Doing her best not to chuckle as the troublesome pair were thrown to their knees, for she didn't want anything to distract her husband while he was performing his 'kingly duties', Lilith felt her smile gain a slightly sadistic touch to it as her darling Lucy proceed to list the duo's various crimes.

"So let me ensure that I have this right. The pair of you, despite knowing my laws regarding Sinners and their ability to interact with the mortal world, have deliberately interfered with one of my active plans to flip Heaven the finger. Do I have that right so far?"

Though his tone had been pleasant, the fact remained that her husband was currently wearing a smile that would have made a shark envious. Which was why the Queen of Hell was unsurprised by how nervous the T.V.-headed Overlord sounded as he answered her husband's question.

"Wel…well your majesty, when you put it that way.."

"What other way could I possibly put it Vox? From where I'm standing, it appears that both you and you're stitched-together friend have allowed your desire for revenge to overcome your common sense. And while I can appreciate your desire to avenge your hardly lamented comrade, the fact remains that your desire to kill someone I am currently invested in makes me believe that you possess...other rebellious thoughts. And while I am generally supportive of such independent thinking, I am decidedly less so when such tendencies come into conflict with my own plans."

Which was a bit hypocritical in her opinion since her Lucy was the one who had been credited with the creation of rebellion in the first place. But since few people knew that it was actually her who deserved that title thanks to her unwillingness to put up with Adam's inability to accept an equal partner, she would say nothing.

At least until she was alone with her husband since it wouldn't do to have the denizens of Hell realize that their King was the very definition of a Sub.

At least in the bedroom.

Outside of it, he could be the very definition of cruel and dominating.

Like he was currently being right now.

"I think….that the two of you will serve as an excellent example of what happens to those that dare meddle in my affairs. Don't you? It would have perhaps been better if there had still been three of you, but I suppose I will just have to get a bit creative in order to make up for the lack of a third victim."

Enjoying this display of authority with a look that clearly stated that they would need to indulge in some 'private time' sooner rather than later, Lilith felt her bedroom expression morph into one of surprised amusement as an unexpected, but nonetheless familiar voice entered the throne room.

"If I may be so bold as to interject your majesty, it is in my humble opinion that you display a touch of leniency when it comes to sentencing."

Chuckling a little at the shocked, but understandable angry expressions of the two Overlords, the Queen of Hell quickly regained her composure as she welcomed her favorite Sinner.

"Alastor. It's been too long. I trust that you're still invested in aiding my daughter in her misguided endeavors?"

His reply was as amusing as it was unsurprising.

"Of course your majesty. Until she is ready to admit that her cause is pointless, I will be more than happy to continue offering her my support for as long as you desire."

Smiling at the answer she had received, for it was rather refreshing to deal with a Demon that realized that honesty could be more fun than deceit, Lilith found herself growing intrigued as Alastor revealed the reason behind his 'visit.'

"And speaking of offering my support, I do believe your majesty, if you'll forgive me for suggesting this, that perhaps it might be better to sentence with a punishment that is less than lethal."

Though she was initially surprised by the Radio Demon's proposal, for she would have thought that he would have been delighted at having the remainder of his rivals eliminated, she could only frown in consideration as her husband voiced her unasked question.

"And why should I reconsider their punishment Alastor? I would have thought that you'd relish the idea of finally being rid of your most troublesome rivals. Especially with Vox's obsession with bringing an end to your favorite children's show."

Frowning a little at the rather crass way her husband said that last part, for it made it sound like the Radio Demon was into the types of things that even Valentino rarely dealt in, the Queen of Hell found her frown turning into a smile of cruel amusement as Alastor provided an answer that would both save his fellow Overlords and guarantee the continuation of her Lucy's plan to fuck over heaven.

"Why because they can help to keep our favorite preteen star on the 'proper' path. A hero can only grow in the face of adversity after all. And since these two are responsible for giving the so-called dark lord a much-needed boost so he could serve as the final challenge for the boy's first academic year, I think that they should be rewarded with a…lesser form of punishment. If only because they increased the likelihood of the boy displaying his more 'combative' talents."

