Disclaimer: Anything you recognize is not mine, three of the character are however and somewhat of the personality of the fourth. I do not own Harry Potter.
Chapter 13: Caution The Truth
"You!" Harry gasped. "Dorinda was right all along. She knew it was you but I swore-"
"That it was Snape?" Quirrell said calmly. All traces of his stuttering were gone, his face was utterly confident. "Yes he does seem the type doesn't he? But no, your sister Potter was correct. She was suspicious of me from the very beginning I suppose." Quirrell gave off a blood freezing laugh. "But who would believe her? Severus or p-p-poor st-stuttering Professor Quirrell?"
"But Snape tried to kill me!" Harry yelled confusedly. He couldn't wrap his head around this new enlightenment.
"No I can only guess that your sister was right again." Quirrell clicked his tongue. "Ah Harry it was I who was trying to kill you and I would've managed too if your friend Hermione Granger hadn't knocked me over as she was setting fire to Snape's robes." Quirrell sighed. "I would've managed before she turned up but Snape was muttering that countercurse trying to save you."
"Snape was trying to save me?" Harry muttered, dumbfounded. He couldn't believe it, he had had everything wrong.
"Yes, why do you think he wanted to referee your next match?" Quirrell asked. "It was unnecessary though, couldn't do anything to you while Dumbledore was watching. It was all for nothing, after all I am going to kill you tonight."
Quirrell snapped his fingers and ropes appeared out of thin air. They wrapped themselves tightly around Harry's body and his struggles were futile. They seem to only grow tighter the more he struggled. He settled for a hateful glare as he silently thought of his plan of attack. He wouldn't die here tonight.
"You're too nosy Potter as is the rest of your forsaken family." Quirrell sneered. "I was quite sure more than once that your Ravenclaw sister suspected me. She is too intuitive, I was rather disappointed that you showed up here tonight and not her. You two and that obnoxious Slytherin brother of yours on Halloween. Pity the troll didn't finish you three off for me."
"You let the troll in?" Harry asked calmly. He stared intently at Quirrell's pale arrogant face. It was like a horrible nightmare he was living in.
"I have a gift with them but Snape wasn't far behind me, he already suspected me then." Quirrell paced the chamber. "Nothing went right that night, that three-headed dog didn't even manage to take off Snape's leg properly."
"I saw you in the forest." Harry whispered. "With Snape the night after the Quidditch match."
"Yes, he wanted to know how far I had gotten. He tried to scare me." Quirrell gave off another cold laugh. "As if he could, with Lord Voldemort on my side." Harry's eyes widened. "Now quiet Potter, I need to examine this mirror more closely."
It was then that Harry noticed what was in this last chamber. Behind Quirrell was the Mirror of Erised. His heart gave off a painful lurch at the sight of it, the memory of his parents springing to his mind. He had spent many nights dreaming of seeing his parents in that mirror. It haunted his most pleasant dreams.
"This mirror is the key to finding the stone." Quirrell muttered. "Trust Dumbledore to come up with something such as this. No matter, he is in London as we speak and I will be long gone before he returns."
"I came down this way with my brother and sisters." Harry spoke, trying to distract Quirrell from examining the mirror too properly. He needed to stall. "They turned back to owl Dumbledore." But Quirrell wasn't paying him much attention.
"I see the Stone, I'm presenting it to my master but where is it?" Quirrell whispered as he came back around and stood full frontal with the mirror. He touched the glass greedily.
"I don't understand though why Snape hates me so much then?" Harry was doing his best to keep Quirrell's full attention off of the mirror, it was barely working. "He seems to have it really bad for me compared to my brother and sisters."
"He does, oh heavens he does." Quirrell nodded. "He went to school with your father you know. They loathed each other but he never wanted you dead. I suppose you are your father's exact copy in many ways."
"My sister, she heard you." Harry choked out, shocked by Quirrell's explanation. "Rose heard you crying a few days back. In your classroom."
"Yes, sometimes I found it hard to follow my master's instructions. He is a great wizard and I am weak." Quirrell responded, his face actually looking frightened for the first time that night.
"You mean, Voldemort was there in the classroom with you?" Harry gasped.
"My master is with me wherever I go." Quirrell whispered. "After I failed to steal the Stone from Gringotts, master was very displeased and decided that he would have to keep a closer eye on me. He has taught me that there is not good and evil but only power and those to weak to seek it."
