus" Harry chanted.

Quirrell batted the spell away "Is that all you have?" he taunted slowly advancing.

"Expelliarmus, stupefy" Harry tried.

"Protego" Quirrell cast calmly closing within two meters.

"Expello" Harry tried adding some sorcery to the banishing spell.

Quirrell's shield dispersed the banishment but collapsed under the strain, it also caused Quirrell to slide back a few inches surprising both the professor and Voldemort.

"Enough!" Voldemort screamed "kill him! Take the stone from his corpse!"

"Yes my Lord, Avada…" Quirrell began but too late.

Harry drove his shoulder into Quirrell's guts while grabbing his wrist and pushing it away. Harry held Quirrell's hand away before the professor's screams and his own burning hand. Harry released and stepped back.

Quirrell examined his dry and crumbling hand in fear "What is this magic?" he asked no-one in particular.

"The boy!" Voldemort insisted.

Harry reacted reaching his hand forward and viscously pulling it back imagining the vicious summoning. The sorcery worked and Harry grabbed Quirrell's wrist with one hand, his face with the other.

The painful burning spread across Harry's hand but stole the life from the corrupted soul of defence professor. As the screams stopped Harry released the mummified corpse, his energy drained. He never noticed the black shadow forming in front of him until…

"You will pay" the spirit hiss on the wind before blasting through Harry's weakened frame sapping the last of his energy.

As he fell he swore he heard someone calling his name as he succumbed to the blackness.

AN:

Hey all! This almost finishes Harry's first year at Hogwarts, just one more chapter to go tracing the fall out from the battle. I want to thank everyone who reviewed; it's nice to know someone else other than me likes the story. To everyone who asked the question of Harry and Daphne's relationship at eleven its cause I want to build a more personal relationship for Harry, he's never had one before, but nothing more will happen besides a title and maybe holding hands for sometime yet, I just couldn't be bothered waiting.

Cheers all peace out.