While his tone was still somewhat cold, Lilith could nevertheless hear more than a touch of amusement in her Lucy's voice as he passed sentence on both Vox and Velvet.

"Well then Alastor, I trust then that you wouldn't be averse to supervising their six-year parole? So long as they do nothing to make Riddle a truly insurmountable threat for the boy, at least until he's seventeen, I see no reason why I can't be merciful this time."

She knew that this wasn't a reward since there was no force on earth, with the possible exception of his hypocrite of a father, that could make Lucifer forgive an act of rebellion. Their daughter being possibly the sole exception, and even then Charlotte would have to choose her battles wisely.

And judging by the mounting looks of comprehension on the duo's face, they understood this as well.

And if they didn't, Alastor was more than willing to keep them informed.

"I am certain that they will have ample opportunity over the next six years to show their gratitude, your majesty. And if they don't, well I assure you that I am well versed in instilling my employees with proper respect for authority."

She wasn't sure which was more amusing.

The fact that her husband was interfering in the life of an eleven-year-old child. Though to be fair she was guilty of the same thing since her library was missing one of the more common Demon kind have to mortals that wished for 'secret knowledge'.

Or the fact that Alastor, with a little bit of effort, had managed to place two Overlords in his debt.

In all honesty, she shouldn't be surprised since the Radio Demon was one of the more skillful dealmakers.

And since life debts were something that was taking very seriously down in Hell, Lilith was certain that the remaining members of the 'Triple V's', would soon be begging for their executions.

If only because death would be preferable to suffering the pain and no doubt humiliating experience of being the servants of their former adversary.

…..

Having expected to remain unnoticed as he finally decided to act on the rumors of a room that could create anything he desired, Harry could only sneer as his solo mission was interrupted by people he had no desire to interact with.

"Oi Harry mate! What you doing out after hours?"

Since his relationship with the Weasel, and his big-eared lackey, was far less antagonistic than the one he shared with Granger or Malfoy, the black haired Hufflepuff managed to find the necessary patience to try and temper his reply.

"What the fuck does it look like I'm doing?"

Emphasis on tried.

However, while his words caused the ginger to frown, it wasn't enough to make him go elsewhere.

"Probably the same thing were doing. Now that exams are over with, I thought it was high time to relax with a little bit of sneaking about. Especially since Fred and George have finally told me where the kitchens are."

Despite himself, Harry quicky found his head nodding in appreciation since if he hadn't been a member of the house of Hufflepuff, he would wasted no time in seeking out one of the few places that made staying in a boarding school worthwhile.

For while his family, especially his mom's side, were awesome cooks, the fact remained that there was a reason why there were rarely any left overs after a big get together. And since Hogwarts had disturbingly enough employed a race that was happiest when catering to the needs of their masters, he thought it was his civic duty to enjoy the 'all you can eat' menu for as long as possible.

Which was why he found himself offering a piece of advice for the gingered and big eared duo.

"Hopefully they also told you the password to get in. If not, all you have to do is tickle the…"

"Umm…do you guys hear that?"

Shooting a look of mild surprise at the boy whose last name would undoubtedly cause him nothing but trouble if he ever had the misfortunate of meeting Blitzo, or anybody in Hell who wasn't his dad or Stolas, Harry was about to chastise the usually reserved first year when his ears caught the sound of music.

If he had been forced to suffer an additional three years as an abused orphan, and had made the mistake of latching onto the first magical child his age who wasn't a complete asshole, he probably would have suggested that they investigate a noise coming from a dimly lit corridor.

But since he hadn't, and the fact that he still had four flights of stairs to climb before he could find this so called Room of Requirement, his response was far less enthusiastic.

"Nope. Not going there. One of the things I learned from watching scary movies is that you NEVER start walking in the direction where someone is playing eerie music. And considering this school already has a creepy janitor with an unhealthy fixation on kids and whips, its probably a trap."

Which he could easily get himself out of since he had seen fit to properly arm himself before he made his late-night excursion.