"You are wrong." Harry uttered. "He is wrong." But Quirrell was once again not paying him any attention.
"I don't understand. Is the stone inside the mirror, should I break it?" Quirrell cursed underneath his breath. "What does this mirror do, how does it work? Help me master!"
Harry tried to slowly edge himself in front of the mirror. What he wanted most right now was to keep Quirrell from getting the Stone. He knew that he just had to get in front of the mirror to look into it properly and maybe what he wanted most would come true. But the rope was too tight around his ankles and he ended up falling over. Quirrell paid him no mind.
"Use the boy." A cold rattling whisper pierced through Harry's heart. To Harry's horror it seemed to becoming from Quirrell himself. "Use the boy."
"Yes Potter come here." Quirrell commanded. The ropes around Harry fell away. Slowly he got to his feet. "Come here and tell me what you see."
Harry knew that he had to lie. He had to lie about what he would see in the mirror. He knew at that moment he wouldn't see his parents but the Stone. But he couldn't dare tell that to Quirrell. Harry stood in front of the mirror, eyes shut tightly. He could smell the funny stench that hovered around Quirrell's turban. Taking in a deep breath, he opened his eyes once more and stared deeply into the Mirror of Erised.
At first all he saw was his reflection staring worriedly back at him. His face was pale and his scar was vividly red against the skin. But then as he watched his reflection smiled back at him. It pulled out a blood red stone from inside of it's pocket. Harry held back a gasp as his reflection winked at him and put the stone back in it's pocket. He had to force himself to stay blank as he felt the weight drop into his own pocket. Somehow, miraculously, he had procured the Sorcerer's Stone.
"Well?" Quirrell was very impatient. "What do you see?"
"I see myself shaking hands with Dumbledore." Harry said courageously. "I've just won the House Cup for Gryffindor."
"Get out of my way." Quirrell cursed shoving him roughly. Harry felt the Stone against his leg. Did he dare make a run for it? He didn't make it five paces back however before the heart-wrenching voice spoke again. Only this time he noticed Quirrell's lips never moved.
"He lies!" The whispered voice shook weakly. "He lies!"
"Potter come back here!" Quirrell demanded at once. "Tell me the truth! What did you just see?"
"Let me speak to him, face to face." The high voice spoke once more. Harry wasn't sure where the voice was coming from because it certainly sounded as if it was near Quirrell.
"Master you are not strong enough." Quirrell whispered back horrified. Harry let out a gasp. That voice was Voldemort? Here in the very same room that he stood in?
"I have strength enough…for this." It rattled back to Quirrell, who began to slowly unwrap his turban. Harry was rooted to the spot. He couldn't move, he tried but he was in complete shock. "Harry Potter."
Quirrell turned around slowly, his back towards him. However, another face met him. The most terrifying face he had ever been privy to see. It had blood red eyes and slits for a nose, like a snake. Most horrendously was the fact that it was coming right out of the back of Quirrell's own head. Harry attempted to take a step backwards but his legs still refused.
"See what I have become?" The face spoke to him. "Mere vapor and shadow. A pathetic version of my old self. I only have form when I share another's body and there are always ones who are willing to let me into their minds and hearts. Unicorn blood has strengthened me over the last few months. You seen faithful Quirrell drinking it for me in the forest. Once I have the Elixir of Life however, I will be able to create a body of my why don't you give me what's in your pocket?" Voldemort whispered persuasively. It was as if Harry had been electrocuted, suddenly his energy had returned. He took a stumbling step backwards. "Don't be a fool, better to save your own life and join me. Or you'll meet the same demise as your parents. They died begging me for mercy."
"Liar!" Harry shouted. Quirrell was walking backwards so that Voldemort could see him clearer. Adrenaline rushed through his body as the evil face smiled.
"How touching." Voldemort hissed. "I always valued bravery, I wonder if your other siblings have it too? Your parents certainly did. I murdered your father first, he put up a courageous fight. You're mother needn't have died but she was trying to protect her children. Silly girl!" Voldemort let out a low cold chuckle. "Now give me the Stone! Unless you want your mother to have died in vain!"
"Never!" Harry yelled back. His bravery was soaring as he turned to run.
"Seize him!" Voldemort commanded.