But whereas he was content to letting sleeping dogs lie, the first-year lions, or more specifically Weasley, lacked the sort of self-preservation that came with being the youngest member of a killing company.

"Are you nuts? There's no way in hell Filch could play something like that. The bloke's too ugly on the outside to evern play something like that."

Opening his mouth to point out the idiocy of that type of assumption, though in truth he doubted that Filch indulged in such a hobby in order to try and cope with his shitty existence, Harry found himself reconsidering his stance as the ginger made an argument that was actually convincing.

"Besides, my older brothers once told me a rumor about how the Castle has rooms filled with treasure. And I don't know about you, but I could..

"What the fuck are we waiting for then? First come first serve."

…..

Staring after the retreating duo with a look that was as nervous as it was resigned, for he had long ago accepted he was more of a follower than a leader, Neville hurried to catch up with his fellow first years.

And was soon confronted with a situation that made him happy that he had gone to the bathroom before he had allowed Ron to convince him to break the rules.

For it was bad enough to be confronted with a three-headed dog the size of a dragon.

It would have been much worse if he had to face it while his pants were soaked with urine.

And sadly Potter and Ron weren't exactly doing anything to soothe his already frazzled nerves.

"Fucking hell! THIS is Fluffy?"

"Fluffy?!"

"Yeah. Hagrid named him."

"How… How can you tell it's a him?"

Blushing a little as his eyes caught sight of the giant canine's genitalia, Neville managed to summon what little courage he had in order to ask a very relevant question.

"Why…why is it asleep?"

Wilting a little as Potter shot him a look, the round-faced Gryffindor was surprised when he had his question answered.

"Cause someone enchanted a harp to lull it sleep."

While he was satisfied with this answer, Ron wasn't.

"How the hell does that work?"

"I don't know. Something about the different frequencies of instruments I suppose."

"What the hell is a frequency?"

Doing his best to block out his companions' bickering, even if he was curious about what Potter meant about frequency, Neville felt himself paling him fear as he pointed out something he really didn't want to.

"Uh guys…the harp it's…slowing down."

Thankfully, that brought an end to the argument.

And coincidentally also the strumming of the enchanted musical instrument.

Staring in growing horror as the Cerberus went from deep slumber to alert and angry, Neville did his best to convince his body to make a run for it.

Only to have the need disappear as a slightly muffled, but nonetheless oddly familiar tune echoed throughout the chamber.

It was only after he was sure that the giant dog was once again asleep that he turned to the source of this music.

And was largely unsurprised to discover that it was Harry who had saved their skins.

Ron of course was also grateful. But unlike him he possessed a curiosity to know how Potter had pulled it off.

"What the bloody hell is that?!"

The answer he got made Neville very grateful that Hermione hadn't accompanied them.

If only because she would undoubtedly react in a less than positive manner to Potter's answer.

"A portable speaker system set to play Ride of the Valkryies on a four-hour loop."

While he had no idea what a portable speaker was, he was familiar with the music thanks to his grandmother's numerous attempts to turn him into a 'wizard of culture'.

It was probably one of the few times he actually enjoyed her efforts since all he had to do was sit down and watch other people perform for a critical audience. And since Muggle Musicians were far more talented when it came to creating things, he always looked forward to the times when his grandmother was in the mood for a more 'relaxed evening'.

"Hey! The damn thing's sitting on something!"

Pulled out his musings thanks to Ron's ability to state the obvious, Neville wasn't sure which was worse.

The fact that he was the only one wanting to do the right thing and leave.

Or the fact that a first-year Hufflepuff, one who had a well-deserved reputation for using violence to get his way, had the strength to move a Cerberus's paw off of the previously covered trap door.

"Uhh guys…I think we should...AHHHHH!"

….

Turning towards his year-mate with a mild look of surprise, for he had never expected him to do such a thing despite having seen hints of his more selfish behavior throughout the year, Harry ensured that there was sufficient distance between him and the Ginger before shouting down into the hole.

"Longbottom! You okay down there?"

Luckily, he didn't have to wait too long before he got a reply.

"Ye…Yeah. I think so. Can you do something for me?"

Having an inkling of what he wanted to ask, the green eyed Hufflepuff could only smirk as his suspicions were proven correct.

"Tell Ron that he's a prat!"

Chucking as he saw the Ginger turn red in embarrassment, Harry found himself smirking as he 'congratulated' his fellow first-year.

"Your lucky Weasley. I don't pretend to know a lot about Britain's statute of limitations, but I'm pretty sure that you just avoided a murder charge so, congrats."

Earning a confused glare from the freckled redhead, presumably because he didn't really understand what had been said to him, the black-haired first year found his own eyes narrowing as the first year lion proved to almost as stupid as Malfoy.

"So, you gonna jump or, do you need a little help?"

While he was eager to carry on with this little adventure, if only because for some strange reason the possibility of treasure was overriding his desire to seek out a room that could transform into an open bar, he wasn't stupid.

And wasted no time in informing Weasley of this.

"First of all, you kick me in that hole and I'll make what I occasionally do to Malfoy seem like a kiss on the check compared to what I'll do to you. And secondly, since I am the only one who knows how to work the thing that is keeping us from becoming the dog's late night snack, it makes more sense for me to be the last one in the hole rather than the second."

Seeing that the Ginger was going to argue, Harry let out a sigh as he held out his still-playing stero.

"On second thought, I think you're more than capable of learning how to use this thing. You just hold you finger over this button and…"

Moving with a speed that would have made his mom and dad proud, Harry wasted no time in throwing the clueless redhead into the pit.

And after hearing the now unmistakable sound of a body making contact with something soft, he was largely unsurprised by the angry words that echoed out of the whole.

"YOU'RE A GIT POTTER! YOU HEAR ME! A RIGHT GIT!"

Chuckling at the British equivalent of being called an asshole, making a mental reminder to make a list of 'local' insults so his dad had something to counter the one's Blitzo constantly bombarded him with, Harry wasted no time in jumping into the darkness.

If only because he wanted first pick on whatever highly valuable magical object they came across.

…..

Cheerfully humming to himself as he 'watched' his favorite after-hours program, happily ignoring the anger-filled looks of his newly indentured servants, Alastor found his smile gaining a touch more amusement to it as he overheard the muttered grumblings of his former competitor.

"This is bullshit Vel. Its bad enough we're servants of the outdated asshole, but its even worse being.."

"The servants of the daughter whose beloved father just happens to be the most powerful being in Hell? Was that what you were going to say Vox? Or did these 'outdated' ears of mine mishear you?"

Smirking at the former Overlord, who was currently wearing the bell hop uniform Charlie had seen fit to give him after she learned that he was bringing more staff into the Hotel, Alastor found his attention torn away from his more 'modern' servant thanks to the irritating voice of Nifty's new assistant.

"Not that we would ever dare question our ruler's judgment, but I have to say that you COULD be using us more effectively. Don't get me wrong, that little maid of yours is quite the cutie. And I suppose it is nice seeing Angie flying solo now that Val isn't around to 'manage' his career. But clearly, we could be doing something better with our time."

Chuckling at Velvet's suggestion, if only because she continued to foolishly reminded him that a cunning mind layed beneath that childish personality, the ever-smiling Radio Demon condescendingly patted his stitched minion on the head.

"Oh my dear sweet little Velvet. 'Clearly' the loss of your colleague and former status have caused you to forget something. The only thing that motivates a Demon like me is entertainment. And having the two of you serve as members of the Hotel staff is very entertaining. Though I assure you that I will allow you to engage in some mischief when I feel things with my other project are becoming a bit stale."

Though his reasoning managed to cause Velvet to back down with a frown that was more thoughtful than vindictive, Alastor was largely unsurprised by Vox's less-than-cooperative attitude.

"Never took you for a pedophile Alas…GRKKK!"

Allowing some of his less-than-gentlemanly nature to shine through as he proceeded to choke the former Overlord with a tendril of Voodo magic, Alastor allowed his tone to carry more than a touch of demonic static as he made his points clear.