Harry sprang towards the flame door but Quirrell had already grabbed onto his wrist. Harry's scar felt as if it burst open. Surely his head was splitting into two. He cried out in agony, twisting and struggling out of Quirrell's grip. But the man had already let go. The pain lessened and Harry reopened his eyes. Wildly he looked around for Quirrell, the man was hunched over staring at his hands. They were blistering before his very eyes.
"Seize him! Seize him!" Voldemort was yelling in fury. His face was no longer towards Harry. Quirrell lunged for him, tackling the much smaller boy to the floor. Both Quirrell's hands were wrapped around Harry's neck. He barely noticed as his scar was once more on fire, however he forced his eyes to remain open. He saw that Quirrell too was in pain.
"Master I cannot hold him! My hands!" Quirrell shrieked, confused. His hands were raw and bloody. The light shined off of them and onto Quirrell's bewildered face.
"Kill him then you fool and be done!" Voldemort demanded. Quirrell straightened up once more and raised his wand to perform a deadly curse.
Instinctively, Harry jumped to his feet and placed his hands on Quirrell's face. The man screamed horribly and Harry knew that Quirrell's face was blistering now too. His eyes were closed shut in his own agony as his scar pounded against his skull. But he knew that Quirrell could not stand to be touched by Harry's bare skin and so he touched every unclothed part of Quirrell's body.
"Kill him, kill him!" Harry could still hear Voldemort yelling but it sounded far away now. Unconsciousness was close now and he swore he could hear other voices in his head. They too were screaming and he knew those screams. He reached feebly out as Quirrell's arm was ripped from his grasp.
His siblings screams died in his ears as the darkness finally took over and his body crashed to the floor.
Harry saw a glittering object above his head, weakly he attempted to reach for it. It was the Snitch but his arms were too heavy to catch it. He blinked and the snitch transformed into a pair of glasses. He blinked again and the smiling face of Albus Dumbledore swam into his view.
"Good afternoon Harry." Dumbledore said. Harry stared at him strangely before the memory hit him.
"The Stone, Quirrell is going to get the Stone sir! Quick it was Quirrell-" Harry urgently yelled, trying to throw his covers off but Dumbledore calmly interrupted him.
"Calm yourself Harry, you are a little behind the times." Dumbledore explained. "Quirrell does not have the Stone."
"Then who does sir, I-" Harry was again interrupted by the quiet voice of the Headmaster.
"Harry, please relax or Madam Pomfrey will have me thrown out." Dumbledore said. Harry looked around and swallowed. It was then that he realized he must be in the Hospital Wing. He was in a fresh bed with white linen and next to him was a table covered high in sweets. However, as his eyes continued to roam he gasped at three other beds.
"Julian!" Harry gasped, again trying to get out of bed. "Dorinda! Rose!" Harry's eyes moved over the still body's of his siblings.
"They are all fine Harry I assure you." Dumbledore again had to calm him. "Julian suffered a concussion and Rose a broken arm."
"But sir, Dorinda-" Harry was frantic but his body was weak. He had stopped trying to get out of bed and instead moved his eyes from brother to sister wildly.
"Yes, it would seem that your scars link you more than I could have possibly have ever imagined." Dumbledore pinched the bridge of his nose tiredly. Harry looked at him confusedly. "Perhaps I should start from the beginning yes? You are not to be deterred after all."
"Sir, if you don't mind?" Dorinda's raspy voice called out. Harry's heart surged as the Ravenclaw cleared her throat.
"No, no of course not my dear." Dumbledore smiled as Dorinda sat up slowly. She didn't look too worse for wear. She was slightly pale and her hair tangled but otherwise, she looked unscathed.
"Ah, good I was beginning to get annoyed with just listening." Julian joked as he too sat up. He had a bandage covering the back of his head.
"Julian!" Harry exclaimed overjoyed. His smile grew wider as Rose sheepishly sat up as well. Her face was blushing and her arm was in a sling. "Rose!"
"Now that we are all attentive." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he clapped his hands together softly. "What happened down in the dungeons between you and Professor Quirrell is a complete secret, so naturally the whole school knows."
"Sir, how long have we been in here?" Harry asked. His muscles were stiff and his entire body ached.
"Three days, I'm sure your friends will be happy to know that you are all awake. Mister Malfoy has been particularly adamant about your well being." Dumbledore turned his attention towards Julian.
"Ah, knew that boy cared." Julian chuckled. Dorinda rolled her eyes at the thought of Draco Malfoy caring about much of anything.