"Do kindly remember that we are no longer equals my dear Vox. Thanks to your inability to get over the loss of your less-than-lamented partner, I have managed to have you placed in my service. Which means that any sign of disrespect from you and your colleague will in, shall we say, steep penalties. Are we clear?"

Receiving nods from both of his newest servants, Alastor quickly adopted his usual cheerful tone as he moved to return to his 'program'.

"Excellent. Now that we have the once again established our charming little hierarchy, I do believe the pair of you have chores to do. So…get to it."

His grin gaining a noticeably darker edge to it as he watched the mismatched pair scurry to do their appointed tasks, Alastor returned to the 'season finale' of his favorite education program.

So far, he wasn't sure which of the 'challenges' he had enjoyed the most.

The one with the plants had potential, but sadly the round-face boy possessed an in-depth knowledge of magical plants. Which was unfortunate because he had been quite supportive of the main character's suggestion to simply incinerate the semi-sentient foliage instead of using the magical equally of a flashlight.

The struggle to unlock the door was also a contender, if only because the boy had shown an impressive amount of ingenuity in using a massively overpowered enlargement spell on a key to simply break the locking mechanism while it was inserted.

The room with the troll, while lacking in anything truly magical since the beast had already been knocked out, had resulted in the classic stereotype of the most cowardly fainting in poor shock.

But in a display of unlooked-for heroics, the ginger child had seen fit to drag him to the next challenge rather than simply leaving him where he fell. It was rather amusing to know that even the truly impoverished could act selflessly even when doing so reduced their share of a potential reward.

The chess game was as brutal and cutthroat as one could hope for. And it was quite funny to see his favorite preteen killer ordered around by a child who possessed a mindset that was similar, at least in a general sense, to the one who did not truly understand what sort of things he would be forced to do if he followed in his father's footsteps.

But in the end, the ginger's belief in the nobility of self-sacrifice ensured that he soon shared the fate of his unconscious comrade.

Leaving Harry to continue his 'quest' alone.

He had no doubt that he would easily solve the riddle of the flaming barrier.

But for the final challenge.

The outcome of that was more up in the air.

And it was something that he eagerly sat back to watch.

…..

Having long since grown tired of his servant's incompetence, choosing to ignore that even he did not possess the knowledge on how to achieve his prize, the Dark Lord was grateful for the distraction that had been caused by the arrival of the one responsible for his current state.

Even if he had to continue relying on Quirrell for the time being.

"Potter. I see that you're continuing to stick your nose where it doesn't bel.."

'BANG'

"GAHH!"

Sneering at his host's weakness, both for his inability to anticipate Potter's violent tendencies and because of a leg injury was nothing to what he had already suffered, Voldemort decided to take a more active role in his host's defense before the boy could repeat his performance in the forest.

"Accio Muggle Weapons!"

Seeing through his host's eyes as Potter was deprived of his tedious weaponry, the soon to be restored Dark Lord decided to go the extra length to ensure that the boy was helpless.

"Expelliarmus! Incarcerous!"

Satisfied with his servant's performance, even if Qurriel's spellcasting was far less fluid and rapid than what he had possessed before that fateful Halloween, Voldemort found himself no longer willing to conceal his presence.

"Quirrell. Let me speak to the boy."

Unfortunately, his slowly degrading vessel took his order as an invitation to showcase that his loyalty was nowhere near the levels possessed by his most faithful.

"But master you're not strong enough."

Bristling at the insult, for even his current state was a reflection of knowledge and power beyond the average wizard, Voldemort sent a jolt of magic coursing through their shared body to show his displeasure at Quirrell's unwarranted concern.

Waiting until his face was no longer concealed, the Dark Lord opened his mouth to greet the young Potter.

Only to be met with a question that he had never been confronted with.

"What the fuck are you?!"

Having witnessed the boy's attitude over the course of the year, he shouldn't have been overely surprised by this reaction.

But the indignity of once again being shot by a muggle weapon, combined with the lack of fear, was enough to make him pause.

If only for a moment.

"I am the greatest wizard who has ever lived Potter. One who has pushed the boundaries of magic far beyond the imaginations of even the great Albus Dumbledore."

"And yet you couldn't stop me from kneecapping your servant. Some wizard."

Bristling with fury at this sadly accurate statement, Voldemort managed to remain calm as his servant took over the introductions.

"Hold your tongue Potter! Your pitiful weapons are of no use against the likes of Lord Voldemort!"

Though this 'reveal' caused Potter's eyes to widen in shock, his response to Quirrell's declaration was underwhelming.

And slightly amusing.

"If I had known that I would have aimed higher."

Chuckling at the boy's bloodlust, for even if it was more controlled it reminded him of his most devoted follower, the Dark Lord found his scowl returning as the bound Hufflepuff continued to show little appreciation for his circumstances.

"What the fuck are you doing here anyway?"

Though angered by the boy's continued disrespect, he was nevertheless curious about the reason behind this question.

For having witnessed Potter's actions during the course of the past months, he knew that the boy wasn't influenced by more altruistic motives. Unless he was strongly motivated to do so by Bella's half-blood niece.

"I could ask the same of you Potter. For while I am impressed by your willingness to use force to achieve your ends, the fact that you do not why I am here makes me wonder as to whether or not you are after the same thing I am."

The answer he received was as helpful as it was disrespectful.

"If I knew what you were after, I wouldn't have asked."

Fighting the urge to crucio the brat, if only because he wasn't certain if he possessed the necessary reserves to do that AND break Dumbledore's enchantment, Voldemort ensured his tone was even as he repeated his question.

"Why. Are. You. Here. Potter!?"

Fortunately for the boy, he seemed to recognize that his patience was rapidly reaching its end.

Even if the answer was still enough to temp him to place him under the torture curse despite his weakened state.

"Cause I was stupid and allowed my greed for shiny things to get the better of me. Last time I listen to the Weasel and his large assed friend."

Though his expression still bore a sneer, Voldemort nevertheless could empathize with the boy.

In the years leading up to his rise to power, and during his somewhat powerless years at the orphanage, he had often allowed himself to be distracted by the allure of trinkets that caught his interest for one reason or another.

With his Horcruxes being the ultimate representation of this trait.

And it was with that thought in mind that influenced his decision to inform the bound Hufflepuff of the prize that infuriatingly remained just out of reach.

"Then it might interest you to know that at least the final moments of your life were in pursuit of what many have called the ultimate treasure. I suppose I do not have to tell you about the abilities of the Philosophers Stone?"

Chuckling as he saw the boy's eye widen with both surprise and more than a trace of greed, Voldemort continued his explanation.

"I see you do not. However, I assure you that my interest in the stone is for a far nobler cause than simply transforming common materials into gold. In my…current condition, Unicorn blood is only a temporary measure to sustain this body. But with the stone, I can…"

"Wait wait wait. You're telling me that the homeless blood addict was you?"

Unsure if he should be more upset at the boy's interruption or his mocking words, Voldemort continued his explanation.

"With the stone I will be restored to the glory I possessed before our eventful encounter."

"Would that be the encounter where I kicked your ass while I was still in diap.."

"Crucio!"

Though the effects of casting that spell were draining, thus causing him to limit Potter's torment to a mere five seconds, watching the captive boy writhe in pain was extremely cathartic for his fractured soul.

Even if Potter managed to somewhat ruin it by failing to understand his 'lesson'.

"Asshol…MPHH!"

Approving of Quirrell's actions to muzzle the defiant Hufflepuff, Voldemort willed their shared body to face the last remaining barrier to regaining a body of his own.

And yet despite his vast knowledge, he was no closer to achieving his goal.

For while the mirror showed him his heart's desire, him fully restored with his greatest adversary and Potter dead before his feet, his efforts to force the mirror to give up the stone were proving less than successful.

And since he couldn't simply take the mirror with him due to the possibility of it losing its treasure if it was tampered with, he only had a limited amount of time to gain what he sought.

Sadly, for him however, he would not get that needed time.