"Yes well it would seem quite a few admirers and fans do care as well." Dumbledore gestured to all the sweets and cards that littered their bed side tables. "Misters Fred and George Weasley attempted to send you a toilet seat. No doubt they thought it would amuse you but Madam Pomfrey confiscated it due to hygienic reasons." They all gave a laugh at that one.
"But sir, the Stone?" Dorinda asked quietly. She was as concerned for the object as Harry, after all it was the indirect reason she was lying in the Hospital Wing.
"Ah yes, you are not to be distracted I see." Dumbledore ran a hand through his long white beard. "Professor Quirrell did not manage to procure the Stone, I arrived in time to prevent that. Although Harry was doing a good job of it on his own I might say."
"You were there?" Harry asked. He vaguely remembered Quirrell being taken from his grasp. "Did Dorinda get an owl off to you then?"
"I'm afraid not Harry." Dumbledore looked sadly at Dorinda. "What do you remember my dear?"
"I remember leaving Harry in the Potions room. I went back to the Chess game and Rose and I were talking about the best way to transport Julian. He still hadn't awakened." Dorinda muttered, her eyebrows furrowed. "Then my head felt as if it were going to explode."
"Yes, mine as well." Rose added quietly as she too remembered the sudden pain. "It lessened however after a moment."
"Naturally we got a bit more worried after that." Dorinda again began to explain. "Rose levitated Julian and we ran towards the key room. That was when the pain hit again."
"That's when I woke up in agony." Julian remembered, he rubbed the back of his head. He winced as he did so.
"Yes I dropped you." Rose grimaced. "I'm sorry I couldn't hold the spell-"
"It's fine Rose." Julian stopped her apology. It hadn't been her fault. "My scar felt as if it were on fire though."
"When I reached London, I realized that I was not where I was meant to be. That that place was back where I had just come from." Dumbledore continued sullenly. "I found you Julian, Dorinda and Rose writhing on the floor screaming. I must apologize now for I did not stop to help you. I barely made it to the chamber in time to pull Quirrell off of Harry. I feared I was too late."
"But sir, if I am correct in my thinking then by pulling Quirrell off of Harry you indirectly helped us." Dorinda reminded him, smiling softly. The guilt did not lie with the Headmaster and she couldn't let him bare it.
"Yes, you truly are bright my dear." Dumbledore complimented, his eyes twinkling madly. "Your scars are linked. You were all feeling the pain that Quirrell was causing Harry."
"I heard you three." Harry muttered, frowning. "I heard your screams before I blacked out."
"I heard you as well." Julian mumbled as Rose and Dorinda nodded.
"The effort that Harry put in keeping Quirrell from the Stone, nearly killed you four. The Stone has now been destroyed." Dumbledore remarked.
"But sir, Nicolas Flamel. What will happen to him?" Rose asked worriedly. Surely the man didn't deserve to die.
"Oh you know about Nicolas?" Dumbledore replied, his face delighted. "You did do the thing properly didn't you? Well Nicolas and I have had a talk and have decided that it's all for the best."
"But sir that means him and his wife shall die, won't they?" Dorinda asked sadly.
"They have enough Elixir stored to set their affairs in order and then yes they will die." Dumbledore smiled at the look of amazement on their faces. "You four are too young still to understand. It must seem incredible to you, such an age but to Nicolas and Perenelle it is just like going to bed after a very long day. After all, to the well organized mind death is but the next great adventure."
"Pity to have to destroy such a wonderful treasure though sir." Julian sighed.
"The Stone really isn't such a wonderful thing my boy. As much money and life as you could want! The two things that human beings would choose above all! The thing is that we often have a knack for choosing the precise things that are wrong for us." Dumbledore hummed a little and smiled at the ceiling. They lied there lost for words.
"Sir, even if the Stone is indeed gone." Rose began softly. "Won't Vol- I mean You-Know-Who-"
"Call him Voldemort, Rose. Always use the proper name for things. Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself." Dumbledore explained.
"Of course, sir. Voldemort he will try another way won't he? A different way to return to another body." Rose whispered. "I mean, he hasn't gone has he?"
"No my dear, I'm afraid not. He is still out there somewhere, biding his time and perhaps looking for another body to share. And not being truly alive, he cannot be killed." Dumbledore twiddled his fingers.
"Sir, I don't understand." Dorinda shook her head but then stopped and winced. "I have never felt my brother's or sister's pain before this."
"I beg of you not to ask me too much my dear. For the truth is a both a beautiful and terrible thing." Dumbledore looked at her gently. "Your scars as you know are the result of Voldemort attempting to murder you when you were but babies. I suspect that your connection to each other is only the connection from Voldemort. You feel only the pain of each other that he himself causes."
"And sir, why couldn't Quirrell touch me?" Harry asked. "Was that too because of Voldemort?"
"Your mother died to save you four. This is something that Voldemort cannot understand, love. He didn't realize that love as powerful as your mother's leaves its own mark. Not a scar, no visible sign but to have been loved so deeply, even though the person is gone, it will leave us some protection forever. It is in your very skin. Quirrell, full of hatred, greed and ambition, while sharing his body with Voldemort could not bare to touch something so pure." Dumbledore conveniently became interested in a bird outside the windowsill. Julian took the time to quickly wipe his eyes with his bed sheet.
"Sir, the invisibility cloak that was sent to Harry for us. Do you know who sent that?" Dorinda asked.
"Ah, your father happen to leave it in my possession before his death. I thought you might like it." Dumbledore's eyes once again twinkled. "Useful things. Your father mostly used it to sneak off to the kitchens to steal food when he was here."
"Wicked." Julian grinned. "Sir could I ask you something as well? About Professor Snape?"
"Fire away."
"Oh, Snape-" Harry said suddenly.
"Professor Snape, Harry."
"Yes, him. Quirrell said that he hates us because he hated our father? Is that true?" Harry asked.
"Read my mind, brother." Julian said cheekily.
"Well, they did rather detest one another." Dumbledore agreed. " Not unlike you Harry and Mr. Malfoy or you Julian and Mr. Weasley." Dumbledore gave the sheepish boys a knowing look. "And then your father did something that Severus could never forgive."
"What?" Rose wondered.
"Your father saved his life." Dumbledore said dreamily. "Funny the way peoples mind's work isn't it. Severus couldn't bear being in your father's debt. I do suppose that is why he worked so hard at keeping you four safe this year. He probably felt as if this would make him and your father even and he could go back to hating your father's memory in peace." It was a difficult thing to understand and it made their heads hurt thinking about it, so they stopped.
"Voldemort sir, why did he try to kill us in the first place?" Dorinda asked curiously, out of nowhere.
"The truth should be treated with great caution my dear." Dumbledore sighed. " And so I cannot answer this question. Not now. Not today. I know you do not wish to hear this but when you are older you shall know." They all knew by his tone that it would be no good to argue.
"And sir, there is one more thing." Harry began.
"Just the one?" Dumbledore chuckled.
"How was I able to get the Stone out of the mirror?" Harry asked. The other three sat up a little straighter, they still hadn't heard Harry's whole story.
"Ah, now, I'm glad you asked me that. It was one of my more brilliant ideas, and between you four and I, that's saying something. You see, only the one who wanted to find the Stone, find it but not use it would be able to get it. Otherwise, they would only see themselves perhaps drinking the Elixir or creating gold."
"That's genius." Dorinda sighed at the intellect.
"Yes, my brain surprises even me sometimes. Now, enough questions. I suggest your four make a start on your sweets. Ah! Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans! I was unfortunate enough in my youth to come across a vomit flavored one and since then I'm afraid I've rather lost my liking for them. I think it might be safe with a toffee one now don't you?" Dumbledore popped the golden brown bean in his mouth. "Alas! Ear wax!"
It was a little while after Dumbledore had left and they had some visitors waiting outside. Madam Pomfrey was however being quite strict about allowing anyone in. Julian was doing his best to charm the gentle woman.
"Please just five minute Madam." Julian asked, his voice sorrowful. "We've been without friends for nearly four days."
"Mister Potter." Madam Pomfrey warned but her tone was less stern. "I cannot allow my patients to be bothered."
"You let Professor Dumbledore in." Dorinda reminded her, looking up from her rather large book.
"Of course, he is the Headmaster." Madam Pomfrey replied. "Quite different. You four need your rest."
"We are resting." Harry said exasperated. "Look, we're lying down and everything."
"Oh fine!" Madam Pomfrey relented. "But only five minutes!" The older woman opened the door and in rushed Ron and Hermione, followed by a sneering Draco.