For while Potter had been bound, and robbed of his wand and Muggle weapons, he had still possessed a tool to escape his restraints.

The first hint of the boy's efforts came from the way he squirmed with his hands tied behind his back.

Something that would have earned an immediate reprisal if his servant had possessed the same eye for detail as his more talented Death Eaters.

The second sign that things were about to become messy was unmistakable sound of restraints being cut into by an instrument that was made of metal.

And the third and final sign that his plans were on the verge of ruination was the clear reminder that Potter did not necessarily need magic to be a threat to his well being.

For while he lacked his firearms and the ability to control the flow of his magic, he possessed not only an agility that would impress even the most battle-hardened Auror, but also a set of daggers that were being wielded in a manner that would make even Bellatrix envious.

For in the same amount of time it took Quirrell to raise his wand and begun the incantation for the killing curse, Potter was already lodging the second of his daggers into his servant's neck. With the first one being retracted from what felt like a disemboweling slice.

Even if had possessed his full strength, the injuries sustained by his now gurgling servant were too extensive for him to repair. Especially since he could detect the familiar feeling of dark magic in each place the daggers had pierced their shared flesh.

And with the stone remaining out of reach, and the fact there was no more unicorn blood to consume, his first human host would soon expire.

Which in turn would leave him extremely vulnerable.

Horcruxes or not.

Willing his essence to leave his deceased servant, and shouting in a mixture of pain and anger at the sadly familiar experience of lacking a physical form, the shade of Lord Voldemort made his retreat.

Though sadly the boy was unable to let him leave without further humiliation.

He had no idea where Potter had learned such magic.

But even though it had been insufficient to destroy him, it was sufficient to cause him enough pain to make him briefly lament his inability to die.

Something that would have to be rewarded during their next encounter.

….

Frowning in irritation as he watched the retreat of the mangled shade, for while he had not intended for his arrival to do it harm he would have preferred to deal with such evil in a more permeant manner, the new arrival took a moment to observe the countenance of a boy who had suffered more than he should have.

Yes, he hid it well with his desire to stand his ground. Even though he must have known that the difference of power between them was too large to even attempt to believe in victory should they come to blows.

But behind the now serpentine eyes of the Boy Who Lived, he could see the fear that anyone, be they Human or Demon, would possess when meeting a member of his kind.

Fortunately, unlike his older brothers, he was more of a talker than a fighter.

"Greetings Harry Potter. I am the Archangel Gabriel."

…..

ANNNNNNND that's enough for now lol

Hopefully, you all enjoyed this chapter. Might seem a bit rushed in places, but in all honesty, I prefer this due to the fact that there are SOOOOO many versions of how the quest to get the stone went down, decided to take a bit of a short cut and simply have Alastor comment on it lol.

ANYWAYS….I have FINALLY finished the first true confrontation between Voldemort and Harry. Tried to keep Voldy in Character, while also portraying my version of a Hell/Blitzo influenced Harry. Harry's use of daggers (gifted to him in the bday chapter I believe) was always gonna be my method of how he deals with Quirrellmort, though I will go into detail into the next chapter about the status of Lily's protection.

As to my rendition of how he learned about the stone in the first place, had long agonized on how to do it, didn't want to do it with just Harry, but having Tonks accompany him AND confronting Voldemort wouldn't have worked in my mind without her getting bumped off. I don't want that for her.

Sooo….mixture of indulging in his alcoholism by an interrupted search for the Room of Requirement, with his dragon/greed tendencies influencing his desire to accompany Ron and Neville for a search for treasure.

And as for the last segment….its also something I have been planning for a while. A new approach of trying to get Harry to abandon his 'dark' path. Still playing with ideas on how to portray Gabriel since I think theres only a limited number of fan comics for his depiction in this universe, and I don't think his Supernatural counterpart really fits, but we shall have to see.

Anyways…thanks to everyone supporting me/this story. Keeps me motivated to keep writing lol. Hopefully I can soon be going back to my other stories since I have Year 1 almost finished, but who knows lol.

Pls review, no flames. any grammar/spelling corrections plz do in a pm

Til next time.