"Harry!" Hermione yelled, looking as if she might throw herself at him. Harry was glad she resisted, his head still hurt. "Oh, look at you four!"
"Good to see your face, Draco." Julian greeted his friend. "Been looking at variations of mine all day." Draco smirked, which for him might as well been a full blown smile.
"Oh, Harry I knew you were up to something!" Hermione exclaimed. "I told Ron but he wouldn't listen. Then we saw Dumbledore and he was so worried."
"Wait you two saw Dumbledore when?" Harry asked confused. Everyone was listening even Draco as Hermione explained.
"Once I realized you had gone after the Stone, Ron and I waited in the common room for awhile but when you didn't come back we started to get anxious. Ron and I snuck off to the owlery and sent Dumbledore a letter. But as we were coming back down we almost got caught by Filch and that's when we met up with Dumbledore. He already knew he said 'they've gone after him haven't they' and then he hurried off." Hermione babbled quickly.
"The whole school is talking about it." Ron interjected, a lopsided grin on his freckled face. "Do you think that Dumbledore meant for you guys to go after the Stone? I mean he did send you that cloak."
"Well, if he did then that's just terrible." Hermione exploded. "You four could've been killed!"
"No it isn't." Julian disagreed. "Dumbledore is a funny man. I think he wanted to give us a chance to prove ourselves. Dumbledore knows everything that goes on in this school I reckon. He knew that we knew what was going on and he knew there was a chance that we might go after the Stone. So he taught us what we needed to know. Explained how the mirror worked and everything. It was no accident."
"Yeah, Dumbledore is off his rocker all right." Ron said proudly. There was a soft knock at the door. Ron opened it and gaped at the sight of Blaise Zabini.
"Blaise!" Rose gasped happily. "How nice of you to come by." The dark skinned boy only nodded and took a seat by Rose's bed.
"Listen mate, you've got to be out of here for the End-of-the-Year Feast tomorrow. The House points are all in and Slytherin has won." Ron grimaced as Julian gave a cheer. "You missed the last Quidditch match and so we were pummeled by Ravenclaw. But the food will be good."
"You've had nearly fifteen minutes!" Madam Pomfrey reappeared. "Now visitors out!"
They all groaned as Hermione, Ron, Draco and Blaise were all thrown out of the room but they had to admit they were still very tired. After a good night of sleep, they felt nearly normal again.
"Will we be allowed to go to the feast?" Rose asked Madam Pomfrey as she went around straightening their many candy boxes.
"Professor Dumbledore says you will be allowed to go." Madam Pomfrey sniffed as if she doubted Dumbledore's decision. "And you lot have another visitor."
"Oh good." Harry smiled. "Who is it?" It was getting rather isolated locked away in the Hospital Wing. They weren't allowed out of their beds much.
"Hagrid!" Rose yelled, earning a glare from Madam Pomfrey. The giant man looked too big for the room itself but he pulled up a chair and sat between the middle of their beds anyway.
"It's-all-my-ruddy-fault!" Hagrid burst into tears. His sobs racking his whole body. "I told the evil git how ter get passed Fluffy! I told him! It was the only thing he didn't know an' I told him! Yeh lot could've died an' all fer a dragon egg! I'll never drink again! I should be chucked out an' made ter live as a muggle!"
"Hagrid!" Rose said shocked. Hagrid was shaking with remorse and grief, bulky tears leaking into his scraggly beard.
"He would have found out another way Hagrid. This is Voldemort we are talking about, there was no stopping him from getting that information." Dorinda told him logically.
"Yeh could've died!" sobbed Hagrid. "An' don' say the name!"
"Voldemort!" Julian yelled loudly causing his siblings to jump. They all glared at Julian's lack of tact.
"I've met him and I'll be calling him by his name. Please cheer up, Hagrid. We saved the Stone, its gone. He can't use it. So here have a chocolate frog." Harry offered him a sweet. Hagrid had already stopped sobbing at Julian's outburst.
"That reminds me, I've got yeh guys a present." Hagrid said, wiping his nose on the back of his hand.
"It's not a stoat sandwich is it?" Julian said anxiously. Hagrid finally gave off a weak chuckle.
"Nah. Dumbledore gave me the day off yesterday ter fix it. Course he shoulda sacked me instead. Anyway, got yeh this." Hagrid handed it to Rose, who was the closest, first. It was a handsome leather book. Rose opened it and smiled happily. Inside were dozens of wizarding photographs, Lily and James Potter staring back at her lovingly in every one.
"Oh Hagrid." Rose sighed contently. She allowed Hagrid to pass it around to her amazed siblings. "It is beautiful."
"Sent owls off ter all yer parent's old school friends, asking fer photos. Knew yeh didn' have any. D'yeh like it?" Hagrid asked, hopefully. But they were lost for words. Even Julian.
They made their way down to the Great Hall alone that night. Madam Pomfrey had insisted on doing another last check up before they were allowed to go. When they arrived, the Great Hall was already full. It was decked out in the Slytherin colors of green and silver much to Julian's joy. A long banner was behind the Head Table, depicting the Slytherin serpent. When they walked in, the conversation instantly ceased but soon everyone was chatting loudly again. Silently, they all squeezed in at their House tables, being patted on the back as they did so. Some students were even standing up to get better looks at one of the Potter four. Fortunately, Dumbledore arrived just moments later and the babble died down.
"Another year gone!" Dumbledore said cheerfully. "And I must trouble you with an old man's wheezing waffle before we sink our teeth into our delicious feast. What a year it has been! Hopefully your heads are all a little fuller than they were. You have the whole summer ahead to get them nice and empty before next year starts." Everyone gave a chuckle at Dumbledore's humor. "Now, as I understand it, the house cup here needs awarding, and the points stand thus: In fourth place, Gryffindor, with three hundred and twelve points; in third, Hufflepuff, with three hundred and fifty-two; Ravenclaw has four hundred and twenty-six and Slytherin, four hundred and seventy- two." A storm of cheering and stamping broke out from the Slytherin table.
Slytherin went wild in cheers. Julian was one of the loudest as he hooted and hollered. Draco banged his goblet loudly. The rest of the House tables glared at the arrogant Slytherins. It would be the seventh year in a row that they had managed to win the House Cup. Snape looked particularly proud.
"Yes, Yes, well done, Slytherin," said Dumbledore. "However, recent events must be taken into account." The room went very still. The Slytherins' smiles faded a little. Julian looked over at Harry surprisingly. "Ahem, I have some last minute points to hand out." The whisperings died down. "First and second, to Mister Ronald Weasley and Miss Hermione Granger I award fifty points each for the use of cool logic in the face of fire and for the loyalty you have shown, for friendship is so often thrown away in the eyes of self-preservation." Gryffindor burst into applause. Hermione threw her face into her arms, Harry thought she might have burst into tears.
"Third I award Miss Dorinda Potter fifty points for showing the brightest intellect Hogwarts has seen in many years." Dumbledore smiled as Ravenclaw too erupted into cheers. "Fourth to Miss Rose Potter for her brilliant charm work and gentle nature, fifty points!" It was Hufflepuff's turn to holler loudly and Rose's to blush profusely. "Fifth, to Mister Julian Potter for finding the humor in the small things. For laughter is greater than any other for the heart. Fifty points!"
"And to Mister Harry Potter for pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor House sixty points." Dumbledore announced. Gryffindor gave another deafening roar much like their lion mascot. Dumbledore rose a hand and the crowd died down. "There are all kinds of courage. It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies but a great deal more to stand up to our friends." Dumbledore smiled. Ron and Hermione's eyes went wide as they looked at Neville, whose face had suddenly turned a dark red. "Therefore, I award fifty points to Mister Neville Longbottom!"
If someone had been happening to stand outside the Great Hall, they would have heard the explosion like sound going on inside. Neville looked as if he was dead in shock as everyone congratulated him. He had never won his House any points before. For those that could count, they were now tied with Slytherin in House points. Something the Slytherin's hadn't missed.
"It seems that we have a tie!" Dumbledore announced happily. He clapped his hands and the all green and silver room turned to a mixture, adding in the red and gold of Gryffindor. The long Slytherin banner became shorter, making room for the Gryffindor's banner behind the Head table as well. "Yes, good job Gryffindor! And Slytherin!"
Everyone was clapping and yelling loudly. Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff were even celebrating this small win over Slytherin. It was perhaps only the Slytherin's who took the tie as a true lost. Snape himself was forcing a grimace of a smile as he shook Professor McGonagall's ecstatic hand.
"Good job my brother." Julian had got up to congratulate Harry. "But next year, you are going down!"
"Bring it Slytherin!" Ron yelled happily. Julian just smiled and went back over to a sour looking Draco.
That night was definitely the best that they had ever had. It was a night that would never be forgotten. There weren't many days left in term and when their exams score's came out, they were all happy with their results. Dorinda and Hermione had made top of the year and the rest of the Potter's weren't far behind. Even Ron had done quite well, the rigid schedule had obviously paid off. All the first years had made it through with passing marks even the Slytherin goons, Crabbe and Goyle. Ron was slightly disappointed in this.
And suddenly it was the morning of their departure. Their trunks were packed, their wardrobes were empty and Neville's toad was once again captured. Notes were handed out to remind them that magic wasn't allowed to be used outside of school much to the Weasley twins dismay and then they were meeting Hagrid to board the Hogwarts Express. They said their goodbyes to their giant friend, who let out a few more tears and then they were off.
The trip back to Platform Nine and Three Quarters was very short it seemed for how long the journey truly was. Julian spent most of his time in a Slytherin compartment as he knew that he would trapped in the Dursley home for the entire Summer with his siblings. As they began to pass the muggle towns, they switched from their robes to jackets and coats. Not long later, they pulled up to the platform which suddenly wasn't as joyous looking as it had been the first time that they had come here.
"You must come and stay this summer." Ron said. "Both of you, I'll send you an owl."
"Good I suspect I'll need something to look forward to." Harry hugged Hermione as they were jostled towards the muggle gate.
"Still famous." Ron laughed as people yelled their goodbyes to Harry. Some of who he wasn't sure he had ever seen before.
"Not where we are going." Dorinda added joining her brother. "I promise you."
"The manor is always empty." Draco said awkwardly. Julian raised an amused eyebrow, the boy was horrible at goodbyes. "I will talk to father."
"You'll write me then." Julian stated grasping Draco's shoulder in a goodbye. Draco didn't push Julian's hand off like he normally did but just nodded stiffly. "Till then."
"Potter." Draco smirked and then vanished into the crowded platform. Julian stood on his toes, trying to see where Harry had went. He could just barely see Ron's vivid red hair over the crowd, the boy was taller than both Harry and him.
"I was wondering if you could perhaps write me?" Rose asked the blank faced Blaise. "Only it gets rather boring where I live."
"Hard to imagine boring with a brother like that." Blaise said simply, gesturing to Julian who was passing by. Rose laughed lightly.
"Yes, I could see your point but I grew up with him. I hardly notice him much anymore." Rose explained. "So yes, will you?"
"Yes." Blaise answered. Rose squealed happily and hugged the boy quickly. Blaise instantly stiffened but Rose was gone before she could properly see his reaction.
"Busy year?" Mrs. Weasley smiled as Rose finally came through the wall. They all nodded with wide eyes.
"Very." Harry answered. "Thank you for the fudge and the sweater, Mrs. Weasley." Three more murmurs uttered their thanks as well.
"Oh it was nothing dears." Mrs. Weasley blushed at the appreciation.
"Ready are we?" Uncle Vernon came up to the large group. His face was already an unhealthy shade of puce, he had his mustache still and the furious look he reserved for them only was on his face. Aunt Petunia and Dudley stood a ways back.
"You must be the Potter's family?" Mrs. Weasley asked pleasantly.
"In a manner of speaking." Uncle Vernon muttered. "Hurry up, we haven't got all day." He walked away as quick as his pig legs would take him.
"See you over the summer then." Ron said giving Uncle Vernon a look of disgust.
"Have a pleasant holiday." Hermione offered with a faulty smile. It looked however, that their holiday would be anything but pleasant.
"Oh we will." Harry answered, a devilish smile on his face.
"We're going to be having a lot of fun with Dudley this summer. They don't know were not allowed to use magic outside of school." Julian said mischievously.
Together, they walked over to the Dursley's. All with confident smiles on their faces.
For together, nothing could break them.
AN: And so here we are. We have finally reached the end, four years later. I can't begin to describe the feeling I have with finishing this final chapter. I can't wait to start on the next installment. Hopefully it will be out soon and I will gain some more readers. Just a reminder, I am editing the first chapter I wrote years ago. I am almost done. I have I believe three or four to finish. So if there is any confusion I am clearing it up. The big thing is I have switched Blaise from a girl, which I originally wrote the character as to a boy. With Love.
TeoBlaise